Local Notes: Charlestown Sarsfields well represented in London.
Paul Towey and Conor O`Donoghue who lined out on opposite sides of the divide in the recent Mayo v London Connacht Championship preliminary round fixture played at Ruislip recently. Both lads acquitted themselves well as a large contingent flew out from the town and club to lend their support to both lads it must be said.
The Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club had the unique distinction of being represented on both sides in the recent Connacht Championship preliminary round clash involving Mayo and London played at the London GAA grounds in Ruislip. Paul Towey lined out at corner forward for Mayo and acquitted himself well, booming over a terrific two pointer in the first half while his former clubmate Conor O’Donoghue donned the green and white of London and enjoyed a fine outing as he poured forward at every opportunity from his wing back station and took the fight to his native Mayo from first whistle to last.
Mayo enjoyed a comfortable passage it must be said, clocking up a whopping 31 points while limiting their opposition to 1-15 as they cruised to a semi-final showdown with Roscommon where they will surely get a far more stiffer challenge than the one that London offered up. Mayo had the game pretty much wrapped up by half-time as they led 0-19 to 0-6 with Towey very conspicuous in the first half as he ranged far and wide in search of possession and linked up well with his colleagues on the outside line. O’Donoghue was one of London’s standout players on a tough day for the exiles as the gulf in class proved too much to bridge with both teams operating at very different levels in terms of their league and championship status. London, to be fair gave it all they had but they were no match for a slick and athletic Mayo side who took the game by the scruff of the neck early doors and never remotely looked like relinquishing it despite conceding an early second half goal which briefly injected new energy and hope into the exiles challenge. Mayo snuffed out the danger quickly and ruthlessly and halted London’s momentum with a flurry of scores which gave them the cushion to coast home thus avoiding any further scares.
Paul and Conor had a good catch-up at the final whistle as both men chatted, signed autographs and caught up with a large Charlestown contingent who travelled over for the weekend. The club are proud of the two lads and would dearly love to see Conor back in the club colours in the very near future as his loss to the club’s senior team is immeasurable. That said he continues to take his game to new levels as does Paul who looks firmly in the mix to start against Roscommon in a game that will present Andy Moran with his first real championship test as Mayo manager.
On a footnote, a large crowd made the trip over for the weekend and it remains a great occasion and one which is recognition for all the great work the diaspora continue to do in the promotion of Gaelic games on English and foreign soils.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €21,500 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, April 12, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 5, 6, 17 and 22. The winners of the 3 x €50 prizes were Johnny Finn (AT), Jacqueline McDonnell (online) and John Finan (Lucky Dip) The latest jackpot which was held on Sunday night, April 20, was €21,600. Tickets are on sale at a number of outlets in the community and they are also available online via the club’s Facebook page. The club thank everybody who supported their weekly draw.
Charlestown Sarsfields U16 team recorded a morale boosting 3-9 to 1-7 victory over Moy Davitts in round 4 of division 3 of the county U16 league played at Fr O’Hara Park recently. The Sarsfields needed this victory having lost their opening three encounters and they were worthy winners on the evening with the goals giving them a real edge in control and superiority. They also managed to keep their own goal intact with just one goal being conceded as the defence stepped up considerably and were much more disciplined and tigerish in their defending. The Sarsfields goalscorers were Sean Cassidy, Adam Doherty and Cillian O’Grady.
Charlestown Sarsfields senior ladies are finding the going tough in division 1 of the county senior league as they lost out to Burrishoole in round 4 played at the Burrishoole GAA grounds recently. The Newport ladies were comfortable winners on a score line of 1-17 to 1-5 to maintain their position in and around the top of the league table.
The Sarsfields ladies once again fielded a very understrength team lacking a number of regular starters due to injury and unavailability and this has been a recurring theme in their outings to date as they have yet to field close to their strongest team. It’s been a tough start for the Sarsfields new management team but there have been several positives with a number of young players getting the start thus allowing the management team to run the rule over them albeit against high quality opposition.
The players have been thrown in at the deep end but they have responded well to the challenge which bodes well for their development as they look to put themselves in the picture for selection later in the season when the championship comes into full focus.
For now the team will be hoping to pick up a win or two in their remaining games against Carnacon and Knockmore respectively which will be a tough task but one they will not shy away from.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €3300 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, April 13, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 4, 6, 19 and 26. The winners of the 3 x €20 prizes were: Jake and Harrison Kilcoyne, Hilary Durcan and Sean Walsh.
The latest jackpot increased to €3400 and the draw was held on Monday night, April 20. Tickets are on sale at a number of outlets and they are also available online via the club’s Facebook page.
The 6th Annual Colm Horkan Memorial Run will take place on Sunday, May 17. There are a number of options available to all would-be participants in terms of what race/challenge they would like to take on and embrace with the 5k, 10k and half marathon alternatives on offer to all would-be participants. All information on the event can be garnered on the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook page which contains all the latest up to date bulletins on how to sign-up /take part as the countdown to one of the highlights in the town’s social and recreational calendar is well and truly underway. More details in the coming weeks.
Charlestown Sarsfields U14 team made it two wins from two in division 1 of the county U14 league with a fine 5-10 to 2-6 victory over Balla in round two played at Fr O’Hara Park recently. The first half was a nip and tuck affair with both teams enjoying their periods of supremacy and dominance. The Sarsfields, while under pressure for long periods, had a cutting edge in attack and from such raids they bagged two fine goals with Luke McDermott and Tom Naughton giving the Sarsfields a nice cushion from which they could defend from.
Things could have been a lot better for the hosts as they missed some glaring chances to add to their goals tally with points from McDermott and Naughton giving them a 2-2 to 0-4 lead after fifteen minutes.
Balla grew into the game as the half progressed and dominated the latter stages and got the goal they always threatened as they started to pen the Sarsfields into their own half and blew some great goal chances too, it must be said with the half-time score reading 2-2 to 1-5 leaving everything to play for in the second half.
The Sarsfields shuffled the pack at the interval and these changes would prove pivotal to their second half surge. The green and white lads upped their workrate considerably and took complete control in the middle third with Daithi Gethins, Senan Tiernan, Rian O’Connor, MJ Donohue, Michael Haran and Tom Naughton flexing their muscles and providing the Sarsfields with some real traction as they started to win all the 50/50 battles and hoover up the breaking ball.
Goals from the clinical duo of Luke McDermott and Tom Naughton put the Sarsfields in a position of real control as they negated the goal the visitors scored right at the start of the half. The Sarsfields backs grew in stature with Rhys Hopper, Chris Brennan, Dylan Healy, Ted Naughton, Mike Larkin, Michael Haran all thundering into the game as they repeatedly turned over their opponents and made some vital interceptions. Points from Daithi Gethins, Freddie Doherty who both bragged a brace each gave the Sarsfields a platform to kick on as Balla struggled to make any real impact with the home side defending their goal with real grit and determination. Rian O’Connor converted expertly from the penalty spot to register the Sarsfields fifth goal of a rampant second half display. Further points from Luke McDermott and Anthony Byrne sealed a thoroughly deserved victory for the Sarsfields young tyros with the final winning margin not flattering them in the slightest. Frank Muldoon also played very well on the day.
The Sarsfields performance had a bit of everything about it. They mixed grit, graft and spirit with no little skill and flair which was a cocktail that proved too much for a Balla side who found the going tough in the second half when the Sarsfields turned on the tap.
Next up for the Sarsfields is a trip to Ballintubber as they look to keep their unbeaten record intact in what’s expected to be another difficult assignment.
The pretty wedding took place at St James’ Church, Charlestown, recently of Jennifer Henry, daughter of John and Margaret Henry, Lowpark, Charlestown and Andy Neary, son of Andrew and Josie Neary, Straide, Co. Mayo. The ceremony was performed by Fr. Tommy Johnson CC, Charlestown assisted by Fr. John Maloney PP Charlestown. Best Man was Martin Neary, brother of the groom and groomsmen were Conor and Vincent Nally, and Fearghal O’Hara, friends of the groom. Maid of Honour was Deirdre Guerin, sister of the bride, and bridesmaids were Teresa Jones, Suzanne McDonnell and Morgan Henry. Flower-girl was Saidbh Neary. The reception was held in the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Sligo. Jennifer and Andy are wished every good wish for the future, health and happiness and many years of wedded bliss.
The 2026 Honour of the Village competition came to a gripping conclusion on Sunday, April 12, with Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown the scene of an all Curry clash as two teams from over the border battled it out to be crowned Village champs for 2026. Walsh’s was crammed with Curry folk and darts fans alike taking up every vantage point to see two teams from the South Sligo village go toe to toe in what was an epic encounter with a great atmosphere prevailing throughout. Hosts Grainne and Gus Marren put on a great show as both teams rose to the occasion and delivered a humdinger of a contest.
There was little or no needle at any stage in evidence between the two teams with lots of great banter and humour being swapped on both sides of the house which only added to the entertainment and drama.
It was the Curry 1 team powered by the likes of Kevin and Ivan Maloney, Paul Flannery, Seamus Murphy and Mike O’Hara who emerged victorious as they kept their composure and more importantly their nerve as they held it all together admirably most notably in the singles when it looked like Curry (2) might engineer a dramatic comeback.. Curry 1 however, steeled themselves in the singles and got the job done in impressive fashion to take the cup and the spoils across the border for the first time in many a long year. Indeed, it may well have been the first time the cup has ever crossed the border in the long and storied history of a competition that continues to enthral and entertain like no other in the town and surrounding areas.
Curry 2 can be proud of their efforts as they contributed in a huge way to what was an occasion to savour. The likes of Jason Marren, Tommy Henry, Fionn Duffy, Keith Feehily, Jack Duffy and Adam Gallagher did the team proud and played at the very peak of their powers to push the more favoured Curry 1 squad to the very pin of their collars before victory was secured.
The final was a fitting conclusion to a competition that must rank right up there with one of the very best in its 51 year history. It was littered with tight games and score lines as games went right to the wire in almost every round. Crowds were up on last year which is an obvious indication of its appeal as it continues to provide ample entertainment and commands a very prominent place in the town’s social and recreational calendar.
Special mention to Grainne and Gus Marren, the hosts par excellence who ran off a wonderful event in just over six weeks which is some achievement as it involved all matter of planning and logistics which they did with aplomb with all teams who took part fulsome in their praise of the organisation and schedule which was meticulously planned out to cater for all sides and team members. Grainne and Gus can take a bow as this was a job well done with their planning and hosting hitting all the right notes.
Curry 1 raised the trophy aloft to great scenes of jubilation and glee with the party going on long into the night on both sides of the border. All eyes have immediately turned to the 2027 renewal which will have some way to go to emulate what just unfolded but the interest to take part remains at an all-time high with a number of new teams and townlands very keen to sign up and take part in an event that always produces fireworks and drama with 2026 going down in the annals as one of the very best.
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Charlestown Athletic enjoyed a comprehensive 6-1 victory over Manulla B in their latest outing in division 2 of the Mayo Junior league played at Bellaghy Park recently. Charlestown were much the better side and dominated the game from the kick-off as they were far too slick and clever for a very limited Manulla B team. Charlestown Athletic bossed the game in both halves and had the game in the bag long before the final whistle. The scorers for Charlestown Athletic were Robbie Jordan who got the match ball as he bagged a hat-trick and showed his predatory instincts with some sharp finishing when the chances presented themselves. Damie Ward bagged a brace with Joseph McBrien netting the other to round off a commanding performance from Charlestown Athletic.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday, April 8 and the following were the prize winners; 1st Robert and Frances Healy, 2nd Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 3rd Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne, 4th Michael and Pat Brennan.
The game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown.
The Legion of Mary meeting takes place every Wednesday evening at 7pm in St James’ Church, Charlestown. All are welcome and for more information contact Phil on 086 3946233.
Charlestown Sarsfields host The Neale in Fr O’Hara Park in division 2 of the county minor league on Tuesday, April 21 (this evening ) with the throw-in scheduled for 7pm.
The Sarsfields host Westport in Fr O’Hara Park in the county U12 Spring League on Wednesday, April 22, with the throw-in confirmed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Kilmaine to take on Carras in Division 6 of the county U14 development league on Saturday, April 25, with the throw-in confirmed for 11am.
Training for the East Mayo Athletics Club continues at their splendid new track on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm and all are welcome.
Charlestown Swimming Pool are hiring lifeguards and swim instructors for the 2026 summer season. If you have a friendly, positive attitude and a passion for water safety, enjoy working as part of a team, this is a great opportunity to join a fantastic community facility. To apply send your CV to ctownswim@gmail.com. The closing date for applications is Friday, May 1, with interviews taking place in early May.
Charlestown Sarsfields suffered an agonising 1-10 to 1-9 loss to Breaffy in the latest round of fixtures played in division 2 of the county minor league played at Fr O’Hara Park recently. The Sarsfields are finding the going tough in this division with injuries playing havoc with their team selection and preparations. Cian Towey was the goalscorer with the Sarsfields looking to pick up the pieces in their next outing away to Claremorris.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday night, April 14, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Darby Leonard and 2nd Mary O’Hara and Kevin Maloney. Raffle winners were James Cafferty, Mary O’Hara and Darby Leonard. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm and all are welcome.
The Sarsfields travel to Parke to take on Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin in round 2 of division 2 of the county senior league on Saturday, April 25, with the throw-in scheduled for 7pm.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts game held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday night, April 12, as The Duke and The Egg squared off in another all-action instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was immense as always in his role as match referee and ensured good sportsmanship prevailed throughout. The Egg was first to strike as he tucked away the first set with a cool 138 finish in the fifth and deciding leg. The Duke, stung by this reversal, took his frustrations out on the board and roared back into contention, taking the next two in typically swashbucklin fashion with the Egg hardly getting a look in. The fourth set was a much closer affair with both men hitting top form simultaneously. The Egg looked on course to take the set comprehensively when he led two legs to nil but the Duke hit back to level as he put two barnstorming legs back to back with finishes of 161 and 170 respectively, almost lifting the roof off the house such was the crowd’s investment at what was playing out in front of them.
The deciding leg was a cliffhanger with both men laying claims to victory. For the Egg it was a must win scenario to force a fifth and deciding set with the Duke keenly aware that the match was within his grasp should he maintain his form of the previous two legs. What unfolded was drama in the true sense of the word as both men ended up on double one having blown several chances to win as their finishing deserted them in their hour of need. Finally, after minutes of stalemate as darts grazed off the wire and hit the floor it was the Duke who emerged victorious as he lanced the green corner part of the double one baize to clinch the victory and set in train wild scenes of celebration and euphoria as he claimed his fourth victory of the season. The Egg cut a dejected figure as he watched on but credit to the Duke he didn’t overegg the celebrations as both men shared a smile and a fist pump and chatted cordially over a few late night beers. This was another good spectacle which attracted a large world-wide audience across the web with viewing figures continuing to surge as the competition remains very much a big viral hit across all boundaries and borders.
