Local Notes: Eugene Harrington retires from An Post with a function in Garvey's Dew Drop Inn, Charlestown.
Eugene Harrington (2nd left ) pictured with some of his former work colleagues Val Lenehan, Mary Gavaghan and David Duffy on the occasion of his retirement from An Post at a function to mark the same held in Garvey’s Dew Drop Inn Charlestown.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €11,700 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, May 26, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 8, 10, 17 and 27. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Dean O’Connor and Sharon Egan. The latest jackpot increased to €11,800 and the draw was held on Sunday night, June 2.
Lavey Beg rolled back the years with an excellent 5-3 victory over Tavneena in the 2024 Honour of the Village darts final played before a packed audience at the splendidly appointed Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown recently.
This was a clash between two teams with a long and proud history in the competition with both having their names engraved on the trophy many times over the competition’s prime existence. Both teams were well supported on the night with darts enthusiasts from all corners of the community thronging to the venue to see who would be crowned the 2024 champions.
Lavey Beg powered by the Craig trio of Simon, Dylan and Adam ably supported by James Kilroy and the veteran of many a village final Sean Kenny took control with some excellent throwing in the doubles which saw them annex a 2-0 lead as Tavneena, skippered by John Paul Doherty, found it hard to compete with the high standard being set by their Lavey Beg opponents.
The Lavey Beg team carried this form into the singles with each and every one of their team playing at the peak of their powers as they continued to make the running when it came to the all important art of finishing. Tavneena staged a revival of sorts in the singles as they managed to win two to narrow the deficit but Lavey Beg were not for turning as they continued to come up with all the answers and never looked like relinquishing their lead as they kept their heads when the tension was at its greatest and managed the game well with the veteran Sean Kenny using his guile and drawing on his many years of experience in these types of situations to guide his team over the line as Lavey Beg celebrated with great gusto as they claimed the title for the first time in many a long year.
Tavneena gave it everything they had but they were on the back foot after the doubles and never looked like overhauling a focused and fired up Lavey Beg side who were worthy winners on the night and took their place on an illustrious roll of honour in a competition that continues top thrill and enthral in equal measure. The cup was presented to the victorious Lavey Beg skipper Sean Kenny to great acclaim as the curtain came down on a superb competition that drew huge crowds to each and every game. Hats off to Fergus and Grainne Marren who ran a super competition and had everything organised to a tee with all teams complimentary of the hospitality they were shown for every match they participated in. A fine final to bring to an end a thrilling competition with all eyes already turning to 2025 and the next staging of a tournament that never fails to entertain and beguile.
Vision Ireland, previously known as NCBI, is currently seeking volunteers to assist in its Swinford store. The store is also accepting donations of womens and mens clothing and shoes as well as small pieces of furniture. For further information- visit the store in Swinford, call Jessica on 087 482 7468 or email swinford.retail@vi.ie.
Charlestown Sarsfields made it back to back wins in Division 1A of the county senior league with a crucial and hard fought 0-10 to 0-8 victory over Ballina Stephenites in a grim tussle played at James Stephens Park, Ballina recently.
Both teams were well below full strength with the county champions particularly depleted as they were missing a galaxy of their stars with the Sarsfields minus their star men from the previous week Matt Lenehan and Paul Towey both of whom were unavailable on the night.
Things looked ominous for the Sarsfields as Ballina landed two quick fire points but the visitors gradually worked their way back into the contest with Paddy Goldrick assuming the free taking duties which he embraced with poise as he clipped over two early nerve testers to bring the green and white level as the game began to fall into a familiar pattern.
The Sarsfields were solid and compact in defence and were determined not to concede any goals as they put a ring of steel around the D and this ploy served them well as they thwarted and turned over the home side on numerous occasions.
Scores were hard to come by for both sides however but the Sarsfields had enough of an attacking threat to unsettle the Stephenites defence as they fouled needlessly on occasions with Paddy Goldrick flawless in terms of his kicking as he knocked over three further points from a myriad of distances to keep the Sarsfields noses in front with Niall Fleming landing a beauty from near the touchline to leave the Sarsfields 0-6 to 0-4 ahead at the interval and full value for their lead it must be said as they should have been much further ahead but for some errant shooting which spoiled some fine approach play.
The second half followed much the same theme as the first with both teams grappling for supremacy in the middle third. The Stephenites won lots of possession but their conversion rate was very poor as they butchered a number of chances from frees and play which all fed into the Sarsfields rising confidence as they landed the opening two points with Goldrick and Kiefer Craig on the mark as the Sarsfields continued to probe and retain possession intelligently.
The Sarfields missed a couple of great chances to extend their lead and it looked like it might come back to bite them as the home side shook off their lethargy and landed the next two points to make it a one score game. The Sarsfields suffered a further blow when Paddy Lenehan was black carded somewhat harshly in this writer’s opinion and this gave the Stephenites efforts further oxygen as they gradually assumed control in the middle third battleground.
The Sarsfields held firm however despite the fact Ballina had the deficit reduced to one point with Goldrick kicking another pressure free to push the lead out to two as the Sarsfields led 0-9 to 0-7 with the game entering stoppage time.
The Stephenites weren’t done yet with another point from a free giving them a real chance of getting something out of the game. The Sarsfields were teetering but they forced a crucial turnover on their own forty five with Ruairi Cullen finding Paddy Goldrick with an excellent pass on the transition with Goldrick having enough smarts to drive hard at the Ballina defender thus winning a free albeit from a difficult angle. The degree of difficulty was made an awful lot easier as the referee punished some backchat from the home side with Goldrick dissecting the black spot as the ball pierced the posts with conviction.
The Stephenites hadn’t the time to reply with the referee’s final whistle sounding almost immediately with the Sarsfields thrilled to secure the points which propels them up the table and puts some real distance between them and the teams below them. The Sarsfields had good performances from Niall Drudy, Jack Corley, Gerard McLoughlin and Fergal Quinn in defence with Ben Conway, Alan Woods and Kenny Brennan also performing well and contributing to a good all round defensive performance.
Gareth O’Donnell and Paddy Goldrick had a great tussle with their immediate opponents and more than held their own with Goldrick’s place kicking a real bonus as he kicked 0-7 of the Sarsfield’s final total.
The attack has had better nights in terms of scoring but they battled and scrapped for every scintilla of possession with Ruairi Cullen, Mike Marren and Kiefer Craig very much to the fore with Craig once again proving a very useful source of possession from kick outs as he fielded majestically on occasions. Paddy Lenehan, Niall Fleming and Jack Brennan also had their moments in what was a good victory for the Sarsfields and one which well prove pivotal in terms of consolidating their division one status.
The death took place recently at St Attracta’s Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown, of Jimmy Quinn, Lavey Heights, and formerly of Carn, Charlestown. His remains were removed to St James’s Church, Charlestown and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the Cemetery of the Resurrection.
Jimmy is survived by his sister Bernadette, niece Nuala, nephews Brian, Anthony, Chris and Peter, relatives, neighbours and friends. The late Jimmy was a well known and popular character in the community who was renowned for his wit and humour. He always had a smile on his face and enjoyed life and lived it in the best way he knew how. Time spent in Jimmy’s company was to be treasured and his passing is deeply regretted. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
Charlestown Sarsfields U16 team qualified for the division 3 league final by virtue of their thrilling 2-16 to 4-9 victory over Breaffy in a cracking semi-final played at the Breaffy GAA grounds recently.
This was a game that captivated and enthralled from the throw-in as both teams went at it hammer and tongs for the duration. The Sarsfields had to endure many anxious moments as Breaffy had a real goal threat in their ranks as their final tally would indicate.
The Sarsfields had their own aces in attack too with the twin threat of Danny Breheny and Shea Haran terrorising the Breaffy rearguard with their guile, pace and movement at the heart of many of the Sarsfields best and most inspirational scores. That said there was never more than a fingernail between the sides at any stage in a pulsating encounter with the outcome in doubt right to the final whistle.
That the Sarsfields hung on is ample proof of the spirit and moral fibre in the team with each and every player putting in a real shift to carry the green and white lads over the line thus ensuring qualification for a final showdown with Ardmoy. A terrific night for the Sarsfields team and club as they look forward to another tilt at silverware with plenty of grounds for optimism in the camp as there are some excellent players in this group in every line of the pitch.
The goal scorers Danny Breheny and Shea Haran were pivotal to the Sarsfields triumph with Matthew Horkan, Dean O’Toole, Sean Breheny, Mason McCudden and Ryan McDonagh also excelling as well.
Well done to the management team of Ryan O’Connor, Gareth O’Donnell and Donal Healy who have invested a lot of hard work and time into this group as they look to take one more step and bag a cup to boot.
Sympathy is extended to Joshy Lukose, Lavey Manor, Charlestown, on the death of his mother Mariakutty Joshy which occurred in India recently.
Congratulations are extended to Elaine Doherty, daughter of TJ and Eileen Doherty, Lurga, Charlestown, on her recent marriage to Damien McLoughlin, Ballintubber, Co Mayo, which took place at St. James’s Church, Charlestown. Elaine and Damien are wished every good wish for the future, health and happiness and many years of wedded bliss.
The Sarsfields junior team suffered a narrow 0-7 to 1-3 loss to Burrishoole in round 4 of division 3 of the county junior league in their latest outing played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown, recently. Conditions were terrible on the day with biblical like rain making life extremely difficult for both sets of players with the pitch holding water in several areas.
The game became a grind with mistakes galore being made on both sides as the visitors took the lead early doors and kept the Sarsfields at arm’s length for much of the remainder of the contest.
It turned into a real low scoring affair with Niall Towey the only point scorer for the Sarsfields in the opening half as the rain and surface water continued to mitigate against any kind of good, free flowing football.
The script changed little in the second half with the visitors tagging on a few more points to push their lead out as the Sarsfields struggled to get anything going in their forward line.
The visitors were in good shape heading down the home straight as they led 0-7 to 0-3 with little hint of any kind of a Sarsfields revival arriving to derail their hopes of victory. Right on cue the Sarsfields were handed a life line when the veteran Enda Casey rolled back the years to crash the ball to the net in the dying embers but it proved to be too little too late as the Newport men clung on for dear life to claim the points with the Sarsfields late charge ultimately coming up short.
Credit to both teams for trying to play football in such horrendous conditions with both sets of players giving their all in pursuit of the points.
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.
The following are the results from the recent Colm Horkan Memorial Run which took place in Charlestown on Sunday, May 19. The first three home in the Men’s 5km were as follows; 1st Alan Dunne 16.58, 2nd Conor McLoughlin (Moy Valley AC) 18.05, 3rd Finbar Farrelly 18.17. The first 3 home in the Ladies 5km were as follows; 1st Roxanne Sands (Moy Valley AC) 18.17, 2nd Nicola Lenehan (Sports World AC) 20.05, 2nd Sarah Sloyan 20.09, 3rd Judith Campbell (Galway City Harriers AC ) 20.12.
The first 3 home in the Men’s 10km run were as follows; 1st Eoin Gallagher (Swinford AC) 38.04, 2nd Brendan Gill 39.00, 3rd Sean Irwin 39.28. In the Ladies 10km section the following were the first three home : 1st Donna Gallagher (Swinford AC) 42.01, 2nd Abigail Colleran (Galway City Harriers AC) 43.22, 3rd Deirdre Corcoran (Mayo AC) 44.59.
In the half marathon the first three men home were as follows; 1st John Byrne 1.18.59, 2nd David Tiernan 1.21.09, 3rd Kieran Campbell 1.23.51 while the first three ladies home in the half marathon were as follows; 1st Deirdre Martin (Carrick-on-Shannon AC) 1.30.29, 2nd Trina Donohue (East Mayo AC ) 1.37.23, 3rd Marie McDonald (South Sligo AC) 1.38.38.
The Sarsfields travel to Parke to take on Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin in round 6 of the Division 1 A of the county senior league on Saturday, June 15, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
There was a good turnout at the final bridge game of the season held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, May 29, and the following were the prizewinners;1st Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty; 2nd James Mooney and Mary O`Connell; 3rd Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne; 4th Hilary McCrohan and Carmel Moffitt.
Summer bridge kicks off for the next couple of months at the usual time of 8pm in Walsh’s Bar and players from other clubs are more than welcome to come along and pit their wits against the locals and there will be a full results service in next week’s column.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 Card Drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, May 28, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Miko Sheridan and Vincent Brennan; 2nd Seamus Durcan and James Cafferty. Raffle winners were Seamus Durcan, Breege Leonard and Mary O’Hara.
The game takes place every Tuesday night at 8.30pm in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, and all are welcome with new members are especially welcome.
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 is needed. Further information from Monica Morley, 094 9375320.
Charlestown, Bellaghy and Districts Development Association will host their monthly community coffee morning on Friday, June 7, in the Arts Centre from 11am -1pm. The community coffee morning is an enjoyable way to pass a few hours for the day. Come along for a cup of tea/coffee and a chat.
The death took place recently at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, of Jan Borzensky, Sarsfields Manor, Charlestown, and formerly of Slovakia. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
The pretty wedding took place last weekend at St James’s Church, Carracastle, of Aine Marren, daughter of James and the late Marian Marren, Cloonaweema, Charlestown and Declan McLoughlin, son of Kathleen and the late Eugene McLoughlin, Barrack Street, Charlestown. The ceremony was performed by Fr Gerry Davey PP, Carracastle. Bestman was Noel McLoughlin, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were Ruairi Gallagher, Brian Gavaghan and Kieran Flatley, friends of the groom. Maid of Honour was Katherine Regan, sister of bride and bridesmaids were Eilis Gibbons, sister of the bride, Rebekah O’Donoghue friend of the bride and Cailin Marren, niece of the bride. Flowergirls were Kaitlyn Regan, Fiadh Marren, Maria Gibbons, nieces of the bride and Kayla Flatley, niece of the groom. Pageboys were Donnacha Marren, Ruadhan Marren, nephews of the bride and Alfie McLoughlin, nephew of the groom. The reception was held in the Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan. Aine and Declan are wished every good wish for the future, health and happiness and many years of wedded bliss.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €3,600 in the weekly drawheld on Monday night, May 27, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 1, 7, 15 and 21. The following were the winners of the €20 prizes; Caroline Donoghue, Colm Connolly and Carmel McDonagh.
The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on Monday, June 3, was increased to €3,800. 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.
Grow is a mental health support program based on lived experience. This mean Grow groups are a meeting of peers, who are striving to develop and maintain good mental health. If you would like to know more, you can call your local Grow office on 1800 558 268. You can also register for ‘Welcome to Grow’, the online orientation session. This will give you an introduction to how meetings work and an opportunity to ask questions. You can also search for a group close by to you by using Find a Group and just turning up. No registrations are needed.
The Legion of Mary meeting takes place every Tuesday evening in the Charlestown Pastoral Centre at 8pm.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, May 26, as The Magician and the Pillock fought out another enthralling instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus had to be at his best to maintain law and order and tempers became frayed on several occasions. The Pillock made the better start and surged into a one set lead with some big scoring and keen finishing. The Magician hit back to win the next two however he found some real form among the doubles as he finished with razor sharp accuracy.
The Pillock regained a modicum of control in the fourth and forced the game into a deciding set with some timely sharp shooting among the doubles. The fifth set was a real ding-dong struggle as fortunes ebbed and flowed throughout. The Pillock looked set for victory when he led 2-1 in legs but the Magician weaved some magic to level matters and this momentum stayed with him in the final leg as he took out 136 to seal a spectacular victory with the Pillock in a state of total disbelief as he looked to have the match within his grasp.
The Magician remains a doughty competitor however and this victory was rooted in resilience and spirit as he claimed his third title of the season, his first in some months mind.
