Local Notes: Charlestown U16s win local derby

Charlestown win battle of the Sarsfields; birthday greetings to Alma; tributes to Helen O'Toole
Local Notes: Charlestown U16s win local derby

Cian Casey receiving the East Mayo Under-16 Development Plaque on behalf of the victorious Charlestown Sarsfields Under-16 team who defeated Swinford in the East Mayo Under-16 Development Final recently. Bord na n-Óg chairman Stephen Mooney presented Cian with the winning plaque.

Sarsfields Lotto 

There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Lotto of €22,900 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, July 19th, when the numbers drawn were 8, 18, 23 and 26. 

The winners of the three €50 prizes were Ray Lenehan (online winner - annual ticket), Padraic Donnellan (Lucky Dip) and MJ Egan (Lucky Dip).

Next week`s jackpot will rise to €23,000 and the draw will be held on Sunday night, July 26th. Tickets on sale in a number of outlets in the community, priced at €2 or three for €5, and the club would like to thank everybody who supported their weekly draw.

Community Coffee Morning 

The next community coffee morning will be held in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street on Friday, August 7th, from 11am to 1pm. Lift access available and all are welcome to come along for a cuppa and a chat.

Wedding anniversary 

Congratulations are extended to Tom and Una McLoughlin, Madogue, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary recently.

We wish Tom and Una continued good health and happiness in the future from their family and many friends and look forward to many more milestones of this nature in the years ahead.

Ladies qualify for League Final 

Well done to the Charlestown Sarsfields senior ladies who qualified for the final of the Melissa Patterson Memorial League by virtue of their hard fought 2-7 to 0-10 victory over Kilmoremoy in a well contested encounter played at Fr O'Hara Park recently.

The Sarsfieds had to work hard to secure the victory as their opponents put it up to them and brought plenty of intent to the park from the throw-in.

The Sarsfields, however, bagged two crucial goals with Siofra McGuinness and Shona Mahon on hand to apply two very cool and composed finishes and these proved crucial to the final outcome, The defence, too, did their job as they kept their goal intact at the other end with the Sarsfields doing enough to close it out and secure qualification for another final as they look forward to battling for a piece of silverware which would be a nice fillip ahead of the championship in September.

Died in Chicago

The death took place in Chicago, USA of Bridget Pezel (nee Hopkins) late of Kilgarriff, Charlestown, sister of Eileen Butler, Kilgarriff and the late Kathleen Harrington, Lurga, Charlestown.

We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.

Arts and Crafts

Adults Arts and Crafts Group meet every Wednesday in the Arts Centre from 11am to 1pm and all are welcome.

Death 

The death took place recently of Paul Spencer, Rooskey, Doocastle.

Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.

Cemetery Masses

Charlestown Cemetery Mass takes place on Friday, July 31st, at 8pm.

Tample Cemetery Mass takes place on Tuesday August 4th, at 8pm.

Legion of Mary

Legion of Mary meeting takes place every Wednesday evening at7pm in St James' Church, Charlestown. All are welcome and for more information contact Phil on 086-3946233.

Sarsfields U14s topple Ardnaree 

Charlestown Sarsfields U14s began the Division One Championship in the best possible fashion with a thrilling 2-11 to 2-9 victory over Ardnaree in round one of the group stages played at Sean Duffy Park, Ardnaree recently.

Charlestown emerged victorious in the battle of the Sarsfields and in so doing ripped up the script as Ardnaree were warm favourites going into the contest having recently annexed the Division One League title in great style.

Charlestown were on it from the throw-in however, and pressured and harried their opponents in every line of the pitch forcing turnovers from which they made a great profit with points from Freddie Doherty, Alex Pugaciov, and Luke McDermott getting their challenge off to the best possible start.

The green and white were motoring nicely, leading 0-6 to 0-2 after 20 minutes, with further points from Doherty and McDermott due reward for some fine approach play as the defence locked down all the home side's dangerous runners and score-getters.

Ardnaree gradually worked their way back into the game in the final quarter, hitting three points on the bounce to reduce the deficit to one with the visitors' defence under siege at times as they made several last gasp blocks and tackles to prevent further damage on the scoreboard.

The game swung dramatically in Charlestown's favour in the closing minutes before half-time as they hit 2-1 to shift the scoreboard markedly in their favour with Luke McDermott and Tom Naughton finishing expertly to leave Charlestown in pole position at half-time as they led 2-7 to 0-5 and were full value for this lead too.

Ardnaree came thundering out of the blocks in the second half having received a rollicking no doubt from their management team for the passive nature of their first-half performance.

They took control of the middle third and hit the visitors for 1-2 with Charlestown starting to wobble as they found themselves hemmed in and struggled to win any worthwhile possession as a result.

All the momentum was with Ardnaree as they continued to strip Charlestown of possession from which their second goal arrived to leave the scores tied at 2-7 apiece with the visitors in dire need of a score to lift the siege.

They finally broke their duck courtesy of a Luke McDermott free and followed this up with an inspirational point from play from Daithi Gethins who became a growing influence in the Charlestown revival.

Ardnaree hit back with a score from play but Charlestown responded again with a fine long range free from Gethins to restore their two-point cushion.

The home side would come to rue a number of missed chances with shots dropping short or drifting by the post which kept Charlestown afloat and hanging on grimly to their slender and vulnerable lead.

The final few minutes were frantic as Ardnaree threw everything at Charlestown in a vain bid to wrestle the victory. Charlestown held firm however, with the defence standing tall as they stripped the Ardnaree lads of the ball, made some brilliant last gasp tackles one of which led to their final attack which ended in the hands of a cool and composed Tom Naughton who clipped the ball over the bar to push the Charlestown lead out to two once again.

The home side were afforded one final chance to salvage the game when they were awarded a close-in free from which had to result in a goal to alter the complexion of the scoreboard. The Charlestown defence, for the umpteeenth time, kept their nerve however and forced a rash shot from an Ardnaree attacker which dribbled over the end line and with that went their last chance of victory.

The Sarsfields had heroes in every line with Jack Brennan solid and commanding in goals, well supported by a vigilant and hard tackling full-back line of Ted Munnelly, Mikey Larkin and Conor Davern. The half-back line of Conor Breheny, Michael Haran and Ross Duffy were solid and compact when necessary with the midfield duo of Daithi Gethins and Senan Tiernan enjoying battle royal with their opposite duo, the Charlestown duo perhaps shading it with their final last fifteen-minute flourish.

In attack Freddie Doherty was outstanding throughout and won every ball that came his way and used it wisely at all times. Luke McDermott once again underlined his scoring prowess with a 1-5 haul with his first-half performance especially superb. Tom Naughton had a splendid closing quarter as he won the ball, used it intelligently and drove hard at the Ardnaree defence when the Sarsfields needed an outlet. Alex Pugacio ran hard and selflessly while MJ Donohue and Rian O'Connor made some plays and were always a threat when in possession.

Subs Frank Muldoon and Anthony Byrne made big contributions on their introductions as they secured priceless possession and used it wisely in the white heat of battle. 

A thundering victory for the Sarsfields and one which gives them a great chance of securing qualification from the group.

The late Helen O'Toole

The death took place at St Attracta's Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown of Helen O'Toole (nee Carr), Bushfield, Charlestown and formerly of Church Street, Charlestown. Her remains were removed to St Patrick's Church, Bushfield and burial took place after Requiem Mass to Bushfield Cemetery. 

Helen is survived by her sons Declan and Adrian, daughters Miriam, Michelle and Aileen, sisters Ita, Joan and Patricia, daughter-in law, son-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends. 

The late Helen, who was predeceased by her husband Peter, son Finian and sister Dolores, was a well known and popular member of the communities of Bushfield and Charlestown respectively. She was a kind and homely lady who was devoted to her family and loved the regular and frequent interactions with them. She was a good neighbour and friend to all in Bushfield and her passing robs the community of one of its best and nicest citizens. 

The large crowds who attended the removal of her remains and subsequent burial was ample proof of the esteem and affection in which she was held and we tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.

Sympathy 

Sympathy is extended to Margaret Lundy and Eileen Murphy, Gowel, on the death of their sister Ann Ryder (nee Lundy), Forkfield, Ayle, Westport, and formerly of Gowel, Charlestown.

We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.

U16s open championship with a victory

Charlestown Sarsfields began their Division 3 Championship campaign with a 4-10 to 3-6 victory over Kilmeena in round one of the group stages played at Fr O'Hara Park recently.

The Sarsfields were the better team throughout but Kilmeena were dogged opponents and stayed in the game for the most part with the Sarsfields penchant for scoring goals proving critical to the final outcome.

The Sarsfields had a little bit of extra craft and scoring power in attack with Adam Hunt and Oisin Durkan bagging a brace each and these strikes laid the foundation for their victory which while comfortable enough was not without its difficulties and pressure points as Kilmeena proved to be worthy opponents all through.

Next up for the Sarsfields is a trip to Newport to take on Burrishoole with victory providing them with a great opportunity of making the play-offs.

Birthday greetings 

Birthday greetings and best wishes are extended to Alma Ward, Barrack Street, Charlestown who celebrated a very special birthday recently. with a party for family and friends in Walsh's Bar, Main Street, Charlestown. 

There was a super turnout of the great and the good with family and friends well represented as Alma came to terms with the new number adorning the many cards she received with a cake taking centre stage revealing the latest number she had graduated to with GDPR preventing me from releasing. Let's just say it's a roundy one and the good lady was the belle of the ball and people came in large numbers to bestow their best wishes.

Her husband Shane had all the boxes ticked when it came to party time with plenty of refreshments, drinks and no end of music to keep everybody entertained with Spin DJ playing plenty of Alma's musical tastes from the Noughties with the occasional venture into the last century for good measure. 

A good night was had by all with the music and dance straying well into the night as Alma and family enjoyed a great night surrounded by those who matter most to her. I'm quite sure I'll qualify for a slice of cake on the back of this little tribute but it may take some time to be delivered but either way I look forward to sampling the delicious offering. 

Here's wishing Alma many more celebrations of this nature in the future and continued good health and happiness as she gets ready to embrace all that forty can offer. Oops I let it slip. Sorry Alma!!

Curry GAA News 

There was no winner of the Curry GAA jackpot of €4,700 in the weekly draw which took place on Monday, July 20th, when the numbers drawn were 1, 16, 20 and 28 The winners of the three €20 prizes were Mairead Durcan, Gabrielle Hanley, and Brian Jennings.

Next week's jackpot will rise to €4,800 and the draw will be held on Monday night, July 27th.

25 Card winners 

There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card drive game held in The Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday night, July 21st, when the numbers drawn were: 1st, Darby and Breege Leonard.

The raffle winners were Vera Scally, Breege Leonard and Darby Leonard.

The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm in the Yeats County Inn, Curry and all are welcome.

Minors Championship victory 

Charlestown Sarsfields Minor team put their recent East Mayo Minor 'A' Final defeat firmly behind them as they switched their attention to the County Minor 'C' Championship and they got their quest for honours off to the best possible start with a comfortable 6-9 to 2-11 victory over Louisburgh in round one of the group stages played at the Louisburgh GAA grounds recently.

The Sarsfields, while not at their best and short a plethora of players, had too much class and scoring ability for their opponents, albeit they will be disappointed to have conceded 2-11 from a defensive point of view.

Goals from Michael McCarthy and Ryan McDonagh, with a brace each, Dabby Breheny and Cian Towey kept the Sarsfields well on top as they always managed to keep a decent lead intact and never looked likely to lose at any stage in the match. A good start for the Sarsfields in a division they look to have a good chance of winning if they can get all their best players on the paddock.

Next up for the Sarsfields is a home game with Carras as the Sarsfields look to build on this impressive start to their 'C' Championship campaign.

Soccer News 

Charlestown Athletic maintained their push for promotion with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Manulla B in their latest outing in Division 2 of the Mayo League.

Charlestown had to go deep to secure the win with a brace from ace marksman Robbie Jordan enough to see off a stern Manulla challenge which keeps the Athletic firmly in the mix in terms for promotion to Division One, which would be a great achievement on their first year back in a competitive soccer environment.

Darts News 

There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh's Public House on Main Street on Sunday night, July 19th, as the Duke and Boom Boom fought out another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. 

Governor John has replaced Gus in the role of match referee and he adapted seamlessly to his new role and ensured good manners prevailed throughout.

The Duke made a blistering start and stormed into a two-set lead with some sparkling darts. Boom Boom roared back to take the next two sets to set up a fifth set decider which sent the crowd into a frenzy as the two men started to play well simultaneously.

There was only one boss in the final set, however, as the Duke raised his levels once again and responded to the challenge laid down by his opponent by surging into a two leg lead with successive finishes of 136 and 124 putting Boom Boom on the back foot from which he couldn't respond. 

Those two legs were enough to break the indomitable spirit of Boom Boom as he had nothing left to give in the third as the Duke sauntered to victory closing out the match with a tidy bullseye finish to sweep to a seventh victory of the season. Boom Boom, while crushed to be defeated, showed his true calibre as he embraced the Duke warmly and congratulated him on his success. This completed another splendid competition which continues to grow in popularity across the world wide web.

U14 lads canter to victory in Development Championship 

Charlestown Sarsfields U14 lads are really firing in the Development Championship as they recorded a bloodless 8-10 to 2-5 victory over The Neale in their latest outing of the Mayo U14 Division 5 Development Championship played at the scenic GAA grounds n Cong.

The Sarsfields, as the scoreline would indicate, were the bosses throughout and took the game to their hosts in convincing fashion as they maintained their long unbeaten sequence which stretches back to the start of the year.

The team moved well as a unit and they had a cutting edge up top as evidenced by the goals column which saw eight scored in their favour.

A terrific performance from the squad with the lads from Belmullet next up on the schedule with the game fixed for Fr O'Hara Park.

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Kilmovee

Parish Magazine

Preparations are underway for the 20th edition of the Kilkelly Kilmovee Parish Magazine. 

The committee invites parishioners at home and abroad to submit articles, photographs, memories, or local news for this special anniversary edition. The deadline is August 31. 

Submissions can be emailed to kilkellykilmoveemagazine@gmail.com or given to any member of the magazine committee. Thank you for your continued support.

Urlaur Pattern

The annual Urlaur Pattern will be held on Tuesday August 4. 

The pattern will begin with Mass being celebrated in the ruins of the Abbey on the shores of Urlaur Lake at 1pm. Following on from this there will be traditional music by the lake, followed music by Tempo, free activities for children compliments of the committee, Dominick Henry Memorial Cup soccer, Michael McDermott Cup for solo and group musicians and singers, face painting, fancy dress, free arts activities, and the Community First Responders will meet with attendees.

There will also be fast food, ice cream and Urlaur Tea Shop, while Haulie Grady will be there with his new book 'I Wonder If I Had Turned Right'. There will be a social in Urlaur Community Centre at 10pm with music by Mary Kathleen Henry.

Cemetery Masses

The Cemetery Committees hope to have the annual Masses in the local cemeteries as follows, weather permitting: Saturday, August 1, at 6.30pm in St Brigid’s Cemetery; Sunday, August 2, at 10am in Naomh Mobhi Cemetery; Sunday, August 2, at 11.30am in Culmore Cemetery; Tuesday, August 4, at 1pm in Urlaur Abbey and Wednesday, August 5, at 7.30pm in St Patrick's Old Cemetery in Rusheens, Kilmovee.

Bingo

Bingo is held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Sunday evenings at 8.30pm. The jackpot now is €850 on 47 calls and the house lotto is €960 on four correct numbers and also a 50/50 draw with a guaranteed winner every week.

Active Age Group

The Kilmovee Active Age Group meets every Thursday in Kilmovee Community Centre from 11am to 2.30pm. Come along from 11am for tea, coffee and a chat, exercises around midday, lunch at 1pm with Bingo afterwards. 

It is a lovely way to spend a few hours in good company, get some exercise and a good lunch. They look forward to welcoming you. The cost is €10 a week plus annual membership.

Lourdes Pilgrimage

The Achonry and Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from August 28 to September 2, and will be led by Bishop Kevin Doran. For bookings, please contact JWT at 01-6852244 or email info@joewalshtours.ie. For assisted pilgrims who will stay in the Accueil, please contact Fr Ray Milton on 090-6661115 before June 11th.

Swimming Pool 

The pool is now open for the season, daily 3 to 8pm. Please see Facebook for more details. 

The Re-turn Scheme is in operation again. Please help support the pool by donating your drink containers to the Orange Re-turn bin outside the pool.

Shamrocks GAA News 

The lotto numbers drawn for Shamrocks GAA on Saturday, July 11, were 24, 27, 32 and 37. There was no winner.

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