Local notes: Community Christmas lunch in Charlestown Town Hall Arts Centre
The ladies enjoying the community Christmas lunch which was held in the Charlestown Town Hall Arts Centre.
A wonderful afternoon was held in Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown, on Friday, December 8, where the Coffee Morning Group held their Christmas lunch. A fabulous lunch was served to the group with lots of raffle prizes and live music to finish off the day.
Special thanks is extended to all the volunteers who helped out on the day and throughout the year and sincere thanks to all the local businesses who gave so generously to the Christmas lunch as they had done to all the other coffee mornings held during the year.
A special thanks is extended to Patricia Cassidy and Sinead Ryan who lead this volunteer group with the initiative having started last February and continued monthly for the remainder of the year. Please consider volunteering in the community – it is so worthwhile and many hands make light work.
A very happy, healthy Christmas and New Year is wished to all in the community.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €9,300 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, December 10, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 4, 10, 16, 31. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Rebecca McDonnell and Paul Mulligan. Last week’s jackpot increased to €9,400 and the draw was held on Sunday night, December 17.
The tree outside Swinford Church will be lit up in honour of all our loved ones this Christmas. Your are invited to shine a Light of Love for your loved one with all finds raised going to The Butterfly Garden Maintenance Fund.
All sponsors will receive a special card with their loved ones names written on it and all Lights of Love will be remembered in a special Mass in Swinford Church on December 22, at 10am. Call 086 3622522 or 087 9794338 for more information.
The games continue to come thick and fast with several teams in action at various levels and grades of competition in the last week. Well done to the U10 girls who were invited to Ballina recently to take on the Pacers and shaped with real promise and displayed lots of quality and skill which indicates a bright future ahead for a talented group of young ladies.
The U11 boys took part in a blitz competition and came away with two wins which was impressive to say the least as the quality of opposition was extremely high.
The U14 girls also had another good week as they knocked over Kiltimagh in an excellent display to maintain their fine recent sequence of wins as they continue to grow in stature with each impressive , winning performance.
Finally the U12 girls took part in a blitz in Crossmolina and acquitted themselves with distinction as they competed with and beat some high calibre opposition to further underline their rich potential and talent.
That completed another hectic and busy week for all teams and coaches games with just one week of competition left before the cessation of all fixtures for the Xmas and new year break. More news next week.
Congratulations and well done to Charlestown Sarsfields stalwart Sean Lenehan who has been selected on the All-Ireland Over-40s men’s squad for next year’s Masters International Rules Series against Australia. The Irish squad will take on the Aussies in a two test series which takes place on March 9 and 16 respectively in 2024. The first test will in Mullagh, Co. Galway with the second and final test taking place at the Denn GAA Grounds, Co. Cavan.
This is a terrific honour for Sean and his family and follows on from very impressive showings and displays for the Mayo Over-40’s team over the last two seasons. He has been one of the standout players on the team since joining the panel some two years ago. His performances in the middle of the field won him rave reviews with his athleticism and fitness levels driving Mayo forward and inspiring them to some very impressive wins. Sean had a decorated career with the Sarsfields winning titles at senior, intermediate and junior level and still occasionally turns out for the junior team when available for selection. He has kept himself good shape hence his call-up to the Mayo Over-40’s panel and has grabbed the opportunity with both hands and been one of the team’s best and most consistent performers. His selection for the All-Ireland Over-40’s squad is due recognition for some outstanding performances in the red and green and his many colleagues in the Sarsfields Club and indeed community at large send their heartiest congratulations and look forward to seeing him line out in the Irish colours in March 2024 which is only a matter of months away. I’m sure he will have a training programme mapped out for the Christmas period to keep the body in good trim with maybe the odd beer or two allowed if clearance is provided by the Irish team management!!
Well done to East Mayo Athletics Club members Emily Higgins and Lucia McDonnell who achieved two amazing feats recently at the recent Connacht Indoor Secondary Schools Winter games held in Athlone. Emily won gold in the first year 60 metres event setting a personal best in the process in what was a terrific victory against some very high calibre opposition. Emily, who was representing St Attracta’s Community School, Tubbercurry, is one very fast young lady as she exploded out of the blocks and never looked like getting caught such was her speed over the ground. She must have inherited all that pace from her dad Dermot who was quite the speedster back in the day as he scorched up and down the right flank of the Sarsfields defence with alarming ease and grace.
Hats off also to Lucia McDonnell who also won gold as she was part of the 2nd year St Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen, relay team which struck gold in the 2nd year relay final to complete a good day for the club with both ladies having very bright futures ahead of them judging on this and many other displays over the course of the season. Both girls are members of the local East Mayo Athletics Club who are very proud of their superb achievements as the club and its athletes continue to hit the heights and compete and punch above their weight at all grades and levels of competition.
The death took place recently of Evelyn Foley (nee Lavin), Lowpark Avenue, Charlestown, and formerly of Sonnagh, Charlestown. Her remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown, to St James’s Church, Charlestown, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to Killasser cemetery.
The late Evelyn, who was pre-deceased by her husband Michael, is survived by her daughters Carmel, Evelyn, Georgina and Clare, sons Barry, Kieran, Desmond and Justin, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. The late Evelyn was a kind and gentle woman who was devoted to her family with their health and well being uppermost in her mind at all times. She was a lady of deep faith and was a good neighbour with a innate sense of decency and generosity about her. She lived her life in the best way she knew how and her passing is deeply regretted. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, December 6, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Michael Ryan and Ruth Connor, 2nd Tom Dunne and Mary Lynskey, 3rd Michael and Patricia Brennan, 4th Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 5th Frances and Robert Healy, 6th Carmel Moffitt and Teresa Ward, 7th Mae and Charles Quinn, 8th Margaret Kenny and Thomas Ginty, 9th Elsie Jackson and Ogie Moran.
The club offered their condolences to bridge regular Jan Hamilton on the death of her husband Jimmy after a long illness. Game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, and all are welcome.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Tuesday last, December 12, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally, 2nd James Reidy and Pearse Henry. Raffle winners were Mary O’Hara, Darby Leonard and Vera Scally. The game is held every Tuesday night next at 8.30pm in Walsh’s Bar and all are welcome especially new members.
Congratulations to Gareth O’Donnell, Ardara, Charlestown, who reached the distinguished age of thirty (30) recently and in so doing joined an elite band of fellow venerable folk who have turned onto this significant page number in the year that is 2023. Gareth is something of a pillar in the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club as he combines playing and coaching seamlessly it would seem and continues to serve many teams and play many roles in sterling and dedicated fashion. He is the current skipper of the Charlestown Sarsfields senior team where he plies his trade in the central channels flitting between midfield and the forward line with ease with midfield, perhaps, being his best and most suitable station. He has won many honours with the club during an impressive career to date with county and Connacht intermediate medals perhaps the pick along with many other awards at all grades and ages.
He is quite the physical specimen with his long stride and big hands plucking many a ball out of the sky and putting the Sarsfields on the front foot as he eats up the ground when in full flight. The engine continues to purr albeit the odd bit of dirty petrol manages to invade the pistons every now and again which results in a full service being required before he’s back to his rampaging best. The thatch remains perfectly coiffured with not a follicle out of place such is the care and attention he devotes to the scalp and the maintenance of the same. The waistline is trim and neatly aligned with an odd pound having crept on and off over the years. Gareth is in good shape as he gets ready to anchor another Sarsfields assault on the Moclair Cup for 2024 with some incremental progress having been made in the last few seasons. He’s quite keen to add to his medal collection with the cupboard taking on something of a bare look in recent times and will be giving it everything in the pre-season when training resumes though not until the turkey and Christmas pudding have had time to digest.
Gareth has a passion for the Toon army (God Bless him) and has become something of a regular at the Gallowgate End watching the Newcastle lads trying to end a near sixty year wait for silverware as they find all kinds of ways and means to spend that shady Saudi money in a honourable and honest fashion!!. I’m convinced there was a cake produced to commemorate the occasion as his mother Breege wouldn’t have it any other way with thirty tall candles (I’m presuming!!) taking pride of place on every square corner of the delicious offering. He had no difficulty quenching the flame ignited by those said candles as he tucked into several slices of the cáca which went down a real treat I’m led to believe. I’m certain he set aside a large portion of the birthday treat for yours truly as a gesture of appreciation for this tidy mention as he gets ready to embrace life as a tricenarian. We wish Gareth many more productive years of good health and happiness in the future and look forward to some more outstanding displays in the green and white of the Sarsfields as he embarks on another campaign of relentless dedication.
The annual Michael Byrnes Memorial match will take place in its customary St Stephen’s Day slot in Fr O’Hara Park as the great and good of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club come together and pay homage to one of our favourite sons who was taken long before his time in 1997. It’s hard to believe how those 26 years have passed so quickly as many of us who soldiered with him on and off the field still harbour fond memories of his ability and talent in the Sarsfields colours where he adorned many a big match with some sublime moments of true class. Michael was a gentleman in the true sense of the word and St Stephen’s Day always guarantees a large turnout as players past and present don the shorts and go to battle for the honour and privilege of taking home the Michael Byrnes Memorial Cup which has become a big deal especially for the older cohort who always take great delight in getting one over the younger brigade. There is always a liberal interpretation of the rules applied by the appointed referee which can lead to a few heavy tackles being shipped and shemozzles breaking out at all ends of the pitch as the turkey and grog from the night before rears its head in a cranky and somewhat tetchy manner. Tempers tend to be calmed after the lungs start to empty out with the over-30 mob using lots of craft and guile to get under the skin of their opponents.
The identity of this year’s team has yet to be revealed suffice to say there’s a lot of rumour and speculation as to who might turn out for the over-30’s as they strive to put back to back wins on the board and get up the noses of their younger compadres once again. The full itinerary for the day has yet to be confirmed but the ladies club also take a full part in the day with a double header of ladies and gents matches providing plenty of cheer and no end of entertainment for the big crowds who add to the nostalgia and sense of fun and enjoyment which the occasion always provides. The games also have a charitable undertone with several local charities benefitting from the generosity of all who attend as everybody digs deep and donates to the said charitable cause in a very benevolent and bountiful fashion. All details around the day and times of the matches will be revealed in next week’s column but the battle lines have been drawn as players get the heart rate up, whip out the gear and dust off the boots for a good auld tussle that is sure to provide copious amounts of taking points that will spill over to some hostelry or other with the final score line sure to provoke all kinds of debate and consternation. More anon.
MJJ Mini Company from the Transition Year (TY) Class in St Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown, are hosting a Christmas raffle as part of the TY Mini Company Programme. They have three hampers on offer together with 17 other stand alone prizes. All prizes are courtesy of local businesses which is very much appreciated by all on TY programme. To enter you can contact 089 4479365 or email mj_minicompany on Instagram. The cost is €2 for one entry or €5 for three entries. Your support would be very much appreciated. Wishing all our sponsors a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous and peaceful New Year.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2700 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, December 11, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 5, 7, 12 and 16. The following were the winners of the €20 prizes; Paddy Gilligan, Steven Gallagher and Elaine Harrington.
The latest jackpot increased to €2800 and the draw took place on Monday night, December 18.
The Charlestown parish annual Christmas Triduum of Mass Cards are available up to Christmas. This year, one of the card designs includes an image from the crib in St James’s Church, Charlestown. If you are unable to pick up the cards at Mass times, contact Michelle on 086 8803528. Sincere thanks for your support of this annual fundraiser which supports the lighting and heating costs in both churches in our parish. Wishing you a Blessed Advent and Christmas.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, December 10, as The Duke and The Bunny served up an epic contest in the latest instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was imperious in his role at match referee with both players serenading him with happy birthday as he turned into another new page. The Bunny finally made it past the qualifying rounds after years of trying and went on some run taking out some notable scalps including Boom Boom and the Magician as he brought his own brand of sorcery to the ochie which almost raised the roof on Charlestown’s very own version of the Ally Pally.
The underdog raced out of the blocks and took the first set with a treble 15, double 18 twin blast doing the trick and only adding to his confidence as he made light of the occasion and embraced what was out before him. The Bunny continued to rampage in set two and raced into a two leg lead with The Duke hardly getting a look in such was the brilliance of his darts. The Bunny made it three legs on the spin as he nailed double eighteen with his final dart to put him firmly in charge as he was sitting pretty on a two set lead with the Duke in a daze as he seemed mesmerised by his opponent’s spellbinding brilliance.
Set three was another whirlwind as the Duke finally found his best form and won three legs on the bounce to haul himself back into contention and put some seeds of doubt into the mind of his unorthodox opponent. The number two seed raced through set four in similar fashion as the Bunny’s game malfunctioned in spectacular fashion as he was unable to find the board such was the malaise hindering his throwing arm and action.
The Duke began set five in chipper form and won the first leg with some sizzling arrows. The Bunny fired back however and levelled with a morale boosting double eight edging him over the line and stopping the rot in the process having lost seven legs in a row. The Bunny regained the form of the opening two sets at the most opportune of times. He won the third leg as well to leave him one away from pulling off a sensational upset akin to any of the biggest shocks in Irish sport in the last twenty years.
The Duke remains a fierce competitor however and dug deep to eke out the fourth leg with one dart at double top sending the game into a fifth and final leg shootout. The crowd were totally invested in what was playing out before them with both sets of supporters willing on their respective men so to speak. The Bunny made his surge for home with two ton plus scores with his opening six darts. The Duke responded like a true champion however as he banged in two 140 plus tallies to win the race to the double as he left himself with 138 to ponder on with The Bunny hot on his tail with 170 on his radar. The Duke fired in treble 20, treble 14 with his opening two arrows to leave one shot at double eighteen as an expectant air of hush descended upon the auditorium. The Duke took a moment and fixed that icy stare at the double and released the dart with utter conviction that its flight path was never in doubt as it pierced the middle of the bed to set off wild scenes of celebration in all corners of the venue as the Duke remains one of the most popular and compelling players to watch on the circuit.
The Bunny Bliler was stunned as he had the game snatched from his grasp having looked all over the winner after his stirring fifth set revival. A great conclusion to a wonderful match with the Bunny hoping to build on this fine showing as he looks to break into the competition’s elite top ten. This victory was a nice early Christmas present for the Duke as he looks to take this form into the pre and post Christmas competitions.
