Local Notes: Kilmovee Shamrocks GAA Club celebrate at their annual dinner dance
At Kilmovee Shamrocks GAA Dinner Dance held in Julians Lounge, Midfield, a presentation was made to the club on winning the best pitch in County Mayo 2023. From left, Frank Flynn, Adrian Flatley (Kilmovee Shamrocks GAA accepting the award from Seamus Tuohy, Mayo County Chairperson, Geraldine Duffy, James Kilkenny, Donal Kelly, and Con Moynihan. Pic James Hunt Photography.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €10,400 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, February 25, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 4, 11, 29 and 33. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Lisa Sloyan and James Finn, Leixlip (annual ticket), while Paul McManaman was the winner of the €50 voucher kindly sponsored by Delaney’s Mace, Lowpark, Charlestown. The latest jackpot increased to €10,500 and the draw was held on Sunday night March 3.
Fr O’Hara Park will play host to the first test in the upcoming International Compromised Rules series when the Irish Masters take on the AFL Masters Australian team on their 2024 Irish Tour on Saturday, March 9, for the honour of winning the Paddy Gaffney Cup with the Irish Masters looking to win in for the third series in a row. There will be a feast of compromised rules football in Fr O’Hara Park as the Irish and Australian ladies will also feature on the bill with Michael Moyles leading a very talented Irish team into action against a star studded Aussie ladies Masters selection. O’Hara Park will also feature the first ever Over 50’s test between the two nations which makes for quite a line-up on what is a red-letter day for the Sarsfields Club and community with a big crowd expected to descend on the famed venue to see the hybrid game between two countries with a long and proud record of competition against each other.
The Sarsfields have a strong connection on the Irish Masters team (Over 40’s) with Sean Lenehan part of the panel and expected to feature as he has been one of the mainstays of the Mayo Over 40’s team for the last number of years hence his call-up to the Irish Masters panel which is due recognition to his fitness levels, stamina and dedication as he continues to roll back the years with some stellar performances in the red and green of Mayo. It will be interesting to see how he and his Irish colleagues take to the hybrid game with the Aussies renowned for their physicality and confrontational nature. It should be a cracking day’s entertainment as O’Hara Park and the town roll out the red carpet for our Aussie visitors.
Charlestown Warriors Basketball are looking for new members to join their team. It will be a casual/no league club in a fun environment. €25 for 10 weeks and it is suitable for male and female aged 18 +. Contact 087 2210328 to join or for any other information.
The awards keep coming for that remarkable lady that is Rita Casey, Main Street, Charlestown. Following hot on the heels of her Western People Sports Star Community Award she has now been named Mayo Person of the Year on the back of her outstanding achievements and courage over the course of the last twelve to eighteen months and more. Rita’s story is one of terrific bravery, resilience, determination and spirit as she continues to battle cancer while at the same time forging on with life and taking each day on its merits as she lives her life in the best way she knows how with her husband John and their three daughters firmly behind her and supporting her every step of the way.
Rita completed her fifth Dublin City Marathon in October and this while receiving chemotherapy which puts into context the enormity of this and her achievement. She also raised the best part of €12,000 for Mayo-Roscommon Hospice as people clocked to support her from all corners of the community and beyond. Her courage has touched so many people and she also received a special commendation award from the Lord Mayor of Dublin who was moved by her conviction and the magnitude of her achievements which are truly amazing.
Rita is a very calm, composed and focused lady who does her best by all family at all times and they remain absolutely central to all her movements, actions and thoughts as she continues to pick up the baton of life and drive on with renewed optimism and bullishness. She is a driven lady who remains determined to battle with every drop of energy in her body as she has much to live for and lots of things to do and achieve in the coming months and years. It will be a proud night for Rita, John, their daughters and extended families when she receives an award that recognises her many outstanding characteristics and qualities that make her a role model for so many in the communities of Charlestown and beyond.
Rita will receive her award at a luncheon in the Intercontinental Hotel, Ballsbridge, on March 8, and it will be a stellar occasion for the Casey family as she joins a long list of outstanding people who have received this award over so many years. Rita is a worthy recipient of an award that carries so much history and prestige around it and she is wished every success with a large crowd of her many friends expected to make the trip to Dublin in support of a wonderful lady. Well done Rita and and here’s wishing you many more years of good health and running, you truly are an inspiration.
HQ Plus (Health Quarter), Charlestown Sports Performance, Fitness and Wellness Centre are hosting Healthy Aging classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9.30am for people over 60. The emphasis on these classes will be on movement and resistance with a good dollop of fun and enjoyment involved. For more information call 085 8416420.
Charlestown Gaelic4Mothers&Others have resumed training for the new season on Wednesday nights at 8pm in Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown, and all are welcome with new members encouraged to come along and give it a try.
The death took place in Sheffield, England, recently of Tony Gallagher, former of Lurga, Charlestown, brother of the late Kevin Gallagher and Mary Kenny both of Lurga. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
A new five week block of yoga classes is starting at Carracastle Community Centre on this evening Tuesday, March 5, at 7.30pm. For more information and to book your place contact Toni at 089 2389351.
The annual Achonry Pioneer Dance will be held on Friday, March 8, at 8pm at the Yeats County Inn, Curry. Music will be supplied by The Duets. Tickets cost €35 per person. To book tickets contact Thomas at 087 2344338 or Caroline at 086 1660196.
The death took place recently of Bridie Corcoran (nee Walsh), Bannagher, Co. Offaly and formerly of Drimbane, Curry, Co. Sligo. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
The Western Drama Festival will take place over nine (9) nights and commenced on Friday, March 1, and will continue to Saturday, March 9, in St Brigid’s Hall Theatre, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo, with a fantastic line-up of plays.
Further details, including a synopsis of the plays are available on the Western Drama website and Facebook page. Tickets are on sale by phoning 086 4553395.
A free 8 week Bridge lessons for beginners (singles and pairs welcome) course is starting on Wednesday evening, March 6, and every Wednesday thereafter from 7-45-9.45pm in The May Queen, Tubbercurry. Refreshments are available each night. For more information call Francis 087 7541081, Ann 087 6474136, or Mike 071 9181830).
A fashion show will be held in the Brusna Inn on Friday, March 8, at 8pm, with clothing from Siobnan’s Fashion Scene, Charlestown, Le Mode, Ballaghaderreen and Eddie Murphy’s Menswear, Ballyhaunis, showcased on the night. There will be a cheese and wine reception beforehand. There will also be prizes for ‘Best Dressed Lady’. All are welcome.
St Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown, travel to Tuam to take on Tuam Vocational School in the Connacht Juvenile D Football Championship on Thursday, March 7, with the throw-in confirmed for 12.30.
Classes are held at Carrcastle Community Centre every Wednesday morning at 11am, involving chair-based exercises and using light weights. For more information and to book your place, contact Sarah at 086 3879635.
Keep Fit classes are held at Carracastle Community Centre every Friday evening at 7.30pm, focusing on cardio, stamina, core work, fitness, self-confidence and self-defence. For more information and to book your place, contact Sarah at 087 6014197.
Caiseal Gaels take on Claremorris in round one of the division 2 county hurling league on Saturday, March 9, with the throw-in confirmed for 5pm. The game will be played at the Ballaghaderreen GAA grounds.
It was another busy week and successful week for the Cubs Basketball Club with the U14 and U16 girls recording big wins in their respective leagues to keep the momentum going as these teams continue to go from strength to strength. The U14 girls had a tremendous victory over Ballintubber in keenly contested encounter which went right to the hooter with the Charlestown girls showing their resilience and tenacity as they eked out the win in terrific style.
The U16 girls were no less impressive as they recorded a memorable 34-9 victory over Castlebar in a wonderful display as they put the county town to the sword with a dashing display of all court play. The girls were brilliant from the tip-off and had far too much power and class for their opponents and were very worthy winners with the final scoreline in no way flattering them as this was one of their best and most impressive performances of the season.
The U14 boys didn’t fare as well as they lost to Crossmolina in their last league game of the season but the boys went out on their shields as they left everything on the court and battled right to the final hooter. The boys were in a tough division and learned lots during the year and showed marked improvement in each and every game they played and will be better for the experience as they continue their development in the off-season.
Banada Abbey Bingo takes place every Tuesday night at 8pm. Play in the Hall and online. The jackpot game is €2000 on 47 calls or less. Game 5 is €1000 on 40 calls or less and there is an overall prize fund of €10,500 on offer. There will be lots of surprises and additional ways to win in the hall. There is a new Game 11 with a separate Super Snowball jackpot only in the hall and a new €500 ‘Lucky Date’ prize.
The Honour of the Village darts competition has returned with a bang with Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, resembling the Ally Pally such has been the excitement generated by the return of a tournament that sets pulses racing like no other in the darts stronghold that is Charlestown and beyond. Glann/Sinolane put down a marker with their smooth victory over past winners Hagfield in round one which paved the way for another mouth watering clash between the town lands of Ballyglass and Lowpark respectively, the latter with a long and proud history in the competition stretching back to the very beginning of this great event.
A large crowd flocked to the Walsh’s Bar to see two teams stacked with lots of experience sprinkled with some youth go head to head in what turned out to be an enthralling contest from first dart to last. There was little or nothing between the teams after some thrilling doubles which left everything on the line when the singles matches clicked into gear. The score was tied at four games apiece heading into the pivotal final singles tussle which featured two stellar names as John Honan and the wily John Lenehan representing Lowpark and Ballyglass respectively came to the ochie with everything on the line. It was the guile and craft of Lenehan that held sway however as he rolled back the years to see off the considerable challenge of Honan who pushed him all the way with the game going right to the wire so to speak with Lenehan sinking his final dart into the heart of the double to clinch a momentous victory for Ballyglass and they celebrated accordingly as they joined Glann/Sinolane in the hat for the quarter-final draw.
There are two games down for decision in the coming week with Lavey taking on Main Street in a real local derby while Rooskey and Curry (2) also square off in a re-arranged game that looks to have a real edge to it as well. There will be a full report on both games in next week’s column as well as draw news as the competition continues to heat up.
Charlestown and Districts Men’s Shed are holding a darts and cards night every Wednesday night at 7pm in the Men’s Shed which is located at the rear entrance of the CBD Sport and Recreational Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown. The gathering is open to members and non-members and finger food and refreshments will be served. Game starts at 8pm.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, February 28, at 8pm, and the following were the prize winners;1st Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne, 2nd Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 3rd Michael and Pat Brennan, 4th James Mooney and Mary O’Connell, 5th Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 6th Hilary McCrohan and Mary O`Malley, 7th Frances and Robert Healy and 8th Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 Card Drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, February 27, at 8.30pm, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Darby and Breege Leonard, 2nd James Reidy and Pearse Henry. Raffle winners were Joe Mahon and Paul Flannery.
A 4 week block has commenced in the Charlestown Arts Centre with the class continuing on Friday’s, March 8, 15 and 22 at 12 noon. Cost €4 per class. Meet new people and have some fun. For more information contact 086 8514682 or email info@charlestown.ie.
Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club are staging their annual dinner dance on Saturday, March 9, in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, Co. Sligo. Tickets cost €35 and are available from any member of the executive. There will be a number of presentations made on the night such as Club Person of the Year, Senior, Junior and Young Player of the Year Awards with the ladies club also having a number of their own presentations to make in what promises to be a great night of fun and entertainment. There will also be a number of medal presentations to be made on the night and there will be a monster raffle with spot prizes galore. Note the date and join the club in a night of celebration as they look back and reflect on a good year overall in both genders with the men and women coming together to celebrate as one.
St Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown First Year team host Colaiste Muire Tuar Mhic Eadaigh in Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown, in group one of the first year competition on Tuesday, March 5 (today), with the throw-in confirmed for 12.30pm.
Congratulations and well done to young Aoibhe Breheny who added a Girl 1 33kg Connacht Championship title to Mayo Schools and Mayo Championships won previously this season. Aoibhe is a smashing young talent who had taken to the ring like a duck to water since first donning the gloves less than twelve months ago. She’s a natural, quick on her feet with some nifty footwork and packs quite the punch with her jab and speed of punch just some of her outstanding traits as she continues to sweep all before her in the ring. Aoibhe’s exploits have to be commended as she now goes forward to for one of the 6 regional qualifiers for her age group which take place in Dublin during Easter week.
She has taken all the plaudits in her stride and she is wished every success in the upcoming regional qualifiers as she looks to add some more titles to an already very impressive list. Well done Aoibhe on your excellent achievements to date and well done also to Darren Fahy and all the coaches at the Charlestown Boxing Club who continue to churn out the successes with increasing regularity. Hats off to Aoibhe’s dad, the right honourable Paddy Breheny who was quite a formidable presence himself in the ring back in the day!!.
The annual general meeting of the Charlestown Swimming Pool will take place on Friday, March 22, at 7pm at the swimming pool. All are welcome to attend.
Takes place in the CBD Recreational Centre Lowpark, Charlestown, on Good Friday, March 29. Doors open at 8pm. There will be great prizes on offer and an enjoyable evening is assured. All proceeds go towards the Charlestown Swimming Pool and your support would be greatly appreciated.
All players from U10 up to senior who wish to play with Charlestown LGFA for the 2024 season can now register with Charlestown LGFA by logging onto www.foireann.ie (or using the Foireann Mobile App). Use the same login details as last year if you already have an account. U6s and U8s must register with Charlestown Bord na n-Óg, their registration will be open soon.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2400 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, February 26, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 19, 20, 22 and 24. The following were the winners of the €20 prizes; Bernie Harvey, Catherine Foxe and Conor Davey/Niall Hodgins.
The Charlestown Sarsfields GAA remind their members that membership for the 2024 season is now due and can be made payable to any member of the executive or alternatively can also be paid by following the link on the club’s excellent Facebook page which gives up to minute details on offers the club have in regard to membership, annual lotto and county board draw. The cost of the membership remains at €50 and the closing date for the same is March 31.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, February 25, as Podsie and Boom Boom squared off in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was immense in his role as match referee and handled the occasion with consummate authority. Podsie made the better start winning the first leg with some wonderfully accurate finishing. Boom Boom found some form in set two but Podsie continued on his merry way and wrapped the set up with a tidy treble fifteen, double 10 blast in the fourth leg to ease two sets in front. Things looked grim for Boom Boom ahead of the start of what was a must win third set. He began well, winning the opening leg with a tonic 136 finish but Podsie roared back to win the next two to leave him one away from victory. Boom Boom looked in pole position to spoil the party when he won the race to the double but he blew six darts at double top to clear the way for Podsie to step in and clear the decks. This he duly did as his third dart found the middle of the double eighteen bed to set off raucous scenes of joy as Podsie and his supporters celebrated in unison. A great night for the number one seed as he claimed his second title of the year with Boom Boom having to settle for the bridesmaid role once again.
