Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields lose to Ballina Stephenites in County Cup final.
Action from the recent county cup final which featured Charlestown Sarsfields and Ballina Stephenites with the Stephenites claiming their first trophy of 2025.
Charlestown Sarsfields opened their 2025 season at senior level with a final to play as they took on Ballina Stephenites in the 2024 County Cup final which was held over from last year. The Sarsfields have just resumed training in the past couple of weeks and they fielded a very experimental team with several young players getting their head so to speak in what was a decent enough contest played under the new rules.
There were a few teething problems with the rules which impacted on both teams but the quality in the main was quite good with the Sarsfields putting it up to the county champions and giving them plenty of it in a first half that saw twenty one scores in total with Ballina holding sway as they led 0-13 to 0-9.
The second half saw both teams grapple for supremacy with a goal from either side keeping things interesting right to the final ten minutes or so. Jack Mahon goaled for the Sarsfields to keep them well in touch but Ballina managed a major of their own to maintain their lead to two scores which provided them with enough of a cushion to hold on and keep the Sarsfields at bay. Ballina peppered the Sarsfields goal in the closing stages as they upped the level of their play, but Sarsfields keeper Kenneth Brennan pulled off some fine saves to thwart the Stephenites and prevent any further damage on the score.
The Sarsfields can take lots of positives overall from their display with Jack Mahon, Jack Corley, Paddy Goldrick, Niall Drudy, Thomas Goldrick, Ben Conway, Ruairi Cullen, Niall Murphy and Paddy Joe Dunleavy impressing and keeping the Sarsfields on the front foot at all times.
Next up for the Sarsfields is a home game against near neighbours Aghamore in the East Mayo Centenary Cup which gives them further chance to blood some more players and experiment in terms of their shape and line-up.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €15,800 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, March 9, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 6, 9, 15 and 19. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Sandra Lavin and Tommy Quinn. Next The latest jackpot increased to €15,900 and the draw was held on Sunday night, March 16.
The death took place recently at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, of John McManus, Barrack Street, Charlestown, and formerly of Barroe, Carracastle. His remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown, to St James’ Church, Carracastle, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the Cemetery of the Resurrection, Charlestown.
The late John is survived by his sons Francis, John Paul, Vincent and Derek, daughters Deirdre, Patricia and Catherine, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters Beatrice, Bernadette and Ann. The late John, who was pre-deceased by his parents Patrick and Helen, brothers Bernard and Patrick and sisters Mary and Kathleen, was a very popular member of the communities of Carracastle and Charlestown. He was a good man who lived his life in the best way he knew how. He was a dedicated father who enjoyed the regular interactions with his family and worked hard all his life and was a good provider. John was a good neighbour and friend to all and the large crowds who attended the removal of his remains and subsequent burial was ample proof and the esteem and affection in which he was held. John forged many great friendships in the area and his death robs the community of one of its best and nicest citizens. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
The death took place at the North West Hospice, Sligo recently of John (Justin) Peyton, Springfield, Ballincar, Sligo and formerly of Madogue, Swinford. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
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/€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.
A coffee morning to support Women’s Aid will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Wednesday, March 19 (tomorrow) from 11.45am. All welcome to come along and support a most worthy cause.
A free taster class of Yoga will be held on Tuesday, April 1, at 7.30pm at Carracastle Community Centre. For more information and to book your place, contact Sophie at 083 4798831.
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. The event is free to attend. Tea and refreshments served.
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 5th 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 host The Neale in Fr O’Hara Park in Division 2 of the county U16 league on Sunday morning, March 30, with the throw-in fixed for 11am.
The death took place at Galway University Hospital of Mai Mulligan, Cashel, Charlestown. Her remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown, to St James’ Church, Charlestown, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the Cemetery of the Resurrection. She is survived by her daughters Mary, Patricia and Ann, son John, sister Nora, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
The late Mai, who was pre-deceased by her husband John Joe, parents Pat and Mary, brother John, sister Patricia , son-in-law Dom Ruane and brother-in-law Jimmy Cassidy, was a lovely kind and gentle lady who much loves, respected and admired in the communities of Cashel and Charlestown respectively. She was a lady in the true sense of the word who worked hard all her life and was a good provider for her family. She had an innate sense of decency about her and always had a smile on display whenever you’d meet her in her daily and weekly interactions. Mai formed a good bond with her late husband John Joe and took each day on its merits and was never afraid to face down the challenges that life threw at her in whatever shape or form they arrived. She loved life and had a zest and enthusiasm for it right up until her final days.
Mai`s death leaves a void in the hearts and minds of all who knew her as she was such a presence in lives of many and made life better for all she interacted with. The communities of Cashel and Charlestown have lost a diamond, but she leaves many outstanding memories which her family will cherish and cling dear to in the deep, dark hours and days ahead. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved. May she rest in peace.
The death took place in London recently of Mary Teresa Gavaghan nee Henry, formerly of Tavneena, Charlestown, whose death occurred recently.
The Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club remind their members and supporters that membership for the new 2025 season is now due and can be made payable to any member of the executive cost €50. The closing date for payment of the same is March 31 and your co-operation in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
The death took place recently of Pat Flannery, Lavey Heights, Charlestown. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Support Your Club, 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 can 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.
The Achonry Pioneer Dinner Dance takes place on Friday, March 21, at 8pm in the Yeats County Inn, Curry. Pioneers and non-pioneers are welcome to attend. Music by the Duets and there will be a raffle on the night. Tickets cost €35 and are available by contacting 086 1660196.
ESB is recruiting electrical apprentices. Apply by Sunday midnight, April 6. Anyone born on or before June 1, 2008 can apply. Four year paid programme 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.
One of the LipSync participants the ‘Mums and Roses’ have a novel fundraiser on the go at the moment called the Cash Call raffle. €5 per entry, enter as many times as you like. Entrants must be 18+. Winner of the €500 pot will be called on Sunday, March 23, by answering their phone quoting ‘Mums and Roses Lip Sync Battle’. For more information and how to enter check-out the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook page.
A music and yoga camp takes place at Carracastle Community Centre from Monday, April 14 to Thursday, April 17 (inclusive) from 10am-1pm. It will be a fun introduction to music and piano, mindfulness, relaxation and yoga. For more information contact Olivia on 085 1971372 or email o.sharkey@gmail.com.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, March 5, at 8pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Michael Ryan and Tom Ginty; 2nd Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne; 3rd Paddy and Patricia Colleran; 4th Frances and Robert Healy 25- Card Drive.
The following were the winners of the 25 Drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday night, March 11; 1st Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally, 2nd Colm Gallagher and Mary O`Hara. Raffle winners were James Reidy, Darby Leonard and Veronica McCarrick. Game takes place every Tuesday night at at 9pm and all are welcome.
The Activator Pole and Chair Exercise class takes place in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 12 noon-1pm on Friday March 21st . Lift access available . All welcome, €2 fee.
Ballet and Acro Arts continues in the CBD Complex and Recreational Centre on Wednesday afternoons 3.45pm- 7.15pm.
A national youth retreat will take place at Knock Shrine on Thursday, May 8. Students from all over Ireland will gather at Knock Shrine to celebrate the life of Donal Walsh and to reflect on his message to ‘Live Life’. If you are interested in learning more about the day or registering a group, email youthministry@knockshrine.ie.
Beginner friendly Yoga and Meditation classes continues in Kilmovee Centre on Thursday morning from 10am-11am and costs €5. Space is limited so arrive early or call 089 2389351 / 094 9649484 to reserve your spot. Chair yoga and mat work make this class accessible to people of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities. Everybody can enjoy the benefits of yoga.
There was drama aplenty and no end of excitement in the latest round of matches played in the Honour of the Village competition hosted by Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown, with some cracking encounters taking place in the last week or so. First up was Hagfield (2) as they edged a titanic struggle with Curry (1) in a game that was laced with drama and thrills as both teams threw everything at each other in a bid to get over the line. It was Hagfield who prevailed however as they held their nerve in a thrilling final singles encounter to ensure their passage to the quarterfinals. Curry more than contributed to what was an epic spectacle with some missed doubles costing them dearly in the finish. The second game saw something of a surprise as last year’s beaten finalists Tavneena made their exit from the 2025 renewal as they fell to Lavey in another cracking encounter. Lavey held their nerve to emerge victorious on a 5-3 score line to clinch their place in the last eight with Tavneena left to rue some missed opportunities as they left plenty of doubles behind them in the singles matches. The final game saw Lowpark roll back the years as they toppled Hagfield’s first team in decisive fashion with the 5-1 score every bit as emphatic as it reads. Lowpark have some proven performers in their ranks, and they might well be the dark horses of the competition as they made short work of a much fancied Hagfield five who never got going truth to tell and struggled to make any kind of an impact against a well drilled and organised Lowpark squad who cruised through to the quarter-finals.
There are no games down for decision as hosts Gus and Grainne Marren conduct the draw for the quarterfinals with each and every team left in the competition fancying their chances of victory. The draw for the quarterfinals will be revealed in next week’s column as the darts public gear up for some exciting action with the standard of throwing to date being on a very high nature.
The draw for the 2025 county senior championship was made recently and the Sarsfields saw themselves pitted with Ballintubber, Ballaghaderreen and Claremorris respectively in what looks a juicy group to say the least with each game carrying plenty of plots and subplots. The Sarsfields haven’t played Ballintubber a lot in the championship in recent times with just two clashes between the sides to report of in the last number of years. The score stands at 1-1 with Ballintubber winning the last match between the sides which was played in 2016. The Sarsfields, in contrast, have a lot of history with Ballaghaderreen with most of it favouring Ballagh it must be said, though the Sarsfields did turn the dial in their favour in 2023 when they recorded a tight two-point victory over their neighbours to ensure qualification for the quarter finals. This was their first victory in seven attempts and this game is sure to draw a big crowd with the Sarsfields having home advantage in what looks a fascinating contest with Ballghdereen coming off the back of a semi-final appearance in 2024. The final game in the group sees the Sarsfields lock horns with Claremorris.
The South Mayo men are familiar foes with the two sides having played each other any number of times in the last thirty-five years and more. History favours the Sarsfields strongly in the head-to-head but Claremorris have some of the best and most exciting talent in their ranks at the moment which leads one to believe they will be strong favourites to bring the hoodoo to an end with the game fixed for a neutral venue with Ballyhaunis the most likely destination. The Sarsfields, with a new management team in place, have plenty to mull over on the back of the draw with a trip to Ballintubber first up which will be a key game as a victory in the opening contest always relieves the pressure somewhat and leaves everybody in the camp bouncing ahead of game two.
The Sarsfields are in the throes of their pre-season training as they look to put some shape on their squad ahead of the start of their division one league campaign with lots to play for in the weeks and months ahead as teams come to terms with their championship opponents and plot and plan accordingly.
U16
The Sarsfields travel to Crossmolina to take on the Deel Rovers lads in round one of the division 2 of the county U16 league on Sunday, March 23, with the throw-in timed for 11am.
East Mayo Athletics Club and East Mayo Special Olympics present Lip Sync Battles Ireland on Saturday, March 29, in the Park House Hotel, Kiltimagh, at 8pm. This promises to be a cracking night of fun, music, laughter and entertainment with both organisations very keen to make it a night to savour for all connected and involved. More news in the coming weeks but save the date and make sure you clear your diaries for what should be a cracking night of jollity and hilarity and one not to be missed under any circumstances.
The Sarsfields take on near neighbours Swinford in round one of division 4 of the county minor league in Fr O’Hara Park on Saturday, March 15, with the throw-in timed for 12 noon.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot €3100 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, March 10, and the following were the four numbers drawn;1, 11, 21 and 23. The following were the winners of the 3 x €20 weekly prizes; Sean McCormack, Michael Loftus and Edward Colleran.
The latest jackpot increased to €3200 and the draw took place on Monday night, March 17.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday, March 9, as The Duke and Boom Boom fought out another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was immense as always in his role as match referee and handled the occasion effortlessly. The Duke blazed his way to the front, taking the opening set with some terrific darts. Boom Boom found his level in set two and squared the match with some sizzling doubles. Boom Boom continued to hit all the high notes in set three and clinched it with a treble sixteen, double eighteen blitz in deciding leg to edge two sets to one ahead. Boom Boom was in no mood to bend the knee however and roared back into contention by racing away with the fourth to set up a fifth and final set decider. The Duke steadied the ship by winning the opening leg but the number two seed bounced back to win the next two, the highlight of which was a 170 finish in the second leg which almost lifted the roof off such was the excitement it generated among an engrossed crowd.
Boom Boom looked dead and buried but he found his way back into the light by snatching the third leg to set up a final leg decider with the crowd fully invested in what was a raucous atmosphere indeed. Boom Boom hit the straps early with a couple of 140s but the Duke delivered the perfect riposte with a maximum 180 to win the race to the double as he weighed up 161 with three darts in his quiver. Boom Boom was right on his tail however and mulled over 148 with the Duke narrowly missing the double with his last dart. Boom Boom hit two treble twenties with his first two darts to leave one dart at double fourteen which grazed the wire and fell to the floor as the crowd held roared on their charges. The Duke stepped forward with three darts at double sixteen. He missed narrowly with his first two as he paused before releasing his third with the taking in a deep intake of breath. He released the dart in typical aggressive style and its flight path never looked in doubt as it arrowed into the corner of the bed to bring the crowd to their feet as they roared the Duke’s name in approval. He raised his hand in celebration and was quick to offer his commiserations to his vanquished opponent with Boom Boom crestfallen to have come up short once again. This was the Duke’s third victory of the season and one which he celebrated in full as he took the full plaudits on offer from his loyal and large fan base.
