Local Notes: All the latest news from Charlestown
Gillian, Ann and Brendan Brennan, from Charlestown, were pictured at the 62nd annual Mayo Association London dinner at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel recently. Picture: Malcolm MacNally
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh's Public House on Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday, December 3rd, and the following were the prize winners: 1st, Hilary NcDonagh and Tom Ginty; 2nd, Teresa Ward and Paddy Gallagher; 3rd, Carmel Moffitt and Hilary McCrohan; 4th, Frances and Robert Healy.
Weekly game takes place every Wednesday night at8pm in Walsh's. All welcome.
The Legion of Mary meeting takes place every Wednesday at 7pm in the Adoration Chapel of St. James in Charlestown.
All are welcome. For more information, contact Phil on 086-3946233.
The death took place at his home in Wakefield, England of Des Kilcoyne, formerly of Curracunane, Curry and Benada, Co Sligo.
His remains were removed from Howley's Funeral Home, Curry to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Curry and burial took place after Requiem Mass to Bunnacrannagh Cemetery.
Des is survived by his daughters Lorna and Siobhan, son Declan and their mother, son-in law, brothers Michael, John, Bernie and Padraig, sisters Mary, Ann and Bernadette, brother-in law, sisters-in law, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours.
The late Des was well known in the communities of Curry and Charlestown and was a popular and well respected member of both communities. His death came as a shock to all who knew him and his passing is deeply regretted.
We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
It was another productive and successful week for the Charlestown Cubs Basketball Club as the under-16 boys continued on their merry way in Division One of the Under-16 League with a statement victory over Ballinrobe in their latest outing.
The Charlestown lads cut loose in the second half to run out comfortable 19-point winners, having been given a stern test in the opening period. The lads found their groove in the second half with this victory, making it four wins from four which sees them sit proudly on the top of the division.
The under 14 girls also enjoyed an excellent victory with a superb 46-24 win over Westport, further underlining their talents and abilities as they proved much too good for their opponents. The girls were very much in the zone from the tip-off and kept their foot to the floor throughout with victory sewn up long before the final hooter.
This win maintains their strong position in the league table and leaves them in good shape to have a right cut at winning the league when the competition resumes after the break for Christmas.
The under 18 girls had a good workout against Atlantic Eagles recently and were very pleased with their performance as they look to add some victories in the league in the new year.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Lotto jackpot of €19,700 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, December 7th, when the four numbers drawn were 12, 14, 24 and 32.
The winners of the two €50 prizes were David Sloyan and Hugh Conway.
Next week's draw will be held on Sunday night, December 21st. Tickets on sale at a number of outlets in the town and also online where you can check out the Sarsfields Facebook page and purchase your ticket via the online option.
The club would like to thank all who support their weekly draw.
Congratulations to all the East Mayo Athletic Club members who took part in the recent uneven All-Ireland Finals held in Abbotstown, Dublin.
They did themselves, their families and the club proud at the manner of their terrific performances as they once again made their presence felt at this elite level of competition. Special mention to Kalem Higgins and Senan Tiernan who achieved silver medals in their grade, which was a magnificent achievement and one that underlines their talent and rich potential.
Congratulations to the East Mayo Under-13 boys team who came a splendid fourth in their grade, which was another noteworthy achievement as they mixed with and competed against the best competitors in the country.
The following was the full list of East Mayo Athletic Club's participants -
Under-11 Girls: Faye Doherty; Under-13 Boys: Kalem Higgins, Senan Tiernan, Luke McDermott, Ted Munnelly, Matthew Naughton and Frank Muldoon.
A great day for the club and one they will savour for many a long day. Well done to the athletes and coaches and onwards and upwards for 2026.
Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Charlestown lady Gemma Higgins, who has been appointed assistant treasurer of the Mayo LGFA County Board Executive following its recent annual general meeting.
Gemma will bring bags of experience, intellect and organisation to the role as she gets ready to embrace a new challenge and help the Mayo LGFA Executive in their ambition and and intention to grow and promote the game throughout the county and restore Mayo to the top echelons of the game at all levels, most particularly senior level.
Gemma has lots to draw on in this role as she has a long history of involvement at board and administrative level locally, which has seen her hold down key positions in the Charlestown LGFA Club, Charlestown CBD Sport and Recreation Centre and the East Mayo Athletics Club where she has been one of the main drivers in their splendid new training facility, which is due to be officially opened early in 2026.
Gemma is a lady with great drive, energy and ambition and these qualities and the many others she possesses are sure to serve her well as she takes up her new job and gets acquainted with the job description so to speak. All in the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club and the community at large wish her every success in her new role as she joins an executive brimming with determination, eagerness and aspiration with a strong drive for success and achievement on and off the field very much the key part of their ethos.
Charlestown Community Coffee Morning is seeking volunteers to assist with its monthly event.
The time commitment would be three hours on a Friday morning about three times a year. You would be working with another volunteer setting up tables and providing light refreshments.
The committee can guarantee a a truly enjoyable and valued volunteer experience. Please contact 086-8514682 if you have any questions or would like to volunteer.
An extraordinary general meeting of the Charlestown Cemetery Committee took place on Monday, December 1st, in the Pastoral Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown.
The purpose of the meeting was to elect a new committee and the newly-elected officers are: chairperson, Susan Loughlin; Vice -Chairperson, Robert Mulligan; Secretary, Patricia Cassidy; Assistant Secretary, Maureen McEntire; Treasurer, Seamus Bermingham; Assistant Treasurer, David Doherty.
Additional committee members are John Bones, Kieran Durkin, Joe Finn, Fr John Maloney, Tom McLoughlin and Tommy Woods.
Sincere thanks are extended to the outgoing committee for their dedicated service, volunteering and achievements.
On Sunday, November 30th, members of the Mayo Genealogy Group and friends enjoyed for an end-of-year festive lunch at the Ellison Hotel, Castlebar while the last meeting of the Genealogy group for the year took place on Saturday last, December 13th.
New members are always welcome at the meeting. The group would like to thank all the staff at the Museum for facilitating the meetings during the year. Thanks also to the committee and volunteers who give so freely of their time to organise meetings and events for the benefit of all.
The group would like to wish all their members in Mayo and around the world a very happy Christmas and every good wish for 2026.
The Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club wish to remind their punters that membership for 2026 will increase from €50 to €70. The increase is in line with inflation with the new rate the first time the club have raised the price for the best part of a decade and more.
The membership is still one of the cheapest in the county with many clubs charging a lot more so the club, while aware of the demands on people's finances and the cost of living crisis that is impacting on us all, are hopeful that the vast majority of their members will sign up for the new season.
The membership plays a crucial role in the club's overall fundraising arm and helps to offset the many expenses a club such as our own incur on a daily and weekly basis. Your continued would be very welcome with the closing date for payment being the usual March 31st deadline.
The death took place recently at Brookvale Manor Nursing Home, Hazel Hill, Ballyhaunis, of John Edward Duffy, Broher, Curry, Co Sligo.
His remains were removed from Howley's Funeral Home, Curry to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Curry and burial took place after Requiem Mass to Bunnacrannagh Cemetery. He is survived by his daughters Mary and Veronica, sons John and Brendan, sisters Bridget and Evelyn and brother Seamus, son-in law, daughters-in law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
The late John was a well known and popular member of the communities of Broher and Curry and was a hard working, diligent man who worked hard all his life. He had a great love of the land and looking after his livestock and tending to their needs was a great passion of his.
He lived a long and active life and was devoted to his family as he and his late wife Margaret made sure their needs were met and provided for at all times.
The community of Broher has lost a pillar but he leaves many great memories which his family will cherish and cling dear to in the deep dark days and weeks that lie ahead.
We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh's Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday night, December 7th, as The Egg and Gus battled it out in another interesting instalment of the weekly classic.
With Gus at the ochie, it was left to Podsie to step into the referee's chair and this he did immaculately as he ensured good relations prevailed throughout.
Gus made the brighter start, racing into a one set lead with some tidy finishing. The Egg hit back in set two and restored parity as he found his range among the doubles and trebles.
Gus steadied the ship, however, and regained the lead with some heavy scoring in set three, which the Egg was unable to match.
Set four was a see-saw affair as fortunes fluctuated back and forth among the two men. The Egg looked odds on to take it to a fifth when he led two legs to one and had six darts at double sixteen in the fourth leg. His composure deserted him, however, as his darts bounced off the wire, which only added to his annoyance and frustration.
Gus, sensing his opportunity, took full advantage as he put back-to-back legs on the board to snatch the victory and claim just his second title of the season. His final dart nestled in the corner of double one, which witnessed a great outpouring of emotion from the red one as he sank to the floor in celebration.
The Egg cut a pretty disconsolate figure as he was left to rue some errant finishing, but credit to him he was first on the premises to offer his congratulations, which Gus gratefully acknowledged.
A great night to team Gus and one he'll be looking to build on ahead of the lucrative Christmas circuit.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA Lotto jackpot of €5,100 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, December 8th, when the numbers drawn were 13, 17, 24 and 26.
The winners of the three €20 prizes were Aisling Kilcoyne, Catherine Fox and Kathleen Feeley.
The next draw takes place on Monday, December 22nd.
The death took place recently of Cathleen Gordon (nee Normanly), Carrowmore, Lavagh, Ballymote, Co Sligo and formerly of Bellaghy, Charlestown.
We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereraved.
Join two of the region's leading choral groups for an atmospheric afternoon of Christmas Carols in the exhibition galleries at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar.
These performances take place at 2pm and 3pm on Sunday, December 21st, with the Mayo Male Voice Choir and the Cill Aoidain Choral Society. All are welcome. No booking required. See museum.ie for further details.
Charlestown and Bellaghy switched on their Christmas lights over the weekend of December 6th and 7th and there was a great atmosphere on the streets for the switching-on ceremonies, which brought some welcome footfall for the local businesses.
The town looks terrific with all streets and Bellaghy well lit up and credit to the organisers who once again pulled out all the stops to ensure our town and community looks the part as we get ready to usher in another Christmas season.
The lights bring a real Christmas flavour to the town and portrays it in the best possible way with the Christmas trees situated at either end of the town providing the icing if you like and giving the place a real festive feel.
All involved in the organisation and installation deserve great kudos and praise as we can more than hold our own with other towns of our size and bigger as we continue to show our community spirit and showcase the town in the best way we know how. All we can do now is hope the man in the red suit delivers all we ask of in our various letters and wish lists.
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Kilmovee
Bingo is held on Sunday evenings in the Kilmovee Centre at 8.30pm. The current jackpot is €2,100 on 53 calls or less.
The house lotto was won by a lucky patron last week and it resumes at €200 on four correct numbers and increases by €40 per week until it is won. There is also a 50/50 draw with a guaranteed winner on the night.
Kilkelly Church Choir wish to invite new members to please join the choir for Sunday Masses at 11.30am.
The death took place of Marian Gordon (née Towey), Currina, Ballaghaderreen, and late of Egool, Kilmovee.
Marian passed away peacefully on November 23 with her family by her side in the Mayo Hospice, Castlebar. She was predeceased by her parents Henry and Mary, brother Michael John, and her beloved son, Keith.
She is survived by her husband Tommy, daughter Sharon (Moran), grandchildren Alesha and Eli, son-in-law Ray, sister-in-law Angela, brother-in-law Bernie, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Marian reposed in the Sharkey Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen on Tuesday November 25.
Removal from the Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 26, to St James’ Church, Carracastle, arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at 12 noon, followed by interment in Carracastle Cemetery.
May Marian rest in peace as we offer sympathy to all who are bereaved.
The death took place on November 23rd of Patrick (Paddy) Flynn, Boherbee, Ballaghaderreen.
Paddy passed away peacefully, in his 93rd year, with his family by his side, in St Attracta’s Residence, Charlestown.
Paddy is survived by his wife Kay, son Paul, daughter Helen, grandchildren Chris, Sean, Katie, Marianne, Rosie, Catherine, Mark and Patrick, great-grandson Louis, daughter-in-law Annmarie, son-in-law Antony, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Paddy reposed in the Sharkey Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen on Wednesday November 26th, followed by removal to St Nathy’s Cathedral.
Mass of the Resurrection on Thursday, November 27th, at 11am, followed by interment in Kilcolman Cemetery.
May Paddy rest in peace as we offer sympathy to all who are bereaved.
The 19th edition of the Kilkelly Kilmovee parish magazine, recently launched at Ireland West Airport, will be featured on Henry McGlade's TV Ireland Show on Sky Channel 588 on Tuesday, December 16the, at 8.30pm.
Tune in and enjoy a look back at this special community event. There are limited magazines available and are on sale in Kilkelly and Kilmovee.
Packed with stories, photos, and memories, it makes a thoughtful Christmas gift.
Kilmovee Community First Responders (CFR) went live in our community on Monday, November 24th, assisting the HSE with emergency calls such as cardiac arrest, chest pain, and stroke.
They would like to thank all their CFR volunteers for their dedication and commitment to training over the past year.
New volunteers are very welcome. CFR training is held in Kilmovee Community Centre and is free of charge. Why not train as a Community First Responder and help make our community safer. For further information, please contact Gerry on 087-681 5009 or email gerardregan2016@gmail.com.
