Local Notes: Rhys O'Connor, Charlestown Sarsfields being presented with the U15 Division 2 Feile Cup.
Chairman of Bord na nOg Charlie Lambert presenting Rhys O'Connor with the Division 2 U15 Feile Cup following the Sarsfields victory over Belmullet which secured their passage for the Division 2 All-Ireland Feile Championship which takes place at the end of June.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €11,600 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, May 19, and the numbers drawn were; 7, 11, 19 and 31. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Kevin Egan and Denis Stenson. The latest jackpot increased to €11,700 and the draw was held on Sunday, May 26.
The death took place at the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice recently of Tony O’Connor, Glann, Charlestown. His remains were removed to St James’s Church, Charlestown, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the cemetery of the resurrection. He is survived by his wife Christina, sons Anthony, Robert and Ambrose, daughter Geraldine, brother John, sisters Lilly and Bernie, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends.
The late Tony was a well known and respected member of the communities of Glann and Charlestown who had forged many strong and lasting friendships in both communities. He was a hard working, proud family man who was a good provider for his family and, together with his wife Christina, made sure their needs were met and provided for at all times. Tony knew the value of a good day’s work for a good day’s pay and this work ethic stayed with him right the way through his life as he tackled and faced down the challenges threw at him every day with great relish and enthusiasm.
He was a good neighbour and friend to all in the community of Glann and could always be depended upon to pitch in and lend a hand in times of crisis or need. He also had a great love of the land and loved nothing better than to roam the fields tending to his livestock and looking after their every need. The community of Glann has lost one of its best and nicest citizens but he leaves many outstanding memories which his family will cling on to and cherish in these deep dark hours and days. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
The official opening of the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch and Walkway will take place on Sunday, June 2. An Taoiseach Simon Harris will perform the official opening at 1pm and cut the tape on the magnificent new pitch and walkway which has been the best part of four years in the planning. The club executive led by chairman Liam Breheny, secretary Kevin Deignan and treasurer Kevin Deignan have spearheaded a very dedicated and focused committee of people who left no stone unturned in their determination to bring this project to fruition over the last number of years. The amount of support they have received from within and outside the community has been nothing short of phenomenal as Colm’s tragic passing and the horrific circumstances around it, touched a chord with people all over the world as the club and committee embarked on an ambitious fundraising campaign which paid off handsomely with the pitch and walkway a fitting tribute to a man who was the quintessential community man who exhibited many outstanding characteristics and traits with decency, humility, kindness and selfless just a snapshot of some of his wonderful qualities.
The Garda Band will also perform on the day with a number of exhibition matches taking place on the new pitch which are sure to draw a large crowd to what’s a very special if poignant day for the Horkan family and all within the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club who treasure some never to be forgotten memories of Colm’s time in the green and white where he lit up many a match and occasion with some moments of pure class and magic.
After An Taoiseach Simon Harris has performed the opening the first game on the new surface will feature a Charlestown Sarsfields Masters Selection, containing many of Colm’s former teammates and friends going head to head against a star studded Masters selection from counties and clubs across Ireland. This promises to be quite the match with some big names featuring in the Masters selection taking on the hosts. Next up is a match featuring the current Charlestown Senior Ladies team taking on Templemore Garda College team in what looks a very interesting exhibition contest with lots of stellar names on display on both sides. The current Charlestown Sarsfields men’s senior team are next on the roster as they pit their wits against a representative team from An Garda Siochana with the small matter of pride very much at stake for the Sarsfields as they look to close the day on the footballing side with a victory. There will also be a number of matches taking place on Fr O’Hara Park as well with the all teams from U8 to U12’s in both boys and girls getting the chance to perform and display their considerable talents from 11am onwards.
The club are expecting a large crowd to come through the gates with lots of information on parking to be had by checking out the splendid Charlestown Sarsfields Facebook and Twitter pages which will provide regular updates on traffic and where best to park, etc. The club are extremely grateful to all who have helped out in these past four harrowing years for the Horkan family and community of Charlestown as a whole. Colm’s memory was never likely to fade as he was such a cherished person who touched the lives of so many and always had a smile on offer whenever you interacted or had the good fortune to meet him socially. He was one of those men who always left an indelible impression and time spent in his company was always to be savoured. June 2 promises to be an emotional yet proud day for the Horkan family and the people of Charlestown as they come together to celebrate the opening of a facility that will provide such enjoyment and pleasure for many future generations of Charlestown Sarsfields players, supporters and members as the town and club unite to remember a great champion. Hats off to all involved in the bringing the project to completion with so many playing their part in the planning and fundraising with sincere gratitude to the many thousands of people who donated and supported the many fundraising projects the club put in place to get this project over the line.
Charlestown Sarsfields picked up a vital win in division 1A of the county senior league with a tonic 4-12 to 1-17 victory over Knockmore in a high scoring encounter played at sun splashed Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently.
The Sarsfields needed to respond positively following their drubbing from Castlebar Mitchels in the previous round but the signs looked ominous in the opening twenty minutes as the visitors raced into an 0-8 to 0-2 , kicking points from a variety of angles and distances as the Sarsfields struggled to keep hold on the ball in the middle third.
Knockmore were bossing the game in all the key pressure points with only Paul Towey and Niall Drudy raising white flags for the home side as the game threatened to run away from the green and white such was the vim and vigour in the Knockmore play.
The tide took a dramatic turn in the final ten minutes of the half however as the Sarsfields, in keeping with the sweltering conditions, caught fire and kicked 2-3 to alter the scoreboard dramatically as the visitors somehow lost their way in a game they were dominating.
Paul Towey and Jack Corley kicked two points to give the Sarsfields a glimmer of hope as the green and white started to stem the Knockmore glut of scores. Minutes later Alan Woods was fouled in the act of shooting for the Sarsfields which led to a penalty being awarded which Paul Towey slotted under the body of the diving Knockmore keeper to bring the home side within one of the visitors.
Things got a whole lot better when Towey cracked over a terrific point from long distance but the best was yet to come as Paddy Lenehan fastened on to a loose ball just outside the Knockmore small square and he blasted the ball to the corner of the net to put the Sarsfields three in front which was scarcely credible given the contrasting starts both teams had to the match. The visitors did manage to finish the half on a high as they kicked the final score to bring an action packed opening half to a close with the Sarsfields 2-5 to 0-9 in front.
The second half was no less eventful or thrilling as both teams continued to pour forward at every opportunity. It was the visitors who started the quicker again with two early points restoring parity as the sun continued to beam down from its lofty position in the sky. The two teams traded scores with Alan Woods punching over for the Sarsfields before another key moment arrived when Paul Towey evaded several would be Knockmore defenders to tuck the ball into the net and put the Sarsfields four clear into the bargain.
Another free from Towey extended the gap with the county star showing his class in the very next play as he bagged his hat-trick with some wizard and trickery leaving a host of Knockmore defenders in his wake as he coolly placed the ball into the corner of the net to leave the Sarsfields in a terrific position as they led 4-8 to 0-13 in front with ten minutes left on the timepiece.
The game looked up for the visitors but one can never discount the passion and resilience that’s stitched into that saffron and blue jersey as they responded with three quick points to make it a two score game once again. Towey continued on his scoring blitz as he pointed two more frees but Knockmore, sensing some fragility in the Sarsfields ranks, continued to push men forward and from one of their many forays they fashioned a goal which reduced the gap to three and gave their challenge some much needed oxygen once again.
The Sarsfields were wobbling but a tremendous catch, one of many he pulled off in the game, from Matt Lenehan saw him place Towey in a great scoring position with Knockmore reduced to fouling with Towey clipping the ball over the bar to push the lead out to four once again.
Knockmore were never going away as Aidan Orme landed a free of his own but from the resultant kick-out Niall Fleming plucked the ball from orbit and played a lovely soft pass to the on rushing Paddy Goldrick who fisted the ball over the bar to give the Sarsfields the cushion of a two score lead with time almost elapsed.
The referee’s final whistle sounded from the resultant kick-out to bring a humdinger of a game to a conclusion with the Sarsfields relieved to have gotten over the line having endured a very poor opening quarter. Credit to them however, they responded in the best way possible and fronted up on all fronts with Paul Towey magnificent in all aspects of his game providing the Sarsfields with a real cutting edge in attack and leading by example when leadership was needed. Matt Lenehan was also splendid throughout, fielding majestically on numerous occasions and driving hard at the Knockmore defence and asking them all kinds of searching questions.
The likes of Niall Drudy, Jack Corley, Ben Conway, Alan Woods, Gerry McLoughlin and Fergal Quinn were excellent at the back and provided a good line of cover for keeper Kenny Brennan who was flawless in his handling and kicking. Gareth O’Donnell played a smart game in the middle of the park, dropping deep to provide and extra layer of cover for the Sarsfields rearguard and distributing intelligently when in possession. Kiefer Craig was immense at wing forward, most notably in the second half when he gave the Sarsfields another option for kick-outs, catching several and keeping it in the green and white hands at all times. Paddy Goldrick, Ruairi Cullen, Mike Marren and Paddy Lenehan also contributed handsomely to a performance that was night and day away from their previous effort against Castlebar Mitchels.
Eoin Flannery, Niall Fleming, Jack Brennan and Niall Towey also made useful contributions when thrown into the fray in the second half as the Sarsfields got the best possible response from a team that had some serious soul-searching to do from their melt down the week before.
Charlestown Sarsfields Junior team, operating in division 3 of the county league, suffered their first defeat of the season when they were rolled over by Claremorris in round 3 with the South Mayo standard bearers coming through on 7-9 to 3-10 score line. There were mitigating circumstances for the Sarsfields as they were shorn of several of their key players which reduced the options available to the management with the home side taking full advantage as they ran up a big score with goals the major currency they were dealing in. The Sarsfields tried hard to stem the tide but had neither the personnel or legs to thwart a young an eager home side who were much the fresher side and used their pace and athleticism to telling affect in either half.
The Charlestown Organic Community Garden opened its doors for the 2024 season recently with long standing member Paddy Casey tending to the many jobs the garden demands for the last number of months which includes the mowing and strimming of the lawns as well as trimming some of the many splendid new shrubs into new shapes and designs. Sarah McCann has also been in over the Spring planning a variety of the vegetables in the Polytunnel and bringing it back to life in wonderful fashion. Special mention to the work of other volunteers such as Jack McCann, Sr Elsie Gilmartin, Rita Walsh, Alison Doohan, Ian and Christina Sherwood, Kay and Mary McIntyre, Lesley and Siobhan Raftery who made some notable contributions in restoring the garden to its natural beauty after the cold and wet winter and spring seasons respectively.
Well done and commendation to the work completed by Fiona Casey, Dominick Gannon and Chloe Gannon who helped cover the raised beds with the Charlestown Foroige Club also coming on board and providing some much needed help and assistance in the maintenance of the garden as the place once begins to bloom and attract many admiring glances from the general public.
The death took place at the Mayo Hospice recently of Patricia Cassidy nee Harrington, The Fairgreens, Charlestown, and formerly of Cashel, Charlestown. Her remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown, to St James’s Church, Charlestown, with burial taking place after solemn requiem Mass to the cemetery of the resurrection. She is survived by her husband Jimmy, sisters Mai and Nora, nieces, nephews, sister-in-law, relatives, neighbours and friends.
The late Patricia, who was predeceased by her parents Pat and Mary, brother John and brother-in-law John Joe, was a lovely, kind lady in the true sense of the word. She was a lady of deep faith with a gentle and innate sense of decency about her which was always on display in her daily interactions with family and friends.
Patricia’s life revolved around her family and she forged a wonderful bond with her husband Jimmy and together they made for a good team. She had a warm, infectious smile which lit up many a room and only ever saw the good in people which was a quality she carried with her right to her final days. She bore her illness with great dignity and never lost her zest and enthusiasm for life and fought the good fight right to the very end. Her death has robbed the communities of Cashel and Charlestown of one of its best and nicest citizens with the large crowds who attended the removal of her remains and subsequent burial ample proof of the esteem and affection in which she was held. Deepest sympathies is extended to the bereaved.
Well done and congratulations to Caiseal Gaels Hurling Club who captured the Genfitt sponsored Division 2 Hurling League Cup final recently with a convincing 3-10 to 0-9 victory over Ballyvary Hurling Club in a well contested final played recently. Caiseal Gaels held the whip hand throughout but were pushed all the way by a doughty and resilient Ballyvary who never gave up the ghost and competed with great vigour and determination throughout.
The Gaels however had that edge in terms of skill and pace and had that little bit of extra class in the attacking third with each of their three goals well crafted and executed which gave them the impetus to push on and keep the Ballyvary lads at arm’s length throughout. A fine all round team performance from the Gaels and well done to the management team, players and extended panel on another great night for the club as they continue to make great strides at all levels with this victory a real fillip for all involved with the club and one which provided a real boost for the next generation of young players ready to don that Caiseal Gaels jersey.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday, May 22, at 8pm, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 2nd James Mooney and Mary O`Connell, 3rd Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, and 4th Hilary McCrohan and Carmel Moffitt.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 Card Drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, May 21, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Michael and Mary Lynskey, 2nd Colm Gallagher and Mary O’Hara. Raffle winners were; Mary Lynskey, Seamus Durcan, Darby Leonard and Vera Scally.
The fourth Annual Colm Horkan Memorial Run took place in Charlestown on Sunday, May 19 last and it was a terrific success with close on seven hundred runners, joggers and walkers taking part in what was a glorious occasion all round. The weather was set fair from early morning as the sun beamed down from its lofty position in the sky with the heat making life difficult for the competitors hence the early start which proved to be a very wise decision indeed. The event continues to capture the imagination like no other in the community with people coming from far and wide to participate and lend their support in their chosen event. It was heartening to see all the people bearing their commemorative t-shirts, hoodies and zip-ups which were all very evident as people navigated their way around the routes of their chosen event.
There was a great spread of people taking part in the 5km, 10km and half marathon events respectively with any amount of volunteers and stewards at designated points to ensure everybody was running/walking in the right direction so to speak. The East Mayo Athletics Club did a splendid job in the planning of the event with everything organised to a tee as all bases were covered and ticked with each and every participant extremely complimentary of the overall organisation and the lovely atmosphere which prevailed before , during and after the event.
It was great to see all the Horkan family present at the start and finishing lines respectively and they were blown away at the turnout and distances people travelled to support and take part in an event that continues to grow and flourish with each passing year. Special mention to the event’s chief sponsor Brian Forkan Construction (Swinford) for his very generous and kind sponsorship which was deeply appreciated by the organising committee. Hats off to Conor from Delaney’s (Mace) who remains a steadfast supporter of the event as he and the Mace brand continue to make a very visible contribution to so many clubs and activities in the community. Special mention to Supermac’s who are also big supporters of the concept, supplying teas and coffees for all in the post race presentation ceremony.
The committee extend their sincere thanks to all who donated to and supported the event in whatever shape or form with each euro raised all going to the splendid new Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch & Walkway which will be a great testimony to a man of outstanding calibre and moral fibre. The Gardaí and local emergency services are also to be commended as they did an excellent job policing the run and making sure all medical and safety needs were met in a very professional and non-intrusive manner. It was a proud day for all involved with the event and there will be a full results service of the winners and runner-up from all three events in next week’s column.
