Local Notes: The Kitchen Table Crew, Kilkelly present cheque to Cancer Care West.
The Kitchen Table Crew committee, Kilkelly (Phil Noyes, Carmel Williams and Nuala Lyons) presenting a cheque of €4000 to Cancer Care West from the proceeds of their 2026 Charity Calendar "Plates for Dates”.
The death took place at his residence Airport Road, Charlestown of Gerard Healy. His remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home Lowpark, Charlestown to St James’ Church and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the adjoining cemetery. He is survived by his wife Emmanuel, sons Stephen, Conor and Donal, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends.
The late Gerry as he was affectionately known was a good community man who served his time on many committees over the years with the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club and the old Western Rose Festival just two of the many clubs he served with such distinction. He enjoyed his football and took a keen interest in the Sarsfields fortunes and savoured the many successes they enjoyed most notably when he had a couple of sons involved. He was a good family man and had a heart as big as a house and always put the family first in all his dealings and interactions. He worked as a postman in the local area for the best part of 42 years and built up a great rapport with the people he served and shared many a joke and funny story as he went about his work always with a smile on his face. On his retirement the garden became his oasis and this was where he was at his happiest tending to his shrubs and plants with fastidious care and attention. He took pride in the appearance of the garden and always had it in pristine condition with his good lady by his side to share the workload.
He had a great relish and enthusiasm for life and this stayed with him right up to his final days as he took every day on its merits and faced up to all that life threw at him. His death robs the community and his family of a good man in every way but he leaves many outstanding memories which his family will cherish and cling dear to for many days, weeks and months to come. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
The death took place recently of Jack Foley, Corbeagh, Cootehill, Co, Cavan, Swinford and formerly of Corthoon, Charlestown. His 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 adjoining cemetery. He is survived by his wife Claire, sisters Kathleen and Ellen, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
The late Jack was a well known and much respected member of the communities of Cootehill, Swinford and Charlestown respectively. He represented the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club in his youth and was part of the Sarsfields Minor team that captured the county minor title in 1953. He was a noted footballer but like many before him work took him from the town and he spent the majority of his life in Cavan. He was a big handball enthusiast and was a good friend of the late Mickey Walsh, one of the town’s greatest ever handballers and was a regular caller to the shop/house when he was in town. Jack loved his handball and was a big supporter of the game and travelled the length and breadth of the country supporting this ancient, great game.
He was a learned man who brought out a book some time back which was very well received in the local area. He leaves a rich legacy which his family will cherish and deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved. May he rest in peace.
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The Scoil Iosa Carracastle NS recipe calendar is still available for sale and is also available in Davey’s Carracastle. Your support would be very much appreciated.
Have you ever thought about fostering ? Change a child’s life by becoming a Tusla Foster Carer. Talk to Tusla Fostering today by freephone 1800 226 771 or visit www.fostering.ie to learn more.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €20,200 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, January 11, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 14, 17, 32 and 34. The winners of the 2 x €50 prizes were Sean Duffy and Lisa Bolton (online). The latest jackpot increased to €20,300 and the draw was held on Sunday night, January 18. Tickets are on sale at a number of outlets in the town and they are also available online via the club’s Facebook page. The club thank all who support their weekly draw.
There was no winners of the Curry GAA Lotto jackpot of €5500 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, January 5, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 1, 4, 12 and 20. The winners of the 3 x €20 prizes were as follows; Mary Henry, Helena Kennedy and Theo Kennedy. The latest jackpot increased to €5600 and the draw was held on Monday night, January 12.
Sympathy is extended to Bridie Finan, The Square, Charlestown, on the death of her brother Johnny Grogan, Tavrane, Kilkelly, whose death occurred at the Mayo Hospice recently. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
New and returning members are welcome to join the parish choir. No prior experience is required. Practice takes place every Thursday evening at 7pm in the parish church. For more information contact Carmel on 086 3271196.
Anam Cara are hosting an online Bereavement Information Evening on Thursday, January 22, at 7pm. Dr. Roisin Finnegan will be the guest speaker this month. Dr. Finnegan is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist currently working in Cancer Care West, with individuals affected by cancer and loss. To register https://usO2web,zoom.us/meeting/register/aiLP8NkkTLeSY-cLi9iJYg/registration.
Gentle Yoga Flow with Sophie starts in Carracastle Community Centre on Tuesday (this evening), January 20, and this is a fee taster class. Classes will be held every Tuesday thereafter from 7.30-8.30pm. The cost is €10 per class and is beginner friendly. To book contact Sophie on 083 4798831.
Tavneena NS are delighted to announce that enrolment for the school year 2026-2027 is now open. As a small country school they pride themselves on providing a caring, inclusive and nurturing learning environment where every child is known, valued and supported. Small class sizes and low pupil-teacher ratio ensure that children receive individual attention, allowing them to reach their full potential both academically and socially. Enrolment forms are available to download on the school website www.tavneenans.scoilnet.ie or by contacting the school at tavneenans@gmail.com or on 094 9254910.
Former Charlestown Sarsfields star Jack Mahon made his intercounty debut for Limerick in their recent McGrath Cup game against Cork. Jack only recently completed a transfer to the Mungret club in Limerick where he has been based for a number of years in UL. His transfer away from the Sarsfields is a huge body blow to the club and results in the loss of one of their marquee players as Jack has been a regular on the senior team for the last five years and more. He has represented Mayo at all levels from U16, minor and U20 and also lined out with the Mayo seniors in the FBD League back in 2022. He is also a former captain of the Mayo U20 team defeated by Roscommonn in the Connacht U20 final in 2021, so he has enjoyed many highs in his young career to date.
He lined out for the Sarsfields senior team in the 2025 county senior championship, operating mainly in the half-forward line with the odd foray at wing-back also featuring on his resume. He has lightning pace and has great speed over the ground with his speed and mobility posing problems for defenders when he’s on his game. He’s also an accurate free taker both from the hand and the land and has an eye for a score and is equally adept off both feet. His departure represents a tremendous loss to the Sarsfields as they will struggle to fill the void left by his absence.
All within the club, however, wish him every success with his new club with Mungret the reigning county senior champions, so Jack has joined a club with a real winning mentality. His intercounty debut with Limerick came sooner than expected perhaps but he’s obviously moving well in training and caught the eye of the management team who had no hesitation in throwing him into the fray as they get a look at what he can do and bring to the team on the big stage. He made a good debut scoring a point from play and looking lively and threatening when in possession which leads one to believe that may well figure in Limerick’s national league campaign which begins this coming weekend.
We will be watching Jack’s progress with keen interest as he begins the next chapter of his career as he swaps Fr O’Hara Park for the Gaelic Grounds but will have the familiar green jersey on his back which should help him to settle in well. Best of luck Jack and let’s see you light it up on the biggest stage of the lot.
The Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club wish to remind their members that its annual lotto renewal time again with the current tickets due to expire in early to mid-February. The ticket has been a terrific source of income to the club for the best part of twenty-five years and has always received tremendous support within and outside the community from members and supporters alike. The club have a number of deals available for the 2026 season with a small increase in costs being implemented following a review by the executive as the ticket price has remained the same for well over a decade and more.
Those members who want to avail of membership, annual lotto can do so for the new price of €130 which still represents very good value as your annual lotto ticket is included in each of the 52 weekly draws. Those who wish to purchase membership, annual lotto and county board ticket can do so for the very reasonable sum of €200 which represents a small increase on the 2025 price but one which guarantees you a chance of winning the local lotto jackpot as well as the vast array of prizes which the county board draw offers with a prize fund of €250,000 available to all would be purchasers. The county board draw has seen several club members winning some nice prizes in recent years so this offer might well appeal to many out them among the membership ranks.
Stand-alone membership rises from €50 to €70 so there’s a vast suite of options available to club members and supporters with the club are very hopeful that they will receive the usual excellent response and support from Sarsfields members and supporters across the globe. For more details on how to sign up check out the Sarsfields Facebook Page, just click on the link with whatever ticket offer grabs you the most.
The adult Art and Crafts Group meet in the Charlestown Arts Centre on Wednesday mornings from 11am-1pm. All are welcome and new members are most welcome.
For knitters, crocheters, hand stitchers and embroiderers, from beginning to experts, all are welcome and whatever your fabric art may be Yarn Tales is the place for you. The group meet every Thursday from 10.30am-1pm at the Charlestown Pastoral Centre. All are welcome. Contact Pamela on 089 4795664 for more information.
A community quiz hosted by St Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown, takes place on Friday, January 30, at 7pm in the CBD Sports Complex, Lowpark, Charlestown. There will be prizes galore, and tables of 4 cost €40. All are welcome.
Music Circle with John Hoban and Isabela Basombrio Haran is back in Carracastle Community Centre next month. Everyone is welcome to join them on Monday, February 9 from 7pm -8.30pm to sing a song, play a tune, recite a poem or simply listen. Tea/coffee and refreshments will be served. The event is free to attend. John and Isabela extend thanks to the Family Centre for facilitating the event. Looking forward to seeing you then.
The death took place recently of Seamus Liam Coulson (Maloney), Leicester, England, and Bushfield, Charlestown. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Join former Keeper of Natural History at the National Museum of Ireland, Nigel Monaghan, for a fascinating talk on the Brown Bear’s ancient presence in Ireland. This talk takes place from 3pm to 4pm on Saturday, January 24. Discover fossil evidence, cave finds, and surprising links to Irish folklore. Explore how these majestic animals shaped our natural history up to 3,000 years ago. This talk is in conjunction with The Murmur of Bees exhibition and our brown bear display.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts game held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday, January 11, as Podsie and The Dynamo stepped it out in another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was immense as always in his role as match referee and kept both men in check seamlessly. Podsie blazed his way to the first set with some thunderous throwing as he hit every double and treble with laser like accuracy. The Dynamo hit back to win set two but Podsie, stunned by his second set reversal, bounced back to surge away with set three to lead 2-1 ahead of the start of the fourth set. The fourth turned out to be a gripping affair as both men hit peak form simultaneously. The Dynamo looked in pole position to take the set when he led two legs to nil but Podsie has that uncanny ability to raise his level when the need is greatest and this he did with some aplomb as he reeled off three legs on the spin to take the game away from his opponent and claim his first title of the season.
The Dynamo didn’t know what hit him in these three legs as he never as much as got a look at a double such was the level Podsie rose to as he once again underlined his championship pedigree and took the acclaim of his large and vocal band of supporters to get the new year off to a winning start. Another epic showing from the maestro and one which maintains his position at the very apex of the game.
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The death took place of Johnny Grogan, Tavrane, Kilkelly, peacefully at the Mayo Hospice.
Johnny was predeceased by his parents Darby and Bridget, brothers Dermot, and Michael, and is survived by his sister Bridie (Finan), brother-in-law John Finan, nephew Joseph, Charlestown and his relatives, neighbours, and friends.
Johnny reposed in the Horkan’s Funeral Home, Charlestown, on Sunday, January 11, followed by removal to St Patrick’s Church, Glann. Following Mass of the Resurrection on Monday January 12, interment took place in St. Brigid’s Cemetery, Urlaur. May Johnny rest in peace as sympathy is extended to all who are bereaved by his passing.
Kilmovee Cardiac First Responders (CFR) extend their sincere thanks to all the CFR volunteers for their dedication and commitment to training over the past year. CFR training is held in Kilmovee Community Centre and is free of charge. Why not train as a Cardiac First Responder and help make the community safer. For further information contact Gerry Regan on 087 681 5009 or email gerardregan2016@gmail.com.
The weekly bingo is held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Sunday evenings at 8.30pm.
If you are willing to provide companionship to an older person locally, Alone is seeking volunteers in our area. Full training and support will be provided. If you are interested, apply via the ALONE website at www.alone.ie or for further information contact them on volunteer@alone.ie or call 0818 222 024.
Better Balance January 2026: a 10 week porogramme of strength and balance pre-set exercises with progression and guidance commenced on Thursday, January 15 last at 11am in Kilkelly Community Centre. Booking and registration is online through Mayo Sports Partnership Eventbrite page, Kilkelly. Places are limited.
The Badminton Club welcomes new members to join them in Kilmovee Community Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm Sympathy.
Sympathy is extended to Mary Gibbons, Kilkelly, on the death of her brother Joe McDermott, Boyle, County Roscommon; and also to Maree Horan, Glann, Kilkelly, on the death of her brother, Cathal Malone, Curragh, Co. Kildare.
Ethna Fahy T.C.R.G. School of Irish Dancing resumed her classes as in Durkins Ballaghaderreen, on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays with all classes from 5 till 8.30pm and in Lisacul Hall on Saturday afternoons from 2 to 3pm. New members and preschool children are welcome. Contact Ethna for details on 087 666 1905.
Adult Ceili and Figure Dancing Class takes place in Ballaghaderreen Resource Centre Ballaghaderreen on Mondays from 10 till 11.30 am for fun and exercise and to revive some of the traditional figure and ceili dances. Contact Phill for details on 086 136 0154.
A unique selection of antique veterinary objects has gone on display at the National Museum of Ireland in Turlough Park. In the early 2000s, the National Museum of Ireland and the Veterinary Department of Mayo County Council formed a partnership to establish a collection of veterinary objects in the Irish Folklife Collection. Cathal Walsh was Veterinary Officer with the council, from 1991 until his retirement in 2005. During his time working in Mayo, Cathal, and his colleagues in the Veterinary Department, Cathy Waddell and Cathy Gallagher, established a collection of antique objects dealing with animal husbandry and veterinary science. Those objects were donated to the National Museum, and a selection is now on display. The display provides visitors with a closer look at the work of vets in Ireland in the past. The display is on Level B of the exhibition galleries. Admission is free and no booking is required.
To mark the opening of the new exhibition, the National Museum is hosting a talk with Dr Michael Doherty at 3pm on Saturday, February 7. The talk will explore the fascinating history of animal care in Ireland and draw on Dr Doherty’s recent research to present ‘The Folklore of Cattle and Sheep through an Ethnoveterinary Lens'. Admission to the talk is free, but booking is necessary, by visiting then website www.museum.ie
