Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields Mothers & Others take part in blitz
Charlestown Sarsfields Gaelic Mothers & Others team who took part in a blitz hosted by their Aghamore Gaelic Mothers & Others counterparts which was held in the Dome recently. The Sarsfields ladies won 2 of their three games.
The AGM of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club took place in the Town Hall Arts Centre on Friday night, December 1, and there was a nice crowd in attendance as the club reflected on another busy and productive on and off the fields of play.
All three officers chairman Liam Breheny, secretary Kevin Deignan and treasurer presented very detailed and comprehensive reports which were widely acclaimed by all present as they covered every strand and facet of the club in minute detail.
The club are lucky to have such a quality executive and top table at the helm as they continue to provide the best kind of leadership and set high standards in terms of governance and authority. Updates were provided on the progress of the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch and Walkway which is on target to open in June 2024 with substantial work having taken place in the last twelve months under the astute guidance of Liam and the sub-committee put in place to oversee the project.
Both Liam and Kevin thanked the many people involved in the coaching and training of all teams playing under the Sarsfields banner with their dedication and commitment being lauded as all teams competed with distinction and made their presence at all levels of competition.
Tributes were paid to the outstanding work of Bord na nOg who continue to drive the standards and put structures in place that will hopefully see the club competing at the cutting edge in league and championship at underage level in the coming years as they continue to equip their teams with the best in terms of coaching and training with no stone left unturned in terms of exposing their players to all the latest modern training techniques with further improvements and upgrades planned for 2024.
The club senior team’s qualification for the county quarter final for the first time in 9 years received much favourable commentary from the executive who expressed their deep gratitude to the management team who got the best out of the talent available to them.
The club lotto remains the club’s main source of finance and provides the club with a crucial revenue stream thanks to the work of many in the club who do the hard sell week in week out which helps keep the club on a sound financial footing. All lotto sellers were thanked most sincerely with Emmet Gavaghan receiving a special mention for his work in distributing the tickets and results sheets following the weekly Sunday night draw with the balance sheet showing a welcome increase in sales and revenue thanks work of a dedicated core group of people.
Fr O’Hara Park remains the prize asset in their infrastructure with its upkeep and maintenance and continued development a key priority for the executive with special mention made to the likes of Ciaran McBrien, Ryan O’Connor, Joe Lenehan et al who work tirelessly to keep the grounds in tip top shape and ensure the playing surface is at its best for each and every match they stage no matter what the grade or level of competition. These men are true gaels and their efforts are very much appreciated by all at the top table and club in general.
The club’s main sponsor Alan Crean of Crean’s Mosaics was thanked for his continued support of the club which stretches back the best part of 22 years. Liam stated how lucky the club were to have such a man in their ranks and look forward to his continued association for many more years to come.
Treasurer Tom McLoughlin also presented a very concise, professional and terrific balance sheet which outlines the outstanding work he continues to do in keeping the finances in check. Tom operates a very steady hand on the till and is scrupulously honest and transparent in all his dealings with each and every penny accounted for thoroughly. This provides the members with great assurance with the role of Treasurer in good hands as Tom brings professionalism, integrity and decorum and is very much on top of his brief. He was happy to report a surplus on the bottom line which underlines the wonderful position the club are in as they get ready to embrace what promises to be another busy and hectic 2024 with lots of developments in the pipeline.
Chairman Liam paid tribute to outgoing County Board Delegate Declan Casey and East Mayo Board Delegate Joe Lenehan who were stepping away from their positions after a number of years of dedicated service. Both men served the club well and kept members informed at all times of developments at county and East board level and were vocal and fought our corner well and will be hard acts to follow as they were excellent representatives at all times. The club were in the fortunate position to be able to replace them with two men of a similar ilk with Noel Gallagher stepping up as County Board Delegate while Patrick Breheny will step into Joe’s shoes and take on the brief of East Mayo Delegate.
All other positions and officers were returned unopposed with the executive comprising of the following; chairman Liam Breheny, asst. chairman Mike Doherty, secretary Kevin Deignan, asst. secretary Philip Craig, treasurer Tom McLoughlin, asst. treasurer Emmet Gavaghan, joint PRO’s Stephen Healy/Ronan Kenny, County Board Delegate Noel Gallagher, East Mayo Board Delegate Paddy Breheny.
That concluded a very informative and good meeting with the club in terrific shape as it brings the curtain down on another good and productive year. The club have a wonderful executive in place with lots of industry, energy and creative thinking very much in evidence as they continue to provide the best type of stewardship and direction. They wished all members a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous and healthy 2024.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €9,200 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, December 3, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 3, 17, 27 and 28. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Peter Vesey and Colleran’s Staff. The latest jackpot increased to €9,300 and the draw was held on Sunday night, December 10.
The tree outside Swinford Church will be lit up in honour of all our loved ones this Christmas. Your are invited to Shine a Light of Love for your loved one with all finds raised going to The Butterfly Garden Maintenance Fund.
All sponsors will receive a special card with their loved ones names written on it and all Lights of Love will be remembered in a special Mass in Swinford Church on December 22, at 10am. Call 086 3622522 or 087 9794338 for more information.
Another busy week for the club with mixed results for the boys and girls U14 teams. Hats off to the girls U14 team who qualified for the semi-final and secured their place in the cup semi-final with a terrific 38-24 victory over Ballina in an exciting match which the Charlestown girls were always in control of. They gained the upper hand in the opening quarter and secured some terrific baskets to put daylight between them and Ballina which they never looked like relinquishing as they held firm from the remainder of the contest. A wonderful all round team performance with each and every girl playing to the peak of their powers.
The U14 boys didn’t reach the same heights as they bowed out to Kiltimagh in their contest but not before giving it an almighty shot as they pushed their opponent to the brink before succumbing in a close and titanic struggle. The boys did the club proud at the manner of their fighting spirit and dogged determination but Kiltimagh had that little bit more in the tank coming down the home stretch and they are wished well in their semi-final with the Charlestown boys losing nothing in defeat. That rounds up another busy week for the Cubs club with more results and fixtures news next week.
Well done to Charlestown native and former Sarsfields player Eddie Conroy who guided Lahardane McHales to the Connacht junior title with a hard fought but merited victory over Owenmore Gaels from Sligo in the Connacht Junior Final played at a foggy and bitingly cold McHale Park, Castlebar recently. Eddie has made a tremendous start to his coaching/management career winning County and Connacht junior titles in his first year on the line which is some achievement indeed and speaks volumes for his tactical astuteness, nous and organisation as he picked Lahardane off the floor as they were relegated from the Intermediate championship at the end of the 2022 season.
The fact that they bounced back straight away speaks volumes for his powers of motivation as they re-grouped and re-organised and knuckled down to some serious training and got themselves in the best possible shape to have a cut at regaining their Intermediate status.
Eddie was always a diligent trainer having played for many years at the cutting end of the senior championship with Breaffy which saw him play at the highest possible level on the club stage. He also turned out for the Sarsfields at all grades, winning at senior league medal in 1995 along with the many honours he won with Breaffy during a stellar playing career. He has taken to Bainisteoir role like a duck to water with all eyes now turning to their impending All-Ireland Club semi-final which will take place most likely after Christmas. His many friends and colleagues in and around Charlestown and the Sarsfields Club offer their heartiest congratulations and wish him all the best in the All-Ireland Club campaign as Eddie’s managerial star continues to ascend at a rapid rate.
The Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club received the best possible news recently when the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch and Walkway was awarded €50,000 under the 2023 Clár programme which was wonderful news for all involved with the club and project. The project is well on target to open for the planned June Bank Holiday 2024 with an enormous amount of work having taken place in the last eighteen months or so since the sod was turned by then Minister for Sport Jack Chambers in May 2022.
The club and committee have been extremely busy in the background fundraising and organising all the different stages of work with the pitch now fully seeded and looking an absolute picture it must be said. All the fundraising ventures have been wonderfully supported by people within and outside the community with the finance and money coming from all corners of the globe as the project has touched a nerve and caught the imagination of so many across the globe. The Clár funding will be a huge help as the club gets ready to embark on the latest instalment of a project that has flowed very smoothly it must be said thanks to a very driven and focused committee who have been very hands on in each and every stage. The committee deserve great praise and credit for the unstinting work they put into the application process which obviously found favour with the awarding body. The committee thank the local TDs, political representatives, local councillors, local and regional bodies, all of whom provided relentless and consistent support for the project from day one.
The committee also extend a massive thanks to the community of Charlestown and to everyone who has generously donated to the project from all around the world and supported each and every fundraising venture with such enthusiasm and gratuity. The club are one step closer to bringing the project to fruition in memory of a man whose memory still towers over the community.
Charlestown District and Development Association are this winter seeking to encourage the wearing of Hi Vis materials in the local area when people are walking or running the roads. They kick started this initiative a fortnight ago by distributing vests of all sizes (kids/adults) to members of the local East Mayo Athletics Club before their recent training session.
The association are, of course, also encouraging non-running groups and individuals to ‘be seen’, so if you happen to require a hi visibility vest, you can collect one at; Charlestown Recreation Centre (CBD Sports Complex) 10.30 – 1.30 Monday to Friday (except Wednesdays 10.30-12noon), Charlestown Development Association (Barrack Street, 9am- 4pm Monday –Friday) Supplies are somewhat limited but the Development Association will do their best to meet any potential demand.
They encourage all of you walking, cycling or running the roads and footpaths, to come on board with this initiative and help make the roads and paths safer for everyone.
Tavneena NS Christmas Concert takes place in the school on Friday, December 15, at 5.30pm This year’s production is called ‘A Christmas Quarrel’ and it promises to be a great night of fun and entertainment. All are welcome so spread the word.
The annual Ronan Regan Memorial Tractor Rin returns for 2023 on Sunday, December 17, at 1pm. The committee will also stage their children’s tractor run that evening at 5.30pm. Tractors, bikes, vintage and trucks are welcome on the day. All proceeds this year go to Aoibheann’s Pink Tie and Ballaghaderreen GAA Club. Registration is on the day and the committee are hopeful of a big turnout as they hope to emulate the success of last year’s event.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday last, November 29, and the following were the prize winners; 1st James Mooney and Mary O’Connell, 2nd Frances and Robert Healy, 3rd Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 4th Tom Dunne and Mary Lynskey, 5th Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne shared with Tommie O’Malley and Michael Dee, 7th Tom Ginty and Elsie Jackson, 8th Hilary McDonagh and Ogie Moran, 9th Teresa Ward and Mary O’Malley, 10th Margaret Kenny and Mary Conway.
The game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walshs’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, and all are welcome.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Tuesday last, December 5, at 8.30pm, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Darby and Breege Leonard, 2nd Colm Gallagher and Maureen Walsh. Raffle winners were Mary O’Hara, Miko Sheridan and Maureen Walsh.
The death took place at Mayo University Hospital recently of James (Jimmy) Hamilton, Sonnagh, Charlestown. His remains were removed to St James’s Church, Charlestown, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the cemetery of the resurrection. He is survived by his wife Janet and sister Teresa, relatives, neighbours and wide circle of friends.
The late Jimmy, as he was affectionately known, who was pre-deceased by his daughter Joanne, was a much loved and respected member of the local community where he had forged many strong friendships. He was a man of great wit and humour who brightened up many a dark day with a witty quip or funny joke that would have you in stitches. Jimmy was a wonderful family man who formed a great bond with his wife Janet as together they made sure their late daughter Joanne lacked for nothing in life. He was a passionate fisherman who enjoyed many a good and successful day on the River Moy. He never lost his zest or enthusiasm for life despite battling illness in recent times and fought with courage and dignity right up until his final moments. The community of Sonnagh has lost one of its best and nicest citizens but he leaves many outstanding memories which his family will cling dear to and cherish in these deep dark hours and days. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
MJJ Mini Company from the Transition Year (TY) Class in St Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown, are hosting a Christmas raffle at part of the TY Mini Company Programme. They have three hampers on offer together with 17 other stand alone prizes. All prizes are courtesy of local businesses which is very much appreciated by all on TY programme. To enter you can contact 089 4479365 or email @mj_minicompany on Instagram. The cost is €2 for one entry or €5 for three entries. Your support would be very much appreciated. The mini company wish all their sponsors a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous and peaceful New Year.
Active Retirement meetings continue in the Pastoral Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown, on Mondays from 11am-1pm. All are welcome to attend and new members are most welcome.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2600 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, December 4, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 4, 5, 23 and 25. Michael McCarrick, Fr Leo Henry and The Cunnie Family won €20 prizes.
Cloonacool Players thank all the audiences for their support during the All-Ireland 1-Act Festival. The drama group gathered awards and came home winning 1st at Manorhamilton, plus the Best Actor Award for Martin McIntyre. In the previous weeks they were runners-up and also claimed two third place finishes. The Cloonacool Players wish all their fans and theatre goers a Happy Christmas and look forward to entertaining you again in the New Year.
The Charlestown Parish annual Christmas triduum of Mass cards will be available later this week and every weekend up to Christmas. This year, one of the card designs includes an image from the crib in St James’s Church, Charlestown. If you are unable to pick up the cards at Mass times, contact Michelle on 086 8803528. Sincere thanks for your support of this annual fundraiser which supports the lighting and heating costs in both churches in the parish. Wishing you a Blessed Advent and Christmas.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, December 3, as Podsie and Boom Boom battled it out in the latest instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was composure personified in his role as match referee and kept the two combatants in control at all times. Boom Boom blasted his way to the first set with some high scoring and razor sharp finishing. This trend continued into set two as the number one seed floundered when among the doubles paving the way for Boom Boom to steam into a two set lead with a shock victory looking very much on the cards. The third set saw a shift in the dynamic as Podsie finally found some semblance of form with a treble eighteen, double sixteen finish in the fourth leg sealing the set and getting him on the board in terms of sets.
Boom Boom maintained his nerve and concentration admirably as the fourth set developed and clinched the first leg with a crucial bull finish with Podsie hovering with some intent on double top. Boom Boom took the second leg as well to leave him one away from a remarkable victory as the number one seed struggled with his average and consistency as his darts hit all corners of the board in a most un-Podsie like performance. Boom Boom, sensing some uncertainty in his opponent’s game, was in no mood to pass up this golden opportunity as he raced to the ochie to begin the third leg with victory within his grasp. He never doubted himself for a moment as he raced into a big lead thanks to a brace of 100 plus scores. Podsie’s was cooked as Boom Boom eyed up a finish of 136 with three darts in his hand. He got off to a great start as his first darts found the middle of the treble twenty bed. His second found the exact same bed which left one dart at double eight as the crowd gasped in anticipation. He paused momentarily before releasing the arrow and it never looked like missing as it arced into the corner of the bed to set off wild scenes of celebration in his large band of loyal supporters.
Podsie was wonderful in defeat, showing all his championship class and pedigree as he embraced the victor warmly with the two men sharing a couple of glasses of Miwadi Orangel long into the night. A great result for Boom as he claimed his fifth title of the season thus improving his appalling head to head record against Podsie in finals in the process.
