Local Notes: Charlestown U16 boys win Division 2 basketball league plate final.
Charlestown U16 boys basketball team who won the division 2 league plate final against the Castlebar Comets recently.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €20,800 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, February 22, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 16, 19, 23 and 27. The winners of the €50 prizes were Breege Hunt (online) and Jow Lowther (lucky dip) The jackpot in the latest draw, which was held on Sunday, March 1, was €20,900. Tickets are on sale at several outlets in the town and they are also available online via the club’s Facebook and social media outlets. The club thank all who supported their weekly draw.
Congratulations and best wishes are extended to well-known local man Ronan Kenny, Kilbeagh, Charlestown who graduated to forty recently. There was a small drinks celebration to help Ronan come to terms with his ascension to the forty club as he becomes the newest and perhaps most decorated recruit to claim full membership to date in the year that is 2026. Ronan has acquired many handles and pseudonyms over the years with Stuffer, and the Pillock just two of the best known but the one that perhaps resonates best is coach Kenny in deference to his prowess on the training fields of his beloved GAA. Ronan has acquired quite the lofty reputation as one of the foremost coaches in Mayo in recognition of his work with the Sarsfields at all grades and most latterly in his role as coach of the Claremorris senior team where he is currently spreading his coaching gospel. He has a very good command of his brief and is organised and competent in all he does hence his talents remain very much in demand as he keeps his hand in with the Sarsfields and helps with Bord na nOg at underage level.
He’s also a keen darts player with his talent for the arrows often going somewhat under the radar as, on his day , he’s formidable at the ochie and has been known to create quite the stir in the white heat of battle. Coach Kenny has many layers to his personality and he’s well able to hold his own when it comes to the art of drinking pints and can certainly mix it with the best of them and has never been known to shirk a challenge when the beer is flowing.
He is a popular presence in and around the Sarsfields club and community at large with that large beaming smile never far from the face as he goes about his work and day with a very cheery disposition. His good lady Cailin must take some credit too for guiding him along the right path as he gets ready to embrace all that life will throw at him as he becomes the latest member of the quinquadragenarian club. He looks in prime shape to tackle life in the forty lane as he pounds the roads looking to maintain his athleticism with a strong rumour doing the rounds that he intends to scale Ardara Hill or trek across the sand dunes of Enniscrone as a reward perhaps for leading Claremorris to the promised land!!
The hair follicles have stalled somewhat but there is still a small bit of growth albeit it has slowed to a trickle. Other than that the coach has made it to forty pretty seamlessly might I add and I’m sure there’ll be a slice of cake set aside for yours truly on the back of this gargantuan mention. I’m not sure when I’ll take delivery as it may well be laced with some chemical or other but here’s wishing Ronnie every good wish for the future, health and happiness and many more years of good coaching and success.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, February 18, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Paddy Gallagher and Tom Salmon, 2nd Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, 3rd Mary O’Malley and Teresa Ward, 4th Michael and Pat Brennan. The game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2500 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, February 16, and the following were the four numbers drawn : 6, 11, 17, 22. The winners of the 3 x €20 prizes were Zak Brennan, John Cahill and Roisin Walsh. Next week’s jackpot will increase to €2600 and the draw will be held on Monday night, February 23. Tickets are on sale in the community and they are also available online via the club’s Facebook page.
A miracle, mayhem, plus some fibs are the ingredients for side-splitting laughter. Be sure to see Cloonacool Players "Daughter from Over the Water" with its hilarious cast including Peadar Conway, Darragh McGarry, John McIntyre plus Michael Henry and Emma Davitt and new member Emir Murphy all ready to make you laugh on Thursday, March 19, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 at 8pm in Cloonacool Community Centre. What better way to spend an evening - tis good for the soul.
The Achonry Pioneer dinner dance takes place in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Friday, March 20, at 8pm. Tickets cost €40 per person and there will be a three course meal with tea/coffee served on the night. Music will be supplied by The Duets. To book your ticket and for more information contact Thomas on 087 2344338.
The adult Arts and Crafts Group meet on Wednesday mornings in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 11am-1pm and all are welcome.
The next Community Coffee Morning will take place in the Town Hall Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown on Friday, March 6, from 11am-1pm. Lift access available. All are welcome to come along for a cuppa and a chat.
Yoga with Trish continues in the Town Hall Arts Centre on Tuesday evenings from 7.15-8.15pm. For further information contact Trish on 087 2906002.
Well done to the Charlestown Cubs Basketball U9 girls team who played some terrific basketball against very worthy opponents in Westport Warriors in a cracking contest which took place at the CBD Sports Complex, Charlestown recently. The girls shaped with real promise and were a credit to their coaching team as they displayed all the skills and more than held their own against an equally talented Westport side who were very good opponents indeed. The future looks bright for these girls as they continue to learn and acquire the skills of the game.
Charlestown Athletic are back in the spotlight at senior level in the Mayo soccer circles as the club have entered a team in division 2 of the Mayo senior league. This is the first time the club have fielded at senior level for the first time in a decade with the executive delighted to be in a position to compete and have the Charlestown Athletic name back in the fold so to speak. When the idea was first mooted to re-form at senior level there was a big interest in the town and surrounding areas to have a go and this has been reflected in the number of players who have signed up and committed for the coming year with lots of bodies on the training paddock with the pre-season having gone very well by all accounts in terms of commitment as the lads look to resume playing at some grade or other with a view to driving the club on and bring some semblance of success to the club which has always commanded huge respect at underage level. The club are looking to have a right cut at division 2 and are confident they can hold their own and even threaten the better teams in a league that is sure to be competitive. We wish the team and management all the very best for the coming season and will watch their progress with interest over the coming months.
Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club have appointed a new Club Development Officer (CD0) in the shape of Amy Doory. She is wished all the very best in her new role and has a busy brief which involves visiting all the primary schools in the parish while networking and connecting with St Joseph’s Community College also. Amy will also be involved in the club’s ever expanding nursery programme and she will also have a role in supporting a range of other club activities. The club are delighted to have Amy on board and she is sure to have plenty of coaching plans and initiatives ready to roll out as the club continue to build on the great progress they have made in the last number of years as they look to develop new coaching initiatives and programmes designed to attract new players and members and provide an environment where players can grow, improve and thrive. Amy has a busy few months ahead of her but she’s brimming with enthusiasm and will get lots of support from all the stakeholders who will be only too delighted to draw on her expertise and coaching knowledge.
The CDO initiative is delivered in partnership with Connacht GAA, and the club sincerely appreciate their continued backing. A big thank you also to the local national schools who have all signed up to participate and take part and to the club’s coaching officer Kiefer Craig and local games development officer Martin Carr for helping the club to coordinate the programme.
The Sarsfields begin their 2026 campaign at senior level when they host Aghamore in Fr O’Hara Park in the opening round of the East Mayo Centenary Cup competition. The throw-in has been provisionally fixed for 12 noon (subject to confirmation). This game will offer the Sarsfields’ new management team of Ruairi Clarke and Alan Kelly their first opportunity to view the Sarsfields in competitive action with Aghamore always providing stiff opposition as they too begin life with a new management team in place. Games between the sides generally tend to be tight and keenly contested and this latest one promises to be no exception as both teams dust off the cobwebs and prepare for a new season brimming with optimism and expectations with plenty at stake in both camps.
The death took place at Sligo University Hospital of Ann Roddy, St James’s Drive and formerly of Cranmore, Carracastle. Her remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown to St James’ Church, Carrcastle with burial, following solemn requiem Mass to Naomh Mobhí Cemetery, Kilmovee. Ann is survived by her son John, partner John Mulligan, sisters Margaret, Josephine, Kathleen and Patricia, brothers Pake and John, granddaughter Talia, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
The late Ann, who was pre-deceased by parents Tom and Mary, sisters Bridie and Maureen, brothers Tom and Michael, was a much admired and respected member of the communities of Charlestown and Carracastle respectively. She was a lady of great humour and wit who was devoted to her family and enjoyed the regular and frequent interaction with them. She was a kind lady who was a popular presence in and around the town where she had forged many strong friendships. The large crowds who attended her removal and subsequent burial was ample proof of the esteem and affection in which she was held and deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved. Ann left a legacy of great memories which her family will cherish and cling dear to in the deep dark hours, days and weeks that lie ahead. May she rest in peace.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25-card game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday last, February 24, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Joe Mahon and Mary O’Hara. Raffle winners were Miko Sheridan, Mary O’Hara and Breege Leonard. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm and all are welcome.
Charlestown Minor Ladies were back in league action for the new season as they squared off against Belmullet in round one of division one of the county league. There will be a full report and result from this opening round encounter in next week’s column.
The 6th Annual Colm Horkan Memorial Run will take place on Saturday, May 17. Registration is opening soon for an event that continues to attract a huge interest from all corners of the country and has established itself as one of the main attractions in the town’s annual social calendar. More details in the coming weeks but there will be the usual menu of options with the 5k, 10k and half -marathon disciplines on offer to cater for everybody’s personal choices.
A weekly bereavement support group meeting takes place every Wednesday at 11am in the Family Centre, Knock. All are welcome. Further information on bereavement care at Knock Shrine is available on 094 9375320. You can also find resources and books to deal with bereavement and loss in Knock Shrine Bookshop.
Alone is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home. If you are in need of advice, support or information, call the National Support Line on 0818 222 024, seven days a week from 8am-8pm.
The Citizens Information Centres in Mayo locations are in Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet, and they provide free, confidential and impartial information, advice and adovcacy on public services, social welfare appeals, housing, employment rights and tax. They assist with form-filling, social welfare appeals and offer information on health, consumer rights and immigration. They also provide information on the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) for debt management. The number of the Castlebar office which is located at Cavendish House is 0818 07 6040.
The annual general meeting of the CBD Sports Complex will take place on Wednesday, March 18, at 8.30pm in the complex. All members are requested to attend and the committee are hoping for a good turnout and response from the general public as they look back and reflect on another busy year for the building with lots of new activities and increased footfall coming through the doors.
The music circle with John and Isabela Hoban will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Monday, March 9, from 7-8.30pm. All are welcome to sing a song, play a tune, recite a poem or simply listen. Tea/coffee and refreshments will be served. The event is free to attend and all are welcome.
Practice takes place every Thursday evening in St James’ Church from 7-8pm and new members are most welcome.
Salsa classes continue in the Town Hall Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm and all are welcome.
The 2026 Honour of the Village Competition hosted by Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown’ got underway recently with a couple of cracking matches paving the way for an extravaganza of darts action over the course of next 8-12 weeks. Curry (1) and Church Street were first at the ochie and they played out a cracking encounter with both teams playing some thrilling darts. It was the team from over the border who prevailed amidst a welter of excitement as the Curry lads had enough in their locker to see off the challenge of a strong and determined Church Street side with the Sligo men edging home on a 5-3 score line.
Next up was another thrilling encounter involving Hagfield and Montiagh which had the large crowd enthralled from the very first few darts thrown either way. This was a gripping contest as Hagfield 1, a team with lots of pedigree in this famous old competition were pushed to the pin of their collar by a fine Montiagh side who had Adrian Marren in their ranks as he transferred his accuracy from the football field to the ochie in some style. He was just as accurate with the arrows but despite his best efforts it was Hagfield who came through albeit by the skin of their teeth as they needed a final leg singles decider to fall over the line and clinch their second-round place. This was an enthralling match from start to finish and was played in a very sporting manner with cordial relations existing between both sides at all times.
Fixtures for the coming week involve Lurga taking on Hagfield(2) with Tavneena and Ballyglass going head to head in another intriguing encounter. Sonnagh and Curry (3) also square off with the final games of the week featuring heavyweight clashes involving Glann/Sinollane and Lavey and Rooskey and Curry(2) in a busy week of village action. Full results and reports in next week’s column plus draw news.
Mayo Stoma Group will be having their next meeting on March 19, at 7pm in the Ellison Hotel, Castlebar. It is open to all who either have a stoma or care for them. If you would like to book a place, text 087 6275766.
In Ireland today over 45,000 people live with epilepsy. For further information visit www.epilepsy.ie. Purple Day (or Epilepsy Awareness Day) will take place on Thursday, March 26.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts game held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday night, February 22, as Boom Boom and Podsie squared off in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was immense in his role as match referee as he kept both men in check seamlessly. Podsie was in tip top form all night and blasted his way into an early one set lead thanks to some heavy scoring and stellar finishing. Boom Boom bounced back to take set two as he found some form amongst the doubles, but Podsie regained some modicum of control and swept his way to the third set with a 148 finish in leg four edging him 2-1 in front in terms of sets. The fourth set was a rip-roaring affair as both men hit form simultaneously. The top seed surged into a leg to nil lead and the game looked up for Boom Boom as he struggled to keep pace with the level being displayed by his opponent. He is a terrific competitor however and roared back into contention by taking legs three and four to set up a one leg shootout with everything much on the line in terms of defeat and victory for both men.
Boom Boom had the honour of the darts but it was Podsie who started the better with a couple of ton pluses putting the number four seed on the back foot as he lagged very much behind in the race to the double. Podsie looked nailed on to close out the match as he weighted up a finish of 86 with Boom Boom toiling in the high 200s. The number one seed blew four darts at double sixteen however as his darts misfired badly to provide Boom Boom with a glimmer of prolonging the game into a fifth set. He mulled over 36 and looked to have sealed the set but agonisingly his final dart fell out of the bed and onto the floor as Boom Boom sank to his knees in despair. The crowd gasped as Podsie made his way to the ochie with double sixteen still very much in his sights. He missed with his first two darts as the crowd held their hands to their heads in disbelief. Like all champions however, he didn’t panic and steadied himself before releasing his final dart. The flight path never deviated from its intended target as it landed plum in the middle of the double sixteen bed much to his relief as he gave his large support the victory salute with Boom Boom first on the scene to offer his congratulations.
It was a thrilling encounter made all the more enjoyable by the sporting conduct of both men throughout. Podsie claimed his fourth title of season to tighten his hold on the number one ranking.
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Kilkelly Kilmovee Magazine is delighted to announce that they have been nominated for this year's Mayo Cathaoirleach Awards and it also celebrates its 20th year of publication later this year. This milestone year will see an even bigger and better edition of the magazine, and warmly invite the community to contribute articles, stories, photos, or memories.
Congratulations also to another local committee “The Kitchen Table Crew” on their nomination. They are currently preparing their 2027 Charity Calendar, continuing their wonderful work in support of the local community and charities.
The next heritage night will be held in Kilmovee Community Centre on March 9, at 8pm. Enjoy live traditional music, song and dance, storytelling, and much more, home-baked goods , with a raffle on the night.
The death took place of Kevin Egan, Oak Grove, Ballaghaderreen and Cloonsuck, Castlerea, peacefully at Sligo University Hospital on February 2. Kevin was predeceased by his parents Margaret and Joseph, his brothers, Michael, James, Leo, PJ, and Norman, and his sister Maureen. Kevin reposed in McDonagh’s Funeral Home, Castlerea on Thursday, February 6, with removal afterwards to St. Nathy’s Cathedral, Ballaghaderreen. Mass of the Resurrection took place on Friday, February 6, at 11am followed by interment in Kilcolman Cemetery, Ballaghaderreen.
Kevin is survived by his sons and daughters Barry, Lorraine, Siobhan and Michael and their mother Bernadettte, his grandchildren Harley, Caoimhín, Esmé and Winnie, also, by his brother Brendan, daughter-in-law Emma, Michael’s fiancée Charlotte, his sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends. May Kevin rest in peace as sympathy is extended to all who are bereaved.
