Local Notes: History made by Eoghan Rua U14A ladies.
Eoghan Rua Ladies after winning the County U14A Cup for the very first time and making history for the club. Pic Lauren Fitzgerald Photography.
Treasured memories and history was made on Saturday, September 6 last as the Eoghan Rua girls brought home the U14A cup for the very first time. Eoghan Rua has never won this prestigious title before. The last time it came West was in 1999 and 2000 when the Castleconnor girls team won it. Captain Ellen Kelly was presented with the cup.
The club thank all who made this possible, particularly the girls who have put in a huge effort as well as their parents travelling the county all year, and a special mention to the female powered management squad – Joanne McDonnell, Orna O’Dowd, Noreen Rolston and Clara Battle. The girls were delighted with all who came out to support them and welcome them home on Saturday evening and it was great to see a large crowd on John’s home ground cheering the girls on which made a difference in the end. Last but not least, the club thank Lauren Fitzgerald Photography for capturing memories which will last a lifetime and a game that will be talked about forever.
The Ballina Ignatian Team will host a retreat day in the Fr Peyton Centre, Attymass on Saturday, October 4, with registration at 10am. It will conclude at 5pm. The theme will capture the ‘Mellow Fruitfulness’ of Autumn and will offer times of gentle guided meditation, quiet reflection in and around the grounds of the centre as well as some input and insights into Ignatian Spirituality. To book or for more information call 087 6798839 (Kathleen) or 087 9658370 (Phil).
The Intermediate footballers are through to the semi-finals of the championship after a 0-11 to 2-5 draw with Geevagh on Saturday, September 6. On what was a largely frustrating evening in difficult conditions, the lads produced a strong finish to earn a point to top the group.
They will now face Ballymote in the semi-finals with that game scheduled to take place at Kent Park at 5pm on Saturday, September 27.
Pride of Place last week went to the outstanding U13s, who claimed the ‘A’ championship title in fine style on Friday, September 5, with a 1-25 to 2-11 win over St John’s at Tubbercurry. This was the l attest in a series of superb displays from this group, who have become the first time in the club to do an ‘A’ league and championship double since 2002. The club congratulate St John’s on their contribution to another fine match between the two sides.
Congratulations to all the players, parents and the dedicated management team of Derek Tuffy, Ronan Tuffy, Trevor Gordon, Carmel O’Neill and Dermot Beglane, for their efforts all year. A big thank you to team sponsors HES and to Declan Hallinan and Ronan Tuffy for their sponsorship of team gear, and to Declan and Hilltop for the food for the team after the final.
The panel of players is as follows:Phelim O’Neill, Oran Walsh, Patrick Donegan, Ross Sheridan, Kyle Tuffy, Gavin Healy, Rhys Gordon, Danny Deehan, Adam Gordon, Brendan O’Meara, Sean Tuffy, Sean Forde, Matthew Coen, Bran Beglane, Tom Deehan, Eoghan Bruen, Cohen Reynolds, Cael Quinn, Finn Connor, Evan Kavanagh, Sonnie Kavanagh, Darren Coleman, Dylan Regan and Darren Hallinan.
Tireragh CCE registration morning and session took place on Saturday, September 13 from 11am to 1pm in Dromore West Community Centre. Classes are available in a range of different instruments from 6+ years. Registration fee is €6 (child), €12 (adult) and €20 (family).
Time for the end of summer clear out… why not support Killeenduff National School with their fundraiser ‘cash for clobber’ clothing collection. Drop off clothes in black bags during school hours to Killeenduff NS before September 19, F26 KX78.
Kilglass Enniscrone Utd FC U13A team welcomed Dromahair to McGowan Park for their opening game of the season. The lads were the better team throughout and goals from Cian, Oisin, Kyle and Bran gave them the win. There were plenty of good displays throughout.
Parents, guardians, grannies, grandads and members of the community are welcome to the Bewleys Coffee Morning in Killeenduff NS, Easkey on Friday, September 26, between 10.15am and 11.15am. Home baking is encouraged and all donations on the day will go to North West Hospice, in Sligo.
There was a superb evening of hurling at Castleconnor grounds when the Western Gaels U15’s came out on top in a thrilling performance against Easkey in the U15 Sligo Hurling shield final. The full time score was Western Gaels 5-12, Easkey 0-9. The club congratulate the players, coaches Pat Flynn and Robert Owens and all the parents.
The Enniscrone Kilglass GAA U7 and U9 footballers had their final training sessions of the season at a vibrant Quigabar on Saturday morning, September 6. The club extend thanks to all the coaches for their effort and dedication throughout the year – for U7’s Greg, Tara, Brendan and Mark and the U9’s Paul, Sheila, Kenny and Brendan.
Both groups have made some great progress in terms of skills development. The club thanks Coleman Electronics for sponsoring ice-creams on the final day and it was very well received by the children. Members of the successful U13A squad were in attendance with both the league and championship trophies.
This year the annual O’Dubhda Challenge 2025 will take place on Sunday, October 5 with a 10k, half marathon, and 20 miler distances. The event will commence and finish at The Old Church, Enniscrone and is proudly organised by West Sligo Athletics Club and sponsored by Anam Pharmacy. Registration is now open, so don’t delay and secure your place today.
Dermot Gilmartin is taking part in a fundraiser for the Kevin Bell Foundation Trust in memory of Conor Burke who recently passed away in Thailand. This charity provides financial assistance and support to bereaved families, helping them to repatriate the bodies of loved ones who pass away while abroad. All donations will be greatly appreciated for this very worthwhile cause. Donation can be made on https://gofund.me/9ba83d1A. Money can also be placed in an envelope marked Kevin Bell Trust and given into the church.
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Looking to get fitter, feel better and have a bit of fun along the way. Join the 6 week Men on the Move programme which is designed especially for men to improve fitness in a friendly and supportive environment. The programme commences this evening, Tuesday, September 16, from 8.30-9.30pm in Castleconnor Community Centre and costs €30 for the 6 sessions. It is open to all fitness levels, is a great way to build healthy habits and meet like-minded people and stay motivated. Enquiries to Bernie Finlay on 0876164788.
The numbers drawn in the weekly Castleconnor GAA lotto which was held on Saturday, September 6, were 2, 7, 13 and 22. There was no jackpot and no match 3 winner. The lucky dip winner of 50 was won by Imelda Maguire. The jackpot for the latest draw held on Saturday, September 13, was €13,600.
Congratulations to TJ Foody, Castleconnor Handball Club, on winning the silver medal in Croke Park on Sunday, September 7. TJ partnered with Travis Gibbons from Collooney Handball Club to play in the Minor O’Meara Gloves Hardball Championship 2025. This was a round robin competition.
First the boys played against a great solid pairing from Cork and were trailing 17 4 but pulled out some great serving to pull it back and went 22 17 ahead but with very accurate serving from the Cork due they finished out the game 25 22.
Next was the Kilkenny pairing and the Sligo men very quickly out of the blocks and led 5 0 while both sides were event matched the Sligo boys could not concede more than 10 and needed 16 to come 2nd, and were eventually beaten 25 16.
It is approaching that time of year again to renew or purchase a Castleconnor GAA annual lotto ticket. The first draw of 2025/26 will take place on September 20. The lotto is the clubs main fundraiser and your support and contributions are greatly appreciated. Funds raised help support all the club teams and the continuous development of the club and facilities.
Tickets are €75 and this entitles the holder entry into the lotto for 52 consecutive draws which will include 14 free draws. This includes a bonus Lucky Dip prize of €50 every week exclusively for annual ticket holders. This year there will be a bonus raffle for a Muddy Burns €250 voucher for annual ticket entries renewed or purchased before September 20.
Castleconnor Community Centre are running a Stronger for Longer 10 week programme which commences on Thursday, September 18 from 10.30am to 11.30am. The cost is €50. Registration will take place on the morning of Thursday, September 18 from 10am to 10.30am at Castleconnor Community Centre. For further details contact Bernie Finley 087 6164788.
Castleconnor Foroige Club is hosting an information evening ahead of the club’s return in October. The club provides a safe, fun and welcoming space for young people to meet new friends, get involved, and be part of their community.
To keep the club running, they need more adult volunteers this year, so if you are curious about what is involved, go along on Friday, September 19, at 8pm to Castleconnor Community Centre. Everyone is welcome, young people, parents, and potential volunteers.
