Local Notes: Charlestown U15 girls runners-up in All Ireland 7s final.
Charlestown Sarsfields U15 girls team who finished runners-up in the Division 1 U15 7s final to Clonguish of Longford.
Charlestown Sarsfields U15 girls enjoyed a fantastic run in the All-Ireland U15 Division 1 7s competition as they made it all the way to the final only to lose out to Clonguish of Longford in a cracking decider with the Sarsfields girls pushing their Longford opponents all the way to the final whistle.
The girls played seven games in total, winning six with their only defeat coming in the final against a very good and well drilled Clonguish side who had, nevertheless, to pull out all the stops to defeat the Sarsfields who fought tooth and nail for victory.
The girls did themselves, their families and the club proud in what was a super weekend for all connected with the team and management as they took on and beat the cream of country and enhanced their burgeoning reputations with some sparkling displays as they got better with each victory and performance.
Well done to the management team of Gemma Higgins and Elaine Warnock who did a terrific job in the preparation and coaching of the girls and got the very best out the talent available to them in what was a glorious to the final.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €17,900 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, August 3, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 11, 16, 22 and 23. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Susan Durkan and Margaret Lundy (online). The latest jackpot increased to €18,000 and the draw was held on Sunday, August 10, Death.
The death took place in New York, USA of Peggy O’Sullivan (nee Marren) formerly of Curracunane, Curry, Co. Sligo. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Charlestown Sarsfields, competing in the lofty echelons of the division1 county U16 championship, kept their play-off hopes alive with a crucial 2-12 to 2-10 victory over Ballina Stephenites in round 2 of the group stages played at James Stephens Park, Ballina recently.
This was a pulsating contest which was played at a cracking pace throughout with the Sarsfields more than holding their own as they put it up to and beat the Stephenites in their own back yard thus showing once again how comfortable they are at this level with the team displaying terrific maturity and a real winning mentality. They went after the Stephenites from the off and were boosted crucially by the return of Sean Breheny to the starting line-up as he is their undoubted driving force and was very much key to the Sarsfields thrilling victory.
First half goals from Danny Breheny and Sean Cassidy propelled the green and white challenge and gave them the confidence to kick on as they were more than holding their own in a first half of great intensity and tempo. The Sarsfields never backed away at any stage and remained very much in the faces of their opposition with pressure being applied in every line of the pitch.
Scores were swapped at regular intervals in what became a high wire second half with never more than a score between the teams the tension ratcheted up in the closing stages with the outcome still very much in the balance. It was the Sarsfields who found the inspiration however with Sean Breheny further enhancing his glowing reputation with a superb two pointer to edge the Sarsfields in front and put them in pole position to close out the match. This they duly did with the victory fully merited as they displayed the metal and steel to get the job done when the pressure was at its greatest.
A wonderful victory for the Sarsfields and one which keeps them right in contention to qualify from the group with table topper Ballintubber standing in their way in a game that has everything riding on it.
On a gripping night’s entertainment each player to a man stood tall and chipped in with a top class performance with the team ethic there for all to see. The team continue to grow in maturity and confidence and enter the final game of the group with nothing to fear as they certainly empty the tank every time they pull that jersey over their heads.
The Sarsfields host Ballintubber in the county U12 summer league in Fr O`Hara Park on Wednesday, August 13, with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Ballinrobe to take on the locals in the U16 development championship on Sunday, August 17, with the throw-in timed for 11am.
The Sarsfields travel to Killala to take on Naomh Padraig in the county U14 Development Championship on Saturday, August 16, with the throw-in timed for 11am.
JKA Sligo Karate Club are enrolling new members, with classes based in Curry and Moylough for children, teens and adults. Contact Shane for more details on 086 7777399.
St Angela’s College (Sligo) at the ATU are inviting applications for the autumn 2025 programme. A part-time course in religious education for primary schools with online delivery is on offer for the coming year. The closing date for college applications is Friday, August 15. For further information contact Mary Kearns at mary.kearns@atu.ie.
Charlestown Sarsfields host Ballintubber in Fr O’Hara Park in the County U16 Development Championship on Sunday, August 10, with the throw-in timed for 11am.
Lecarrow National School Reunion will take place in McLoughlin`s Bar, Barrack Street, Charlestown on Friday, August 15, at 10pm. A shout out to all former pupils to pencil this date into their diaries as twenty years have slipped by since the last great reunion of 2005. The school opened in 1888 and closed in 1968 and there are still plenty of connections in terms of families who attended the school still living in the villages and townlands which supplied the school with most of its pupils so the message is out there and McLoughlin’s is the place to be to re-connect and reacquaint with some old friends and school mates on a night that is sure to provide plenty of nostalgia and memories.
The time and place for great comedy is Sunday, August 24, at 7.15pm in Cloonacool Village, Eircode F91 KX31. Yes, Cloonacool Players`outdoor performance of The Tinker`s Wedding is back. Olive Giblin, Dennis Ross, Peadar Conway, Marion Tarpey, Richard Yolland and Joe Corscadden look forward to entertaining you.
Charlestown Sarsfields, in partnership with Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, are holding a draw for a chance to win a pair of Premium Level Hogan Stand tickets to see Oasis live in concert in Croke Park on Saturday, August 16, including overnight accommodation for 2 in the Clayton Hotel, Leopardstown. The anticipation around these Oasis concerts is building to a crescendo at the moment and what with the Charlestown connection, there is a giddiness around the town and surrounding areas to see the Gallagher brothers perform after an absence of some sixteen years together on stage.
For just €10 per entry or three entries for €20 and 8 entries for €50 you can participate/enter the draw and have an opportunity to win this super prize. The tickets are in a superb location in Section 530 Row C plum in the middle of the Hogan Stand and situated right on the half-way line. The prize is valued at over €1300 so is one all Oasis and music fans are sure to clamour for with the concerts almost upon us. To enter for your chance to win visit https://eventmaster.ie/event/qqwPsP7SQq. Closing date for entry is Thursday, August 14, at 5pm so be in to win. The draw will take place on Thursday evening at 9pm on the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Facebook Page and the winner will be notified by email and phone.
Charlestown Sarsfields U13 girls recorded a very good 3-7 to 2-6 victory over Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin in division 3 of the county U13 league played at the Parke GAA grounds recently. The girls dug deep to eke out the victory in a tight contest all through with their ability to score goals proving crucial to the final outcome. A good victory for the young Sarsfields starlets and one which follows up their comprehensive victory over Kiltimagh in the previous round last week.
The pool is open for the new summer season with a detailed timetable of activities available to the general public in terms of lessons, stroke development, water safety and other super courses all of which can be viewed on the Swimming Pool’s splendid Facebook page which gives up to the minute bulletins on all that’s happening in and around the pool on a daily basis.
Salsa Dancing classes continue in the Town Hall Arts Centre on Wednesday nights from 7.30pm-8.30pm and all are welcome.
In association with HSE Outdoors Week (August 11-17 ) The East Mayo Athletics Club are delighted to host a free event in conjunction with Sport Ireland and Athletics Ireland. Reserve your place and come along on Friday August 15 to celebrate the amazing outdoor resources that is in the community (limited space left).
Bring a friend and enjoy a light running session, an informative talk with Women`s Health Physio Doreen Dempsey, a swim at Charlestown outdoor heated swimming pool and a sauna session with South Sligo Wild Sauna. For more information and to book your place check out the East Mayo Athletics Facebook page and follow the link.
To mark the start of the new Premier League season which kicks off on Friday, August 15, Johnny’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown are running a Fantasy League competition with some fantastic prizes on offer. Check out Johnny’s Bar Facebook Page with the qr code to join being 18e7q7.
The garden continues to flourish and gain plenty of admirers and visitors as the Summer passes with the place looking an absolute picture at present. The raised beds have been completed with 12 of them currently in place and these bed have added immeasurably to the garden with lots of new produce in terms of flowers and vegetables taking residence in the beds. The garden has also attracted a significant amount of new members who have brought their very own skill set to the place and this has been a very welcome development indeed and provided a big boost to the long-standing members and volunteers. The current team comprises of Paddy Casey, Vera Turner, Breda and Willie Doyle, Sr. Elsie Gilmartin, Sarah McCann, Mary and Kay McIntyre, Ruth Nulty, Amanda, Dave and Sam Culpan, Caroline Friel, and Alison Doohan. The garden is open to the public on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and is well worth a visit as it’s very much a little piece of heaven on earth.
South Sligo Wild Sauna is based at the Charlestown Swimming Pool for the summer. It is open Monday to Friday evening throughout the summer. For session times and booking check their social media or visit www.bookwhen.com/southsligowildsauna.
Whether you are looking to unwind, recover post swim, or enjoy the benefits of wood-fired heat, it`s the perfect way to reset your week.
Women`s Box-Fit classes take place every Tuesday evening at the old Clooonfane School from 7.30pm-8.45pm. The cost is €60 per eight week block or €10 per session. The instructor is Keell Stevens, 5 time National Champion. For more information contact 089 4977388.
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 will 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, we`d love to hear from you. You can message the Charlestown, Co. Mayo Facebook page or alternatively phone 087 3878408.
Tample Cemetery Mass takes place on Monday, August 18 at 7pm and Charlestown Cemetery Mass takes place on Sunday, August 24, at 12 noon.
Fr John Maloney started his new ministry as parish priest of Charlestown recently and is wished every success in his new position replacing the recently retired Fr Tommy Johnson who stepped away from the role after some twenty one years serving the people and community. Fr John carried with him the best wishes of the people who hope he will be very happy in his new surroundings and that his ministry will be truly blessed. Fr John brings plenty of pedigree and experience to the role having served in the parish of Attymass, before that in Kilmovee with his first posting in the diocese being in the parish of Collooney.
For many years, along with his parish duties, Fr John served as the diocesan Catechetical Advisor for the primary schools of the diocese so he has lots of strings to his bow so to speak and brings plenty of knowledge, wisdom and experience which he will use to settle in and acquaint himself with his new station.
The Sarsfields U12 team have been making some waves in the U12 summer league in recent weeks and they further underlined this with a whopping 3-30 to 0-5 victory over Ballina Stephenites in the latest round of fixtures played recently. The Sarsfields were imperious as they dominated the game in every possible area and were in total charge from start to finish. This is a pretty decent panel of players being very well managed at the moment as they continue to go from strength to strength with their results so far making for some very impressive reading it must be said.
There was a good turnout at the summer bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, August 6, at 8pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 2nd Maura Dunne and Doris Clements.
The following were the winners of the weekly 25 Drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday, July 29, at 9pm; 1st Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally; 2nd Mary O’Hara and Kevin Maloney. Raffle winners were Mary O`Hara, Mary Costello and Breege Leonard.
Activator Pole and Chair Exercise class takes place in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 12 noon-1pm on Friday, August 15. Lift access available. All welcome, €2 fee.
The Charlestown U13B team suffered a 4-3 to 1-8 at the hands of Cil Chomain in the latest round of fixtures played in division 6 of the county U13 league. The Sarsfields battled bravely against a very good and committed Gaeltacht team but ultimately came up short with goals and the opposition`s ability to score them proving pivotal at the final whistle.
The death took place in Prestatyn, North Wales recently of Dominic Clossick formerly of Cloonlarin, Doocastle, Co. Mayo. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Age Friendly Mayo is delivered by Mayo County Council and works to improve the services that older people have identified as being important to them, and the wider community, as they live healthy and active lives. The projects they offer, in conjunction with other organisations include; outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, respect and social inclusion, social participation, communication and education, civic participation and employment and health and wellbeing.
The key contributors to this programme are the Age Friendly Alliance and Mayo Older Peoples Council. The Age Friendly Alliance brings together older people, service providers and businesses to change thinking about aging and how services to older people are planned and delivered.
If you would like to find out more about this programme, email agefriendlymayo@mayococo.ie.
Dance classes with Gina continue at Carracastle Community Centre on Wednesday evenings at 8pm. Learn to jive, waltz, quickstep and line dance. €10 per person. For more information and to book contact 085 7704647.
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 on 094 9375320.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €3300 in the weekly draw held on Monday, August 6, and the following were four numbers drawn on the night; 4, 7, 11, and 19. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; Edward Colleran, Frances Durcan and Donal Henry.
The latest jackpot increased to €3400 and the draw took place on Monday, August 11.
Charlestown Boxing Club are back and at it for the new 2025/2026 season with training resuming on Tuesday nights in Cloonfane at 7pm. Registration is closed with the full house signs up for the new season as Darren Fahy and his team of coaches get ready to welcome a new generation of boxers to the club which continues to punch well above its weight in terms of success and glory.
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.
Charlestown Sarsfields minor girls lost out to a good Claremorris team in the County Minor A Championship with the South Mayo ladies coming through on a scoreline of 3-12 to 2-3. The Sarsfields were not at full strength with Claremorris the better team throughout with their goal scoring threat and conversion proving to be the key metrics in their convincing victory. The Sarsfields will be better next day out when they will have some of their better players back and available for selection so all is not lost with qualification from the group still well within their compass.
Senior Line is Ireland’s national telephone service for older people open every day of the year from10am-10pm. Freephone 1800 80 45 91. Callers may feel isolated, alone and may wish to discuss a problem in confidence, or for company during the day. Senior Line’s older volunteers are trained to listen, to support, to discuss options and to refer callers to other helpful services, if necessary. Senior Line 1800 80 45 91 is open every day of the year at the above times.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh`s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday, August 3, as Podsie and Gus scrapped it out in another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. With Gus at the ochie it was left to the Duke to step into the referee’s role and this he did seamlessly as he kept both men firmly in check with some no-nonsense policing. Podsie pulverised his opponent in the opening two sets with some trademark heavy scoring and oh so stylish finishing. Gus hardly had time to blink before he found himself two sets down and staring down the barrel of a whitewash. Credit to him, however, he bounced back in typically cussed fashion to sneak the third set with timely double eighteen getting him over the line in the fourth leg. This was as good as it got for the red man however as Podsie, miffed to have lost the set, stormed back in imperious fashion as he won three legs on the reel in set four to seal the match and clinch his ninth victory of the season in process. Another performance from the ages from the number one seed and one which Gus was quick to acknowledge as both men talked and shred some tall tales long into the night.
