Local Notes: Volunteers at work in Charlestown Organic Community Garden.
Volunteers at work in the Charlestown Organic Community Garden.
The garden is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2.30pm and is well worth checking out as the committee have a fantastic display of shrubs, plants and vegetables on display with the place looking an absolute picture as it embraces the long evenings and warmer temperatures. The raised beds are a huge addition to the garden and the committee continue to beaver away making subtle and significant changes to make it bigger and better with so much to recommend as it continues to draw lavish praise and admiring glances across all strands of the community and beyond.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €17,400 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, June 29, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 5, 28, 29 and 35. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Niamh Colleran and Margaret Gormonly. The jackpot increased to €17,500 and the draw was held on Sunday, July 6.
Charlestown Sarsfields and Belmullet played out a thrilling round 8 division 1A senior league encounter played at the splendid Belmullet GAA grounds in Tallagh recently. There were goals and incidents galore in a game that was played at a cracking pace from gun to tape. The Sarsfields hit the straps early and banged in a couple of goals with Paul Towey and Jack Mahon giving them just the tonic they needed to try and secure some much needed league points.
The hosts were stung into action and took control of the next few minutes firing in 1-4 without reply to leave the scores nicely poised at 2-2 to 1-8 with the Sarsfields doing all they could to hang onto the coattails of the home side.
The see-saw nature of the contest continued unabated as Ciaran Honeyman finished a slick Sarsfields expertly to the net to leave them one in front after twenty minutes with the crowd more than getting value for their money such was the attacking threat both sides undoubtedly possessed.
Belmullet, stunned to be trailing by a point, set to right the damage in the final ten minutes of the half and this they duly did as they hit 2-5 without reply to leave them in a position of real control at half time as the score read 4-13 to 3-3 in favour of the red and white men with the Sarsfields seeing stars as they trooped off to the dressing room reeling at the way the last few minutes played out having looked to have weathered the home side’s storm in the opening quarter and more.
The second half was every bit as frantic and chaotic as they ebbed and flowed in one direction and then another. The Sarsfields, sensing some complacency in the home ranks, went after them in admirable fashion and they kicked a couple of early two pointers in inject new hope into their ambitions. Paul Towey set the Sarsfields comeback in motion with a lovely two pointed effort and he backed this up from the next attack with a neat point from play.
Gareth O’Donnell responded with a cracking free from distance which raised an orange flag with another three points coming from the next couple of attacks as first Paddy Lenehan’s white flag was followed by an orange one as Paul Towey delved deep into his box of tricks to narrow the gap to six with the home side decidedly wobbling as the Sarsfields were dominating in all the key areas of the pitch.
Belmullet needed a response and it duly arrived in the shape of a Fionn O’Donohue goal with James O’Donnell clipping over a point prior to the green flag to stall the Sarsfields momentum and push the lead beyond three scores once again.
The Sarsfields refused to wilt however and hit right back with Paul Towey firing over a scud from long range to raise the Sarsfields fourth orange flag of the evening to give them a glimmer of hope with the scoreboard reading 5-15 to 3-13 in favour of the North Mayo men. Paddy Goldrick boomed over another superb two pointer for the Sarsfields to bring their tally to 3-15 with six left on the clock.
Another point from O’Donnell provided further relief for the barony but the Sarsfields launched another raid so to speak with Paul Towey converting a penalty to keep the Sarsfields interested albeit Ryan O’Donohue continued to exert a major influence on the game and had just kicked a two pointer prior to Towey’s conversion of the penalty. The Sarsfields continued to press but their challenge finally ran aground as the fifth goal they so craved to really put the cat among the pigeons didn’t materialise as the home side kicked the final three points of what can only be described as a topsy-turvy encounter that provided some entertainment for both sets of supporters.
The Sarsfields displayed plenty of grit and stoutness and were plucky throughout with plenty of positives to be gleaned from a good team performance overall. Honourable mention to Paul Towey who excelled throughout with Gareth O’Donnell, Paddy Goldrick, Paddy Lenehan, Ben Conway, Sean Dunleavy, Jack Mahon and Jack Corley also providing plenty of assistance as they drove the Sarsfields forward at every possible opportunity.
The death took place at his home in Bellaghy, Charlestown of Donal Murray formerly of Carrigallen, Co Leitrim, Coventry, UK and Clane, Co Kildare. His remains were removed to St James` Church, Charlestown and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the cemetery of the resurrection. Donal is survived by his wife Phyllis, daughters Laura, Maria and Ailish, son Brendan, sisters Anna and Ellen, grandchildren, in-laws, sister-in law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of friends.
The late Don as he was affectionately known, was a nice man who was much loved and respected in the communities of Bellaghy, Charlestown and beyond. He was a terrific family man who formed an unbreakable bond with his wife Phyllis, as together they made for a good team and made sure the family’s needs were provided for at all times. He was a keen and noted bridge player and was a long standing member of the Charlestown Bridge Club where he forged many strong links and friendships. The large crowds who attended the removal of his remains and subsequent burial was ample proof of the esteem and affection in which he was held and deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
The Sarsfields travel to Kiltimagh to take on the locals in the East Mayo Minor B Championship on Tuesday (this evening), July 8, with the throw-in fixed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields host St Jarlath’s in Fr O’Hara Park in the East Mayo U16A championship on Thursday, July 10, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Foxford to take on Moy Davitts in the U12 Summer League on Tuesday, July 17, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
Well done to Charlestown Sarsfields trio Sophie Tiernan, Siofra McGuinness and Mikayla McLoughlin who were part of the Mayo U16 team who qualified for the All-Ireland U16 final by virtue of their resounding victory over Kildare in the semi-final played at the Longford Slashers GAA grounds recently. All three girls made the first fifteen with Sophie Tiernan and Siofra McGuinness lining out in the back six and performing to their usual high standards as they repelled each and every Kildare attack with consummate ease as they cleared their lines with their usual efficiency and ruined defence into attack with lightning speed.
Mikayla McLoughlin was her usual ball of energy in the full forward line as she lit up the game with some impressive play and bagged some fine scores to boot, finishing with a tally of 1-2 in a fine overall individual performance. The girls are eagerly looking forward to a final tussle against Kerry with the Kingdom sure to provide them with the acid test in terms of their talent and ability to get over the line. Both have been the standout teams in the competition, and these are giddy and great times for the Sarsfields trio as they prepare to play in their third All-Ireland final in as many years as they look to go one better than last year when Cavan defeated them in the final.
The three girls are terrific role models for all the youngsters in the club as they are dedicated in every aspect from their training and preparation and live their lives in the best way they know how in order to get the maximum out of themselves on the field of play. They have reached some stellar heights in their young careers to date and the clash with Kerry is one they are eagerly looking forward to as Charlestown GAA Club wish them and the Mayo team, management and panel all their very best as they look to plunder another underage All-Ireland title as Kerry stand between them and glory. Good luck girls with all in the Sarsfields club wishing you every success in the final proper.
Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Sean McCaffrey, Sonnagh, Charlestown who celebrated his sixtieth (60th) birthday with a party for family and friends in The Yeats County Inn, Curry recently. There was a great turnout for this most auspicious of occasions as people came from far and wide to bestow their best wishes on a man who is a very popular presence in and around the communities of Sonnagh and Charlestown. Sean is a native of Monaghan and a large contingent travelled from the Farney county to be associated with the celebrations and a good night was had by all. His good wife Siobhan has her man in good shape as he gets ready to embrace all that sixty will throw at him. I’m sure there was a cake unveiled to commemorate the occasions with all sixty candles taking up every possible space on the delicious offering. Sean had little difficulty quenching the same as the lungs have plenty of power and wind left in them. The music, craic, laughter and dancing went on long into the night and here's wishing Sean continued good health and happiness in the future and many more nights and celebrations of this nature in the years ahead.
Mick Duffy was the winner of the weekly pool competition held in Johnny’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Friday, June 27. Mick was in top form on the night and had the cue ball on a piece of string such was his accuracy when in and among the balls.
The East Mayo Athletics Club are running a nice competition at the moment as they continue to raise funds in aid of their track development plans. They are offering two Oasis Premium Tickets for the band’s Croke Park Concert on Sunday, August 17, with entry by way of the East Mayo Athletic Club Facebook page where you can click and follow the link or they have cards in a number of shops and businesses in the community with each line costing €5 with five available for €20. The club would appreciate your support with demand for the tickets sky high at the moment as the Oasis tickets remains the hottest ticket in town so to speak. The winner will be announced on Sunday, July 27, so get you entry in fast as the count down to some Roll With It and Wondewall which will be belting out before a full house in Croke Park on the Sunday night in question.
Charlestown U16 team continue to blaze their way through the East Mayo U16A championship with their latest victory coming at the expense of the Ballaghdereen/Kilmovee amalgamation. The Sarsfields came through comfortably in the end on a scoreline of 2-16 to 2-18 with the Ballagh/Kilmovee combination providing a stiff challenge for large parts of the game before the Sarsfields secured the deciding scores coming down the stretch to maintain their unbeaten run in the competition.
There was plenty to like about the Ballaghdereen/Kilmovee challenge. They were physical and combative and never took a backward step at any stage in the contest with the Sarsfields having to lift their game to a new level to douse their threat as they remained a live challenge right to the final whistle.
The Sarsfields were very good in the opening half racing into a thirteen point lead at one stage before being pegged back with their opponents hitting 1-1 without reply just before the half-time whistle.
This gave Ballagh/Kilmovee some hope at the start of the second half and their hopes got a further lift as they goaled straight from the throw-in to reduce the deficit to five points with all the momentum now with the amalgamated duo. The Sarsfields flexed their muscles from hereon, and took a vice-like grip around the middle with Sean Breheny ruling the roost as he turned in a powerful performance, scoring the two goals and dominating the middle third battle ground with some supreme reading of the game. He got good support from Shea Haran in this regard with Danny Breheny also delivering a masterful display as he got on the ball, linked the play and kicked some fine scores to boot.
Ballagh/Kilmovee continued to plug away but they didn’t possess the quality of the Sarsfields albeit they did provide the green and white with some anxious moments which always kept the contest interesting. Other than the afore-mentioned, others to impress for the Sarsfields were Blaine Doyle, Dylan Pilcher, Jack Burke and Ethan Honeyman who were teak tough at the back and kept their opponents on a tight rein throughout. Artiom Gavrilluc and Rhys O’Connor formed a solid half-back partnership and were quick to turn defence into attack at every possible opportunity while in attack other than Danny Breheny, Brian Egan, Oisin Kelly, James Cassidy were also very prominent with Ryan Rowley, Ruairi Kilroy, Adam Doherty, Sean Cassidy, Cian Casey and Ruairi Egan all contributed when introduced with the Sarsfields in great shape as they get ready to face down the challenge of St Jarlath’s in the next round of games.
The next Community Coffee Morning takes place in the Arts Centre on Friday, August 1, from 11am-1pm. Lift access available. All welcome for a cuppa and a chat.
A Summer Music and Yoga Camp takes place at Carracastle Community Centre from Monday-Friday, July14-18. The cost is €80 and the camp is limited to twelve (12) places. Booking deposit €20. Contact Olivia on 085 1971372 or email o.sharkey@gmail.com. It is a fun introduction to music and piano, mindfulness, relaxation and yoga.
A Brick by Brick Lego Camp (5-12 year olds ) takes place at Kilmovee Community Centre from July 14-16 (inclusive) from 10am-12pm . The cost is €40 and for more information contact legocamp2023@gmail.com or 087 6648408.
There was a good turnout at the summer bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday, June 25, at 8pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Tom Ginty and Mike Wingrove, 2nd Carmel Moffitt and Mary O’Connell, 3rd Frances and Robert Healy, 4th Maura Dunne and Michael Ryan.
The following were the winners of the weekly 25 Drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday, July 1, at 9pm; 1st Vera Scally and Mary Costello, 2nd Joe Mahon and Kevin Maloney. Raffle winners were Veronica McCarrick and Darby Leonard (jnr).
Bushfield Cemetery Mass takes place on Sunday, August 10, at 9am.
Charlestown Sarsfields suffered a 1-20 to 2-12 defeat to Moy Davitts in the latest round of fixtures of the East Mayo Minor B Championship played at Fr O’Hara Park recently. The Sarsfields tried hard and fought valiantly to the end but came up against a good and well organised Moy Davitts side who had that little bit more spark and creativity in attack.
The Sarsfields are still in contention of progressing to the latter stages of the competition but will need to secure a win in their next outing to have any hopes of staying alive and relevant in what’s an ultra competitive East Mayo Championship. Second half coals from Shea Haran and Cian Towey kept the Sarsfields alive and buoyant so to speak but Moy Davitts had some fine point kickers in their ranks and they knocked over a few two pointers in the closing stages to keep the Sarsfields at arms length and lock down a match they were deserving winners of albeit the Sarsfields never caved in and battled admirably to the final whistle.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2800 in the weekly draw held on Monday, June 30, and the following were four numbers drawn; 1, 14, 15 and 27. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; James McDonagh, Michael and Claire Durcan, Aoibheann, Grace and Shane Durcan.
The latest jackpot increased to €2900 and the draw took place on Monday, July 7.
At the end of July, Fr Tommy Johnson retires as parish priest of Charlestown, having served there for twenty-two years. To mark his commitment and service to the community, Mass will be celebrated in St James’ Church, Charlestown on Sunday, July 27, at 6pm, followed by refreshments in the CBD Sports and Recreational Centre. All are welcome, more details to follow.
The annual Walk n Talk to remember Rónán Duffy`s Birthday will take place on Saturday, August 30, starting at 5pm from Benson’s, Rooskey. Further details nearer the date. Save the date.
Charlestown Sarsfields host Ardnaree in Fr O’Hara Park in the last round of fixtures in Division 1A of the county senior league on Saturday, July 12, with the throw-in confirmed for 7pm. This is a crucial fixture for both teams as victory would cushion the blow of relegation to division 3 which is an almighty drop indeed. Charlestown Sarsfields go into the game keenly aware of what’s at stake with victory imperative with the championship just around the corner. The Sarsfields will be hoping to field their strongest possible team, for a game that has a lot riding on it, but people expect a reaction from the green and white as they look to stem the tide of losses they’ve had to endure since the league started back in April.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday, June 29, as The Egg and The Duke fought it out in another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus had little difficulty maintaining law and order in his role as match referee as both men towed the line impeccably. The Duke, looking to clinch his second tile in a month, began in bright fashion, taking the first set with some imperious throwing. He took the second as well, as the Egg struggled to get to the pitch of the game with his erratic throwing and inconsistency hampering his chances of making a match of it.
He did recover somewhat in the third set and got his name on the board as he nailed double eighteen in the fourth leg to reduce his arrears and out some doubt in the mind of the Duke as he opened the fourth set with the advantage of the darts. The Duke took his anger at losing the third set out on the board and blasted his way into a two-leg lead with some brilliant pegging. Two outstanding finishes of 134 and 148 left him one leg away from victory as the Egg struggled to match the numbers posted by a focused and concentrated number two seed.
The Duke was in the zone and stormed his way to victory moments later as he took out 88 with two darts to seal his fifth victory of the season with his final dart piercing the middle of the double fourteen bed with flawless accuracy. The Duke celebrated in customary garish fashion as he took the acclaim of his large support base with his game on the crest of the wave as he gets ready to embrace a lucrative and busy summer season.
