Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields U12's were crowned Group 1 Go Games Summer League Champions.
Charlestown Sarsfields U12 team who were crowned Group 1 Go Games Summer League Champions after an unbeaten run throughout the competition
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €18,000 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, August 10, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 7, 13, 23 and 29. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Lisa McConnell and Andrew Durkin (annual ticket). The latest jackpot increased to €18,100 and the draw was held on Sunday, August 17.
Charlestown Sarsfields began their 2025 senior championship campaign with an opening round defeat at the hands of Ballintubber with the West Mayo men coming through on a score line of 0-12 to 0-10 in a tough, well contested encounter played at a breezy and packed Clogher venue.
The visitors got off to the best possible start when Ben Crean popped over a point in the opening five minutes as both teams looked to exert an influence around the key middle third battleground. Indeed the game had something of a dramatic opening with first Diarmuid O’Connor and then Paul Towey rattling the post at either end which would have really set the cat amongst the pigeons had both efforts hit the net but sadly, from a Sarsfields perspective, Towey’s effort cannoned off the post and diverted away from the goals as Ballintubber managed to clear their lines without their goal being breached.
What followed thereafter was Ballintuber enjoying a harvest of possession with veteran midfielder Jason Gibbons once again showing his class as he ruled the skies with some commanding fielding which kept the likes of Cillian O’Connor supplied with plenty of possession with the county star banging over some good points from the play and frees to edge the Tubber men ahead as they led 0-5 to 0-1 with twenty minutes played.
The Sarsfields had their moments too, it must be said, and looked dangerous in possession but some good approach play was spoiled by wayward passing and poor decision making as they struggled to get ace marksman Paul Towey on the ball in the areas where he could do the most damage. Cillian O’Connor banged over a big two pointer just before the close of the half with two points from frees from Paul Towey all the Sarsfields could muster in reply as the half-time score read 0-7 to 0-3 in favour of the hosts which was an accurate overall reflection of how the half had played out in truth.
The second half resumed with Ballitubber continuing to exert a stranglehold around the middle third. Gibbons was a constant source of possession for the Clogher men as the Sarsfields struggled to stymie his influence and limit his aerial dominance. Bryan Walsh clipped over a point for the hosts to extend their lead but Towey replied for the Sarsfields with a terrific point from play to keep the Sarsfields interested as Ballintubber fluffed their lines in front of goal and kicked an inordinate amount of wides from very advantageous positions.
The Sarsfields, while struggling to win first phase possession, were never out of the game and with Towey in their ranks they always had a squeak as he kicked a brilliant two pointed effort to keep them firmly on the coattails of the hosts who continued to misfire up front as chances went abegging at an alarming rate.
O’Connor landed a free for the Tubber men to push their lead out to four once again with the Sarsfields desperately looking for that big push that would ignite their challenge. Both teams exchanged points minutes later with Towey slotting another free as the stakes increased and the scramble for possession became ever more frantic and frenzied. Ballintubber looked to have put the squeeze on when they kicked the next two points care of O’Connor and Gavin to put them in some modicum of control as they led 0-12 to 0-7 with time very much against the green and white in their bid to salvage something from the game.
Sub Niall Fleming raised the white flag doe the Sarsfields with a fine point from play but it looked a token effort in the grand scheme of things as time was very much not the Sarsfields friend. They got a real shot in the arm from their next attack however as Paul Towey kicked an amazing two pointer from his playbook which reduced the gap to two points albeit the clock was in the red but very much at the discretion of the referee Kevin Connelly who looked in no hurry to sound the death knell on the Sarsfields hopes yet.
The crowd were totally invested in the contest as Ballintubber were clinging on to their diminishing lead in the face of one final onslaught from the visitors.
The next kick-out would be pivotal and it was fitting that it should drop on the head of the game’s standout performer as Jason Gibbons once again rose majestically to pull the ball out of the sky imperiously and with that went the last remaining hope for the Sarsfields as Kevin Connelly sounded his whistle immediately after much to the relief of the home side as they were flirting dangerously with defeat having dominated much of the key metrics in terms of possession and territory.
For the Sarsfields they have much to pore over with their over reliance on Paul Towey in the scoring department once again rearing its head as he accounted for 0-8 of the team’s final tally. Credit where its due they battled and scrapped hard throughout and were never out of the game despite being cleaned out in the middle third area.
They had fine performances from Jack Corley who kept Cillian O’Connor on a tight leash throughout with Tadhg Horkan, Niall Drudy, Ben Conway, Sean Dunleavy and Ruairi Cullen defending with vigour and aggression as they defused the threat of a much touted Ballintubber forward line admirably.
Paddy Goldrick and Thomas Holton found things tough in the middle as they came up against the towering Jason Gibbons while in attack Paul Towey did his utmost to keep the scoreboard ticking for the Sarsfields with Gareth O’Donnell and Matt Lenehan enjoying some good moments as they did their best to keep the ball moving towards the Ballintubber goal at all times.
Jack Mahon, Ben Crean and Paddy Lenehan also made some contribution as did Niall Fleming when introduced midway through the second half as he kicked a good point from play.
The Sarsfields will have to pick up the pieces quickly as they get ready to host near neighbours Ballaghaderreen in round two with the Ballagh lads coming to O’Hara Park in fine fettle having defeated Claremorris comfortably in the other game in the group.
Charlestown Sarsfields host Ballaghdereen in Fr O’Hara Park on Sunday, August 24, in the county senior championship round 2 of the group stages with the throw-in timed for 3pm. This is sure to draw a huge crowd to Fr O’Hara Park with plenty on the line in terms of points on offer and qualification from the group to the quarter-final proper. The Sarsfields are keenly aware of what’s on the line as they face up to their neighbours over the road with victory imperative to keep alive their Moclair Cup hopes for 2025.
Ballaghaderreen come into the game with all the form having turned Claremorris over in round one while the Sarsfields, in contrast, come in on the back of a tight loss to Ballintubber which lends itself nicely to a juicy encounter between two teams with a long and stellar history of clashes in the championship stretching back thirty years and more. The Sarsfields won the most recent one in 2023 thus ending a long losing sequence with Ballagh keen to atone for that loss which is their only blemish on a previous impeccable record against the Sarsfields. Both teams have plenty of match winners in their ranks with Ballagh able to call on proven men like David McBrien, David Drake, Seamus Cunniffe, Ryan Lynch and Kuba Callaghan to mention but a few with the Sarsfields leaning heavily on Paul Towey, Gareth O’Donnell, Jack Corley, Matthew Lenehan, Paddy Goldrick and others to perform to their peak of their powers to get the Sarsfields over the line and game that has a huge sense of anticipation and expectancy around it in the lead-up.
The pitch and surroundings will be in pristine condition with the surface prepared to a tee to ensure both teams can play open, expansive football and it will also provide the club with an opportunity to showcase their facilities with a large crowd expected through the dates for a good old-fashioned East Mayo derby.
Cloonacool Players are staging an outdoor performance of John M Synge’s ‘The Tinker’s Wedding’, on Sunday, August 24, at 7.15pm in Cloonacool Village (F91 KX31). Appearing in the hilarious comedy are Olive Giblin, Dennis Ross, Peadar Conway, Marion Tarpey, Richard Yolland and Joe Corscadden. All in the capable hands of director Eileen Davey.
The 2025 Eugene McLoughlin Memorial Run took place on Sunday, August 10, last and it was another resounding success and drew huge crowds to the town as people came from all corners to watch the many high powered tractors and machines and all kinds of vehicles of one form or another who powered their way through the streets of the town and surrounding hinterlands. They really captured the imagination of the watching public as they gasped in admiration at the condition and mechanics of the vehicles with many of the most common and well-known brands well represented on the day.
The Eugene McLoughlin Memorial Run remains the cornerstone and highlight of the town’s summer programme and season with people planning their holidays and visits to the town around the timing of the event. The committee once again pulled out all the stops and ensured every box was ticked regarding the organisation of the event with preparations beginning weeks and months in advance. They did a top-class job with with lots of activities for the younger generation the highlight of which was a Kiddies Fun Run which attracted lots of pedal bikes, toy tractors and Go-Karts alike which only added to the occasion and made it a real winner for all who took part and participated.
There was a monster auction held after the run which sparked great interest as people put bids in on the many fabulous items that were available to be bought and purchased. The town was packed with people from midday until well into the night with the increased footfall generating plenty of business for the hard pressed local business community who were delighted to report a significant uptake in profits and this day is without doubt the jewel in the crown for the town as a whole.
All proceeds from the run and the auction went towards CROI as once again the committee and community united as one to showcase all that is best when it comes to the staging and hosting of the Eugene McLoughlin Memorial Run. There was a terrific number of volunteers involved in the running of the day and they deserve great credit for their input with the local Gardai also playing their part as they ensured the smooth flow of traffic in and out of the town with a number of diversions in place which worked out very well. There was entertainment plenty to get people dancing with Pat’s Country Roadshow, Sean Fahy and Chloe Sweeney among others keeping the feel good factor high as they kept everybody moving, shaking and dancing well past the hour of midnight. The McLoughlin family were there in big numbers with Kathleen, Declan, Noel and Catriona and their extended families all present and delighted to be associated with the event as it continues to dazzle and entertain and provide some real cheer and joy to the town when it takes place. This year was every bit as successful as all that have gone before and already the committee are hatching a plan for the 2026 renewal which has some way to go to emulate 2025 which was a superb success.
Charlestown Sarsfields suffered a defeat in the County U14B Shield Championship semi-final when they went down to Louisburgh with the West Mayo lads coming through on a score line of 2-11 to 2-7 in an interesting contest played at Fr O’Hara Park.
This was somewhat of a surprise as the Sarsfields had beaten the same opposition in the division 3 league final some weeks back but revenge is a dish best served cold as they say and Louisburgh got their own back in some style with this smash and grab victory.
The Sarsfields got off to a great start and had two goals scored in the first ten minutes care of Sean Cassidy and Tom Naughton but failed to build on this platform and trailed by a point at half-time. The Sarsfields were flat in the second half and Louisburgh were brighter and sharper throughout the field and tagged on the scores when they had their period of dominance and pressure as the green and white lads struggled to pick up the cudgel and lacked the verve and dash that had so characterised their many fine performances throughout the season.
It may have been a case of one game too far for a group of players who looked weary and fatigued after a long season but credit to Louisburgh they took full advantage of the Sarsfields sluggishness and weariness to qualify for a shield final showdown with Knockmore.
To mark the start of the new Premier League Season which kicked off on Friday, August 15 last, Johnny’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown are running a Fantasy League competition with some fantastic prizes on offer. Check out Johnnny’s Bar Facebook Page with the qr code to join being 18e7q7.
Charlestown Sarsfields U16 team were defeated by Ballintubber in the county U16 Development championship in the latest round of the group fixtures played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently. The West Mayo lads prevailed on a 5-13 to 4-5 scoreline in a game that kept everybody entertained as goals flew in at both ends with both attacks very much on top of their game so to speak.
Ballintubber had that little bit of extra power and craft throughout the field however and this they used to telling effect as just when the Sarsfields looked like gaining a foothold the Tubber boys rocked them back on their heels with a goal or a flurry of points.
The Sarsfields’ threat remained live and constant throughout but the West Mayo lads were able to keep them at arm’s length for the most part and were, it must be said, full value for their victory with the Sarsfields still in with a chance or progressing from the group with their one remaining game versus Ballinrobe having a real do or die feel about it.
The Sarsfields goal scorers were Ryan Rowley who netted a brace with Adam Doherty and James Cassidy also on target as all eyes turn to Ballinrobe with the Sarsfields still in with a fighting chance of advancing to the play-off stages.
Charlestown Cemetery Mass takes place on Sunday, August 24 at12 noon.
A Family Fun Day fundraiser in aid of Charlestown Swimming Pool will take on Sunday, August 31. The Family Fun Day fundraiser will raise funds to support the maintenance and upkeep of the Charlestown Swimming Pool. Join everyone at the pool on Sunday, August 31 for the fun day and raffle draw. Some of the prizes on offer include 100 x Swim Pass for the 2026 season worth €200, Pool Party in 2026 for up to 20 children with food afterwards at Mace and one week of children’s swimming lessons in 2026. Log on to the Charlestown Swimming Pool Facebook Page for more information on how to support, donate and buy tickets etc.
There was a good turnout at the summer bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, August 13, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 2nd Tom Ginty and Mike Wingrove, 3rd Mae and Charles Quinn, and 4th Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne.
The following were the winners of the 25 Drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday, August 12; 1st Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally, 2nd Mary O`Hara and Kevin Maloney. Raffle winners were Mary O’Hara, Mary Costello and Breege Leonard. Game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm.
The Ireland West Airport Run place on Saturday, September 13. The annual Ireland West Airport Run, in partnership with Portwest, is a 5km charity event which represents a unique opportunity to run or walk on the runway at Ireland West Airport. Proceeds from the event will go to the charity partners for 2025; Connacht SBHI (Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland), Dillion Quirke Foundation, Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Order of Malta (Knock Branch), The National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Western Alzheimers. All participants will receive a free commemorative runway run t-shirt. The run starts at 6pm and for more information on entry and other details log on the Ireland West Airport Facebook page and follow the link.
The Charlestown U13B team suffered a 4-3 to 1-8 at the hands of Cill Chomain in the latest round of fixtures played in division 6 of the county U13 league. The Sarsfields battled bravely against a very good and committed Gaeltacht team but ultimately came up short with goals and the opposition`s ability to score them proving pivotal at the final whistle.
A pilgrimage to Medjugorje takes place from October 8-15, with flights from Ireland West Airport, Knock and accommodation costing €875. For details and more information contact Isabel Gallagher, Swinford on 086 2151338.
Charlestown senior ladies suffered a 2-13 to 1-2 reverse to Knockmore in the Division 1 league semi-final played recently. The Sarsfields were somewhat depleted in their line-up and were no match for a good and well drilled Knockmore side who are one of the favourites to claim the senior championship which throws in over the coming weeks. The Sarsfields will be hoping to get some of their injured personnel back on the field ahead of their opening round encounter with all eyes and attention firmly focused on the championship as they look to build on the progress they have made as a squad in the last number of years.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €3300 in the weekly draw held on Monday, August 11, and the following were four numbers drawn; 1,13, 16 and 18. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; Gabrielle Hanley, PJ Durcan and Zac Brennan.
The latest jackpot increased to €3500 and the draw took place on Monday, August 18.
Charlestown Boxing Club are back and at it for the new 2025/2026 season with training resuming on Tuesday nights in Cloonfane at 7pm. Registration is closed with the full house signs up for the new season as Darren Fahy and his team of coaches get ready to welcome a new generation of boxers to the club which continues to punch well above its weight in terms of success and glory.
The annual Walk n Talk to remember Rónán Duffy’s birthday will take place on Saturday, August 30, starting at 5pm from Benson’s, Rooskey. Further details nearer the date.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday, August 10, as The Duke and The Magician scrapped it out in another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. Gus reprised his role at match referee having been at the ochie last week and made a seamless return at that, as he kept both men firmly in check with some no-nonsense policing. The Duke bludgeoned his opponent in the opening two sets with some scintillating scoring and oh so classic finishing. McGowan hardly had time to blink before he found himself two sets down and staring down the barrel of a whitewash. Credit to him, however, he bounced back in typically rousing fashion to sneak the third set with a timely double top getting him over the line in the fourth leg. This was as good as it got for the magic man however as he only succeeded in stoking the bear who stormed back in imperious fashion and won three legs on the reel in set four to seal the match and clinch his fifth victory of the season in process. Another stellar performance from the famed back catalogue of the number two seed and one which the Magician was quick to acknowledge as both men talked and shared a few bevies long into the bright night.
