Local Notes: Breheny twins from Charlestown Sarsfields make Mayo U17 panel.
Charlestown Sarsfields players Danny and Sean Breheny who have been selected for the Mayo U17 panel for the 2026 championship. They are sons of Liam and Denise Breheny Hagfield Charlestown
Congratulations to the Breheny twins Sean and Danny who have made the Mayo U17 panel for the forthcoming Connacht U17 championship which throws in in mid-March. Sean and Danny are very much there on merit and are two of the club’s best and most promising talents for many a long year. They are extremely dedicated trainers who leave no stone unturned in terms of their preparation and commitment and have been the mainstays in many of the Sarsfields outstanding underage successes in recent seasons which includes back to back division 2 county league, East Mayo A U16 titles to mention but a few. The lads are very humble, down-to-earth young men who are meticulous in all they do behind the scenes with diet and nutrition and strength and conditioning very much part of their day to day existence. They are totally dedicated to their football and have been very impressive in all the pre-season trial games hence their selection and inclusion in the championship panel. They have been the standout players in all games they have played for the Sarsfields at all grades and levels of competition and it’s quite the achievement for the club to have two lads on a county panel not to mention two lads from the same house with their proud parents Liam and Denise very much supportive and fully behind them in every shape and form. The club too, are beaming with pride on foot of their selection as it vindicates all the hard work they are doing behind the scenes to restore the Sarsfields to the top tier of underage football in Mayo with Sean and Danny two of the brightest gems the club have produced in many a long year.
The hard work begins now however, as they look to make the first fifteen with competition for places in any Mayo underage team extremely hot to say the least. The lads are up for the challenge however, and will throw everything at in a bid to convince the manager and his selectors that they are worthy of a starting place. All in the club and community send their heartiest congratulations on making the panel and wish them every success in their endeavours to making the starting team with the goal being to run out on the hallowed McHale Park sod with the famed red and green jersey on their backs. Only the very elite achieve that and Sean and Danny have a great chance of fulfilling their dreams as they are richly talented with oodles of ability, but the next step is always the hardest but it’s one they are well capable of accomplishing. Good luck lads and make it happen!!
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €20,400 in the draw held on Sunday night, January 25, and the following were the four numbers drawn: 10, 12, 20, and 21. The winners of the 2 x €50 prizes were Owen Callaghan and M.J. Donohue (online).
The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on Sunday night, February 1, was €20, 500. Tickets are on sale at a number of outlets in the town and they are also available online via the smart lotto and the club’s Facebook page. The club would like to thank all who supported their weekly draw.
Yoga classes with Sophie continue every Tuesday night at 7.30pm at Carracastle Community Centre costing €10 per class. There is a free taster class for newcomers. For more information contact Sophie on 083 4798831.
The music circle with John and Isabella Hoban will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Monday, February 9, from 7-8.30pm. The event is free to attend. Tea/coffee and refreshments will be served. All welcome to sing a song, play a tune, recite a poem or simply listen.
The death took place at Mayo University Hospital of Annie -May Connor (nee Harrington), Barroe, Carracastle, and formerly of Carn, Charlestowm. Deepest condolences are tendered to the bereaved.
The annual Achonry Pioneer dinner dance takes place at the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Friday, March 20, at 8pm. Tickets cost €40 per person. There will be a three course meal with tea/coffee and music by The Duets. Contact Thomas on 087 2344338 to book your ticket.
Charlestown LGFA Club have a big representation on a number of Mayo underage panels for the 2026 season which is great news for the club and underlines the great coaching that is taking place in the club over any number of years. Kyra Higgins has been chosen for the Mayo U14 panel which is great news for her and her family. Emily Higgins and Mikayla McLoughlin have made the Mayo U16 panel, with Mikayla also being selected as captain of the team for the coming year which is quite the achievement indeed. Siofra McGuinness, Sophie Tiernan and Cliona Cullen have been selected for the Mayo minor ladies panel for 2026 which is quite the contingent for a small club and one the club are rightly proud of. The latter three have come through all the underage grades with Mayo and have accumulated a lot of experience which speaks volumes for their dedication as they continue to push the boat out and they have been exemplary role models for the next generation of young Sarsfields starlets. We wish all the girls the very best of luck with their respective teams and look forward to seeing them perform and do the club proud in the green and red of Mayo.
Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club have a number of deals available to their many and dedicated members for the 2026 season which includes membership, annual lotto and county board tickets. There is a suite of options available in relation to purchasing the same with full details and price options available on the club’s website and Facebook page. There has been a good response to date regarding the same and with annual lotto and membership up for renewal, the club are hopeful of a positive response with all monies raised being used to fund the many teams who play under the Sarsfields banner.
There has been a small increase in the price of each ticket option, the first in well over a decade with the club very mindful or the cost of living crisis and pressures on the family kitty but, again, the club’s membership and support base have always stepped up and displayed their commitment to the club when it comes to finance and the club are confident they will get a good response from within and outside the community.
The death took place at his residence, Glann, Charlestown, of Tom Lavin. His remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown to St James’ Church, Charlestown and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the adjoining cemetery. Tom is survived by his daughters Sheila, Marina, Nicola and Catriona, sons-in law, grandchildren, sisters Eileen and Catherine, brothers Sean, Seamus, Eamon, Tim and Noel, relatives, extended family, neighbours and friends.
The late Tom, who was pre-deceased by his wife Anna, daughter Anne-Marie, parents John and Stella, brother Cornelius and sister-in law Veronica, was a well known and respected member of the communities of Glann and Charlestown where he had forged many strong friendships. Tom was a good man in the true sense of the word who worked hard and together with his late wife Anna, ensured the family’s needs were met and provided for at all times. He was a popular presence in and around the town and always bore a smile and had a kind word for everybody as he went about his daily work and business. He knew the value of a good day’s work for a good day’s pay and doted on his family and as they were very much front and centre of his mind at all times. The large crowds who attended his removal and subsequent burial was ample proof of the esteem and affection in which he was held. The communities of Glann and Charlestown have lost one of their best and nicest citizens, but he leaves many great memories which his family will cherish and cling dear to in the dark hours, days and weeks that lie ahead. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
The death took place recently of Mary Durkin (nee McDonnell), Glosh, Carracastle, and late of Palmfield, Carracastle. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
The boys U14 team had a big win in division 2 of the Mayo Basketball league when they defeated Ballinrobe on a scoreline of 22-11 in their latest outing. The lads were good value for their victory, and it was all the more laudable as they took down their opposition on their home patch with some thrilling play as they proved far too good for the Robe lads on the night. The boys are going great guns in the league at the moment and are in with a right good shout of making the play-offs as they look to continue their good form in their remaining matches as they have some talented lads in the group who are really coming to the fore with the team as a whole playing some quality basketball. Keep it up lads and onwards and upwards from here.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25-card game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday night, January 27, and the following were the winners; 1st Joe Mahon and Kevin Maloney; 2nd Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally. Raffle winners were Mary Costello, Paul Flannery and Breege Leonard. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm and all are welcome.
Salsa classes take place in the Arts Centre, Charlestown every Wednesday night at 7.30pm and all are welcome.
A senior exercise class takes place every Friday morning from 11am-12 noon in the Charlestown Arts Centre and all are welcome.
The adult arts and craft group meet every Wednesday in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 11am-1pm and all are welcome.
A silent protest against the war/famine in Gaza will take place at the N5/N17 overpass in Ballyglass East each Friday from 6pm-7pm. All are welcome.
The weekly Legion of Mary meeting takes place every Wednesday evening at 7pm in the Adoration Chapel of St James’ Church, Charlestown. All are welcome and for further enquiries contact Phil on 086 3946223.
New and returning members are welcome to join the parish choir. No prior experience is required and the practice takes place each Thursday evening at 7pm in the Parish Church. Enquiries to Carmel on 086 3271196.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2100 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, January 19, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 2, 14, 15 and 19. The winners of the 3 x €20 prizes were the following; Nicole Flannery, Margaret McKinley and Aisling Kilcoyne.
The jackpot rose to €2100 and the draw was held on Monday night, January 26. Tickets on sale in a number of outlets and they are also available online via the club’s Facebook page.
The next Community Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, February 6, in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown, from 11am-1pm. Lift access is available. All are welcome to come along for a cuppa and a chat.
Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin GAA Club, in conjunction with Mayo Mental Health Association and The National Museum of Ireland and Turlough Park and Mayo AC, are thrilled to announce February 15 for the 2026 Turlough 8K. Participants are encouraged to run, walk or jog during the event which sees huge participation each year and is very popular. All monies raised go back into Parke GAA community initiatives and Mayo MHA Schools Education Programmes. Link to register at https://event-master.ie.
Journey back in time and marvel at the innovation and endurance of our rural ancestors through the Irish Folklife 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 Museum reception. No booking required. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Ronan Regan Memorial Tractor Run takes place on Sunday, February 8. Registration will take place at 12 noon and the run starts at 1pm. Trucks and vintage cars are welcome. Your support would be very much appreciated.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Wals’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday last, January 21, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 2nd Tom Salmon and Paddy Gallagher, 3rd James Mooney and Mary O`Connell and 4th Mary O’Malley and Teresa Ward. Games takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm and new members are welcome.
The Honour of the VIllage darts competition, hosted by Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown is back for its fifty-first year with plenty of excitement and anticipation building in the community among all darts enthusiasts and players. The event is a veritable institution in the town and has witnessed some cracking finals and contests stretching all the way back to its inception in 1975. This year’s renewal is eagerly awaited with teams very much in practice mode at the moment as they look to hit the ground running with many teams fancying their chances of giving the event a right good go which lends one to believe that the 2026 version could be one of the most open for many a long year.
Grainne and Gus Marren of Walsh’s Public House are expecting a very close and keenly contested tournament with teams from all parts of the community and beyond invited to take part and put their names in the hat with the draw expected to take place in early February. Any new teams or villages who want to take part and enter a team can do so by contacting Grainne on 087 9438824 but they are asked to act quickly as the closing date for final entries is fast approaching as people and darts fans are rubbing their hands with glee as they get ready to usher in another Village competition that never fails to entertain and beguile with large crowds expected to descend on the splendidly appointed venue.
Miracle, mayhem and plenty of whiskey - and that’s on stage! Yes, Cloonacool Players are back to make you laugh, and they’re so good at it. Their new production is MJ Molloy’s hilarious 3 act comedy "Daughter from Over the Water " will be staged at Cloonacool Community Centre for 3 nights : Thursday, March 19, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 at 8pm. Make a note on your calendar to come, enjoy and raise the roof with laughter.
The National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park, Castlebar is delighted to host the members of the High Flyers Community Orchestra and their guest musicians for a performance in the exhibition galleries at 3pm on Sunday, February 8. The High Flyers Community Orchestra is an informal musical ensemble for musicians over 16 years old. They are based at Music West in Castlebar and the members meet weekly in a relaxed atmosphere where musicians can learn together, improve their musical skills, and perform in concerts and community events. The orchestra is conducted by Catherine McGlinchey of Music West. This is an informal performance, taking place at 3pm in the exhibition galleries of Turlough Park. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. No booking is required.
The weekly bereavement support group has resumed at Knock Shrine on Wednesday mornings at 11am in the Family Centre. This meeting provides an opportunity for those who have lost a loved one to meet others who are bereaved and to share and talk about their experience of loss as well as finding hope and healing again in their lives. No appointment is needed.
The death took place at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar of Christina (Chris) Coleman (nee Caulfield), Lismulgee, Carracastle, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Mayo. Her remains were removed to St James’ Church, Carracastle and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to Carracastle cemetery. Christina is survived by her sons Joe and Vincent, daughters Helen and Margaret, daughters-in law Attracta and Sinead, sister-in law Margaret, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours.
The late Christina, who was predeceased by her husband Vincent, brothers Fr Sean, Michael and Brendan and sister Maureen was a well-known and much respected member of the community of Carracastle. She was a primary school teacher of some renown and always did her best by the children she taught and had a great passion for the job and was a committed and dedicated professional. She brought energy and drive to the classroom and was always the consummate professional.
She forged a good bond with her late husband Vincent and together they made for a good team as they ensured the family’s needs were met and provided for at all times. She embraced each and every day with a zest and enthusiasm and these qualities served her well as she was in her ninety- ninth year at the time of her passing. She enjoyed great longevity in life and took each day on its merits and enjoyed the frequent and regular interactions with family and friends. The community of Carracastle has lost one of its oldest and best-known citizens and deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved. May she rest in peace.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, January 25, as the Podsie and The Egg squared off in another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was imperious as always in his role as match referee and kept both men in check seamlessly. A shock looked on the cards when Casey raced into a two set lead but Podsie, being the ultimate competitor he is, never panicked and found some semblance of form in the third set as his darts started to hit all the high numbers. That said the Egg’s level remained high and Podsie had to work hard to secure the set with a bull finish in the fourth leg just enough to clinch the set and take it to a fourth. It was just the break the top seed needed as he raced through the fourth set with some razor sharp finishing. The fifth set looked a foregone conclusion as Podsie was back in the championship zone but the Egg refused to roll over and took the first leg with a tidy 136 finish giving the champion plenty to think about. He responded as only he can and took the next two legs with some stellar throwing as each and every dart he threw seemed to find the necessary treble and double. The fourth leg was a gripping affair as the Egg continued to snap at the number one seed’s coattails. Indeed, it looked to all the world as if we were heading for a deciding, sudden death leg as Casey won the race to the double handsomely. His composure let him down at the worst possible time however as six darts at double sixteen came and went with each miss like a dagger through his heart as he knew Podsie would not give him another shot. True to form the top seed stepped forward and fired his first darts into the centre of the double eighteen bed to set off great scenes of celebration as Podsie clinched his second title of the season to tighten his grip on the number one ranking. A fine end to a terrific game of darts with Podsie once again providing a timely reminder of his enduring class and composure as he always finds a way when the need is greatest.
