Local Notes: Leah Honan, St Joseph's Secondary School, Charlestown, wins prestigious history award.
Leah Honan, daughter of John and Fiona Honan, Sarsfields Manor, Charlestown pictured with her mother Fiona (standing) and history teacher Ann Leydon. Leah is a student of St Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown who recently won the senior category award in the All-Ireland School’s History Competition for her project titled “Exploring the Shared Legacy of the Tuam Civil War Executions 1923”.
Congratulations are extended to Leah Honan, daughter of John and Fiona Honan, Sarsfields Manor, Charlestown who won the senior category award in the All-Ireland School’s History Competition for 2025. Leah, a Leaving Certificate student from St Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown, attended the awards ceremony at the Department of Education where her project was appraised by Dr. Caitriona Ní Cassaithe, Assistant Professor in History Education in the Institute of Education, Dublin City University.
The project titled "Exploring the Shared Legacy of the Tuam Civil War Executions in 1923”, delves into the circumstances surrounding the execution of her great uncle Sean Newell at Tuam Military Barracks on April 11th, 1923. He was one of six young men executed by the National Army forces in the latter stages of the Irish Civil War.
The project sheds light on the overlooked connection between events in Tuam and imprisoned female members of the Cumann na mBan from Killala, Co. Mayo who were forced to witness the executions. She explores the shared legacy of Civil War wounds descendants of these women.
Leah attended the ceremony with her mum Fiona Honan and History teacher Ann Leydon. She was interviewed by Bryan Donson, a member of the Government Commemoration and the Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton congratulated Leah and the other winners.
This award for the school follows on from the ETBI Excellence in Education Award for the Revolutionary Women’s project last year.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €20,700 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, February 15, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 6, 25, 27 and 29. The winners of the 2 x €50 prizes were Cyril Reilly (lucky dip) and Niamh Carney (online). The jackpot in the latest draw held on Sunday night, February 22, was €20,800. Tickets are on sale in a number of outlets in the town and are also available online via club’s Facebook page. The club thank all who support their weekly draw.
Senior exercise class takes place every Friday morning at 11am in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street and all are welcome.
Salsa classes take place every Wednesday night at 7.30pm in the Arts Centre and all are welcome.
The next Community Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, March 6, in the Arts Centre, from 11am -1pm. Lift access is available and all are welcome for a cuppa and a chat.
Well done and congratulations to the Charlestown Cubs U16 boys team who defeated Castlebar Comets in the final of the Division 2 Plate competition with the Charlestown boys emerging worthy winners in another great day for the club and their coaching team. The victory was fully deserved as the boys played some sparkling basketball, taking control of the game from the tip-off and keeping their opponents at bay with some thrilling play. The Charlestown lads were superior in every department and never looked like losing control as they played with confidence and assurance throughout. The lads were a credit to the clubs and families at the way they applied themselves to the task at hand and they never flinched at any stage with their opponents unable to bridge the gap as they struggled to cope with the all court game and tactics adopted by the Charlestown lads.
This performance was a fitting end to a terrific season and hats off to their coaching team of Joe, Damien and Paul who did a terrific job in moulding and coaching a very willing and committed group of players with their tactical set-up and approach working a treat on the day. Special mention to Dylan Pilcher who was awarded the MVP (Most Valuable Player) Award on the back of a brilliant performance as he displayed his full range of talents and abilities on the biggest stage of the lot.
The annual Achonry Pioneer dinner dance takes place in The Yeats County Inn, Curry on Friday, March 20, at 8pm. Tickets cost €40 per person and there will be a three course meal with tea/coffee. Music will be supplied by The Duets on the night. Contact Thomas on 087 2344338 to book your ticket and for more information.
Music Circle with John and Isabela will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Monday, March 9, from 7-8.30pm. All welcome to sing a song, play a tune, recite a poem or simply listen. There will be tea/coffee and refreshments served. Free to attend.
Yoga classes with Sophie every Tuesday evening at 7.30pm at Carracastle Community Centre. The cost is €10 per class with a free taster class for newcomers. For more information and to book your place, contact Sophie on 083 4798831.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday, February 11, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Hilary McCrohan and Carmel Moffitt, 2nd Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, 3rd Mary O’Malley and Teresa Ward, 4th Tom Salmon and Paddy Gallagher.
The game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA Lotto jackpot of €2400 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, February 9, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 5, 6, 10 and 18. The winners of the 3 x €20 prizes were the following; Ross Donoghue, Theresa Gleeson and Margaret Walsh. The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on Monday night, February 16, was €2500. Tickets are on sale at a number of outlets and they are also available online via the club’s Facebook page.
The death took place recently, at his home Ballintogher, Co. Sligo and formerly of Charlestown of Gerry Currid. Deepest condolences are tendered to the bereaved.
Mayo Stoma Support Group will be having their next meeting on March 19, at 7pm in the Ellison Hotel Castlebar. It is open to all who either have a stoma or care for them. If you would like to book a place, text 087 6275766.
The 6th Annual Colm Horkan Memorial Run will take place on Sunday, May 17. Registration is opening soon for a run that continues to attract people from all corners of the community, county and province as its appeal captures the imagination like no other. More details in the coming weeks but there will be the usual 5km, 10km and half marathon options to cater for all people's preferences and choices.
Saturday, Februray 14, was a red letter day for two proud Charlestown Sarsfields men. Leaving aside the fact that it was Valentine’s Day and love was in the air and all the rest, two stalwart Sarsfields men had other things on their mind namely guiding their respective schools over the line in two thrilling Connacht College’s finals that were staged at the Connacht Centre of Excellence, Bekan.
Colm Maye donned the Bainisteoir bib in St Nathy’s victory over St Joseph’s (The Bish), Galway with the Ballaghaderreen school coming through on a 2-10 to 1-8 score line for what was a richly deserved victory as they were the better team throughout and displayed a savage work rate throughout the sixty minutes plus contest. Colm had his troops in prime condition as they outlasted the Galway lads in tough conditions with rain, snow and wind making life difficult for both teams. St Nathy’s adapted much better, however and were relentless from gun to tape to claim the spoils for the first time in the B grade since 2018. They look primed to give the All-Ireland series a good rattle and will be firmly in the mix as they look to go one better than their last appearance in the final in 2018 when they were defeated.
Gareth O’Donnell made it a great day for the Sarsfields club as he guided Balla Secondary School to victory in the C decider as they put a much touted Gortnor Abbey, Crossmolina to the sword with a commanding 0-12 to 0-7 victory. This game was played as a curtain raiser to the B final and it was played in the worst of the conditions with snow flurries and heavy showers making it a real test of endurance for both teams. Balla made light of them however and executed their game plan brilliantly as they harried and hassled their opponents into submission as many of Gortnor Abbey’s big guns failed to fire on the day. O’Donnell got his tactics spot on for a match they went into as big underdogs but his match-ups worked to a treat as once Balla got the bit between their teeth they never looked like relinquishing the hold they had on the game and kept the Crossmolina challenge at bay with a combination of dogged determination, pressure and no little skills with the final whistle igniting big celebrations in the West Mayo school’s camp. Balla will give the All-Ireland series a real rattle on the evidence of their all action, outstanding performance and hats off to Gareth O’Donnell and his coaching team for what was a masterclass in tactical application and coaching as they orchestrated an upset and turned the formbook upside down in no uncertain manner.
Colm and Gareth are two prominent members of the Sarsfields club on the playing and coaching side and are extremely tuned into all aspects of the coaching and training of teams which continues to bear fruit at the highest level of Connacht College’s football with both men hoping their respective journeys don’t end here with another glorious chapter yet to be written perhaps in the coming weeks. All in the Sarsfields club and Charlestown community congratulate them wholeheartedly on their wonderful successes and wish them good luck and more success in the All-Ireland semi-finals in the coming weeks.
The draw for the 2026 Moclair Cup was made at county board headquarters, McHale Park recently with the Sarsfields pitched into group one which sees them locking horns with Westport, Kilmeena and Claremorris respectively. Considering the make-up of some of the groups the cards could have fallen a lot worse for the green and white with some infinitely tougher groups out there in a draw that threw up a lot of debate and discussion in the boardrooms and dressing rooms of all clubs involved. The Sarsfields have a lot of history with Westport as the two teams have clashed a number of times over the years with honours pretty much even in terms of wins and loses. That said the Sarsfields won’t remember their last clash with any great fondness as Wesport dished out quite the hammering when the two teams last faced off in 2023. They will tackle Claremorris once again for the umpteenth occasion with both teams having been pitted together any amount of times in the course of the last twenty years. The Sarsfields have dominated the head-to-head between the sides but Claremorris finally got one over the green and white when they emerged with a three point victory in their most recent clash which was in last year’s championship on the a winner take all final group game. The Sarsfields will be keen to atone when the two teams square off once again but Claremorris, have a lot of emerging talent at their disposal and will be very keen to emerge from the shadows and capitalise on that rich stream of talent the club always seems to have in its ranks with 2026 a key year for the blues.
The Sarsfields have little or no history with Kilmeena with this being the first time the teams have clashed in the championship at senior level but they will provide formidable opposition as they bounced back to the senior ranks having won a very good and competitive intermediate champiomship last year. First up is Westport away with Kilmeena at home while the final game versus Claremorris will be at a neutral venue. There’s plenty for the Sarsfields new management team to ponder on and mull over in the coming weeks as the team return to the training paddock for the new season. All in all, the draw hasn’t been too bad with lots of time for reflection as the team strive to qualify for the quarter-finals, something that’s only been achieved once in the last thirteen years.
Congratulations are extended to James Gallagher, son of Seamus and Bernie Gallagher, Lurga Upper, Charlestown, who celebrated his coming of age with a party for family and friends in Murray’s Bar, The Square, Charlestown recently.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25-card game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday night, February 17, and the following were the prize winners 1st Joe Mahon. Raffle winners were; Mary Costello, Breege Leonard and Joe Mahon. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm and all are welcome.
The draw for the 2026 Honour of the Village Darts competition, hosted by Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown, was made amidst a welter of excitement recently and the following are the first round fixtures which will be played off in the coming days and week. Church Street and Curry number one opened the event on Friday night last with Montiagh taking on Hagfield on Sunday, February 22. There will be a full report on both games in next week’s column. Remaining fixtures for the rest of the week see old rivals Lurga and Hagfield facing off on Wednesday (tomorrow) February 25 with a double header taking place on Friday February 27, as Tavneena take on Ballyglass with Sonnagh going head-to-head against Curry 3 in what looks an exciting night of darts. The final fixtures of the week take place on Sunday, March 1, as Glann/Sinolane and Lavey clash with Rooskey and Curry 2 entering the fray as they too square off in a very busy week of darts with lots of anticipation beginning to build among all darts enthusiasts/supporters and pundits alike as villagemania sweeps the community. More reports and fixture news next week.
Who’d have thought greed and romance would go hand in hand, or a miracle and mayhem. But it’s all in "Daughter from Over the Water", Cloonacool Players staging of this hilarious comedy on Thursday, March 19, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 in Cloonacool Community Centre. Laugh the night away watching Pat Feehily, Eileen Davey and your many favourites including Michael Dennis Ross and Emir Murphy. Definitely not to be missed.
In Ireland today, over 45 000 people live with epilepsy. For further information visit www.epilepsy.ie. Purply Day (or Epilepsy Awareness Day) will take place on Thursday, March 26.
A weekly bereavement support meeting takes place every Wednesday at11am in the Family Centre, Knock. All are welcome. Further information on bereavement care at Knock Shrine is available on 094 9375320. You can also find resources and books to help you to deal with bereavement and loss in Knock Shrine Bookshop.
Alone is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home. If you are in need of advice, support or information, call the National Support Line on 0818 222 024, seven days a week from 8am-8pm.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held at Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, February 15, last as The Pillock and The Egg faced off in another scintillating instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was kept busy in his role as match referee as tempers became strained on occasions, but he managed to put both protagonists back in their boxes and ensured common law prevailed throughout. The Pillock, as he tends to do, galloped into a two-set lead with some remarkable throwing as he backed up his trebles with some unerring, near perfect finishing. The Egg was flummoxed as he began the third set, two sets down and staring into the abyss. He dug deep however and managed to snare the third set as Kenny’s level tapered off wildly which led to some cranky outbursts on the part of the number six seed. He had to be reprimanded by the Governor Gus and kept a lid on his emotions albeit just as his form remained sketchy and inconsistent into the fourth set.
The Egg’s form remained steady and solid in the fourth and he looked on course to set up a fifth set decider when he led by two legs to one and had six darts in his quiver at double eighteen. He missed them all however, and paid a dear price as The Pillock caught fire once more and took the next two legs to clinch the match in what was some finish as he checked out on 156 and 170 in both legs to seal victory in some blaze of glory. He celebrated in some fashion and took the acclaim of his large band of supporters who chanted his name to high heaven long into the night. This was the Pillock’s second victory of the season as he looks to add more consistency to his undoubted talent. A cracking finish to another thrill a minute competition which continues to entertain like no other across the globe.
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Kilmovee NS are now accepting enrolments for the school year 2026/27. Forms are available from the school principal CaitrionaMcDonnell or email kilmoveens1@gmail.com.
Bingo is held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Sunday at 8.30pm with a jackpot of €800 on 47 calls or less, house prize of €440 on 4 correct numbers and also a 50/50 draw with a guaranteed winner every week.
St Brigid’s Crosses made by the children of Kilkelly NS are now on sale in local outlets around Kilkelly with all proceeds going directly to Kilkelly NS. The event was organised by the Parents Association.
Are you ready to feel fitter, healthier, and stronger. Come and join the Men on the Move group in Kilmovee Community Centre with flood lit walkway every Tuesday at 7.30pm. No registration fee just book in with Tracy on 087 4479227. All fitness levels and ages are welcome.
Kilkelly National School is now accepting enrolments for the 2026/2027 school year. An open afternoon for prospective pupils and parents will take place in the school on Thursday, February 26 from 11.45am–12.45pm. For details email: kilkellyns@gmail.com.
Kilkelly out-reach Family Resource Centre invite people to their Coffee Morning with homemade baking in Kilkelly Trimoige Community Centre on Wednesday, February 25, from 10.30am-1pm. Proceeds of the coffee morning is going to Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.
The death took place of Nicholas Fleming, Curraghsallagh, Lisacul, on February 1, peacefully, following a short illness, at Galway University Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Nicholas was predeceased by his parents Catherine and John, his wife Helen, and his son Johnny and is survived by his daughter Helen (Murphy), daughter-in-law Margaret, son-in-law Seamus, relatives, neighbours and many friends. Nicholas was a hard working gentleman who was very popular in the locality and much further afield. Nicholas reposed in The Sharkey Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen on Wednesday, February 4, followed by removal to the Christ the King Church, Lisacul. Mass of the Resurrection was held on Thursday, February 5, at 12 noon with the funeral proceeding to Lisacul Cemetery. May Nicholas rest in peace as sympathy is extended to all who are bereaved by his passing.
The death took place of Una Giblin-Kinsman, Boughtiduff, Brusna, Ballaghaderreen, on January 28, peacefully, with her family by her side, in the wonderful care of Eithne and her staff at Oakwood Nursing Home, Ballaghaderreen. Una was predeceased by her husband’s John Kinsman and John Giblin and her sister Joan and is survived by her son David (Belderrig), daughter Jayne O’Donnell (Westport), sister Peggy (Canada), grandchildren Cara and David, son-in-law Hugh, daughter-in-law Siobhan, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, niece, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Úna reposed in The Sharkey Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen, on Friday, January 30, followed by removal to The Church of the Sacred Heart, Brusna. Mass of the Resurrection was held on Saturday, January 31, at 11.30am, followed by interment in Carracastle Cemetery. May Una rest in peace as sympathy is extended to all who are bereaved.
