Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields U13's win the Division 8 Grading League.
The victorious Charlestown Sarsfields U13 team who won the Division 8 grading league with a comprehensive victory over Aghamore recently.
Charlestown Sarsfields captured the Division 8 under-13 Grading League title in some style with a decisive 4-11 to 2-4 victory over East Mayo neighbours Aghamore in the final played at the Centre of Excellence, Bekan recently.
The seeds for the Sarsfields victory were sown in their ability to score goals and this they did with aplomb as they banged in four, two in each half to take the game away from their opponents.
Aghamore, to be fair, had plenty of possession and possessed lots of intent in the opening half but they weren`t nearly as clinical or accurate in front of goal as the Sarsfields lads hence why the half-time score of 2-5 to 0-3 reflected somewhat harshly on the overall efforts of the red and white lads as they gave the Sarsfields plenty of anxious moments and should have amassed a much bigger score than their meagre showing of 0-3 would indicate.
The Sarsfields had the aces in attack however, with the goals from Tom Naughton and Alex Pugaciov giving the green and white lads a nice cushion going into the interval.
The Sarsfields were keen to build on their first half platform as the second half got underway. They continued to press forward and attack at every opportunity and weathered any storm their opponents attempted to conjure up relatively comfortably.
That said the Aghamore challenge remained viable and relevant right throughout the second half with two second goals giving them some return on the huge amount of energy, spirit and commitment they invested throughout the game as a whole.
Trouble was the Sarsfields bagged two further goals of their own with Freddie Doherty and Mick Bomser finishing expertly to the net to keep the Sarsfields first half lead intact as the Sarsfields continued to boss the scoreboard to so speak.
Some fine point taking from Rhian O’Connor and Tom Naughton gave the scoreboard a real green and white tinge as the Sarsfields lads showed admirable composure and intelligence when in possession as they protected the ball well and distributed it cleverly from back to front.
The Sarsfields managed the game well to the final whistle as they limited their opponents to just one further point hitting an impressive 2-6 in reply to add to the 2-5 they accumulated in the first half.
The final whistle provided wonderful scenes of joy and jubilation in the Sarsfields ranks as players, management and supporters celebrated in unison. Great credit must go to the team as a whole as they played with panache and in the style that one markedly associates with all Charlestown Sarsfields teams.
Special mention to the management team of Neil O’Connor, Cathal Naughton, Mike Doherty and Ritchie Haran who got a super tune out of a very honest and willing group of players who improved tenfold in their skill development and subsequent performances in what turned out to be a very enjoyable and rewarding season for each and every one of them.
This victory brought the curtain down on another successful season for the club at underage level with players being continually exposed to the best in terms of coaching and skill development and organisation with the future looking very bright for the club as they strive to build on the platform of success they continue to enjoy at all levels and grades going into the 2025 season.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €14,100 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, November 10, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 3, 17, 24 and 36. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Susan McDonald and Karen Deignan. The latest jackpot increased to €14,200 and the draw was held on Sunday night, November 17.
Health Quarter Plus Charlestown Sports Performance Fitness and Wellness Centre are currently hosting Healthy Aging Classes every Tuesday and Thursday at 9.30am. For people over 60. Resistance exercises helps reduce the effects of osteoporosis and scorpenia, improves balance, strength and cardiovascular fitness, help you move better and feel stronger with the emphasis very much on fun and engagement. For more information contact 085 8416420.
The death took place in Gardenia Avenue, Luton, England of Jimmy (James ) Calter formerly of Fauleens, Carracastle. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
The U14 girls played a very competitive challenge against their Boyle basketball club from Roscommon recently in the CBD Sport and Recreational Centre. The Charlestown girls and coaches were delighted to welcome Boyle to the centre and a very competitive match ensued with both teams displaying plenty of skill and commitment in what was an enjoyable encounter overall. Both sides got plenty of the match with a return fixture on the cards in the very near future.
The AGM of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club will be held in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown on Friday, November 29, at 8pm. Nomination papers for the various executive positions will be posted out to all club members in the coming days and weeks and you are asked to return the same to the club secretary on or before Wednesday, November 27, and your co-operation in this would be greatly appreciated. The club had another very successful year on and off the field the highlight of which was the opening of the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch and Walkway on Sunday, June 2, last. The club executive did a terrific job in their various roles and they will be providing comprehensive reports at the AGM and hopefully a large crowd will be in attendance to offer their support.
Charlestown Sarsfirlds U16 girls captured the county A U16 championship in stirring fashion recently with a whopping 11-11 to 3-6 victory over Hollymount in the final played at the Connacht Centre of Excellence, Bekan recently.
The Sarsfields went into the contest as the hot favourites but the tag weighed lightly on their tender shoulders as they unleashed the full range of their outstanding talents on a Hollymount side that had no answer to the power, pace and skill of the Sarsfields starlets.
The Sarsfields set the tone from the throw-in and proceeded to grab control of the game as they put their opposition on the back foot with a series of quick fire scores several of which were goals.
Hollymount were floored as they just couldn’t cope with the pace and power of a Sarsfields side that had runners coming from all angles and positions on the field. The green and white ladies continued to pile on the scores with the game pretty much down and dusted by half-time such was the control the Sarsfields girls had on the game.
Hollymount’s task was hard enough before the throw-in but became damn near impossible ahead of the start of the second half with the Sarsfields holding all the aces and with all their big name players operating at the peak of their powers.
The South Mayo girls displayed commendable courage and spirit in the second half and can be proud of their display as they battled and scrapped for every ball and scintilla of possession. The Sarsfields, however, are a formidable team containing some stellar talents and while their second half performance dipped for a spell in the second half. They quickly regained their poise and focus and secured several thrilling scores to put the game well beyond the reach of a brave Hollymount side who did the jersey proud at the manner of their tenacious and spirited second half performance.
The Sarsfields kept the score board ticking in their favour as they lived up to their billing with a thunderous overall display that had all the hallmarks of a top quality side. They have quality in every line of the pitch but matched their skill with a high work rate as they harried and hassled their opponents into submission in a terrific overall display.
The Sarsfields saw the game out to the finish with little or no threat to their huge lead on the scoreboard with the final whistle bringing lots of joy to the green and white camp with Hollymount left to reflect on what was a tough day at the office for a very honest and committed set of players. The Charlestown girls enhanced their lofty reputation with a very authoritative and classy display with each and every players delivering a top notch display in their respective position.
Well done to the management team of Catriona and Colm Maye, Nora McGovern and James Maye who got the very best out of a supremely talented team with every player keenly aware of their job as the management team gave them full permission to display the vast array of their dazzling attacking talents with players running hard from every conceivable angle and position on the pitch.
Victorious captain Cliona Cullen was presented with the cup amidst scenes of super jubilation with the player of the match award going to Mikayla McLoughlin who capped a marvellous display by bagging the jaw dropping 5-2 personal tally out of the Sarsfields tally of 11-11.
The sudden and untimely death took place in Tampa, Florida, USA and formerly of Bushfield, Charlestown of Finian O’Toole. He is survived by his son Finn Óg, daughters Ella and Sadie, mother Helen, brothers Declan and Adrian, sisters Miriam, Michelle and Aileen, brother-in-law Barry, sister-in-law Edel, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and a wide circle of friends.
The late Finian, who was pre-deceased by father Peter, was a much loved and respected member of the community of Tampa where he had forged a good life for himself since his arrival there many years ago. He was a also a very popular and well known figure in and around the Bushfield and Charlestown communities where he is recalled with fondness by many who knew and hung out with him growing up. He was renowned for his wit and sense of fun and always had a wide, beaming smile at the ready whenever he was socialising or interacting with family and friends. He adored his children and they were front and centre of his everyday life as he made sure their needs were met and provided for at all times.
He was a regular visitor home over the years checking in with family, neighbours and friends and he was a good natured person with an innate sense of decency and kindness about him. Finian made an impression wherever he went and the outpouring of grief and emotion on both sides of the Atlantic when word filtered through of his untimely death speaks volumes for the esteem and affection in which he was held. Finian was a good man if the true sense of the word who made the world a better place by his presence and his passing is deeply regretted. He leaves a legacy of many outstanding memories which his family will cherish and cling dear to in these deep dark hours and days and we tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
Congratulations to Curry native James Cooke who won a much coveted silver Masters (over-55s ) World B Handball Singles title recently at the World Handball Four-Wall Championships held at the National Handball Centre in Dublin recently. He defeated Yutaka Sakurai from Japan in the final.
James is a native of Cloonrawer, Curry but has been resident in Chicago for the best part of thirty years and more working in construction. His passion for handball has never diminished however as he maintained a deep interest in the game which he first developed an interest in, in the old Cully Ball Alley where he learned all the skills and techniques and achieved quite a good standard before emigration took him to the windy city. He kept up his interest in the game with the sport of handball having a big following in the USA and took part in many regional and national competitions to varying degrees of success as he more than made his mark when it came to doling out the medals and taking a position on the winner’s podium.
He is a regular visitor back to these shores and is a regular in the CBD Recreational Centre Charlestown as he takes on and competes against some of the handball players and exponents in the town and surrounding areas. He has kept himself in great shape with his fitness levels and court coverage up there with the very best and these qualities served him well as he pitted his skills against the cream of the competition in the over-55’s B grade. He played some excellent handball all through as his game got better with each round as he saw off a succession of very good opponents to qualify for the final proper.
James reserved his best performance for the final as he saw off a very worthy opponent with some wonderful play to crown a terrific achievement as he captured his first world title which is due recognition for his dedication and commitment to a sport he has gotten some enjoyment of for most of his teenage and adult life. His victory is to be celebrated as he is a well-known and popular man in the Curry and Charlestown communities where he has forged and maintained many strong links and friendships. His many friends in both communities extend their heartiest congratulations on this most noteworthy of achievements as James joins a very select and distinguished club to have claimed a world title at this elite level of competition.
Newly designed Game Ready Gear Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club merchandise is arriving soon along with some old favourites like branded/crested hoodies shorts, socks, gloves beanie hats, etc. To avoid disappointment call into John in Casey’s Expert Hardware to place your pre-Christmas order now. Gear is also available for the underage wing of the club (Bord na n-Og) Charlestown LGFA and Charlestown Cubs Basketball Club also.
The death took place in London, England recently of Gerry Stenson, formerly of Sandyhill, Charlestown. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Following on from their recent very successful and well supported 5km series, the East Mayo Athletics Club have launched their “Countdown to Christmas Challenge”, a 5k challenge which is making a welcome return to the club roster albeit under a new guise and format. It consists of four (4) teams running or walking 3 x 5k’s between Monday and Sunday, in your own time and location and whichever team completes the most runs wins the challenge. This is a very popular challenge and the team leaders will be virtually encouraging you and your team all the way as you strive to complete the challenge and get the runs on the board so to speak. All the details regarding entry are available on the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook where you simply click on the link to enter and access all the details. The event started on Monday, November 4, and finishes on Sunday, December 15, which is a nice lead-in to Christmas. The challenge should appeal to all ages and generations with a €20 entry fee per person any time /anywhere. Sign up now or better still form a team and pit your wits and talents against others and see how you fare out. Again all details to be had on the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook Page.
The AGM of the Charlestown LGFA (the ladies wing) of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club will take place on Tuesday (this evening), November 19, at 8.30pm in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown.
The AGM of Bord na nOg (the underage wing) of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club will take place on Friday, November 22, at 7pm in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown. All members/parents are requested to attend as the club look back and reflect on another very successful year on and off the field as the club continue to compete with distinction at all grades and genders from U10 to U18 respectively. The current executive have put in a massive shift in the last number of years and have revitalised the structures at underage level and brought a high degree or professionalism and organisation to the club which is bearing fruits on the fields of play with some notable successes at various grades on both genders. As always, however, they need more support to continue to the good work with all offers of help and support, however small, most gratefully received. The club has much to be proud of as they continue to drive on and put new initiatives in place to improve our competitiveness and hopefully a large crowd will turnout and lend further support and assistance to what’s been a great few years for the club at underage level in East Mayo and Mayo underage football in general.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday, November 6, at 8pm, and the following were the prize winners;1st Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 2nd Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, 3rd Michael and Pat Brennan, 4th Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 5th Carmel Moffitt and Hilary McCrohan
The death took place at the Mayo Hospice of Edward (Eddie) J Connor, Ballintadder, Carracastle. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Well known former Charlestown Sarsfields star Conor O’Donoghue has been called up to the London Senior GAA squad for the forthcoming 2025 National League campaign. Conor, who is now a member of the St Kiernan’s Club, having transferred over at the start of the 2024 season and true to form he made a terrific impression as he starred in their run to the county senior final. He almost pulled of a notable double with St Kiernan’s winning the senior league title but coming up short in the championship decider as North London Shamrocks surprised them in the final where Conor was one of the few Kiernan’s players to offer any kind of resistance on a disappointing day for St Kiernan’s and him personally. Conor was operating at wing-back for the most part and turned in some first class performances with his athleticism, fitness, speed over the ground and dogged defensive qualities catching the eye of the London management team who couldn’t but be impressed by his dash and commitment as he always leaves everything on the field of play.
His loss to the Sarsfields is incalculable as he had been consistently one of the best players over any number of years. His absence leaves a gaping hole in the green and white defence but they live in hope that he will make a return to the club colours in the very near future and resume his place at the heart of the Sarsfields defence. His many friends and playing colleagues wish him all the very best as he finally gets some recognition at county level albeit he had to go across the channel to do so with many feeling he deserved some sort of a run with the red and green on the back of many consistently outstanding displays for the Sarsfields as he marked more than held his own against the best club and inter county forwards in the ultra competitive senior club championship.
Charlestown Sarsfields look forward to watching Conor compete in the London colours in the 2025 National League Division 4 programme which resumes in just over ten weeks time with Conor eagerly looking forward to the challenge with one eye very much on the opening round Connacht Senior Championship as Mayo travel to Ruislip to take on London in the preliminary round. Conor will be keen to impress and put in a big performance against his native county but first things first he needs to acclimatise to the demands and rigours on inter county training which places great demands on the body and involves big sacrifices off the field. He has the hunger and passion to do it and we will watch his progress with interest over the coming weeks and months as he looks to emulate another Sarsfields star in Jack Reilly who has played for New York with distinction in the Connacht senior championship for the last number of years as well as representing the stars and stripes in the Tailteann Cup.
Sympathy is extended to James Cafferty, Sargura, Curry and Padraic Cafferty, Sargura and Dublin on the death of their sister Margaret Cafferty, formerly of Sargura, Curry who died in Boston, USA recently.
The Christmas Craft Fair will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Sunday, December 1, from 10am-2pm. If you would like to have a table on the day contact 085 7704647.
The Western Drama 2024 One-Act Festival takes place in St Brigid’s Hall, Tubbercurry, from Thursday, November 21to Saturday, November 23. There is a full programme of one-act plays scheduled for the hall the details of which can be had by checking out the Tubbercurry, Western Drama Festival Facebook page. All details re admission are also available on the page with various prices of tickets available to cater for everybody.
