Local Notes: Charlestown Organic Community Garden is now open for new season.
Some of the hardworking volunteers from the Charlestown Organic Community Garden preparing for the new season.
Charlestown Organic Community Garden is now open for the news season on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons at 2pm. The committee have been busy in the last number of weeks potting and planting the various many lovely and beautiful shrubs which will be in full bloom in high summer. The garden continues to occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of many in the community and has an online following all of its own with Paddy Casey and his hardworking team continuing to update and add to this little part of heaven on earth. The garden is always looking for volunteers and are at pains to thank the local businesses who helped and donated to their raised beds with special mention to Willie Doyle who put together the beds and built the splendid new compost bins which are on display in the garden.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €16,000 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, March 23, and the following were the four numbers drawn 16, 18, 27 and 32. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Gabrielle Griffin Gannon and Jimmy Haran. The latest jackpot increased to €16,100 and the draw was held on Sunday, March 30.
And so, after 27 years, theatre returned to the Town Hall Arts Centre in Charlestown on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8, with the newly reformed Charlestown Drama Group's production of Going Away; Echoes of Emigration. This production was a devised piece of theatre based on the theme of emigration, combining narration, music, song, two scenes from The Country Boy in honour of the centenary of the birth of its author John Murphy (late of Bellaghy) and the world premiere of a new play by Cinzi Lavin (whose father came from Charlestown) called Half an Hour in Heaven. It was a special night for the drama group as it reawakened the sleeping giant of drama in Charlestown. Playing to two sell-out, full-to-the rafter, houses created an extra buzz for the cast and crew. On this occasion too, the show went global, it was streamed live on Saturday night and was picked up by families and friends all over the world. Two notable guests joined this online audience – Cinzi Lavin watching in Brooklyn, New York and Fiona Murphy, daughter of John Murphy, joining the event from Chicago.
The newly formed drama team are very aware of the big shoes they must fill and are committed to honour the legacy of high-quality drama that was such a part of the identity of the town in the past. Both nights were a mix of nostalgia for the past achievements, remembering, through the exhibition of photos from the times past, the actors and shows that gave life to drama over the years. Both performances were full of hope for future ventures as the new group gets up and running. The legacy of the past will set the tone for the future and the group are very ambitious for the future.
So where does it go from here? While the group are anxious to get out on the drama festival circuit, they intend to stay local for the next while. The plan is to do two shows a year, one in November and one in late Spring. Work has already started on the search for two new one act plays for November 2025 as the next venture. To keep this going the group needs to grow. This is a call out to anyone who is interested in any aspect the drama world, actors, set designers and builders, costume enthusiasts, lighting designers and operators, prompters, front of house crew and support. If you have a talent or a skill or are just interested in taking part, there will be a place for you.
In order to build on the momentum of ‘Going Away’, the group will hold an AGM on Thursday, April 3. At this meeting all are welcome and anyone who wants to join the group are particularly welcome. If this date doesn`t suit, Thursday night is drama night from 8pm in the Arts Centre so just drop in any Thursday. Alternatively, simply message the group on Facebook. Readings for the November show will start on Thursday, May 24, at 8pm. Be sure of one thing –Drama is back in town so fasten your seat belts – the only way is up!
The death took place recently at St Attracta's Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown of John Martin Tiernan, Kilgarriff West, Charlestown. His remains were removed to St James' Church, Charlestown, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the Cemetery of the Resurrection. He is survived by his brother Padraig, sister Kathleen, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
The late John, who was pre-deceased by his parents Patrick and Kate, sisters Maureen and Mary Margaret, was a nice man with a kind and gentle nature. He had a deep love of the land and was at his happiest roaming the fields and tending to his livestock. He was a good neighbour to all in the village of Kilgarriff and was a character in the true sense of the word who lived his life in the best way he knew how. John was a good man with a decent nature and his passing is deeply regretted. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved. May he rest in peace.
The Sarsfields travel to Bonniconlon to take on the locals in division 4 of the county minor league on Tuesday (this evening), April 1, with the throw-in confirmed for 6.30pm.
Tavneena NS are holding a 5k and 10k Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, April 5, at 11am, with registration at 10am. The run/walk starts from the school (F12R232) and costs €10 per person or €20 per family. Refreshments will be served afterwards. For more information log onto www.tavneenans.scoilnet.ie or check out the Tavneena NS Facebook page.
Charlestown Sarsfields U16 team began their division two league campaign with a resounding 7-14 to 2-8 victory away to Crossmolina Deel Rovers in round one played at Deel Rovers home ground recently. The Sarsfields were in control from the throw-in and had a real cutting edge up front with the attack in sizzling form as they ran the Deel Rovers defenders ragged with their pace, movement and interplay causing untold damage as evidenced from the score board. Goals from Sean Breheny with a brace, Ethan Honeyman who also bagged two with Dylan Pilcher, Shea Haran and Danny Breheny weighing in with one each made it a comfortable afternoon for the Sarsfields management as the team played with a real sense of purpose and conviction.
They hammered out a warning to all the other teams in the division that they are one of the real contenders for league honours with each and every line working in sync with the forward line sparkling with some real menace and danger every time they received the ball.
A free taster class of Yoga will be held on Tuesday (today), April 1, at 7.30pm at Carracastle Community Centre. For more information and to book your place, contact Sophie at 083 4798831.
A Music Circle with John and Isabela will be held on Monday, April 14, from 7-8.30pm at Carracastle Community Centre. Attendees are welcome to sing, play an instrument, recite a poem or simply listen. Free to attend. Tea and refreshments will be served and all are welcome.
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. All details regarding entry and races available to participate in can be found by logging onto the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook Page with further updates available in this column in the days and weeks ahead.
Charlestown Sarsfields minor team got their division 4 league campaign off to a losing start as they suffered an agonising 3-7 to 2-9 defeat to near neighbours Swinford in a cracking encounter played at Robert McCallion Park, Swinford recently. This was a game of tight margins all through with both teams evenly matched in all the key areas of the pitch. The Sarsfields will be disappointed to have lost out as they led the game pretty much from gun to tape but coughed up 1-2 in the closing minutes having led by four heading down the stretch. The home side hung in however and got those vital scores in the closing minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with the Sarsfields having to leave with nothing having made most of the running for the first fifty minutes. Credit to Swinford, they never gave up the ghost and their tenacity and spirit was rewarded with a flurry of scores late on to get their league campaign off to the best possible start with the Sarsfields left to rue on their late fade out.
The green and white did play with lots of promise however with Kacy Mannion and Cian Towey netting two good goals. They will be hoping for better luck in their next outing away to Bonniconlon on Tuesday (this evening), April 1, with the throw-in timed for 6.30pm.
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 and cans 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. 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.
ESB is recruiting electrical apprentices. Apply by Sunday midnight, April 6. Anyone born on or before June 1, 2008 can apply. It is a four year paid programme which combines college-based learning with hands-on experience. Gain an internationally recognized QQI Advanced Level 6 Electrical Trade Certificate and enjoy working indoors and outdoors. For more information and to apply, visit esbnetworks.ie/apprenticeships.
A Music and Yoga Camp takes place at Carracastle Community Centre from Monday, April 14 to Thursday, April 17 (inclusive) from 10am-1pm. Activities will include fun introduction to music and piano, mindfulness, relaxation and yoga. For more information contact Olivia on 085 1971372 or email o.sharkey@gmail.com.
The Sarsfields host Davitt Gaels in division 2 of the county U16 league on Thursday evening, April 3, with the throw-in timed for 6.30pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Swinford to take on the locals in the county uU14 development league on Saturday, April 5, with the throw-in timed for 11am.
Hard luck to Charlestown boxer Dan Moran who was beaten in his All-Ireland final bout recently. Dan was forced out on a blood stoppage which was unfortunate with the medical team ruling the bleed was too deep to continue. This was bad luck for Dan having boxed brilliantly to get this far. He came up against a very good opponent however who caught him with a tasty shot to the head which altered the flow of the contest with Dan more than holding his own as he matched his opponent blow for blow in an all-action contest. The cut remained an issue however into the next round despite the best efforts of the medical team to stem the flow.
Dan, while disappointed and gutted to lose, can be immensely proud of his display and performances overall in getting to the final which was a wonderful achievement and further recognition of the outstanding work being done by Darren Fahy, Alan Brennan and all involved in the coaching and training of Dan and all the boxers representing the Charlestown Boxing Club. Darren and Alan deserve great credit for their dedication and commitment as the club continues to go from strength to strength. Dan has a bright future ahead of him should be continue on the path he is on and I'm sure we will be hearing a lot more from him and the club in the months and years ahead as the club continues on an upward trajectory.
Well done to the Charlestown Sarsfields U16 girls who defeated Castlebar Mitchels in division 1 B of the county U16 league with the Sarsfields coming out the right side of a 5-11 to 5-7 score line. The Sarsfields looked in dire trouble at half-time as they were well behind a very strong and authoritative Mitchels side who looked to be in pole position to kick on and record a comfortable victory. The Sarsfields girls came out for the second half a totally different unit as they thundered into the game and reeled in their opponents with a flurry of goals altering the complexion of the scoreboard entirely as the green and white girls assumed control.
It was a terrific second half performance from all associated with the green and white with the Mitchels shell shocked it must be said as they struggled to cope with the fire and brimstone the Sarsfields threw at them in the second half. It was a fine start to the season for the team and management and one which augurs well for the remainder of the campaign as there are some stellar talents in this team and group.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh's Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday March 10, at 8pm, and the following were the prizewinners;1st Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne, 2nd Michael and Patricia Brennan, 3rd Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 4th Carmel Moffitt and Hilary McCrohan.
The following were the winners of the 25 Drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, March 25, at 9pm; 1st Joe Mahon and Kevin Maloney, 2nd Nancy Brennan and Teresa McIntyre. Raffle winners were; Breege Leonard, Nancy Brennan and Mary Costello
Well done to the Caiseal Gaels trio of Oisin Duffy, Killian Gallagher and Matthew Connor who have all been included as part of the Mayo U20 Hurling panel for the forthcoming U20 league and championship. All three have enjoyed excellent underage careers with Caiseal Gaels starring at all grades and levels with their strong form at club level bringing them to the attention of the county management. They have also been a key part of the Caiseal Gaels junior team who have been contending for honours at junior level in Mayo and they are expected to make a bold bid for inclusion in the team if they can avoid injuries and show some good form in training and challenge matches.
The lads are wished well as they look to take the next step in their promising careers with all in the Caiseal Gaels club immensely proud of their achievements as they get ready to don the county jersey which is due reward for the many endless hours of good coaching they have received from all associated with the Caiseal Gaels club who continue to make big strides in hurling at all grades and levels in the county.
The quarter-finals of the Honour of the Village competition are due to take place in the coming week with lots of anticipation around the draw for the dame. Reigning champions Glann/Sinolane have been imperious to date having recorded comfortable victories in their opening two fixtures which leads one to believe they are long odds on to retain their title. Hagfield, Lowpark, Curry and Lavey Beg all remain in contention however and there's lots of arrows to be fired yet as darts enthusiasts within and outside the community whet their appetites for some cracking action in the coming days and weeks with host Grainne and Gus Marren expecting lots of drama, thrills and spills at the ochie as the countdown to the final gets underway in earnest.
There will be a full results service and draw news in next week's column as the action prepares to resume with lots of reputations on the line in what promises to be an intriguing couple of weeks of action.
Charlestown, Bellaghy and Districts Development Association's next Community Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, April 4, from 11am-1pm in the Arts Centre. Lift access available. All are welcome for a cuppa and a chat.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot €3,300 in the weekly draw held on Monday, March 24, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 10, 16, 21 and 26. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; Mary McCarrick, Brid Colleran and John Durkan. The jackpot in the latest draw held on last night, Monday, March 31, was €3400.
Would you like to run, walk or jog in the Western People Women's Mini-Marathon in Castlebar on Sunday, May 4, or the VHI Women's Mini-Marathon in Dublin on Sunday, June 1? 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, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday, March 23, as Podsie and the Duke rolled back the years and fought out an epic contest in the latest instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus had little enough to do as both men concentrated on the darts which made for a gripping spectacle with a huge crowd present and in full voice too which contributed to the magnitude of the occasion.
The Duke blasted his way to the first two sets with some spectacular scoring and clinical finishing with Podsie utterly unable to stem the rising Divilly tide. The champion's goose looked cooked ahead of the start of the third with the Duke in total charge. It's always foolhardy to write off Podsie, however as he has made many a scribe eat their words on so many occasions and this was yet another time when his class, brilliance and teak tough spirit came soaring to the surface. He wrestled control of the match away from his great rival with some thrilling darts as he reeled off six legs in a row to square the match and leave it beautifully poised at two sets apiece with the Duke bearing a bewildered look as he wondered where or how he had been taken to a deciding set.
Podsie continued to exude control, taking the opening leg of set five with a terrific treble ten, double 16 blast. He took the next leg as well as the Duke floundered in his wake with the game looking well and truly up for the number two seed. His obduracy and spirit however refused to let the game drift in a tame defeat and stirred himself to take the next two legs and set up a single leg shootout with Podsie tipping his hand in recognition of the Duke's indomitable spirit. Podsie had the advantage of the darts in the final leg and started well banging in two-ton pluses to heap the pressure back on his opponent. The Duke refused to be cowed however and blasted back with a maximum and 140 to shift the balance of power back in his favour. Podsie again responded with a 135 to win the race to the double albeit he had 156 on his ledger. The Duke, in contrast, had 88 left to mull over and got off to the great start banging in treble twenty with his first dart as the crowd threatened to erupt in a frenzy. This left him with two darts at double fourteen the first of which hit the wire with the crowd on their feet in anticipation of victory. This left him with one dart at the double as he paused for reflection. He released his final dart and it never deviated from its intended target as it landed plum in the centre of double fourteen to ignite wild scenes of celebration with Podsie once again showing his class and grace as he hugged the victor and shared a warm embrace with him. The Duke was elated to have garnered his third title of the season and stepped onto the winner's rostrum to take the full claim of his loyal band of supporters.
