Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields minors defeated in C final.
Charlestown Sarsfields minor team defeated by Ardnaree Sarsfields in the county C Minor Championship final played at McHale Park, Castlebar recently.
Charlestown Sarsfields minor lads suffered a 2-21 to 2-9 defeat to Ardnaree Sarsfields in the County Minor C final played at Hastings Insurance McHale Park recently. This was a battle of the Sarsfields and it was Ardnaree who came through in pretty impressive fashion too, it must be said as they turned on the style in the second half and had too much attacking threat and flair for a Charlestown side that never found their true form on the night.
There were a number of mitigating factors for a Charlestown team not least of which were the injuries to key duo Sean Breheny and Shea Haran who went into the game under an injury cloud which reduced their powers considerably and robbed the Charlestown side of two of their best and most potent threats.
The Sarsfields gave as good as they got in the opening ten minutes and were bang in contention with Ardnaree holding a slender 0-4 to 0-3 lead. Ardnaree started to get a grip from there however as they surged into five clear as the Sarsfields struggled to get a handle on a slick opposing attacking unit. Both sides traded further scores but Ardnaree looked in control as they led 0-9 to 0-4 with the half-time whistle fast approaching. Charlestown thundered into the game in the closing minutes and hit four unanswered points - Sean Breheny and Cian Towey leading the revival in fine style with Towey’s final kick of the half a beauty of a two pointer to leave just one between the sides as both sides retreated to the sheds with the game beautifully poised at 0-9 to 0-8 in favour of Ardnaree.
Ardnaree raced out of the blocks at the start of the second half and tagged on five unanswered points to push the lead out to six. Charlestown were handed a lifeline when Cian Towey scored a brilliant goal from a free to inject new energy and momentum into the green and white challenge. It proved short-lived however as the Ardnaree riposte was swift as they hit 1-2 in a matter of minutes to halt the rising Sarsfields tide as gaps started to appear in the Sarsfields defence which Ardnaree exploited in full. They banged another 1-3 to take the game away from the green and white lads who started to tire in the face of this sustained Ardnaree onslaught.
Dean O’Toole goaled for the Sarsfields in the closing stages but it was very much consolation in nature as Ardnaree sprinted to the finish line kicking the last two points of the game to seal a super victory for a club that has had much to celebrate at underage level in recent weeks.
The Sarsfields were gallant and game in defeat and did their best to stem the tide but Ardnaree had too much pace, skill and class throughout the field with their forward line in particular really impressing when the game was there to be won in the second half. The Sarsfields, while not at their best with injuries hindering two of their main players had fine performances from the likes of Michael McCarthy, Danny Breheny who carried the fight to the victors all through with Cian Towey, Dean O’Toole, Mike Gibln the best of the rest.
Charlestown Sarsfields U14 team had the great thrill of playing their county U14 development final on the hallowed turf of McHale Park recently with Claremorris providing the opposition in the F final which was played as part of a whole host of development and other underage deciders on a busy day at headquarters for Bord na n-Og who are charged with running the underage game in the county.
Sarsfields and Claremorris went at it in gripping fashion as they served up a thrill a minute encounter with extra time needed before a winner could be called. It was the South Mayo lads who came through with just a point separating two very evenly matched teams who threw everything at each other in a game that had so many twists and turns with goals, points, near misses, saves, last gasp tackles the big takeaways from a match that captivated both sets of supporters who were emotionally invested from first whistle to the last.
The final score of 2-20 to 3-16 indicates the evenness of the contest with Claremorris kicking the winner in the last minute of extra-time in what was a fitting conclusion to a game of ultra tight margins.
The young Sarsfields lads were disconsolate at the final whistle as they gave everything they had in pursuit of victory and were brave and heroic throughout but a few things didn’t quite click for them on the day in a game that had big swings and roundabouts with the Sarsfields hauling themselves off the floor midway through the second half when the game looked gone from them.
The first half was tentative and error strewn as both sets of players were understandably nervous playing in McHale Park for many of which was the first time. Claremorris were the better side for long stretches of the half but a Rian O’Grady goal fifteen minutes in finally got the scoreboard ticking in the Sarsfields favour as the two sides retreated to the dressing rooms level at 1-3 to 0-6 with Kalem Higgins, Senan Tiernan and Mick Bmobser raising the white flags for the green and white.
Claremorris enjoyed much the better of the early exchanges in the second half with a goal and a flurry of points putting the Sarsfields on the back foot as they struggled to convert a plethora of golden chances at the other end. This would dog the Sarsfields effort for the remainder of the game as they repeatedly cut lanes through the Claremorris defence but failed to capitalise as shots were dropped short or went awry with credit also to be given to a brilliant performance from the Claremorris keeper who made a series of terrific point blank saves which kept his side in the game and would prove crucial to the eventual outcome.
That said the Sarsfields refused to buckle and played their way back into the game with Senan Tiernan and Mick Bombser driving them forward from midfield and the half forward line respectively. The duo plundered 1-2 between them to reignite the previously spluttering Sarsfields challenge with their scores injecting new momentum and life into the young green and white legs. Further points from Bombser, Anthony Byrne and Matthew Naughton fired the Sarsfields back in front with all the momentum firmly with the green and white camp.
The gap could and should have been wider but Claremorris remained a presence as they used their superior physicality to good effect and worked their way back into the game with a 1-1 blast bringing the scores level for the umpteenth time in a rip roaring second half.
The Sarsfields responded with points from Tiernan, Bombser and Naughton as they finally looked to have shaken off the persistent and cussed South Mayo lads challenge. Chances came and went for the green and white however and Claremorris kept plugging away and their perseverance was rewarded when they hit 1-1 in as many minutes to take the lead again with the clock ticking into the red. The Sarsfields never wilted, however, and two quickfire points from Anthony Byrne and the quicksilver Matthew Naughton edged them one in front once again with time very much of the essence. The South Mayo lads never flinched and launched one final attack from which they fashioned the levelling score with the final whistle sounding immediately after the restart to bring a breathless game to a conclusion with the scores tied at 2-14 apiece with extra-time ensuing as both sets of players took some time out to refuel and reboot their tired bodies.
Extra time turned out to be a microcosm of what played out over the previous sixty minutes as the game remained breathless and chaotic. The two teams invested all they had in their young bodies to get their respective sides over the line and it was ultimately Claremorris who prevailed as they were that little bit tidier and more clinical in front of goal albeit there was little more than a fingernail between them at the death. The young Sarsfields lads were heroic and courageous in all they did and were a credit to the club jersey and crest with that all important modicum of luck eluding them at critical junctures in the game.
A Mick Bombser goal in the second period of extra time was countered by a couple of fine Claremorris points as Matt Naughton and Reece Hopper added to the Sarsfields tally but they came up agonisingly short as time ran out for the brave green and white tyros as the final whistle brought an epic game to a dramatic conclusion.
The Sarsfields cut a very devastated, dejected group at the end but they can hold their heads high as they were terrific and did their utmost to come out on top. Tadhg Drury was splendid in goal and executed his duties with great diligence. Conor Davoren, Rian O’Grady and Ted Munnelly were excellent in the full back line and intercepted danger time and time again with some shrewd positional play. Callum Kenny, Ben McDonnell and David Hansel all formed a good and tidy half back line with Reece Hopper and Anthony Byrne enjoying a great battle with their Claremorris opponents with the Sarsfields duo contributing 0-3 to their team’s final tally.
The introduction of Senan Tiernan midway through the half added real purchase to the Sarsfields. He was superb from start to finish and battled valiantly to keep his team on the front foot at all times. Conor Breheny was also very effective as he brought some much needed power and physicality to the middle third and scrapped hard for every single ball right to the bitter end. Frank Muldoon, Kalem Higgins, Caelan Egan and Joe Irwin made notable contributions all through and never shirked a tackle and showed commendable courage and bravery in a game that demanded so much out of what was in essence a very young team.
Mick Bombser was superb as he ran hard and tackled willingly and weighed in with 1-3 on an afternoon where he left everything on the pitch. Young Matthew Naughton was magnificent when introduced with his movement, pace and intelligence providing some real moments of class as he lit up the scoreboard with four wonderful points from play. Ollie Doherty was another to have a fine game when thrown into the fray as he linked the play well and rarely wasted a ball when in possession. Honourable mention to Conor Sloyan and Luke Murphy who also had some good moments with the youngsters wearing green and white sure to benefit immeasurably from this experience as part of their overall development and football education.
For the management team of Brian McDermott, Cathal Naughton, Kevin Munnelly, James Breheny and yours truly it was a gut-wrenching afternoon as they watched a gallant team of young lads come up agonisingly short in a game of such fine margins. They were immensely proud of the group however and they will come back strong on the back of this and will have many more great days ahead in the green and white of the Sarsfields.
Hats off to the victors Claremorris who stayed the course and fought with great will to come back and claim the victory when all had looked lost on a number of occasions.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €23,500 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, August 31, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 4, 15, 32 and 33. The winners of the €50 prizes were; Kieran Durkan (online), Maureen Byrnes (lucky dip -annual ticket), and Michael Hanely (lucky dip). The jackpot in the latest draw held on Sunday, September 6, was €25,600.
Charlestown Sarsfields senior ladies take on the daunting challenge of Westport in the final round of group games in the ladies senior championship on Sunday, September 13, at the Breaffy GAA grounds with the throw-in confirmed for 2pm. The Sarsfields go into the game as big underdogs as they square up to the reigning county champions who are unbeaten to date having defeated Castlebar and Kilmovee in their first two group games. The Sarsfields secured their senior status having taken down the Mitchels in their last outing hence they have nothing to lose as they look to upset the applecart and take the champs down off their lofty peg.
The Sarsfields will be looking to the likes of Chelsea Doherty, Kellee Crean, Cailin Durkan, Siofra McGuinness, Katie Gavin, Julia Gawalkiewicz and Clodagh Murphy for inspiration as look to defy the odds and cause a real ripple in this year’s championship predictions and forecasts. Sarsfields manager Tom Carney is sure to have a trick or two up his sleeve for this encounter with all the pressure on Westport as they are the ones with all the form and pedigree.
The untimely death took place recently of Jason Kenny, Shraugh, Carracastle, and formerly of Brabazon Heights, Swinford. His remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown to St Joseph’s Church, Rooskey and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to Carracastle Cemetery. Jason is survived by his wife Denise, daughter Erin, son Callum, parents Brendan and Joan, brothers Alan and TJ and sister Viola, mother-in law Moira, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
The late Jason was a popular and well respected member of the communities of Shraugh, Charlestown, Swinford and beyond where he had formed many strong friendships and bonds. He was a devoted family man who formed a great bond with his wife Denise and together they made sure the family’s needs were met and provided for at all times. He was a super dad who supported his son Callum and daughter Erin on the fields of play with great passion and interest as they represented the Sarsfields at all underage grades with Callum a key member of the Sarsfields underage-panel who enjoyed numerous successes at East Mayo and county level recently. He seldom missed a match or a training session and his support was always unconditional as he supported his son and daughter with pride in all their footballing endeavours. He was also involved with Charlestown Athletic FC and held a number of coaching roles with several teams and was always a steady, calming and reassuring presence on the line.
Jason also loved a game of darts and was a key member of the Shraugh/Rooskey darts team which took part in the renowned Honour of the Village Darts tournament every year and was one of the best and most consistent players on the team who knew his way around the board and was a capable finisher when in and among the doubles. He was a man of many parts but above all he was a family man and his death robs the community of a good person in every sense of the word. The large crowds who attended the removal of his remains and subsequent burial was ample proof of the esteem and affection in which he was held and he leaves many outstanding memories which his family will cherish and cling dear to in the dark days and weeks that lie ahead. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
Charlestown Swimming Pool brought the curtain down on a very busy and successful 2026 summer season as record numbers once again came through the gates to avail of the splendid facility the town is so lucky to have at its disposal. The weather was glorious in the main which helped to attract people from all corners of the community and beyond with a huge increase in the number of visitors to the town only too willing to use the facility as the committee put on a wonderful programme of events to cater for all needs and age cohorts. The pool is lucky to have such a committee in charge of this splendid facility all of whom give of their time so willingly and generously as they continue to improve what the pool offers with state of the art changing rooms now in place which only enhances the product on offer. Well done to all involved and congratulations on another fantastic summer season.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday, August 30, as Podsie and the Magician fought out another intriguing spectacle of the weekly classic. Jovial John did his customary excellent job in his role as a referee and kept law and order seamlessly. Podsie was on if from the off and surged into a two set lead thanks to some tasty scoring and sublime finishing. The Magician delved deep into his magic cauldron for some inspiration at the start of the third and it appeared to work a treat as he took the set in tremendous style. The magic extended into the fourth as well as he raced away with the first two legs to put real doubt in the mind of the champion as his game seemed to combust in startling fashion. He’s not the number one seed for nothing however and gave a timely reminder of his class as he roared back to clinch the match, stringing three legs on the bounce to pull the rug from under the challenge of his opponent in mesmeric fashion. The Magician watched on helplessly as Podsie dissected double eighteen with his final dart to scupper any notion the Magician had of taking the match the full distance. Both men shared a warm embrace at the conclusion with the Magician once again coming up short as Podsie maintained his remarkable hold over him in finals as he celebrated his thirteenth title of the season in typically understated fashion. This brought the curtain down on another high class competition which continues to draw new viewers in from all corners of the globe.
Heartiest congratulations to well-known local lady Kitty Walsh, Barrack Street, Charlestown who was the latest guest on the very popular ‘Welcome to My World’ Sunday morning show hosted by Tommy Marren on Mid-West Radio recently. Kitty is a remarkable woman who has seen many changes throughout her 95 years and continues to embrace each and every day with relish and enthusiasm. She brought Tommy on a tour of her life and did so with such clarity that belied her age with her memory and ability to recall facts, dates and times truly astounding.
She, together with her late husband Sean, opened the famed Walsh’s Public House on Main Street in the early 1950s and steadily built the bar into a thriving emporium which became synonymous with GAA and played host to many great Gaels who often popped in for a pint and a chat after a game in Fr O’Hara Park or on their way to or coming home from an intercounty league and championship match. The walls of the bar remain adorned with pictures of many of the club’s best and most successful teams with famous faces also to be spotted on other pictures that can be found hanging at various locations behind and outside the bar.
One thing you could always be assured of was a kind and friendly welcome when you came through the doors of Walsh's Pub. Kitty always had a smile on display and she was always the most decent and courteous of hosts with plenty of refreshments, tea and craic on offer as the place crackled to the sound of happy chat and laughter. Her laugh and personality was and remains infectious and the years haven’t dimmed her verve for life as she continues to extract the maximum out of each and every day.
Her chat with Tommy covered a lot of ground and it made for great radio as she chatted about her family and early life which, like many before her, took her to America when she was barely a teenager. She’s immensely proud of her family Pat, Ann-Marie and Bosco and spoke at length about the joy they continue to bring to her as she stands on the cusp of her ninety-sixth birthday.
Her chat with Tommy makes for compulsory listening and it’s available on the playback and podcast section of Mid-West and is a collector’s item for sure. Well done Kitty and keep on trucking!
