Local Notes: Tom Doherty celebrates his 80th birthday at Kilmovee Heritage Night.
At Kilmovee Heritage Night in Kilmovee Community Centre were Tom Doherty (7th from right), celebrating his 80th birthday with his friends at the heritage night. Picture James Hunt Photography.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €20,600 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, February 8, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 7, 18, 22 and 23. The winners of the 2 x €50 prizes were Katrina Brennan (online) and Evelyn and Marcella, c/o Ciaran McBrien (Lucky Dip).
The jackpot in the latest draw held on Sunday night, February 15, was €20,700. Tickets are available in a number of outlets in the town and they are also available online via the club’s Facebook and social media pages. The club would like to thank all who supported their weekly draw.
The U16 boys enjoyed a good week, defeating Castlebar at home in a thrilling contest with the Charlestown lads edging home in front on the buzzer. They backed this up with a comfortable victory over Ballintubber to qualify for the plate final which is a considerable achievement indeed considering the depth and talent of the teams they are competing against in a high quality division. The lads played some sparkling stuff in both games and will be hoping to bring this level of performance into the final which they go into as favourites which brings its own kind of pressures. Best of luck lads and more news next week on the outcome of the final and the result.
The adult arts and crafts group meet every Wednesday morning from 11am-1pm in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown, and all are welcome to come along with their canvass and brushes.
A couch to 5k organised by the East Mayo Athletics Club continues on Tuesday and Thursday nights at7pm. It is suitable for absolute beginners and it is a great way to brush off those January cobwebs and get active and moving. The programme is an easy to follow 8-week training plan with supportive coaches available to help you every step of the way. There is a welcoming vibe for all participants with lots of motivation, accountability and encouragement provided for all who sign up to take part. You don’t need fancy gear and you don’t have to be fit, you just need to show up and the club and its members will help with the rest. You can register on the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook page by following the link with week two starting tonight February 17.
A pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine of Northern Italy, including visits to the sanctuaries of Our Lady of the Star of Cellatica, Saint Mary of Miracles and Mary Mystical will take place from May 19-26 and the cost is €1395. For more details contact Christine Horkan on 087 9723641.
The death took place in Philadelphia, USA of John O’Malley, nephew of Kathleen Mulligan, Lavey Heights, Charlestown, and the late John Martin Tiernan, Kilgarriff, Charlestown. Deepest condolences are tendered to the bereaved.
Yoga classes with Sophie continue every Tuesday evening at 7.30pm at Carracastle Community Centre. The cost is €10 per class. There is a free taster class for newcomers. For more information and to book your place, contact Sophie on 083 4798831.
Senior exercise classes continue every Friday morning in the Charlestown Arts Centre at11am and all are welcome.
Congratulations are extended to Conor McArdle, son of Eoin and Patricia McArdle, Lavey, Charlestown, who celebrated his coming of age with a party for family and friends in Murray’s Bar, The Square, Charlestown recently.
The annual Achonry Pioneer Dinner Dance takes place in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Friday March 20, at 8pm. Tickets cost €40 per person. There will be a three-course meal with tea/coffee provided and music will be supplied by The Duets. Contact Thomas on 087 2344338 to book your ticket.
Congratulations are extended to James Gallagher, son of Seamus and Bernie Gallagher, Lurga Upper, Charlestown who celebrated his coming of age with a party for family and friends in Murray’s Bar, The Square, Charlestown recently.
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.
Alone is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home. If you are in need of advice, support or information, call the National Support and Referral Line on 0818 222 024, seven days a week from 8am -8pm.
A weekly bereavement support meeting takes place every Wednesday at 11am in the Family Centre, Knock . All are welcome. Further information on bereavement care at Knock Shrine is available on 094 9375320. You can also find resources and books to help you to deal with bereavement and loss in Knock Shrine Bookshop.
Homecare Mayo offers home help and home care services. Their Mayo office provides care services to Mayo and the surrounding areas. Call 091 455 100 or book a consultation. The Mayo team provides support to carers, organises and supports care in the area and ensures the highest level of quality care for each and everyone of their clients.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday night, February 4, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Tom Ginty and Hilary McDonagh shared with Maura Kilcoyne and Nora McVeigh; 3rd Frances and Robert Healy; 4th Tom Salmon and Paddy Gallagher. The game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2300 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, February 2, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 5, 11, 22 and 27. The winners of the 3 x €20 prizes were as follows; Rachel Haran, Shane Haran and PJ Durcan.
The jackpot increased to €2400 and the draw was held on Monday night, February 9. Tickets are on sale in a number of outlets and they are also available online via the club’s Facebook page.
The next Community Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, March 6, in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown from 11am-1pm. Lift access is available. All are welcome to come along for a cuppa and a chat.
All players from U10 to senior wishing to play with Charlestown LGFA for the 2026 season can now register on www.foireann.ie (or on the foireann mobile app). Please use the same login details as last year if you already have an account.
U6s and U8s must register @charlestown_bordnanog. If you have any difficulty with registration contact the club’s registrars Patricia on 086 851 4682 or Amanda on 087 641 7613. Finally you have the option to include a €15 national draw ticket if you so wish. All funds from this draw go directly to the club and your support would be greatly appreciated.
Well done to all the athletes who took part in the recent Mayo Indoors competition/event. A number of athletes took home a large amount of medals and heartiest congratulations are extended to Conor who came first in the U11 600m, MJ who came third in the U15 800m, Fionn who took third place in the U16 800m, the U14 boys relay team featuring Luke, Ted, Kalem Senan, Ben and Frank and the U16 boys relay team of MJ, Fionn, Tom and Cian, all of whom acquitted themselves brilliantly at the event and kept the East Mayo Athletics Banner flying high at the manner of their impressive achievements. Special thanks to all the coaches from the club who gave of their time so willingly which ensured the competition ran smoothly, their efforts and dedication is very much appreciated by all associated with the club.
Charlestown Sarsfields senior men’s team have a new management team in place for the 2026 season with the Ardnaree duo of Ruairi Clarke and Alan Kelly chosen to succeed David Tiernan who stepped away after one season in charge. Messrs Clarke and Kelly bring plenty of pedigree to the roles having guided their native Ardnaree to the Intermediate semi-final in 2025 thus completing a four year term in charge. The pair were obviously keen to test themselves at the highest grade of club football in Mayo and applied for the Sarsfields position and obviously impressed the executive with their plans and ambitions for the team in 2026. They will bring plenty of ideas and ambition to the roles and have former Sarsfields player Colm Maye on board as a selector with a few more appointments to be made in the coming days and weeks. The lads have some good material to work with albeit the club have struggled to make an impact on the business end of the championship in recent seasons having qualified for just one quarter-final in the last thirteen years which indicates the size of the task ahead of them. That said, there is plenty of talent in the squad and given a good run of luck with injuries and availability the team are more than capable of having a cut at the championship if the players buy-in and up their levels of commitment.
The loss of Jack Mahon to Limerick is an obvious blow but Paul Towey remains a class apart at club level and the lads will be keen to get more support in and around him to take some of the pressure off his shoulders as he has been the main score getter for last five years and more. The team and panel are back on the training paddock and in the gym doing their strength and conditioning as they get ready to embrace the challenge of a new season which promises much in the way of hope and expectations.
The Centenary Cup and Canon Henry Cup competitions will provide Clarke and Kelly with a good opportunity to assess the squad and have a good look at what’s available to them. The lads are wished every success in their new roles and all will watch with interest with the draw for the 2026 Moclair Cup sure to provide much in the way of anticipation and challenges galore.
The Charlestown Boxing Club, which continues to thrive and flourish at its base in Cloonfane, Carracastle enjoyed a great medals haul at the recent Mayo Championships, winning three golds and a silver which was a terrific achievement indeed for all associated with the club. Hats off to Shannon Kenny, Noah Rego, Leo Kenny and Jayden Deegan who all made the podium and displayed the full range of their talents and abilities in their various weights and age grades. A great day for the club coaches Darren Fahy and Alan Brennan who continue to provide the finest of coaching to the many boxers under their care as the club continues to make a real impact at all grades of boxing in Mayo and Connacht. Well done to the medallists and keep up the good work Darren and Co.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25-card game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday night, February 10, and the following were the prize winners;1st Joe Mahon and Kevin Maloney, 2nd Mike Sheridan and Vera Scally. Raffle winners were Vera Scally, Mary Costell and Breege Leonard. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm in the Yeats County Inn, Curry and all are welcome.
Johnny’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, hosted the third annual Justin Flannery Memorial Pool Competition on Sunday, February 1, in memory of a man who died tragically a few years ago. Justin was a very popular and much-loved member of the staff of Johnny’s Bar and there was a huge turnout to honour his memory with a terrifc pool competition taking place that drew players in from all corners of the community. There was a charitable undertone to the competition with a total of €3200 raised for Féileacáin Charity which is very close to the Flannery family’s hearts. There was a marvellous response from the community to the competition with spot prizes and donations coming from all corners and businesses and Johnny’s Bar would like to thank most sincerely all who donated and lent their support in any way. It was very much appreciated by Johnny, Karena and Helena and the Flannery family indeed who were blown away at the response they received from the community at large.
For the record Dylan Craig was the winner of the competition with Nollaig Blake taking home the lady’s prize . It was a fitting tribute to the late Justin with the whole community and surrounding areas coming together to celebrate his memory in some style. Hats off to Johnny’s Bar for their organisation of what turned out to be a top class event and well done to Dylan Craig on winning the competition outright. The competition continues to grow and thrive with all eyes turning to next year’s event which has someway to go to emulate the 2026 version which was an outstanding success all round.
Comedy and drama, miracle and mayhem, tears and laughter all combine in the Cloonacool Players production of the hilarious "Daughter from Over the Water" by MJ Molloy at Cloonacool Community Centre, on Thursday, March 19, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 at 8pm. Among the cast are Tom Towey, Pat Feehily, John McIntyre, Emma Davitt and Mary Kathleen Johnston, and directed by Brid Calvey. Be sure to note the dates, you won’t want to miss this brilliant comedy.
The East Mayo Athletics club training continues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at their splendid new athletics track facility at 7pm and new members are welcome.
Ballet classes continue in the Arts Centre on Wednesday afternoons from 4-7pm.
Music Circle with John and Isabela Hoban will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Monday, March 9, from 7-8,30pm. All are welcome to sing a song, recite a poem, play a tune, or simply listen. Tea/coffee and refreshments will be served. The event is free to attend and all welcome.
The St Patrick’s Day Parade committee are seeking new and creative ideas for the St Patrick’s Day Parade which is fast approaching. The committee are looking for an injection of fresh, innovative ideas that will help make the 2026 parade the best ever as the town looks to pull out all the stops and turn green for the day. Any enthusiastic people out there with new and creative ideas and plans are asked to contact the Charlestown and District Development Office on Barrack Street or DM the Charlestown Facebook page with all ideas and suggestions most welcome.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, February 8, as the Gus and the Magician locked horns in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. With Gus at the ochie it was left to the Duke to step into the referee’s role as this he did effortlessly as both men towed the line impeccably. The Magician was on something of a retrieval mission having lost the last three finals he contested and he dug deep into his box of tricks and weaved some spell in the opening two sets as he blazed his way into a 2-0 lead. Gus looked mesmerized as he struggled to match the big numbers being posted by the magic man in the other corner and looked a beaten docket ahead of the start of the third set. To his credit he rallied admirably and took the set with a sizzling treble eighteen, double sixteen finish doing the job nicely to let some of the wind out of the Magician’s sails as McGowan was left to rue some glaring misses with double 10 seemingly at his mercy.
Gus was hoping the ball would continue to bounce his way into the fourth set but it was the Magician who regained his form as he wiped the floor in the opening two legs with some big scoring and crisp finishing leaving him one leg away from victory. Gus once again showed his stomach for the battle by claiming the third leg but the Magician was in no mood to prolong the match any further as he seized control in leg four with a couple of 140s leaving him in prime position to close out the match with his opponent toiling in the high 300s. The Magician stepped forward with 80 left on his ledger and he needed only two darts with treble twenty and double 10 bringing the curtain down on a terrific performance as finally got over the line in a final and this was a source of much relief to him and his large band of supporters who chanted his name to high heaven as he stepped on the winning podium to claim his first title of the season. Gus was sporting and graceful in defeat and made a match of it but it was McGowan’s day and celebrated accordingly as he brought his losing streak to an end in clinical fashion.
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Kilmovee.
Kilmovee NS are now accepting enrolments for the school year 2026/27. Forms are available from the school. Please contact school principal Caitriona McDonnell kilmoveens1@gmail.com.
Bingo is held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Sunday at 8.30pm. The jackpot is €700 on 46 calls or less, the house is €400 on 4 correct numbers and also a 50/50 draw with a guaranteed winner every week.
St Brigid’s Crosses made by the children of Kilkelly NS are now on sale in local outlets around Kilkelly. All proceeds go directly to Kilkelly NS. The event was organised by the Parents Association and your support is greatly appreciated.
Are you ready to feel fitter, healthier, and stronger. Come and join the Men on the Move group in Kilmovee Community Centre with flood lit walkway every Tuesday at 7.30pm. No registration fee just book in with Tracy on 087 447 9227. All fitness levels and ages are welcome.
The lotto numbers drawn for Saturday January 31, were 1, 4, 29 and 46. There was no winner.
The death took place of Christina Coleman Lismulgee, Carracastle on January 25, peacefully in her 99th year at Mayo University Hospital surrounded by her family. Christina was predeceased by her husband Vincent, brothers Fr Sean, Michael, Brendan and her sister Maureen and she is survived by her sons Joe and Vincent, daughters Margaret and Helen, daughters-in-law Attracta and Sinead, sister-in-law Margaret (USA), grandchildren Sorcha (Colm), Maebh (fiancé Enda) and Seán (Lydia), nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Christina reposed in The Sharkey Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen on Tuesday, January 27, followed by removal from her home on Wednesday, January 28, to St. James’ Church, Carracastle arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at 11am, followed by interment in Carracastle Cemetery. May Christina rest in peace as sympathy is offered to all who are bereaved by her passing.
The death took place of Mary Kate Forkin (nee Finn) Slievemore, Cloontia, Ballaghaderreen on January 13, surrounded by her family. Mary Kate was previously resident at St Michael's Close, Blackburn, England. Mary Kate was predeceased by her husband John, sons Sean and Danny her sister Bridget and parents Tom Jack Finn and Mary Finnn (nee Phillips) and is survived by her daughter Caroline and son Tom, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, 12 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and many friends.
Mary Kate reposed in The Kilgarriff Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen, on Friday, January 23, arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at the Church of Saints John the Baptist and Colman, Derrinacarta on Saturday at 1pm followed by interment in Carracastle cemetery. May Mary Kate rest in peace as sympathy is extended to all who are bereaved by her passing.
Would you be willing to provide companionship to an older person locally? ALONE are seeking volunteers in the area. Full training and support provided. If interested, please apply via the ALONE website www.alone.ie or for further information contact ALONE on 0818 222 024 or volunteer@alone.ie. If you are over 60 and would like to know more about the services ALONE can offer please call 0818 222 024.
