Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields U13s romp to Development League victory.
Charlestown Sarsfields U13 Division 6 Development League champions 2025.
Charlestown Sarsfields captured the county U13 Development League title with a whopping victory over Belmullet in a one-sided final played at the Connacht Centre of Excellence recently. The Sarsfields totally dominated the match from start to finish and ran their opponents ragged with the Belmullet lads reduced to chasing shadows such was the heights the Sarsfields hit with their terrific all-round performance.
The young Sarsfields starlets took control of the game from the throw-in and had the match in the bag long before the final whistle and racked up a big score in the process to make it another trophy making its way back to the town and club to go along with the many others that made 2025 such a success at underage level.
Each and every player dominated their direct opponent and with this kind of control at play there was only ever going to be one result with the Sarsfields coasting their way to victory in a style that was refreshing to see. They played without fear and went after the game at an early stage as they sensed they had the upper hand on a gallant but outclassed Belmullet side.
The only query was how big the winning margin would be as the final whistle set in train great scenes of jubilation and joy. It was a wonderful team performance with every player winning their battle and doing their bit as the team played in the typical Charlestown fashion with the ball being moved through the lines swiftly and with precision.
The management team deserve every plaudit for the methodical way they`ve coached these lads since they got together earlier in the year. They received the best possible tuition and training and this played out on the field as they won all their games in very impressive fashion. Due mention to Cathal Naughton, Kevin Munnelly, Brian McDermott, Noel Gallagher and James Breheny for the tireless work and commitment they invested from day one with the all the hard work coming to fruition on the biggest day of the lot in the young lives of these young Charlestown Sarsfields players.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €18,600 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, September 21, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 8, 27, 29 and 34. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were John Honan and Denise McDonnell. The latest jackpot increased to €18,700 and the draw was held on Sunday September 28.
A senior exercise class takes place in the in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown on Friday mornings at11am and all are welcome.
Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Aidan Higgins, Bellaghy, Charlestown who celebrated his fiftieth (50th) birthday recently with a surprise party for family and friends in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown last weekend.
Aidan is a true Charlestown Sarsfields GAA legend having given incredible service to the club at all levels for the best part of 35 years and more. He was still togging out for the club’s junior team until very recently and has won every honour in the book with the county and Connacht club championship medals the one he treasures most having won county senior championships in 2001 and 2009 respectively the last named of which he was the skipper. He added a Connacht Club medal in 2001 for good measure in that never to be forgotten epic day for the club when they defeated Annaghdown from Galway in a gripping final. He also represented Mayo at the highest level for close on a decade winning three Connacht Championship medals as well as playing in two senior All-Ireland finals in the defeats to Kerry in 2004 and 2006. He also won two Sigerson Cups with Sligo IT and was an inspirational leader who emptied the tank every time he donned the jersey no matter what colour it was or who he was representing. Aidan has also won county and Connacht intermediate titles with the Sarsfields and always led by example who played with a determination and commitment that made him a formidable opponent over the years.
His fitness levels and stamina were off the charts and was perpetual motion once the ball was thrown in as he covered every blade of grass in his ability to get the Sarsfields across the winning line and never took a backward step in the process with his iron clad will to win coming to the fore at all times. He has green and white blood coursing through his veins and gave some service to Mayo at senior level and was always one of their best and most consistent defenders during his decade or so donning the red and green jersey.
The years have been kind to him it must be said with the boyish, Peter Pan features still very much intact with not a spare ounce of flesh to be found on the waistline such is his monastic devotion to clean and healthy living. He dabbles in a bit of coaching as he trains a couple of the girls teams in the club and his enthusiasm is still clearly evident from the line as he imbues the same qualities in his teams that served him so well as a player. Behind every good man is a good lady and Laura has her man in tip-top shape as he gets ready to embrace all that fifty throws at him. There was great cord in attendance to help Aidan pass the rubicon of fifty and there was a cake unveiled with fifty candles occupying every part of the delicious offering. There were plenty of takers too when the cake was divvied up and I’m sure there’s a slice set aside for me somewhere on the back of this mention. The candles stood little chance when Aidan summoned up one big breath to quench the fire they ignited with the music and craic going on long into the night. Here’s wishing Aidan good health and happiness in the future as he takes his place in a club that has a very select membership that has claimed some scalps in the last number of years.
Art and Craft classes take place in the Arts Centre on Wednesday mornings from 11am-1pm and new members are most welcome.
Women’s Box-Fit classes (fun fitness for all ages and levels) take place every Wednesday at the Charlestown Boxing Club headquarters (Old Cloonfane School) from 7.30-8.45pm. The cost is €60 per eight week block or €10 per session (pay as you go). The instructor is Keely Stevens, five times national champion. Call 089 4977388 for more details
Yoga classes with Tish takes place in the Charlestown Arts Centre on Tuesday nights at 7.15pm.
Yoga class with Sophie takes place at Carracastle Community Centre on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm-8.30pm. Cost €10 per class. Free taster class for newcomers. To book call 083 4798831.
Registration is now closed for the season and for details of training for all the various teams in the boys and girls underage grades check out the Cubs basketball Facebook page which gives up to date information on times, fixtures, results and all matters connected to the club on a regular basis.
Charlestown Sarsfields survived a tense and dramatic senior championship relegation semi-final with 0-13 to 0-12 victory over a crestfallen Mayo Gaels who looked to have won a grim battle of wills when they led 0-12 to 0-10 with the clock heading into the red.
What played out in the final thrilling few minutes will live long in the minds and memories of all associated with the Sarsfields Club as Paul Towey donned his Superman cap to rescue the Sarsfields from near certain defeat as he kicked a two pointer followed by a single white flag with pretty much the last two kicks to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
The Mayo Gaels players and management must have felt they had been hit by a train at the final whistle as the game was ripped away from them in agonising fashion. All the drama was condensed into the final ten minutes as the first forty five was poor to say the least with both teams fluffing their lines badly between the posts. The shooting from the two sides left an awful lot to be desired with balls drifting wide at regular intervals to the dismay of both sets of supporters who were left scratching their heads in disbelief at the squandermania that was playing out in front of them.
The South Mayo boys held a three point lead at half-time with the score reading 0-6 to 0-3 with Paul Towey being the sole Sarsfields flag bearer with two frees and a point from play the meagre total posted by the green and white who retired to the sheds with lots of thinking and mulling over to do.
The Sarsfields hit the ground running at the start of the second half kicking the first two points care of Jack Mahon with a lovely slipped effort from play while Paul Towey knocked over a routine free in front of the goal. The Sarsfields had the bit between their teeth on the back of this fast start with Towey adding another free minutes later to tie the game at 0-6 apiece.
The Sarsfields looked like they could cut loose at any stage with Towey hovering with real intent on the edge of the square but Mayo Gaels went about their way of hanging in the game admirably with the wily Adam Gallagher, Liam Hughes, Kevin Lynch and Ethan Henry using all their guile and experience to keep the Sarsfields at bay for the most part as the next ten minutes saw a real tussle for possession emerge with the game tied at 0-8 apiece.
Towey pushed Charlestown in front once again with a lovely point from play but the Gaels responded with one of their own to leave the game balanced on a knife-edge heading down the home straight. Both sides had chances to stretch the lead but the lack of accuracy in front of goal continued to hamper some fine approach play with Mayo Gaels butchering at least two great goal chances which would have pulled the rug from under the Sarsfields effort.
The Sarsfields, for their part, were marginally less culpable as passes went astray at key times when the goal opened up which only fed into the Mayo Gaels narrative that this might be their time. Ruairi Cullen slotted a good point for the Sarsfields to push them one in front once again but they couldn’t consolidate or build on it as Mayo Gaels started to mop up the breaking balls in the middle third as the Sarsfields struggled to repel their attacks from deep.
The battle hardened Gaels kicked the next three points to take the game away from the Sarsfields with the score reading 0-12 to 0-10 and the Sarsfields seemingly floundering. The Gaels looked to all the world as if they were going to upset the formbook as they continued to win possession and keep it in the hands away from the frantic Sarsfields press.
Supporters were casting anxious looks at their watches with time running out for the Sarsfields as Mayo Gaels looked on the brink of victory. It was then Paul Towey fashioned the Sarsfields remarkable escape as, with two majestic kicks, he altered the course of the match and most importantly the result to seal a smash and grab win for the green and white as they can look forward to competing in the 2026 senior championship. The two kicks from Towey were as straight as a dye and never deviated from their flight path as they arced right through the centre of the black spot to audible cries of delight from the large Sarsfields contingent of supporters.
The game, while low in quality, will be remembered for a terrific finale with the Sarsfields chuffed to have saved their skins and ensure senior championship football next season. They had good performances at the back from Ben Conway, keeper Kenny Brennan, Tadhg Horkan, and Ruairi Cullen who bombed on continually from his wing back station and linked in well with his forwards. The Sarsfields again found the going tough in the middle with Niall Fleming and Paddy Goldrick finding it difficult to win any meaningful possession with Gareth O’Donnell, who played between wing back and the middle, bolstering the Sarsfields aerial battle as he won some vital possession and gave the green and white some sort of a platform to which they could construct attacks on. The wily Sarsfields skipper became more and more of a target for kick-outs as the game progressed and he made some crucial catches late on to deprive the Gaels of possession.
In attack Towey was again the jewel in the crown, kicking 0-11 of the Sarsfields total. He left a few behind him as well but when the game looked gone from the Sarsfields he stepped forward and showed his true pedigree and class to guide two missiles between the posts and edge the Sarsfields over the line in the most tense of situation. He was peerless and while support was sporadic the likes of Jack Mahon, Ben Crean, Matt Lenehan all chipped in on occasions and were always willing and able runners.
Paddy Lenehan made a big impression when introduced and was a handful around the middle with his aerial power and strength coming to the fore in some pivotal moments. The likes of Jack Corley, Niall Drudy, Sean Dunleavy and Alan Woods also had their moments in what was a real arm wrestle of a game with Towey the undoubted ace in the green and white pack.
Well done to the management team of David Tiernan, Michael Horkan, Patrick Walsh, Shane Moran, Francis Mannion and Phillip Craig who invested a huge amount of time and effort in their stewardship of the team. They left no stone unturned in terms of preparation and did their utmost in what was available to them in terms of numbers and playing personnel. They got the best out of the lads and retained senior status which was a real achievement considering the number of injuries and retirements they had to contend with throughout the season.
A 4 week flower arranging class with Angela Tansey has started at Carracastle Community Centre on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm. €10 deposit required and booking is essential. Contact Angela on 087 6039449 to confirm your place and for more information.
The next Community Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, October 3, in the Arts Centre from 11am-1pm. Lift access is available and all are welcome for a cuppa and a chat.
Mayo Genealogy Group will hold their AGM at the next meeting which will be held at the Museum of Country Life, Turlough at the October meeting on Saturday, October 11, at 11am. Everyone interested in Genealogy, Family Trees, DNA, History, Folklore, or local history is welcome to attend any of the meetings which take place on the second Saturday of each month.
The Genealogy Group and Friends have organised a two night three day outing to Donegal/Derry area from Wednesday, October 8 to Friday, October 10. Spaces are still available, so for anybody interested contact Mary at 086 1280338. This is sure to be an interesting and enjoyable trip.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, September 24, at 8pm, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 2nd James Mooney and Mary O’Connell, 3rd Maura Kilcoyne and Nora McVeigh, 4th Frances and Robert Healy.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25-card game held at the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday night, September 23, at 9pm, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Joe Mahon and Kevin Maloney, 2nd Veronica McCarrick and Teresa McIntyre. Raffle winners were; Joe Mahon, Teresa McIntyre and Mary Costello.
A chiropody clinic will be in O’Donnell’s Total Health Pharmacy, The Square, Charlestown on Wednesday, October 1. To book an appointment call 094 9254177. Services include professional nail trimming, corn removal, fungal advice, verruca treatment, callus removal and full feet check-up Annual Croi Night Run.
The Annual Croi Night Run sponsored by Benecol is coming to Charlestown on Friday, October 17. Register at croinightrun.ie and complete your 5km your way - walk, jog or run - with all funds going towards Croi’s fight against heart disease and stroke. Go to croinightrun.ie and select register “Take part in your area”. Fill in your details and select “Join a Run”, select (East Mayo AC Track) from the drop-down. Complete form. Light up the country together with the electric energy of the Croi Night Run.
Fr O’Hara Park will host the first county senior semi-final featuring Crossmolina Deel Rovers and Westport on Saturday, October 4, with the throw-in confirmed for 4pm. This promises to be a blockbuster contest as the Deel Rovers men put their burgeoning reputation on the line against a Westport team desperate to add another Moclair Cup to the one they captured in 2022. It’s sure to draw a huge crowd to the splendidly appointed Sarsfields venue with the club executive confident they will have the pitch in tip-top shape for what should be a cracking game between two teams who are laced with stars and quality players in every line of the pitch. The Deel Rovers side have swept their way to this stage, beating all before and behind them with their demolition job on Belmullet in the quarter-final, an indication of their form lines at present. Westport, too, are heading to the match in buoyant form having come from nine points down and a man down to overhaul Breaffy in a dramatic quarter-final which gives a good indication of the depth of character and spirit that pervades in their squad.
O’Hara Park has played host to some great games in its long and proud history and this latest encounter promises to be right up there with anything the famous old ground has staged as two teams with big names and reputations put everything on the line with a county final place beckoning for the winners. All roads lead to Charlestown and Fr O’Hara Park with the game sure to attract a large neutral support with all within the club eagerly looking forward to showcasing their terrific facilities as it gets ready to host its second county semi-final in three years.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €4000 in the weekly draw held on Monday, September 22, and the numbers drawn were 10, 20, 23 and 26. The €20 weekly prizes were Fiona Brennan, Conor Henry and Naoise Dunne. The jackpot increased to €4100 and the draw took place on Monday September 29.
The 30th anniversary of the Carracastle Lass takes place on Saturday, October 18th at 8pm in Carracastle Community Centre. If you would like to sponsor an entrant (aged over 18) to represent your business/company, contact 086 1660196 or email carracastlelass@gmail.com for details.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition on Sunday, September 21as Boom Boom and The Magician contested another cracking instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was laid low with flu so Podsie deputised in the referee’s chair and made the transition seamlessly as he exuded authority. Boom Boom was on a retrieval mission having come up short in last week’s final and he made the best possible start racing into a two set lead with some stellar throwing.
The Magician weaved his own bit of magic in the next couple to square the match and set up a fifth set decider. Boom Boom seized the initiative with some shrewd scoring in the opening leg and backed this up in the very next one to leave him poised for victory with the Magician struggling to retain his level of the previous two sets. Boom Boom applied the coup de gras in the third leg, romping his way to the doubles. The magic man loitered in the high 300s with nothing more to give. The end when it came was swift and decisive with Boom finishing on his favourite double eighteen to set off scenes of tumultuous joy and celebration as he raised his hand aloft and claimed his sixth title of the season. The Magician’s losing streak in finals continues unabated but he can be happy with his display as he left everything out there as per usual.
