Local Notes: Una and Gerry Duffy, Doocastle, present €1000 to the Family Life Centre, Castlebar, following 'Walk and Talk' event in memory of their son Ronan.
Una and Gerry Duffy presenting a cheque for €1000 to Máire Ní Dhomhnall (centre) Director of the Family Life Centre, Castlebar, following a "Walk and Talk " event in memory of their son Ronán. In total they collected €3500 with the remaining €2500 presented to the Patient Comfort Find, St John's, Sligo.
The Family Centre in Castlebar thank and acknowledge the generous donation of €1000 received from Una and Gerry Duffy, Rooskey, Doocastle, following a ‘Walk and Talk’ event in memory of their son Ronán which took place last year. In total they collected €3500 with the remaining €2500 presented to the Patient Comfort Fund, St. John’s, Sligo. On the day they were supported by family and friends for the walk. The Duffy family thank O’Hara’s, Foxford, and Surlis’s Supervalu, Tubbercurry, for sponsoring refreshments after the race.
Máire Ní Dhomhnaill, Director, thanked Gerry and Úna and all who took part in the annual walk for this generous donation that will go towards the work of the Mayo Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service. This is a free service that supports those bereaved by suicide. She added that it was very kind and thoughtful of the Duffy family to always remember this service and the Family Centre.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €12,100 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, June 23, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 9,16, 29 and 34. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Maura Brennan and Martin Durkin. The latest jackpot increased to €12,200 and the draw was held on Sunday night, June 30.
Charlestown Sarsfields and Kilmovee Shamrocks played out a thrilling 4-16 to 6-10 draw in the East Mayo U14C championship played at the Kilmovee GAA grounds recently. This was a thrill a minute encounter with both teams enjoying their periods of dominance. A draw was perhaps the fairest result on a night where goals were the major currency with both forward lines playing at the top of their form.
The Butterfly Garden in collaboration with artist Tom Meskell invites you to take part in a project for Wave of Light 2024. You are invited to volunteer in the sculpture of butterflies and lanterns which will be guided by artist Tom Meskell. These lanterns will be displayed and lit up pink and blue in the Butterfly Garden for this year’s Wave of Light remembrance event on October 15.
The Summer School workshops take place from August 6-9 (inclusive) in Charlestown Arts Centre for junior class (9-12 year olds) from 10am-12 noon costing €60. Senior class (13-18 year olds ) will be held from 1-3pm costing €70. The workshop will focus on movement, vocal work, script work, character development, improvisation, working with puppets and costumes and lots of drama games. This is a great way to develop confidence, creativity, well being, etc. be active and have so much fun. For more details and bookings contact Mary Ellen on 087 7929158.
Charlestown Sarsfields junior team regained the winning thread after suffering three losses on the bounce in Division 3B of the county senior league with a 5-4 to 1-10 victory over Ballina Stephenites in the latest round of fixtures played at Fr. O’Hara Park recently.
The Sarsfields were stretched in terms of numbers and had to call on some of the stars of yesteryear to put a team together with the likes of Dermot Higgins, Mark Caffrey and Darragh McMeel joining the ageless Aidan Higgins and Kevin Munnelly as they donned the club colours and gave everybody watching a timely reminder that class remains permanent as they guided the Sarsfields to morale boosting victory following some tough losses in recent weeks.
Aidan Higgins continues to re-write the record books and add another chapter to his ongoing legend as he bagged his second hat-trick of the season which proved pivotal in seeing off a stubborn Stephenites challenge that remained persistent throughout an intriguing hour’s football.
Higgins was immense in the centre half forward role and got good support from Ciaran Honeyman who bagged the brace of goals too as the Sarsfields had that priceless ability to mine goals at key times when it looked to all intents and purposes the Stephenites would seize control.
That never materialised however as the Sarsfields always managed to keep their noses in front with McMeel, Munnelly and Dermot Higgins doing some trojan work in manning their defensive stations and keeping a lively Stephenites forward line at bay as they brought all their years of experience to bear to guide the Sarsfields through some anxious moments in the closing stages.
The Sarsfields had enough of a cushion to get across the line with Higgins claiming the match ball as the Sarsfields clinched both points thus ending their losing streak with the likes of Niall Towey, Tadhg Horkan, Eoin Flannery and Ciaran Honeyman making very positive contributions to a very good Sarsfields performance.
Charlestown Sarsfields picked up a vital two points in the latest round of fixtures in Division 1A of the county senior league with a tight 2-10 to 1-11 victory over Breaffy in round seven played at the splendid Breaffy GAA grounds recently.
Both teams were depleted but the Sarsfields had county star Paul Towey available for selection and his presence was a real plus for the green and white with Breaffy also able to call on the talents of Aidan O’Shea and Matthew Ruane albeit the duo didn’t appear until the second half.
The Sarsfields got off to the best possible start as they banged over the first three points with Niall Fleming opening the scoring from a mark before Paul Towey gave the nice crowd a timely reminder of his talents as he banged over two superb points from distance to give the Sarsfields just the start they craved.
They could and should have been further ahead but for some wayward shooting which allowed the home side to find their feet so to speak and this they did with some aplomb hitting the Sarsfields for 1-2 in a five minute blitz which completely altered the complexion of the game.
The game took another dramatic twist minutes later when Paul Towey twenty-one yard free somehow ended up in the net to restore the Sarsfields lead and this he followed up minutes later with another cracking score from play to push the Sarsfields three clear with twenty three minutes gone on the clock.
The Sarsfields goaled again from their very next attack with Kiefer Craig’s long high ball grabbed out of the sky by full forward Niall Fleming who blasted the ball to the net to put real daylight between the teams as the Sarsfields led by six and were punching some real holes in the home side’s defence.
The green and white missed two more glorious goal chances thereafter with a fisted Alan Woods point a poor return for all their dominance as the home side remained in contention as they kicked the last three points of the half to leave the half-time score 2-5 to 1-5 in favour of the Sarsfields as both teams retreated to the dressing rooms to get some liquid on board as the sun began to inject real heat into the day.
The second half proved eventful with Breaffy going for broke introducing the twin threat of Aidan O’Shea and Mattie Ruane to the fray which added another layer of difficulty to the Sarsfields challenge.
The green and white men continued to edge the possession stakes but their inability to convert some gilt edged chances has been an underlying theme all season and it reared its head once again as chances were frittered away which kept the home side interested as they never went away with little more than a score between them at any stage.
Paul Towey’s contribution to the Sarsfields ultimate victory proved absolutely crucial as he was the green and white’s primary scoring threat and he fired over four of their five second half points, three of which came from play as he tormented a succession of markers with some unerring accuracy.
Again the Sarsfields failed the put the game beyond their hosts as two more golden goal chances were spurned with Breaffy reducing the deficit to as little as one point at one stage before Towey pushed it back to three with two stellar points.
The Sarsfields were hanging on for dear life at the end with Aidan O’Shea having the chance to rescue the game for Beaffy only to be foiled by a brilliant double save from Sarsfields keeper Patrick Walsh who somehow prevented the ball from crossing the line which was perhaps the defining moment as the Sarsfields fell over the line at the final whistle which was greeted with real relief and no little cheer as this win gave the Sarsfields real chance of survival in what’s an ultra competitive division with the panel stripped of some serious talent due to injuries and the likes.
The Sarsfields had terrific performances from Paul Towey who showed his pedigree and class in spades once again with another wonderful virtuoso display with Gerry McLoughlin, Patrick Walsh, Ben Conway, David Caffrey and Enda McLoughlin and Niall Drudy all excellent in defence. Gareth O’Donnell and Paddy Goldrick had a great battle in the middle of the park with the Breaffy duo and just about shaded it overall with Niall Fleming weighing in with a vital 1-2 in attack while Alan Woods and Ruairi Cullen won any amount of breaking ball and ran hard and selflessly throughout.
This victory puts some daylight between the Sarsfields and the teams immediately below them with Belmullet next up on the roster in what’s another six pointer with both sides in and around the same mark on the league table.
Over the coming weeks the Tidy Towns adjudicators will pay an unannounced visit to Charlestown. Areas of interest will include the town centre, public facilities, e.g. walkway, playground, church, graveyard swimming pool, sports facilities, Arts Centre, recycling centre, housing estates, community garden, public car parks, so basically the entire town and its environs. The committee are asking everyone to be extra vigilant in their own areas and to help by removing any weeds, rubbish or litter. It would be enormously appreciative if businesses and homes would make an extra effort to have their facades clean and add flower boxes if/where possible. Please contact the Charlestown Facebook page or www.charlestown.ie if you see an area of particular concern. ‘We have an amazing town and community so let’s ensure we showcase this in the best possible light and give the adjudicators something to think about and them with a positive endorsement of our town and environs. A special word of thanks to the wonderful CE (Community Employment) Scheme for their ongoing work in this area’, said a spokesperson.
Are you interested in spending time with the residents in a nursing home? Maybe you enjoy playing cards, knitting, bingo or music and would like to offer your skills? If yes contact St Attracta's Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown, on 094 9254307 or by email to info@stattractas.com.
Birthday greetings are extended to Gerry Cassidy, Bulcaun, Charlestown, who celebrated sixty (60) not out recently. It was a proud day for the Cassidy family with Gerry’s twin brother Liam, who is based in Kildare also graduating to sixty with both men in prime shape as they get ready to embrace the sixth decade. Gerry is a very well known and prominent member of the Bulcaun and Charlestown communities and is a good advert for sixty with the body shape having changed little over the years. He remains as lean as a rasher which speaks volumes for his energy levels and work ethic as Gerry has never been one to let the grass grow under his feet.
He enjoys a good night out with his humour and wit making him the best of company with a laugh and a smile never far from the face as he’s always up for some kind of craic or other. Gerry enjoys a game of handball and is quite the skilled player indeed as he manoeuvres that ball around the court with no little guile and craft which makes him quite the formidable opponent. He has a great passion for GAA also and follows Mayo and Charlestown Sarsfields all over the country and county with relish and enthusiasm with his son Sean carving quite a reputation for himself with the Sarsfields at underage level.
One must give due mention to his good wife Patricia who has her man in terrific shape as she keeps a keen eye on his dietary and liquid intake and ensures he gets plenty of fibre and protein in his daily diet!! I’m sure Patricia and the family had a cake at the ready for this most auspicious of occasions with all sixty candles stacked neatly on the perimeter and summit of the said cáca. There would have been no need to count them as Patricia makes her living crunching numbers suffice to say the cake was a large offering as Gerry has a fondness, rumour has it, for all things chocolate and the likes!!.
I’m not sure if he set aside a slice for yours truly on the back of this tribute but I live in hope that a slice may well make it to my doorstep as Gerry gets acclimatised to life in the sixty lane. Here’s wishing him many more years of laughter and plenty more milestones of this nature in the future and continued good health and happiness in the years ahead.
DAS Academy will run a dancing/acting/singing summer camp for children aged 5-12 years at Carracastle Community Centre from Monday, July 15 to Wednesday, July 17, costing €60 per child with 10% discount for siblings. Email carracastlefutureclg@gmail.com to book your place and to arrange payment of deposit.
In association with Mayo Sports Partnership, Charlestown Swimming Pool will run a week of aquababies classes from July 8-12 (inclusive) for €30 per child. There are two age groups 6-23 months old at 9am and 2-4 year olds at 9.30am. Book your place for yourself and your little one at; https://bookwhen.com/charlestownswimmingpool.
A clothes recycling bank has been permanently located at the front entrance of the CBD Sport and Recreational Centre on the grounds of Fr O’Hara Park. The following items can be deposited into the bank; all women/men’s and children’s clothing, paired footwear, handbags, belts, soft toys (teddies), curtains, towels (clean), bed linen (duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases, throws). They cannot accept any pillows or duvets. All proceeds from collections going forward will go towards the annual running costs of the CBD Centre which provides so many facilities, classes and activities to the local community to exercise and enjoy. Contact 089 2616514 for any further information or enquiries. The CBD executive thank you for your continued support and co-operation.
Carracastle Cemetery Mass will take place on Sunday, August 4, at 10.30am. Tell your relatives and friends who are living outside of the community or elsewhere.
The death took place in Sydney, Australia, recently of Martin Edward Doherty, formerly of Glann, Charlestown. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
The second annual Carracastle Vintage Run takes place on Sunday, July 7. Registration takes place from 11am, and the run starts at 1pm. All proceeds are going towards CROI and Carracastle Pre-School. A monster raffle and auction will also be held. The run is open to cars, bikes, lorries and tractors. Music will be supplied by DJ Scoby and all are welcome.
There will be lots of activities for kids such as face painting, with an ice cream van also in attendance with a barbeque also taking place.
The next Community Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, July 5, from 11am-1pm in the Town Hall Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown. Lift access available and all are welcome for a chat and a cuppa.
The summer bridge game scheduled to take place in Walsh’s Bar on Wednesday, June 19, was cancelled as a mark of respect for the late Elsie Jackson who was such a prominent and popular member of the Charlestown Bridge Club for many years. Elsie was a lady in the true sense of the word who loved her weekly game of bridge and forged many strong friendships with her fellow players and members. The club extend their deepest sympathies to the family.
The weekly game resumed on Wednesday, June 26, and there will be a full results service in next week’s issue.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, June 25, at 8.30pm, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Darby and Breege Leonard, 2nd James Reidy and Pearse Henry. Raffle winners were Vincent Brennan, James Reidy, Colm Gallagher and Joe Mahon.
The Charlestown Sarsfields Ladies have re-launched their Euro Millions Community Syndicate fundraising draw for the remainder of 2024. 4 lines per draw including Euro Millions Plus. 4 draws per week (2 main + 2 Plus) for 26 weeks plus 10 chances each week to win €5000 for Ireland only raffle. That’s a total of 676 chances to win. Automatic entry to monthly draw for €60 worth of local vouchers. That’s a total of over €1000 of tickets for just €10. First draw takes place on Friday, July 5, with the last draw taking place on Friday, December 31. The closing date is July 1, and your support would be very much appreciated.
The Sarsfields travel to Kiltimagh to take on the locals in the East Mayo U14A championship on Monday, July 8, with the throw-in confirmed for 7.30pm.
Sarsfields Shamrocks host St Jarlath’s in Fr O’Hara Park in round 2 of the East Mayo Minor A championship on Tuesday (this evening), July 2, with the throw-in confirmed for 7.30pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Brickens to take on St. Jarlath’s in the East Mayo U16A championship on Thursday, July 4, with the throw-in timed for 7.30pm.
The Sarsfields host Belmullet in Fr O’Hara Park in round 8 of division 1A of the county senior league on Saturday, July 6, with the throw-in provisionally fixed for 7pm (check sports pages for confirmation).
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €4,100 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, June 24, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 6, 12, 16 and 18. The following were the winners of the €20 prizes: Maura Durcan, David Duffy and Ciaran McIntyre. The jackpot in the draw held on Monday, July 1, was €4,200.
Darts
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, June 23, as The Magician and the Pillock fought out another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was impressive as always in his role as referee ensuring law and order prevailed throughout. The Magician weaved some major magic in the opening two sets as he cast a spell on his opponent to bomb into a two set lead as the Pillock found it hard to counteract the fantastic standard being exhibited by the sorcerer McGowan. The third set saw the Pillock get to the pitch of it as he reeled off three legs in a row to haul himself back into contention. The fourth set was a grind but it was the Pillock who stayed the distance with a double top shot in the fourth leg enough to seal the deal and force a fifth and deciding set.
The Pillock had all the momentum going into the decider but the Magician wrestled back control with two brilliant opening legs as he checked out on 161 and 156 respectively to leave the Pillock stunned as he never got a look at a double in either leg. McGowan won the race to the double in the next leg but blew four darts at double sixteen with the Pillock stepping in to take the match further as he nailed double twelve with his final dart. The next leg was a thrilling one as both men matched each other score for score. The Magician had first shot at the double however and he made no mistake as he arced his final dart into the heart of the double eight bed to set off great scenes of celebration among his large band of supporters. The Pillock was gutted to have come so close but was most gracious in defeat as the two men shared a warm embrace with the Magician delighted to get his name on the board once again as he claimed his fourth title of the season.
