Local Notes: Charlestown girls who are members of Mayo U16 team took on Cavan in the All Ireland final.
Siofra McGuinness, Sophie Tiernan and Cliona Cullen, members of the Mayo U16 girls team that took on Cavan in the All-Ireland final last weekend.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €12,300 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, July 7, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 1, 10, 15 and 28. The winners of the 2 x €50 weekly prizes were Etain Clarke and Michael Doherty. The latest jackpot increased to €12,400 and the draw was held on Sunday night, July 14.
Charlestown Sarsfields suffered a 1-12 to 2-4 defeat to Belmullet in the latest round of fixtures played in Division 1A of the Welcome Inn Senior league played at the Charlestown GAA grounds recently. The game was played on the magnificent new Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch, the first competitive game of its kind and the pitch was in tip-top shape with both teams serving up a decent enough encounter.
The Sarsfields once again went into battle minus a host of players for a game that had a lot of importance attached to it as the league points on offer meant a hell of a lot to both teams as they sought to move away from the bottom end of the table.
The Sarsfields got the tonic start they so craved when Niall Fleming took a good pass from Ciaran Honeyman to blast the ball to the net to put them three in front with five minutes elapsed on the clock. The hosts, however, failed to take advantage of this good start as they fluffed their lines on front of goal once again with balls drifting the wrong side of the posts with frustrating regularity.
The Belmullet lads worked their way back into the contest kicking four points on the bounce before the Sarsfields goaled again as Jack Brennan’s speculative shot from distance ended up in the back of the net with the Belmullet keeper Shane Nallen misjudging the flight of the ball.
Both teams traded further points with Paddy Goldrick firing over two points from frees including one monster kick from outside the forty five to leave the game nicely poised at the half-time whistle with the Sarsfields holding a 2-2 to 0-6 lead with everything still very much to play for.
The second half began with both teams trading points as Niall Towey slotted a neat point for the Sarsfields in response to an opening white flag from the visitors. The Sarfields were competing valiantly in all areas of the pitch and were winning a sizeable amount of possession in the middle third but their achilles heel in front of goal, which has been something of a recurring trend all season, came back to haunt them with vengeance as they blew a succession of glorious chances to build on their lead.
Belmullet, boosted by the Sarsfields inadequacies in front of goal, slowly started to turn the dial in their favour and kicked the next three points to edge in front for the first time in the match.
The Sarsfields never gave up the ghost but one point from a free in the final twenty minutes highlighted their frailties in front of the posts as their inability to convert even the most simplest point scoring opportunities drained the life out of their challenge as Belmullet kicked for home in determined fashion The game’s defining score arrived seven minutes from time when the visitors pieced together a fine flowing move which cut the Sarsfields defence wide open as the ball ended up in the hands of Eoghan O’Donohue who calmly placed his shot to the bottom corner of the net to push the Erris men four points clear as the Sarsfields challenge crumbled in the face of their inability to make the scoreboard tick in their favour.
Belmullet clipped over the final score of the game to leave them worthy winners at the final whistle with this victory seeing them leapfrog the Sarsfields in the table to leave the green and white men in a very perilous position as they hover near the foot of the table with one remaining game left against Ballyhaunis with victory absolutely imperative if they wish to avoid being dragged into a relegation play-off.
On a disappointing night for all involved with the green and white honourable mention to the likes of Thomas Goldrick, David Caffrey, Gerard McLoughlin, Jack Brennan, Gareth O’Donnell, Ruairi Cullen and Ciaran Honeyman who battled gamely throughout and never took a backward step at any stage in the contest.
The pitch received lots of plaudits from both camps with Belmullet lavish in their praise of the surface and surroundings as they made the long journey home with the points tucked away.
Charlestown Sarsfields junior team recorded a very good 3-9 to 1-10 victory over Balla in the latest round of fixtures played in Division 3B of the county senior league at O’Hara Park GAA grounds recently.
The game, which was played on the splendid new Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch had a nice crowd in attendance with both teams serving up some good moments with fortunes fluctuating throughout the sixty minutes.
Balla held the whip hand for most of the opening half racing into a 1-6 to 0-4 lead and were playing much the better football it must be said as they ran lanes through the centre of the Sarsfields defence with their pace and athleticism.
The Sarsfields, however, got a life line just before half-time when they were awarded a penalty which Colm Maye duly dispatched clinically to the net to leave them just two in arrears at half time with Balla leading 1-6 to 1-4 which was skimpy enough considering how much they much better they were for the majority of the first half.
The Sarsfields began the second half brightly with a good score from Jack Brennan and this set the tone for most of what was to follow as the home side gradually assumed control in that all important middle third area. Their dominance was rewarded in the best possible fashion when Colm Maye scored his second major of the day when he pounced on a loose ball close to the small square and drilled the ball to the net to put the Sarsfields two in front with the pendulum definitely moving in the Sarsfields direction.
Points from Niall Towey and Colm Maye extended the Sarsfields advantage but Balla hit back with two of their own to keep the game interesting with ten left. The Sarsfields had that little extra cutting edge however and Jack Brennan underlined this when he strode forward to hammer a terrific shot low and hard to the net to ease Charlestown into a two score lead from which they never looked like losing.
The Sarsfields managed the game well from there to the finish without any major scares to cap a good afternoon’s work with some good performances from every line of the pitch.
The death took place at Mayo University Hospital recently of Bernie Brennan, Cloonlyon, Charlestown. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
The death took place recently of Michael Finn, Devlis Cottages, Ballyhaunis, and formerly of Carn, Charlestown. His remains were removed to St Patrick’s Church, Ballyhaunis, for solemn requiem Mass with burial afterwards to the local cemetery. He is survived by his son Michael (jnr), daughters Mary and Siobhan, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
The late Michael, who was pre-deceased by his wife Mary Barry Finn, sons John Joe and Aengus, was a much respected and well liked member of the communities of Ballyhaunis and Charlestown where he had formed many strong bonds and friendships. He was a good family man with a very jovial personality who enjoyed life and got the maximum out of each and every day. Mick was a man of wit and humour with a wide beaming smile which was always on display. He was also a passionate GAA man with a great love for Mayo and the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club. He was a strong abrasive defender in his youth and was part of the Charlestown Sarsfields Minor team that won East Mayo and County championship titles in 1953. He was a very promising young player but like many before him in that era, economic and work circumstances saw him emigrate to England where he forged a new life for himself and this he did with distinction. Mick’s love for GAA never dimmed and he continued to follow Mayo and Charlestown from afar before returning to his native shores in the late 1990’s and settling in Ballyhaunis.
Mick really enjoyed the Sarsfields rise to the pinnacle of club football in the noughties and was as proud as any Sarsfields Gael when county titles were annexed in 2001 and 2009 respectively. He was never shy in displaying his colours and derived terrific enjoyment out of the successes and was heavily involved in supporters clubs of one form or another in that time. Indeed Mick also served as Chairman of the Sarsfields Club in 2005 and brought enthusiasm, and eagerness to the role during his tenure. His support was always genuine and he quite happy to serve the club in any way he could thereafter. His death has caused wide spread sorrow and grief in the community as Mick was a character who enjoyed life and endeared himself to many with his gregarious personality. The large crowds who attended the removal of his remains and subsequent burial was ample proof of the esteem and affection in which he was held and deepest sympathies is tendered to the bereaved.
The death took place at Mayo Hospice recently of Kathleen Duffy (nee Devaney), Rooskey, Doocastle, Co Mayo. Her remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown, to St Joseph’s Church, Rooskey, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to Carracastle Cemetery. Kathleen is survived by her husband Johnny, sons Brendan and Ian, daughters Eileen and Christine, son-in law Glenn, daughter-in law Michelle, sisters Mary, Una and Margaret, brother Pat, grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of neighbours and friends.
The late Kathleen was a much loved and respected member of the community of Rooskey where she had forged many strong bonds and friendships. She was a lovely lady in the true sense of the word who was devoted to her family with their health and well-being uppermost in her mind at all times. She forged a good bond with husband Johnny and together they made for a good team. Kathleen worked as a nurse for many years and had a real sense of empathy about her in her dealings with her patients. She was kind, caring and courteous and executed her duties with sincerity, kindness and thoughtfulness. Her loss to her family is incalculable but she leaves a rich and last legacy which they will cherish and treasure in these deep dark hours and days. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Charlestown Swimming Pool have launched their new Summer Raffle draw to raise funds for the pool. A big thank you to Delaney’s Mace who have come on board as chief sponsor with Conor of Delaney’s kindly sponsoring all the wonderful prizes which include the following; a four seater patio set with BBQ, an inflatable pool and 2 x water blasters, 55 inch TV, pool party at Charlestown Swimming Pool followed by party food for up to 20 people at Delaney’s Mace, Charlestown, personal training for 2 people at HQ Gym, day pass for 4 people to Westport House Adventure Park, Baysports voucher worth €100 plus a selection of hampers which makes for a brilliant array of prizes with something for everybody in that list.
Buy raffle tickets in store or online €5 for 1 or €10 for 3. You can also donate to the raffle by clicking on the following link https://www.idonate.ie/raffle.CharlestownPool. Please try and support this splendid Summer Raffle draw and hats of the Delaney’s Mace for stepping forward to provide a terrific prize fund.
The new Complex Coffee dock which opened in the grounds of Fr O’Hara Park recently has been doing a roaring trade with Joe McBrien the man behind the venture so to speak. He spotted an opening in the market and he’s carved out quite the niche for himself with sales going through roof as people flock to the dock so to speak to sample the wide variety of treats and coffees he and his hardworking staff are providing. There has been a terrific response from the general public to what Complex Coffee is providing with business very brisk around match days in O’Hara Park of which there are many. The first couple of months trading have been a big success for Joe and his team and it’s a very welcome addition to Fr O’Hara Park and we wish him continued success in the months ahead and many more happy hours serving the finest coffee which has huge appeal throughout the community.
Over the coming weeks the Tidy Towns adjudicators will pay an unannounced visit to Charlestown. Areas of interest will include the town centre, public facilities, e.g. walkway, playground, church, graveyard swimming pool, sports facilities, Arts Centre, recycling centre, housing estates, community garden, public car parks, so basically the entire town and its environs. The committee are asking everyone to be extra vigilant in their own areas. Please help them by removing any weeds, rubbish or litter. It would be enormously appreciative if businesses and homes would make an extra effort to have their facades clean and add flower boxes if/where possible.
Caracastle Cemetery Mass will take place on Sunday, August 4 at 10.30am. Tell your relatives and friends who are living outside of the community or elsewhere.
There was a good turnout at the weekly summer bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday last, July 3, at 8pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne; 2nd Nuala and Richard White; 3rd Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne; 4th Paddy and Patricia Colleran.
A coffee morning with Flourish Social Prescribing Mayo will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Wednesday, July 24, at 11.45am.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 Card Drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday, July 9, at 8.30pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Darby and Breege Leonard , Michael O`Hara and Vincent Brennan; 2nd Michael and Mary Lynskey, Colm Gallagher and Mary O`Hara. Raffle winners were Mary O’Hara, Vincent Brennan, Mary Lynskey and James Reidy.
Comes to Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Friday, July 26. Grab a friend or a date and come along for a night of craic and creativity. A complimentary drink on arrival is included in the ticket for this event to get your night started on the right note. Check out the Walsh’s Bar Facebook Page for more information and tickets.
The Sarsfields host The Neale in Fr O`Hara Park in the group 2 of the U12 Summer League on Wednesday, July 17, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields take on St Jarlath’s in the East Mayo U16 final on Thursday, July 18, in the Connacht Centre of Excellence with the throw-in timed for 7.30pm.
Congratulations are extended to Elaine O’Donnell, daughter of Eamon and Sharon O’Donnell, Ardara, Charlestown, who passed out as a Garda Siochana at a conferring ceremony held in Templemore Garda Training College recently. Elaine follows in the footsteps of her father Eamon, a retired Garda Sergeant who spent the majority of his service in the stations of Boyle and Ballaghaderreen respectively. Elaine is currently stationed in Ashbourne, Co. Meath and is wished all the very best in her fledgling Garda career by her many friends and colleagues in the town as well as the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club where she’s a prominent member of the Sarsfields ladies senior team.
Charlestown Sarsfields U16 team enjoyed decisive 5-10 to 1-6 victory over Kiltimagh in the latest round of fixtures in the East Mayo U16A championship played at Gilmartin Park, Kiltimagh recently. The Sarsfields had too much power, pace and class throughout the field and had the scorers in the final third to do the business with Ryan McDonagh and Shea Haran among the goal scorers. The Sarsfields were full value for their victory and look in prime shape to have a real cut at winning a championship that has a very competitive look about it.
Adult swimming lessons take place every Thursday evening while open swims run every day from 2-5pm. Lane swims every weekday from 7-7.50pm. Morning lanes are also available on Tuesday-Friday from 7.10-8am. All swims can be booked via the Swimming Pool Facebook page or visit www.charlestownaquacentre.com for the latest updates.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2000 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, July 8, and the four numbers drawn were as follows; 1, 3, 7 and 28. The following were the winners of the 3 x €20 weekly prizes; Susan Feeney, Zac Brennan and Edward Colleran.
The death took place at the Ballinamore Nursing Home, Kiltimagh, recently of Martin Jennings, Barnacogue. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Tample Cemetery Mass takes place on Sunday, July 28, at 3pm.
Charlestown Sarsfields lost out to Kiltimagh in a keenly contested East Mayo U14A final played at the Connacht Centre of Excellence recently. There was little or nothing between the teams for most of an entertaining hour’s football but the Kiltimagh lads held on to come through on a 2-5 to 2-2 scoreline with the Sarsfields just coming up short having given everything they possibly could in a game of tight margins. Goals from Adam Doherty and Dylan Pilcher kept the Sarsfields afloat right to the final whistle but Kiltimagh were that little bit better and had enough in the locker to withstand a stubborn and persistent Sarsfields that never went away but ultimately came up short in the final analysis.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar Charlestown on Sunday, July 7. Podsie and The Gripper fought out another exciting instalment in the weekly classic. With Gus on duty at the ochie Boom Boom stepped in to fill his big shoes and this he did with aplomb as he took to the role of match referee like a duck to water. Gus got his bid for glory off to a great start winning the first set with double eighteen in the fourth leg getting him on the board and doing wonders for his confidence levels. Podsie, wounded by his first set no show, hit back as only he can and raced away with the next two sets to silence the red marauder and put him firmly back in his box. The fourth set was a grind as both men hit some flat spots but Gus looked in pole position to win it when he led two legs to one and had two darts at double top in the fourth. He missed with both however paving the way for Podsie to step forward and take the leg with three darts in his quiver as he took aim at double sixteen. He needed only one and this set him up nicely for the deciding leg as he began with the advantage of the darts. He opened with two ton pluses which heaped huge pressure onto Gus to respond. He did his best but Podsie took the game away from him with a 140 as he galloped to the double with the red man trailing in his wake.
The top seed stepped forward with 66 left on his scorecard. He nailed treble 10 with his first dart which left him with two darts at double eighteen as hush descended on the auditorium in anticipation. Podsie released the dart with customary conviction and it never deviated from its flight path as it pierced the centre of the bed to send his large band of supporters into raptures of delight. Gus, while forlorn and broken in demeanour, was most magnanimous in defeat and shook the hand of his opponent warmly as Podsie clinched another title to underline his status and pedigree as the best.
