Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields U16s capture East Mayo A title.
GAA President Jarlath Burns presenting the Vincent Walsh Memorial Trophy to victorious Charlestown Sarsfields captain Danny Breheny as they captured the East Mayo U16A championship with a thrilling victory over St Jarlath’s.
Charlestown Sarsfields captured the East Mayo U16A title in dramatic fashion with a thrilling 1-18 to 1-16 victory over St Jarlath’s in a pulsating encounter played at the Connacht Centre of Excellence, Bekan recently.
There was a strong wind at play which made it very much a game of two halves. The Sarsfields had the advantage of the elements at their back in the first half and used them in full as they set about building a comfortable lead with some fine approach play and accurate shooting.
The Breheny twins were central to all of the Sarsfields good play in the first half with Sean, in particular, showcasing his full range of outstanding talents as he kicked three brilliant two pointers to set the Sarsfields on their way to building up their commanding advantage. His brother Danny was also very much to the fore in the scoring stakes as he too, kicked a series of good scores to leave the Sarsfields in full control twenty minutes in.
Things got even better for the Sarsfields when Oisin Durkan rounded off a sizzling green and white move when he palmed the ball to the net to extend the Sarsfields lead thus cancelling out the St Jarlath’s goal which had occurred earlier.
The Sarsfields dominance extended right to the end of the half with the short whistle seeing them lead 1-12 to 1-3 and full value for the same as they were very much the dominant team in the opening thirty.
The second half was a proverbial cliff-hanger as St Jarlath’s, backed by the strong wind, roared back into contention. The Jarlath’s amalgamation threw caution to the wind and had a right go with a couple of early scores igniting their challenge as slowly but surely they started to make inroads into the Sarsfields lead. They hit five scores in the opening eight minutes (including a two pointer) with the Sarsfields, through James Cassidy managing just one solitary point in reply. They continued to pour forward at every opportunity with the Sarsfields doing their utmost to try and stem the rising Jarlath's tide.
The Sarsfields suffered a real body blow when they were reduced to fourteen men midway through the half and this added another layer of difficulty to an already steep challenge with St. Jarlath’s really having the bit between their teeth as this stage in the contest.
Incredibly the Ballyhaunis/Easterm Gaels combination were on level terms with seven left on the clock and it looked to all the world as if they were going to go on and take the spoils as all the momentum was with them and they were winning all manner of possession. The Sarsfields dug in however and found the necessary inspiration and pluckiness to respond with points from Ryan Rowley and Rhys O’Connor proving invaluable when the pressure was at it greatest. Jarlath’s replied almost immediately with a cracking two point score to restore parity but the Sarsfields were not to be denied as Danny Breheny showed true leadership and captain qualities to kick the last two points thus guiding the Sarsfields to a famous victory which set off big scenes of celebration in the green and white camp.
The victory owed much to heart, courage and spirit as it did to skill and talent as those wearing the green had to quarry deep to eke out a game that looked to have drifted away from them at numerous times in the second half. The numerical disadvantage only steeled them to withstand a very good and persistent St Jarlath’s challenge as they threw everything at it in the second half and asked some serious questions of the Sarsfields.
There were some outstanding performances from those wearing green with the Breheny duo of Danny and Sean accounting for 0-15 of the Sarsfields final tally. Sean kicked four two pointers as he gave an exhibition of point scoring with Danny not far behind as he too, shot the lights out and kicked the last two points of the game showing admirable poise and composure in the process. Shea Haran, Oisin Durkan, Dylan Pilcher, Tadhg Murphy were also excellent with James Cassidy and Rhys O’Connor putting their shoulders to the wheel when all hands were needed in a dramatic second half.
The Sarsfields club are enjoying a golden time at the moment as this was their second East Mayo A title in a matter of weeks. The U16s added an East Mayo A title to their division two league success and they can now focus on a tilt at the Division one U16 championship where they will compete and pit their wits against the best teams in the county. They are on a real upward trajectory at the moment and have been for a number of years with the management team of Donal Healy, Vinnie Doherty, Mark Caffrey, Ciaran McBrien and Paddy Breheny deserving great praise for the work and time they have invested in a very good and willing group of players. The lads have them coached to a very high level and have provided the structures and environment for the team to thrive and flourish with their ability to listen and learn very much at the heart of their success to date.
It's onwards and upwards from here as they prepare for the ultimate challenge of taking on the premier teams in the county with division one the next step in their development.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €17,700 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, July 20, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 3, 26, 27 and 30. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were John Paul Doherty and Jake Donohue (annual ticket). The latest jackpot increased to €17,800 and the draw was held on Sunday, July 27.
Charlestown Sarsfields host Kilmeena in Fr O’Hara Park in the County Minor D Championship on Tuesday, July 29 with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
Charlestown Sarsfields U14 team’s long unbeaten run came to an end in round 2 of the Division 2 championship when they were outgunned by Claremorris with the South Mayo lads emerging victorious on a 3-6 to 0-9 score line.
The Sarsfields lost nothing in defeat and can take lots of positives from the game as they matched the highly rated Claremorris lads for the number of scores logged save for the fact that visitors bagged three goals which ultimately proved the critical difference between the two sides at the final whistle.
The Sarsfields, however, competed very well and showed they were more than comfortable operating at this grade as they matched their opponents in every line of the field and will be disappointed with the concession of the goals which proved critical to the final outcome.
Next up on the roster is a home game against Burrishoole who are top of the table at the moment and one of the form teams in the division.
The Sarsfields travel to James Stephens Park, Ballina, to take on the Stephenites in the Division 1 county U16A championship on Thursday, July 31, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
Charlestown Sarsfields begin their bid for the Moclair Cup with a tough opening assignment as they travel to Clogher to take on the might of Ballintubber in round 1 on Friday, August 8, with the game having a 7pm throw-in time. The Sarsfields will be hoping to field their strongest possible selection for a game that has a lot riding on it with victory setting up either team for a good shot at qualification from the group with defeat, in contrast, putting either team on the back foot and leaving them with ground to make up heading into the second round of fixtures. The sides haven’t much history in terms of previous clashes with the score standing at one apiece with the Sarsfields winning in 2008 while Ballintubber prevailed in the most recent outing between the teams in 2016.
The Sarsfields will be looking to county star Paul Towey for a big performance and he goes into the game in superb form having racked up some big tallies in the Sarsfields final rounds of league games. Others the Sarsfields will be looking to for inspiration include the likes of Gareth O’Donnell, Jack Corley, Jack Mahon, Matt and Paddy Lenehan, Ben Conway, Ruairi Cullen and Patrick Goldrick, all of whom will have to play at the peak of their powers for the Sarsfields to have any reasonable chance of upsetting the formbook so to speak.
Ballintubber still retain a formidable aura in the championship albeit their powers have waned slightly in the last couple of years. They possess a solid bank of top-class players with the O’Connor duo Cillian and Diarmuid spearheading their challenge ably supported by the veteran Jason Gibbons with Michael Plunkett and Brian Walsh also very much key cogs in a game they go into as warm favourites with both sides enjoying contrasting fortunes in the senior league.
The challenge facing the Sarsfields is a big one but not insurmountable with David Tiernan and his management team hoping for a good showing from squad who go into the game in the box seat as big underdogs. Hopefully a large Sarsfields support will turn out on the night to cheer the lads on as the curtain comes up on another senior championship with the Sarsfields always capable of coming up with a big performances especially when their backs are to the wall so to speak.
The East Mayo Athletics Club Track development is well on its way to completion with big body of work on the project having taken place in the last number of weeks. The work is expected to be finished by the end of the summer and its looks well on its way to meeting the deadline with most of the heavy lifting having already taken place. The floodlights have been installed and the fencing is complete. The development includes a six-lane 200 metre artificial grass running track, including an artificial grass pitch in the centre, a long jump, a throwing area and a new cross-country training layout.
The committee are very pleased with all that’s being achieved to date and they look forward to having the state-of-the-art facility ready to go and be used for the autumrn/winter training programme. They are always looking for support and anybody who wishes to support and contribute in any way can do so by looking onto www.eastmayoac.ie with all pledges of support and donations, however small, gratefully received and acknowledged.
The Annual Eugene McLoughlin Memorial Run takes place on Sunday, August 10. Registration takes place between 11am-12.30pm at McLoughlin`s Bar. All proceeds in aid of CROI. Music from 3pm till late with Pat’s Country Roadshow, Sean Fahy and Chloe Sweeney. Kiddies Fun Run will also be held on the day. Bring your pedal bikes, go-karts and tractors.
Well done to the Charlestown girls U14 team who won the County U14C championship by virtue of their hard fought victory over Burrishoole in a cracking encounter played at the Connacht Centre of Excellence recently. The Sarsfields girls prevailed on a score line of 2-7 to 2-5 in a game that was every bit as close as the final score would suggest.
Both teams were evenly matched in every way which made for a super contest as there was never more than a score between them at any stage. The Sarsfields were up for the battle however and just as well they were as Burishoole never took a backward step which made for a great game with both sets of supporters totally invested in it from the throw-in.
The Sarsfields goal scorers were Kayla Honeyman and Saoirse Waters in another great day for the team and club as yet another success comes the way of the club which is enjoying a terrific time at present in both the boys and girls codes.
Well done to the management team of Aidan Higgins, John Gateley and Trina Donohue who did a super job steering and guiding the girls as they improved game on game a with the management getting the very best out of each and every player thanks to some excellent coaching which paid off in spades on a stellar night for these young ladies who are sure to gain immeasurably from this success.
Sympathy is extended to Letty Dunleavy, Lowpark, Charlestown, on the death of her sister Ann Whittaker who died in Adelaide, Australia recently.
Kilbeagh Community First Responders are looking for new volunteers to join their team. Being a CFR (Community First Responder) is flexible and suits different lifestyles. You’ll respond to calls when you are available and outside of monthly training and staying up-to-date with the latest skills, you are only asked to respond when you can.
The group responds to real-life emergencies, and on average, they attend around 4 emergency calls each month. With thousands of people dying from cardiac arrest in Ireland every year and 70% occurring either in the home or local community, wouldn’t you want to do everything you can to save a life? Your family, friends and neighbours could be ones who benefit from your actions.
By joining the fantastic team, you will be making a real difference. All training courses are free and your only commitment is to attend training for one hour every month. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with Kilbeagh Community First Responders or want to give something back to the community, get in touch, as they would love to hear from you. You can message the Charlestown, Co. Mayo Facebook page or alternatively phone 087 3878408.
MacFest in the West – The Big Mac Reunion is a reunion gathering of the descendants of Judith McDonagh (Barnacogue) and Thomas McNicholas (Bohola/Curryaune) and is taking place in Swinford on the weekend of August 8-10, in association with www.mayo.ie.
Judith McDonagh was the daughter of Owen McDonagh and Nora Morris who migrated to Barnacogue at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Owen and Nora Morris had nine children – Judith, Kitty, Maria, Nancy, Patrick, Tom, John, Bryan and Margaret. Their daughter Judith McDonagh married Thomas McNicholas (in Kilbeagh parish) after which they settled in Curryaune, Swinford. They had eight children – Patrick, John, Mary, Michael, Bernard, Thomas, Martin and Honoria McNicholas. Records show that some descendants settled in Sonnagh/Lowpark/Bushfield areas. Over 100 members of the worldwide McNicholas family diaspora will visit Swinford for MacFest in the West for which several events have been planned.
The Big Mac Reunion itself will take place in Mellets on Saturday, August 9. The Swinford event organisers Julie Doyle, Jackie O’Rourke and Joanne Kilroy have been working on the family tree/genealogy record and are keen to hear from any of the descendants of Owen and Nora Morris and /or Judith and Thomas McNicholas to get in touch before the event to help fill in the gaps in the genealogy record and to come along to the Big Mac Reunion in celebration of the shared McDonagh/McNicholas Heritage. Contact Julie Doyle on 087 9150787 for further details.
There was a good turnout at the summer bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, July 23, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, 2nd George Brennan and Tommy Banks, 3rd Frances and Robert Healy and 4th Hilary McCrohan and John McCrohan. The game takes place every Wednesday at 8pm in Walsh’s Bar, with guest members from other clubs more than welcome.
The following were the winners of the 25 Drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday, July 22; 1st Joe Mahon and Kevin Maloney, 2nd Mary O`Hara and Veronica McCarrick. Raffle winners were Mary O’Hara, Ivan Maloney and Darby Leonard. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm and all are welcome.
Bushfield Cemetery Mass takes place on Sunday, August 10, at 9am.
The Sarsfields trio of Sophie Tiernan, Mikayla McLoughlin and Siofra McGuinness endured one of those nights we all experience every now and again as they were part of the Mayo U16 team defeated by Kerry in the recent All-Ireland U16 final played at the Nenagh GAA grounds recently. The girls played their hearts out but came up against a crack Kerry team who dismantled the Mayo challenge pretty ruthlessly it must be said in what was a tough day at the office for management and players alike.
Mayo never really got to the pitch of the contest as Kerry took the game away from them with a couple of early goals from which the red and green struggled to respond with the Charlestown trio doing their utmost to drive the team on but it just didn’t happen for them as the Kingdom displayed all their class and the full range of their talents.
The girls enjoyed a good year overall and have already played in three All-Ireland finals which is some achievement at such a tender age and to be competing and playing at this elite level speaks volumes for their commitment and talent as they continue to push the boundaries and strive to get the best out of themselves each and every year.
The three girls are a credit to the their families and club and real role models for the next generation of young Sarsfields girls and boys starting out on their football journeys. They will go back to the club and become the back bone of the club’s U16 and minor teams and are sure to be contending for honours in each grade of competition as they look to bounce back from a defeat that’s all part of life and football’s great tapestry.
You can drop into your local centre or contact it by phone and email for information, advice and advocacy. Make sure you check your local service’s opening hours if you are dropping in. Appointments are offered as needed following an initial assessment. You can also call the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 Monday to Friday 9am-8pm.
Life after bereavement can feel very lonely. Trained facilitators conduct a weekly “Bereavement Support Meeting” at the Family Centre, Knock Shrine, each Wednesday at 11am. There is also a special meeting for bereaved partners /spouses on the first Thursday of each month at 11am. No appointment needed. Further information from Monica Morley, 094 9375320.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €3100 in the weekly draw held on Monday, July 21, and the following were four numbers drawn on the night; 9, 16, 21 and 28. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; Una Hayes, Bobby McDonagh and Declan Haran.
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, July 20 as The Magician and The Duke fought out another gripping instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus encountered few problems in his role as match referee as both men were on their best behaviour from the off. The Magician dominated the opening exchanges, sealing the first two sets as he weaved some wizardry with the arrows in his hand. The Duke couldn’t muster any kind of a challenge in those first two sets but he re-discovered his mojo in the next two as he levelled the match with some fabulous pegging. The fifth and final set was a terrific affair as momentum ebbed and flowed with both men laying claims to the victory.
It was the Magician who prevailed however as he reeled off three legs on the spin to end a miserable losing sequence in finals and claim just his second title of the season. He was quite the joyous figure as he stepped onto the winner`s podium with the Duke most gracious and sporting in defeat as he ran out of gas in the final set. A great night for McGowan and his large band of supporters as he looks to back it up in the coming weeks with some big prizes up for grabs.
