Local Notes: Enjoying the Bicentenary celebrations of St Patrick's church, Glann.
At the dinner to mark the Bicentenary of St Patricks Church Glann, in Julians were from left, Michael John Horkan, Michael, Noreen, Ann and JT Costello. Pic James Hunt Photography.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €13,100 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, September 1,and the following were the four numbers drawn; 8, 13, 34 and 36. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Lukie Doherty and Sinead O’Neill. The latest jackpot increased to €13,200 and the draw was held on Sunday night, September 8.
Charlestown Sarsfields suffered a dispiriting 0-16 to 2-6 loss to Ballyhaunis in round 2 of the group stages of the county senior championship played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently. The Sarsfields will be disappointed with their second half performance as they managed just one solitary second half point in contrast to eight from their opposition which paved the way for a deserved victory for the visitors as they had all the right answers in the second half.
The Sarsfields went in at half-time leading 2-5 to 0-8 with a two goal burst in the last five minutes rescuing them having trailed 0-7 to 0-4 with Ballyhaunis kicking six points out of seven in a flurry of scoring between the tenth and twenty fifth minute which saw them hit the front with the Sarsfields floundering and struggling to get a grip on the black and red runners from deep.
The goals came at a key time for the Sarsfields as Paddy Lenehan was hauled down in the small square having taken a good pass from Paul Towey who duly stepped up and banged the ball low and hard to the keeper’s right to haul the Sarsfields right back into contention. Things got even better for the Sarsfields moments later when a great move involving the Lenehan brothers Matty and Paddy saw the latter place the ball on rushing Jack Mahon with a pinpoint pass and he duly converted in clinical form as he lobbed the ball to the net to put the Sarsfields three in front with Ballyhaunis reeling having played all the football in the middle part of the half.
Both teams swapped points before the half-time whistle arrived with the Sarsfields 2-5 to 0-8 in front and happy to be so having played second fiddle to their East Mayo rivals for large swathes of the first half.
The Sarsfields were looking to pick up where they left off at the start of the second half but it was Ballyhaunis who thundered into the game as they wiped out their three point deficit in a matter of minutes kicking three quick fire points from frees and play to grab control of the contest.
The Sarsfields were coming under pressure to win any kind of ball in the key middle third battle ground as Ballyhaunis redoubled their efforts in that area with the ageless Keith Higgins giving a master class in terms of reading game as he mopped up a world of ball and carried it forward with purpose and conviction always ensuring the final pass was an incisive one. He got great support from the likes of Liam Herr, Brian O’Neill, Jack Coyne and Pa Kiely as the Sarsfieds attacks started to run aground with frustrating regularity.
Eamon Phillips punished every Sarsfields indiscretion with unerring accuracy as the game drifted away from the hosts with Ballyhaunis two points clear as the game ticked into the final ten minutes.
The Sarsfields finally broke their scoring duck with a Paul Towey free which hinted at a revival of some sorts but it never materialised as chances were spurned from good scoring positions which only gave greater oxygen to the Ballyhaunis challenge as they continued to run hard down the central channels and find gaps in the Sarsfields rearguard which led to either a score or a free from an advantageous position. The visitors managed the game well to the final whistle as they shut down any Sarsfields danger at source with Higgins, Coyne, Herr and Carney in no mood to cough up any goal chances for the Sarsfields as they kept a tight rein on Sarsfields dangerman Paul Towey, who, to be fair, had very little support in his attempts to prise open a well manned Ballyhaunis defensive line.
The black and red clipped over two fine points at the death, with the last one, a terrific score from Jack Coyne which sealed the Sarsfields fate as the final whistle sounded shortly after.
It was a grim second half performance from the Sarsfields with only one solitary white flag to show for their overall efforts. The big players on the Ballyhaunis side all cale to the fore when the fat was in the fire as they ran with conviction and tackled aggressively and stymied the Sarsfields in every line of the field most notably from midfield in where all the Sarsfields attacking efforts floundered. Ballyhaunis were deserving winners on the day as they had all the right answers to the hard questions that were posed to them at the start of the second half.
The Sarsfields have a big job of work ahead of them as they get ready to face Garrymore in the final match of the group with all known form and evidence indicating a tough day in store for the green and white. They have, however, a chance to atone for their woeful second half fade out and will need a massive team performance with a lot of soul searching to be done in the lead-up to this huge game. Honourable mention to the likes of Fergal Quinn, Ruairi Cullen, Paul Towey and Paddy Lenehan who tried manfully to front up and ignite the Sarsfields challenge but their efforts faltered in the face of a Ballyhaunis team that had a real sense of conviction about them in everything they did in the second half.
One to one piano/keyboard lessons catering for all ages are available in the Charlestown area. Contact Carmel on 086 3271196 for more information.
Katie Mairead Dance School is now enrolling for September. They offer fun, friendly dance classes for children from age 3 years upwards. For more information, contact Ms. Katie on 089 4079074 or register your child on https://katie-mairead-ds.classforkids.io. Once registered and paid your child’s place is secured. Ballet is perfect for building confidence, keeping children fit and helping to improve posture and co-ordination. The classes take place in a safe, supportive and fun environment with a fully qualified dance teacher. A structured progression through all aspect of dance, from technique and performance to good manners and attire are offered.
Autumn 5km Series
The East Mayo Athletics Club have launched their Autumn 5km series programme which involves five races at a number of venues in the Charlestown and surrounding hinterlands. They are extremely grateful to the local businesses for their sponsorship of the event namely Hegarty’s Centra, Bellaghy, Jenny’s Cafe Charlestown and Tubbercurry and From the Ground Up 2020 who have very kindly come on board with some very welcome and generous sponsorship. The first 5km takes place in Curry on Saturday, September 21, with the race having a €5 entry fee or €20 for all five races. Registration takes place at 9.30am with the race having a 10am start.
The Curry terrain is a nice flat course with registration details to be found on the excellent East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook Page. The series represents an ideal opportunity to get out and work up a sweat and start the Autumn/Winter season with a new fitness regime with exercise forming a regular part of many people’s working week. For more information on the event(s) contact Trina on 087 9809259 or Peter 086 3158254.
Sympathy is extended to Martin Donohue, Hagfield, Charlestown, on the death of his brother Peter Donohue who died in Leicester, England recently; the death took place recently of Bernard (Bernie) Gallagher, Castlebar and Barnacogue; and the death took place in Philadelphia, USA, recently of Kathleen Bennett (nee Harrington), formerly of Bushfield, Charlestown, sister of Eileen Lavin, Lavey, Charlestown, and Liz Brett, Dublin. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Mayo Karate are enrolling new members this September. Students from five years of age and upwards may be enrolled. Beginners may avail of a two week free trial beginning in the Foxford Leisure Centre on Tuesday, September 10 or at the Bohola Community Centre on Wednesday, September 11. Both venues have a start tome of 6pm. For more information contact the coach Aaron McLoughlin at 086 0657738.
Rinka is coming to the CBD Sport and Recreational Centre, Charlestown, on Saturday mornings for the following age groups; 9.10am for ages 3-5 and 10am for ages 6 and upwards. Classes are packed with activities that keep kids engaged, active and loving every moment. Classes focus on helping children build strength and improve their fitness levels, ensuring steady progress in a fun and supportive environment. Kids will make new friends, work in teams and develop social skills in a supportive environment. Through mastering new challenges, children build new confidence that carries over into other areas of life. Booking is now open and for more information and to book check out https://rinka-kids-fitness.classforkids.io/term128.
Mayo Fire Service are looking to recruit retained fire-fighters to serve the local community around Charlestown and recruitment is now open on www.mayo.ie.careers/current-vacancies.
Charlestown Sarsfields travel to Ballinrobe to take on the locals in the county U15 division 2 grading league on Thursday, September 12, with the throw-in confirmed for 7pm.
Charlestown Sarsfields square up to old rivals Garrymore in the final round of group matches in the county senior championship on Saturday, September 14, with the Davitts GAA grounds in Ballindine providing the venue for a game with an awful lot riding on it in terms of qualification from the group. The throw-in has been confirmed for 5.45pm with a large crowd expected to descend on the South Mayo village as the teams go head to head for the umpteenth time in the senior championship.
The Sarsfields are on something of a retrieval mission having been soundly defeated by Ballyhaunis in their last outing while Garrymore come into the game bouncing having overturned a seven point second half deficit against Castlebar Mitchels to gain a draw with the county town hanging on for grim life as Garrymore pushed hard for a winner. The Sarsfields will go into the game as big underdogs as they have much ground to make up in terms of performance with their second half fadeout against Ballyhaunis still very raw among team and management. They will have to find a new level to take down the renowned championship battlers that Garrymore are with the game having a real do or die feel about it which only adds a bit of spice and edge to proceedings.
The Sarsfields have been badly hit with injuries which has reduced the strength of their panel enormously but they have plenty of motivation to bring into the game as championship clashes between the two are never dull with plenty of blood and thunder expected if past games are anything to go by. The countdown to the clash is well and truly underway with all eyes on the big prize in Ballindine with both teams destiny firmly in their own hands.
Irish classes are starting at Carracastle Community Centre this September. Contact Patrick at 085 7704647 for more details and to provisionally book your place.
The wedding took place at St. James’s Church, Charlestown, recently of Michael Finn, son of Michael and Teresa Finn, Puntabeg, Charlestown, and Shannon Kelly, daughter of Michael Kelly and Bernie Tarpey. The ceremony was performed by Fr Tommy Johnson PP, Charlestown. Best-man was Simon Craig, friend of the groom and groomsmen were Colin Flannery, James Sheehan, Brandon Seville and Ryan Kelly. Chief bridesmaid was Pamela Sheehan, sister of the bride and the other bridesmaids were Shari-Anne Wilkins, Roseanne Dixon, Michelle Finn and Katie Hoban. Flower-girl was Grace Finn and Pageboy was Daithi Cannon. The reception was held in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on Shannon, Co. Leitrim. Michael and Shannon are wished every good wish for the future, health and happiness and many years of wedded bliss.
Charlestown Drama Group are planning an upcoming production before Christmas and are looking for people to help out with lighting, stage sets, props, make-up, wardrobes and roles in the production. Meetings will be held in the coming weeks in the Town Hall Arts Centre and all are welcome to attend.
Step Aerobics with GG take place in Derrincartha-Cloontia Community Centre on Tuesdays at 8pm. Register interest for this class by texting 086 3776190.
There was a good turnout at the weekly summer bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday, August 28, at 8pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Michael and Patricia Brennan; 2nd Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne; 3rd Robert and Frances Healy; 4th Mary O`Connell and Carmel Moffitt; 5th Paddy and Patricia Colleran.
The death took place in Bolton, England, of Rosemary Flannery, daughter of Eileen and the late Andy Flannery, formerly of Gowel, Carracastle. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, September 3, at 8.30pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Veronica McCarrick, 2nd Darby and Breege Leonard. Raffle winners were Michael Lynskey, Mary O’Hara and Colm Gallagher.
The Ireland West Airport annual runway 5k takes place on Saturday, September 14 at 6.30pm. All proceeds raised from the event will go towards the airport’s six (6) charity partners for 2024; ACT for Meningitis, BUMBLEance, Down Syndrome Ireland (Mayo Branch), Irish Red Cross, Mayo Mountain Rescue and Western Care Association. Entry to the event costs €20 per adult and €5 for U16s. A special family rate of €40 will be available for families of 2 adults and 2 kids. All participants will receive a race t-shirt and complimentary car parking will be provided on the day. Participants can register or find more information by visiting www.irelandwestairport.com/runwayfun.
Mayo Training Institute in Castlebar are running QQI Care Skills, QQI Care of the Older Person and Patient Moving and Handling Course, for 7 days over 4 weeks, classroom based. Dates are September 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, October 2 and 3. Contact 094 9027587 or email info@mayotraininginstitute.ie for further information.
Culture Night will be celebrated at Carracastle Community Centre on Friday, September 20, at 8pm with award winning film ‘Skylark’ being showcased, followed by musicians. Entry is free and all are welcome to attend.
Senior Strength and Conditioning classes with chair-based exercises start at Carracastle Community Centre on Wednesday September 11, at 11am. For more information and to book your place, contact Sarah at 086 3879635.
Carracastle Lass Festival will be held on Saturday, October 19, at Caracastle Community Centre at 9pm. If any business/company would like to donate towards the running costs of this event contact carracstlelass@gmail.com for further information.
Acrobatic Arts Classes is starting in September with Katie Mairead Dance School at the Charlestown Arts Centre. For more information contact Katie on 089 407 9074 or https:///katie-mairead-ds-classforkids.io To view a taster of these classes check out https://www.facebook.com/katiemaireadds.
If anyone would like to get involved with the club for the coming season in a coaching role or otherwise an Intro to Coaching Basketball Course, a 1 day course takes place in the Lakeside Sports and Fitness Centre, Station Road, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo (F31 YT18) on Saturday, September 14 or Sunday, September 15. For more information checkout the Charlestown Cubs Basketball Page or email Ballinrobebasketballclub@gmail.com.
This would be a great starting point for anybody wishing to pursue an interest in getting involved in coaching with the club, as the numbers the club is catering for continue to grow at a phenomenal rate. The cost of the course is reimbursed by the club. The Cubs would love more people to join them as they look to build on the terrific successes they have enjoyed over the course of the last three years or so.
The death took place at his residence, Barroe, Carracastle, Co. Mayo of Andrew Vesey. His remains were removed to St James’s Church, Carracastle, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to Carracastle Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Josie, brother William, sister Bernadette, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
The late Andy as he was affectionately known was a well respected and much loved member of the communities of Barroe, Carracastle and beyond. He had a very friendly disposition and had an innate sense of kindness about him that was always on display in his daily interactions with family and friends. The large crowds who attended the removal of his remains and subsequent burial was ample proof of the esteem and affection in which he was held and we tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
Mayo-Roscommon Hospice are looking for people to host a coffee morning /evening with family, friends, work colleagues on National Coffee Morning for the Hospice, on Thursday, September 26, or on another more suitable date. Register for a free pack online at https://www.hospice.ie or email info@hospice.ie or call 094 9388666. Donations are welcome online at www.hospice.ie. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Accord Catholic Marriage Care Service CLG is currently running a marriage preparation course in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris on weekend of September 20/21. Bookings can be made on Accord website www.accord.ie or 087 9972503.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2800 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, September 2, and the four numbers drawn were as follows; 6, 9, 11 and 26. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; Winnie Haran, Elaine McDonagh and John Feeney.
The latest jackpot increased to €2,900 and the draw took place on Monday night September 9.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, September 1, as Podsie and Boom Boom fought it out in another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was immense in his role as referee and ensured both men towed the party line at all times. Podsie blazed out of the blocks and took the first set in some style with a clean sweep as he reeled off three quick fire legs on the bounce. Boom Boom hit back to square the match in set two as he raised his level considerably on his first set showing. This stung the top seed into action and he wasted no time on regaining control, winning the next two sets with some sizzling arrows as every dart seemed to find the green doubles baize with seemingly relative ease. Boom Boom looked in distinct trouble at the start of the fourth set but he showed commendable character to steady the ship winning the first two legs with some deadeye accuracy when among the doubles. This left him one leg away from levelling the match at two sets apiece but Podsie, stung by two poor legs by his decidedly high standards, roared back into the match winning the next two legs with some terrific pegging. This set him up nicely for victory as he won the fifth and deciding leg as well with a vintage finish of 170 almost bringing the rook down such was the electricity evident in the arena when his last dart piecing the centre of the bull to roars of approval from his huge band of supporters. Boom Boom was floored but was most sporting and gracious in defeat as he hugged the number one seed who took the winner’s podium for the tenth time this season.
