Local Notes: Sasta Learning Centre, Charlestown, celebrates 21 year and Open Day.
The Staff of Sásta ELC, Charlestown on the occasion of their 21st birthday and Open Day which took place in the centre on Saturday April 18 last. Also in the pic are Fr John Maloney PP Charlestown, Councillor Gerry Murray and Fr Tommy Johnson.
On Saturday morning April 18, Charlestown Community Childcare Ltd , trading as Sásta Early Learning Centre, celebrated an Open Day and 21 years since it was incorporated the Companies Registration Office in early 2005.
The morning was enjoyed by a delightful gathering of preschool children and their family members. The occasion was attended by the service’s manager ad staff team members, members of the voluntary Board of Management, local County Councillor Gerry Murray, parish priest Fr John Maloney, retired PP Fr Tommy Johnson, parents, grandparents and members of the community. The rain held off and the sun occupied a lofty position in the sky overhead. The gathering enjoyed an amble and walkabout of both the indoor and outdoor areas in the service.
Councillor Gerry Murray addressed the crowd and gave a brief history of the centre. He acknowledged and thanked all the volunteers, including committee members, parents and community members, for their ongoing support and positive contributions over the years, ensuring the viability of this much-needed Early Learning and Care service in the community for the future. Councillor Murray acknowledged the progress and investment in the Early Years sector over the decades. He emphasised the importance of further investment by Government to support retention and recruitment of a professional workforce and Early Years Educators in the future.
Fr Tommy Johnson performed a blessing ensuring the centre’s safety and resilience well into the future. A delicious display of home-baked refreshments by parents and staff members was served.
The Board of Management thank all those involved in making this a happy and enjoyable occasion in the community.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €21,600 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, April 20, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 2,12, 26 and 35. The winners of the 3 x €50 prizes were the following; Joanne Kilkenny (lucky dip), Clara Goldrick (lucky dip) and Roisin Grimes (online).
The jackpot in the latest draw which took place on Sunday night, April 26, was €21,700. Tickets are on sale at a number of outlets in the town, price €2 and they are also available online via the club’s Facebook page. The club would like to thank everybody who supported their weekly draw.
With just under three weeks left to the sixth annual Colm Horkan Memorial Run which takes place on Sunday, May 17, there is still lots of time for people to sign-up and take part in the discipline of their choice be that the 5k, 10k or half-marathon options. There has been a great response to date with people booking their participation online as competitors, joggers, walkers and runners come from all parts of Connacht and beyond to take part in memory of a great man who left an indelible impression on all who knew, worked, played and socialised with him within and outside the community. If you wish to take part, the organising committee would love to have you, all you need to do is log onto the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook page and follow the link. The date is fast approaching and you can also sign-up, place your order for a special t-shirt to commemorate the event with all details re the same also available on the Facebook page.
Charlestown U14 team recorded two excellent victories in division 6 of the county U14 development league recently. First up, they defeated Claremorris comfortably in a re-arranged game with the Sarsfields having too much for their opponents in almost every line of the field. The Sarsfields made a sluggish enough start to the contest but grew into it after weathering an early home storm and were six points to the good at the interval with a couple of goals from Conor Sloyan making all the difference to the scoreboard.
They built on this advantage in the second half and never looked like relinquishing control at any stage with further scores from Anthony Byrne, Rhys Hopper, Callum Egan, Kalem Higgins and Conor Breheny only adding to their lead on the scoreboard as they coasted home to the final whistle.
The Sarsfields completed a good week at this grade with a comprehensive victory over the Ballaghaderreen/Kilmovee amalgamation with the Sarsfields once again showing the depth they have at this level as they cruised to a facile win. The Sarsfields were in complete control from the outset and never allowed their opponents a foothold in the game as they dominated the territory and possession and kept things tight and disciplined at the back with Rian O’Grady and Ted Munnelly ruling supreme at full and centre-back respectively. Frank Muldoon and Calem Higgins were a constant thorn for the opposition in attack and linked the play well with the likes of Conor Davern, Conor Breheny, Joseph Irwin, Ben McDonnell, Anthony Byrne, Tadhg Drury and Conor Sloyan also exerting a big influence and taking the game to the opposition at every possible opportunity. The two teams and panels are moving well as they look to build on their very impressive starts with games coming thick and fast in both divisions one and six respectively.
Charlestown Sarsfields U16 girls team began their division1 league campaign with a comprehensive victory over Kilmaine recently. The girls were ruthless in the way they went about their business as their opponents found it impossible to cope with the speed, pace and intensity at which the Sarsfields played with. The girls shaped well and this performance bodes well for the rest of their campaign albeit the standard of opposition will get higher in their remaining games.
Charlestown Sarsfields began their division2 league campaign with a home tie against Balla with the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch playing host to the visitors from West Mayo. The exchanges were keenly contested throughout with no quarter asked or given as keenly aware of the need to get their respective league campaigns off to the best possible start.
The two teams were depleted in their line-ups shorn of some key men but those that filled the jerseys left everything on the field of play as each and every ball was feverishly competed for in all lines of the field. Balla enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession and territory in the first half but would have been slightly disappointed with their return of six points as the Sarsfields hung in there and stayed doggedly on their coattails as they managed four white flags of their own despite operating of scraps of possession.
Matt Lenehan was the main threat for the Sarsfields in the opening salvo as he hit two good scores with Gareth O’Donnell and Ben Crean landing the other two. The second half began well for the visitors as they continued to exert a fair modicum of control as they pushed out their lead to four as they led 0-9 to 0-5 after ten minutes of action.
The Sarsfields, however, remained a threat and good scores from Ruairi Cullen and Lenahan kept their challenge relevant as Balla found it difficult to turn the screw with shots being dropped short and passes being misplaced as their accuracy in relation to both left a lot to be desired.
The Sarsfields kept chipping away and blew the game wide open twenty minutes in when a great move involving Jack Corley and Niall Murphy saw the latter place a great shot to the roof of the net to edge the Sarsfields in front as they led 1-7 to 0-9. This was followed minutes later by another quality score from Ruairi Cullen who held his nerve admirably to kick a fine two pointer free from a tough distance and angle to leave the Sarsfields three clear as the Balla challenge started to flounder rather alarmingly. They did manage to kick the next two scores to bring it back to a one score game but the Sarsfields were holding firm at the back and always looked a threat on the counter.
The game took another dramatic turn in the final frantic few minutes when the visitors, from their most meaningful attack of the second half, finally managed to penetrate the Sarsfields rearguard with Jude Clarke slamming the ball to the net to put Balla two clear with the clock heading towards the red.
They should have closed it out but Eoin Murphy executed a brilliant last gasp block for the Sarsfields and from the resultant turnover the Sarsfields fashioned one last attack which drew a foul, somewhat needlessly, it must be said from a rash Balla tackle with Matt Lenehan picking himself up from the floor to slot the free high and handsome over the bar from just outside the arc which raised an orange flag thus securing a share of the spoils for the Sarsfields and deservedly so as they were spirited and brave throughout and had enough nous and guile to plot their way back into game on two occasions in both halves.
Those that stood out for the Sarsfields included Matt Lenahan who was always a threat with ball in hand with Ruairi Cullen carrying well and running hard at all times. Eoin Murphy had a good debut in the middle of the park with Niall Murphy, Sean Dunleavy, Thomas Goldrick, Eoin Flannery, Ben Conway, Gareth O’Donnell and Jack Corley keeping the green and white fires burning at all times.
The death took place recently of Teresa Meehan nee Grady, Cloontubrid, Swinford and formerly of Hagfield, Charlestown. Deepest condolences are tendered to the bereaved.
Charlestown Sarsfields host Castlebar Mitchels in Fr O’Hara Park division 1 of the county U14 league on Monday, April 27, with the throw-in confirmed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Kilmeena to take on the locals in division 3 of the county U16 league on Thursday, April 30, with the throw-in scheduled for 7pm.
Charlestown Sarsfields Ladies regained the winning thread with a convincing 3-21 to 1-5 victory over Carnacon in the latest round of fixtures played at Clogher recently. The Sarsfields ladies were on top in all the key areas of the field and dominated all the key metrics in terms of possession and territory and most importantly, made their superiority count where it mattered most, namely on the scoreboard.
The ladies were clinical in everything they did as they ran up a big total with the hosts having no answer to their speed, mobility and pace over the ground. It was a good performance from the team as a whole as each and every line dominated their immediate opponents with the result doing wonders for team morale as they look to secure a play-off place with a couple of big games to come in the next few weeks.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday night, April 15, and the following were the prize winners;1st Paddy Gallagher and Tom Salmon, 2nd Frances and Robert Healy, 3rd Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, 4th Tom Ginty and Mary O’Connell. The game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown.
The Anam Cara organisation that supports bereaved parents, will hold its monthly Parent Support Meeting on Tuesday, April 28, at 7.30pm in TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar. They also offer an online support group meeting. To find out more, call 01 40453378 or email info@anamcara.ie.
The Sarsfields travel to Claremorris to take on the locals in division 2 of the county minor league on Tuesday (this evening), April 28, with the throw-in confirmed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Kilmeena to take on the hosts in the county U12 Spring league on Wednesday, April 29, with the throw-in scheduled for 7pm.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25-card game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday night, April 21, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Darby and Breege Leonard. Raffle winners were; Darby Leonard, James Cafferty and Vera Scally. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm in the Yeats County Inn, Curry and all are welcome.
Charlestown Athletic FC kept up their winning run in division 2 of the Mayo League with a comfortable 6-3 victory over Conn Rangers B in the latest round of fixtures played recently. Charlestown were in control for most of the contest albeit they came up against a dogged and determined Rangers side who battled bravely throughout and never went away. Scorers for Charlestown were Johnny McNulty, Damien Ward and Robbie Jordan, all of whom bagged a brace each. Next up for Athletic is a home game against Fahy Rovers in round one of the Premier Cup.
Sympathy is extended to Marie Devine Midfield, Swinford on the death of her brother Frank Lundy formerly of Hagfield, Charlestown whose death occurred in North Wales recently.
Community Gardens are open again for the new season. There are 14 new raised beds that will be filled with a variety of vegetables in the coming weeks including potatoes, carrots and cabbage. The committee have planted onions, lettuce and tomatoes in the Polly Tunnel in the last number of weeks. The garden team comprises of Paddy Casey, Willie Doyle, Mary and Kay McIntyre, Sarah McCann, Sr Elsie Gilmartin, Caroline Friel, Amanda, Dave and Sam Culpan and Ian Isherwood. The garden is open every Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30 The committee are always looking for new members/volunteers and all are welcome through the gates for a visit/tour and there will be a cuppa thrown in for good measure.. The committee deserve your support as the garden resembles a little bit of heaven on earth and attracts favourable comments and commentary from all corners of the community and beyond.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA Lotto jackpot of €3400 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, April 20, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 12, 15, 25, and 26. The winners of the 3 x €20 prizes were Daragh McDonagh, Margaret McKinley and Robbie Henry.
Next week’s jackpot will rise to €3500 and the draw will be held on Monday night, April 27. Tickets are on sale at a number of outlets in the community and they are also available online via the club’s Facebook page.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday night, April 19, as Podsie and The Pillock duelled it out in the latest instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus had to be on his toes to keep law and order with tempers becoming frayed on occasions, but he kept a lid on the tensions and emotions as an interesting game played out in front of a large and enthused crowd. The Pillock, as is his wont, made the better start and surged into an early lead thanks to some mesmerising finishing. Podsie responded as only he can, taking the next two sets in devastating fashion as he cleaned up when among the doubles. The Pillock needed a fast start to the third set and he duly obliged as he took the first two legs with some heavy scoring and razor-sharp finishing. He looked odds on to take it to a fifth set but you dismiss Podsie at your peril and true to form he responded to some goading from his opponent and levelled the match with some tremendous finishing as he finished back to back legs on 138 and 156 respectively.
The fifth leg was a thrilling spectacle as both men traded big scores reached the double simultaneously. Podsie had first go at 124 and almost pulled it off with his last darts grazing the wire of the double fourteen bed. It was Kenny’s turn to go next with 106 on his ledger as weighed up his options with diligence and careful scrutiny. He went the treble twenty, treble ten route which he nailed with his first two arrows to leave one dart at double sixteen as the crowd held their collective breath. He looked to have pulled it off when the dart landed in the middle of the green bed but incredibly it fell to the floor as the crowd let it out a guttural gasp with Kenny holding his head in his hands as he could scarcely believe his bad luck. Podsie wasted no time however in getting to the ochie as he zoned in on double 14 with three arrows to play with. He needed only one however as his first dart landed plum in the middle of the bed to seal the victory and leave the Pillock with that age old feeling of what might have been as he could barely offer a syllable of congratulations to the victor such was his state of despair. Podsie remains the ultimate sportsman and hugged his opponent which drew a similarly warm response from the vanquished as both men shared a beer and chatted long into the small hours. This was Podsie’s sixth victory of the season and one of his toughest to date as he continues to set new standards of excellence and brilliance.
*****************
Kilmovee.
The death took place of Mary Gallagher, Cloonamna, Kilmovee, on April 6, surrounded by her family. Mary was born on September 4, 1946, daughter of the late Michael and Catherine Cassidy in Hagfield, Charlestown. She was baptised in Charlestown Parish Church and received all her other sacraments there. She met Michael Gallagher her future husband and they married in Charlestown Parish Church on September 16, 1967, and they set up home in Kilmovee.
Mary was a lady of deep faith who was very warm and welcoming to whom friendship and hospitality were important, who said yes to everyone in need of help and who was very well dressed in particular at family events and her sense of good taste was faultless. Mary worked hard over the years in the home and on the farm. She was described as a team worker who could relate well to everyone. She worked in St Attractas Nursing Home some years ago. In her later years she preferred to socialise at her local bingo and as a member of the local active retirement Thursday club in Kilmovee where she was an active and valued member for many years.
Mary was predeceased by her son Martin, brothers Tom and Michael and her daughter-in-law Jacinta. She is survived by her husband Michael, daughter Carmel (Loftus), sons David, Aidan and Vincent, grandchildren Zara, Chloe, Gerard, Keith, Killian and Adrinna, brothers Eamon and Des, son-in-law Vincent, daughters-in-law Melita, Bridget and Lucy, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Mary reposed in The Sharkey Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen on Thursday April 9. Removal took place from her home on Friday, April 10, to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kilmovee arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at 12 noon followed by interment in Naomh Mobhí Cemetery. May Mary rest in peace as sympathy is offered to all those who are bereaved.
Preparations are now underway for the 20th edition of the Kilkelly–Kilmovee Parish Magazine, which will be published later this year. This special milestone promises to be a bigger and better edition, celebrating the life and stories of the community. The committee is inviting parishioners at home and abroad to articles, photographs, memories, or local news items for inclusion.
Submissions can be sent by email to kilkellykilmoveemagazine@gmail.com, or you can contact any member of the magazine committee. The magazine team look forward to your continued support in making this anniversary edition a memorable one.
Amanda McGuinness, an Autism specialist and a parent living in a multi neuro divergent family will continue to provide a series of free workshops for parents and carers, as follow: May 19, Understanding Autism and ADHD; June 16, Understanding Autism and Puberty. The workshops take place in Kilkelly Community Centre (F35EP60) from 7 to 9pm. To book your place or would like more information, contact Bernadette on 089 4179929 or email bmoran@kilmovee.ie.
Mayo Cancer Support church gate collection is being held outside Urlaur and Kilmovee Churches over the weekend of May 2 and 3. If anyone can volunteer to assist with the Mayo Cancer Support collections, call Rose on 083 489 0754.
