Niamh Colleran wins Pharmacy of the Year Award
Niamh Colleran, The People’s Pharmacy of the Year Award winner (far left) pictured with the staff of Colleran’s Pharmacy, Main Street, Charlestown and her father Paddy (2nd left), Suzanne Horkan, Adele Kirrane, Catherine Fleming, Catherine McCormack and Sharon O’Donnell. (missing from picture is Megan Sweeney).
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €8,900 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, November 12, and the following were the four numbers drawn: 12, 14, 22 and 29.
The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Brendan Towey and Thomas Fleming. The latest jackpot increased to €9,000 and the draw was held on Sunday night, November 19.
The annual general meeting of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club will take place on Friday, December 1, at 8.30pm in the Town Hall Arts Centre. All members are requested to attend as the club look back and reflect on a busy year on and off the field. Nomination forms for all the positions on the executive will be posted to club members in the coming days and people are asked to return the same to the club secretary, Kevin Deignan immediately . The club are hoping a large crowd will be in attendance and they invite new members to come forward and get involved in the club as it continues to grow and evolve with many new and developments and initiatives ready to take shape for 2024 and beyond.
The U12 boys took part in a recent blitz hosted by the Ballina Basketball Club and they did the club proud as they played two games winning one and losing the other by a very narrow margin. They shaped with real promise which augurs well for their future as they look to back it up in some upcoming games in the U12 league.
The U12 girls also took part in blitz hosted by the Westport Basketball Club recently and they too performed very well winning their first game and losing their second by the narrowest of margins with the girls turning in two very impressive performances which hints at better days to come in the very near future.
The U16 girls recorded a sparkling 48-16 victory over Castlebar Comets in their latest outing in the U16 league and they were good value for their victory which was all the more impressive considering it took place at the home of the Comets which is an indication of the depth of talent in this very good Charlestown team. The girls bossed the game from the tip-off and never gave the hosts a look in such was the quality of their display with the score telling you everything you need to know about the gulf in class between the two teams.
This rounded off another very good and successful week for the club on the court with the season in full swing for all ages and grades. More news next week.
The Charlestown LGFA will hold their annual general meeting on Thursday, November 23, at 8.30pm in the Town Hall, Arts Centre. All members are requested to attend. The club are urging people to come along and join the club with nomination papers for the various positions on the executive available on the LGFA Facebook page where you click on the page and follow the link. The club continues to grow and flourish at all grades and needs more bodies to come on board and help out in providing support for those in roles of authority and management as they continue to drive the club forward and provide the best possible leadership which has seen the club thrive and contend for honours and silverware at all grades and levels. Remember the date and do your best to attend.
Congratulations to Niamh Colleran and all her staff at the renowned Colleran’s Pharmacy Premises, Main Street, Charlestown, who won the much coveted People’s Pharmacy of the Year Award sponsored by Panadol recently. This is a terrific achievement for Niamh and indeed her father Paddy and a recognition of the outstanding service she and Paddy provide to the public on a daily basis. The Colleran name is synonymous with the business community of Charlestown stretching back the best part of ninety years and remains one of the longest established and most recognisable in the business fabric of the community.
Niamh has settled into the business seamlessly and provides a lovely, kind and pleasant service from behind the counter and is affable, friendly and professional in all her dealings with the general public. She has a warm, infectious nature and enjoys a great rapport with her customers which speaks volumes for her personality with her humour and beaming smile endearing her to so many within and outside the community. Her father Paddy still plays an active role and has been the mainstay of the business since 1974 and worked hard to build on the wonderful legacy left by his late father Luke who set up the business in 1931 and was a great community man being heavily involved in local politics and GAA. Paddy is approaching his fiftieth year at the coalface with Niamh joining him in 2011 and she has brought great energy and dynamism to the role with Paddy providing terrific guidance and support as she built on the stellar foundation which Paddy and his late father Luke had instituted from the very beginning.
Niamh brings her own personality and skills set to a role that continues to evolve with people of her ilk and calibre being asked to take on more responsibility as the role of the pharmacist continues to develop and advance as they push for a greater role in patient care. Niamh has all these qualities in abundance and the town and community of Charlestown extend their very best wishes on winning this most prestigious of awards which is much deserved as she goes about her work in a very dignified, compassionate and considerate manner. Niamh and Paddy have a wonderful team behind them with Sharon O’Donnell and Catherine McCormack almost part of the furniture at this stage as both ladies are an integral part of the whole operation and are helpful, courteous, polite in all their dealings and are always up for a bit of banter and fun to boot. Catherine Fleming, Adele Kirrane, Megan Sweeney and Suzanne Horkan make up the rest of the team and they, too are extremely helpful and accommodating and provide the best in terms of service at all times.
There has been a great response and reaction to Niamh’s winning of this award and the business is in good hands as we wish herself, Paddy and the staff many more years of happy and successful trading as the Colleran brand continues to thrive and flourish and provide the best in terms of medical care.
The Charlestown Athletic FC annual general meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 28, at 8.30pm in the Town Hall, Arts Centre. All members are requested to attend, and new members are most welcome.
St Attracta’s Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown, are pleased to invite expressions of interest from anyone who may wish to volunteer with the residents of the nursing home. The role of the volunteer is to communicate with the residents, listen to them and provide companionship. This endeavour will be structured and supported by the staff of the nursing home. Suitable volunteers should have excellent communication skills, compassion and integrity. If you would like to discuss this further contact St Attracta’s on 094 9254307 or email info@stattractas.com.
The wedding took place at the Connemara Coast Hotel, Galway, of Richard Murphy, son of Mary and the late Eddie Murphy, Lecarrow, Charlestown, and Margaret Hayes, daughter of Willie and Geraldine Hayes, Lattin, Co Tipperary. Bestman was Noel McLoughlin, friend of groom, and groomsmen were Patrick, Eddie and Niall Murphy, brothers of the groom. Bridesmaids were Denise Hayes, sister of the bride, Sarah Ryan and Claire O’Connell, friends of the bride and Clodagh Murphy, sister of the groom. The reception was held in the Connemara Coast Hotel, and we wish Richard and Margaret every good wish for the future, health and happiness and many years of wedded bliss.
Could you spare two hours a month to help the current team? You will meet new people, have some fun, all the while helping others along the way. For more information contact Patricia at 086 8514682 or Sinead at 087 2997049 or email info@charlestown.ie.
The death took place suddenly at his residence, Lavey Heights, Charlestown of Noel Frizzell, formerly of London and Ballyara, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. Deepest condolences are tendered to the bereaved.
Charlestown Sarsfields U21’s qualified for the quarter-finals of the county U21 C competition with a comprehensive 1-12 to 0-3 victory over Shrule/Glencorrib in round 2 of the group stages played at the Connacht Centre of Excellence. Bekan recently.
The Sarsfields, as the score line would indicate, were in complete control from the throw-in and dominated their South Mayo opponents in every line of the pitch and grabbed control of the game pretty much from the throw-in. They played with an assurance throughout and were much too strong in all the key areas of the pitch as Shrule/Glencorrib struggled to raise any kind of a gallop with the Sarsfields well in control at half-time as they kept their opposition scoreless while firing over eight points of their own to leave the South Mayo lads with a mountain to climb ahead of the start of the second half.
Truth to tell Shrule/Glencorib never looked like scaling that mountain as the Sarsfields continued to monopolise the possession with a Conor McArdle goal early in the second half more or less closing the door on any notion of a miraculous Shrule/Glencorrib comeback as the Sarsfields coasted to victory and kept their opponents firmly in check for the remainder of what turned out to be tame half with the sizzle and tempo having long drifted out of the game The Sarsfields tagged on a couple of points when any pressure threatened with Shrule/Glencorrib managing to raise three white flags to provide some moments of cheer for their management and supporters.
The Sarsfields did all that was asked of them and have maximum points from their two games to date with their final group game versus Eastern Gaels being a winner take all contest as to see who tops the group. Best for the green and white were Daniel Harrington, Tadhg Horkan, Sean Dunleavy, Eoin Flannery, Alex Cullen, Niall Towey, Jack Corley, Ciaran Honeyman, and Conor McArdle.
The death took place recently of Ann Campbell, Ard na Mara, Blackrock, Co. Louth and formerly of Lurga, Charlestown. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Keep Fit classes with chair-based exercises for the over 60’s are held every Wednesday morning at Carracastle Community Centre from 1am -12 noon. For more information and to book your place contact Sarah at 086 3879635.
The Christmas Craft Fair is back again this year and will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Sunday, November 26, from 10am-2pm, featuring a wide range of handmade presents, baked goods, and local crafters. Entry is free and tea/coffee will be available and all are welcome to attend. If you would like to have a table on the day, contact Trevor at 089 4463487 asap to book your place.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday last, November 8, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 2nd James Mooney and Mary O’Connell, 3rd Mary Swin O’Malley and Teresa Ward, 4th Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 5th Hilary McCrohan and Elsie Jackson, 6th Frances and Robert Healy, 7th Tom Dunne and Mary Lynskey, 8th Tommy O’Malley and Michael Dee, 9th Mae Quinn and Charles Quinn, 10th Margaret Kenny and Carmel Moffitt The game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walshs’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown and all are welcome.
The information centre in Bohernasup, Ballina, is open to everyone in the community. They provide options, supports and guidance for individuals and their families experiencing mental health difficulties. The information centre provides a confidential sign posting and the drop-in service is open Monday to Wednesday from 9.30am to 4pm. Call 096 71492 for more information.
The rosary will be recited at Lurga Shrine for the Holy Souls for the month of November. The meeting to pray for the dearly departed will take place every evening at 7pm and 5pm on Sundays.
The knitting club meet every Thursday morning in the Pastoral Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown, between 10.30am-1pm.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Tuesday last, November 14, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Michael and Mary Lynskey, 2nd Darby and Breege Leonard. Raffle winners were Darby Leonard, Vera Scally and Seamus Durcan.
The game takes place every Tuesday night at 8.30pm in Walsh’s Bar and all are welcome especially new members.
A Christmas Spectacular takes place at Knock Basilica on Friday, December 1, ... An Evening of songs of Faith, Hope, Love and Christmas featuring Margo, Philomena Begley, Donna Taggart, John McNicholl and Marc Roberts. Also featuring Una Nolan and Schola Cantorum Basilicae. Tickets cost €30 and are available from Mary McNicholas in Victim Assistance Head Office.
This special event will raise funds for Victim Assistance, supporting victims of crime and trauma victims in Ireland. Doors open at 6.30pm and the show begins at 8pm. More information is available from Victim Assistance head office, Kiltimagh, Tel 094 9000 251/1800 277 477.
Hard luck to Charlestown Athletic FC U16 team who suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to crack Galway side St Patrick’s with the Charlestown lads pushing their much vaunted opponents all the way in a game where the outcome was in doubt right up until the final whistle. Charlestown Athletic went into the game as rank outsiders but belied their underdog status as they scrapped for every ball and never ducked out of a tackle with the hosts having to dig deep to eke out the result. Shea Haran was the goal scorer for Charlestown Athletic and hats off to the team and management as they did the club proud with this team one of the best and most talented in the club at the moment.
The Smith-Reilly School of Irish Dancing continue on Thursday evenings in the CBD Sport and Recreational Centre. Beginner classes take place from 5-6.15pm with advanced classes running from 5-6.45pm. All are welcome and for more information check out the Smith –Reilly Facebook and Instagram pages.
Classes take place every Monday evening in the Town Hall Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown at 8pm. To book a place contact 087 6471919 or email taragh.cosgrove@gmail.com. All levels are welcome..
St Vincent de Paul respects the dignity of those who contact them, offering assistance and advice when sought, assisting people towards long term self-sufficiency in a relationship of friendship, trust and confidentiality. If you need them contact 086 8892098.
Living Well is for adults 18 years and over. It is suitable for those who are living with one or more long term health conditions and for those caring with someone with a long-term health condition. This is an online course and there are still a few places available. For more information contact Fiona on 087 7185615.
The death took place in Belfast, Co. Antrim recently of Sr Luca (Pearl Henry) formerly of Tavneena, Charlestown. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
The Charlestown and Districts Development Association AGM will take place in the coming weeks. More news anon.
Free Alzheimer’s Screening is available in O’Donnell’s Totalhealth Pharmacy, The Square, Charlestown, on Friday, November 24. To make an appointment or for more information call 094 9254177.
The official re-opening of the Charlestown Library will be held in December. More news anon.
Mayo Cancer Support offer a range of emotional supports to people with cancer and their families. For more information call 094 9038407.
Enable Ireland, Mayo Services, require volunteers in all areas of County Mayo to work with children with a disability. Volunteers usually work one to one with a child within their home but also within their community or at the centre in Castlebar. No more than three hours are required per week and work can be arranged around a person’s availability. Training is provided. If you are interested contact Fiona at 087 6808350 or email fscully@enableireland.ie for further information. This is a rewarding activity and volunteers are very positive about their experience.
Life after bereavement can feel very lonely. Trained facilitators conduct a weekly ‘Bereavement Support Meeting’ at the Family Centre, Knock Shrine, each Wednesday at 11am. There is also a special meeting for bereaved partners/spouses on the first Thursday of each month at 11am. No appointment needed. Further information from Monica Morley, 094 9375320.
The death took place in Sligo recently of Carmel O’Brien (nee Blyth), sister of the late Madeline Honan, formerly of The Square, Charlestown.
Active Retirement meetings continue in the Pastoral Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown, on Mondays from 11am-1pm. All are welcome to attend and new members are most welcome.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2300 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, November 13, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 13, 21, 22 and 23. The following were the winners of the €20 prizes; Katie Giblin, Stephen Donoghue and Margaret Gordon. The latest jackpot increased to €2400 and the draw took place on Monday night, November 20.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, November 12, as Podsie and the Gripper fought out another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. The Duke stepped seamlessly into the role of referee and handled proceedings with total conviction and authority with both men towing the line impeccably. The Gripper exploded out of the blocks and galloped away with the first set with some flawless throwing as he limited the number one seed to just one leg with an immaculate 136 in the fourth giving him a one set lead. He began second set with the same precision and took the opening two legs with some more faultless pegging as he nailed double eighteen and double sixteen respectively to leave Podsie reeling as he struggled to get any kind of an eye in such was the Gripper’s total dominance. Gus was in orbit as he began the third leg but the old adage of poking the bear came back to haunt him as Podsie suddenly found his range and took the next two legs with some quality arrows. He took the third leg as well to level the match which left the Gripper stunned at how the match had turned against him so quickly.
Podsie was now in the zone and took the third set with the minimum of fuss as the Gripper’s level fell through the floor. The fourth set turned pretty much into a procession as the number one seed blitzed his way into a two-leg lead with Gus utterly powerless to stop the rot as Podsie launched an assault on the treble twenty bed with scary precision. He began the third leg with the advantage of the darts and never looked like relinquishing control as he carved up the board with some magnificent throwing. He raced to the double in eleven darts with Gus languishing in the low 300s and came to the ochie with 46 left on his scorecard. He went the tried and trusted route of single fourteen, double sixteen with the second of his two darts finding the middle of the green baize to ignite wild celebrations in his large support base as Gus stood motionless in the middle of the floor trying to comprehend how he lost a match he looked in total control of a set and half in. Podsie remains the benchmark for all would be contenders with the famous Usain Bolt quote springing to mind ‘No matter how far you get ahead of me, I’m going to catch you’, the mentality he brings to every match as he claimed his ninth title of another stellar season.
