Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields stars on opposite side of the divide in the Mayo v New York championship game
Sarsfields stars Paul Towey and Jack Reilly on opposite side of the divide in the recent Mayo v New York Connacht Championship preliminary round played at Gaelic Park, New York recently
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €11,200 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, April 21, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 12, 27, 30 and 35. The winners of the 2 x €50 weekly prizes were Siobhan Doherty and Martin Brennan. Next week’s jackpot will increase to €11,300 and the draw will be held on Sunday night, April 28.
Classes continue at 12 noon in the Charlestown Arts Centre, Barrack Street, on Friday, May 10. The cost is €4 per class and all are welcome.
Charlestown Sarsfields retained their Centenary Cup title with a hard won 1-6 to 0-8 victory over Ballyhaunis in a tough and tight contest played at the Connacht Centre of Excellence, Bekan recently. Despite the dry, benign conditions scores were at a premium throughout as both teams scrapped for possession and ran hard with not much reward being translated onto the scoreboard.
Niall Towey opened the scoring for the Sarsfields with a nice long range effort but Ballyhaunis replied minutes later with a neat effort of their own to set the pattern for the remainder of the half. The Sarsfields garnered plenty of possession but were wayward in their kicking as balls dropped short or drifted wide with alarming regularity as they clocked up seven first half wides not to mention losing the ball in contact on numerous occasions as Ballyhaunis presented a very formidable defensive obstacle with the ageless Keith Higgins imperious in the centre back position.
Alan Woods kicked the Sarsfields in a two point lead twenty minutes in with the two excellent points from long range but Ballyhaunis were not the slightest bit perturbed and reeled the Sarsfields in with two good points of their own to leave the scores tied at 0-3 apiece as the first half drifted to its conclusion.
The Sarsfields enjoyed the bulk of the possession in the first half but their conversion rates left lots to be desired with Ballyhaunis much the happier team as the two teams made their way to the sideline for the half time pep talk.
The second half was a replica of the first as both teams continued to trade blows without much reward on the scoreboard it must be said. The Sarsfields found it hard to make any impression on a well organised Ballyhaunis rearguard in the opening fifteen minutes as attacks were repelled and shots were misplaced with frustrating regularity. Ballyhaunis looked to have seized control when they kicked over three wonderful points with Aidan Sloyan (2) and Keith Higgins piercing the posts with a terrific strike as the Sarsfields continued to flounder when in possession.
The Sarsfields looked to be in a hole but a couple of points from Shane Gallagher and Paddy Lenehan injected new hope into their ailing challenge as both teams continued to grapple for supremacy. The game swung back towards the Sarsfields in the last ten minutes as they managed to string together a move of real quality which finished with Kiefer Craig off loading to Paddy Lenehan who cracked a shot to the roof of the net to give the Sarsfields a lifeline they scarcely looked like earning having struggled to breach the Ballyhaunis defence at any stage in the second half.
The Sarsfields edged two in front with another Paddy Lenehan point as the Sarsfields full forward sprung to life at precisely the right moment.
Ballyhaunis were not done yet however and fought back admirably with a couple of points to restore parity as the Sarsfields blew two great goal chances to put the game beyond their dogged and obdurate opponents. To the Sarsfields credit they did manage to fashion one more scoring opportunity with Paddy Lenehan getting on the end of a fine Gareth O’Donnell delivery to hammer over the leading score as the clock ticked into the red.
The Sarsfields managed the final, frantic closing minutes well moving the ball from side to side and keeping it away from the Ballyhaunis clutches with the final whistle bringing to an end an absorbing contest that while, low on quality at times, was always interesting as both teams strived hard for the victory. The Sarsfields were well served by Ciaran Honeyman in goals. Daniel Harrington, Ben Conway, Fergal Quinn, Alan Woods and Niall Drudy in defence.
Gareth O’Donnell was very good in the middle of the park with Mike Marren offering good support while in attack Paddy Lenehan came to the party at precisely the right moment, bagging 1-2 from play and giving the Sarsfields the cutting edge they so yearned for when the game looked to be drifting away from them. Niall Towey, Ruairi Cullen, Kiefer Craig , Jack Corleu, Eoin Flannery and Niall Fleming also enjoyed some good moments with Mike Daly, on behalf of the East Mayo Board presenting the cup to victorious sarsfields skipper Gareth O`Donnell.
Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Leo Higgins, Broher, Curry, who celebrated 90 not out with a party for family and friends in The Yeats County Inn, Curry recently. There was a good turnout of family with wife Cora and daughters Leonora, Sinead and Mairead firmly by his side as people came from all corners of the community and beyond to bestow their best wishes on a man who has forged many strong bonds and friendships on both sides of the border.
Leo is well known in farming and cattle circles and has farmed the land for most of his ninety years in existence as it’s been his passion and one he has never lost his enthusiasm or zest for down the through the years. Leo was never afraid of hard work and knew the value of a good day’s work for a good day`s pay and this work ethic served him well as he navigated his way through life and tackled head on the many challenge making a living out of farming in rural Ireland inevitably threw at him on a daily basis. He embraced each and every day with the same gusto and zeal as the previous one and these qualities have kept him going through the good times and bad with his graduation to ninety a wonderful achievement. Leo is a man of great wit and humour and I’m sure there was a cake unveiled to commemorate the occasion with Leo beaming with pride on reaching such a terrific number. I’m not sure if there’s any left for yours truly but you’d never know there might be a slice in the offing as we all join in wishing Leo continued good health and happiness in the future and many more good years of tending to the land and livestock.
Charlestown Sarsfields U16s competing in division 2 of the county U16 league recorded a comprehensive 5-19 to 2-9 victory over Ardnaree Sarsfields in the latest round of fixtures played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently. The Sarsfields, as the score line would indicate, had too much firepower for their North Mayo opponents and ran out convincing winners in the finish with the forward line in particular, sparkling on the night and securing the scores in both halves to ease home worthy winners as the team’s form continues to improve following their opening round loss to Breaffy.
Well done to the Charlestown Sarsfields trio of Cliona Cullen, Siofra McGuinness and Sophie Tiernan who were part of the victorious Mayo U16 girls team that captured the Connacht U16 title with a dramatic extra-time victory over Galway in a thrilling final played at the Connacht Centre of Excellence, Bekan recently. All three girls played their part in a wonderful victory with the girls displaying terrific tenacity and spirit to bring the game to extra-time having secured the last couple of scores in normal time when the pressure was at its greatest. The Mayo girls powered on in the two periods of over time to secure a 2-18 to 3-10 victory with the Sarsfields girls more than playing their part in another epic Mayo victory against their old rivals. Cliona and Sophie lined out in the full and half back lines respectively and were excellent throughout, clearing their lines with vigilance and authority and linking up well with their forward line. Siofra McGuinness was splendid in attack, covering every acre of the pitch as she ran tirelessly to secure possession and used it wisely at all times. These are heady times for these girls as this Connacht title follows hot on the heels of their Connacht and All-Ireland victories at U14 level last year which underlines the girls ambition levels and dedication as they continue to knuckle down and strive to develop and improve their games even further.
It also gives the Charlestown Sarsfields Club a real boost to have such talent and winners in their ranks as they are super role models for the next generation of players coming through and provide the perfect template of what one can achieve if one is prepared to invest the time and commitment into reaching the very top. All three girls and the Mayo team are wished all the very best as they prepare for their All-Ireland semi-final in the coming days/weeks.
The death took place in Liverpool, England, recently of Kevin Swords formerly of Barrack Street, Charlestown. Kevin was a gifted athlete in his day and represented the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club at underage and adult level with distinction. He played on the victorious county winning Charlestown Sarsfields Junior team of 1951 and also represented Mayo in the national league on a few occasions. He was also a powerful athlete who excelled at middle distances and won several awards at university level. He was an all rounder when it came to sports and he is still remembered with fondness for his exploits and sporting talents by many of the own’s older generation who soldiered with him on the fields of play. Deepest sympathies is tendered to the bereaved.
The final quarter-final in the honour took place last weekend as surprise packets Ballyglass pitted their wits against past winners Tavneena in another heavyweight clash bringing back memories of times past when both teams were regularly competing for the title. Both teams have fallen on hard times since but will be quietly fancying their chances of victory with Ballyglass able to call on the likes of John Lenehan, Justin Gallagher, Dermot Horkan to mention three, all of whom are formidable players when the mood takes them. Tavneena have their very own galacticos in the likes of John Paul Doherty et al so all the ingredients are there for a classic contest as two age old rivals get it on for the umpteenth time in the competition’s long history. The winners will have the added carat of securing the final semi-final berth which should add another layer of intrigue and interest to a competition that continues to capture the imagination like no other among darts enthusiasts and punditry in the community. There will be a full report of the quarter-final results in next week’s column along with the semi-final draw and pairings in what promises to be another exciting and dramatic week in Walsh`s Bar as the tension begins to build.
The death took place at the Mayo Hospice recently of Colin Treadgold, Lavey, 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 Mary, daughters Sara and Joanna, son-in-law Peter, sister Gloria, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends.
The late Colin, who was pre-deceased by his son John, was a well known and prominent member of the communities of Lavey, Charlestown and Carracastle respectively. He was a good man in the true sense of the word who was devoted to his family and, together with his wife Mary, made sure their needs were met and provided for at all times. The large crowds who attended the removal of his remains and subsequent burial was ample proof of the esteem and affection in which he was held and deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Charlestown, Bellaghy and Districts Development Association next Community Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, May 3, in the Town Hall, Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown, from 11am-1pm. Lift access available. All welcome for a cuppa and a chat.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, April 17, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 2nd Thomas Ginty and Carmel Moffitt, 3rd Mae and Charles Quinn, 4th Frances and Robert Healy, 5th Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, 6th Michael Dee and Tommie O`Malley, 7th James Mooney and Mary O’Connell shared with Mary O’Malley and Teresa Ward, 9th Margaret Kenny and Michael Kenny, 9th Noelle Spellman and Ruth Connor, 10th Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne.
Tracey’s Lane is open and everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a lovely 30 minute tranquil loop walk. Parking at Bushfield Church, Charlestown, is advised. The lane is open but more work is still to be done, signage, lane entrance, finishing touches and future maintenance.
The Farrell family and the committee take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported the fundraiser both online and through the medium of private donations. Without your help the committee would not have been able to make this beautiful tribute to Tracey possible.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, April 23, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Joe Mahon and James Cafferty; 2nd Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally. Raffle winners were James Reidy, Darby Leonard and Breege Leonard. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 8.30pm in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, and all are welcome.
The Sarsfields travel to Robert McCallion Park, Swinford, to take on the locals in the U12 grading league on Wednesday, May 1, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields host Ballaghdereen in Fr O’Hara Park on Thursday, May 2, in division 2 of the county U16 league with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields host Ballina Stephenites in Fr O’Hara Park in round one of the county junior A championship on Sunday, May 5, with the throw-in timed for 12 noon.
The 4th annual Colm Horkan Memorial Run takes place on Sunday, May 19, with plans already at an advanced stage for a run that continues to capture the imagination like no other within and outside the community. This year`s renewal promises to be the best yet with the Sarsfields GAA Club and East Mayo Athletic Club working in tandem to bring everything to fruition. Both clubs have done a terrific job advertising the run through their social media and digital pages with people flocking to sign up from all corners of the globe with the virtual option making great appeal to the diaspora as it allows people who can’t take part in the physical race to post their time from their various locations all over the world.
This year’s run has three options available to all who would competitors with the 5km, 10km and half-marathon all on the menu so to speak with the entries for each event attracting a wide range of athletes and casual runners and joggers from all walks of life. This is the beauty of the run with a high percentage of walkers and families also signing up to take part hence it promises to be a great day for the organisers, clubs and community of Charlestown as a whole as the man the event continues to moves minds and hearts like no other.
This year’s main sponsor is Brian Forkan Construction who were only too glad to come on board and offer their support which was greatly received and appreciated by the hard working and visionary committee. Honourable mention to local businesses Delaney’s Mace and Supermac’s who are also key players in the overall race sponsorship which the committee are delighted to acknowledge and recognize. Entry to the event is now open where you can register to take part either physically or virtually by visiting popupraces.ie/race/colm-horkan-memorial-run-2024/ or by logging on to the East Mayo Athletics Club and Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club Facebook pages where you can follow the link. Entrants who sign up to take part will receive a custom designed t-shirt made from 100% recycled materials. Custom designed ¼ zip tops are also available for purchase and these are flying out the door as I speak such is the demand and interest. Family 5km entries are also available. The event is worthy of your support with all proceeds going towards the completion of the various stages of the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch and Walkway and East Mayo AC track development.
More news in the coming weeks but for now hit that button and sign up and join the hundreds more who will make their way to the town to take part in an event of an outstanding man whose memory continues to burn brightly in the hearts and minds of so many who knew and admired him.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €3,200 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, April 22, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 5, 10, 21 and 25. The following were the winners of the €20 prizes: Fiadh Marren, Anne Maloney, and James and Patrick McCarrick.
Charlestown Sarsfields U14 team are shaping up nicely in division 3 of the county U14 league having picked up back to back wins against The Neale and Belmullet respectively in their last two outings. Those victories have moved them into the upper reaches of the league table with a play-off place very much in their sights as they continue to improve with each and every outing. They have clocked up some good scores with their final tallies of 5-10 and 2-12 hinting at a very potent forward line with a penchant for scoring goals. They will be hoping to keep this winning run going in their next outing away to Islandeady.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, April 21, as Podsie and the Boom Boom squared off in another exciting instalment of the weekly classic. Podsie, fresh from a spring break, hit the straps early and raced away with the first set with some deadeye shooting when among the doubles. This theme continued into set two as Podsie continued to blaze a trail with a treble twenty, double eighteen finish sealing the second set, leaving Boom Boom with a proverbial mountain to climb as he found himself two sets down and totally out of form. The third set saw Boom Boom finally come to the party as his level picked up as he won the first two legs with some good scoring and crisp finishing. He looked odds on to close it out when he had four darts at double sixteen but missed with each one as his composure deserted him at precisely the wrong moment.
Podsie, sensing some nervousness in his opponent, stepped in and took the leg against the head to stay alive in the set with Boom Boom staring at the floor in disbelief as the set was at his mercy. Podsie won the next leg as well to leave him on the cusp of victory as Boom Boom’s level began to flounder once again. Podsie showed his true class and pedigree in the next leg as he blew Boom Boom off the board with some sizzling scoring which saw him win the race to the double in a canter. He wasted no time in closing out the match with his first dart finding the centre of the double eight bed to clinch his fifth victory of the season as he continues to set the standard for all the rest to follow. Boom Boom had no complaints and was most magnanimous in defeat as Podsie stepped onto the winner’s podium for what must be close to his century of titles in this much heralded competition. Governor Gus ran the show with his usual industry and efficiency as the completion continues to top the ratings across all social media platforms.
