Local Notes: All the latest news from Charlestown.
At a recent Comhaltas Session in Kilmovee were pupils from Tooreen NS with left their teacher Edel Fleming and right Breege Gleeson National Youth Officer for Connaught. Pic James Hunt Photography
Congratulations are extended to Delaney’s Mace, Lowpark, Charlestown, who received a Mace Excellence Award at the Mace Excellence Awards held in Lawlor’s Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare recently. Delaney’s Mace is firmly established in the business community in Charlestown and is one of the most progressive and successful businesses in the town and continues to grow and prosper as it provides the best in terms of products, services and excellence to the general public as it continues to improve its footfall and generate new business.
Conor and his staff provide a terrific personal service to customers with a friendly greeting, and a smile always on offer whenever you come through the doors. The shop always has terrific offers available to the punters and it operates a first class deli which provides a wonderful menu of food all of which is served and dispatched with a warm smile with plenty on the plate to cater for everybody’s tastes and choices. The staff are always helpful and courteous and provide the best in terms of customer experience as the shop continues to go from strength to strength and is firmly embedded in the town’s business network. We congratulate Conor and staff on winning this most coveted award and it is due recognition of the standards they have set and they are wished many more years of good trading and continued growth and development in the future.
Charlestown Sarsfields played out an exciting 2-7 to 1-10 draw with Ballaghaderreen/Kilmovee in round one of the East Mayo Minor A championship played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently. The Sarsfields will be disappointed with the final outcome as they looked in a good position to close it out as they led by six points heading down the home straight and were, to all intents and purposes, the better team for most of the hour.
Ballaghaderreen/Kilmovee, however, hung in and never threw in the towel and battled back bravely with a goal re-igniting the challenge as the Sarsfields started to falter at precisely the wrong time. The visitors kept the pressure on the Sarsfields right to the final whistle as the pendulum in the contest swung very much in their favour with the Sarsfields unable to keep the renewed visitors last onslaught at bay as the final whistle brought contrasting emotions in both camps.
The Sarsfields had much to reflect upon as they were hanging on at the death but truth to tell they should have won the game and will not be happy at how they ceded the initiative in the final frantic last ten minutes. They didn’t lose it however and will definitely be looking to tidy up on several aspects of their play in their next outing with little or no margin for error as they get ready to face a good and fancied St. Jarlath’s combination.
Michael McCarty was the Sarsfields goal scorer and others to impress for the green and white were Sean and Danny Breheny, Mike Giblin, Matthew Murphy, Cian Towey, Rhys O’Connor and Mason McCudden.
Would you be interested in sharing your home and supporting an individual with a disability for a few hours per day or a couple of hours/days per month, or longer term? Western Care Home Share Service are looking for people, single/couples/families to provide short respite breaks to children and adults across County Mayo, in your own home. Training and support are provided and a non-taxable allowance is payable for each home share arrangement. If you are interested and/or would like further information about Home Sharing, contact Ruth Kneafsey, Home Share Co-ordinator on 094 9029148 or 087 6811261.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €22,600 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, June 28, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 15, 16, 25, and 36. The winners of the 3 x €50 prizes were as follows; Ruairi Gallagher (lucky dip - annual ticket), Sarah Burns (lucky dip), and Teresa Owens (online winner). The latest jackpot increased to €22,700 and the draw was held on Sunday night, July 6. Tickets on sale in a number of outlets in the community priced at €2 or 3 for €5 and the club thank everybody who supported their weekly draw.
The pool has a comprehensive list of activities taking place in the coming week ranging from swim camps to lessons to free lane swimming with adult swimming lessons also available at designated times. For more information on all the above log into the pool’s excellent Facebook page which gives up to the minute details on all that’s happening with links available for whatever is most relevant to your and your questions/queries.
Charlestown Sarsfields senior ladies have qualified for the cup semi-final where they will take on Kilmoremoy on Sunday, July 19, with the Centre of Excellence in Bekan most likely as the confirmed venue. The ladies have been going great guns in the Melissa Patterson League and have swept through the competition unbeaten thus securing their semi-final slot. They will be heavy favourites to advance to the final but won’t be taking their opposition for granted in any way as they look to secure their final berth and continue to build on the fine progress they have made to date. The ladies and their management team are wished well in what’s a big couple of weeks for all involved.
Sympathy is extended to John and Michael Goldrick, Corthoon, Charlestown, on the death of their sister Beatrice McCormack (nee Goldrick), formerly of Corthoon who died in London, England recently. Deepest condolences are tendered to the bereaved.
Bushfield Cemetery Mass takes place on Friday, July 24, at 7.30pm.
The Charlestown Community Garden continues to garner admiration and admirers from within and outside the community with the recent glorious spell of weather portraying it in a particularly favourable light. The hardworking committee continue to push the envelope in terms of their plans and developments with the new raised beds proving a roaring success. There is any amount of produce being grown and on offer to the general public with any amount of vegetables growing in the raised beds and plots alike. These include onions (red and white), cabbage (red and green), kale, herbs, tomatoes, lettuce, green beans, potatoes, cucumber and beetroot. This is a splendid array and selection of vegetables, all of which have been grown to a very high standard. Special mention to Mary McIntyre, Paddy Casey, Willie and Breda Doyle, Sr. Elsie Gilmartin and Ian Isherwood who are very much at the heart of all that goes on in the garden as they continue to drive the facility forward, thus making it a little piece of heaven on earth. It remains open on Wednesday and Saturdays to the general public with all their latest updates on all that goes on in this special little corner available on the Garden`s splendid Facebook page.
Charlestown Sarsfields U16s were defeated by a strong and well drilled St Jarlath’s combination in round 2 of the East Mayo U16A championship played at Fr O’Hara Park recently. The final scoreline read 2-15 to 1-9 in favour of the Ballyhaunis/Eastern Gaels amalgamation as the Sarsfields struggled to get to the pitch of the game and were playing catch-up from an early stage.
The Sarsfields actually played well in the opening half and went into the interval one point in front and deservedly so with an early Liam Giblin goal providing them with a platform on which to build on. This they duly did but could and should have been further ahead at half-time with some wayward finishing not a true reflection of the score on the board.
The Sarsfields continued to compete well into the second half but two conceded poor goals in quick succession midway through the half altered the complexion of the scoreboard as Jarlath’s hit the front for the first time. Still the Sarsfields battled hard and were just a score in arrears with five left on the clock. St Jarlath’s finished with a flourish however as they hit a two pointer and three single white flags to give the scoreboard a somewhat lopsided look from the Sarsfields point of view as it didn’t truly reflect their overall second half performance.
The Sarsfields have Kiltimagh left to play in the round robin competition and need to win to ensure progression to the semi-final stages.
Mayo’s qualification for the All-Ireland semi-final against Louth is a throwback to the 1950s when the two counties competed in and won their last All-Ireland titles. This is Louth’s first time at this elite level since 1957, the year of their last All-Ireland victory while Mayo’s wait for Sam stretches back to 1951 albeit we have been in and failed to win the eleven times we have reached that elite level since. That said we continue to come back year on year with this year’s qualification for the last four is a pleasant surprise following their capitulation to Roscommon in the Connacht semi-final just nine weeks ago. Louth and Mayo have history with Mayo leading the head to head 2-0 having triumphed in the 1950 All-Ireland semi-final prior to winning Sam while the two counties also clashed in a qualifier in 2023 in McHale Park with Mayo scraping home by a point. It promises to be an intriguing contest which should draw a huge crowd to Croke Park with both counties sensing a golden opportunity awaits the winners.
The Sarsfields club will have some major involvement with their own Paul Towey firmly in the mix to start which would be a great honour for himself, his family and the club. Paul acquitted himself well in the victory over Cork, linking the play well and getting on the ball and being generally energetic in possession. He’ll become part of an elite group of Sarsfields players to compete at this level, joining the likes of Thomas Parsons, John Casey, Denis Kearney and the flying doctor, the late Padraig Carney who was part of the double Mayo successes of 1950/151 respectively. Mayo have fairly turned it around since their dispiriting defeat to Roscommon and credit to Andy Moran and his management team for rebuilding morale and confidence as they head into the semi-final in good trim having found real form in their respective victories over Meath and Cork.
The club will be keeping their fingers crossed that Paul gets the nod for the Louth game as it would be a real privilege to have one of their own competing on the biggest stage of all in the white heat of the battle. The club wishes him, Andy and the whole squad well as the whole county and beyond holds its breath as the green and red stand on the cusp of qualification for another All-Ireland final albeit slightly against the head and all known expectations.
Curry Fair takes place on Saturday, July 25, at 12 noon. There is a host of activities in store for the village of Curry’s big day with it’s high summer residency always attracting big crowds from within and across the border. There will be lots for the children and younger generation to get stuck into with face painting, bouncing castle, pet farm to mention but a few with duck race, dog show, a magic show and raffle and light refreshments also on the itinerary with live music and a DJ in situ to keep everyone royally entertained. It promises to be another spectacular day for the residents of Curry as the whole community comes together to portray the place in the best possible light.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €4,400 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, June 29, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 3, 10, 17 and 22. The winners of the 3 x €20 prizes were the following; Darragh McDonagh, Paul Flannery, and Eoin, Conor and Lorcan Waters The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on Monday night, July 6, was €4500. Tickets are on sale in a number of outlets, priced at €2 or 3 for €5 and the draw can also be played online via the club’s Facebook page.
Wondering what to do next? Interested in expanding your skills? Looking to retrain or gain employment? Would you like to obtain QQI training and certification?
At the National Learning Network, Castlebar, there is a strong focus on supporting people to further their education, at any level or to obtain employment or self-employment in various sectors. If you would benefit from being in a supported learning environment, are registered with the Department of Social Protection and are aged 16 and over, you could be entitled to free Training, with your Social Welfare Payment protected. Contact 087 2909664 or 087 7701996 to talk about what choices they can offer you.
Journey back in time and marvel at the innovation and endurance of our rural ancestors through Irish Folklore Collection. Then discover more about the life of the Fitzgerald family and the history and architectural style of Turlough Park House and Gardens. Join an experienced Museum guide for these informative and engaging tours, which take place every Saturday at 2pm and 3.30pm. Tours start at the Museum reception. No booking required. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first -served basis.
Bingo is held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Sunday evenings at 8.30pm. The jackpot is €600 on 45 calls and the house lotto is €760 on 4 correct numbers. There is also a 50/50 draw with a guaranteed winner every week.
The Citizens Information Centre Mayo Castlebar is open Monday to Friday, from 10am-1pm and 2pm-4.30pm. Call in to the office and pick up a form or informational booklet and find out more about their information, advice and advocacy services. The drop-in clinic is also open at the same times as the above. Call into the office for a short discussion (usually 20 minutes) with a member of the team about your situation and to explore your options. No appointment is necessary, however access may be limited during peak times.
Charlestown Sarsfields host St Jarlath’s in Fr O’Hara Park on Tuesday (this evening ), July 7, in the East Mayo Minor A championship.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday night, June 30, and the following were the prize winners;1st prizer was James Cafferty and 2nd prize went to Darby Leonard. Raffle winners on the night were James Cafferty, Vers Scally and Mary O’Hara. A game takes place every Tuesday night and all are welcome.
Charlestown Cemetery Mass will take place on Friday, July 31, at 8pm.
Congratulations to Brian Mulligan who scooped the jackpot of €500 in the lotto draw held in Johnny’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown recently. The draw takes place every week and it costs just €1 to enter.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, June 28, as Podsie and The Pillock squared off in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was busy in his role as referee as tensions threatened to spiral out of control on occasion, but Gus flexed his considerable muscle and managed to keep both men apart and under some modicum of control.
The Pillock’s reputation as a fast starter bore fruit once again as he stormed into a two set lead with some breathtaking shooting as every dart he threw landed in either a double or treble. Podsie cut a puzzled figure at the start of set three but this was an all too familiar script to the number one seed as he held his composure admirably in the face of some sledging from his cock a hoop opponent. He gradually worked his way back into the game and took a scrappy third set with Kenny’s level having tapered off alarmingly. This pattern was repeated in the fourth set too, as Kenny continued to faff about as his darts hit some strange numbers in the face of a Podsie’s resurgence. The fifth set was a real grind which suited the number one seed as the Pillock continued to misfire from the ochie. Podsie took the first two legs with some steady shooting as the game looked to be up for the Pillock as his anxiety levels continued to stack up. The third leg saw fortunes ebb and flow but one always had the feeling the match was Podsie’s for the taking and this duly transpired as he checked out in a blaze of glory on 161 to plunge the Pillock into despair as the champion claimed his tenth title of the season. Podsie remains a man of consummate class and was quick to console his opponent as he embraced him with genuine warmth as both men shared a couple of beers and chatted deep into the night. Another reminder, if anyone needs it of Podsie’s enduring class and pedigree as he continues to exert a vice-like grip on the number one ranking.
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The death has taken place of James (Jimmy ) Lavin, Brooklawn, Ishlawn, Ballaghaderreen, on June 6, in his 93rd year peacefully, at his home surrounded by his family. Jimmy, as he was better known was predeceased by his parents John and Annie, sisters Winnie McElroy and Kathleen Corrigan, grandson Tommy Hanley and his daughter-in-law Michelle. He is survived by his wife Angela, sons John, Jamie and Mark, daughters Natalie, Helen and Louise, grandchildren Myfanwy, Andrew, Pearce, Cian, Caoimhe, Laura, Liam, Eabha, Gerard, Ruairi, Conor and Isabella, his great-grandchildren Morgan, Odhan, Aayla and Cillian, sister Mellie Hennelly, (Philadelphia), sons-in-law Andy, Brian and Lee, daughters-in-law Karen, Katie and Collette, Jamie’s partner Katie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Jimmy was a hard worker and was an early riser who admired nature and was fascinated by it. He was a man of deep faith who rarely missed an opportunity to help anyone in need. He loved to socialise and was great company and wished to see the brighter side of almost any situation. He was a farmer for most of his life and loved to place a bet on the horses. He was a gifted storyteller and a man of great wisdom and of few words.
He emigrated to the UK, and later to Wales where he met his wife Angela and together they raised a family of six, three sons and three daughters.
Jimmy reposed in The Sharkey Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen on Tuesday, June 9. Removal took place from his home on Wednesday, June 10, to The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kilmovee arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at 1pm, followed by interment in Naomh Mobhí Cemetery. May Jimmy rest in peace as sympathy is extended to all who are bereaved.
The cemetery committees hope to have the annual Masses in the local cemeteries as follows, weather permitting: Saturday, August 1, at 6.30pm in St Brigid’s Cemetery; Sunday, August 2, at 10am in Naomh Mobhi Cemetery; Sunday, August 2, at 11.30am in Culmore Cemetery; Tuesday, August 4, at 1pm in Urlaur Abbey and Wednesday, August 5, at 7.30pm in St Patrick's Old Cemetery in Rusheens, Kilmovee.
The next heritage night will be held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Monday, July 13, at 8 pm, with traditional music, song and dance and loads of stories and fun. Refreshments will be served and admission is free. A raffle will take place in the evening.
The Achonry and Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from August 28 to September 2, and will be led by Bishop Kevin Doran. For bookings contact JWT at 01 6852244 or email info@joewalshtours.ie. For assisted pilgrims who will stay in the Accueil contact Fr Ray Milton on 090 6661115.
Shamrocks GAA lotto.
The numbers drawn in the Shamrocks GAA lotto which was held on Saturday, June 20, were 19, 21, 25 and 35. There was no winner.
