Local Notes: New athletics track is opened in Charlestown
Fr Tommy Johnson cutting the tape at the opening of the new East Mayo Athletics Club's track with Minister of State Alan Dillon and Cllr Gerry Murray in the foreground while TD Paul Lawless is in the background.
The weekly bridge game has ceased for the Summer months and will resume in Autumn. Summer Bridge takes place in The Gateway Hotel, Swinford on Monday evenings at 7.30pm and all are welcome.
Birthday greetings are extended to Emily Cassidy, daughter of Gerard and Patricia Cassidy, Bulcaun, Charlestown who celebrated her coming of age recently.
Sympathy is extended to Eileen Kilroy, Sarsfields Manor, Charlestown on the death of her father Patrick Riordain, Bantry, Co Cork, which occurred recently.
The Sarsfields host Aghamore in Fr O'Hara Park in Division 2 of the Mayo Senior League on Saturday, June 20th, with the throw-in confirmed for 7pm.
Charlestown U14 development team qualified for the Division 6 League Final by virtue of their comprehensive 6-14 to 1-7 victory over Carras in a one-sided semi-final played at Fr O'Hara Park recently.
It took the Sarsfields a while to warm to the task as despite dominating the possession in the first half they failed to make it count on the scoreboard with chances going abegging at an alarming rate as the wide count made for uncomfortable reading from a green and white perspective.
The half time score of 1-5 to 0-3 was scant reward for the Sarsfields overall dominance with a Frank Muldoon goal and some good point kicking from Kalem Higgins the highlights of an otherwise lifeless and pedestrian first half.
The Sarsfields made a few key substitutions at half-time which strengthened their hand considerably with early goals from Luke McDermott and Kalem Higgins putting real daylight between the teams.
The Sarsfields kicked on from there as further points from Higgins, McDermott, Anthony Byrne and Senan Tiernan pushed the lead into double digits with Carras unable to stem the rising green and white tide, Goals from Luke Murphy, Conor Davern and another from Luke McDermott sealed the visitors' fate as the Sarsfields coasted to the finish line and tagged on a few more points to give the scoreboard a real green and white tinge.
One must give credit to Carras however as they never threw in the towel at any stage and battled gamely and bravely all through which reflects well on their courage and spirit and augurs well for their future. The Sarsfiellds had fine performances from the likes of Kalem Higgins who notched 1-6 for his hour's work with Callum Kenny, Rian O'Grady, Conor Vesey, Anthiony Byrne, Luke McDermott, Ted Munnelly, Tadhg Drury, Senan Tiernan, Conor Breheny and Conor Davern all contributing handsomely to a workmanlike Sarsfields victory as they look forward to a final showdown with Claremorris in the coming weeks.
Charlestown Sarsfields' propensity for draws in this year's Division 2 of the Mayo Senior League reared its head once again in Round 6 as they came away from Ballinrobe with a share of the points with both teams deadlocked at 2-10 apiece.
There was little or nothing between the teams throughout a tense and mistake ridden encounter with the hosts kicking a last gasp free to reel in the Sarsfields who led by three with time ebbing away in the second half.
The draw suits neither team, truth to tell, as both remain in the lower reaches of the league table with three rounds remaining.
The Sarsfields had a much stronger team on the field than in their previous encounter with Hollymount/Carramore but still fielded without the considerable talents of Gareth O'Donnell and Niall Murphy and were looking to put one over on the Robe men who have become something of a bogey team for the green and white over the last number of years.
The first half saw plenty of goalmouth action with both teams netting a brace each with Matt Lenehan and Alan Woods once again on target for the visitors with Lenehan's goal, in particular, a real peach as it was his in the making and taking.
Credit to Woods, too, who has become something of an unlikely goal machine for the Sarsfields as he once again crept forward from his defensive outpost and found himself on the end of a goalmouth scramble to tap the ball into the net and hand the Sarsfields a real tonic before the half-time break. The point scorers for the Sarsfields in the first half were Ben Crean who kicked two from play, Colm Maye, Thomas Holton, Paddy Joe Dunleavy and Niall Towey.
The Sarsfiellds went into the sheds with a slender 2-6 to 2-5 lead to bring to a conclusion an eventful half that had plenty in the way of excitement and scores aplenty.
The second half lacked the fizz and incident of the first half as both teams strived for supremacy. Scores were much harder to come by as the game became scrappy with balls being given away on both sides at regular intervals.
That said the Sarsfields always managed to keep their noses in front as they kept the home forward line on a tight leash and defused many of their most dangerous raids with some solid, no-nonsense defending.
At the other end, however, the Sarsfields too, struggled for scores with a couple of points from Paddy Goldrick, Matt Lemehan and Thomas Goldrick a meagre enough return for the considerable amount of possession that was won in the middle third.
The Sarsfields looked all over winners when they led by three with time closing in but the hosts, to be fair, launched one final onslaught which resulted in three last points, the bulk of which were from frees as they punished some indiscipline in the Sarsfields ranks to scrape out a draw and get something for their evening's toil.
The Sarsfields will have been disappointed to let the victory elude their grasp but they can console themselves with the fact that they secured a battling point which may well prove crucial when the final league points tally is totted up come the end of the competition.
Best for the Sarsfields were Tom Goldrick, Alan Woods, Ben Conway, Matt Lenehan, Ben Crean, Thomas Holton and Paddy Joe Dunleavy.
Next up for the Sarsfields is a trip to Foxford with Moy Davitts waiting in the wings.
There was no winners of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Lotto jackpot of €22,300 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, June 7, when the numbers drawn were 5, 10, 15 and 21. The winners of the three €50 prizes were: Monica Kennedy (Lucky Dip); Bernard Hayes (Online - Annual Ticket), c/o Sean Grimes; Declan Tighe (Lucky Dip).
Next week's jackpot will rise to €22,400 and the draw will be held on Sunday night, June 14th. Tickets on sale at a number of outlets in the community priced €2 or three for €5. The club would like to thank everybody who supported their weekly draw.
Pure Mule Productions will perform Jimmy Murphy's powerful Irish drama of laughter and sadness, 'The Kings of Kilburn High Road', at St Brigid's Hall, Tubbercurry on Friday, June 19, at 8pm and at the Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo, on Saturday, June 20, at 8pm.
Five friends who came to London as young men to make their fortune are now in their forties and are gathered at an informal wake of one of their own mates. The great cast - Peadar Conway, Gerry Farrell, Michael McLoughlin, Niall Brewster and Brian Gallagher - take all in their stride from strong language to deep emotions and do justice to this superb play. Definitely not to be missed.
Charlestown Sarsfields recorded a good victory over Claremorris in round one of the Melissa Patterson League played at the Claremorris GAA grounds recently. The Sarsfields came through on a score line of 2-13 to 1-8 and were full value for the same as they played a very stylish and impressive brand of football which proved too much for their South Mayo opponents.
The Sarsfields fielded a very young and inexperienced line-up but one packed with pace and athleticism which they used to telling effect as they ran the legs off their opponents and crucially secured the scores at the critical moments. The nature of the display augurs well for the remainder of the campaign as they build towards the championship with lots of girls getting some valuable experience at senior level in the interim.
The Battle of the Sarsfields for a place in the Division 1A League Final turned out to be an epic as Charlestown and Ardnaree went at it from start to finish in a thrilling encounter played at Fr O'Hara Park on an evening more in keeping with early January than early June.
It was a gripping encounter from start to finish as the two teams slugged it out in what can only described as a rollercoaster of a match that ebbed and flowed and had many twists and turns that kept both sets of supporters enthralled throughout.
It was Ardnaree's brand of the Sarsfields that prevailed but only after being put through the full wringer of emotions by a gutsy, brave and resolute Sarsfields fifteen who scrapped and fought for every ball against a much bigger and physically imposing Ardnaree side who had much the greater advantage when it came to brawn and physicality.
The final score of 4-10 to 4-8 in favour of Ardnaree paints a good picture of what unfolded on a grim evening for football as heavy rain and greasy underfoot conditions made life difficult for both sets of players who were a credit to their respective clubs as they served up a terrific hour-plus of entertainment.
Honourable mention to referee Ronan Guerin who did an excellent job with the whistle and took the difficult conditions into account with his unfussy and smart officiating.
Ardnaree were much the better side in the opening twenty minutes and were full value for their 1-4 to 0-2 lead as they bossed all the key metrics and used their physicality to good effect as they pinned the Sarsfields in and stripped them of the possession in the tackle with the home side finding it really difficult to make any inroads against an impressive visiting rearguard.
The visitors, truth to tell, should have been much further ahead but they kicked some glaring wides and came up against an inspired Jack Brennan in the Charlestown Sarsfields goal who pulled off some magnificent saves including a penalty which he dived full length to divert out for a '45'. He was outstanding for the home side and gave an exhibition of top class goalkeeping.
The home side thundered into the game in the final few minutes of the half and hit 1-2 without reply with Luke McDermott firing in a terrific goal to back up points from Rian O'Connor and Senan Tiernan which left the half-time score at 1-5 to 1-4 in favour of the visitors but which was scant reward for their overall dominance and superiority with the home side thrilled to get to the sheds just one point in arrears.
The stage was set for a battle royal in the second half and it didn't disappoint as despite the heavy rain the two teams served up a proverbial cracker.
Ardnaree hit the first two points of the second half as they continued to use their superior strength and power in the aerial and ground battle with the Sarsfields struggling to cope with their renewed onslaught The home side turned the game on its head however with a Freddie Doherty goal with points from Luke McDermott and Daithi Gethins injecting new vigour and momentum into the Charlestown Sarsfields effort as this scoring flurry saw them lead 2-5 to 1-7 with everything up for grabs.
The visitors, sensing their time had come, banged in two quick fire goals which was a result of their high press as they turned the ball over close to the Sarsfields goal and made the home side pay dearly as their strikes put real daylight between the teams as the home side's challenge looked to have run aground.
The drama was only beginning however as despite the visitors leading 3-9 to 2-6 they never looked entirely comfortable at the back and the Sarsfields roared back into contention with Luke McDermott and Freddie Doherty scoring two superb goals each to incredibly edge the Sarsfields in front once again as the crowd gasped in awe at what was unfolding in front of their very eyes. Further points from McDermott and Gethins had the home crowd on their feet as Ardnaree wobbled in the face of this sustained Charlestown assault on their goals.
The young men of Ardnaree responded in kind however as they fired over a fine point to reduce the gap to one with the time ebbing away. A game of such classic proportions deserved a classic ending and it was left to the lads from Ardnaree to apply the as some good interplay created a chance in front of the Sarsfields goal and the ball was duly crashed to the net to send the visiting team's management and supporters into raptures of delight as they finally looked to have broken the brave Charlestown Sarsfields resistance.
The home side fought like tigers to fashion one final chance but time was their enemy as referee Ronan Guerin finally brought to conclusion a game that will live long in the memory for those lucky enough to have been in attendance.
It was a wonderful advert for the under-14 grade and was played in a manly but fair nature with not a dirty stroke or strike in evidence as all efforts were concentrated on the ball and the scrap for possession.
The home side can be proud of their performance as they made up for the lack of heft and bulk with an utterly courageous performance where each and every player invested every drop of energy and sweat in their bodies to get them over the line. They were heroic and did the jersey proud and more than played their part in a game that was a magnificent spectacle all through.
Ardnaree have to be commended for their attitude and spirit and they deserve every credit for staying strong and holding their nerve in the face of a gargantuan Sarsfields performance. They met fire with fire and will take loads from this as they prepare to face Ballintubber in what should be a cracking final.
The Sarsfields had heroes in every line of the pitch with all 19 players used standing tall and displaying real character and spirit in buckets.
Keeper Jack Brewnnan was magnificent as was Conor Breheny and Mikey Larkin with Daithi Gethin, Senan Tiernan, Tom Naughton and the goal-scoring duo of Freddie Doherty and Luke McDermott providing huge impetus and driving the green and white forward at every opportunity.
Ross Duffy, Dylan Healy, Anthiny Byrne, MJ Donohue, Alex Pugaciov, Rian O'Connor and Michael Haran were brave and fearless throughout with Ted Munnelly, Reece Hopper, Frank Muldoon adding dash and energy when introduced in the second half.
The Sarsfields can now focus on the East Mayo U14 A Championship where they are down to play Aghamore in the final in early July.
St Attracta's National School, Charlestown created a little bit of history and added another chapter of prestige to the school's impressive roll of honour as they captured the Cumann na mBunscol Division 1 (15-a side) title with a marvellous display as they powered their way to a 5-11 to 0-3 victory over St Joseph's NS, Ballinrobe in a one-sided final played at a wet and windy MacHale Park, Castlebar recently.
St Attracta's played with a strong wind at their backs in the first half but were slow to settle as Ballinrobe dug in and kept the Charlestown attackers at bay with some solid defending.
That said Charlestown looked dangerous when in possession but their finishing let them down somewhat in the early stages as balls whistled by the post or were well saved as they seemed to be able to carve open the Ballinrobe defence with some good interplay.
Ballinrobe would have been very happy with their start however as they limited the Charlestown outfit to just two points with the wind with Kalem Higgins and Luke McDermott pointing for St Attracta's.
The final ten minutes of the half however saw a different story unfold as the Charlestown team ran riot and hit 5-3 without reply as the Ballinrobe defence just couldn't cope with the pace and power exhibited by St Attracta's. Goals from Jayden Higgins and Luke McDermott, who bagged a brace each, and one from Matthew Naughton left the Charlestown school in a commanding position at half-time as they led 5-5 to 0-0 with Ballnrobe still reeling from the tsunami which hit them in the latter stages of the half.
St Joseph's had the wind behind them for the second half and needed a fast start to have any chance of reeling in St Attracta's who steeled themselves for an onslaught from their opponents.
It never materialised however as the St Attracta's defence stood up manfully to all that was thrown at them with Ted Munnelly, Conor Breheny and Ollie Doherty particularly outstanding. That defensive trio nipped any danger in the bud with vigilance and determination and got great support from Tadhg Drury in goal who was coolness personified . . Gabriel Bugandski, Cormac Breheny and Matthew Naughton were also very good and dominated their direct opponents with some tidy defending.
St. Attracta's limited Ballinrobe to just three second-half points while they kept the scoreboard ticking over at the other end, knocking over six to add to their first-half tally as the Ballinrobe revival never got off the ground with St Attracta's determined to make the most of their big day at headquarters. That they duly did with the likes of Senan Tiernan very impressive at midfield with the twin attacking threat of Luke McDermott and Jayden Higgins lighting up MacHale Park as they accounted for 4-8 of St Attracta's final total. Kalem Higgins also had a fine match winning an amount of ball and using it wisely at all times with Frank Muldoon also showing up well as he linked up the play and was a great outlet for possession in both halves.
Nathan Gethins, Matvil Sakhnenko, Cillian Murphy-Waters, and Ben McDonnell also more than contributed to brilliant team performance as St Attracta's rose to the occasion and produced the goods when the need was greatest. The other panelists were Ollie Doherty, Oisin Redmond, Micheal Battle, Tiernan Redmond, James Dockery, Ross O'Gara, Shea O'Connor and Keelan Byrne with the final whistle releasing great scenes of jubilation and excitement among all the school community with teachers, parents, supporters and club members all celebrating in unison.
It was a fantastic day for the school and community and special words of praise must be extended to principal and coach Brian McDermott and his assistants Ronan Neary and Gemma Higgins who had the lads primed for the big occasion with each and every player knowing their role and executing their game plan and instructions to a tee. The coaching team have done a wonderful job in providing these lads with best practice in terms of coaching and skills development and it all came to fruition on the best stage of the lot with the lads only embracing the occasion and giving an exhibition on the hallowed turf that is MacHale Park.
This victory, probably the single greatest achievement in the school's GAA history, follows on from the double Division 2 success last year of the boys and girls team as the school continues to compete and beat the cream of the top schools in Mayo. There were great scenes on the team`s victorious return to the town with a cavalcade parading through the streets and the future looks bright for the Sarsfields as there are some serious talents within this squad who have more days like this ahead of them in the future.
Charlestown Athletic's good run in Division Two of the Mayo Soccer League continued in fine style as they whipped Crossmolina 6-0 in their latest outing played recently.
Charlestown were far too strong for their opposition and made their dominance count on the scoreboard with Damo Ward's scoring streak remaining hot as he bagged a hat-trick with further strikes from Johnny McNulty, Sean Quinn and Kacper Gawalkiewicz completing a good day at the office for Athletic as they remain close to the summit of the league table.
The death took place recently of Bill Madden, Malahide, Co Dublin and formerly of Charlestown. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 Card game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday night, June 9th, and the following were the prize winners: 1st, James Cafferty and Joe Mahon; 2nd, Darby and Breege Leonard.
The raffle winners were Mary O'Hara, Breege Leonard and James Cafferty.
The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm and all are welcome.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts game held in Walsh's Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday night, June 7th, as The Duke and The Magician faced off in another instalment of the weekly classic.
Governor Gus was imperious in his role as match referee and kept things ticking along nicely.
The Duke was in sublime form from the outset and blew the Magician away with some fantastic throwing. He was on it from his first throw and never allowed the Magician a look-in as he put the first two sets back to back with some sizzling scoring.
Things improved a bit for the Magic man in the third set but not enough to bring the game to a fourth with the Duke sealing a 3-0 whitewash as he took out 138 in the fourth leg to seal his sixth victory of a very consistent season as he continues his hot streak of form which he hopes will endure into the lucrative summer.
The Magician left all his magic in the cauldron but was most gracious in defeat with the two men sharing a few beers and conversation long into the night.
Congratulations to Chloe McDonnell, daughter of John and Annalisa McDonnell, Knoxville Manor, Bellaghy, Charlestown who secured a silver medal in the Under-9 Girls 60m event at the Connacht team games held at the Claremorris Athletics Track recently.
This was quite the achievement by Chloe as she competed against the best in her event in Connacht and she looks to have a bright future ahead of her and will have many more podium finishes in the future as she continues to grow and develop as a sprinter.
She is a precocious talent with a lot of potential and is a member of the all conquering East Mayo Athletics Club who continue to produce athletes of her calibre at ages and grades in both genders. We salute Chloe on her achievement and wish her continued success in the future and will monitor her progress with interest over the coming years.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA Lotto jackpot of €4,100 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, June 8, when the numbers drawn were 2, 12, 19 and 20 The winners of the three €20 prizes were Bernie Harte, Padraig Cafferty and Pauline Walsh.
Next week's jackpot will rise to €4,200 and the draw will be held on Monday night, June 15th. Tickets on sale in a number of outlets in the community, priced €2, and the draw can also be played online via the club's Facebook page.
A meeting of the Charlestown Cemetery Committee takes place on Tuesday (this evening), June 16, at 8pm in the Pastoral Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown. All members are requested to attend.
Bushfield Cemetery Mass will take place on Friday, July 24, at 7.30pm.
Legion of Mary
Legion of Mary meeting takes place every Wednesday evening at 7pm in St James`Church, Charlestown. All are welcome.
For further information, contact Phil on 086-3946233.
