Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields minor girls are Division 1 league champions.
The victorious Charlestown Sarsfields minor girls team and management following their 4-12 to 3-4 victory over Westport in the division 1 league final played recently.
Well done to the Charlestown Sarsfields ladies minor team who captured the division1 minor league title with a fine and well deserved 4-12 to 3-4 victory over Westport in a cracking final played at the Westport GAA grounds recently. The Sarsfields turned in a terrific performance on the night as they took out the favourites on their own patch and played some wonderful football to boot in a game that had so much to recommend and wax lyrical about.
The Sarsfields were on it from the throw-in and took the game to their opponents and never took a backward step at any stage in the contest. Scores came freely on both sides, but the Sarsfields always managed to keep their noses in front with their extra cutting edge up front providing them with the platform to kick on and showcase their undoubted talents with the margin of victory not flattering them in the slightest. The Sarsfields girls played some sparkling football throughout with Westport reduced to chasing shadows such was the conviction and movement exuded by every member of the Sarsfields team.
The roots of this victory were based very much on team and their innate ability to dig deep and support each other with their work ethic and high press forcing Westport to turn over the ball repeatedly which played into the hands of a ravenous Sarsfields side who very evidently had the hunger for the fight from the very first tussle for possession. It would be unfair to single any Sarsfields player out for special mention as every girl played to their absolute peak and great credit must go to the management team of Kevin James Durkin, John Casey and Siobhan Horkan who had the girls in brilliant shape and were flawless when it came to their tactics and team selection.
All eyes now focus on the championship later in the season with the girls and management very keen on doing the double which would be some achievement and rank up there with anything achieved in the history of the Charlestown LGFA to date. Scorers for the Sarsfields were as follows; Mia Durkin (1-1), Ava Casey (0-5), Siofra McGuinness (0-2), Saoirse Ann McCarthy (1-2), Mia Gallagher (0-1), Mikayla McLoughlin (2-1).
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €16,500 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, April 27, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 8, 9, 12 and 27. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Katrina Brennan and David Keane (New York).
The jackpot increased to €16,600 and the draw was held on Sunday night, May 4. Tickets are on sale in several outlets in the town and are also available on the online platform which can be accessed via the smart lotto or the club’s Facebook page. The club thank all who played and supported the weekly lotto and congratulate all who won the weekly prizes.
Charlestown Sarsfields tough start to division 1A of the county senior league continued as they were beaten by Knockmore in round 3 with the saffron and blue men enjoying a comfortable 2-14 to 0-8 victory with defeat leaving the Sarsfields languishing at the foot of the league table. The Sarsfields are finding life difficult in the league at present with injuries and retirements severely reducing their options with transition very much the by word facing David Tiernan and his management team as they look to find some crumbs of comfort going forward for the rest of the campaign.
Knockmore were in control by and large of this game from the outset with a brace of first half goals leaving them in a good position at half-time as they led 2-7 to 0-5 with the Sarsfields struggling to make any real inroads on a well organised and aggressive Knockmore back six.
Things didn’t improve much in the second half for the green and white as the home side continued to boss the exchanges with their forward line kicking some good points from distance to widen the gap and sap the energy out of the Sarsfields challenge. The Sarsfields battled away but the goals they so craved to ignite their challenge never arrived as Knockmore kept a tight rein on the Sarsfields attackers and kept the scoreboard ticking over at the other end thus ensuring they always remained in firm control.
The game drifted to its inevitable conclusion in the closing stages with Knockmore firing over a flurry of late points while limiting the Sarsfields to just three white flags in return to seal the victory and leave the Sarsfields in a perilous position ahead of their next outing at home to Ballina Stephenites who are riding high near the summit of the table.
Best for the Sarsfields on a trying evening were Niall Drudy, Patrick Goldrick, Eoghan Flannery, Ben Conway and Ruairi Cullen. Minor fixture.
The Sarsfields travel to Foxford to take on Moy Davitts on Tuesday (this evening), May 6, in division 4 of the county minor league with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
Classes continue in the Town Hall Arts Centre on Wednesday nights from 7.30-8.30pm and all are welcome.
Yoga classes with Tish continues every Tuesday evening in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 7.15-8.15pm and all are welcome.
The Sarsfields host Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin in Fr O’Hara Park for the county U14 development league on Saturday, May 10, with the throw-in timed for 11am.
The Sarsfields host Belmullet in Fr O’Hara Park in the county U16 development league on Sunday, May 11, with the throw-in timed for 11am.
Pray for the repose of the soul of Bea-Anne O’Sullivan (nee Corley) who died in London, England recently, late of Cloonlyon, Charlestown. She is survived by her daughter Angela, son William, grandchildren, great-grandchild, her brothers John and Tony, and sister Peggy. Her funeral will take place London at a later date. Deepest condolences are tendered to the bereaved.
The Garden has really turned a corner in recent weeks with the superb early spring weather with the rain over the Easter period helping to accelerate the growth among some of the outdoor plants and shrubs. Mary McIntyre, Breda Doyle and Vera Turner have invested a huge amount of time and energy in planting and installing a large variety of vegetable in the Polly Tunnel and in some of the raised outside beds. These include spinach, peas, strawberries, tomatoes, garlic, red and white onions and potatoes. Paddy Casey and Willie Doyle have nine out of the fourteen raised beds set in place at the moment which is testimony to their dedication and volunteerism as they continue to make the place look its best for the approaching summer season. Caroline Friel and Alison Doohan help with the watering in the Polly Tunnel which is another big plus as the garden continues to attract new members in big numbers.
The garden is open every Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm and the committee are always on the lookout for new members and volunteers. The committee thank everyone for supporting the Go Fund Me Page on Facebook, the generosity and donations are very welcome and much appreciated.
Mayo Karate Academy are enrolling new members for karate classes in Claremorris. These classes are suitable for children aged 5 years and over and they take place in Claremorris GAA Sports Complex. For more information contact Alan on 087 4636841.
Charlestown Sarsfields junior team’s unbeaten start to Division 3B of the county senior league came to an end when they lost out narrowly to Claremorris in round 3 played at the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch recently. The visitors shaded it on a score line of 3-7 to 0-14 with the Sarsfields left to rue some golden goal chances that went awry in both halves.
This was a good contest throughout with Claremorris having that all important goal threat in their ranks as they took their goal chances when they arrived in sharp contrast to the Sarsfields who failed to convert when the chances presented themselves with players lacking the necessary composure to put the ball in the net at the crucial moments. The Sarsfields kicked a bundle of good points in either half but the South Mayo lads made away with the points as they just about held out in the dying embers as the green and white threw everything at it in the hope of overcoming their narrow deficit. They ran out of time however and were left to rue on the many chances that were spurned despite the fact they kicked fourteen points which would be enough to win most games at any level. Goals win games however and it was Claremorris who took the spoils with the Sarsfields left to pick up the pieces as they look to atone in their next outing. Best for the Sarfields were Ben Crean, Colm Maye, Daniel Harrington, Damien Ward, Gavin Honeyman and Paddy Joe Dunleavy.
Entries for the 2025 Colm Horkan Memorial Run are now open with the East Mayo Athletic Club once again the main drivers behind what will be the fifth annual run as it continues to grow and evolve and become one of the mainstays in the club and town’s recreational calendar. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, May 18, with all proceeds going to the East Mayo Athletics Club to help with the development of their new athletics track which will be a fantastic asset to the town and an amenity that will provide all the young people with another facility with which to develop their athletic prowess.
All details regarding entry and races available to participate in can be found by logging onto the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook Page. Please support, enter on the link early to avoid disappointment as there are a limited number of t-shirts available. This is a day to showcase everything that is good about the town and community, so please get out there and support if you can.
The Sarsfields host Ballina Stephenites in round 4 of the county senior league on Saturday, May 10, with the throw-in timed for 7pm (check sports pages for details and confirmation).
www.charlestown.ie is your first point of contact for what’s happening in Charlestown at any time. All weekly events are posted on the above website address with everything from GAA/LGFA, basketball, pilates, yoga, athletics, weekend music, etc. It can only be updated if club/businesses send updates to the domain, so please continue to do so.
Little Athletics started back on Thursday, May 1. There are limited numbers for new members and log onto the East Mayo Athletics Facebook page and follow the link to avoid disappointment.
Re-Turn bins are now in place at Fr O’Hara Park. The Sarsfields GAA Club have installed 2 Re-Turn bins located at the front of the CBD Sports Complex for all plastic bottles and can that can be recycled under the Deposit Return Scheme. All monies raised from the donations will go directly to the Charlestown Sarsfields underage teams and the Charlestown LGFA. All support is greatly appreciated. Please note only cans/bottles with the Re-turn logo can be deposited in these new orange bins. Do not deposit glass or other rubbish.
Would you have an hour to spare in the week? Adult mentors are required for Foroige’s Big Brother Big Sister Programme in your area. If you are interested in supporting a young person, this is an enjoyable way to spend your time and have a positive impact on young person’s life. They have many young people waiting to be matched to a mentor and would be delighted to hear from you. Call 086 0471420 to express your interest in volunteering or to hear more information on our recruitment process.
Catholic Marriage Care is seeking facilitators to volunteer to train as presenters for marriage preparation courses. If you feel you would like to help, contact Aisling at the Accord Centre, Maynooth, Co. Kildare on 01 5053112 or email marraigecourses@accord.ie.
Free adult English conversation classes for parents take place at St. Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown, on Thursday mornings from 9.40-10.30am. The course began on May 1. To register email – teresacoleman@msletb.ie or text 085 8453717.
There was a good turnout at the Easter prize night weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, April 23, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Carmel Moffitt and Hilary McCrohan; 2nd James Mooney and Mary O`Connell; 3rd Michael and Pat Brennan; 4th Frances and Robert Healy.The weekly game continues on Wednesday nights at 8pm with new members most welcome.
The following were the winners of the 25 Drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday night, April 29; 1st Nancy Brennan and Veronica McCarrick, 2nd Colm Gallagher and Mary O’Hara. Raffle winners were Mary O’Hara, Joe Mahon and Kevin Maloney. The game takes place every Tuesday night at at 9pm and all are welcome.
Activator Pole and Chair Exercise class takes place in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 12 noon-1pm on Friday, May 9. There is lift access available. All are welcome and there is a €2 fee.
Ballet and Acro Arts continues in the CBD Complex and Recreational Centre on Wednesday afternoons from 3.45-7.15pm.
A National Youth retreat will take place at Knock Shrine on Thursday, May 8. Students from all over Ireland will gather at Knock Shrine to celebrate the life of Donal Walsh and to reflect on his message to “Live Life”. If you are interested in learning more about the day or registering a group, email youthministry@knockshrine.ie.
Weekly meetings for the month of May have resumed on Thursday nights at 8pm in the Arts Centre. The club are working on plans for their next production, and all are welcome to come along.
Training has resumed at Fr O’Hara Park for the group on Wednesday evenings at 8pm. No experience necessary and new members are most welcome. It is an opportunity to improve your fitness in a fun and supportive environment.
It was a proud day for the families and the Charlestown Sarsfields LGFA Club as three of their finest talents were all part of the Mayo ladies team that defeated Leitrim in round one of the Connacht Senior Ladies Championship played at Swinford Amenity Park recently. Julia Gawalkiewicz made her championship debut in goals and acquitted herself very well and dealt admirably with all that came her way and was accomplished and coolness personified in all she did. Ella Brennan lined out at centre back and turned in a fine performance as she displayed her customary tenacity and athleticism and was one of Mayo’s better performers in what turned out to be a close call for Liam McHale and his management team. Chelsea Doherty was also part of the panel and was one of the official subs on the day in what was a red-letter day for the club and their families with all three excellent role models, providing the inspiration for the next generation of young ladies to strive and emulate what they have achieved in the future. Mayo will have to improve going forward for the rest of the championship but there is plenty of talent and depth in the squad with plenty to work on ahead of their next outing as Mayo look to end Galway’s stranglehold on the championship.
You can drop into your local Citizens Information Service or contact it by phone and email for information, advice and advocacy. Make sure you check your local service’s opening hours if you are dropping in. Appointments are offered as needed following an initial assessment. You can also call the Citizens Information phone service on 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm.
Alone is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home. If you need advice, support or information, call the National Support and Referral line at 0818 222 024, seven days a week, from 8am-8pm.
Clubbercise takes place on Friday nights at 8pm in the Arts Centre. Come and join in the fun and enjoy a good workout to 80s, 90s and 2000s classic anthems and disco. PM or WhatsApp if you like to join in the fun on Fridays to 087 4217407.
Are you looking to care for a loved one in their own home? Do you need support with keeping your loved ones at home? Visiting Care has four years experience of caring for your loved one in the comfort of their own home. They have fully qualified nurses who are available to work both days and nights in the South Sligo area. If you are interested, get in touch via 087-1335966 and they will be happy to help.
Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Vinnie Doherty, Ballyglass, Charlestown, who celebrated his fortieth (40th) birthday recently. Vinnie’s graduation to forty appears to have been pretty seamless with the body and mind very much intact and little in the way of weight gain to report. He cuts a lean and mean figure in his civvies, a testimony to his discipline at the table perhaps and a rigorous and regular exercise routine that seems him pound the roads as he’s quite the formidable athlete when in full flow. The only visible sign of ageing I can pinpoint is the thatch which has receded somewhat over the years though the follicles are still reproducing albeit at a snail’s pace. In contrast, the hair follicles on Vinnie’s face appear to be thriving as he always has a stubble and lightweight beard on display which lends an air of distinction and adds a touch of suaveness to his overall demeanour.
Vinnie was quite the talented footballer back in the day but his muscles were brittle it must be said and this prevented him from fulfilling his vast potential as he spent more time on the treatment table than the pitch with injury a constant companion when the Sarsfields were flying high in the county senior championship. He has turned his hand to coaching in recent years and is one of the club’s best and most innovative coaches who brings a lot of organisation and strategy to the training paddock and has an excellent command of his brief. He spent several years coaching and training the club senior team and was very highly thought of being renowned for his meticulousness and attention to detail.
He is a man of many talents and parts and has a keen sense of wit and mischief about him which is often at play on nights out when the beer is flowing and the craic is in full swing. Behind every good man is an even better woman and his good wife Maureen has played a key role in steering Vinnie on the good road he’s on as he gets ready to embrace all that life throws at him as a quadragenarian. I’m convinced there was a cake unveiled to commemorate his ascension to forty with the correct number of candles standing tall on the summit and perimeter of the said cáca. Vinnie has a strong set of lungs so the candles stood little chance when he summoned up one big blow as he had them quenched in a matter of seconds. I`m also quite sure he has a nice piece of delicious cake set aside for me laced with cream and sprinkles and I look forward to sampling the same when he sorts out the delivery date and time. For now, all I can say is here’s hoping he enjoys turning the page onto the fifth decade with the Doc fighting fit and ready to tackle all that life throws at him as he ushers in a new era. Here’s wishing him continued good health and happiness for many more years to come and to finish with a quote “I’m not Forty, I’m 18 with 22 years life experience”.
