Local Notes: Carracastle Lass another resounding success.
The committee of the Carracastle Lass event pictured with the winner Nicole McLoughlin and the two runners-up Emma Roache and Ethel Duffy.
The 31st Anniversary of the Carracastle Lass Festival was held at Carracastle Community Centre on Saturday, October 17, last. The event continues to go from strength to strength as it proves hugely popular within and outside the local community. Nine entrants took to the stage, all in with a chance of winning the coveted title of ‘Carracastle Lass 2026’. The standard of the entrants was extremely high as they all acquitted themselves very well and were calmness personified on the stage and were a credit to their families and the businesses they were representing. The audience got a glimpse of their personalities and achievements, and the ladies also got the opportunity to showcase and display their many talents with a range of party pieces which wowed everybody in attendance as each and every one of them was afforded a thundering ovation.
The judges were left in the unenviable position of having to select the top three and after much deliberation and no little pondering, they decided to award first prize to Nicole McLoughlin representing Caiseal Gaels Hurling Club, followed by runners-up Emma Roache representing St. Attracta’s Residence with Ethel Duffy representing The Yeats County Inn, Curry. The three winners shared prize money of €300 as well as receiving a Newgrange gold pendant each, with the winner also receiving a Newgrange bracelet. The tiara and winners’ sash were presented to Nicole by the wonderful 2025 winner Rebecca Donoghue, who received a great reception on the night as she gave a detailed account of how her year had been and was looking forward to exciting new plans in the coming months and year.
Congratulations and well done to all of the stunning, talented and intelligent girls who took part in the 2026 Carracastle Lass. They can be proud of their contributions on the night with everybody fulsome in their praise of how they handled themselves. This year’s entrants were as follows: Ellie Folliard representing Murray’s Bar (Charlestown), Tara McCann representing Davey’s Bar (Carracastle), Alice Flannery representing Complex Coffee (Charlestown), Erin Gallagher representing Johnny’s Bar (Charlestown), Eva Higgins representing The Hatch Bar (Ballaghaderreen), Katelyn Horan representing Headerz Hair Salon, Nicole McLoughlin representing Caiseal Gaels Hurling Club, Emma Roache representing St. Attracta’s Residence (Charlestown), and Ethel Duffy representing Yeats County Inn, Curry.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended on the night and helped make the atmosphere so special and supportive to all the participants. Many thanks to all the businesses and individuals who contributed so generously in terms of sponsorship of the event as without their generosity it would not have been possible for it to proceed, to all who helped prepare and decorate the centre, sold raffle tickets, provided security and traffic management. Special thanks to the judging panel of Aoife Kavanagh, Enda Lavin and Sarah Timlin who travelled long distances to be present and part of the night and who were so giving of their time and were thorough and fair with their interviewing and deliberating skills. A special mention to the award winning and Mayo Rose of Tralee presenter Ollie Turner of Galway Bay FM fame who was the compere par excellence and put the girls at ease with his humour and banter as he enjoyed a great rapport with the girls and audience to boot.
Many thanks to Sarah Toner, Swinford for providing the audio, lighting music and photography, to All Season’s Florists, Ballaghaderreen for providing the roses, and to Colleran’s Pharmacy, Charlestown for providing the gorgeous Newgrange jewellery that all the entrants received as a memento of their special night, to the organising committee of Margaret Henry, Margaret Lundy, Teresa Quinn, Caroline Henry and Patrick Strahan for all their hard work and dedication in ensuring everything ran to a tee.
Everyone wishes Nicole all the best for the Mayo Roise of Tralee selection night and all look forward to welcoming her back to next year’s event, where it will be found out who will follow in her footsteps and take home the title of Carracastle Lass 2027.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Lotto jackpot of €24,400 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, November 1, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 6, 21, 28, and 34. The winners of the €50 prizes were as follows; Ray Lenehan (lucky dip-annual ticket), MJ Egan (lucky dip) and Suzanne O’Connell (online). The jackpot in the latest draw, which was held on Sunday, November 8, was €24,500.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday, October 28, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Frances and Robert Healy, 2nd Mary O’Connell and James Mooney, 3rd Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, and 4th Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty. The game takes place every Wednesday night in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street at 8pm. The Margaret Ginty Memorial Trophy game will be contested on Wednesday, November 18, at 8pm.
Salsa classes take place in the Arts Centre on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm and all are welcome to come along and join in the fun.
The AGM of the Charlestown Sarsfields LGFA Club will take place on Wednesday, November 18, at 8pm at the Charlestown Service Sation as the club look back and reflect on a busy year on and off the field. All members are urged to attend, and new members are most welcome.
Join the Croi Heart and Stroke Charity, Mayo Cardiac Peer Support Group for heart recovery and support at The Ellison Hotel, Castlebar, Co. Mayo on Wednesday, November 18, from 6.30pm -8.30pm with the topic for discussion ‘Well-being and Stress Management’. Connect with others who understand, share experiences and learn together. This initiative is a collaboration between CROI and the HSE in Mayo.
The games continue to come thick and fast in all grades and genders for the cubs basketball club with several teams enjoying mixed luck in the various age grades of competition in the last number of weeks. For all news on fixtures and results check out the Cubs Basketball Facebook page which gives up to date information on all matters pertaining to the club as the games continue to roll out with the season very much in full swing at the moment.
The AGM of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club will take place on Friday, December 4, at 8pm at the Charlestown Library (Barrack Street). All members are requested to attend as the club look back and reflect on another busy year on and off the field as the club continues to punch well above its weight in all layers and forms of competition. The outgoing executive did a tremendous job steering the ship with lots of development work taking place in and around O’Hara Park with the grounds and facilities the envy of many a club the length and breadth of the county. All the current officers are seeking re-election and they have, truth to tell, kept the club ticking over admirably and been very progressive and proactive in their thinking and ambition and have been fine custodians in their various positions. All members are urged to attend and new members are most welcome.
The death took place recently of Katie Bourke (nee McGowan) Doocastle, Co, Mayo, and formerly of Graiguecullen, Sleaty Road, Carlow. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Dylan Craig was the winner of the weekly pool competition held in Johnny’s Bar, Main Street, on Friday night, October 30, winning €100 meat voucher. The game takes place every Friday night at 8pm.
Over 55 and looking to feel fitter, stronger and more flexible? A brand new class in Charlestown might be just what you need. It is perfect for everyone. No experience needed, just a desire to get fitter. No floor work, participants are encouraged to improve balance, strength, flexibility and cardio health. There is no need to book and the cost is €10 pay as you go. The first class is free if you are new to the classes and they take place in Charlestown Health and Recreational Centre, Lowpark every Friday at 1.30pm. Call or text Laura on 083 032 9953 for more information. Classes start on Friday, November 13 next.
Fast moving, exciting and hilarious. Two perfect farces from the ever-popular Cloonacool Players. In "Mary Mary " - Martin McIntyre has a field day with the ladies or he’s hoping to. And in "When I Snap My Fingers " - the words take on new meanings on the lips of Mary Kathleen Johnston and Brid Calvey. December can’t arrive soon enough.
Charlestown Athletic AFC are holding an Awards Night on Friday, November 20, in Murray’s Bar, The Square. This is to coincide with the club’s senior team gaining promotion to division one of the Mayo senior league which was quite the achievement indeed on their first year back competing at senior level for nigh on a decade. It’s sure to draw a big crowd with several awards expected to be handed out as the club bask in the glory of their achievement and look forward to competing at a higher grade and standard of football in 2027.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25-drive game held in The Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, November 3, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Miko Sheridan and Joe Mahon. Raffle winners were Miko Sheridan, Breege Leonard and Veronica McCarrick. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm in The Yeats County Inn, Curry and all are welcome.
The Christmas Craft Fair will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Sunday, November 29, from 10am -2pm, featuring a range of handmade gifts, food and crafts. Entry is free and there will be tea and coffee available. All are welcome to come along to support the local craftspeople and young entrepreneurs.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €6200 in the weekly draw held on Monday, November 2, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 11, 12, 14 and 17. The winners of the 3 x €20 prizes were as follows; Helen Keaveney, Stephen Maye and John O’Donnell. The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on Monday, November 9, was €6300. Tickets are on sale in a number of outlets in the Curry and Charlestown areas and the draw can also be played online via the club’s Facebook page.
Congratulations to Catherine McCormack, Lisloughna, who was the winner of 500 litres of Kerosene (home heating oil) in the October special draw the Sarsfields GAA Club were running for the month of October. The draw was open to everybody who bought tickets in the month and Catherine was the lucky recipient and the club congratulate her on the same and hope this prize will keep her nice and warm for the winter period. The prize attracted lots of support from the community with it being particularly topical and hugely beneficial when one considers the rising cost of home heating oil which has spiralled out of control since mid to late summer. Catherine was the name that popped out of the hat and we’ll all be making our way to Lisloughna for a shin heat in the coming weeks and months as we get ready to embrace what winter with Catherine’s getting off to a terrific start.
The death took place at St Attracta’s Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown of Maureen Gohery (nee Wims), Laveymore, Charlestown, and formerly of Wembley, London and Achonry, Ballymote, Co. Sligo. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Calling out the Marist Convent Leaving Cert Class of 1977 you are requested to keep the weekend of August 6/7, 2027, clear and free in your diaries for a class reunion. 1977 was the year Saturday Night Fever exploded onto the TV screen with John Travolta strutting his stuff on the danecfloor. It was also the year Smokey and The Bandit was released with the Eagles also releasing their iconic Hotel California song which dominated the air waves at the time. Disco glamour punk style and bohemian influences were all the rage in the clothes department so that’s sure to resonate with all who were in that leaving cert class. So now’s your chance to turn back the clock and reunite with old friends and take a trip back in time with more information to be had early in the new year. For now start booking your holidays and save the date.
Charkestown Sarsfields GAA Club are holding their annual dinner dance in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris on Saturday, November 21, with tickets for the event selling like hot cakes at the moment. The Ladies club are also part of the occasion with awards to be given out in both codes for players and young players of the year respectively. The identity of the Club Person of the Year will also be announced which recognises his-her contribution to the club in many different guises and forms over a number of years. The winner will receive the Jim Breheny Memorial Plaque and will join a long line of great Gaels who have been recipients of this award over a long number of years.
Special guests on the night will be the twin All Ireland winning duo of our own Paul Towey, a man who needs no introduction and one we the club are immensely proud of as he continues to display his class in abundance both for Mayo and in the green and white. Paul will share top billing with Cillian O’Connor, the championship’s all-time leading scorer and a man with a resume second to none. Cillian has been one of the game’s best and most complete players during his star-studded sixteen-year career donning the green and red. He’s been immense at county and club level as has amassed every award in the game such has been his brilliance and consistency on the fields of play. Both Paul and Cillian are sure to have plenty of stories to share with the expected large crowd with both lads being terrific role models as they go about their work with great professionalism and modesty and represent all that is good about the game. Members are reminded to get their tickets now, as they are selling out fast and for more information on the same, check out the club’s Facebook page. It promises to be a night to savour with the Sarsfields victorious county and Connacht championship team of 2001 also invited as special guests of the club which adds perhaps another layer of excitement to what should be a gala night for all involved with the Sarsfields.
Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Hugh Conway, Sandyhill, Charlestown, who celebrated his eightieth (80th) last weekend with a party for family and friends in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown. There was a fantastic turnout of family and friends for this stellar occasion with Hugh in terrific form as he greeted and welcomed people from all corners of the community and beyond with plenty of chat, laughs and fun to be had as people queued up to bestow their best wishes on one of the town’s best known characters.
Hugh is a good advert for the new page he has turned with the mind still as a sharp as a tack and the body in good trim as he continues to pound the pavements and get the steps in with O’Hara Park and the Colm Horkan Memorial Walkway and pitch two of his favourite venues for the daily constitutional.
Hugh is a passionate Mayo and Charlestown Sarsfields man and has spent a life time following both with Mayo’s All-Ireland victory in 2026 the fulfilment of a dream as he travelled the length and breadth of the country following the green and red and saw some sad days and endured some big disappointments in Mayo’s pursuit of Sam. It all came right, however on Sunday, July 26, last, when people like Hugh and many others finally got to see Mayo lift the elusive Sam Maguire in Croke Park and this brought him many days and weeks of joy as he enjoyed and savoured all the celebrations that followed since and was there for the home coming and got his picture taken with Sam Maguire and some members of the Mayo team when the cup visited O’Hara Park in September.
His passion and interest in the Sarsfields have remained steadfast and solid over many years and he still goes to as many games as he can and enjoys watching the grandkids line out in the club colours. He’s a big family man and enjoys regular and daily interactions with them and while the loss of his wife Rosena hit him hard in 2024, he continues to find a way to navigate the day to day challenges and gets out and about as much as possible. He still retains a great zest and enthusiasm for life and remains a popular presence in and around the town.
There was a cake unveiled to mark the occasion with lots of candles taking up plenty of room on the perimeter and summit and typical Hugh he had no difficulty quenching the flames as the lungs remain strong and capable. Host John Mulligan pulled out all the stops with copious amounts of food and refreshments available to all, as the music and craic went on long into the night. Here’s hoping Hugh enjoyed every minute of it and here’s wishing him continued good health and happiness in the future and many more celebrations of this nature in the years ahead.
Volunteers are needed for the clean-up and planting in The Butterfly Garden, Swinford (beside the playground) on Sunday, November 22, from 12 noon-2pm. Bring gloves and any tools you may have. All are welcome. For more information contact on Anita 087 9794338.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street on Sunday, November 1, as The Pillock and The Magician battled it out in another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. Jovial John was imperious in his role as match referee and kept things ticking along nicely throughout. The Pillock was at his rampaging best in the early stages, racing into a two-set lead with some marvellous finishing. The Magician was little more than a bystander for those opening two sets as he hardly got a look at a double such was the stranglehold the Pillock had on the board. The Magician remains a gritty competitor however and slowly and meticulously he worked his way back into the game as his average went up and this was enough to tilt the match in favour of the number five seed as he managed to steal sets three and four with some consistent finishing.
The Pillock cut a rather flummoxed figure at the start of the fifth as he pondered on how he had lost control of match that looked his for the taking in three straight sets. The Magician’s steady temperament served him well however as he navigated his way back into contention and seized the initiative at the start of the fifth by taking the first two legs in clinical fashion. The Pillock looked doomed but his ability to strike back should never be discounted and this he did in blistering fashion as he reeled off three straight legs to incredibly snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with the Magician left stunned at what unfolded before his very eyes.
The final leg was typical Kenny as he claimed the set and the match with twelve darts to set off wild scenes of celebration as his supporters toasted his name to high heaven for the remainder of the night. This victory, his fourth of a yo- yo season was perhaps his best as the Magician offered his hand in congratulations still reeling from losing a match that looked all over bar the shouting. Another rousing finish to a great competition with the Pillock top of the tree for one week at least.
