Local notes from Charlestown
Some dedicated volunteers and committee members working hard in the Charlestown Community Organic Garden.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €8,300 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, September 24, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 1, 29, 33 and 34. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Noel Gallagher and Therse Fagan, c/o Goldie. The latest jackpot increased to €8400 and the draw was held on Sunday night, October 1.
The Cubs Basketball club is getting ready for the new season with a number of underage teams back on the court and training hard in preparation for the various leagues they will be competing in with all league competitions expected to kick off in early to mid October. The club have had a very successful few years since their inception in 2021 and they are looking forward to plenty more great nights in the CBD Sports and Recreation Centre with some fine talent available to the club at all grades. More news on training times and fixtures in the coming weeks as the club gets ready to go at it hard and provide plenty in the way of thrills and spills for the new season.
Charlestown Organic Community Garden are delighted to report that several new volunteers have come on board following their recent appeal. They include Sr. Elsie Gilmartin, Rita Walsh, Ian and Christina Sherwood to compliment the regular team which includes Paddy Casey, Sarah and Nadia McCann, Jack McCann, Mary and Kay McIntyre. More new members are more than welcome as the committee continue to do some excellent work growing and cultivating their own plants and vegetables and a little piece of heaven and earth in their lovely location adjacent to St James`s Church
Flourish Social Prescribing Service in conjunction with the HSE are delivered through The Family Centre, Castlebar, is now available in the Charlestown/Carracastle and surrounding East Mayo area. Lisa is the link worker in the area and is available to confidentially meet you to discuss ways in which you can connect with your local community.
Do you sometimes feel your life could be more enjoyable? Have you recently experienced a change in life such as retirement, a health issue, becoming a parent, change in employment, new to your area, relationship changes, etc? If so, Flourish is maybe for you. Flourish will also be running programmes in the East Mayo area over the Autumn/Winter period such as ‘The John Hoban Music Circle’, ‘Introduction to Journalling Workshop’, ‘Reconnect to Well-Being’, walk and talk groups and more. Contact Lisa for fir further details on 086 2599699 or email lmarren.flourish@thefamilycentre.com or check out the website www.familycentre.com/flourish Flourish Social Prescribing Service is free of charge.
The Further Education Centre, Swinford is offering computer and business courses to people over 21 in receipt of Social Welfare. If you fit that category why not consider joining one of these courses?
The courses are full time and all the course materials, including lap-tops are provided. The courses also offer family friendly hours, small class numbers and QQI accreditation. Further information from Emer at 086 0610009 or email swinford.hub@mayocollege.ie.
Music lessons have started again in Cloonfinish on Monday evenings with Adele and Joe Greene, with one to one tuition on piano, fiddle, banjo, harp and ukulele for all ages. New enquiries welcome. Phone /text 085 1532109 or email info.dulahan@gmail.com.
There was a good turnout at the first bridge game of the season held in Walsh`s Bar , Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday, September 20 and the following were the prize winners; 1st Tom Dunne and Mary Lynskey, 2nd Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne, 3rd Frances and Robert Healy, 4th Carmel Moffitt and Maureen Walsh, 5th Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 6th Mary O`Connell and Elsie Jackson, 7th Alison Doohan and Michael Ryan, 8th Sinead Quinn and Melinda Mulligan, 9th Charles and Mae Quinn, 10th Margaret Kenny and Noelle Spellman.
Regular Bridge resumes every Wednesday night in Walsh`s Bar Main Street, Charlestown at 8pm and all are welcome to attend.
The information centre on Bohernasup, Ballin,a is open to everyone in the community. They provide options, supports and guidance for individuals and their families experiencing mental health difficulties. The information centre provides a confidential sign posting and the drop-in service is open Monday to Wednesday from 9.30am to 4pm. Call 096 71492 for more information.
Accord have opened new offices in Ballaghdereen and are offering counselling facilities for couples to explore, reflect upon and resolve difficulties in their marriage and relationships. For more information contact 086 0667389 or email accordcharlestown@gmail.com.
Ballet classes continue in the CBD Sport and Recreational Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown, on Wednesday evenings. Contact Ms Katie on 089 4079074 for more information or register your child on the following link https://katie-mairead-ds.classforkids.io.
There was a good turnout, the best of the year so far at the weekly 25 card drive held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Tuesday night, September 26, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Breege Leonard and Packie-Joe Kennedy; 2nd Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally. Raffle winners were Seamus Durcan, Darby Leonard and Packie-Joe Kennedy.
A game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm in Walsh’s Bar and all are welcome especially new members.
Tracey’s Lane at Bushfield, Charlestown is open for walkers. It is a lovely, tranquil walk located in Bushfield, Charlestown. It is a short, 30 minute loop with parking available at Bushfield Church for those who wish to do the lane walk or the longer loop walk.
Regarding the funding the committee are near the target but still have a bit to go to finish the lane, entrance, signage, etc. If you would like to support the Memorial to Tracey, the Go Fund Me Page is still active. The Farrell family and committee would really appreciate your support.
A public meeting will be held in Cloonlyon National School on Tuesday (this evening) at 8pm. If you have any ideas, suggestions or questions regarding the lane please come along and give your opinion. All are welcome.
Charlestown Choir Practice has recommenced on Thursday evenings at 7pm in St James’s Church, Charlestown. New and returning members are welcome. For more information contact Carmel on 086 3271106.
Piano/Keyboard lessons are available in the Charlestown area with RIAM exam preparation or learn for fun. All ages are welcome. Contact Carmel on 086 3271196 for more information.
Tara’s Annual Fun Run/Walk for fun will take place on Saturday, October 7. Registration starts at 11am at Killasser Community Centre and the run/walk starts from the same venue at 12 noon.
All abilities are welcome to come along for some fun either the 5km or 10km routes. Adult registration is €10 and children are €5. Refreshments and raffle in the community centre. All proceeds to Killasser Community Centre and the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice.
Ward Agricultural Consultants ACRES training days continue on Saturdays, October 7 and 14, respectively. Call Siobhan on 087 9193371 to book your place on the course. The course is mandatory for all farmers who joined ACRES.
The Smith-Reilly School of Irish Dancing has resumed on Thursday evenings in the CBD Sport and Recreational Centre. Beginners classes take place from 5-6.15pm with advanced classes running from 5-6.45pm. All are welcome and for more information check out the Smith-Reilly Facebook and Instagram pages.
Pilates classes take place every Monday evening in the Town Hall Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown, at 8pm. To book a place contact 087 6471919 or email taragh.cosgrove@gmail.com.
The Charlestown Sarsfields U15 team travel to Ballinrobe to take on the locals in the county U15 league on Sunday, October 8, with the throw-in time confirmed for 11am.
The Sarsfields host near neighbours Swinford in Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown on Saturday, October 7, in the county U13 grading league with the throw-in timed for 11am.
Well done to the Charlestown Athletic FC U16 team who qualified for the second round of the Connnacht cup with a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Athenry in a super context played at the Athenry soccer grounds recently. This victory was all the more commendable as Athenry are traditionally one of the stronger underage teams in Galway but they were matched all the way by a skilful and determined Charlestown Athletic eleven who never took a backward step and were fully deserving of this victory which puts them into the hat for round two. Charlestown FC scored some outstanding penalties when the tension was at its greatest which augurs well for their chances of a good run in a competition that contains some quality teams in each and every county. Well done to the management team on a great result and here’s hoping they get a plum home draw in round two.
St Vincent De Paul respects the dignity of those who contact them, offering assistance and advice when sought, assisting people towards long term self-sufficiency in a relationship of friendship, trust and confidentiality. If you need them contact 086 8892098.
Living Well is a programme for adults 18 years and over It is suitable for those who are living with one or more long term health conditions and for those caring with someone with a long-term health condition. This is an online course and there are still a few place available. For more information contact Fiona on 087 7185615.
The death took place recently of Michael Cooke, Palmfield, Carracastle. Deepest sympathies are extended to the bereaved.
Keep-fit classes with chair based exercises for seniors will start at Carracastle Community Centre on Wednesday, October 4, at 11am. For more information and to book your place contact Sarah at 086 3879635.
The Charlestown senior ladies hosted Westport in round 2 of the ladies senior championship in Fr O’Hara Park recently with the Sarsfields ladies keen to build on their terrific performance in securing a draw against reigning county champions Burrishoole in round one played the other week.
Sadly from a Sarsfields perspective defeat proved to be their lot as the West Mayo ladies made away with the spoils as they came through on a 3-8 to 2-7 victory with the local ladies disappointed not to have prevailed in a game of tight margins.
There was little or nothing between the teams in the opening half as they matched each other score for score with both teams having a right go as they poured forward at every opportunity.
The Sarsfields were more than holding their own and if anything had slight edge in the possession and territorial stakes in the first thirty but Westport hung in and clung on to the coattails of the green and white with Deirdre Doherty the goal scorer for the local ladies as the game was beautifully poised at 1-4 apiece at the interval.
The second half seemed set for more of the same as the two teams lined up to go at it again. The Sarsfields hopes of victory were dealt a mortal blow however when they were on a the receiving end of a harsh black card which robbed them of one of their best and most influential players.
Westport, sensing some vulnerability in the home ranks took full advantage of their extra player and banged in two goals in quick succession to put real daylight between the sides as they led 3-4 to 1-5 with ten minutes left on the clock.
Try as they might the Sarsfields just couldn’t bridge the gap despite the fillip of a Shona Mahon goal which handed them a life line at precisely the right time.
Westport clung on however and kicked a couple of valuable points to keep it to a two score game, as the Sarsfields restored to their full complement, pushed hard for another goal that would have cracked the game wide open. Sadly, the clock was against them as the visitors bagged the two points with the Sarsfields left to lick their wounds as their minds turn to round 3 and a fixture against local rivals and neighbours Kilmovee Shamrocks which should be an intriguing match-up with the Sarsfields keen to get their title aspirations back on track following this blip.
Dance classes take place in Carracastle Community Centre on Monday nights from 8-9pm. Learn to waltz, jive and ballroom dance. €10 per class and pay as you go. For more information and to book your place contact Kieran on 087 7414968.
The sudden and untimely death took place at St James’s Hospital, Dublin, recently of Cara Brennan, Barrack Street, 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 the cemetery of the resurrection. She is survived by her parents Michael and Patricia, sisters Siobhan and Catherine, brother David, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
The late Cara was a well known member of the local community who had a wide circle of friends within and outside the town. She was a nurse of some renown who took great pride in her work with the care and well being of her patients front and centre of her mind at all times. She had an innate sense of kindness and decency about her and this was always reflected in the care and attention she administered and displayed to her patients during her time on the wards and hospital floors so to speak. Cara was a gentle and kind lady who had some outstanding qualities which endeared her to many in all walks and sphere of life. Her sudden death at such a young age reminds us all of the swiftness and brevity of life with Cara leaving a wonderful legacy which her family and those close to her will cherish and cling dear to in these deep dark hours and days. Cara was a nice lady in the true sense of the word and her death leaves a void in the community which will be difficult to replace. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
Salsa classes take place in the Town Hall Arts Centre (upstairs), Barrack Street, Charlestown, every Wednesday evening at 7pm. For more information contact Lenka 086 3571360.
Mayo Cancer Support offer a range of emotional supports to people with cancer and their families. For more information call 094 9038407.
Enable Ireland, Mayo Services, require volunteers in all areas of County Mayo to work with children with a disability. Volunteers usually work one to one with a child within their home but also within their community or at the Centre in Castlebar. No more than three hours are required per week and work can be arranged around a person`s availability . Training is provided. If you are interested contact Fiona at 087 6808350 or email fscully@enableireland.ie for further information. This is a rewarding activity and volunteers are very positive about their experience.
Senior strength and conditioning classes with chair-based activities using small weights and resistance bands to tone and strengthen the entire body will start at Carracastle Community Centre on Wednesday, October 4, at 11am. For more information and to book your place, contact Sarah at 086 3879635. All are welcome.
Charlestown Sarsfields suffered a 1-12 to 1-6 defeat to Shrule-Glencorrib in the county U17D division round 1 fixture played at Fr O’Hara Park recently. The Sarsfields were playing catch-up from an early stage and never found their best form on the night as the visitors held a decisive edge in attack which they made to good use as they racked up the scores in both halves to run out convincing enough winners at the final whistle.
Active retirement meetings have re-commenced for the new season in the Pastoral Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown, on Mondays from 11am-1pm. All are welcome to attend and new members are most welcome.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €5300 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, September 25, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 3, 6, 14 and 23. The following were the winners of the €20 prizes; Cara Burke, Chris Brennan and Caroline Donoghue.
The latest jackpot increased to €5,400 and the draw took place on Monday night, October 2.
Experienced a cardiac event? ‘It`s Cardiac Rehab!’ – a podcast series for you, developed by the Irish Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Irish Heart Foundation to support your recovery. It is all about getting you better than before. https://irishheart.ie/services-for-you/its-cardiac-rehab-podcast/.
First Fortnight Festival 24 are very excited to collaborate with with renowned artist Tom Meskell. First Fortnight invite 10 Mayo residents to participate in a collaborative half-day workshop with Tom Meskell on Saturday, October 14. They are keeping the full details of the workshop under wraps for now, however, they have told us it will be an illuminating experience, resulting in a group exhibition in a prominent and culturally significant location in Dublin.
Workshop cost is €5. To register visit the following link : https://firstfortnight.ticketsolve.com/.../shows/873639320. The workshop is open to anyone over the age of 16. Please note that photographers and videographers will be present at the session but you will be offered the opportunity to opt out of having your photograph taken.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, September 24, as The Bunny Boiler and Podsie fought out another intriguing episode of the weekly classic. Governor Gus had to be at his best to ensure law and order prevailed as both men pushed the boundaries in what they could get away with in terms of psyching the opponent out. This was the Bunny’s first appearance in the final in many a long year as he finally found some form having made a career out of first round exits for more years than he cares to remember. He went on some winning streak to force his way to the final knocking out Boom Boom and the Duke along the way to see up a showdown with his old foe Podsie who went into the game as the hottest of hot favourites.
The Bunny struggled in the opening two sets and found himself trailing two sets to nil as the number one seed gave him timely reminder of what it takes to compete at this elite level. Things improved for the boiler in set three as he slowed down the pace of his play which began to grate on the nerves of the Podster. It worked a treat as he clinched the set with a nice treble twelve, double eight salvo in the fourth leg to put a set on the board and gave Podsie plenty to mull over as he stepped forward to the ochie to begin set four. He took the opening leg with some steady throwing but the Bunny levelled with some terrific darts in leg two as the atmosphere cranked up a notch or two with Podsie getting a little tetchy at the slow rate of play of his opponent. The champ got back on track with a brilliant 161 finish in the third leg to leave him one away from victory but the Bunny kept nagging at his coattails and won the fourth leg with a nerveless double top finish forcing a fifth and final leg decider. The Bunny made a bright start but Podsie pegged him back with a couple of 140s giving him a decisive edge as he won the race to the double. The top seed had six darts at double 16 and needed every one of them as he had one dart left to nail the elusive double having blown his previous five which went too high and too low of the wore. He knew he needed to finish with his final dart as the Bunny had three of his own at the same double and like the true champion he is he buried the dart into the centre of the red baize to set off wild scenes of celebration in his large support base. The Bunny was magnanimous and gracious in defeat as he embraced the victor with a warm embrace with the two men entering into a deep discussion over a couple of brews as tensions deescalated considerably. Another stellar day in the career of the champion as he stepped forward to claim his ninth title of the season.
