Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields Team of 2001 enjoy their day in the sun.
The 2001 county championship winning team, panel and management who were honoured on county final day recently to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their breakthrough success in 2001.
The Charlestown Sarsfields County Championship winning team of 2001 were feted on county final day at Hastings Insurance McHale Park recently. They were paraded onto the field at half-time in the senior decider between Castlebar Mitchels and Garrymore in recognition of their breakthrough success 25 years ago and were afforded a terrific reception from the large and appreciative crowd as players, panellists and management were introduced individually to the watching attendance.
There was a super turnout of the panel with just a few lads absent unavoidably as all who were present came from all corners of the country and overseas to be part of what was a special and nostalgic occasion. The lads were suitably decked out in lovely Sarsfields tops for the occasion as the club executive went out of their way to ensure the 25th anniversary was given top billing as this was a seminal moment in the club’s long and storied history.
All the lads were introduced to the crowd individually with each being given a warm and cordial reception as this is a super initiative which the county board introduced a few years ago as a way of recognising teams who were successful in each layer of the county championship with the successful junior and intermediate teams of 2001 Belmullet and Kiltimagh respectively also being wheeled out at half-time in the junior and intermediate finals as well.
This initiative has become an integral part of the county final day programme and acts as a reunion with many players getting the opportunity to meet up and reunite with former teammates and colleagues from a glorious time in their past when hard work, commitment, dedication and many long hours of graft and toil got its reward on the greatest day of all, county final day which moves a community like no other as young and old don the county colours and make the journey to McHale Park in the hope of seeing their sons, daughters, neighbours and friends put everything on the line for the club crest.
The Sarsfields had those days with 2001, a year that will long be remembered by all who had any kind of link to the team and club as it paved the way for a new generation of Sarsfields players to pick up the cudgel and drive the club forward to many more fantastic days that followed subsequently.
The success of 2001 provided the template for a glorious decade that followed as the Sarsfields competed at the top end of club football in Mayo, winning a Connacht club title in November of that year while also playing in three more county senior finals with the defeats in 2007 and 2008 still resonating with all who were involved as they still sting and evoke painful memories. All was put to right however in 2009 when the Sarsfields atoned in memorable fashion as those defeats were put to right with victory over Knockmore as the club finally captured that elusive second county final gong.
A tight bond still links the group together as they enjoy each other’s company and they dined out well in the lead-up to and on the day of the celebration with all the boys still in good health albeit the hair lines have radically altered among some more than others it must be said. The waistlines have expanded a notch too though the skipper David Tiernan still looks like he could run around McHale Park with ease as his lung power has lost none of its amazing capacity a quarter of a century on!!
It was a special day for the whole group but also a poignant one as the late Colm Horkan’s name was called out which made all of us stop and reflect and brought lots of emotions to the surface as the impact of his loss continues to impact on us in so many ways not to mention his family and the pain they continue to endure. Colm was represented on the day by his nephew Matthew and all in the stand rose to their feet and gave him a standing ovation which was heartfelt and warmly appreciated by all of us who stood side by side with him on and off the field.
The group got their picture taken on the field before retiring to the Michael Loftus Room behind the main stand where tea and refreshments were provided by the county board who had the whole occasion organised to a tee. The lads then made their way to the stand to watch the remainder of the second half as the Mitchels held the Garrymore men at bay to collect their thirty second county title with the Sarsfields harking back to similar scenes 25 years ago when it was their turn to lift the Moclair Cup.
The day was a special one for the team, management and officials and all who were involved twenty five years ago as well as the current executive and one that reflected well on the club as it reignited old memories and successes that continue to conjure up wonderful memories. The whole group then continued their reminiscing on their return to the town where incidents and scores from the 2001 final and replay were recalled with a unique slant being provided by some of the more technically minded in the group and panel.
For the record the team panel and management who were paraded onto the field on Sunday, October 25, were as follows; David Tiernan (capt), John Casey, Robbie O’Connell, Ray Lenehan, Enda Casey, Donal Healy, Dermot Higgins, Kevin Deignan, Aidan Higgins, Ritchie Haran, Mark Caffrey, Paul Mulligan, Podsie Horkan, Oliver Conway, Sean Higgins, Neil O’Connor, Alan Mulligan, Noel Gallagher, Francis Conway, Sean Lenehan, Brian O’Connell, Martin Mulvaney, Andrew Callaghan, Declan Divilly, Enda Murray, Ciaran O’Connell, Michael Horkan, Fergal Walsh, Matthew Horkan (representing the late Colm Horkan), Tom Colleran, Tommy Halligan and Stephen Healy with honourable mention to Eoghan Gallagher, Matt Kilroy, Brendan Towey and Michael Maloney who were absent on the day.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €24,300 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, October 25, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 1, 16, 25 and 31. The winners of the 3 x €50 prizes were the following; Dermot Horkan (online), Michelle Gallagher (lucky dip -annual ticket), Paul McHugh (lucky dip).
The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on Sunday, November 1, was €24,400. Tickets are on sale in a number of outlets in the community costing €2 or 3 for €5 and the draw can also be played online via the club’s Facebook or twitter pages. The club thank everybody who supported their weekly draw.
Rosary will be recited at Lurga Shrine each evening Monday through Saturday at 7pm and 5pm on Sundays for the month of November for the Holy Souls. All are welcome.
New to Cloonacool Players, along with ever popular Dennis Ross, Brid Calvey and Tom Towey is the one and only Fr Vincent Sherlock. Yes, you have read that right. In Bruce Adam’s ‘When I Snap My Fingers’, Father Vincent is totally convincing and in control. You’ll realise this is an understatement when you see this hilarious farce. Yes, Hurry up December.
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences. To help all who know this pain, there will be a series of talks on ‘How best to cope with Bereavement’ in the Newman Centre, Ballina on November 3 (this evening),10, 17 and 24 from 8-10pm. The course will be presented by Monica Morley, Bereavement Counsellor at Knock Shrine. Places are limited and can be booked on 096 72066.
Charlestown Drama Group is delighted to take its one act play, "The Donahue Sisters", written by Geraldine Aron on the festival circuit this November. The group will perform at the following venues; Friday, November 6, at 7.30pm in Ballina Arts Festival; Saturday, November 14, in The Town Hall, Kiltimagh at 7.30pm and Thursday, November 19, at 7.30pm in St. Brigid`s Hall, Tubbercurry. Tickets can be booked directly through individual venues.
Charlestown Drama Group looks forward to representing the local community as they bring their production to audiences across the festival circuit. The group will also bring "The Donahoe Sisters", along with two other plays to the Arts Centre, Charlestown on February 25, 26 and 27. Tickets for these performances will go on sale closer to the dates.
New and returning members are welcome to join the parish choir. No prior experience is required. Practice takes place each Thursday at 7pm in St James’ Church. For further information contact Carmel on 086 3271196.
A four week block of dance classes with Gina starts at Carracastle Community Centre on Wednesday, November 4, from 8-9,30pm. Learn to quickstep, foxtrot, waltz, jive and line dance. The cost is €10 per person and all are welcome. For more information contact 085 7704647.
The Christmas Crafty Fair be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Sunday, November 29, from 10am-2pm, featuring a range of handmade gifts, food and crafts. Free entry with tea and coffee will be available. A raffle will be held on the day. All are welcome to come along to support the local craftspeople and young entrepreneurs.
The Music Circle with John and Isabella Hoban will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Monday, November 16, from 7-8.30pm. All are welcome to sing a song, play a tune, recite a poem or simply listen. There is free entry with tea and refreshments served. Many thanks to The Family Centre and Flourish for their support in running these sessions.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday, October 21, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 2nd Frances and Robert Healy, 3rd Tom Salmon and Paddy Gallagher, 4th James Mooney and Mary O’Connell. The game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walsh’s Public House, Charlestown and all are welcome.
The Charlestown LGFA annual general meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 18, at 8pm in the meeting room at the Charlestown Service Station as the club take stock and reflect on another busy year on and off the field. All members are urged to attend, and new members are most welcome.
The U16 boys teams played two very competitive games against Castlebar in the Mayo U16 basketball leagues recently. The division two team came away with a comfortable victory while the division one team lost out to a very good Castlebar first string in what was an exciting fast paced contest. The boys can take great heart from their two performances with plenty to work on in their up and coming fixtures the details of which can be had on the Charlestown Cubs Basketball Facebook page.
East Mayo Athletics Club have a Countdown to Christmas six (6) Week Team Challenge up and running which consists of 3 x 5km week where you can run, jog and walk the same. Team WhatsApp groups have been created where you can submit evidence to your team of your 3 x 5km each week. It is €20 to join with the whole emphasis on consistency, motivation and accountability. There is still time to sign up and get the blood pumping in the lead up to Christmas.
Well done to Elaine Frain who was the winner of the pool competition held in Johnny’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Friday, October 23, thus taking home the top prize on offer which was ten bags of coal. The competition takes place every Friday night at 8pm.
The adult arts and crafts group continue to meet every Wednesday morning from 11am-1pm in the Charlestown Arts Centre and all are welcome.
The next Community Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, November 6, in the Arts Centre from 11am-1pm and all are welcome to come along for a cuppa and a chat. There is lift access available and there will be lots of friendly chat and banter to be had.
Charlestown Sarsfields GAA and LGFA Club annual dinner takes place on Saturday, November 21, at the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris with proceedings throwing in at 8pm. This is expected to be the hottest ticket in town as the club reflects and looks back on a busy year on and off the field in both clubs. There will be a number of awards handed out on the night with Players of the Year and Young Players of the Year up for grabs in both clubs while the Jim Breheny Memorial Plaque for Club Person of the Year will also be handed out in recognition of his/her contribution to the club across many different facets and years.
The county and Connacht winning team of 2001 will be the special guests at the behest of the club as the club recognise their historic twin successes all of 25 years ago. Special guest on the night will be Mayo star Cillian O’Connor, a man who needs no introduction as he’s a legend in his time and has won every award in the game and has been the standard bearer when it comes to the art of scoring at club and county level and enjoyed a glorious sixteen year career with Mayo . Cillian’s presence is sure to put many extra bums on seats as will the presence of the club’s own All-Ireland winner Paul Towey with the two sure to provide many valuable insights into Mayo’s march to All-Ireland glory in what was a season like no other with 2026 never to be forgotten in the annals of Mayo history. Tickets are selling like hot cakes at the moment so get your order(s) in early to avoid disappointment in what promises to be a gala evening for all connected with the green and white.
Birthday greetings are extended to Ann-Marie Honeyman, Lowpark Avenue, Charlestown, who celebrated a very significant birthday with a party for family and friends in Murray’s Bar, The Square, Charlestown recently. There was a great turn out from far and wide to bestow their best wishes on Ann-Marie as she took all the plaudits in her stride and was the undoubted belle of the ball and looked a right good advert for the new page she has turned. Her husband Tony stood tall beside her on the night as did the rest of the family with the celebrations, dancing and craic going on long into the night.
Host Liam and his staff had all the bases covered when it came to the food and entertainment with copious amounts of both doing the rounds and there was a cake produced to mark the occasion with Ann-Marie keeping a steady hand on the knife. A great night was had by all and hats off to Ann -Marie she has aged gracefully as she gets ready to embrace all that life will throw at her for the next decade. Congratulations again Ann-Marie and no need to supply with me with any cake as my waistline needs to take a leaf out of yours. Wishing you continued good health and happiness and many more celebrations of this nature in the future.
Calling all the Leaving Cert Class 1977 who attended the Marist Convent Charlestown save the date and put August 6/7 2027 in your diary as the class gets ready to celebrate the 50th reunion at a time when Abba, Staying Alive and the Punk Revolution were in full swing. All who were in that class are asked to save the date and gear up for a reunion like no other as classmates reunite and chat about times past and present. More details to follow in the new year but for now the word is out so start planning around the above weekend.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card game held in The Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday last, October 27, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Dary and Breege Leonard shared with Mary Costello and Miko Sheridan. Raffle winners were Breege Leonard, Mary O’Hara and Darby Leonard. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm in the Yeats County Inn, Curry and all are welcome.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €6100 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, October 26, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 7, 11, 19 and 22. The winners of the €20 prizes were as follows; Gabrielle Hanley, Padraic Forkan and John A Kennedy.
The jackpot in the latest draw which was held yesterday, Monday, November 2, was €6200. Tickets are on sale in a number of outlets in Curry and Charlestown and the draw can also be played online via the club’s Facebook page.
Salsa classes take place every Wednesday night in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, at 7.30pm. Beginners are welcome, come solo or with a partner.
The Charlestown library which continues to prove popular with young and old is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 noon-7pm and again on Saturdays from 11am- 4pm. The facility continues to attract large crowds across all cohorts and has a large stock of books to cater for all people’s tastes and likes, so check it out on the above days between the stated times.
The East Mayo Athletics club meet and train at their splendid new track on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7pm and new members are always welcome.
Seniors exercise class continues in the Arts Centre on Friday mornings at 11am and all are welcome.
Ballet classes continue for all ages in the Arts Centre on Wednesday afternoons from 4-7pm.
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Fr Joseph will offer a novena of Masses for the dearly departed and those you include on the November lists envelopes which are available in all four churches in the parish. A service for the dearly departed will be celebrated on Sunday, November 22, at 7pm remembering those who have died in the past twelve months. Should you wish to include a relative who has died outside of the parish, kindly contact Fr Joseph on 086 1605373.
The lotto numbers drawn on Saturday, October 17, were 21, 27, 41 and 43. There was no winner.
A craft fair is being held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Sunday, November 22, from 10.30 to 2.30 pm. Please support this local event with local crafts, handmade gifts and seasonal treats.
Items for inclusion in the weekly parish newsletter should be community based or from voluntary organisations. Please submit items for inclusion by lunchtime on Thursday. Where possible, please send in your news items, including contact details, by email to news@kilmoveeparish.org.
Traditional Rambling House Music session takes place every Wednesday night in Davey’s Carracastle at 9.30pm. All are welcome.
Kilmovee Walk Football resumes on Wednesday evenings at 8pm on Kilmovee Astro Pitch. It caters for all abilities and for men and women. For more details contact 087 232 6463.
Meter readers will be in the area reading your water meter in the coming weeks. Turn off any land or domestic connections at your meter box that are not in use for the winter months to avoid any unnecessary leaks due to low temperatures.
