Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields county final triumph 25 years on.
David Tiernan, skipper of the Sarsfields historic county final success of 2001 pictured holding the Moclair Cup in the presence of two late great Sarsfields stalwarts John Joe Casey and Ernie Salmon.
September 29, 2001, marked the 25th anniversary of the Sarsfields historic county final success when they defeated Knockmore (after a replay) at McHale Park to set in chain wonderful celebrations that spilled over into every corner of the town and surrounding communities and townlands.
The success came 99 years after the Sarsfields only previous triumph in 1902 and came against the head if you like as the green and white had struggled to make any impression in the senior championship since 1992 when they were, ironically enough, defeated by Knockmore in that year’s decider.
While they did win the County Intermediate title in 1993 and a senior league title in 1995 and played out an epic four game saga in round one with Garrymore also in 1995 (which they lost by a point in game four), the years in between made for lean pickings as first round exits were very much the order of the day with losses to Castlebar Mitchels, Ballintubber, Ballina Stephenites (twice), Mayo Gaels, Ballaghaderreen stinging for all that were involved in the club at the time as the team struggled to make any kind of an impact in the blue riband of club football in the county. That said, it must be remembered the competition had a straight knock-out format in the 1980’s, 1990’s and early 2000’s with clubs given just one chance to make an impact and this was very much the mood music that prevailed at the outset of 2001 when expectations were low and pretty glum it must be said.
The draw, when it was made, didn’t bring much in the way of good news as the Sarsfields were paired against recently crowned All-Ireland, Connacht and County champions Crossmolina Deel Rivers with the Sarsfields totally written off by everyone and anyone with just a basic knowledge of the club scene in Mayo. There wasn’t a person in the town or community who gave the Sarsfields a snowball’s chance in hell of taking down the champions but something clicked on the day with the Sarsfields, inspired by wonderful performances from skipper David Tiernan and Aidan Higgins as well as a host of young guns who propelled the Sarsfields to a famous victory as they took down the champions on an amazing afternoon on a scoreline of 0-11 to 0-8.
There were great scenes in O’Hara Park at the final whistle but emotions calmed in the aftermath with Castlebar Mitchels next up on the roster and this presented a different sort of challenge with the history and aura of the Mitchels playing on the minds of a young Sarsfields team as they fell over the line in an unconvincing performance coming out on the right side, however, of a 1-11 to 0-12 scoreline.
Next up was a clash against Hollymount, a team the Sarsfields traditionally struggled to deal with as they always brought plenty of brawn and power to the table and tended to dominate contests between the two especially when it came to the afore-mentioned. The Sarsfields travelled to the Saucer quietly confident that they could lay their hooddo to rest and this they duly did and in some style as they walloped the South Mayo men in an emphatic display of stylish football with the score reading 3-14 to 0-7 in their favour.
The semi-final pitted them against Garrymore, another team who the Sarsfields always had great difficulty in beating as they had a warrior like spirit about them and were undefeated against the town stretching back any number of meetings. The green and white men matched fire with fire however and never took a backward step and wore the Garry men down in the second half with their pace and speed over the ground firing them to a 1-13 to 0-10 victory.
The stage was set for a showdown with Knockmore in a county final that was played against the backdrop of the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York just five days previously. The Sarsfields were tipped by many to win with a few points to spare having shown the better form in qualifying for the showpiece. Knockmore, however, are always a hard nut to crack and while the Sarsfields played the better brand of football, the saffron and blue scored two goals at key moments with the game ending in a draw as the score read 0-11 to 2-5 with the Sarsfields relieved to have escaped having been under the cosh in the final frantic few minutes.
The narrative going into the replay was that the Sarsfields had missed the boat and that Knockmore steeled by their dogged, determined display the first day, would improve significantly to send the Sarsfields packing and prolong their wait for a coveted county title. Charlestown, flipped the script however, and played some superb football as they stuck to their traditions and values, moving the ball swiftly between the lines with the second half in particular seeing them cut loose as they galloped to an impressive 2-16 to 0-8 victory.
Cue celebrations, elation and hysteria as a team, town community and parish raced onto the field to celebrate a success that unleashed days and nights of celebration and joy with people dining out on the success and the enormous impact it had on people of all ages and cohorts. Captain David Tiernan delivered a magnificent speech as he touched all the right chords and there was huge emotion and passion in the air when he hoisted the Moclair Cup high into the crisp evening sky as this was the manifestation of a journey that began back in the wet, dreary, cold January evenings when county titles seemed as far away as Mount Everest for a much maligned group of players who put their heads down and answered every question that was asked of them on a glorious journey to the summit of club football in Mayo.
The home coming was special as hundreds of cars joined a cavalcade that stretched for miles with the town heaving with excitement, joy and laughter as people forgot about the daily grind and struggles and supped out of that fountain of gaiety that permeated into every nook and cranny of the community and beyond.
It’s amazing to think that twenty five years have passed since that seminal victory and the club think of absent friends, many of whom have passed on to their eternal reward but consoled by the fact that they were around to see the Sarsfields scale the summit and bring the Moclair Cup back to a town that had been through some tough times and known some dark days. A couple of great geals and players who are no longer with us - men like Colm Horkan and Michael Byrnes, two outstanding Sarsfields players who would revel in the twenty five year celebrations and who were front and centre of many memorable successes at underage and senior levels throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. Colm featured in the drawn final and sustained an injury which prevented him from lining out in the replay. He was, however, a big presence in the dressing room and always commanded great respect whenever he spoke or imparted words of advice and wisdom. They were two pillars of the club and Charlestown Sarsfields will cherish their memories and honour their contributions as they get ready to be feted at the 2026 county final which takes place in a couple of weeks.
The club continues to drive on but this team and the brilliant players that had paved the way for a new generation with the likes of Paul Towey, Thomas Parsons and many more brought up and reared on the successes this group achieved with their county and Connacht final victories reigniting happiness and favourable reflections a quarter of a century on.
The group remains a tight knit one and there are plans afoot to celebrate the occasion with a number of trips and functions already in the offing as the club gets ready to honour a super group of men who went on a journey and crusade that still brings a smile to all who were involved.
More next week on the Connacht campaign and the international dimension and how Charlestown people came home from all corners of the globe to support the team and share in their epic journey.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday, September 23, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Tom Ginty and Hilary McDonagh, 2nd Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, 3rd James Mooney and Mary O’Connell; and 4th Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne. The game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown.
The Halloween Children’s Disco takes place on Friday, October 30, in the CBD Sports Complex, Lowpark, Charlestown, from 6pm-7.30pm. The disco is hosted by the East Mayo Athletics Club and admission is €5 per child €10 per family maximum. Fancy Dress is optional. There will be a tuckshop available on the night.
The death took place at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar of Bea McGowan, Tavneena, Charlestown. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
The Yarn Tales - Knit, Crochet and Embroidery Group meet every Thursday from 10.30am-1pm at the Charlestown Pastoral Centre, Lopwark. All are welcome and for more information contact Pamela on 089 4795664.
The adult Arts and Craft Group meet every Wednesday from 11am-1pm at the Arts Centre and all are welcome.
Charlestown minor ladies lost out to a very good Westport team in the county minor A final played at the Centre of Excellence, Bekan recently. The final score read 4-18 to 6-2 in favour of the Westort ladies which tells only half the story and reflects a little harshly on the Sarsfields overall effort as they went out on their shields and more than matched their opponents in what was an enthralling encounter with goals very much the order of the day on both sides.
The Sarsfields went into the contest as big underdogs as Wesport have a very strong group at this age level but the Sarsfields were in no mood to back down or shy away and possessed a real goal threat in their ranks which kept their challenge buoyant and alive for most of the hour.
Westport threatened to pull away from the Sarsfields on several occasion but the green and white girls had a real goal threat about them and scored at the most opportune of times to stay on the coattails of the victors who could never rest easily on their laurels as the Sarsfields kept coming back and kept the winners honest right to the final whistle.
The Sarsfields goal threat owed much to a slick forward line who took practically every opportunity that came their way with three players - Alisha Gallagher, Siofra McGuinness and Mikayla McLoughlin all grabbing a brace each with their pace, and eye for a score providing all kinds of problems for a Westport defence that never had a moment’s peace throughout.
The Sarsfields defence found it difficult to contain a fleet footed Westport forward line which made for a gripping contest as play ebbed and flowed with the goals providing plenty of drama and excitement for both sets of supporters.
The Sarsfields can console themselves in the knowledge they left everything on the field of play and did the jersey proud. They have many more good days ahead of them in the future when the results will read positively in their favour providing they maintain their commitment and application which was never less than first class throughout the season.
A word for the management team of Michael McLoughlin, Martina Cullen, Susan Gallagher and Karena Finn who got the very best out of the talent available to them and had the girls in great shape as they played to their very optimum and were unfortunate to run into a team that had that little bit more depth in terms of quality and talent available to them.
Johnny’s Bar are running a pool competition on Friday nights kicking off at 8pm. There is a €5 entry fee with a €100 top prize on offer to the winner. It’s sure to draw a large crowd with plenty of pool hustlers in the area only too willing to pit their potting skills against the best that’s out there. Take note and get your cue polished and your tip filed with plenty of top-class fare sure to be on view.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €5700 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, September 28, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 2, 15, 24, and 25. The winners of the 3 x €20 prizes were as follows; Declan Haran, Stephen Walsh and Carla Doyle.
The jackpot in the latest draw held on Monday, October 5, was €5800. Tickets are on sale in a number of outlets in the Curry and Charlestown communities and cost €2 or 3 for €5 and the draw can also be played online via the club’s Facebook page.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €23,900 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, September 27, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 8, 12, 25, and 32. The winners of the €50 prizes were; Adrian O’Toole (online), Ann Holton (annual ticket), and Pól Molloy (lucky dip).
The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on Sunday, October 4, was €24,000. Tickets are on sale in a number of outlets in the community and cost €2 or 3 for €5 and the club thank everybody who supported their weekly draw.
New and returning members are welcome to join the parish choir. No experience is required. The practice takes place every Thursday at 7pm in the Parish Church. Enquiries to Carmel on 086 3271196.
The Legion of Mary meeting takes place every Wednesday evening at 7pm in St James’ Church, Charlestown. All are welcome and for more information contact Phil on 086 3946233.
Friends of Carmel are gathering at Holy Hill Hermitage (F91 CA24) on Saturday, October 17, from 10am-4pm. To book email friendsofcarmel@gmail.com.
The bereavement course presented by Monica Morley, broadcaster at Midwest Radio is due to commence Tuesday, November 3, at the Newman Institute. The cost of the course is €60 and will run for the 4 Tuesday nights in November. To book a place phone 096 72066 or email reception@newman.ie.
Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Tommy Woods, Lurga, Charlestown, who celebrated his seventieth (70th) birthday recently. Tommy is a good advert for someone who has joined the septuagenarian ranks and continues to embrace life and all it brings on a daily and weekly basis. His family took him to dinner and I’m sure there was a cake unveiled to commemorate the occasion with his son Alan very much involved in the celebrations and the organisation of the same. We hope Tommy enjoys all that his new status and ranks brings and wish him continued good health and happiness in the future as he looks forward to a new decade with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.
Charlestown Sarsfields and St. Jarlath’s played out a 2-9 a piece draw in division one of the county U17 league played in tough conditions at Fr O’Hara Park recently. Driving wind and rain made life extremely difficult for both teams but they made the best of it and served up an entertaining contest with little or nothing between them at any stage in both halves.
The Sarsfields secured their division one status on the back of this draw which was one piece of good business to emerge from a competition they had a decent chance of winning with last week’s narrow defeat to Balla ultimately costing them a place in the final. The Sarsfields were hoping to atone for last week’s agonising defeat and went about their work in typically industrious fashion as they are a very honest group and give of their all every time they take to the field.
St. Jarlath’s were worthy opponents though and the two teams were very evenly matched as evidenced from the final score with the Sarsfields goals coming from Shea Haran and Adam Hunt respectively. It was fitting that the spoils were shared and this brings to a conclusion a very busy season for a number of players who must have played the best part of 25/30 games at a number of different age grades and levels of competition.
Well done to the management team of Donal Healy, Vin Doherty, Gareth O’Donnell and Patrick Walsh who looked after the team and got the best out of them in each and every game.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25-drive game held in The Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday night, September 29, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Mary O’Hara, 2nd Darby Leonard and Breege Leonard. Raffle winners were; James Cafferty, Breege Leonard and Veronica McCarrick. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm in The Yeats County Inn, Curry and all are welcome.
The Charlestown Community Garden has closed for the season as the committee reflect on another wonderful year in this little piece of heaven on earth. They can be proud of their contribution with the garden drawing admiring glances from far and wide as they continue to develop and improve this lovely patch of ground which draws visitors from all corners of the community and beyond. Paddy Casey and his committee can take pride in all they achieved over the course of the last decade and more. They have increased their membership and brought people on board with lots of expertise in the harvesting, growing and developing of a variety of crops and produce which they look after and nurture with terrific care and attention with many of their vegetables being used and redistributed into the community.
Paddy and his committee are a very dedicated and hardy bunch, and they are at pains to point out the great cooperation and support they have received from the community at large who continue to provide assistance in any way they can. The committee will return stronger and fitter than ever in 2027 and hope to attract some new members but for now they can take a well earned rest and savour all they have achieved with 2026 being one of their best years ever in terms of produce and numbers coming through the gate with some new volunteers bolstering their numbers and bringing great energy, productivity and graft to the group.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday, September 27, as Podsie and Boom Boom locked horns in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. Jovial John was in top form in his role as referee and kept a tight rein on the two men as he ensured good law and order prevailed throughout.
Podsie was in imperious form and barged his way into a two set lead thanks to some marvellous finishing as he scarcely missed a double such was his laser like accuracy. Boom Boom could find no answers as he traipsed to the ochie to begin set three with a very glum expression dominating his facial features.
Things improved slightly for the number four seed as he took the opening leg but Podsie hit back to win the next two as he continued to exude control in every facet with his remarkable consistency around the treble twenty bed accounting for much of his dominance.
The fourth leg was the clincher for the top seed as he raced away with it courtesy of a maximum and ton forty with Boom Boom trailing a long way behind. Podsie came to the ochie with three darts in his hand and double eighteen seemingly at his mercy. He needed only one as his first dart pierced the centre of the green baize to clinch a three-nil whitewash with Boom Boom stunned into silence as he once again left his best form in the locker room.
Both men shared a warm embrace and chatted long into the night which concluded another victory for the champ, his sixteenth of a terrific campaign as he continues to set new standards in excellence and consistency.
A darts competition takes place in Murray’s Bar, The Square, Charlestown every Friday night kicking off at 9.30pm. Free entry with a €30 bar tab available to the winner.
