Local Notes: Charlestown Foroige Club attend Mayo Foroige Prom Ball 2025.
Members of Charlestown Foróige Club are pictured at the Mayo Foróige Prom Ball 2025, held at the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport. Picture: Trish Forde
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €16,600 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, May 4, and the following were the four numbers drawn;14, 21, 26 and 34. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Aine Halligan and David Tiernan. The jackpot increased to €16,700 and the draw was held on Sunday, May 11.
Charlestown Sarsfields senior ladies team enjoyed as thrilling one point victory over Kilmovee Shamrocks in division 1 of the county senior league played at the Kilmovee GAA grounds recently. The Sarsfields came through on a 1-9 to 1-8 scoreline in a game of tight margins with the outcome in doubt right up until the final whistle. Games between the two neighbours always tend to be tight and this was no exception as there was little more than a score between them at all times.
Nicole McLoughlin cracked home a great goal for the Sarsfields in the first half and this proved crucial as it negated the goal from the home side and gave the green and white something to cling onto in the second period.
The nip and tuck pattern of play continued into the second half as both teams strived hard to grab the initiative. Scores were swapped at regular intervals with the Sarsfields continuing to keep their noses in front despite the best efforts of the Shamrocks who tried desperately to grab the lead but were repelled by some fine Sarsfields defending with Ella Brennan very much to the fore in this regard.
The closing stages were tense and nail biting but the Sarsfields held on to grab a super win and one which will do wonders for their morale as they look to add a few more wins and keep away from the lower echelons of the league table.
The Sarsfields had fine performances from their county trio Ella Brennan, Chelsea Doherty and Juila Gawalkiewicz, all excelling their various lines of the field and showing their class when the need was greatest. Others to impress included Nicole McLoughlin and Cailin Durkin as the Sarsfields dug deep to eke out a victory which will greatly please Neil Egan and his management team as they look to consolidate and build on this win in their next couple of outings in an ultra tough and competitive division one league.
The Sarsfields host Ballintubber on Tuesday, May 13, in division 4 of the county minor league with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Louisburgh to take on the locals in division 3 of the county U14 league on Monday, May 19, with the throw-in time confirmed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields host the Ballaghdereen/Kilmovee amalgamation in Fr O’Hara Park in division 2 of the county U16 league on Thursday, May 15, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields host Kilmeena in the U12 Spring League in Fr O’Hara Park on Wednesday, May 14, with the throw-in confirmed for 7pm.
The garden has really turned a corner in recent weeks with the superb early spring weather with 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 vegetable 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 fourteen raised beds set in place now 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 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 2.30 and the committee are always on the lookout for new members and volunteers. The committee also thank everyone for supporting the Go Fund Me Page on Facebook, the generosity and donations are very welcome and much appreciated.
Charlestown Sarsfields travel to Ballinrobe to take on the locals in division 1A of the county senior league on Saturday, May 24 with the throw-in provisionally fixed for 7pm (check sports pages for details). This is a big game with both teams in dire need of points to move away from the foot of the table. The Sarsfields will be hoping to field their strongest possible team as they look to put a win on the board to give them some chance of avoiding the drop with the hosts very much in the same position so there is a lot at stake with two priceless league points on offer which would be a huge boost to either team as they look to string some wins on the board and close the gap in the table on the teams above them.
Mayo Karate Academy are enrolling new members for karate classes in Claremorris. These classes are suitable for children aged 5 years and over and they take place in Claremorris GAA Sports Complex. For more information contact Alan on 087 4636841.
Entries for the 2025 Colm Horkan Memorial Run are now open with the East Mayo Athletic Club once again the main drivers 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 18, 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 the young people with another facility with which to develop their athletic prowess.
All details regarding entry and races 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 the town and community, so please get out there and support if you can.
Little Athletics continues on Thursday evenings at 7pm. There are limited numbers for new members and log onto the East Mayo Athletics Facebook page and follow the link to avoid disappointment.
Charlestown regained the winning feeling with a thrilling 4-9 to 4-6 victory over St. Jarlath’s in the latest round of fixtures played in division 2 of the county U16 league played at the Ballyhaunis GAA grounds recently. This was a super contest from the throw-in with both teams throwing everything at in pursuit of the victory. The Sarsfields had to show lots of character to come through as the Jarlath’s challenge stayed live right to the final whistle. There were goals galore throughout this gripping game with eight being registered in total. The Sarsfields managed to raise three more white flags however and this proved the vital difference between the teams when the final whistle sounded. Goal scorers for the Sarsfields were Danny and Sean Breheny, Shea Haran and James Cassidy. This victory keeps the Sarsfields firmly in contention for the play-offs with games to come against Ballaghaderreen/Kilmovee and Belmullet respectively.
Re-Turn bins are now in place at Fr O’Hara Park. The Sarsfields GAA Club have installed 2 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 LGFA. 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.
Bellaghy Litter Pick takes place on Friday, May 23, from 6-8pm. Meeting place is O’Hara’s Fountain, Bellaghy. Let’s roll up the sleeves, grab some trash bags, and make Bellaghy sparkle. Together we can make a difference.
Would you have an hour to spare in the week? Adult mentors are required for Foroige’s Big Brother Big Sister Programme in your area. If you are interested in supporting a young person, this is an enjoyable way to spend your time and have a positive impact on a young person’s life. They have many young people waiting to be matched to a mentor and would be delighted to hear from you. Call 086 0471420 to express your interest in volunteering or to hear more information on the recruitment process.
A Summer Music and Yoga Camp takes place at Carracastle Community Centre from Monday-Friday, July 14-18. The cost is €80. It is limited to twelve (12) places. Booking deposit of €20 is required and there are payment plans available. Contact Olivia at 085 1971372 or email o.sharkey@gmail.com. This camp will be a fun introduction to music and piano, mindfulness, relaxation and yoga.
Free Adult English conversation classes for parents take place at St Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown, on Thursday mornings from 9.40-10.30am. All are welcome and 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, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, April 30, at 8pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 2nd Tom Dunne and Mary O’Connell, 3rd Michael and Pat Brennan, 4th Frances and Robert Healy.
The following were the winners of the 25 Drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday, May 6, at 9pm; 1st Teresa McIntyre and Veronica McCarrick, 2nd Colm Gallagher and Mary O`Hara.
Activator Pole and Chair Exercise class takes place in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 12 noon-1pm on Friday, May 16. Lift access available. All welcome, €2 fee.
Ballet and Acro Arts continues in the CBD Complex and Recreational Centre on Wednesday afternoons from 3.45pm- 7.15pm.
Weekly meetings for the month of May have resumed on Thursday nights at 8pm in the Arts Centre. The club are working on plans for their next production, and all are welcome to come along.
Training has resumed at Fr O’Hara Park for the group on Wednesday evenings at 8pm. No experience necessary and new members are most welcome. This is an opportunity to improve your fitness in a fun and supportive environment.
The wedding took place at St James’ Church, Charlestown, of Lauren O’Donnell, daughter of Eamon and Sharon O’Donnell, Ardara, Charlestown, and Gary Keane, son of Michael and Pauline Keane, Carn, Charlestown. The ceremony was performed by Fr Tommy Johnson PP, Charlestown. Bestman was Michael Keane, brother of the groom and groomsmen were Jack Reilly, Gerry McLoughlin and Alan Doherty, friends of the groom. Chief bridesmaid was Elaine O’Donnell, sister of the bride and the bridesmaids were Jennifer O’Donnell, cousin of the bride, Phoebe McBrien and Rebecca O’Donoghue, friends of the bride.
The reception was held in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo, and the happy couple are spending their honeymoon in Portugal. Lauren and Gary are wished every good wish for the future, health and happiness and many years of wedded bliss.
Mayo/Roscommon Hospice need your help with National Sunflower days for Hospice on June 6 and 7. A few hours of your time on either/both days in your area or any area that suits you. Any time you can give would be most appreciated. Call 094 9388666 or email info@hospice.ie. Your help can make the difference.
Charlestown Sarsfields U14 team continue to flourish in division 3 of the county U14 league as they made it four wins from four with a fine 6-11 to 2-9 victory over Tourmakeady in round 4 played at the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch recently. This was a game between the two unbeaten teams in the division, but it was the Sarsfields who proved much the superior as they went after the visitors from the off with the forward line once again coming up trumps in terms of the delivery of the crucial goals at the key moments. Liam Giblin continued on his amazing scoring spree as he bagged another hat-trick with Tom Naughton also getting in on the act netting twice to complete a fine evening’s work for the young Sarsfields starlets as they continue to rip their way through the division.
Charlestown, Bellaghy and Districts Development Association’s June Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, June 6, in the Arts Centre from 11am-1pm. There is lift access available. All welcome to come along for a chat and a cuppa.
The death took place at Ard na Greine Nursing home, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo of Anthony (Tony) Maguire, Cloonrane, Curry, Co. Sligo and formerly of Walkinstown, Dublin. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Charlestown Sarsfields minor team secured their first win in division 4 of the county minor league with an impressive 3-13 to 1-5 victory over Hollymount/Carramore in the latest round of fixtures played recently. The Sarsfields have gone close in most of the previous rounds of the competition, but everything came together for them on the night as they put the South Mayo amalgamation to the sword with a fine display with each and every player donning the jersey with distinction. This victory propels them up the table and leaves them with an outside shout of making the play-offs albeit they will have to win their remaining two games and hope some results go their way in other matches to have any chance of progressing to the semi-finals. This performance will be a good morale booster going forward as they look to build on the many positive from this win in their next outing away to Moy Davitts in Foxford.
The two semi-finals took place on Sunday before a packed crowds with Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, heaving at the seams as two crackerjack games took place which provided drama and talking points aplenty. First up reigning champions Glann-Sinolane came a cropper as they bowed out to Lowpark in a terrific match that had everyone gripped from the first set of arrows. The champions were odds on to secure their final passage but they met a very good and well balanced Lowpark team with skipper Padraig Kivlehan getting his line-up and matchups spot on for what was a thrilling encounter. Lowpark prevailed on a 5-3 score line to great acclaim with every player raising their level and proving more than a match for a very good and sporting Glann/Sionlane team who lost nothing in defeat and went out on their sword. Lowpark have a very good squad with Kivlehan proving an able leader well supported by the likes of Michael Larkin, James Kilroy, Dean McDonagh, John Honan and John Connolly as they now cast their minds forward to a crack at the final and end the long wait for a title which stretches back the best part of two decades and more.
The second semi-final proved no less eventful or dramatic as Hagfield and Lavey played out a gripping encounter which was every bit as good as the game that went before it. Both teams were evenly matched with little or nothing between the teams throughout. The Duke provided wonderful leadership for the Hagfield team and was extremely clever and smart in the way he positioned his key men in the singles and doubles contest. Lavey refused to go down without a fight however and showed great tenacity and spirit to hang in even when things looked grim for them after the doubles. They roared back into contention in the singles, but Hagfield re-grouped and found the necessary inspiration in the singles to get the job done as they secured a 5-3 victory to set up a novel final pairing as they go head to head against Lowpark in a final that is sure to generate plenty in the way of interest and publicity in the lead-up.
Both finalists have a long proud tradition in a competition steeped in history as all eyes switched to Sunday, May 11, for a final that set the pulses racing among all darts enthusiasts in the community and beyond. Hosts Gus and Grainne Marren welcomed a full house for an intriguing final pairing with many sub-plots and predictions played out in the days leading up to the historic fiftieth Honour of the Village final.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2000 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, May 5, and the following were four numbers drawn; 2, 3, 16 and 27. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; Denise McGoldrick, Colm Doohan and Robbie Henry.
The jackpot increased to €2100 and the draw took place on Monday, May 12. Tickets can be bought in a number of outlets or via the online platform and also by logging onto the club’s Facebook and Twitter pages respectively.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday, May 4, as The Magician and The Dynamo faced off in the latest instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was on duty as match referee and handled everything with his usual aplomb. The Magician made the faster start taking the first set with a crisp treble ten, double top finish. The Dynamo battled back to take set two as he raised his game significantly on the first set. The Magician re-established control in the third set as he reeled off three quick fire legs to edge 2-1 ahead in sets and looked to be in control ahead of the start of the fourth. This set was the best of the match as both men threw well simultaneously and traded the first four legs with some sizzling scoring and accurate finishing. The final leg was a snap shot of the match as both men laid claims to victory. It was the Magician who prevailed however as he found the necessary inspiration to take out 136 with his final dart nestling in the heart of the double sixteen bed. The victory was greeted with some relief by the Magician McGowan as it was his first time to get over the winning line in some months having lost in his last six final appearances. The Dynamo, for his part, was most gracious in defeat and had no qualms about the outcome as the Magician took his place on the winner’s rostrum and was happy to acknowledge the support of his loyal and dedicated fan base.
