Local Notes: Plenty of smiling and happy faces when Sam Maguire visited Charlestown.
Plenty of smiling and happy faces among the younger members of the club during the visit of Sam Maguire to Fr O'Hara Park, Charlestown.
Saturday, September 12, will forever remain a seminal day in the history of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club as Sam Maguire arrived through the gates of Fr O’Hara Park to wonderful acclaim as local lad, Mayo and Charlestown Sarsfields star Paul Towey hoisted it high into to air with a guard of honour of leading him and his Mayo teammates David McBrien and Kuba Callaghan onto the hallowed turf of Fr O’Hara Park. The guard of honour comprised all the teams from U6 to U14 in both genders and they were giddy with excitement and delight as Paul and his Mayo colleagues were led to the centre of the field with a pied piper adding a touch of theatre and star quality to the event. Hats off to the senior club (men and ladies) and Bord na n-Óg committees who had everything organised to perfection with a well thought out plan put in place to accommodate pictures with Sam Maguire and the players which worked to perfection. All wings of the club stepped up to help with the stewarding and queuing system to facilitate the taking of photographs with the ladies club very much involved in all facets of the plan with the net result that nobody went home disappointed as all requests for photographs, jersey signatures and signings were facilitated and granted without fear or favour.
Paul, David and Kuba were most helpful and obliging in every way and could not have been more polite and respectful as they went out of their way to help in any way they could. They are terrific ambassadors for brand Mayo and their clubs and families and there was a fantastic turnout as all age cohorts queued up to get a picture with Sam and the lads.
Charlestown people came from far and wide to be part of the occasion and it was great to see great stalwarts such as John Gallagher formerly of Church Street in town flanked by his three daughters Maree, Clodagh and Sinead getting a picture with Sam and the players with Marty Horkan a childhood friend and well-known local man also joining for a photo which made a good day even better. Centurion Josie O’Donnell, Church Street, a remarkable lady was also present with her daughter Dympna and husband Fergal and they were delighted to get a pic with Sam and the players as Josie took it all in her stride as she continues to embrace life and take each day on its merits. Seamus Finn journeyed from Leixlip and got a picture with his sister Margaret and her husband John Kearney with Frank Henry, formerly of Main Street, a longstanding and great Mayo supporter came from Galway and fulfilled a lifetime’s ambition as he posed for a pic with Sam and chatted freely to the players. Eugene Morrisroe arrived from Clarecastle with his son while Jackie Fleming from Hagfield originally arrived over from London for the event and was made up as he finally realised his dream of Mayo winning Sam.
There was a big local representation with great Mayo people such as Hugh Conway, Matt Finn, Vinnie Doherty, and many more were getting their opportunity to pose for family pics with the Sam and the players which made it a special and superb day overall for the club with family very much the main theme as they queued for hours to have their pics taken and did so willingly and gladly which made it a win win for the club as they pulled out all the stops to ensure everything ran smoothly and this they did with aplomb.
Well done to the senior club spearheaded by Ryan O’Connor, Kevin Deignan and Tom McLoughlin who, with the support of Bord na nÓg and the ladies club all pitched in to make it a day to savour as all units of the club came together as one and put on a right good show. There was a super team of stewards from all wings in evidence and they did a stellar job in ensuring everything ran off script as anyone and everyone who wanted a pic got their wish with Paul Towey, David McBrien and Kuba Callaghan, not for the first time, playing a blinder and putting their best foot forward in every regard.
Charlestown Sarsfields Ladies made their exit from the 2026 county senior championship as they lost out to reigning county champions Westport in the final round of the group stages played at the Castlebar GAA grounds recently.
Westport are a quality team laced with several county players and panelists at all grades of competition and they had too much firepower and class for a young and relatively inexperienced Sarsfields side who are still finding their feet at this level.
The Westport ladies were on it from the throw-in and took control early as the Sarsfields struggled to get a grip on their runners who came from all angles and positions on the pitch. They attacked with real flair and pace and started to work the scoreboard in their favour pretty quickly with the Sarsfields finding it difficult to get any kind of traction or momentum going as they spent the majority of both halves trying to stem the relentless blue wave that kept coming at them.
The senior championship is an unforgiving grade but the Sarsfields will take plenty from this contest and their overall performance in the group as they continue to drive standards and introduce new players to this level of competition. Manager Tom Carney did an admirable job managing a young squad while keeping ambitions realistic and setting sensible targets for the group which were met by and large as they held onto their senior status and collected some silverware in the shape of the Melissa Patterson Memorial Cup. He also introduced several new players to the fold with Siofra McGuinness, Sophie Tiernan, Cliona Cullen, Kayleigh Casey and several more making their senior debuts while still teenagers which speaks volumes for the depth of talent that’s coming through the underage ranks.
The future looks bright for the Sarsfields and well done to Tom Carney and his team for a good year as they invested a lot of time, energy and dedication in guiding the ship and did a mighty fine job to boot. Onwards and upwards ladies as the curtain comes down on their season with plenty to look forward to in the off-season as players get a chance to rest and recharge and enjoy some much needed down time.
Birthday greetings are extended to Dylan McGuinness, son of Eugene and Eileen McGuinness, Glann, Charlestown who celebrated his coming of age recently.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €23,700 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, September 13, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 14, 25, 29, and 35. The winners of the 3 x €50 prizes were as follows; Sunniva Tiernan (lucky dip), Karen Mulligan (lucky dip -annual lotto) and Emma Irwin (online winner). The jackpot in the latest draw held on Sunday, September 20 was €23,800. Tickets on sale in a number of outlets in the community and cost €2 or 3 for €5 and the draw can also be played online via the club's facebook page. The club thank everybody who supports their weekly draw.
The death took place at the Sonas Nursing Home, Knock, Co. Mayo of Joan Foody (nee Carr), Church Street, Charlestown. Her remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown to St. James’ Church, Charlestown, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the Cemetery of the Resurrection.
Joan is survived by her sisters Ita and Patricia, brothers-in law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. The late Joan, who was predeceased by her husband Michael and sister Dolores, was a well-known and popular member of the community of Charlestown and beyond. She was a noted hairdresser who ran her own business for many years and was always friendly and personable to her customers and built up a great rapport with them in every respect. Joan was a friendly and affable lady with a keen sense of humour and was much admired and respected on Church Street where she had forged many strong friendships. Her passing robs the street of one of its best known and nicest citizens and deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved. May she rest in peace.
Charlestown U13 development team suffered a narrow 4-8 to 2-10 loss to Claremorris in round 2 of the county U13 development league played at the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch, Charlestown recently. The game was played in tough conditions with wind and rain making it difficult for both teams but the visitors had that little bit more depth and quality in their team as they used their superior strength and physicality to superior effect and always had enough in their locker to keep the Sarsfields at bay in a well contested game overall.
The Sarsfields were game and honest throughout and never backed away at any stage with a couple of terrific Ollie Doherty goals keeping them in touch. He took his goals brilliantly and carried the fight to Claremorris throughout with Matthew Naughton, Nathan Gethins and Gabe Buganski, Conor Sloyan, Darragh Irwin, Jonathan Morris and Caelan Egan turning in good performances and keeping the Sarsfields fire lit at all times.
Next up for this honest and committed group of young men is a home game against Swinford where they will be looking to regain the winning thread once again.
Charlestown Sarsfields U13 team continued their unbeaten start to division one of the county U13 league with a 2-14 to 3-5 victory in a hard fought tussle played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently. This was a right good scrap between two well matched teams with the Sarsfields digging in and scraping out a victory that looked in the balance on several occasions as the visitors fought hard and were in with a right shout of winning the game midway through the second half.
The Sarsfields had the better of much of the opening half with an early Senan Tiernan goal giving the Sarsfields the ideal start. Points from Kalem Higgins, Matthew Naughton with a brace and Frank Muldoon kept the Sarsfields challenge buoyant as they continued to win plenty of possession but left some chances behind them as the visitors started to grow into the game.
Breaffy hit three points without reply to reduce their deficit as the game became much more of an even contest with the Breaffy challenge stepping up considerably. Further points from Kalem Higgins and Matt Naughton completed the first half scoring for the green and white with Breaffy bagging a goal right on the stroke of half time to lend real weight to their challenge as the scoreboard took on a much more even complexion with the Sarsfields holding a slender 1-6 to 1-5 lead with the game very much in the melting pot.
The second half was hard fought in every way as both teams battled tooth and nail to get the upper hand. The Sarsfields defence adopted a much tighter approach and stepped up the marking considerably. The introduction of Luke McDermott proved hugely significant for the Sarsfields as he provided a focal point in attack as he offered himself for the ball and banged in a crucial goal at a time when the game was very much up for grabs.
Breaffy never went away and replied with a goal of their own to keep the game in the balance but the young Sarsfields lads fronted up when the questions were posed as Matt Naughton, Kalem Higgins and McDermott fired over a flurry of points as the Sarsfields grabbed control of the contest in impressive fashion. Further scores from Naughton and McDermott sealed the victory for the home side albeit Breaffy did manage a third goal but it was a consolation strike as the green and white ran out decisive six points winners at the end.
They had strong performances from Matthew Naughton, Senan Tiernan, Ted Munnelly, Rian O’Grady, Conor Breheny, Conor Daovern, Luke McDermott, Tadhg Drury, Frank Muldoon and Ollie Doherty. Next up for the Sarsfields is a clash with Moy Davitts in what is a winner take all contest.
The 31st anniversary of The Carracastle Lass is taking place on Saturday, October 17, at 8pm in Carracastle Community Centre. If you would like to give a donation towards the running costs of the event or sponsor an entrant (aged over 18), contact carracastlelass@gmail.com or call 087 6732254 for more information.
The next Community Coffee morning takes place on Friday, October 2, from 11am-1pm in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, with lift access available. All are welcome to come along for a cuppa and a chat.
Charlestown Sarsfields host Balla in Fr O’Hara Park in division one of the county U17 league on Tuesday (this evening), September 22, with the throw-in confirmed for 6.30pm.
The death took place recently at St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin of Joe McGowan, Foxrock, Dublin and formerly of Tavneena, Charlestown. His remains were removed to St Mary’s Church, Sandyford and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to Kilmashogue Cemetery, Rathfarnham, Dublin. He is survived by his wife Anne-Marie, son Joseph (jnr), daughters Catherine and Christine, brother Gerry, grandchildren, nephew, nieces, relatives, neighbours and close friends.
The late Joe, who was predeceased by his parents Jim and Kate and brother Pa was a well known and prominent businessman in the Dublin and Leinster area over any number of years. He was very involved in the construction industry and was one of the leading lights in this sector in the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. He was also heavily involved in the horse racing industry and owned a number of high profile and successful horses with the late Mick O’Toole with names like Hartstown and Davy Lad sure to resonate with many dyed in the wool racing fans as Joe and his wife Ann-Marie in whose colours they ran, enjoyed numerous successes at all the big racing festivals back in the heady days of the 1970s and 1980s.
Joe was a man of vision and ambition and never lost his grá for the West and was a regular back to his homestead where he maintained strong links. He had a colourful personality and was a man of deep intellect who provided gainful employment to many from the West and knew the value of a good day’s work for a good day’s pay. He lived life in the best way he knew how and leaves a lasting legacy of memories which his family will cherish and hold dear to in the deep dark hours, days and weeks that lie ahead. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
Charlestown Athletic capped their return to junior soccer in Mayo after an absence of ten years in some style as they secured promotion to division one of the Mayo league having done the necessary and won their final two games in most convincing fashion. Athletic knew that nothing only two wins would suffice to secure promotion and they made light of the pressure as they dismantled the challenges of Glenhest Rovers and Crossmolina B respectively, in imperious fashion as they racked up fourteen goals which crowned a very impressive season and underlines the depth of talent available to the club.
They can now look forward to pitting their talents against a higher calibre of opposition in division one and are sure to attract more players to the club on the back of their promotion success. Robbie Jordan with a brace, Liam McCaffrey, Damien Ward, Martin Taylor, and Gareth O'Donnell were the goalscorers v Glenhest with Johnny McNulty, Mark Lowther, Robbie Jordan with two more and Damien Ward who bagged four, all filling their boots in an 8-0 demolition job. Well done to the players and the management team of Kacper Gawalkiewicz, Johnny McNulty and Paul Kenny who did a great job in the management and training of the team and got a great tune out of the players from the off.
The club is very much on the up at the moment with lots of optimism that they can build on this success and have a right go at taking on the best teams in division one which undoubtedly will be a step-up on division two but one the team can bridge if they continue to develop and improve in the close season.
For the moment the achievement of promotion is sitting well with all Athletic and Charlestown supporters with the promise of more good times ahead in 2027 as the team looks to continue to ride that crest of the wave.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts game held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday, September 13, as the Pillock and The Dynamo fought it out in an always interesting spectacle. Jovial John was unflappable in his role as match referee and kept both men in tow effortlessly.
The Pillock was in one of those moods where everything he threw seemed to turn to gold as he blasted his way into a two set lead with some sublime pegging. The Dynamo was reduced to the role of spectator as he couldn’t keep pace with the standard of his rampant opponent who began the third set with a maximum as he continued his relentless on the trebles and doubles beds. He grabbed the first two legs of the third set with ease and looked odds on to knock the game out in three such was the accuracy of his arrows.
The Dynamo, from nowhere launched a revival of sorts, taking the next two legs against the grain to set up a fifth leg decider with the Pillock twitching anxiously in his seat as he has seen this movie ending before. He needn’t have worried one jot, however as the Pillock steadied himself before unleashing a volley of trebles and doubles which culminated in him taking out the bull to complete a 3-0 whitewash in the most emphatic of fashions.
The Dynamo cut a pretty disconsolate figure at the finish but he was wise enough to know he was outgunned by a man at the top of his game as the Pillock basked in the glory of his fourth title of the season.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €5500 in the weekly draw held on Monday, September 14, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 2, 15, 21 and 27. The winners of the €20 prizes were Declan Haran, James Howley and Niall Flynn. The jackpot in the latest draw held on Monday, September 21, was €5600.
Tickets on sale in a number of outlets and cost €2 each and the draw can also be played online via the club's Facebook page.
The weekly Legion of Mary meeting takes place every Wednesday evening at 7pm in St. James' Church, Charlestown. All are welcome to attend and for more information contact Phil on 086 3946233.
New and returning members are welcome to join the parish choir. No prior experience required. Practice takes place each Thursday at 7pm in the parish church. For more information contact Carmel on 086 3271196.
The weekly game continues every Tuesday night at 9pm in the Yeats County Inn, Curry and all are welcome.
The weekly bridge game has resumed its usual 8pm slot for the season in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, and there will be full results of the first game back for the new season in next week’s issue.
The Music Circle with John and Isabela returned to Carracastle Community Centre yesterday, Monday, September 21, at 7pm until 8.30pm. The Music Circle is an ongoing free event. Everyone is very welcome to join and you don’t need any experience just come along. You are welcome to share a poem, a story, a song, or a dance. You are also very welcome to sit back and enjoy the experience as it unfolds. The Music Circle is a very welcoming space, sometimes people join with friends and very often people come along on their own. A big part of the Music Circle is community and connection, and sharing in the joy and friendship that emerges from the experience. The other dates for the Autumn / Winter Music Circle are October 19, November 16 and December 14.
