Local Notes: Revolutionary Women of East Mayo and South Sligo 1918-1923 event
D’arcy McCudden, Cadhla O’Grady, Louise Horkan, Sinead McCoole, Ann Leyton and Lauren McGrath at an event hosted by the Mayo Genealogy Group on the Revolutionary Women of East Mayo and South Sligo from 1918-1923 in the Museum of Country Life, Turlough.
The Mayo Genealogy Group hosted an event on the Revolutionary Women of East Mayo and South Sligo from 1918-1923 in the Museum of Country Life, Turlough.
This research follows on from the award winning project of St Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown, Co. Mayo in the Decade of Centenaries All-Ireland Schools’ History Competition in 2022, run in conjunction with UCC and the Department of Education.
The speakers included special guest Sinead McCoole, a historian and broadcaster and an expert on the history of women during the Irish Revolutionary Period; the students at St. Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown, Cadhla O’Grady, Louise Horkan, D’arcy McCudden and their history teacher, Ann Leyden; Seamus Bermingham, Chairperson of the Mayo Genealogy Group; Patricia Conway and Cllr. Gerry Murray.
Tom Doyle, Education Officer of the National Museum facilitated the event which also featured a talk in the afternoon by Dr Michael O’Connor on Michael Collin’s visit to Castlebar in April 1922. The project is on temporary display at the Museum of Country Life, Turlough and will be displayed in Charlestown, date to be announced anon.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €9,000 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, November 19, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 8, 31, 32 and 35. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Adrian Regan and Cathriona Folliard, c/o Murray’s Bar. The latest jackpot increased to €9,100 and the draw was held on Sunday night, November 26.
The annual general meeting of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club will take place on Friday, December 1, at 8.30pm in the Town Hall Arts Centre. All members are requested to attend as the club look back and reflect on a busy year on and off the field. Nomination forms for all the positions on the executive was posted to club members and people are asked to return the same to the club secretary, Kevin Deignan immediately. The club are hoping a large crowd will be in attendance and they invite new members to come forward and get involved in the club as it continues to grow and evolve with many new and developments and initiatives ready to take shape for 2024 and beyond.
The Pride of Place Awards for 2023 took place in Armagh recently and The Butterfly Garden were chosen as winners of Special Award for their beautiful baby memorial garden. The award covers community groups and projects throughout the 32 counties of Ireland.
The tree outside Swinford Church will be lit up in honour of all our loved ones this Christmas. You are invited to shine a Light of Love for your loved one with all funds raised going to The Butterfly Garden Maintenance Fund.
All sponsors will receive a special card with their loved one’s names written on it and all Lights of Love will be remembered in a special Mass in Swinford Church on December 22, at 10am. Call 086 3622522 or 087 9794338 for more information.
The Cubs U10 basketball team hosted their first game of the season recently when they welcomed Westport Warriors to the CBD Recreational Centre, and they shaped with real promise and potential as they matched their opponents basket for basket in a cracking free flowing game. The team have a bright future in front of them on the evidence of this sparkling display and well done to their coaches who had them in tip top shape as they look forward to many more good days ahead as they continue to improve and develop with each competitive outing.
Activator pole/chair exercise class have commenced in the Charlestown Arts Centre on Friday afternoons at 12 noon for 6 weeks . Meet new people, have some fun. This course is funded by the Mayo Sports Partnership Return to Sport Initiative. For more information contact 086 8514682.
The wedding took place at the Hardiman Hotel, Galway of Majella Murray, daughter of Gerry and the late Pauline Murray, Barrack Street, Charlestown, and Jason Hannon, son of Charlie and Caroline Hannon, Leixlip, Co. Kildare. Bestman was Shane Molloy, friend of the groom. Bridesmaid was Michelle Murray, sister of the bride. Flowergirls were Kate and Sienna McIntyre, nieces of the bride. Pageboy was Cian McIntyre, nephew of the bride. The reception was held in the Hardiman Hotel, Galway and we wish Majella and Jason every good wish for the future, health and happiness and many years of wedded bliss.
The death took place at the Mayo Hospice, Castlebar of Anna Molloy (nee Giblin), Newbrook, Claremorris, Co Mayo, and formerly of Gowel, Charlestown. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
Charlestown Athletic FC annual general meeting will take place on Tuesday (this evening), November 28, at 8.30pm in the Town Hall, Arts Centre. All members are requested to attend, and new members are most welcome.
St Attracta’s Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown, are pleased to invite expressions of interest from anyone who may wish to volunteer with the residents of the nursing home. The role of the volunteer is to communicate with the residents , listen to them and provide companionship. This endeavour will be structured and supported by the staff of the nursing home. Suitable volunteers should have excellent communication skills, compassion, and integrity. If you would like to discuss this further contact St Attracta’s on 094 9254307 or email info@stattractas.com.
There was an excellent turnout for the Margaret Ginty Memorial Trophy, the first big prize night of the bridge club held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, November 15, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Maura Kilcoyne and Nora McVeigh, 2nd Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 3rd Frances and Robert Healy, 4th Elsie Jackson and Hilary McCrohan, 5th Michael Dee and Tommie O`Malley, 6th Tom Dunne and Mary Lynskey, 7th Charles and Mae Quinn, 8th Mary O`Connell and James Mooney, 9th Ann Delaney and Con Ward, 10th Melinda Mulligan and Sinead Quinn. The game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walshs’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, and all are welcome.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Tuesday last, November 21, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st James Reidy and Pearse Henry, 2nd Michael and Mary Lynskey. Raffle winners were Vera Scally and Seamus Durcan. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 8.30pm in Walsh’s Bar and all are welcome especially new members.
A Christmas Spectacular takes place at Knock Basilica on Friday, December 1, ... An Evening of songs of Faith, Hope, Love and Christmas featuring Margo, Philomena Begley, Donna Taggart, John McNicholl, and Marc Roberts. Also featuring Una Nolan and Schola Cantorum Basilicae. Tickets cost €30 and are available from Mary McNicholas in Victim Assistance Head Office. This special event will raise funds for Victim Assistance, supporting victims of crime and trauma victims in Ireland. Door opens at 6.30pm and the show begins at 8pm. More information from Victim Assistance head office, Kiltimagh, tel 094 9000 251/1800 277 477.
Birthday greetings to Brendan Horkan, Lavey Manor, Charlestown, who celebrated his fiftieth (50th) birthday last weekend. Celebrations were low key I’m led to believe but I received a tip-off from an anonymous source, so I felt compelled to put pen to paper and dedicate some lines to one of the town and community’s most popular residents. Benny or Shaggy as he’s affectionately known to many, has aged quite gracefully it must be said as he gets ready to embrace life as a quinquagenarian. He joins an exclusive club which has claimed many notable scalps in the last twelve months or so with Brendan the latest to don the Hawaii-50 t-shirt with full membership being granted automatically when the birth cert is checked and signed off on. The body may not move as quick as it once did when he was surging out of defence with the ball tucked under his arm as he turned defence into attack with that turbo engine of his, but all the limbs remain in good working order as he has taken to dog walking in a big way as he skips across the pavement with two pedigree King Charles’ on the leash.
Unlike many of his peers, the hair follicles continue to reproduce quite prolifically with the solar panel having plenty of cover as we head into the cold winter months. Grey has become the dominant colour in recent years, but it gives him an air of distinction which is the envy of many of shorn of the same. Benny was a gifted drummer back in the day and drew many favourable comparisons with Larry Mullen such was his talents with the drumsticks with his abilities much in demand as he flirted with stardom with a few bands both here and New York where he spent the best part of 16 years before re-locating back to the homestead back in the late 2000s.
Behind every good man is a good woman with his wife Serena looking after all his dietary needs and keeping her man well fed and foddered as he takes on the challenge of being fifty and all that it entails and demands. I’m sure there was a cake unveiled to commemorate this most auspicious of occasions with fifty candles standing tall on the summit. Brendan always possessed a good set of lungs and summoned up one mighty blow to extinguish each and every candle simultaneously which was an achievement that eluded many half-centennials that went before him. Brendan is in good shape as flips the book of life onto page fifty and here`s hoping he continues to enjoy good health and happiness for many years to come and I look forward to receiving a bit of that lovely cake that I’m sure he’s put aside for me on the back of this worthy, but brief mention. I live in hope!!
Charlestown Sarsfields lost out to Eastern Gaels in the final round of group games in the county U21C championship with the green and white coming out on the wrong side of a 2-5 to 1-9 scoreline. Both teams had already qualified prior to the throw-in with the game deciding who would top the group and go through as top seeds with the Gaels earning that distinction by virtue of their tight but deserved one point victory.
The Gaels looked the more assured side throughout but two green flags for the Sarsfields kept them in contention albeit both goals were fortuitous in nature. The Gaels led 1-3 to 0-3 at half-time which was just about right as they could and should have been further ahead but were wasteful in front of goal.
The Sarsfields struggled to win possession in the middle third for much of the second half but goals from Mark Lowther and Conor McArdle kept their hopes alive as the Gaels struggled to put the Sarsfields away which they almost had cause to rue by the final whistle.
The Sarsfields lined out without their key man Jack Corley due to injury with Ciaran Honeyman and Niall Fleming also unavailable which weakened their hand considerably. They lacked nothing in industry and endeavour with the likes of Conor McArdle, Sean Dunleavy, James Conway, Tadhg Horkan, Niall Towey and Mark Lowther leaving everything on the field as they kept the Sarsfields challenge viable and relevant right up to the final whistle.
The Sarsfields still go through to the quarter-finals but are struggling with injuries at the moment with Jack Corley’s loss incalculable as he is without doubt the team`s best and most consistent performer.
The annual general meeting of Bord na nOg (the underage wing of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA. Club) was held in the Town Hall Arts Centre on Friday night, November 17. There was a sparse attendance it must be said as all three officers presented very detailed and comprehensive reports covering all strands and facets of the club’s underage wing in all grades. The club competed with distinction at all levels with honourable mention to the club’s U14 team who were narrowly defeated in the East Mayo U14 A final and lost out by the slender margin of a point in the division 2 U14 league semi-final. The U13 and U16 boys teams also reached league finals at their respective grades but lost out at the final hurdle but lacked for nothing in effort and application with the minors suffering the same fate as they lost out to Ballintubber in a penalty shootout in the division 5 league final which was a tough loss to endure as the club continues to compete and drive the standards at all grades, genders and levels of competition. The committee also paid tribute to and congratulated the girls U13/14 teams on the fantastic achievement of winning division one county titles which was an amazing feat with the U16 girls’ teams almost emulating their U13/14 counterparts only to fall agonisingly short in their respective final.
All three officers, chairman Donal Healy, secretary Neil O’Connor and treasurer Michael Doherty delivered very detailed reports which were lauded by all present with chairman Donal Healy giving a broad outline of the activities which the club engaged with strength and condition and nutrition and coaching programmes some among many initiatives the very busy and energetic executive put in place in a bid to expose their players and teams to best practice in order to provide their players with the finest expertise available in terms of sports science and training. They have done a superb job in their tenure to date with all three indicating their desire to stay on and continue with their ambition and plans to have the club competing in division 1 and 2 leagues within the next three to five years.
The club’s accounts and finances are in terrific shape with Michael Doherty in the happy position to be able to report a healthy surplus which he attributed to the wonderful work of many great volunteers who helped out with the running and staffing of the club shop which was in operation for a number of big games in Fr O’Hara Park during the course of the year. He was happy to acknowledge that the club are lucky to be able to tap into a large volunteer base who are only a phone call away to pitch in and help put whenever the need arises. He thanked his fellow colleagues for their help and support throughout the year and echoed Chairman Donal Healy’s words in thanking the many coaches who helped out with the training and coaching of the many teams and players who represented the club with such honour and pride throughout a busy and hectic 2023 season.
There are over 300 children involved in underage football at all grades and levels of competition in the boys and girls grades which is testimony to the work being done as no stone is left unturned to get as many children signed up and on board displaying the Sarsfields colours and emblem. The committee are appealing for more people to come forward and get involved in some shape or form as, with such big numbers on the books, any help forthcoming in the coaching and preparation of teams would be a huge asset as it would provide an extra layer of support the club could so badly so with. All information and queries on coaching courses, etc can be provided for by messaging or logging into the club email which is Charlestownbordnanog@gmail.com.
The club are on a sound footing as they get ready to embrace 2024 with firm plans in place to roll out more coaching initiatives. The club are actively exploring avenues to gaining more access to the schools in terms of boots on the ground and getting more coaches into the schools to provide support and assistance to the teachers who are doing their very best with the limited resources available to them. The meeting called for the county board to provide much more investment in this regard with the East Mayo division seeming to lag behind when it comes to gaining access to full time coaches to visit the school and implement training and coaching programmes. The club and executive intend to follow this up in the new year as the need for coaching and investment was never greater particularly with the level of competition out there from other sports. The executive thanked the senior club officers for all their unwavering support throughout the year and signed off by thanking all who attended and wished everybody a happy and peace Christmas and a prosperous new year. The following officers were elected for the coming year chairman Donal Healy, secretary Neil O`Connor and treasurer Michael Doherty.
Well done to Keely Stevens of the Charlestown Boxing Club who enjoyed a great win at the Connacht V Dublin double header that took place in Achill recently. Keely defeated her talented Dublin opponent, a former European medallist, by a unanimous points decision, overturning a split decision loss when the two last met in the 44kg final of the National Senior Cadets Championship in Dublin last July. This was a great scalp for Keely to take and underlines her fantastic talent and potential as she continues to make big waves in her weight division and moves further up the rankings which is an indication of her undoubted ability and determination.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2400 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, November 20, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 2, 6, 10, and 11. The following were the winners of the 3 x €20 prizes; Cora Gilligan, Eoin, Luke and Rory Tuffy, and Margaret Connolly. The latest jackpot increased to €2500, and the draw took place on Monday night, November 27. Tickets can be bought in several outlets or via the online platform and also by logging onto the club’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, November 19, as The Duke and Boom Boom squared off in another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. The Duke, buoyed by Corofin’s victory in the Galway championship, made the better start and ran away with the first set as he was sharper and more accurate than his opponent when among the doubles. The pattern of the match remained the same in set two as The Duke continued to throw with conviction and was deadly when it came to the art of finishing as he took the set with some measured scoring and rapier like finishing.
Boom Boom needed something big to happen at the start of the thirds set or a 3-0 whitewash looked on the cards. He made a bright start with a double eighteen in the first leg finally getting his name on the board as the Duke`s level began to taper off somewhat. Boom Boom’s form picked up considerably and he took the set with a treble eighteen, double sixteen blast in the fourth leg clinching the set and getting him on the board so to speak.
The fourth set was keenly contested as both men found their best form simultaneously. They shared the first two legs with The Duke edging the third leg to leave him one away from victory. The fourth leg was a gripping affair as the two men laid claim to victory. Boom Boom looked odds on to take it to a fifth set as he held a 100-plus lead with three darts in his hand at a finish. The Duke remains a formidable competitor however and he banged in a maximum to crank up the pressure on his opponent which paid off as Boom Boom blew two darts at double eighteen. The Duke stepped in and was in no mood to offer up any gifts as he sized up 84 with three arrows in his quiver. He hit treble sixteen with his first dart to leave two darts at double eighteen as the crowd held their breath in eager anticipation. He didn’t drag it out as he pierced the green baize of the double with Salah like accuracy to set off wild celebrations among his large support base. Boom Boom was most magnanimous in defeat as they two combatants shared a warm embrace with the Duke grinning from ear to ear as he captured his sixth title of the season with Governor Gus on hand to dish out the winning gong as the Duke celebrated with his customary one finger salute.
