Local Notes: McLoughlin Memorial Tractor Run continues to set the standards in Charlestown.
The McLoughlin family and committee members from The Eugene McLoughlin Annual Tractor Run presenting a cheque for €12,000 to CROI, the Heart and Stroke Charity as part of the proceeds raised from the 2026 Memorial Run held in August.
The 2026 Eugene McLoughlin Memorial Run was once again an outstanding success as the community came out in force to support a great concept which has been running since 2014 in memory of a great man in the late Eugene McLoughlin. Year on year the hardworking and progressive committee made up of family, friends and volunteers pull out all the stops to tweak and improve an event that captures the imagination like no other in the town and community at large.
It’s the undoubted highlight in the town’s summer calendar and draws people from far and wide in support with many planning their holidays around it such is its appeal and magnetism. The committee made several presentations recently on foot of the 2026 event and they were in the happy position to announce that since its inception, a total of €103,474.69 has been donated to CROI (the Heart and Stroke Charity) which is an astounding achievement and a tribute to the committee and community who have come together as one united in their support of a fantastic concept.
The committee held their presentation evening on Saturday, October 10, for the 2026 Tractor Run and they were pleased to report a very successful day was had on August 9, with just over €35,000 being raised on the day which was another magnificent feat and a credit to all involved. The monies went to a number of groups, clubs and charities with the emphasis once again very much on local and keeping it in the community which is one of the keys to the success and longevity of the occasion.
First and foremost €12,000 was donated to CROI Heart and Stroke Charity with another significant amount donated to local clubs and organisations which the committee are very much delighted to help out and support in any way they can. €5000 was donated to the Charlestown Swimming Pool, a terrific facility which plays such an important role in the town’s recreational infrastructure and continues to draw people from within and outside the community in huge numbers. €5000 was also donated to Charlestown Athletic AFC, a club that has enjoyed a renaissance in recent seasons especially at junior level with senior soccer returning to the town with a bang as they celebrated their return to division 2 of the Mayo Soccer League after an absence of a decade by securing promotion to division one at their first attempt. The rest of the money was used to cover the committee’s expenses of which there were many which included entertainment and many other miscellaneous items.
The committee extend their deep gratitude to the people and community of Charlestown, for the wonderful support they received this and every year since the event was first founded. The family are indebted to everyone who helps and supports in any way and they are greatly appreciative of the fantastic goodwill that’s out there for the event and the lengths that people go to show and offer their support. It’s a real win win for the town with local businesses enjoying a welcome boost to their coffers as they benefit from the extra footfall the tractor run always generates. It never fails to entertain and beguile, and all eyes are already turning to the 2027 renewal which has been fixed for August 15, with the committee very keen to build on the platform of 2026 as they look to emulate and make 2027 an even bigger and better success.
Well done to all concerned and hats off to the family and committee for their continued hard work in making the event a cornerstone of the town’s social calendar.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €24,200 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, October 18, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 3, 13, 21 and 35. The winners of the 3 x €50 prizes were the following; Breege Hunt (online winner), Patrick Walsh (lucky dip annual ticket), and Ray Ross (lucky dip). The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on Sunday, October 25, was €24,300.
There are two sides to everything when it comes to Cloonacool Players in Bruce Adams hilarious farces "When I Snap My Fingers” directed by Eileen Davey, and "Mary Mary " directed by Peadar Conway, both to be staged pre-Christmas. Be prepared to laugh your socks off.
Charlestown Drama Group are delighted to take its one-act play, "The Donahue Sisters", written by Geradline Aron, on the festival circuit this November. The group will perform at the following venues; Saturday, October 31, at 1pm in The Moat Club, Naas, Co. Kildare; Friday, November 6, at 7.30pm in the Ballina Arts Centre; Saturday, November 14, at 7.30pm in the Town Hall, Kiltimagh and Thursday, November 19, at 7.30pm in St Brigid’s Hall, Tubbercurry. Tickets can be booked directly through the individual venues.
Charlestown Drama Group looks forward to representing the local community as they bring their production to audiences across the festival circuit. The group will also bring “The Donahoe Sisters”, along with two other plays to the Arts Centre, Charlestown on February 25, 26 and 26, 2027. Tickets for these performances will go on sale nearer the time.
Charlestown 2nd Year Foroige Club are holding a bake sale on Sunday, November 1, before and after 12 noon Mass at St James’ Church, Charlestown. Cash only accepted and your support would be very much appreciated.
New and returning members are welcome to join the parish choir. No prior experience required. Practice takes place each Thursday in St James' Church, Charlestown and for more information contact Carmel on 086 3271196.
The rosary will be recited at the Lurga Shrine each evening Monday through Saturday at 7pm and 5pm on Sunday for the month of November for the Holy Souls.
The next Community Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, November 6, from 11am-1pm in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown.
A four week block of dance classes with Gina starts at Carracastle Community Centre on Wednesday, November 4, from 8-9.30pm. Learn to jive, waltz, foxtrot, quickstep and line dance. The cost is €10 per person and all are welcome. For more information, contact 086 7704647.
Christmas Craft Fair will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Sunday, November 29, from 10am-2pm, featuring a range of handmade gifts, food and crafts. Free entry, tea and coffee available and a raffle will be held on the day.
Music Circle with John and Isabella Hoban, will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Monday, November 16, from 7-8.30pm. All welcome to sing a song, play a tune, recite a poem or simply listen.
The AGM of the Charlestown Sarsfields LGFA Club will take place on Wednesday, November 18, at 8pm in the meeting room at the Charlestown Service Station. All members are requested to attend as the club reflects on another busy year on and off the field.
Castle Kidz Childcare AGM will be held at the facility on Thursday, November 12, at 8pm. Parents are urged to come along, stay informed and get involved. They are looking for volunteers to join their management committee to help with the running of events throughout the year. Every bit of support makes a difference so please note the date and time and come along if you feel like you might have something to offer.
Simon Barlow was the winner of the weekly pool competition held in Johnny's Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Friday night, October 16, thus taking home the top prize of ten bags of coal. Game takes place every Friday night at 8pm.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €6000 in the weekly draw held on Monday, October 19, and the following numbers were drawn; 20, 22, 23 and 27. The winners of the €20 prizes were Ann Maloney, Catherine Fox and Mick O’Hara. The jackpot in the latest draw held on October 26, was €6100. Tickets are on sale in a number of outlets in the Curry and Charlestown areas and cost €2 or 3 for €5 and the draw can also be played online via the club's Facebook page.
The annual general meeting of the Cemetery of the Resurrection takes place on Tuesday night (this evening) October 27, in the Pastoral Centre, Lowpark at 8pm. All members are requested to attend and new members are welcome.
Mayo Stoma Support Group will be having their next meeting on October 29 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.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday night, October 18, as Podsie and The Duke locked horns in the latest instalment of a long standing rivalry. Jovial John was in top form in his role as match referee and kept the game flowing nicely with a laconic application of the rules and codes of conduct. The Duke was on it from his very first set of darts as he thundered his way into a one set lead with some sparkling throwing. Podsie hardly got a look-in in that opening set and things didn’t improve much for the mercurial top seed in set two as the Duke continued on his rampage of the trebles and doubles lines with a neat treble 20, double 18 blast enough to clinch a two set lead as Podsie stared at the floor in disbelief.
The third set saw Podsie finally establish some consistency as he got his nose in front early on and had the set wrapped up in four to put some doubt in the mind of his opponent. He started the fourth in sterling fashion grabbing the first two legs with some powerful finishing. The Duke, sensing the tide had turned, needed a response and fast or else he faced the grim prospect of a fifth and deciding set with all the cards seemingly in the hand of his opponent. Respond he did in the most impeccable and clinical fashion, reeling off three legs on the bounce to stun the champion as he went into Superman mode to wrestle the initiative away from the top seed who looked odds on to bring the match to a deciding set.
The Duke was having none of it however as he finished the three legs with some class throwing as each time the double came his way he finished with conviction with his bull finish in the fifth leg almost raising the roof as his supporters went into full Champagne Supernova mood. Podsie was flabbergasted at the way the game was taken from him, but he was sporting as always with the two men sharing a warm conversation that stretched out deep into the night. A terrific victory for the Duke, his eighth of the season as he gets ready for the lucrative November/December circuit.
Kilmovee Walk Football has resumed on Wednesday evenings at 8pm on Kilmovee Astro Pitch. It caters for all abilities and for men and women. For more details contact 087 232 6463.
Halloween Children’s disco hosted by the East Mayo Athletics Club, takes place in the CBD Sports and Recreational Centre, Lowpark on Friday, October 30, from 6-7.30pm. Fancy dress is optional. Admission is €5 per child, or €10 per family max.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card game at 9pm, held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday night, October 20, and the following were the prize winners;1st Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally. Raffle winners were Mary O’Hara, Breege Leonard and Miko Sheridan.
The basketball season is back with a bang with teams taking part in both genders at all the different age grades. For all news related to the club check out their splendid Facebook page which gives regular updates on fixtures, results and any other matters pertaining to the club.
The Sarsfields GAA Club are urging people to purchase their weekly lotto tickets in the last few days before October 31, in order to qualify for 500 litres of Kerosene (home heating oil) which they have on offer to anybody who purchased a ticket in the month of October. The closing date for entry to the draw is Saturday, October 31, and it would be a nice prize to win when one considers the extortionate price of home heating oil at present which is stretching and exercising the minds of all householders.
There has been a great uptake to date from the general public to the draw with weekly sales throughout October showing a marked increase which makes it win win for the club, its members and the community at large. The next few days are sure to see a scramble for more tickets with the club happy to put up the price as the general public have always shown great loyalty to the lotto and continue to invest their hard earned money in support of the club with the lotto being their primary source of income which allows them to fund the many teams who take to the pitch at all grades on a weekly level. Remember, be in to win and you just might be lucky to have your tank filled up with Kerosene which would mark a nice start to the Winter season as we get ready to embrace the cold, dark, wet nights. More news next week on the lucky winner of the coveted prize.
Calling all the Leaving Cert class of 1977 who attended the Marist Convent, what’s now St. Joseph’s Community College, Lowpark, Charlestown, all the class of 1977 are asked to keep the weekend of August 6/7. 2027 in their diaries for a 50th anniversary reunion which should definitely set the pulses racing for all who were in that generation and class.
Charlestown Sarsfields U21s wrapped up their group campaign in the county U21C championship with a facile 6-12 to 2-8 victory over Kiltimagh in round 3 played at Gilmartin Park recently. The Sarsfields were looking to atone for their recent defeat to Kilmovee Shamrocks in round 2 and went about their work in methodical fashion as they took the game away from their opponents with some tidy play and clinical finishing.
The Sarsfields had much better firepower in their ranks and they made it count where it mattered most on the scoreboard, that is as it bore a green and white look throughout. The Sarsfields moved the ball swiftly from back to front and held all the aces in every line of the pitch with the full forward line in clinical mood as they took every opportunity that came their way.
Kiltimagh, to their credit, fought hard and played with a passion and zeal that was admirable but they came up against a much superior team with the goals the main currency the Sarsfields were dealing in as they bagged six which was more than enough to put real daylight between the teams and more importantly separation on the scoreboard.
Goals from Conor McArdle and Cian Towey with a brace each, Mark Lowther and Danny Breheny provided the Sarsfields with the cushion to drive on and seal the win which to all intents and purposes looked to be enough to have secured the Sarsfields passage to the semi-finals. It later transpired that Ballintubber had pipped Kilmovee in the other group game which conspired to eliminate the Sarsfields as both Ballintubber and Kilmovee had a superior scoring average hence they secured their tickets to the knockout phase.
It was tough luck on Anthony Conway and his management team as they looked nailed on to make the semi-finals but results concurred otherwise with the Sarsfields losing out on the tightest of margins. That match brought the curtain down on a long and drawn-out season for the club with rest and recovery needed before it all kicks off again in early January. Well done to all managers, coaches, players and administrators who gave of their time selflessly and invested some amount of time, effort and commitment fulfilling lots of duties on and off the field. Roll on 2027 when it all begins again with appetites renewed and ambitions and targets reset and laid out.
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Kilmovee.
Kilmovee Active Age / Thursday Club are hosting an open day on Thursday, October 29, from 12 noon to 4pm. Admission is €10 and it is open to the public. There will be finger food, live music, a raffle with valuable prizes on the day. In addition there will be a door prize and a fancy dress prize. The committee would appreciate if people coming to the open day made an effort to dress up in fancy dress, but this is not essential. You can book your place and pay in advance by contacting Kilmovee Community Centre on 094 9649484 immediately.
Bingo is held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Sunday evenings at 8.30pm. The jackpot is €1,450 on 50 calls and the house lotto is €1,440 on 4 correct numbers. There is also a 50/50 draw with a guaranteed winner every week.
Items for inclusion in the weekly Parish Newsletter should be community based or from voluntary organisations. Submit items for inclusion by lunchtime on Thursday. Some items may have to be edited for space purposes. Where possible, send in your news items, including contact details, by email to news@kilmoveeparish.org.
The Parish Pastoral Council invite more parishioners to exercise the Ministries of the Word and of the Eucharist. They wish in particular to welcome the youth of the parish. If you are interested in helping out contact Fr Joseph on 086 160 5373.
First Holy Communion Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 15, at 11am in Kilmovee and Confirmation Mass will take place on Saturday, May 29, at 11am in Kilmovee Church.
Kilmovee Parent and Toddler Group meets each Tuesday from 10am to12 noon in the community centre. All parents, grandparents, carers and toddlers are welcome to attend for a chat, play and coffee. It is a great way to meet new people and socialise with parents and children.
The traditional Rambling House music session takes place every Wednesday night in Davey’s Carracastle at 9.30pm. All are welcome.
Kilmovee Walk Football resumes on Wednesday evenings at 8pm on Kilmovee Astro Pitch. It caters for all abilities and for men and women. For more details contact 087 232 6463.
Fr Joseph is available after weekday Masses in Kilmovee or Kilkelly Churches. If you wish to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance outside these times, call Fr Joseph on 086 160 5373.
The numbers drawn in the Shamrocks GAA lotto which was held on Saturday October 10, were 8, 15, 22, 24. There was no winner.
Meter readers will be in the area reading your water meter in the coming weeks. Please turn off any land or domestic connections at your meter box that are not in use for the winter months, to avoid any unnecessary leaks due to low temperatures.
The Mayo Stoma Group will be holding their next meeting on October 29 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.
