Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields U15s are County Feile Division 2 champions.
Charlestown Sarsfields U15 team and their management who qualified for the Division 2 All-Ireland Feile competition following their victory over Belmullet in the Mayo Division 2 Feile final played at the Connacht Centre of Excellence, Bekan recently.
Well done to the Charlestown Sarsfields U15 team who won division 2 county Feile championship after defeating Belmullet in an exciting final played at the Connacht Centre of Excellence, Bekan recently. The Sarsfields came through in a titanic struggle emerging 1-6 to 1-3 victors over the North Mayo lads in a game that went right down to the last kick. The Sarsfields lads battled with grim determination all through the weekend defeating Swinford, drawing with Moy Davitts before turning the formbook upside down in overcoming a much fancied Hollymount-Carramore in the semi-final to set up a showdown with Belmullet in the final.
The lads had buckets of spirit and resolve in their locker however and refused to bend the knee to the well touted Belmullet side in the final with both sets of supporters living on their nerves as they fought tooth and nail for every ball with the green and white lads finding the necessary inspiration and magic to see it out in a game where both sides left everything on the field of play. Credit to Belmullet, they too were gallant and brave in all they did but the Sarsfields just had that little bit of extra spark and invention in some of the key areas of the pitch with Danny Breheny and James Cassidy leading by example as they provided the guile and bit of class to guide the Sarsfields over the finish line.
A great day for the team, panel and club as this is a team laced with some terrific potential with many possible senior stars of the future who can play a big part in keeping the Sarsfields competitive and in the top tier of club football going forward into the future. Well done to the management duo of Donal Healy and Patrick Breheny who have guided and nurtured this group of players for a number of years and have them in tip top shape as the team now go forward to proudly represent Mayo in the Division 2 National Feile Competition which takes place in the Comnacht Centre of Excellence over the weekend of June 28/29. This is the first time the Sarsfields have qualified for the Feile competition since the halcyon days of 1992 which puts into contest the magnitude of the achievement which is not to underestimated or taken lightly.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €11,500 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, May 12, and the following were the four numbers drawn were; 14, 21, 25 and 33. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were David and Martina Sloyan and Maureen Foster, c/o Goldie. The latest jackpot increased to €11,600 and the draw was held on Sunday night May 19. Tickets are on sale in a number of 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, the support is very much appreciated.
Congratulations are extended to Odhran Duffy, son of James and Karen Duffy, Cloonaweema, Charlestown, who celebrated his coming of age recently.
Sarsfields Shamrocks missed out agonisingly on the qualifying for the play-off stages of the division 2 of the county minor league after losing out by the slender margin of a point to Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin in the final round of fixtures played at the Parke GAA grounds recently.
The final scoreline read 3-13 to 1-18 victory in favour of the black and amber with Sarsfields Shamrocks shattered to have lost out as they more than played their part in what was a cracking encounter that was played at a break neck pace throughout.
The Sarsfields Shamrocks final tally of 1-18 would usually be enough to win most games but the concession of three goals to their opponents came back to haunt them at the final whistle as they couldn’t have given any more in their pursuit of victory. The Sarsfields Shamrocks squad had a good league campaign overall as they competed well in every game and were somewhat unlucky to loser out by the odd score in several of their outings which saw them finish mid table in the final standings.
The team and management can now switch their focus to the championship which begins in mid-July with plenty of room for optimism in the camp as they are not that far away from the best teams in their section with the division two championship promising more twists and turns with anyone of five or six fancying their chances of having right tilt at winning the title.
Sarsfields Shamrocks are one of those teams firmly in the mix as they look to re-group and focus the minds on the battle for honours later in the summer.
The Sarsfields took a pounding in division one of the county senior league as Castlebar Mitchels exercised their muscles in ruthless fashion dishing out a 7-12 to 2-8 hammering on a chastening night for all associated with the green and white at Josie Munnelly Park, Castlebar recently.
The Sarsfields were on the back foot from the throw-in and found themselves 1-2 to 0-0 in arrears after just three minutes as the Mitchels pounced on some poor Sarsfields play to bag their first goal with some precise finishing.
Things didn’t get much better for the Sarsfields from there to half-time as they continued to spill or lose ball in the contact with the Mitchels in no mood to offer up any sympathy as they banged in two further goals and a host of points to leave them 3-9 to 0-5 clear at the interval with the Sarsfields unable to muster any kind of a reply save for a couple of good scores from Matty Lenehan who kicked two fine scores with Jack Mahon and Paddy Goldrick the only other players to get on the scoreboard for a Sarsfields side that were reduced to chasing shadows for most of a first half that made for some grim viewing.
The Sarsfields needed a strong start to the second half to improve morale if nothing else but it never materialised as Casatlebar continued to hammer home their superiority in almost every line of the pitch. They hit 1-1 in the opening few minutes to widen the gap on the scoreboard as the mountain facing the Sarsfields got several levels higher to add to the scale of their challenge.
The Sarsfields did have something of a mini purple patch midway through the half banging in two goals with Kiefer Craig and Jack Mahon finding the net but all this work was undone moments later when the Mitchels once again made hay from two misplaced Sarsfields passes as they carved open the ailing Sarsfields defence to slot home two further goals to extend their lead and leave the Sarsfields challenge in tatters as heads dropped and bodies crumbled with the game long over as a contest.
The final whistle when it sounded brought to an end a night of pain for all involved with the Sarsfields camp as they were left to reflect on a performance where all their shortcomings were exposed by a team of real quality who moved with a menace and purpose right from the get-go. There were very few who raised any kind of a gallop in the green and white save for the likes of Fergal Quinn, Ben Conway, Matt Lenehan, Gareth O’Donnell, Ruairi Cullen and Gerry McLoughlin with the rest coming up a long way short of the expected standard.
Lots to mull over with little time to rectify and sort out as Knockmore come to town next buoyed by their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Charlestown Junior team maintained their unbeaten start to the Division 3 of the county league with a tonic 3-8 to 1-10 victory over Parke Keelogues Crimlin in round 2 played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently.
The Sarsfields always managed to keep their noses in front endured some hairy moments most notably in the second half when the West Mayo men launched a full on assault on their first half led and goal.
The peerless Aidan Higgins continues to write yet more chapters in his glorious career with two more goals keeping the Sarsfields challenge buoyant and giving them the impetus to cling on for the victory. His second goal came at a key time in the match as the visitors had just goaled to reduce their arrears to one but Higgins used all his guile and nous to flick the ball to the net and provide the green and white with that all important cushion to cling onto as Parke came hard in the final quarter.
Sarsfields keeper Kenneth Brennan also pulled of some brilliant saves to keep the Sarsfields lead intact as he dived full length on at least three occasions to deprive the visitors what looked like certain goals. Sean Kilroy also weighed in with a good goal midway through the second half to steady the Sarsfields nerves as the green and white did just enough to repel a doughty and determined Parke/Keelogues/ Crimlin challenge which never at any stage faltered or died as they plugged on gamely to the final whistle.
The Sarsfields, aside from the outstanding Brennan and Higgins performances were also well served by the likes of Dan Harrington, Ruairi Cullen, Ben Conway, Sean Kilroy, Gavin Honeyman, Thomas Goldrick and Mark Lowther.
The Sarsfields travel to James Stephens Park, Ballina, on Saturday, May 25, to take on the reigning county champions Ballina Stephenites in round 4 of the division 1A of the county senior league with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
Charlestown Sarsfields Junior team host Burrishoole in Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown in round 4 of division 3A of the county league on Sunday, May 26, with the throw-in confirmed for 1pm.
The Sarsfields host near neighbours Ballaghaderreen in Fr O’Hara Park on Wednesday, May 29, in the county U12 grading league with the throw-in confirmed for 7pm.
The second semi-final of the famed Honour of the Village Competition hosted by Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, took place amidst a welter of excitement as multi-winners Tavneena squared off against Curry (1) in an eagerly anticipated clash of two of the pre-tournament favourites. A large crowd thronged to the venue and they weren’t disappointed as both teams served up a cracking spectacle. Tavneena skipper John Paul Doherty had his charges primed for the challenge ahead with Curry counterpart Deccie Haran also brimming with confidence that he had the team and players to secure their passage to the final. What transpired was a game full of twists and turns with Tavneena rising to the challenge posed to them by a good and well drilled Curry side.
Tavneena edged some quality doubles games to hold a slender lead going into the singles and it was here that they showed all their class and composure as they seized control of the match and powered away to a convincing 5-2 victory. Curry were in contention in every singles contest but the Tavneena lads had all the answers when it came to checking out as they mopped every chance that came their way when among the doubles. Curry, while disappointed to lose out, can console themselves with the fact that they more than contributed to a fine game of darts with both teams sharing a warm embrace when Tavneena clinched the game with the match winning double.
All eyes now switch to the final as Tavneena face off against Lavey in what promises to be a thrilling spectacle as both teams have lots of quality in their ranks. The stage is set for an old fashioned ding-dong between two of the traditional powers in the Village competition with both teams having won the title on numerous occasions in the dim and distant past. There will be a full report in next week’s issue with Walsh’s Bar expected to be heaving as fans flock from all corners of the community and beyond to discover who is going to be crowned Honour of the Village Champions for 2024.
RHS Home Care is a non-commercial home care provider bringing professional home care services to those who need assistance to remain living in their own homes. RHS Home Care are now recruiting new healthcare assistants in the area and would love to hear from you.
Potential applicants must have the required QQI Level 5 (two modules completed care skills and care of the older person). Email your CV to jobs@rhshomecare.ie or call Aoife on 090 662 5988.
Mayo/Roscommon Hospice is looking for volunteers to help with National Sunflower Days for Hospice on Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8, at local outlets or another area if suits. They would welcome support from Men’s Sheds, Active Retirement Groups, Walking Groups, Sports Clubs or any community group. Contact 094 9386666, text 087 7384310, or email info@hospice.ie.
Senior strength and conditioning classes are held at Carrcastle Community Centre every Wednesday morning at 11am, involving chair-based exercises and using light weights. For more information and to book your place, contact Sarah at 086 3879635.
Salsa classes continue in the Town Hall Arts Centre on Wednesday evenings at 7pm and all are welcome.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh`s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, May 15, at 8pm, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Frances and Robert Healy; 2nd Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty; 3rd Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne; 4th Paddy and Patricia Colleran.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card drive, at 8.30pm, held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, May 14, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Nancy Brennan and Colm Gallagher; 2nd Joe Mahon and Vincent Brett. Raffle winners were Miko Sheridan, James Reidy and Vera Scally.
All roads lead to the Brusna Inn on Friday, May 24, at 8pm for a special Oiche Cheoil fundraiser in aid of St Patrick’s Church, Glann. Joining on the night as Master of Ceremonies will be Christy McCann who will take people through an array of musical talent, including the Piper`s Cross Ceili Band who are the current All-Ireland senior champions and who are the first band to bring this historic title home to Mayo; the Collis family; Sylvia Golden; the Towey family; members of the Kilmovee Comhaltas; and for one night only to mark this special occasion, they will be ‘reeling in the years’ with a performance from past and present members of the Tavrane school band. Admission is €10 and the organisers are looking forward to a wonderful night of music and memories. Bígí linn.
St Vincent De Paul respects the dignity of those who contact them, offering assistance and advice when sought, assisting people towards long term self-sufficiency in a relationship of friendship, trust and confidentiality. If you need them contact 086 8892098.
Alone a national organisation that enables older people to age at home. If you are in need of advice, support or information, call the National Support and Referral line (0818 222 024), seven days a week from 8am from 8pm.
Life after bereavement can feel very lonely. Trained facilitators conduct a weekly ‘Bereavement Support Meeting’ at the Family Centre, Knock Shrine, each Wednesday at 11am. There is also a special meeting for bereaved partners /spouses on the first Thursday of each month at 11am. No appointment needed. Further information from Monica Morley, 094 9375320.
A large crowd flocked to Garvey`s Dew Drop Inn, The Square, Charlestown, for the recent retirement social for well known Postman Eugene Harrington Hagfield, Charlestown, who retired from the An Post after 35 services as a postman. People came from far and wide to support the event and bestow their best wishes on Eugene who is a very popular and well respected member of the local community.
Eugene always executed his duties with decorum and integrity and built up a great rapport with the general public and enjoyed the interactions and banter with them on a daily basis. He shared many a laugh and a joke with the people he served and this endeared him to many as his face was seldom without that familiar beaming smile of his. Friends, constituents and former colleagues were all in attendance with many a funny story relayed of amusing incidents Eugene ecountered as he went about his daily work with typical industry and endeavour. There was always a laugh and a joke to be had in his company and his jovial presence and sense of fun was always treasured in and out of the workplace. Eugene brought lots of energy to each and every day and had a selfless, kind nature about him at all times as he was more than willing to go the extra mile to help out his colleagues when the need arose.
He had many outstanding qualities and these were always on display in and out of the office with the large crowd present in Garvey’s on the night ample proof of the esteem and affection in which he is held. There was a great spread of food laid out on the night with copious amounts of sandwiches and other treats going down very well with all present. Damien Kelly provided the music on the night and he did a splendid job catering for all tastes and genres with many taking to the floor to exhibit their dance moves.
Well done to hosts Willie and Cathy Garvey who had everything in tip top shape on the night and had all the boxes ticked in terms of food, refreshments, music and craic. A great night and hats off to the organisers who made it possible, they did a top class to boot.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €3,500 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, May 13, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 4, 15, 17 and 24. The following were the winners of the €20 prizes; John Henry, Kieran O’Donnell and Lexi Perry. The latest jackpot was €3,600 in the draw held on Monday night, May 20.
Grow is a mental health support program based on lived experience. This means Grow groups are a meeting of peers, who are striving to develop and maintain good mental health. If you would like to know more, you can call your local GROW office on 1800 558 268. You can also register for ‘Welcome to Grow’, the online orientation session. This will give you an introduction to how meetings work and an opportunity to ask questions. You can also search for a group close by to you by using Find a Group and just turning up. No registrations are needed.
Senior Line is Ireland’s national telephone service for older people open every day of the year from 10am-10pm. Freephone 1800 80 45 91. Callers may feel isolated, alone and may wish to discuss a problem in confidence, or for company during the day. Senior Line’s older volunteers are trained to listen, to support, to discuss options and to refer callers to other helpful services, if necessary. Senior Line 1800 80 45 91 is open every day of the year at the above times.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, May 12, as Podsie and the Dynamo faced off in another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was immense as always in his role as match referee and kept the two combatants in check with little or no difficulty throughout. Podsie, the number one seed, was at his vintage best on the night and succeeded in ransacking the confidence of his opponent who never, truth to tell, got to the pitch of the contest throughout. The seeds for Podsie’s bloodless victory was sown in the opening two sets as he blasted his way into a 2-0 lead with some marvellous throwing. The Dynamo tried to get something going at the start of the third set and did manage to win two legs but Podsie put on the burners stringing three legs on the trot to clinch victory in style as he checked out on 170 to send the large crowd into raptures of delight thus clinching his sixth title of what’s been a terrific season to date for the ace gunslinger. Both men shared a warm embrace with Podsie in good order as he stepped on the winner’s rostrum to take the acclaim of his hardy band of dedicated ultras.
