Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields U16 ladies Division Shield and County A champions.
U16 division shield and county A champions pictured with special guests Ella Brennan and Cailin Durkan
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €15,700 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, March 2, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 2, 7, 15 and 24. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Maeve Figg and the Kilroy family, Sarsfields Manor, Charlestown. The latest jackpot increased to €15,800 and the draw was held on Sunday night, March 9.
Salsa Dancing classes continue in the Town Hall Arts Centre on Wednesday nights from 7.30-8.30pm and all are welcome.
Pilates with Taragh continues in the Charlestown Arts Centre on Monday nights from 8-9pm 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 death took place, peacefully, at St Attracta’s Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown of Betty Hassett (nee Walsh), Airport Road, Charlestown. Her remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown, to St James’ Church, Charlestown and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the cemetery of the resurrection. She is survived by her daughters Annette, Michele and Sharon, sisters Carmel, Dolores and Emmanuel, brother Eamon sons-in law Gerry, Derek and Joe, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
The late Betty, who was pre-deceased by her husband Johnny, brothers Gerry, Paddy, Andrew, Frank, Nick and Eugene and sister Angela, was in her 103rd year and was a remarkable woman who experienced and witnessed so many changes in her long and active life. She was a lady in the true sense of the word who, together with her late husband Johnny, ran the old Premier Guest House on the square for the best part of 35 years and more before their retirement in 1993. She spent twelve years in London prior to returning to open the business and poured her heart and soul in to the venture over the next three decades and more providing the general public with the best of service in terms of food and accommodation.
Betty came from a house of twelve siblings where hard work and graft were the minimum requirements to make it through each and every day. She had these traits in spades and took on the job of serving the public with relish and enthusiasm and knew the value of a good day’s work for a good day’s pay. Betty was devoted to her family and made sure their needs were met and provided for at all times. She was an intelligent lady who loved the daily challenge of the crossword, tackled each and every clue with the same spirit and determination that sustained her all the way through life as she embraced each day on its merits and gave it everything she had.
She was a key member of the Charlestown Active Retirement Association and served as secretary of the group well into her nineties and was a superb organiser who was front and centre of all their activities and was first on the bus for all trips they planned and participated in. She was an avid reader and was a lady of deep faith who seldom made any wrong decisions in life and was always a purveyor of good advice with her opinions and company much sought after by all who knew and admired her. She celebrated each and every milestone she reached in recent years in the same laconic, good humoured fashion which so defined her personality and was proud to have joined the centurion club in 2023 which was a source of great pride to her.
Betty brought so much life to each and every day and fought valiantly to the very end. She had a passion for life which was evident in the way she carried herself and the town has lost a true pillar as she was active all through her life in many committees and clubs. She leaves a treasure trove of memories which her family, extended family and friends will cherish and cling dear to as they lay her to rest as the town has lost one of its best and nicest citizens. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
Learn to Dance classes with Gina have commenced in Carracastle Community Centre on Thursday evenings at 8pm. Learn to jive, waltz, quickstep, foxtrot and line dance. For more information contact 085 7704647.
Senior Strength and Conditioning classes continue on Wednesday mornings in Carracastle Community Centre at 11am. For more information and to book your place contact Sarah at 086 3979635.
Sympathy is extended to Mickey Deignan, Shraugh, Carracastle, on the death of his brother James Francis (Jimmy) Deignan who died at his home Burnage, Manchester recently. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Tavneena NS are holding a 5k and 10k fun run/walk on Saturday, April 5 at 11am with registration at 10am. The run/walk starts from the school (F12R232) €10 per person/€20 per family. Refreshments served afterwards. For more information log onto www.tavneenans.scoilnet.ie or check out the Tavneena NS Facebook page.
Sympathy is extended to Maureen Deignan, Shraugh, Johnny and Michael Duffy, Rooskey, on the death of their sister Nora Nugent (nee Duffy) who died in New York, USA recently. Deepest condolences are tendered to the bereaved.
The Lip Sync Disco night takes place on Sunday evening (6pm-10pm ) on Sunday, March 16, in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown. Admission is €10 and there will be a DJ till late. The main theme will focus on bringing back and reviving the 80s and 90s which should make for a great night for all who lived through and danced in that era. Kick off St Patrick’s weekend in some style with a fundraiser in aid of East Mayo Athletics Club and Special Olympics Lip Sync battle. It promises to be a terrific night of music and nostalgia with some fun and entertainment expected in abundance.
The Ice Breakers fundraiser in aid of East Mayo AC and Special Olympics Lip Sync battle takes place on Saturday, March 15, at 9.30am in the Handball Room at the CBD Sports and Recreational Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown. Energise, refresh, support. Start your holiday weekend in the right frame of mind with an energising yoga class with Justine Purcell from JustYoga, followed by an ice bath and sauna with South Sligo Wild Sauna to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised. Don’t miss out, so book your spot today and support a great cause. The cost is €20. For more information check out the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook page.
The Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club remind their members and supporters that membership for the new 2025 season is now due and can be made payable to any member of the executive and the cost is €50. The closing date for payment of the same is March 31, and your cooperation in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
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 cans 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 thank you.
ESB is recruiting electrical apprentices. Apply by Sunday midnight, April 6. Anyone born on or before June 1, 2008 can apply. Four year paid programme combines college-based learning with hands-on experience. Gain an internationally recognized QQI Advanced Level 6 Electrical Trade Certificate and enjoy working indoors and outdoors. For more information and to apply, visit esbnetworks.ie/apprenticeships
One of the LipSync participants the “Mums and Roses” have a novel fundraiser on the go at the moment called the Cash Call Raffle. €5 per entry. Enter as many times as you like. Entrants must be 18+. Winner of the €500 pot will be called on Sunday, March 23 by answering their phone quoting “Mums and Roses Lip Sync Battle”. For more information and how to enter check-out the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook page.
A Music and Yoga Camp takes place at Carracastle Community Centre from Monday, April 14 to Thursday, April 17, (inclusive) from 10am-1pm. This will be a fun introduction to music and piano, mindfulness, relaxation and yoga. For more information contact Olivia on 085 1971372 or email o.sharkey@gmail.com.
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.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, February 26, at 8pm for what was one of the highlights in the bridge calendar the Des Henry Memorial Trophy and the following were the prize winners; 1st Michael and Pat Brennan, 2nd Mary O’Connell and James Mooney, 3rd Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 4th Charles and Mae Quinn.
The following were the winners of the weekly 25 Drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, March 4, at 9pm;1st Nancy Brennan and Veronica McCarrick; 2nd Colm Gallagher and Mary O’Hara. Raffle winners were; Mary O’Hara, Colm Gallagher and Veronica McCarrick.
Activator Pole and Chair Exercise class takes place in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 12 noon-1pm on Friday, March 14. Lift access available . All welcome, €2 fee.
Ballet and Acro Arts continues in the CBD Complex and Recreational Centre on Wednesday afternoons from 3.45pm-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 please email youthministry@knockshrine.ie.
Charlestown Sarsfields begin their 2025 Centenary Cup campaign with a home fixture against Aghamore in Fr O’Hara Park on Sunday, March 16, with the throw-in timed for 12 noon. The Sarsfields are the reigning champions and will be keen to get their bid for three in a row off to a flying start against an Aghamore side who are always a tough proposition with little or nothing between the teams at this level in recent years.
St Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on Monday, March 17 at 1pm. It starts at the CBD Sports Complex filing down Church Street and into Main Street, turning at Kiernan’s Filling Station, returning to Main Street before turning onto Barrack Street and finishing at the Library Arts Centre. Registration forms are available by contacting 094 9255156 or email info@charlestown.ie.
The death took place recently of Maureen Aldred, Cloonfane, Carracastle. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
The annual general meeting of the Charlestown Swimming Pool took place on Thursday, February 27, and the following officers were elected; chairperson Nicola O’Connor, vice-chairperson Dearbhala Cassidy, joint secretaries Joanne McMeel and Miriam Colleran, treasurer Amanda Healy, asst. treasurer Mairead McDermott, communications officer Aoife Bolton, children’s officer Lisa Kenny, digital officer Louise McBrearty, human resources Lisa Kenny.
Tributes were paid to the outgoing officers Eileen McGuiness, Maureen McEntire and Patricia McArdle for their outstanding contributions over any number of years. Their dedication, leadership, expertise and determination brought the swimming pool a long way in a short time and they were very much to the forefront of all the tremendous developments that happened at the pool over the course of the last decade. The three ladies intend staying involved in the background which was very well received and will be available to help out and support the new executive who have big plans to take the pool to the next level with lots of exciting developments planned in the next twelve months or so.
The pool remains one of the jewels in the town’s recreational infrastructure and had another busy year in 2024 with footfall up as the numbers coming through the gates continues to increase year on year. The jets which heat the water were replaced just before the pool opened its doors last June at considerable expense it must be said but this was offset by a very successful draw which was very well supported by the general public with some very generous sponsorship being received from Delaney’s Mace in terms of the prizes put up which helped enormously in the promotion of the draw as the sales generated covered the cost of the overall renovation and jet installation.
The new executive were wished all the best in their new roles for 2025 with many new ideas being put forward on how to increase membership and opening hours which will be explored further in the coming weeks and months. The pool remains a key part of the town’s architecture and its future looks secure with the infusion of new members and leaders who have a passion and ambition to drive the facility forward which augurs well for its continued development in the years ahead.
The Honour of the Village competition saw plenty of action in the past week with two more games taking place with Walshs Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, playing host to some big crowds and thrilling action. Reigning champions Glann/Sinolane, fresh from their comprehensive first round win were back in action once again and they gave another timely reminder of their form and pedigree with a decisive 5-1 victory over Rooskey as they displayed all their class with some heavy scoring and clinical finishing. The final score reflects a little harshly on the Rooskey effort overall as they were in contention in several of the legs but lacked the clinical edge when among the doubles with Glann-Sinolane giving them a lesson in the art of putting the darts in the doubles bed. The champions are the fist team into the quarter-finals and already, at this stage they look a good bet to reach the final with all parts of their team functioning impressively.
The second game was every bit as one-sided as Lavey whitewashed Ballyglass with a very authoritative and power-packed display. Ballyglass never got to the pitch of the battle so to speak and were in big trouble early doors as Lavey assumed control and got their line-up and tactics spot on as they laid down some marker in terms of their potential to go deep into a competition they have a rich history in. There were big crowds in attendance for both matches with all teams being well supported. The next round of fixtures for the coming week sees Lowpark taking on perennial contenders Hagfield with Curry (1) going toe to toe against Hagfield (2) in what look two very interesting encounters on paper with lots of drama, thrills and spills anticipated as Gus and Grainne Marren gear up for another busy week playing the hosts par excellence. There will be a full report in next week’s issue plus draw news also.
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 at 094 9375320.
East Mayo Athletics Club and East Mayo Special Olympics present Lip Sync Battles Ireland on Saturday, March 29, in the Park House Hotel, Kiltimagh, at 8pm. This promises to be a cracking night of fun, music, laughter and entertainment with both organisations very keen to make it a night to savour for all connected and involved. More news in the coming weeks but save the date and make sure you clear your diaries for what should be a cracking night of jollity and hilarity and one not to be missed under any circumstances.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot €3000 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, March 3, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 11, 17, 20 and 22. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; Luke Gilligan, Breda Brennan, Audrey and Rachel Harrington.
The latest jackpot increased to €3100 and the draw took place on Monday night, March 10. Tickets can be bought in a number of outlets or via the online platform and also by logging onto the club’s Facebook and Twitter pages respectively.
Alone is a national organisation that enables people to age at home. They have a National Support and Referral Line for older people. If you are in need of advice, support or information, call 0818 222 024, seven days a week from 8am -8pm.
Senior Line is Ireland’s national telephone service for older people and is 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, March 2, as Podsie and The Pillock duked it out in another cracking instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus had to be at his best to maintain law and order as tempers became frayed and exchanges became heated at various stages of an epic encounter. The Pillock roared out of the blocks clinching the first set with a three leg clean sweep as Podsie hardly got a look-in such was quality of darts fired by his red hot opponent. Things didn’t improve one iota for the number one seed in the second set either as Kenny continued his assault on the treble twenty bed with his doubles every bit as precise as he blasted his way into a two set lead.
The game looked up for Podsie at the start of the third as he lost the opening leg with Kenny’s level continuing to sizzle. The number one seed dug in and finally managed to grab a leg which proved absolutely pivotal to the stunning turnaround which ensued. He bagged the next two legs as well to clinch the set and duly set about plotting his way back into a match he looked all but dead and buried in a few short minutes ago. Podsie darted through set four in sublime fashion reeling off three legs in a row to square the match with the Pillock unable to offer any kind of resistance as the champion’s level went up several notches. The Pillcok tried valiantly to stem the tide in the fifth set but Podsie was relentless as he continued to pile on the pressure with each and every dart finding the middle of the treble twenty bed. He galloped away with the first two legs to leave him one away from victory as Kenny tried everything to interrupt his flow which saw him receive a verbal warning from Gus who admonished him for his conduct. Podsie remained undeterred however and completed a famous comeback with his final dart finding the centre of the bulls eye to cap a marvellous victory, his second of the season with the Pillock bearing the haunted look of a defeated man as he struggled to come to terms with what played out from the third set on. Podsie celebrated accordingly with his large support base and once again underlined his class and brilliance and reminded all of his enduring class as he took his place on the winner’s podium.
