Local Notes: Charlestown Community Garden makes great progress
Some volunteers hard at work at the Charlestown Organic Community Garden as they prepare for the new season.
The Charlestown Organic Garden has really turned a corner in recent weeks with the superb early spring weather and the rain over the Easter period helping to accelerate the growth among some of the outdoor plants and shrubs.
Mary McIntyre, Breda Doyle and Vera Turner have invested a huge amount of time and energy in planting and installing a large variety of vegetables in the polytunnel and also in some of the raised outside beds. These include spinach, peas, strawberries, tomatoes, garlic, red and white onions and potatoes.
Paddy Casey and Willie Doyle have nine out of the 14 raised beds set in place at the moment which is testimony to their dedication and volunteerism as they continue to make the place look its best for the approaching summer season. Caroline Friel and Alison Doohan help out with the watering in the polytunnel, which is another big plus as the garden continues to attract new members in big numbers.
The garden is open every Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm and the committee are always on the lookout for new volunteers. The committee would also like to thank everyone for supporting the GoFundMe online page. Your donations are very welcome.
Retro Jersey Day a resounding success
Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club held a very successful Retro Jersey Day in their dressing rooms on Easter Monday, April 21st last.
There were jerseys on display from the 1990s and the 2000s and onwards and they were snapped up by eager young players, parents and supporters alike as people came from all corners of the community to have a look and check out the design of the Sarsfields jersey that many a great player was proud to wear and display during all of our epic successes in the above time period.
People gathered early to have a look at the jerseys that were being exhibited and it didn't take them long to choose their favourite ones as the demand for the jerseys reached fever pitch with all stocks pretty much cleaned out within an hour. All jerseys were given away for free and I'm sure they're gone to good homes with the youngsters today proud to wear and display their club colours every day of the week.
It was a great idea the club came up with and one they are keen to go with again as there are plenty of old sets of jerseys that have to be tracked down and if the success of Easter Monday is anything to go by then the next Retro Jersey Day will be just as successful and popular as the club continue to broaden their membership and appeal across all strands and facets of the community.
The death took place recently of Kathleen Regan (nee Galvin) Derrikinlough, Doocastle. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
The Sarsfields travel to Hollymount on Tuesday (this evening), April 29th, to take on Hollymount/Carramore in Division 4 of the County Minor League with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Newport to take on Burrishoole on Wednesday, April 30th, in the Mayo U-12 Spring League with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
It would have been remiss of me not to give a mention to an old friend of many in the town namely Michael Maloney or Fr Mike as he used to be known, who recently joined the 50 Club with a quiet family celebration in Brighton, England.
Michael, or Mick as he was affectionately known to many, still retains many strong friendships in and around the town and while this news will come like a bolt out of the blue, it's no lie as the great man has joined some illustrious colleagues in graduating to a very exclusive club that has claimed some scalps in recent times.
Michael won many a distinguished honour with the Sarsfields club in his time on the books so to speak, most notably county and Connacht senior club championships in 2001, just two of the many medals he has stashed away in his safe from his time donning the Green and White. He was a passionate performer who tended to rattle a few cages from time to time as he loved a challenge and to make his considerable presence felt in and around the training paddock.
He was always at peak levels of fitness and was one of the few who could serve it up to Ginger when it came to the old post-to-posts in Fr O'Hara Park as the great Sarsfields captain tended to burn off anyone who attempted to keep pace with him. Mike was one of the few who managed to get within a few lengths of the red man and this was a badge of honour for the pocket rocket and one he took great pride in sharing with everyone.
He continues to take a keen interest in fitness and the gym and lives something of a monastic lifestyle as his dedication to good health and taking care of the family are his two twin priorities. I'm sure there was a cake unveiled to commemorate the occasion but it was devoid of all sugar, cream and chocolate toppings as Mick remains committed to his fruit and veg dietary intake.
I can't quite confirm if there were 50 candles occupying the summit but suffice to say he can't deny the truth or halt the passage of time as one of our favourite former residents joins the quinquagenarian club complete with its trappings and benefits.
I'm sure he'll enjoy this little script and I look forward to a reprisal of some sort in the very near future but here's wishing Mick continuing good health and happiness for many more years in the future and many more celebrations of this nature in the years ahead.
Charlestown Sarsfields Under-14 team are motoring very well at the moment in Division 3 of the Mayo Under-14 league as they made it three from three in the division with a whopping 7-9 to 1-11 victory over Kiltimagh in round three played at Gilmartin Park, Kiltimagh recently.
The Sarsfields are really blazing a trail through the division with this latest victory once again owing much to their ability to score goals as they added another seven to the nine they hit previously in their round two victory over Shrule/Glencorrib.
Kiltimagh struggled to keep a lid on a lethal Sarsfields forward line with Liam Giblin once again very much to the fore as he bagged another three to maintain his rich vein of scoring form. The other goalscorers on a good night for the Sarsfields were Tom Naughton, Alex Pugaciov, Sean Cassidy and Jack Brennan as the Sarsfields go into their next outing with fellow table-toppers Tourmakeady in rude health in a winner-takes-all game where one winning record will fall.
Entries for the 2025 Colm Horkan Memorial Run are now open with the East Mayo Athletic Club once again the main driver behind what will be the fifth annual run as it continues to grow and evolve and become one of the mainstays in the club and town's recreational calendar.
This year's event takes place on Sunday, May 18th, with all proceeds going to the East Mayo Athletics Club to help with the development of their new athletics track which will be a fantastic asset to the town and an amenity that will provide all our young people with another facility with which to develop their athletic prowess.
All details regarding entry and the races that are available to participate in can be found by logging onto the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook page. Enter on the link early to avoid disappointment as there are a limited number of t-shirts available. This is a day to showcase everything that is good about our town and community so please get out there and support it if you can.
The Sarsfields host Ballina Stephenites in Round 4 of the Mayo Senior League on Saturday, May 10th, with the throw-in timed for 7pm (check sports pages for details and confirmation).
Athletics starts back on Thursday, May 1st. Limited numbers for new members and log onto the East Mayo Athletics Facebook page and follow the link to avoid disappointment.
Charlestown Sarsfields had a comprehensive 6-14 to 2-1 victory over Kilmovee Shamrocks in their latest outing in the Mayo Under-14 Development League played at Canon Gibbons Park, Kilmovee recently.
The Sarsfields bossed the game from the throw-in and were in control in all the key pressure points with the forward line possessing a real goal threat as evidenced from the score line.
The Sarsfields were well ahead at half-time with a couple of quick-fire goals taking the game away from the hosts who were game and honest in everything they did but didn't have the calibre or quality of the Sarsfields hence they were left with a mountain to climb at the start of the second half.
The Green and White lads went about their work very capably in the second half and continued to hold their opponents at arm's length with a couple of goals maintaining their big cushion.
The outcome, truth to tell, was never in doubt as the Sarsfields coasted to the final whistle to maintain their good start to the season with plenty of lads getting exposure and game time in the club colours which is the whole point of the exercise really.
The Sarsfields had a number of big performers on the night but none shone brighter than young MJ Donohue who netted a hat-trick on a night to remember for the young man and his family.
At the April meeting of the Mayo Genealogy Group held at the Museum of Country Life, Turlough, Robyn Cheeseman of Tesco, Castlebar, presented the group with a cheque for €681, the proceeds of the Blue Token Community Fund campaign.
The group would like to thank Tesco, the supporters who chose the Mayo Genealogy Group and the members of the group who organised the initiative.
The Mayo Genealogy Group offered sincere sympathy to group member Teresa Filan and her family on the death of her brother Michael O'Brien of Watersville, Pontoon Road, Castlebar and formerly of Knockatemple, Ballyvary.
The Genealogy Group are currently organising a two-night, three-day trip to Newry, Co Down from May 27 to 29 respectively. The trip will include bus transport from Castlebar, a visit to the Ulster American Folk Museum on the first day, followed by a trip to Belfast on day two and to Armagh on day three. The total cost is €265 with €30 extra per night for single supplement.
Further details are available from Mary at 086-1280338.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Lotto jackpot of €16,400 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, April 20th, when the numbers drawn were 9, 22, 32 and 33.
The winners of the two €50 weekly prizes were Sharon Kenny and Ann Sheehan.
The latest draw took place on Sunday night last for a jackpot of €16,500. Tickets are on sale in a number of outlets in the town and are also available online at the Smart Lotto website or the club's Facebook page.
The club would like to thank all who support the weekly lotto and congratulate all who won the weekly prizes.
Re-Turn bins are now in place at Fr O'Hara Park. The Sarsfields GAA Club have installed two Re-Turn bins located at the front of the CBD Sports Complex for all plastic bottles that can be recycled under the Deposit Return Scheme.
All monies raised from the donations will go directly to the Charlestown Sarsfields underage teams and the Charlestown Ladies Gaelic Football Association. All support is greatly appreciated.
Please note only cans/bottles with the Re-turn logo can be deposited in these new orange bins. Please do not deposit glass or other rubbish thank you.
The Charlestown Sarsfields LGFA club are well represented on the Mayo U-16 team as three of their finest talents - Siofra McGuinness, Sophie Tiernan and Mikayla McLoughlin - all lined out in Mayo's rout of Sligo in Round 3 of the Connacht U-16 Championship played appropriately enough at the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch in Charlestown on Easter Monday last.
The three girls all featured on the starting fifteen with Sophie Tiernan lining out in the corner-back position and acquitting herself very well as she cleared her lines with her usual dash and efficiency. Siofra and Mikayla lined out in the half and full-forward lines respectively and were part of a very slick and powerful forward line that racked up a whopping total of 6-21 with the two Sarsfields ladies very prominent in the scoring stakes as they were at the hub and the end of many of Mayo's best moves and scores.
A proud day for the families of the three girls and for the club with the facilities in tip-top shape and the surface of the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch coming in for much favourable comments and plaudits.
Mayo looked primed to have another assault on the Connacht title with the three girls very keen to add to their medal collection with this Mayo team a very powerful unit indeed, underpinned by a strong Sarsfields presence.
A Community Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, May 2nd, from 11am to 1pm in the Arts Centre. Lift access available. All welcome for a cuppa and a chat.
Free Adult English Conversation Classes for Parents take place at St Joseph's Community College, Charlestown on Thursday mornings 9.40 to 10.30am, beginning on May 1st. All welcome. To register, email teresacoleman@msletb.ie or text 085-8453717.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh's Bar, Charlestown on Wednesday, April 9th, and the following were the winners: 1st, Carmel Moffitt and Hilary McCrohan; 2nd, Hilary McDonag and Tom Ginty; 3rd, Noelle Spellman and Ruth Connor; 4th, Paddy and Patricia Colleran
The weekly game continues on Wednesday nights at 8pm in Walsh's Bar with new members most welcome.
The winners of the 25 Card Drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday night, April 22nd, were: 1st, Darby and Breege Leonard; 2nd, Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally.
The raffle winners were Mary Costello, Breege Leonard and Darby Leonard.
The gme takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm and all are welcome.
Activator Pole and Chair Exercise Class takes place in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 12 noon to 1pm on Friday, May 2nd.
Lift access available.
All welcome. The fee is €2.
Charlestown Sarsfields recorded a comprehensive 3-11 to 1-8 victory over neighbours Swinford in round one of the Mayo Under-16 Development League played recently.
The Sarsfields lads played very well on the night and seized control of the game from an early stage with a couple of first-half goals giving them the impetus to drive on and this they duly did as they never looked like ceding control at any stage. A fine start to the campaign for the team and management and one they will be looking to build on as the challenges ramp up in the coming weeks.
The two semi-finals in the 2025 Honour of the Village darts competition hosted by Walsh's Bar in Charlestown are expected to take place in the coming week.
The last four are very much there on merit with reigning champions Glann/Sinolane being perhaps the form team in the competition as they have been very impressive in getting to this stage of the competition. They are expected to face a stern test however against a very good and well-balanced Lowpark side skippered by the veteran Padraig Kivlehan who knows a thing or two about setting out a team having won the competition numerous times back in the halcyon days of the 1980s and 1990s.
Lowpark have been very much the dark horses of the competition to date and they are quietly confident of causing an upset with all the smart money still being on Glann/Sinolane to make it through to the finals.
The other semi-final also has plenty of intrigue and interest around it as Hagfield (2) powered by the Duke comes face to face with another team with a long and proud tradition in the competition, Lavey Beg, who have also rolled back the years and become a force once again in the competition as one harks back to the days when the late Pat Caulfield used to manage the team and inspire them to past successes.
This is a difficult game to call with Lowpark, perhaps, holding a slight edge but it could go either way hence the great excitement being felt by players and supporters of both teams who march to the ochie with big expectations of qualifying for the final proper with large crowds expected to descend on the splendidly appointed venue for two games that promise much in the way of drama and tension.
There will be a full report in next week's issue of results and a date for the final as all darts enthusiasts gear up for some emotional rollercoaster during the next week or so.
Life after bereavement can feel very lonely. Trained facilitators conduct a weekly bereavement support meeting at the Family Centre, Knock Shrine, each Wednesday at 11am.
There is also a special meeting for bereaved partners /spouses on the first Thursday of each month at 11am. No appointment needed. Further information from Monica Morley at 094-9375320.
Well done to Annie and Katie Maye, c/o Gary Maye, who scooped the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €3,600 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, April 21st, when the numbers drawn were 2, 4, 20 and 24.
The winners of the three €20 weekly prizes were Patricia Duffy, Malachy Maher and Enda Walsh.
Next week's jackpot will revert to €2,000 and the draw will take place on Monday night, April 28th.
Tickets can be bought in a number of local outlets or via the club's Facebook page.
Would you like to run, walk or jog in the Mayo.ie Western People Women's Mini-Marathon in Castlebar on Sunday, May 4th, or the VHI Women's Mini-Marathon in Dublin on Sunday, June 1st?
If so, Mayo-Roscommon Hospice would love to hear from you. Please help those living with life-limiting illnesses in your community. Call 094-9388666 or email info@hospice.ie.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh's Bar, Charlestown, on Easter Sunday night, April 20th.
The Dynamo and the Egg fought it out in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was the referee par excellence and did a fine job ensuring both men adhered to the code of behaviour as laid down by the PDC.
The Egg blasted out of the blocks and took the first set in breakneck fashion, reeling off three legs on the bounce to surge into a one-set lead. He backed this up in set two as he continued to pummel the treble twenty bed with unerring accuracy and it didn't take him long to stretch his lead to two sets as the Dynamo struggled to match the levels being displayed by his opponent.
The third set was a much more even contest as the Dynamo began to find some semblance of form. The Egg's level remained high however, so much so they shared the first four legs, which resulted in a fifth leg decider with everything on the line in terms of defeat and victory.
The Egg began well, shooting a maximum and a ton plus, which the Dynamo matched all the way setting up a doubles shootout with the Dynamo the first to have a shot at taking the match to a fourth set. He came to the ochie with 128 left on his ledger and started brilliantly nailing two treble twenties to leave one dart at double four as the crowd held its collective breath. He almost pulled off this audacious finish only for his final dart to graze the wire and plummet to the floor as the Dynamo sank to his knees in despair.
The Egg paused before striding to the ochie as he weighed up a finish of 116 with a number of different options available to him on how to finish and thus close out the match. He went the scenic route, firing his first two darts into the treble eighteen and treble eight beds respectively to leave one dart at double ten as the crowd roared in approval.
He fixed that steely glare on the double as he released his final dart in the direction of the elusive double ten. It never wavered from its intended flight path as it landed plum in the middle of the bed to set off emotional scenes as Casey fell to the floor in delight with his supporters in full voice as they chanted their hero's name to the high heavens.
The Dynamo, while disappointed, was first on the premises to offer a congratulatory hand as the Egg celebrated his second victory of the season and one which meant an awful lot to him judging by the manner of his long and much-deserved celebrations. A fitting end to a good contest with the Egg's victory moving him up one place in the rankings to number seven.
