Local Notes: East Mayo Athletics Club members competed and completed Belfast City Marathon.
A quartet of the East Mayo Athletics Club members Peter Gallagher, Cailin Durcan, Roman Kenny and Trina Donohue who competed in and completed the Belfast City Marathon recently.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €11,400 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, May 5, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 4, 19, 29 and 30. The winners of the 2 x €50 weekly prizes were David and Martina Sloyan and Mary Roussilhe (Sligo). The latest jackpot increased to €11,500 and the draw was held on Sunday night, May 12.
Birthday greetings and best wishes are extended to James Kilroy, Sarsfields Manor, Charlestown, who celebrated his sixtieth (60th) birthday recently. James is very well known in the Charlestown community and beyond and is a very prominent member of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club where he has given good service both as a player and mentor. He is currently a selector with the Sarsfields senior team and is a popular presence in and around the dressing room with his humour and wit and engaging personality making his company much sought after. James was quite the player in his younger days and was one of the most talented and skilful forwards to ever don the green and white with his talent and ball playing ability guiding the Sarsfields to some great successes most notably a county minor league championship in 1982 along with East Mayo successes at U16, U21 and junior levels respectively.
He had a terrific shimmy that got him out of many a tight corner and had a real eye for a score with his ability also recognised at underage level with Mayo as he lined out with the green and red at U16 and minor level, winning a Tedd Webb Cup in 1980. He also lined out with the Sarsfields in the county senior final of 1992 and turned in some excellent performances at corner forward in the Sarsfields march to the final only to come up agonisingly short against Knockmore. James, like many before him in the 1980’s, emigrated to New York where he forged a good life for himself as he took his boots to Gaelic Park and lined out with the Sligo Club for a number of years. He played with and against come of the game’s best players and more than held his own in the bear pit that was Gaelic Park with his silky skills and speed guiding Sligo over the line in some big games.
He put in a big shift with the Sarsfields on his return to the town some years ago, being heavily involved with various underage teams with varying degrees of success as he imparted his vast knowledge of the game to the next generation just as he did many years ago when he, in tandem with the late Bobby O’Connell , guided an U21 team to a terrific county U21A title against a star studded Knockmore team at the time.
James has many great qualities with his ability to tell a story unrivalled as he would have you in stitches as he delivers the punch line as only he can. His good wife Eileen, I’m sure, had a surprise or two up her sleeve to commemorate his graduation to sixty with a quiet celebration sure to have been planned with a cake taking centre stage with all sixty candles being stacked neatly on every square inch of the said Cáca as James becomes the latest member to join a club that has taken some scalps since the turn of the year. I’m not sure how this mention will go down with the birthday boy when it’s brought to his attention as I might be in line for a skelp or two hence I’ll have to tread carefully in his company but it would have been remiss of me not to give a very popular and likeable member of our community and GAA family a mention as he finishes blowing out the final few candles on that very delicious cake. Here’s wishing James many more years of trucking, good health and happiness and plenty more successful stints on the sideline for the Sarsfields in the future.
The death took place recently at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, recently of Kathleen Loughlin (nee Duffy), Sarsfields Manor, Charlestown, and formerly of Botuney, Curry and London. Her remains were removed to St James’s Church, Charlestown, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the cemetery of the resurrection. She is survived by her son Brendan, daughter Susan, daughter-in-law Mairead, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and wide circle of friends.
The late Kathleen, who was predeceased by her husband John, was a lovely lady who had a deep love of her family. She was much admired and respected in the local community and had forged many strong friendships. She leaves a rich legacy which her family will cherish in the deep dark hours and days ahead and we tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
Charlestown Sarsfields host Burrishoole in Fr O’Hara Park in Division 3 of the county U14 league on Tuesday, May 14, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields host near neighbours in Fr O’Hara Park on Wednesday, May 15, in the county U12 grading league with the throw-in confirmed for 7pm.
Charlestown Sarsfields Junior team began their county junior championship on the right note with a 2-13 to 2-11 victory over Ballina Stephenites in an absorbing encounter played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown, recently.
The exchanges always competitive and frenetic in the opening half with the Sarsfields holding the whip hand for the most part with a comical goal from Aidan Higgins giving the Sarsfields a toe in the game as they kicked on and landed some fine points with Joe McBrien, Niall Towey, Eoin Flannery and Higgins again putting the Sardfields in control as they led 1-5 to 0-3 in front and were good value for the same.
The Sarsfields continued to turn the screw in all the key pressure areas with McBrien, Towey and Com Mayo landing three further points to leave them sitting pretty on a 1-8 to 0-5 lead at the interval.
The second half was a real topsy turvy affair as the Sarsfields ceded control only to regain it at the death. They were still in control ten minutes into the half as they led by six but the game took a dramatic turn in favour of the visitors as they hit 2-2 in a five minutes blitz to wrestle back control as the Sarsfields shot themselves in the foot with a litany of mistakes as the Stephenites surged 2-10 to 1-9 in front with the Sarsfields, to compound matters, also losing their keeper Kenny Brennan to a black card which looked to be the final nail in their curtain so to speak. Credit to the home side however, they took themselves off the floor with Joe McBrien clipping over a couple of good points from play and frees respectively. The decisive moment of the came moments later when that warrior Aidan Higgins got on the end of a good Ben Conway pass to rifle the ball high and handsome to the net to nudge the Sarsfields one in front once again with Higgins clean strike infusing new found energy into the Sarsfields hearts and legs.
Ballina levelled again with a lightning raid from the back before the peerless Joe McBrien stroked over another beauty for the Ssrsfields to push them one in front once again. The Stephenites were not for turning however as they hit the equaliser with a super Kevin Newell point to claim what looked like a share of the spoils at the very least.
There was time for one more play however and the Sarsfields made it count with the ball landing in the hands of the tireless Niall Towey created a yard of space to get his shot off with the ball sailing between the posts to give the Sarsfields the victory and bring to an end a rousing contest that had much to enthuse over in the second half.
The Sarsfields had stirring performances from Aidan Higgins who bagged 2-1 from play in another display that had class and guile stamped all over it, Joe McBrien was excellent too and landed some classy points from play and placed balls with Niall Towey, Jack Corley, Ben Conway, Enda McLoughlin, Paddy Lenehan, Eoin Flannery, Mike Marren, Niall Fleming and Daniel Harrington, all playing well at various stages and keeping the Sarsfields challenge viable at a time when they looked dead and buried in the second half.
The Sarsfields travel to Ardagh to take on Ardmoy in division 2 of the county U16 league on Thursday, May 16, with the throw-in confirmed for 7pm.
The first semi-final in the revered Honour of the Village competition took place in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, recently with Lavey taking on Curry (2) in an eagerly anticipated clash. Both teams were well fancied to secure their passage to the final but it was Lavey who prevailed as they powered home with some terrific throwing from the get-go. Curry more than played their part but Lavey had all the answers on the night with some storming displays in the doubles providing the platform for their resounding victory. A great night for team Lavey as each and every member of the team stepped up and brought their A game to the ochie with Curry unable to match the levels set by a very good and talented Lavey group.
The second semi-final will feature Curry (1) and Tavneena in what looks a very close game to call with both teams playing at the peak of their powers. Tavneena have a great history and tradition in the competition but Curry (1) have a formidable group of players in their ranks which should make for a great spectacle with a full report to be had in next week`s issue as Lavey sit back and await the winners in the final.
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, email info@hospice.ie.
Charlestown Sarsfields U16 team lost out narrowly to near neighbours Ballaghaderreen in the latest round of fixtures in division 2 of the county U16 league played at Fr O’Hara Park recently. The Ballagh lads came through on a 3-13 to 2-13 scoreline with the Sarsfields disappointed to lose out as they led 2-7 to 1-6 at the interval. Games between the two sides are always invariably close and this latest one was no exception with the visitors upping their level of performance in the second half to take the spoils and the points in what’s a very competitive division indeed. The Sarsfields are still bang in contention to make the play-offs and have a decent shout of progressing if they can bring their A game to the paddock.
There was a tinge of sadness and nostalgia in the eyes and minds of all Charlestown GAA members and supporters alike when the old dressing rooms, located at the front of the entrance to O’Hara Park, were knocked to ground recently after many years of inactivity and inertia. The dressing room building was originally a house which belonged to the Moffit family which the club had an opportunity to purchase when the opportunity arose and this the visionary executive in place at the time decided to do as they converted the existing building into two dressing rooms which served the club’s many teams and opponents for the next fifty years and more.
O’Hara Park played host to many Connacht Championship games throughout the 1950s and 1960s and indeed into the 1970s. O’Hara Park also hosted national league games in the same period with some of the greatest names in Connacht and Gaelic football togging out in the building before going on to display their wares on the hallowed Fr O’Hara sod. The club put a lot of money into the building over the years refurbishing and enhancing them to keep them relevant and up to speed with the demands of club and county football as the quantity of games and size of panels increased which placed extra pressure on the structure as clubs all over the county started to put greater emphasis on the standard of their facilities. The facilities in O’Hara Park were still being used throughout the 1980’s , 90’s and 2000s for national league games with the dressing rooms coming under increasing pressure to cater with the demands for greater comfort and more space.
The club bit the bullet and built four new state of the art dressing rooms which they officially opened in 2004 which rendered the old dressing rooms more or less redundant with their use mainly limited to storage in recent times. The decision to knock them was one that the club executive wrestled with for many years but the correct decision was made (in my humble opinion) as it frees up more parking spaces with lots of potential for other initiatives and ventures which include a new coffee dock which will be in use on all match days big and small. That said it was a poignant day for many of the older members who got their first start and togged out for the first time in the club colours in that building which saw many firm friendships forged and bonds made not to mention the great craic and laughter that was had to balance with the many low days and tough defeats that had to be endured. It’s onwards and upwards however as the club and forward thinking executive continue to improve and develop the facilities for the next generation of Sarsfields players and stars.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, May 8, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 2nd Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, 3rd Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 4th Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne, 5th Frances and Robert Healy, 6th Hilary McCrohan and Carmel Moffitt, 7th Mary O`Malley and Teresa Ward, 8th James Mooney and Mary O’Connell, 9th Tommie O`Malley and Michael Dee, 10th Margaret Kenny and Alison Doohan.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, May 7, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Seamus Durcan and James Cafferty; 2nd Teresa McIntyre and Veronica McCarrick. Raffle winners were Colm Gallagher, Joe Mahon and Teresa McIntyre.
The 4th annual Colm Horkan Memorial Run takes place on Sunday, May 19, with plans already at an advanced stage for a run that continues to capture the imagination like no other within and outside the community. This year’s renewal promises to be the best yet with the Sarsfields GAA Club and East Mayo Athletic Club working in tandem to bring everything to fruition. Both clubs have done a terrific job advertising the run through their social media and digital pages with people flocking to sign up from all corners of the globe with the virtual option making great appeal to the diaspora as it allows people who can’t take part in the physical race to post their time from their various locations all over the world.
This year’s run has three options available to all who would competitors with the 5km, 10km and half-marathon all on the menu so to speak with the entries for each event attracting a wide range of athletes and casual runners and joggers from all walks of life. This is the beauty of the run with a high percentage of walkers and families also signing up to take part hence it promises to be a great day for the organisers, clubs and community of Charlestown as a whole as the man the event continues to moves minds and hearts like no other.
This year’s main sponsor is Brian Forkan Construction who were only too glad to come on board and offer their support which was greatly received and appreciated by the hard working and visionary committee. Honourable mention to local businesses Delaney’s Mace and Supermac’s who are also key players in the overall race sponsorship which the committee are delighted to acknowledge and recognize. Entry to the event is now open where you can register to take part either physically or virtually by visiting popupraces.ie/race/colm-horkan-memorial-run-2024/ or by logging on to the East Mayo Athletics Club and Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club Facebook pages where you can follow the link. Entrants who sign up to take part will receive a custom designed t-shirt made from 100% recycled materials. Custom designed ¼ zip tops are also available for purchase and these are flying out the door as I speak such is the demand and interest. Family 5km entries are also available. The event is worthy of your support with all proceeds going towards the completion of the various stages of the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch &Walkway and East Mayo AC track development. Hit that button and sign up and join the hundreds more who will make their way to the town to take part in an event of an outstanding man whose memory continues to burn brightly in the hearts and minds of so many who knew and admired him.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €3,400 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, May 6, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 2, 18, 23 and 24. The following were the winners of the €20 prizes; Padraic Durcan, Gillian Durcan and Sheena Scanlon.
The latest jackpot increased to €3,500 and the draw was held on Monday night May 13. 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.
Sarsfields Shamrocks made it back to back wins in the division 2 of the county minor league with a convincing 2-16 to 1-11 victory over Davitts in the latest round of fixtures played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown, recently. This victory keeps alive their play-off ambitions with one remaining game to come against Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin who are above them in the table currently. The Sarsfields Shamrocks side had to withstand a rally from Davitts early in the second half as the South Mayo lads reduced their deficit to four points at one stage but a goal from Oisin Maloney steadied the ship and gave them the impetus to push on and kick for home which they duly did. A good all round team performance from the side and one which will please the management team immensely as all lines of the team functioned very well as they defended well as a unit and had the firepower up front to secure the scores.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, May 5, as The Duke and The Magician locked horns in another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was imperious as always in his role at match referee and kept both combatants firmly in tow throughout. The Duke blasted his way to the first set with some scintillating scoring which the Magician could find no answer to. The second set followed a similar script as the number two seed continued to plunder the doubles with rapier like precision. The third set was more of an even contest as The Magician got his eye in so to speak and made much more a game of it as the two men were tied at two legs apiece with the Magician holding the darts for the crucial fifth and deciding leg. The Duke always finds a way however with a couple of 140s putting him in control of the leg as he won the race to the doubles by a distance. He came to the ochie with 36 left on his sheet with the Magician stranded well back in the high 200s. The Duke released his first dart with the utmost conviction and it never deviated from its intended path as it arrowed into the corner of the double eighteen bed to set off wild scenes of celebration among his large support base as they sang his name to the high heavens. This victory completed a great weekend for the Duke and a nice double to boot with Galway taking down Mayo in the Connacht Football Final which made for something interesting chatter deep into the night with some Mayo fans still coming to terms with Galway’s smash and grab win. The Duke was fairly rubbing it in with the Magician joining in the banter as the craic and debate went on long into the night.
