Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields are East Mayo U14A championship winners.
The victorious Charlestown Sarsfields team and panel following their superb victory over Moy Davitts in the East Mayo U14A championship played at the Connacht Centre of Excellence
Charlestown Sarsfields U14’s fairytale season added another stunningly successful chapter with a superb 2-10 to 1-6 victory over Moy Davitts in the final of the East Mayo U14A championship played at the Centre of Excellence, Bekan recently. The Sarsfields have had a glorious couple of months as they added an East Mayo A title to their Division 3 League victory which was achieved only a few short weeks ago.
The Sarsfields brought that momentum into the East Mayo championship as they swept aside all opposition with some wonderful displays culminating in this fantastic victory on the biggest stage of the lot against a team who were competing in a higher division in the county league.
The first half saw a real tussle for control and supremacy with the Sarsfields holding their composure well having conceded an early goal. They fought their way back into the game and had a slight edge at half-time as they led 0-6 to 1-2 The second half was expected to be fought along similar battle lines but the Sarsfields, refreshed from the half-time break, tore into their opponents and got some early scores to put Moy Davitts on the back foot. An unfortunate own goal from a Moy Davitts defender provided the Sarsfields with just the fillip to kick on and this they did with utter conviction as they put the show down and made their play for home.
The Moy Davitts lads just couldn’t get their hands on the ball as the Sarsfields took control of all the key pressure points and played with a confidence and authority that was refreshing to see. A Sean Cassidy goal ten minutes from time was the icing on the cake if you like and there was no way back for Moy Davitts as the green and white closed out the game in admirable fashion with the final whistle igniting great celebrations in the Sarsfields camp as players, management and supporters celebrated in unison.
The management team of Neil O’Connor, Noel Gallagher, James Breheny, Michael Doherty and Ritchie Haran who have done a marvellous job with this group and got the very best out of them from the get-go. The lads have worked the oracle in every way and improved the skills and conditioning of the lads with their fitness levels a testament to the huge amount of work that was invested in a strength and conditioning and nutrition programmes in the off season.
A well deserved victory for a group and panel of players that never stopped improving from the very first training session and competitive game they played since the beginning of spring. They listened to their management team and heeded every word of advice they were given and have been on some winning run which speaks volumes for their commitment, It was a fine overall team effort with every player performing to the optimum of their abilities. Special mention to Fionn Drury who was outstanding with James McCann, Sean Cassidy and Mikey Larkin equally as good as the Sarsfields celebrated their first East Mayo A title in six years which is quite the long wait for a club that were winning them regularly back in the day.
Another great night for Bord na n-Óg who are doing trojan work at all levels underage with this latest triumph a culmination of all their doing in terms of coaching and equipping the lads with the skills to get across the line at this level.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €17,500 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, July 6, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 3,18, 24 and 34. The winners €50 weekly prizes were John Paul Doherty and Vera and Peter Tiernan. The latest jackpot increased to €17,600 and the draw was held on Sunday, July 13.
The death took place in Boston, USA recently of Brendan Morrisroe, formerly of Church Street, Charlestown. He is survived by his wife Leta, daughter Lara, brother Tom and sister Rosaleen, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends. The late Brendan who was pre-deceased by his parents Pat and Molly, brothers John and Anthony, sister Frances, was a much respected and admired member of the Boston and Charlestown communities where he had forged many strong links and friendships. He was a kind and decent man with a strong sense of family about him. He was proud of his Charlestown and Mayo roots and enjoyed his visits back to the town catching up with family and his many friends from his childhood times.
Brendan represented the Charlestown Sarsfields Club with distinction at underage and adult level. Indeed, he was a key member of the victorious county junior championship team of 1963 where he lined out at centre-field and was a powerful abrasive player who played a starring role in the club’s wonderful victory over Hollymount. Brendan was a towering figure with a terrific pair of hands who looked destined for great things on the playing fields but like many before and after him, he left for the US, the day after the county final triumph to start a new life for himself. His loss to the Sarsfields was huge but he made a new start in Boston and worked long and hard to create a good life for himself and his family.
Brendan knew the value of a good day’s work for a good day’s pay and was never one to shirk his duties and responsibilities when it came to hard work. His death has caused great sadness and sorrow on both sides of the pond as he was a good man in the true sense of the word. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
Congratulations are extended to Michael Marren, son of Andrew and Fiona Marren Hagfield, Charlestown who celebrated his coming of age with a party for family and friends in Murray’s Bar, The Square, Charlestown recently.
The Sarsfields travel to Breaffy to take on the locals in the U14 Development Championship on Saturday, July 19, with the throw-in timed for 11am.
The Sarsfields open their U14B championship campaign with a home fixture in Fr O’Hara Park against Claremorris on Monday, July 21, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Swinford to take on the locals in the county U16 development championship on Sunday, July 20, with the throw-in timed for 11am.
The Sarsfields travel to Foxford to take on Moy Davitts in the U12 Summer League on Wednesday, July 16, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
Charlestown Sarsfields renaissance at underage level continues as they blasted their way to an impressive 7-10 to 1-9 victory over Swinford in the East Mayo U16C Development final played at Fr O’Hara Park recently. The performance was every bit as emphatic as the final score line would suggest as the Sarsfields took control of the game from the throw-in and had the finishers in attack who were ruthless when the chances came their way with goals very much on the minds of a very clinical forward line.
Goals from Adam Hunt, Adam Doherty and Ethan Honeyman provided the Sarsfields with the platform to build a good lead and this they duly did as they went into the interval with a 3-4 to 1-4 lead which was due reward for their overall level of dominance.
The Sarsfields were in no mood to surrender control and began the second half as they finished the first with two goals in quick succession dashed any fanciful hope Swinford had of mounting a comeback. Goals from Adam Hunt and Adam Doherty were expertly taken with both lads showing wonderful composure when the chances came their way.
Swinford, to their credit, continued to battle but the goals they needed to ignite their challenge never came as the Sarsfields defence stepped up and sealed off all routes to goal in commanding fashion. Further goals from Oisin Durkan and Adam Dohety put the seal on a very good and composed Sarsfields performance as their better players came to play and this was the biggest difference between the two teams in the final analysis.
The Sarsfields had heroes all over the pitch with the goalkeeper Tadhg Murphy receiving great cover from a combative back six containing Rory Kilroy, Jack Burke, Leon McCann Traynor, Cian Casey, Brian Egan and Darragh Shryane. The midfield duo of Blaine Doyle and James Cassidy were a towering presence throughout while in attack the Sarsfields held all the aces with hat-trick hero Adam Doherty ruthless in front of goal with Adam Hunt every bit as good and prolific while Ethan Honeyman, Oisin Durkan Jack Healy and Rory Egan were bundles of energy throughout as they worked tirelessly to get the ball into the hands of the shooters.
Well done to the management team of Donal Healy, Vinny Doherty, Mark Caffrey, Ciaran McBrien and Paddy Breheny who have worked wonders with a very committed and good group of players with the lads doing a terrific job in the coaching and training of lads who have come on in leaps and bounds under their excellent tutelage.
Johnny’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, is hosting a champions league style pool competition in the coming weeks. Sixteen players are taking part in format with the winner taking home a trophy plus €100 while the runner-up will receive a runners-up trophy and €50. There will be a full results service in next week’s column with all eyes trained on Johnny’s Bar as we look to see who will be crowned the champion and take the mantle of best player.
Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Nigel Cassidy, son of Noel and Una Cassidy, Park View, Charlestown, who celebrated his thirtieth birthday with a party for family and friends in Johnny’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, recently. People came from all corners to pay homage to Nigel on the occasion of his thirtieth with plenty of food, craic and music doing the rounds well into the night. Nigel was in top form as he took the plaudits of his many friends and peers, and the cake was a sumptuous offering with all thirty candles standing tall and occupying every spare piece of the summit and perimeter. Nigel is in good shape as he gets ready to embrace all that thirty can throw at him and we wish him continued good health and happiness in the future and many more celebrations of this nature in the future.
The East Mayo Athletics Club have are running a nice competition at the moment as they continue to raise funds in aid of their track development plans. They are offering two Oasis premium tickets for the band’s Croke Park Concert on Sunday, August 17, with entry by way of the East Mayo Athletic Club Facebook page where you can click and follow the link or they have cards in a number of shops and businesses in the community with each line costing €5 with five available for €20. The club would appreciate your support with demand for the tickets sky high now as the Oasis tickets remains the hottest ticket in town so to speak. The winner will be announced on Sunday, July 27, so get you entry in fast as we count down to some Roll With It and Wondewall which will be belting out before a full house in Croke Park on the Sunday night in question.
On Friday, June 27, St Attracta’s Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown, hosted its annual summertime Wild West Barbeque. The barbeque is a mainstay in the summer calendar of St Attracta’s Residence and always brings and attracts a welcome wave of visitors. This year’s theme was Country and Western. Live music was provided by Padraig McNeela and he kept everyone entertained with his own brand and medley of tunes.
The food was of its usual high standard with a fantastic spread laid on by the catering team as they dug deep into their barbequed flavours recipe books. The dance floor was kept busy with a few visitors joining in to some well known and sing-a-long tunes which went down a real treat with all present. The staff are known to comment that each particular year of the barbeque is the best but all were unanimous in their agreement that the 2025 version was the best yet. Thank you to everyone who contributed to make this event so much fun and such a resounding success and memorable for all lucky enough to be in attendance. The Residence is already eagerly looking forward to the 2026 renewal.
Charlestown Sarsfields U16 team maintained their unbeaten record in the East Mayo U16A championship as they powered their way to a 5-13 to 3-6 victory over Swinford in the latest round of fixtures played at Fr O`Hara Park recently. The Sarsfields were on it from the start and put the visitors on the back foot with some excellent play as the forward line sparkled on the back of a harvest of possession that the green and white won at midfield with Sean Breheny imperious in the engine room. Goals from the ever prolific Danny Breheny with a brace and Oisin Durkan left the Sarsfields in poll position at half-time leading 3-8 to 1-3 with Swinford playing second fiddle in almost every position on the pitch. The Sarsfields continued the second half where they left off the first and kept the scoreboard ticking over in their favour.
Swinford kept at it and did manage to breach the Sarsfields rearguard for two good goals of their own in the second half which kept the Sarsfields minds on the job as their concentration wavered for a short spell which led to a Swinford mini-revival of sorts.
The Sarsfields picked up the baton once again however and arose from their slumber of sorts with Shea Haran firing home batch of goals to push the Sarsfields lead out to double digits and leave the visitors comeback hopes in a heap. The green and white managed the game out well following Haran’s double with this victory leaving them in good shape to make the final of a competition they look nailed on to win.
They are a good side with lots of power, skill and pace in every line which gives them real balance with some exceptional talents driving the side forward and giving them that x-factor that separates the good side from the rest. Their next outing is at home to St Jarlath’s with a victory ensuring qualification for the East final proper.
The annual Eugene McLoughlin Memorial Run takes place on Sunday, August 10. Registration takes place between11am -12.30pm at McLoughlin’s Bar. All proceeds are in aid of CROI, with music from 3pm till late with Pat’s Country Roadshow, Sean Fahy and Chloe Sweeney. Kiddies Fun Run will also be held on the day. Bring your pedal bikes, go-karts and tractors. A monster auction will take place after the run with all donations to CROI. More news in the coming weeks.
The next Community Coffee Morning takes place in the Arts Centre on Friday, August 1, from 11am-1pm. Lift access available. All welcome for a cuppa and a chat.
Charlestown Sarsfields ladies lost out to Burrishoole in round 2 of Division 1B of the county senior league played at Fr O’Hara Park recently. The Newport ladies prevailed on a score line of 3-12 to 0-7 which was an indication of the control they exerted on the game from start to finish.
The Sarsfields were somewhat depleted in their line-up shorn of their county contingent along with several more unavailable for selection for a myriad of reasons. They will be looking to pick up the winning trail once again in their next outing at home to Hollymount who are below them in the league table.
Aquababies class to help parents teach their little ones to swim are currently ongoing and taking place in the pool . Age groups are 6-23 months old and 2-4 years old. Bookings will open soon. For more information check out the Swimming Pool Facebook for all the latest news.
Prison Officer training is accredited by South-East Technological University (SETU) as the Higher Certificate of Arts in Custodial Care and reflects level 6 of the NQAI framework . South East Technological University was formed from the amalgamation of two existing institutes in the region –Carlow IT and Waterford IT. The 2025 Recruit Prison Officer competition will remain open until Friday, August 1. Information on the competition and how to apply available on https://bit.ly/45Zh5Tz.
There was a good turnout at the weekly summer bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, July 9, at 8pm, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Nuala and Richard White; 2nd Maria and Robert Wallace; 3rd Mike Wingrove and Tom Ginty; 4th Paddy and Patricia Colleran. Guest members from other clubs more than welcome.
The following were the winners of the weekly 25 drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday night, July 8 at 9pm; 1st Joe Mahon and Kevin Maloney, 2nd Darby Leonard and Breege Leonard. Raffle winners were Breege Leonard, Vera Scally and Darby Leonard Cemetery Mass.
Bushfield Cemetery Mass takes place on Sunday, August 10, at 9am.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2900 in the weekly draw held on Monday, July 7, and the following were four numbers drawn; 14, 15, 25 and 28. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes John A. Kennedy, Carmel McDonagh and Sherada Davey. The jackpot in the latest draw held on Monday, July 14, increased to €3000.
At the end of July, Fr Tommy Johnson retires as parish priest of Charlestown, having served here for twenty-two years. To mark his commitment and service to the community, Mass will be celebrated in St James` Church, Charlestown, on Sunday, July 27, at 6pm, followed by refreshments in the CBD Sports and Recreational Centre .To get ready for the occasion, cleaning of the church takes place on Thursday, July 24, from 7pm, with further preparations in the Sports Complex on Saturday. Volunteers welcome.
The annual Walk n Talk to remember Rónán Duffy’s Birthday will take place on Saturday, August 30 starting at 5pm from Benson’s, Rooskey. Further details nearer the date.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday, July 6, as Podsie and Boom Boom went head to head in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was classy as always in his role as match referee and ensured good sportsmanship always prevailed. Podsie was imperious in the opening two sets, blazing his way into a two-set lead with Boom Boom utterly powerless to stop the number one seed as he averaged over a ton when among the darts. His finishing was just as crisp with Boom Boom hardly getting a look at a double such was the rampant nature of Podsie’s form. Boom Boom gradually played himself into contention in the third set as Podsie’s level tapered off slightly. This was enough for Boom Boom to secure the set with double top in the third leg clinching it and leaving him with something to grab onto as the game extended into a fourth set. This was a real ding-ding affair with both men playing at the peak of their powers. They shared the first four legs which set up a final leg shootout with everything up for grabs in terms of victory and defeat. Like all great champions, it was Podsie who stood tallest when the pressure was at its greatest. He galloped to the double with some sizzling scoring with Boom Boom unable to match the numbers posted by the number one seed. Podsie strode to the ochie with 48 left on his sheet. He went the tried and trusted route, single sixteen followed by double sixteen and needed only one dart to hit the same as it nested in the corner of the bed to seal a terrific victory, his eighth of a stellar season and one he took great joy in savouring. Boom Boom was most gracious in defeat with both men sharing a warm embrace. Podsie remains the best and most consistent player on the circuit and one who continues to set high standards in terms of performance and sportsmanship.
