Local Notes: Charlestown St Patrick's Day Parade a resounding success for the town.
The East Mayo AC and Special Olympics Club were out in force at the St Patrick's Day parade in Charlestown.
St. Patrick’s Day 2025 was one of the most successful in the town’s long and stellar history with the parade drawing huge crowds as streets were lined on all sides to watch and view the many interesting and various floats that paraded through the main thoroughfares so to speak. The business community, clubs and societies of one form or another all turned out in big numbers which made for a right good show with young and old taking a full part in one of the most successful parades in many a long year. Hats off to the committee who did a terrific job in the planning and organisation with plenty of volunteers on hand to help monitor and support the parade which ensured all floats made it through the streets with little or no difficulty. Special mention the Gardaí who also were very visible with their presence which ensured there were no traffic issues with the streets and roads cordoned off to allow the parade a smooth passage through the streets.
There was a tremendous amount of effort put into each and every float with many passers-by stopping to have a look and they couldn`t but be impressed at what they saw as the town and its people came together to put on the best possible show. It was also a good day for the businesses in the town and hinterland as people came from all corners of the community to watch the parade unfolding with money being spent in the local economy which made it a win win for the hard-pressed business sector who have had so much to contend with since the turn of the year. The town was showcased at its best on the day with great credit going to all who helped out in the organisation of the parade, and they can reflect with pride on a job well done with all eyes turning to 2026 as the town and its people continue to look for ways they can improve and make the product even better going forward.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €15,900 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, March 16, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 3, 6, 17 and 33. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Declan Casey and Maureen Lyons, Tooreen. The latest jackpot increased to €16,000 and the draw was held on Sunday night, March 23.
The death took place at the North West Hospice, Sligo recently of Mary Judge (nee McLoughlin), Culfadda, Ballymote, Co. Sligo and formerly of Glosh, Carracastle. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Charlestown Sarsfields grip on the East Mayo Centenary Cup was loosened as Aghamore relieved them of their title with a comfortable 4-12 to 1-10 victory over the Sarsfields in the semi-final played at Fr O’Hara Park recently. The score was an accurate overall reflection of how the game panned out as the visitors paved the way for their victory with three first half goals which left them in a comfortable position at half-time as they led 3-7 to 1-5.
The Sarsfields, it must be said, fielded a very weak selection, shorn of a number of regulars which made life difficult for them as Aghamore seized control of the game from the throw-in. They were slicked and quicker throughout the field and won the vast majority of the duels in all the key battle grounds with the Sarsfields treading water at an early stage.
The home side battled well however, despite the mounting odds and were handed somewhat of a lifeline when Jack Mahon goaled from a penalty to provide a sliver of hope heading towards half-time. Aghamore re-assumed control minutes later however with a three pointer of their own to re-establish their commanding lead and leave the green and white with plenty to mull over at the interval. The visitors continued to exercise a fair measure of control in the second half and kept the score board ticking over with a fourth goal all but putting the game to bed as the Sarsfields toiled away in the vain hope of getting some kind of inspiration with goals the currency they so badly needed. They never looked like arriving however as Aghamore closed out all avenues to their goal with their 1-5 contribution more than enough to claim the spoils with the Sarsfields hitting 0-5 in reply which was never going to be enough to force any kind of a comeback.
The Sarsfields had good performances from the likes of Jack Mahon, Paddy Goldrick, Niall Murphy, Tomas Goldrick and Tadhg Horkan. The Sarsfields can switch their focus to division 1 of the county league which starts on the weekend of April 5/6.
The Sarsfields travel to Bonniconlon to take on the locals in division 4 of the county minor league on Tuesday, April 1, with the throw-in confirmed for 6.30pm.
Well done to Tadhg Horkan, son of Michael and Siobhan Horkan, Cashel, Charlestown, who was part of the University of Limerick (UL) Freshers B team that defeated their Queens University Belfast counterparts in the Freshers B final played at the DCU grounds Dublin recently.
Tadhg lined out at full back and turned in a fine overall performance marshalling the full back line with authority and clearing his lines with the minimum of fuss. Tadhg is one of the Sarsfields most promising young talents who has represented the club at underage level with distinction and is a player that club have big hopes for as he has all the tools and ingredients to become a mainstay in the Sarsfields defence for the next decade and more. He saw some senior championship action last year at the tender age of eighteen and didn’t look out of place at all and acquitted himself very well. He is expected to feature in the club’s senior league campaign which begins in the coming weeks and is a prodigious talent for sure with lots going for him in terms of toughness, attitude and application. He is wished well on his journey as he joins a select band of players to have won an All-Ireland medal which will do his confidence no harm at all as he looks to back it up in the coming weeks and months.
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) and the cost is €10 per person/€20 per family. Refreshments will be served afterwards. For more information log onto www.tavneenans.scoilnet.ie or check out the Tavneena N.S Facebook page.
Well done and congratulations to Karla Gavaghan, daughter of Emmet and Mary Gavaghan, Barrack Street, Charlestown, who was part of the ATU Galway ladies team that annexed the Donaghy Cup recently with a comprehensive 4-10 to 0-10 victory over Marino Institute of Education in the final played in Belfast recently.
Karla played a leading role on the ATU Galway team lining out at right half back as she impressed with her athleticism and ability to cover the ground and was one of the mainstays of ATU team who were far too good for their Marino opponents. Karla is a prominent member of the Charlestown Sarsfields senior ladies’ team and is one of the most improved players to have transitioned onto the team in the last couple of years with her application, dedication to training and overall energy levels earning her a regular starting berth as she continues to improve and get better with each and every performance.
There is bound to be plenty of football in her as her auld fella was quite the decorated player back in the day as he was a regular starter on the many fine Sarsfields underage teams of the mid and late eighties who swept before and behind them winning county titles at minor and U21 level where Emmet was quite the hard working wing forward who ran hard and willingly and was never one to shirk a challenge when it was put up to him. It looks like Karla is well on the way to following if not emulating his footsteps as her star continues to rise with this latest success sure to whet her appetite for more at club and colleges level soon.
The Sarsfields travel to Foxford to take on Moy Davitts in division 4 of the county minor league on Saturday, March 29, with the throw-in timed for 12 noon.
The Sarsfields travel to Ardnaree to take on the locals in division 3 of the county U14 league on Monday, March 31, with the throw-in timed for 6.30pm.
Charlestown Swimming Pool are looking to recruit a Swimming Pool Administrator and Maintenance Manager from May 12 to August 31. The role is part-time for 20 hours per week. Mandatory requirements include a Lifeguard qualification, Water Safety Ireland Level 2 Swim Teacher Award, experience with Bookwhen system. A job description is available on request by emailing ctownswim@gmail.com. Closing date for expression of interest is March 23.
A free taster class of Yoga will be held on Tuesday, April 1, at 7.30pm at Carracastle Community Centre. For more information and to book your place, contact Sophie at 083 4798831.
Music Circle with John and Isabela will be held on Monday, April 14, from 7-8.30pm at Carracastle Community Centre. Attendees are welcome to sing, play an instrument, recite a poem or simply listen. Free to attend. Tea and refreshments served.
The death took place in Navan, Co. Meath, of Josephine (Josie) McCabe nee Cassidy, formerly of Barrack Street, Charlestown. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
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. All details regarding entry and races available to participate in can be found by logging onto the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook Page with further updates available in this column in the days and weeks ahead.
Charlestown Sarsfields host The Neale in Fr O’Hara Park in Division 2 of the county U16 league on Sunday morning, March 30, with the throw-in fixed for 11am.
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 cost €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. 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. It is a four-year paid programme which 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.
A music and yoga camp takes place at Carracastle Community Centre from Monday, April 14 to Thursday, April 17 (inclusive) from 10am-1pm. It 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.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, March 12, at 8pm and the following were the prize winners; 1st Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne; 2nd Frances and Robert Healy; 3rd Mae and Charles Quinn; 4th Carmel Moffitt and Hilary McCrohan 25 card drive.
The following were the winners of the 25 drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, March 18, at 9pm; 1st James Cafferty and Mary Costello; 2nd Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally. Raffle winners were Mary O'Hara, Colm Gallagher and Mary Costello.
Activator Pole and Chair Exercise class takes place in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 12 noon-1pm on Friday, March 28. Lift access available. €2 fee.
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.
The draw for the next round of fixtures in the Honour of the Village competition was the subject of much anticipation as darts enthusiasts, teams and supporters held their collective breath to see who would be pitted against who with the competition pretty much at the quarter-final stage.
The first four names out of the hat see Hagfield (2) powered by the Duke taking on Church Street in a game that has a lot of history around it with reigning champions Glann/Sinolane putting their title on the line against Main Street in another game that has a really intriguing look about it. The bookies have offered short odds on a Hagfield and Glann/Sinolane double which plays nicely into the hands of Church Street and Main Street as they will be licking their lips in the hope of upsetting the formbook as the competition gets ready to swing back into action with both games due to take place on March 28 and March 30 respectively. More draw and fixture news next week with Clann/Sinolane firm favourites to put back-to-back titles on the board in what’s an historic year for the competition as it celebrates its fiftieth birthday in existence.
All eyes will turn to the Park Hotel, Kiltimagh on Saturday night, March 29, when the East Mayo Athletics Club LipSync Battles Ireland takes place at 8pm. The event has been the talk of the town since it was first mooted some three months ago with several different acts ready to do battle to be crowned the champion in what promises to be a night of great extravaganza and excitement. There are a total of nine acts taking part which include the following; Miseducation, Mums and Roses, The Tasty and Tempting, Drama Queens, Pair of Queens, Howley’s Heroes, The Icebreakers, The Resuscitator and the The Guinness Syncers and they have all raised a substantial amount of money via various fundraising events that have been going on in the community which all goes towards the total amount each act raises with Miseducation leading the way in terms of monies raised to date followed closely by Mums and Roses who are pressing hard as the day of the event gets closer.
Each act has put in a lot of work behind the scenes in terms of rehearsals with the identity of the groups/performers they intend to lip-sync to remaining a closely guarded secret which all feeds into the sense of anticipation and drama leading up to the event. The acts have received terrific support from within and outside the community with money and donations pouring in from all quarters and cohorts as young and old have really bought into the concept with all proceeds going towards the development of the East Mayo Athletics splendid new track which is in the process of getting started in a matter of weeks.
The event is expected to be a sell out with still some tickets remaining and all details regarding the ordering and purchasing of the same can be found on the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook Page. You can also donate to any of the nine acts taking part by clicking on the link for lip-sync and again all support is gratefully received as the club have become embedded in the community since their foundation only a short number of years ago. Tickets for the event are €25 and selling fast so don`t lose out and miss what promises to be a night to savour.
The death took place recently of Hanna Griffin, Cloonfinish, Swinford. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
The death took place at the Mayo Hospice, Castlebar of Ann Munnelly (nee Dodd), Riverwalk, Charlestown. Her remains were removed to St. James’ Church, Charlestown, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the Cemetery of the Resurrection.
She is survived by her husband Frank, brother Sid, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers-in law, sisters-in law, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. The late Ann, who was pre-deceased by her sons Francis, John and Kevin, was a lady in every sense of the word. She was a kind and gentle woman who was devoted to her husband Frank and together they made for a good team. Ann treated each day on its merits and never lost that zest for life and always had a smile and a friendly greeting on display whenever you meet or bump into her. She bore her illness in recent times with great dignity and fought the good fight before finally slipping away. She leaves many great memories which her family will cherish and hold dear to in the deep dark hours and days ahead. The town has lost a lovely lady and we tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €3200 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, March 17, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 1, 15, 21, and 28. The following were the winners of the 3 x €20 weekly prizes; Steven Henry, Aaron Coleman and Linda Coleman.
The latest jackpot increased to €3300 and the draw took place on Monday night March 24.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday, March 16, as The Egg and The Dynamo fought it out in another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was imperious as always in his role as match referee and had little or no difficulty maintaining law and order. The Egg made the better start taking the first set with some precision throwing. The Dynamo hit back in set two and claimed it with a tidy 148 finish in the fourth leg to level the game at one set apiece. The third set was a cracker as both men laid claim to the victory. It was the Egg who prevailed as he nailed the bull with his final dart to sweep into a 2-1 lead and put a big dent in the Dynamo’s victory hopes in the process. The fourth set saw plenty of thrills and spills with the Egg holding sway for the most part. He won the opening leg with a treble eighteen, double sixteen blast and proceeded to win the second as well to leave him one leg away from victory.
The Dynamo was far from finished however and roared back into contention as he snatched the next two legs against the head having looked dead and buried in the third as he trailed by 150 points. The Egg tightened up however and failed to put the game and match to bed and paid a dear price as was forced to go to a deciding leg having looked odds on to wrap the game up in three. The final leg was tense and nail biting with both men throwing well simultaneously. It was The Egg who stepped forward however as he won the race to the double albeit the margins were tight. He strode to the ochie eyeing up 58 with three darts in his holster so to speak. He needed only two as he went the single eighteen, double top route with his second dart landing plum in the centre of the bed to clinch a much deserved victory and end a long, losing streak in the process. Casey cut a pretty euphoric figure as he stepped on the winner’s podium with the Dynamo, while disappointed to lose, very gracious and honourable in defeat as both men shared a warm embrace and chatted away long into the small hours.
