Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields U15s acquit themselves well at Feile 2024.
The Charlestown Sarsfields U15 team, panel and management who competed with such distinction at the recent National Feile competition where they lost out narrowly to Eire Og (Carlow) in the semi-final of the Division 4 section.
Well done to the Charlestown U15 team, panel and management who acquitted themselves very well at the recent Feile competition which took place over the weekend of June 30/July 1. The Sarsfields were playing the division 4 competition and were based at the Clare Galway GAA grounds where they were pitted against teams from Kilkenny, Cavan and Sligo respectively. They came through the group unbeaten, defeating Ramor United from Cavan in their first game with the Sarsfields coming through on a score line of 3-6 to 2-1 which was a real confidence booster ahead of game two against Dixboro from Kilkenny. The Sarsfields had too much class and skill for the Kilkenny side as they prevailed 2-4 to 1-1 with Sligo’s St John’s the final game in the group and one where they were expected to face their toughest test. The Sligo lads proved worthy opponents and gave the Sarsfields some anxious moments but the green and white had enough class and nous to get the job done and this they duly did on a score line of 1-5 to 1-1 which sealed their passage to the semi-final and a clash against the famed Eire Óg from Carlow.
It proved one bridge too far however as in a game of tight margins the Carlow side held their ground and managed to keep the Sarsfields at bay as they clung on for a 1-5 to 1-3 win with the Sarsfields distraught at the final whistle as they got so close to qualify for the final which would have been a monumental achievement as they battled for their lives to make the final. They lost nothing in defeat however as they strained every muscle and sinew in a bid to make the final but alas it wasn’t to be with fatigue a definite factor in their defeat as they were out on their feet at the final whistle.
It was a great experience for this group to pit their talents against the cream of other counties with plenty of learnings to be gleaned from what was a fantastic effort overall. Well done to the management team of Donal Healy and Paddy Breheny who had every box ticked in terms of preparation and organisation with nothing left to chance as the team came so close to qualifying for a final and left everything out of the field in a game of small margins in their heartbreaking semi-final loss. The management thank the following sponsors Kernan’s Spar, Vinny Hunt Electrical, AH Accountancy, Conor Healy (Town Construction), NG (Noel Gallagher) Controls, Cassidy Motors, Claudio’s Takeaway, Charlestown Service Station and Clear Vision Direct who donated most generously to the team in the lead up to the Feile, their support was very much appreciated as the panel were kitted out in splendid new gear and looked the part as they represented the club with pride on what was a wonderful occasion overall for the club.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €12,200 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, June 30, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 12, 14, 15 and 23. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Roisin Kearns and Niall Murphy. The latest jackpot increased to €12,300 and the draw was held on Sunday night, July 7.
Sarsfields Shamrocks began their East Mayo Minor A Championship campaign with a comfortable victory over Kiltimagh in round one played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently. The Sarsfields Shamrocks amalgamation came through on a 6-6 to 2-12 score line on a lovely evening for football with the sun shining down from its lofty position in the sky.
Sarsfields Shamrocks had a real cutting edge in attack which proved vital to the final outcome as the Kiltimagh challenge remained live and valid throughout as the lads in blue kept chipping away at the score board despite their propensity for conceding goals at precisely the wrong time in both halves.
Sarsfields Shamrocks always managed to keep their lead to two scores at all times as they had to withstand periods of sustained pressure from the Kiltimagh side particularly in the second half when everything was on the line so to speak. That they did augurs well for their prospects in what’s a very competitive looking championship with some tough tests coming up in the weeks ahead with St Jarlath’s next up on the schedule which will provide Martin Mulvaney and his management team with a real test of their credentials as Jarlath’s powered their way to the division two minor title recently whipping a much fancied Ballina Stephenites team in the process.
Classes take place in the Town Hall Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown, on Friday, July 19 and 26 respectively at 12 noon. Lift access available.
Charlestown Sarsfields junior team qualified for the county junior A semi-final with a slender 0-11 to 1-6 victory over Ballintubber in a hard fought encounter played at Canon Gibbons Park, Claremorris recently. The Sarsfields did well to eke out a victory that looked unlikely at several junctures in a match high on perspiration but low in inspiration.
The green and white went into the game stripped of some key players but hats off to the lads who got the jersey, they did themselves and the team proud and found a way to get the job done which was no mean achievement considering the very absence of many of team’s better performers.
The Sarsfields started brightly and led by three points early doors with scores from Ciaran Honeyman, Eoin Flannery and Colm Maye giving the scoreboard a real green and white complexion.
Ballintubber hit back with a 1-1 blast which altered the flow of the game as the West Mayo men began to find their feet and get a grip on the Sarsfields challenge. Points from Honeyman and Alex Cullen edged the Sarsfields in front once again but it was the West Mayo men who finished the stronger as they clipped over the final two points of the half to leave the game very much in the balance with Ballintubber holding a narrow 1-3 to 0-5 at the first whistle.
Ballntubber had the better of the early stages of the second half as they outscored the Sarsfields by two points to leave them 1-5 to 0-6 ahead with Colm Maye bagging the point for the green and white men.
The Sarsfields began to assert themselves in the middle third as the second half wore on and hit three points on the bounce to take the lead as the exchanges became scrappy and error ridden. Ciaran Honeyman with a brace and Ruairi Cullen were the Sarsfields sharp shooters as Ballintubber`began to lose their grip on the game.
Niall Fleming landed a beauty for the Sarsfields to push them two clear with Ciaran Honeyman landing his fourth of the match minutes later to extend the Sarsfields advantage as they continued to play smart football and keep the ball in hand as much as possible.
Ballintubber had nothing left in their locker with a solitary point all they could muster in the dying embers as the green and white men held on grimly to what they had as the final whistle approached.
The Sarsfields kept the gate closed at the back and enough nous and experience to see out the game to its conclusion with this victory coming very much against the head but one which was fully deserved as they showed the necessary spirit, resolve and character to get the job done with special mention to Kevin Deignan and his management team who were shrewd in their team selection and the way they moved their players around to get the best out of them in various different positions.
Honourable mention to Ruairi Cullen, Ciaran Honeyman, Niall Towey, Eoin Flannery, Alex Cullen , Michael Marren, Niall Fleming, Mark and David Caffrey and Colm Maye who all stepped up at various dispatches and made some crucial contributions when the game was there to be won.
Congratulations are extended to Fr John Doherty, Lowpark, Charlestown, who celebrated 65 years as a priest recently. There was a special Mass held in St James’s Church, Charlestown, on Sunday, June 30, to mark the occasion with a large crowd in attendance as people came from all corners of the community to honour and bestow their best wishes on a great man in the true sense of the word who remains a very popular and much celebrated presence in the local community. Fr John has devoted his life to God and has done so in a very humble, unobtrusive and modest manner with his faith and practising of the same forming a key part of his daily existence and being.
Fr John has always been a much respected and jovial presence in the community of Charlestown with his humour, wit, intellect and ability to connect on all levels with the parishioners endearing him to so many on his return to Charlestown some years ago. Indeed Fr John retained many strong links in the parishes he served in before returning to Charlestown which speaks volumes for his lovely manner and the way he went about executing his duties as a man of the cloth. Fr John retains a deep interest in all matters GAA with his passion for Mayo showing no sign of abating as he continues to follow them with the same deep rooted enthusiasm and zeal he did back in his youth. The fortunes of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club also remain very close to his heart as he loves nothing better than walking through the gates of Fr O’Hara Park for his daily exercise and taking in a club match when ever his schedule allows.
The Mass was a celebration of Fr John’s life in the ministry of the priesthood with his faith never wavering during his long and distinguished service serving God in the best way he knows how. There were refreshments served afterwards in a marquee specially erected for the event and there was a terrific display on offer for all who availed of with sandwiches, scones, cakes and buns of all kinds tastes and sizes being happily snapped up and consumed by family, friends and the community at large who turned out in droves to convey their best wishes.
It was a special milestone and one which captured the atmosphere splendidly with Fr John delighted to catch up with old friends and acquaintances as well as meet many of his congregation and parishioners. The event was organised by the Parish Pastoral Council and a splendid job they did too with everything passing off without a hitch. We salute Fr John on this latest accolade and achievement and wish him many more years of good health and happiness in the future with his positivity and relish for life to be admired and savoured.
Over the coming weeks the Tidy Towns adjudicators will pay an unannounced visit to Charlestown. Areas of interest will include the town centre, public facilities, e.g. walkway, playground, church, graveyard swimming pool, sports facilities , Arts Centre, recycling centre, housing estates, community garden, public car parks, so basically the entire town and its environs. The Tidy Towns committee are asking everyone to extra vigilant in their own areas. Please help them by removing any weeds, rubbish or litter. It would be enormously appreciative if businesses and homes would make an extra effort to have their facades clean and add flower boxes if/where possible. Contact the Charlestown Facebook page or www.charlestown.ie if you see an area of particular concern. ‘We have an amazing town and community so let’s ensure we showcase this in the best possible light and give the adjudicators something to think about and them with a positive endorsement of our town and environs’, said a spokesperson. A special word of thanks to the wonderful CE (Community Employment) Scheme for their ongoing work in this area.
DAS Academy will run a dancing/acting/singing summer camp for children aged 5-12 years at Carracastle Community Centre from Monday, July 15 to Wednesday, July 17, costing €60 per child with 10% discount for siblings. Email carracastlefutureclg@gmail.com to book your place and to arrange payment of deposit.
In association with Mayo Sports Partnership , Charlestown Swimming Pool will run a week of Aquababies Classes from July 8-12 (inclusive) for €30 per child. There are two age groups 6-23 months old at 9am and 2-4 year olds at 9.30am . Book your place for yourself and your little one https://bookwhen.com/charlestownswimmingpool.
Caracastle Cemetery Mass will take place on Sunday, August 4, at 10.30am. Please tell your relatives and friends who are living outside of the community or elsewhere.
There was a good turnout at the weekly summer bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday last, June 26, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne; 2nd Michael and Pat Brennan; 3rd John McCrohan and Tom Ginty; 4th Charles and Mae Quinn. The weekly game takes place every Wednesday night in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown at 8pm and all are welcome.
A Coffee Morning with Flourish Social Prescribing Mayo will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Wednesday, July 24, at 11.45am.
The death took place recently at St John’s Hospital, Castlebar, of Mickey Grady, Castleduff, Carracastle, Co Mayo. His remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown, to St James’s Church, Carracastle, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to Carracastle Cemetery. He is survived by his wife May, daughter Helen, sons Anthony and Joseph, brother Tommy, sisters Maura and Helena, daughter-in-law Kay, son-in-law Danilo, grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and friends.
The late Mickey, as he was affectionately known, was a very popular and well respected member of the communities of Carracastle and Charlestown where he forged many strong and lasting friendships. He was a quiet-spoken, hard working man with a deep love of the land and was always at his happiest roaming the field tending to his livestock.
Mickey was also the consummate family man who took great pride in their health and well-being and together with his wife May they made for a very good team. He was a good neighbour and friend to all in Castleduff and could always be depended upon to lend a hand in times of need and crisis. The community of Carracastle has lost one of its best and nicest citizens with Mickey’s passing as he was a helpful and kind man who loved life and lived it in the best way he knew how. He leaves a legacy of many great memories which his family will cherish dearly in these deep dark hours and days and we tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 Card Drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, July 2, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Darby and Breege Leonard; 2nd Michael and Mary Lynskey, Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally , James Reidy and Pearse Henry. Raffle winners were Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally.
Paint by the Pints comes to Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Friday, July 26. Grab a friend or a date and come along for a night of craic and creativity. A complimentary drink on arrival is included in the ticket for this event to get your night started on the right note. Check out the Walsh’s Bar Facebook Page for more information and tickets.
Sarsfields Shamrocks host Ballaghdereen in Fr O’Hara Park in round 3 of the East Mayo Minor A Championship on Tuesday (this evening), July 9, with the throw-in timed for 7.30pm.
The Sarsfields host The Neale in Fr O’Hara Park in the group 2 of the U12 Summer League on Wednesday, July 17, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
Charlestown Sarsfields U16 team enjoyed decisive 5-10 to 1-6 victory over Kiltimagh in the latest round of fixtures in the East Mayo U16A championship played at Gilmartin Park, Kiltimagh, recently. The Sarsfields had too much power, pace and class throughout the field and had the scorers in the final third to do the business with Ryan McDonagh and Shea Haran among the goal scorers. The Sarsfields were full value for their victory and look in prime shape to have a real cut at winning a championship that has a very competitive look about it.
Adult swimming lessons take place every Thursday evening while open swims run every day from 2pm-5pm. Lane swims every weekday from 7pm-7.50pm. Morning lanes are also available on Tuesday-Friday from 7.10am-8am. All swims can be booked via the Swimming Pool Facebook page or visit www.charlestownaquacentre.com for the latest updates.
These are heady times for a trio of young Charlestown Sarsfields ladies as the three of them prepare for one of the biggest days in their young lives when they contest the All-Ireland U16 Girls final following their overwhelming 2-13 to 0-8 victory over Kerry in the semi-final played at the Rathkeale GAA grounds in Limerick.
Cliona Cullen, Sophie Tiernan and Siofra McGuinness all played key roles in Mayo’s wonderful victory with the first two anchoring the defence and playing with a maturity and confidence that belied their tender years with Cliona adding the distinction of being the team’s vice-captain while Siofra McGuinness lined out in attack and was her usual busy and energetic presence as she covered every blade of grass and was a real live wire throughout.
This is a fantastic achievement for these young stars all of whom have grown up together and played at all grades for the Sarsfields with their dedication and commitment to training off the charts as they continue to push the envelope and get the maximum out of their outstanding talents. They are a credit to their families and club and the Sarsfields are rightly proud of their stellar achievements as they look to add another All-Ireland to their impressive haul with Cavan standing in their way in what promises to be a cracking encounter. All three girls are wished the very best with a large crowd expected to travel and offer their support as Mayo stand on the cusp of adding yet another All-Ireland underage title to their splendid collection to date. The final will take place on Saturday next, July 13, at the Duggan Park GAA grounds in Ballinasloe, Co Galway.
Congratulations to Catherine McCormack who scooped the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €4,200 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, July 2, as her lucky ticket matched the four numbers pulled out of the drum which were; 1, 3, 7 and 28. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; Anne Caine, Grainne Kivlehan and Ruadhan Marren.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, June 30, as Boom Boom and the Duke fought out another entertaining instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was immense as always in his role as match referee ensuring both men towed the line at all times. The Duke, fresh from Galway’s scintillating victory over Dublin in Croke Park the previous day, was in chipper form and this carried over to the dart board as he galloped away with the first two set with accuracy reminiscent of his Galway heroes in front of the posts in the big house the evening previous. His supporters were cock-a-hoop as he faced into the third set with the advantage of the darts. Boom Boom cut a pretty dispirited figure at the ochie as he could get nothing going in his game as darts misfired and went in all directions which only fed into the Duke’s bumper confidence.
Things continued to roll the way of the number two seed as he took out doubles eighteen and sixteen respectively to claim the first two legs and leave him just one away from victory with Breheny staring a whitewash in the face as he continued to fire blanks in every way. There was no way back for the number four seed as the Duke plundered his way to victory with treble fifteen, double eight sealing the deal as he raised his Galway colours high into the sky to the delight of his adoring fans. It was a night to forget for Boom Boom as nothing worked for him at all but he put his pride in his pocket and embraced the Duke with both men sharing some banter and funny exchanges as the craic went on long into the night.
