Local Notes: 5th Annual Colm Horkan Memorial Run, Charlestown, a resounding success.
Siobhan Doherty (centre) pictured with Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan (right) and Minister of State for Enterprise Tourism and Employment Alan Dillon, who took part at the fifth Annual Colm Horkan Memorial Run recently
The 5th Annual Colm Horkan Memorial Run was held on Sunday, May 18, and it was another wonderful success with upwards of 750 taking part in the 5km/10km and half marathon disciplines respectively. The weather was set fair from early morning with the sun taking its place high in the sky which made conditions sultry and hot hence the organisers, namely the East Mayo Athletics Club made the decision to opt for an early start with all three events getting underway before 9.30am.
There was a terrific atmosphere evident at the starting line of each of the three respective races/events with a number of dignitaries in attendance most notably Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan who competed with distinction in the 10km as did Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise Alan Dillon with both men positing very impressive times indeed. Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary was also present as were a host of councillors of all political persuasions. The Horkan family were well represented with Marty, Deirdre, Brendan, Dermot and Padraig all in attendance in what was a proud if cathartic day for the family as people came from all corners of the county and country to lend their support and participate in memory of a great man who continues to burn brightly in all our hearts and minds.
The East Mayo Athletics Club did a magnificent job in the organisation and preparation as they left no stone unturned with stewards and volunteers manning various points and stations at different routes on each course. There were water stations aplenty with each and every competitor having nothing but good things to say on how the event was choreographed and laid out.
The event attracted people from all age cohorts with a huge uptake in the number of families as parents ran with their children and vice-versa which only added to and enhanced the obvious feel-good factor that was evident from the moment people started filing into the town to take part.
There was any amount of refreshments and food available on completion of each discipline, the vast majority of which was sponsored so generously by the many local businesses who came on board at an early stage and were delighted to lend their names to an event that continues to deliver in spades in terms of numbers participating and taking part.
The East Mayo Athletics were deeply indebted to main sponsor Hegarty’s Centra, Bellaghy with special mention also to Delaney’s Mace who sponsored the prizes and water with water and refreshments also being sponsored/donated by Charlestown Service Station, AIB Swinford, Johnny’s Bar Main Street, Kernan’s Spar Main Street, Hudson Bar Main Street, Ingas Sweet Treats The Square, St Joseph’s Community College (Charlestown), Susie’s Bistro, Jenny’s Cafe and Riverside B & B Church Street with Supermacs (Airport Road) laying on any amount of teas and coffees on the day all of which went down a real treat with all who competed and were in attendance. Special thanks to all the other sponsors who contributed so generously with the Athletics Club and the Horkan family so appreciative and moved by the level of support they received from all corners of the community.
The run showcased the community at its very best with people coming out from early morning to help out in any shape or form with a whole host of volunteers making themselves available to help, assist and support in any way just to be associated with the event. The athletics club did a marvellous job in the organisation as they covered every base with ticked every box with aplomb.
The event continues to attract and appeal to all cohorts of people as it becomes a mainstay in the Charlestown social and recreational calendar. All eyes are already turning towards 2026 with all proceeds from the 2025 version going towards the East Mayo Athletics Club to assist them with their ambitious track development plans which are well on their way to fruition as one speaks.
The following were the results of the Men’s 5k race;1st Conor McLoughlin (Moy Valley AC) 18:07, 2nd Finbarr Farrelly 18.12, 3rd Rossa Hurley 18.20. The first three home in the Women’s 5k race were as follows; 1st Ella Grace Ginty (Swinford AC) 21.43, 2nd Holly Jane Ginty (Swinford AC) 21.44, 3rd Emma Maloney 22.02.
The following were the first three home in the Men's 10k race; 1st Dan Charlton (Mayo AC) 34. 18, 2nd Karol David Cronin (Sportsworld AC) 34.45, 3rd Kieran Campbell 36.28. The following were the first three home in the women’s 10k race; 1st Helen Beirne (Boyle AC) 42.37, 2nd Donna Gallagher (Mayo AC) 42.44, 3rd Patricia McCosker (North Sligo AC) 43.44.
The following were the first three home in the Men’s Half Marathon; 1st Jonathan Lavin 1.20.15, 2nd Enda Murtagh 1.22.41, 3rd John Brennan 1.26.55 The first three ladies home were as follows; 1st Sarah Keane 1.35.45, 2nd Trina Donohue (East Mayo AC) 1.39.32, 3rd Helen Hopkins (Mayo AC) 1.42.54.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €16,800 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, May 18, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 20, 23, 25 and 27. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Peter Vesey and Ann Goldrick. The latest jackpot increased to €16,900 and the draw was held on Sunday, May 25.
Charlestown Sarsfields hosted Claremorris in round 1 of the county junior championship at a sizzling and sun baked Fr O’Hara Park recently. It was a sombre evening at the office for the hosts however as Claremorris recorded a comprehensive 2-16 to 1-6 victory the Sarsfields left to pick over the bones of a chastening defeat.
The Sarsfields will have huge regrets over a number of missed goal chances in the first half which could and would have put them in control but each and every one of them was spurned which would have huge ramifications for the overall result at the final whistle.
The Sarsfields fielded a decent enough fifteen with several players with senior league and championship experience on display. Claremorris too had lots of depth and quality on their ranks and after a slow start they came to the party on the closing stages of the first half when they hit the front thanks to some accurate shooting from distance.
The Sarsfields led 0-5 to 0-3 after twenty minutes with points from Ciaran Honeyman, Colm Maye and a cracking two pointer from Damien Ward giving them a deserved lead as Claremorris struggled to win any kind of primary possession in the first half with Thomas Holton being the primary ball winner for the Sarsfields.
Their failure to convert their dominance into scores would prove costly however as Claremorris gradually grew into the game and enjoyed a real scoring surge in the final ten minutes as they outscored the hosts 0-8 to 0-1 to leave them with a decent 0-11 to 0-6 lead at the interval which was scant reward for the Ssrsfields first half as they played most of the football and dominated all the stats except the most important one that being the score board.
The second half proved something of an anti-climax as the visitors dominated every facet of the play and took the game away from the hosts as their big players stepped up and took charge in all the key areas. The Sarsfields, in contrast, fell away alarmingly as their challenge wilted in the heat with Claremorris banging in two second half goals to take command and leave the hosts chasing shadows for much of the remainder of the half.
The Sarsfields struggled to keep the ball in hand with balls being lost in contact or given away needlessly only adding to their growing sense of frustration with Claremorris, in contrast, much more economical and clever with their use of the ball as the game continued to drift away from the home side with Claremorris quite content to pick off scores from all manners of distances.
A late Ben Crean goal provided some kind of consolation for the Sarsfields but the intensity had long gone from the game when it arrived with Claremorris emerging with a lot of credit as they slipped through the gears after a sluggish beginning. The final score line reflects a little harshly on the Sarsfields perhaps as their second half effort petered out somewhat disappointingly. The missed chances in the opening half definitely took its toll as if they had been converted the game would have taken on an altogether different complexion.
Charlestown Sarsfields kept their play-off hopes very much alive with their latest victory over Ballaghaderreen-Kilmovee in division 2 of the county U16 league played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently. The Sarsfields came through on a score line of 2-11 to 1-8 in a tough battle with the Sarsfields lads just about holding the edge in a well contested encounter. Two good goals from Shea Haran in the first half gave the Sarsfields something to cling onto and this they duly did as they managed the game out well in the second half and limited the opposition attack to the occasional score while chipping in with some vital ones at the other end when the need was greatest.
This victory ensures their qualification for the semi-final as they finished joint top in the division and will be a tough nut to crack for any opponent as they are moving well and playing some good ball at the moment.
The Sarsfields host Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin in Fr O’Hara Park on Friday, June 6, in division 1A of the county senior league with the throw-in timed for 7.30pm (check sports pages for details).
Mayo Karate Academy are enrolling new members for Karate classes in Claremorris. These classes are suitable for children aged 5 years and over and they take place in Claremorris GAA Sports Complex. For more information contact Alan on 087 4636841.
Little Athletics continues on Thursday evenings at 7pm. There are limited numbers for new members and log onto the East Mayo Athletics Facebook page and follow the link to avoid disappointment.
A Summer Music and Yoga Camp takes place at Carracastle Community Centre from Monday-Friday, July 14-18,costing €80. The camp is limited to twelve (12) places. Booking deposit of €20 is necessary and payment plans are available. Contact Olivia on 085 1971372 or email o.sharkey@gmail.com. This will be a fun introduction to music and piano, mindfulness, relaxation and yoga.
A Brick by Brick Lego Camp suitable for children aged 5-12 year takes place at Kilmovee Community Centre from July 14-16 inclusive, from 10am-12 noon. The cost is €40 and for more information contact legocamp2023@gmail.com or 087 6648408.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, May 14, at 8pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Tom Ginty and Hilary McDonagh, 2nd Ogie Moran and Michael Ryan, 3rd Charles and Mae Quinn, 4th Hilary McCrohan and Carmel Moffitt, and 5th Frances and Robert Healy.
The following were the winners of the 25 Drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday, May 20, at 9pm; 1st Joe Mahon and James Reidy, 2nd Teresa McIntyre and Veronica McCarrick. Raffle winners were Nancy Brennan. Darby Leonard and Breege Leonard.
Training has resumed at Fr O’Hara Park for the group on Wednesday evenings at 8pm. No experience is necessary and new members are most welcome. This is an opportunity to improve your fitness in a fun and supportive environment.
Mayo/Roscommon Hospice need your help with National Sunflower Days for Hospice on June 6 and 7. A few hours of your time on either/both days in your area or any area that suits you. Any time you can give would be most appreciated. Call now on 094 9388666 or email info@hospice.ie. Your help can make the difference.
Charlestown, Bellaghy and Districts Development Association’s June Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, June 6, in the Arts Centre from 11am-1pm. Lift access available. All welcome to come along for a chat and a cuppa.
Well done to the Charlestown U15 girls team who won the division 1 Feile competition in great style at the Tourmakeady GAA grounds recently. They played some terrific football and did it the hard way by defeating Swinford/Killasser, Breaffy, Westport and McHale Rovers to secure a famous victory and qualify for the Feile competition which takes place in Derry at the end of June. The girls had to overcome some tough competition with each opponent providing plenty of way of problems and challenges but this is a very talented young team and panel as they rose to the occasion in each and every game to win their section outright and ensure qualification for the national competition proper.
They also had to contend with the sun and heat which added another layer of difficulty and complexity to the occasion but they married fitness, endurance and class in equal measure to overcome all that was put in front of them as they brought another cup back to the club and community and can look forward to representing the club and county with pride in the coming weeks.
Well done to the team, panel and management on a superb achievement with the management team of Gemma Higgins, Elaine Warnock and Aidan Higgins doing a wonderful job in the training and coaching of a very good and talented group as they exhibited all their skills and talents on a great day for the club in Tourmakeady. They are sure to represent Mayo with pride at Feile which takes place at the Derry GAA headquarters in Ownbeg and will be looking to add another chapter of success and glory as they get ready to take on the best teams in the country at a competition that always brings thrills and spills in equal measure.
The death took place at the North West Hospice, Sligo, of Michael Ryan, Rooskey, Doocastle. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
The death took place recently at the University Hospital Galway of Philip O’Gorman, Airport Road, Charlestown. His remains were laid out at St Bridget’s Garden, Pollagh, Rosscahill, Co. Galway followed by a ceremony at Shannon Crematorium. He is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Aoife, sons Finian and Coan, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, sisters Moira, Teresa and Cora, brothers Eddie and Anthony, sisters-in law, brothers-in law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends.
The late Philip was a teacher of some renown at St Joseph’s Community College or the Marist Convent as it used to be known. He was an excellent teacher and career guidance counsellor who was passionate about his job who was always the consummate professional as he carried out his job to the best of his ability at all times. Philip gave good and sound advice to countless students over the years in his role as guidance counsellor with his opinions and expertise much respected and sought after. He took his role seriously and provided students with a vision of what he felt they might be able to achieve in terms of their education and course choices and took a deep interest in their career path after school and their progression along the journey of life.
Philip had a deep interest in theatre and drama and was a noted actor who achieved some great feats on the stage. He was a keen sports fan with a deep interest in soccer and GAA as he coached many teams to multiple successes in both codes during his time in the Marist Convent with a Connacht Senior C Gaelic title in 1986 and a Connacht U17 title in 1987 among the highlights of a very successful tenure as coach and manager during his long and dedicated service training and managing teams.
There was much more to Philip the person however. He was a dedicated husband and father and was devoted to his family and made sure their needs were met and provided for at all times. He was a good team player and forged many strong friendships among his peers and was always a purveyor of good advice. His death robs his family and the community of a good and decent man but he leaves many outstanding memories which his family will cherish and cling dear to in the deep hours, days and weeks that lie ahead. Deepest condolences are tendered to the bereaved.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2200 in the weekly draw held on Monday, May 19, and the following were four numbers drawn; 13, 19, 21 and 22. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; Hubert Feeney, Catherine Fox and Gillian Durcan. The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on Monday, May 26, was €2300.
Well done and congratulations to the Charlestown Sarsfields trio of Siofra McGuinness, Sophie Tiernan and Mikayla McLoughlin who were part of Mayo U16 team’s dramatic victory over Roscommon in a thrilling Connacht U16 girls final played at the Centre of Excellence, Bekan recently. All three girls more than played their part in Mayo’s tense and nail-biting win with Katie Hughes kicking the winner almost on the stroke of full-time to give Mayo a sensational win having looked down and out when the trailed by three with literally minutes left on the clock.
The Sarsfields girls have some haul of medals won at such tender ages and they had to show some amount of character and resolve to get the better of a very good and determined Roscommong side who thought they had one hand on the cup as the game looked to be playing out very much in their favour in the closing stages. Mayo has that resilience in spades however and all three Sarsfields girls were very much front and centre of the comeback with Sophie strong and solid at the back as she cleared her lines with great authority and conviction. Siofra was all action in attack and handled a lot of the football and distributed intelligently and cleverly when in possession and was a real live wire throughout. Mikayla McLoughlin was superb in attack and was a constant scoring threat throughout with her pace, movement and athleticism causing consternation in the Roscommon ranks every time she got on the ball. Her final scoring tally of 1-6 was ample proof of the magnitude of her performance as she was one of Mayo’s best players on a great night for the team, panel and management.
Mayo now goes forward to the All-Ireland series and it would be a fool that would bet against them, as this is a team laced with talent, quality, spirit and determination in every line of the pitch. We wish the girls and Mayo well as they get ready to embrace the All-Ireland stages of a competition they must have a great chance of winning.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday, May 18, as The Duke and Boom Boom slugged it out in another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was imperious in his role as match referee and handled the match with impeccable ease. The Duke was in the zone from the very first dart and turned in a champions performance as he blasted his way to a two set lead with some wonderful throwing. Boom Boom knew his goose was cooked pretty early into the match as the number two seed gave one of those displays that one can only dream of with his average off the charts as he peppered the treble twenty bed with sumptuous accuracy. Set three offered a glimmer of hope for Boom Boom when he took the opening leg against the darts but this was as good as it got for the number four seed as The Duke roared back to win the next three and duly complete a routine victory with Boom Boom unable to offer any kind of resistance such was the sublime display offered up by the champion. A tough day at the office for the number four seed as he came up short once again at the final stage but all the credit has to go to the number two seed who continues to knock on the door of the number one ranking as he revelled in his fourth victory of the year which once again underlines his enduring spirit and consistency as he continues to compete at the business end of all competitions he enters on a weekly and monthly basis.
