Local Notes: Charlestown U14s blaze their way to league title
Charlestown Sarsfields U14s who were crowned Mayo Division 3 County League champions with a comfortable victory over Louisburgh recently.
The good times keep rolling for the Charlestown Sarsfields underage age academies with the club's under-14 boys team capturing the Division 3 League title with a comprehensive drubbing of Louisburgh in a final played recently in tough conditions at Clogher, the home of the Ballintubber GAA Club.
The Sarsfields turned in a hugely impressive display as they came through on a 4-9 to 1-3 score with the display every bit as emphatic as the final result would suggest.
The Sarsfields had been the form team in the division, winning each game and racking up big scores to boot.
The game was played in tough conditions with rain sheeting down all through which made underfoot conditions tricky to navigate but the Sarsfields, truth to tell, made light of them and adapted much better than their opponents who never really got to the pitch of the game as they struggled to match the intensity, aggression and pace of the Sarsfields who got the scoreboard moving in their favour early doors.
The Sarsfields dominated the first half and never allowed Louisburgh a second on the ball as they harried and hassled them in every line of the pitch, thus forcing the turnovers and keeping the pressure firmly on the West Mayo lads.
A Liam Giblin goal, his umpteenth of a a wonderful campaign, set the Sarsfields on their way with Alex Pugaciova bagging a second to give the scoreboard a real Green and White look about it. Tom Naughton completed a terrific first opening thirty for the Sarsfields when he crashed the ball to the net to leave the Sarsfields firmly in control as they led 3-5 to 0-0 at the break with Louisburgh in a spin as they just couldn't get their hands on the ball such was the pressure being applied by the Green and White wave.
The Sarsfields continued to exert a vice-like grip on possession and territory in the second half, notwithstanding Louisburgh did come more into the game and to their credit battled with commendable spirit and determination to at least salvage something from a game that was more or less gone from them at the interval. That said the Sarsfields played with a maturity and levelheadedness that was refreshing to see as they kept the ball in hand and moved it through the lines with intelligence and accuracy.
Louisbrugh did manage a scoring flurry of 1-3 which was due reward for their persistence and pluckiness but the Sarsfields weighed in with 1-4 of their own to keep the pot simmering nicely as the game drifted towards its inevitable conclusion. Sean Cassidy put the icing on the cake for the Sarsfields when he goaled two minutes from time with the final whistle igniting scenes of jubilation and ecstasy in the Sarsfields camp as they bagged their second county title in seven days with this triumph following hot on the heels of the Under-16s winning the Division 2 League title the previous week.
It was a super team performance with each player winning their individual battle, thus providing the Sarsfields with the momentum and impetus to kick on and take the game away from their opponents.
It was a display fitting to win any county title and one which once again underlines the wonderful work being done by the Bord na nÓg club at underage level as they continue to drive the standards on and provide the environment and coaching structures to allow these and other teams to flourish and fulfill their potential.
Well done to the management of Neil O'Connor, Mike Doherty, Noel Gallagher, Ritchie Haran, James Breheny and Eoghan Flannery who did an amazing job and got the best out of a very willing and committed group of players. The lads provided them with the environment to thrive and flourish and this they duly did as they improved game on game and were a credit to their families and club and got the ultimate reward in the form of a county title.
The team now goes forward to take part in the Division 2 Championship and they will give it everything they have as they are keen to test themselves against another tier of better quality teams with plenty to be optimistic about as this is a team and group of players with bags of potential and scope to improve.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Lotto jackpot of €17,100 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, June 8, when the numbers drawn were 1, 13, 19 and 24 The winners of the two €50 weekly prizes were Clodagh Murphy and Maureen Giblin.
The jackpot now stands at €17,200 and tickets are on sale in a number of outlets in the town and also online at www.smartlotto.ie.
The club would like to thank all who support the weekly lotto.
Charlestown Sarsfields lost out to Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin in Round 6 of Mayo Senior League Division 1A in a hard-fought encounter played at Fr O'Hara Park recently.
The West Mayo men came through on a 0-15 to 0-11 scoreline and were, truth to tell, good value for their victory, albeit the Sarsfields will have cause to rue some missed chances late on that could perhaps have altered the complexion of the game and hence the scoreboard.
The Sarfields togged much stronger than the previous week, welcoming Matt Lenehan, Jack Corley and Paddy Goldrick back into the fold, which provided them with a real fillip as they played reasonably well in the first half and had their noses in front throughout.
Matt Lenehan kicked two fine points from play with Paddy Goldrick also landing a nice point from open play while Jack Mahon did the rest with four pointed frees which instilled confidence in the home ranks as they competed well in every sector and neutralised the Parke attacking threat as they limited them to six first-half points to provide the Green and White with a slender - albeit deserved - one-point lead, which left them in good heart as they made their way to the dressing rooms for the interval.
The second half saw a real joust for supremacy with the middle third hotly contested as both teams grappled for control.
It was the West Mayo men who largely prevailed, however, as they won the lion's share of the possession both aerially and on the ground, thus depriving the Sarsfields of much-needed possession as most of the play was concentrated in the Sarsfields half of the field.
That said the Sarsfields did extend their lead to two with Ruairi Cullen kicking a fine two-pointer to leave the home side 0-9 to 0-7 in front with ten gone on the clock.
The visitors kicked the next three, however, to wrestle back control and turn the scoreline to 0-10 to 0-9 in favour of the Black and Amber.
Gareth O`Donnell kicked a terrific '45' to level matters once again as both teams strived hard to land that killer score that would put them in control of the ball game. The Sarsfields had their chances, it must be said, with a couple of clearcut goal opportunities spurned at a time when the game was very much up for grabs.
Parke, too, had their opportunities with Sarsfields' goalkeeper Kenneth Brennan pulling off a marvellous save to deprive the visitors of a glorious goal opportunity.
The Sarsfields just couldn't get any traction or momentum going in attack as shots drifted every side of the post with the two sides very much guilty in this regard. The big difference was, however, Parke continued to win primary possession in the middle third and one felt that scores would have to come such was the abundance of ball they were picking up both in the air and on the ground.
The Sarsfields worst fears materialised as the aforementioned came to pass with the Black and Amber kicking five of the last six points as they finally doused the Sarsfields challenge which petered out rather disappointingly with their inability to put the ball through the posts coming back to haunt them. Ruairi Cullen did fire over his second point of the half late on but it was too little too late as Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin claimed the spoils and two points on offer to leave the Sarsfields looking anxiously up the table as the games start to run out.
The Sarsfields had good performances from Kenny Brennan, Tadhg Horkan, Ben Conway, Gareth O'Donnell, Matt Lenehan (first half) and Ruairi Cullen.
Table toppers Breaffy is next up on the roster which will prove another very difficult challenge for the Green and White.
The Sarsfields host Breaffy in Fr O'Hara Park on Saturday evening, June 21, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
Charlestown Sarsfields travel to James Stephens Park, Ballina to take on the Stephenites in Division 3B of the Mayo Senior League on Sunday, June 22, with the throw-in timed for 1pm.
In the East Mayo Under-14A Championship, the Sarsfields travel to Swinford to take on the locals on Monday, June 23, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Swinford to take on the locals in the East Mayo Minor B championship on Tuesday, June 24, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
The death took place in Dublin recently of Joe Munds, formerly of Cloonfinish.
Joe was a good man in the true sense of the word who was much loved and respected by all who knew and admired him. He was a very talented sportsman back in the day and played with distinction for the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club where he achieved many notable feats, especially at underage level.
Joe was a terrific footballer who enjoyed many successes with the Sarsfields including East Mayo Minor and under-21 titles to mention but a few. He also lined out at centre field for Mayo minors in the Connacht Championship of 1975, a recognition of his outstanding talent with his athleticism and fielding ability two of his many distinguished traits on the fields of play.
Joe also played a prominent part in the Sarsfields memorable Mayo U21 Final victory over Ballintubber in 1975 with his performances at midfield earning rave reviews.
Like many before and after him, however, work took him away from the town and club as he decamped to Dublin where he forged a good life for himself as he lined out for the Starlights GAA Club and gave them stellar service for many years.
There was much more to Joe, however. He was the consummate family man and had a terrific personality with his humour and sense of fun infectious as his company was much sought after in social settings. He was a noted storyteller who regaled many with his tales from work and nights out, which always led to howls of laughter as he had that unique ability to put a smile on people's faces and make you laugh.
Joe was also a wonderful family man who was devoted to his wife Catherine as together they ensured their children lacked for nothing as they made their way through life.
His untimely death caused widespread shock and sadness in the Charlestown and surrounding areas as Joe was a regular visitor and had retained many strong links and friendships in the community and beyond. He leaves a super legacy, however, which his family will cherish and cling dearly to in the dark hours, days and weeks that lie ahead.
Joe was one of a kind and has been taken long before his time.
He is survived by his wife Catherine, sons Ian, Dylan and Stephen, daughters Lauren and Louise, brothers Peter, Michael and Seamus, sisters Dympna and Claire, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
May Joe rest in peace.
Charlestown Sarsfields edged out Davitts in Round 6 of the Mayo Senior Division 3B League in an entertaining game played at Fr O'Hara Park recently.
The Sarsfields enjoyed a slender 3-10 to 1-14 victory, which was just about deserved, albeit they were pushed very hard by a spirited and committed Davitts side who fought right to the bitter end.
There were scores aplenty in a game that kept everyone entertained with both sides going toe to toe from the throw-in.
There was never more than a score between the teams at all times throughout an energetic and see-saw first half with the scores tied at half-time, 2-4 to 1-7, which indicated the evenness of the contest. Kacey Mannion and Niall Murphy were the Sarsfields' goalscorers with everything to play for in the second half.
Things didn't change much in the second period with both teams very much committed to attack. The Sarsfields could never shake off a gritty and determined South Mayo outfit who were very much in the ball game throughout.
Scores were swapped at regular intervals but the crucial one was landed by the home side when Mark Lowther goaled in the third quarter to put two scores between the teams for the first time in the match.
Davitts refused to back down, however, and remained a live threat right to the final whistle with the Sarsfields having to defend their goal with plenty of fortitude and grit to get over the line and clinch the points to stay in the race for promotion. This they duly did and the victory was just about deserved with honourable mention to the visitors' effort which was never less than committed and courageous throughout.
Best for the Sarsfields were Niall Murphy, Daniel Harrington, Eoghan Flannery, Mark Lowther with Kacey Mannion who showed up very well on his first competitive start at that level.
Charlestown's organic community garden is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2.30pm and is well worth checking out as the committee has a fantastic display of shrubs, plants and vegetables on display with the place looking an absolute picture as it embraces the long evenings and warmer temperatures.
The raised beds are a huge addition to the garden and the committee continues to beaver away making subtle and significant changes to make it bigger and better with so much to recommend as it continues to draw lavish praise and admiring glances across all strands of the community and beyond.
Charlestown Sarsfields senior ladies recorded a resounding victory over Breaffy in the Melissa Patterson Memorial League played at the Breaffy GAA grounds recently.
The Sarsfields were dominant in every facet of the game with the home side providing only token resistance as the Green and White ran riot throughout.
Breaffy, it must be said, were severely depleted in terms of numbers with several of their best players unavailable but the Sarsdields, too, had to field without their three county panelists which underlines the strength in depth available to the Charlestown management as the ladies filled their boots in terms of scores and maintained their fine start to the season which sees them sitting them second in the league table behind pacesetters Swinford/Killasser.
Much admired and respected local parish priest Fr Tommy Johnson is to retire from his position at the end of the month. He made the announcement following 12 noon mass on Sunday, June 8th, and itcaused quite a stir with many of the congregation shocked and saddened by his decision.
Fr Tommy has been based in the town for 22 years and always carried out his duties with the highest of integrity and decorum. He put the parish first in all his dealings and went about his work in a very humble and reverend manner and was a man of vision and responsibility who did his best by the people at all times.
Fr Tommy was always very approachable and had a friendly smile and demeanour that endeared him so much to his parishioners. He was very much a man of the people who has dedicated his life to God, with regular prayer and reflection an important part of his daily routine.
He has always been very supportive to people in times of grief and sorrow and has a real sense of empathy and compassion about him, especially when people are grieving for the loss of a loved one.
During his time in Charlestown, Fr Tommy provided leadership in his various roles as chairperson of the schools' boards of management and was always very supportive of all the work that schools carried out and enjoyed a great relationship with the various principals and teachers he worked and liaised with during his tenure.
He restructured the Parish Council, providing the general public with a voice in terms of how the church conducted its business and was never afraid to embrace change and implement it if it were for the good of the church and parish. He completed a number of renovations projects on St James' Church and did it in a very unobtrusive and quiet manner where people were asked to contribute and donate based on their affordability.
Fr Tommy was a master when it came to delivering a sermon and always seemed to hit the right note in his summation be it a celebration or a sorrowful event. He had a humour and wit of his own and had a wave and smile on display whenever he encountered you on the street.
As parish priest, he was a man of energy who got things done in the best way he knew how.
He will be sorely missed but he's not leaving the parish and will be moving to curate's house in Lowpark so he will still be a visible presence in and around the community which was greeted with much joy and satisfaction by the general public.
Fr Tommy will be replaced by Fr John Maloney who will take up his new role at the end of June and we wish him well as takes on a new challenge. Fr Tommy will provide steadfast support to Fr John as he gets his feet under the table so to speak and we thank Fr Tommy for the marvellous work he has done since his arrival in the parish and we wish him continued good health and happiness for many more years into the future.
The pretty wedding took place at Knock Church recently of Michael Divilly, son of Michael and Doreen Divilly, Hagfield, Charlestown and Alison Egan, daughter of Dom and Teresa Egan, Knock.
The ceremony was performed by Fr Richard Gibbons, Rector, Knock Shrine. The best man was Ronan Kenny, cousin of the groom, while the groomsmen were Declan and Brendan Divilly, brothers of the groom. Chief bridesmaid was Grace Egan, sister of the bride, and the other bridesmaids were Ciara Jordan, Amy McDonagh and Lorraine Hickey, friends of the bride.
Flower girls were Sophie Coen, Lucy Coen and Roisin Divilly and page boys were Ryan Melia, Odhran Divilly and Jack Divilly.
The reception was held in the Radisson Hotel, Sligo and we wish Michael and Alison every good wish for the future, health and happiness and many years of wedded bliss.
There was a good turnout at the first summer bridge game of the season held in Walsh's Bar on Wednesday, June 4, and the following were the prize-winners: 1st, Mike Wingrove and Margaret Kenny; 2nd, Tom Ginty and Tom Dunne; 3rd, Paddy and Patricia Colleran; 4th, Michael Ryan and Ogie Moran; 5th, Maura Dunne and Doris Clements.
The game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walsh's Bar with guest members from other clubs more than welcome.
The following were the winners of the 25 Card Drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday night, June 10: 1st, Teresa McIntyre and Veronica McCarrick; 2nd, Kevin Maloney and James Cafferty.
The raffle winners were Ivan Maloney, Kevin Maloney and Darby Leonard.
The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm and all are welcome.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA Lotto jackpot of €2,500 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, June 9, when the numbers drawn were 14, 15, 19 and 27.
The winners of €20 each were Gerard Durkin, Cathal Connolly and Paul Flynn.
The jackpot now stands at €2,600 and tickets can be bought in a number of local outlets or online via the club's social media platforms.
The Cloonacoole Players will stage J.M. Synge's renowned play, , in the green field at the T-junction in Cloonacool Village on Sunday, June 29, commencing at 7.15pm.
If you missed it last month this is your chance to see director Eileen Davey's excellent outdoor production. An evening of surprises and laughter is in store.
