Local Notes: Emmet Gavaghan is Charlestown Sarsfields 'Hall of Fame' recipient at GAA Awards Dinner Dance
Emmet Gavaghan pictured with his wife Mary, son Conor and daughter Klara and Marty Horkan after receiving the Jim Breheny Memorial plaque having been chosen as Club Person of the Year at the recent Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Dinner Dance held in the Yeats Counry Inn Curry.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €11,000 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, April 7, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 4, 12, 22 and 29.
The winners of the 2 x €50 weekly prizes were Angela Forkan and the The Staff of Colleran’s Pharmacy. The latest jackpot increased to €11,100 and the draw was held on Sunday night, April 14.
Clann Machua, who are through to the All-Ireland Drama finals to be held in Mountmellick, Co. Laois on Friday, April 26, are staging their play, “Stolen Child”, for one last time in the Town Hall Theatre, Kiltimagh, on Thursday, April 18, at 8pm. Tickets available from Langan’s Off-Licence or by ringing 087 4559071 or at the door.
The draw for the 2024 County Senior Championship was made recently with the Sarsfields pitted against Castlebar Mitchels, Ballyhaunis and Garrymore respectively. The Mitchels will be warm favourites to coast through the group as they boast a strong panel with a wealth of young talent ready to be unleashed on the big stage to compliment the likes of Paddy and James Durcan, Bob Tuohy, Rory Byrne, Neil Douglas, Ger McDonagh and many other household names who have been at the coalface of the county senior championship for the last decade.
The Sarsfields have lost their last three championship clashes to the county town albeit narrowly with the Mitchels prevailing by the slender margin of a point in their last clash in 2022. The Mitchels will have home advantage once again when the two sides meet in the opening game of the group on the weekend of August 17 / 18. The Sarsfields have a long history with Garrymore with the two teams having clashed ten times in the championship since 1995 with the head to head reading four victories each with two draws pitched in for good measure. There is never much between the teams and this year’s contest is sure to throw up plenty of thrills and spills as games between the two are never dull with both teams always keen to have a go and take the game to the opposition.
The last team out of the pot was East Mayo neighbours Ballyhaunis with the two teams having no real history of competition in the championship so this will be a new experience for both as they go at each other with plenty on the line with Ballyhaunis travelling to Fr O’Hara Park for game two of what looks a group with plenty of intrigue and talking points with the Mitchels the warm favourites to advance as top seeds which leaves the second spot in the group very much up for grabs as the other three teams scrap and battle it out to claim second elusive quarter-final spot. It’s all to play for with all teams firmly back in training keenly aware of what lies ahead of them as they look to extend their season into the Autumn and beyond with the Sarsfields hoping to build on last year’s quarter-final appearance, their first in nine years.
Charlestown Sarsfields are determined to cling onto their Centenary Cup title as they qualified for their third final on the trot by virtue of their 2-7 to 0-7 victory over a depleted Ballaghaderreen in a low key semi-final played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown, recently.
Both teams were well below full strength with the Sarsfields holding the stronger hand and this they made count as they gradually went about their work in a very methodical if laboured manner at times.
The game was spoiled by a strong wind which kept good, flowing football to a premium but it was the Sarsfields who took control midway through the first half as they tagged on 1-3 without reply with Sean Kilroy bagging the all important three pointer to leave them 1-4 to 0-1 ahead at the interval and in control albeit they had to play against the elements in the second half.
The Sarsfields began the second half in bright fashion and got just the boost they needed when Gareth O’Donnell’s free from long distance somehow ended up in the net with the visitors inability to deal with the high lofted ball leaving them with a mountain to climb as the home side tightened their grip on the game.
The Sarsfields were quite content to sit and contain and tagged on a few more points when the visitors hinted at a revival with the Cuba Callaghan’s introduction giving them a bit more teeth in attack.
The Sarsfields kept their goal intact and ran out comfortable winners in the finish with the final score reading 2-7 to 0-6 in their favour as Ballagh’s young and inexperienced team lacked the guile and craft to mount any kind of a sustained challenge which was understandable when one takes into account all the front line players they were missing.
Best for the Sarsfields were Daniel Harrington, Niall Drudy and Ben Conway in defence with Ciaran Honeyman proving an able deputy for the injured Patrick Walsh in goals. At midfield Gareth O’Donnell and Paddy Goldrick were always in control while in attack Sean Kilroy, Matt Lenehan and Alan Woods were the pick as the Sarsfields get ready to square up to Ballyhaunis in the final.
Best wishes are extended to Orla Sloyan, daughter of Frank and Ann Sloyan Cloonlyon, Charlestown, who celebrated her thirtieth (30th) birthday with a party for family and friends in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, recently. There was a big turnout of family and friends as people came from far and wide to bestow their best wishes on Orla who is a very popular young lady with many in the communities of Cloonlyon and Charlestown and always has a smile on her face whenever one meets her.
Orla loves life and lives it in the best way she knows how and there was plenty of music, fun and craic to be had at the party with the dancing and entertainment going on long into the night. There was a cake produced to commemorate the occasion and the birthday girl had little or no difficulty blowing out all the candles that dominated the summit and perimeter of the delicious cáca with plenty going around for all who put themselves forward for a slice. I’m not sure Orla has any left any for yours truly on the back of this mention but we won’t hold a grudge and here’s wishing her many more celebrations and milestones of this nature in the future and continued good health and happiness for many years to come.
Charlestown Sarsfields and Ballaghaderreen played out a thrilling 3-7 to 4-4 draw in division 3 of the county U14 league played at Fr O’Hara Park recently. Goals were the currency that dominated this encounter with seven scored in total. Goals from Ethan Honeyman, Oisin Durkan and Adam Hunt kept the Sarsfields challenge alive and buoyant throughout but Ballagh had a real cutting edge in attack too so a draw was probably the fairest result on as night of plenty of goal mouth action and drama.
The senior ladies suffered their first defeat of the season in the division 1 PJ Loftus Memorial League when they went down 2-12 to 2-3 to Burrishoole in Newport recently. The ladies were not at their best in contrast to their opponents who were a yard quicker to the ball in every area of the pitch and they made their dominance pay where it counted most on the scoreboard that is. The Sarsfields ladies lacked for nothing in effort or spirit but they had one of those mornings when everything seemed to go against them and they will be keen to pick up the pieces and get back on the winning trail in their next outing at home to Westport.
Congratulations are extended to Sean Mulvaney, son of Michael and the late Breege Mulvaney, Park View, Charlestown, on his recent marriage to Lucy Glampson, London, England, which took place at St James’s Church, Charlestown, recently. The reception was held in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick- on-Shannon, Co. Leitrrim. Sean and Lucy are wished every good wish for the future, health and happiness and many years of wedded bliss.
An open meeting to be attended by the area president of the Vincent De Paul Society will be held in the Pastoral Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown, on Tuesday, (this evening), April 16, at 8pm. Those who are interested in joining the society and would like to be involved with the work they do are invited to attend.
RHS Home Care is a non-commercial home care provider bringing professional home care services to those who need assistance to remain living in their own homes. RHS Home Care are now recruiting new healthcare assistants in the area and would love to hear from interested candidates. Potential applicants must have the required QQI Level 5 (two modules completed care skills and care of the older person). Email your CV to jobs@rhshomecare.ie or call Aoife on 090 662 5988.
Well done and congratulations to the Charlestown Cubs U11 boys team who captured the U11 league title recently with a couple of splendid victories over Castlebar and Crossmolina in the semi-final and final respectively sealing the deal and adding another illustrious chapter to what’s been a stellar season to date for the Cubs Basketball Club as they continue to go from strength to strength and make their presence felt in all grades and genders. This boy’s team contains some special talents and they were worthy winners as they played some thrilling stuff in both games to claim the title and lift another piece of silverware amidst wonderful scenes of jubilation and ecstasy. Hats off to the coaching duo of Caroline Tiernan and Joe Drury who did some wonderful work with this group all season which culminated in this amazing triumph as the boys played some high quality opponents off the park with some wizardry and special team work. Another great day for the Cubs Basketball team and club as the titles continue to come rolling in.
The death took place in Manchester, England recently of Mary Lynskey (nee Mulligan), formerly of Cashel, Charlestown. Deepest condolences are tendered to the bereaved.
Charlestown, Bellaghy and Districts Development Association next Community Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, May 3, in the Town Hall, Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown, from 11am-1pm. Lift access is available. All welcome for a cuppa and a chat.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, April 3, at 8pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 2nd Paddy Colleran and Carmel Moffitt, 3rd Tommie O`Malley and Michael Dee, 4th Mary Lynskey and Michael Dee, 5th Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne, 6th Mae and Charles Quinn, 7th Mary O`Malley and Teresa Ward, 8th Frances and Robert Healy, 9th Michael Regan and Ogie Moran shared with Ruth Connor and Noelle Spellman The weekly game continues on Wednesday evenings at 8pm in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, and all are welcome.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 Card Drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, April 9, at 8.30pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Mary O’Hara and Colm Gallagher; 2nd Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally. Raffle winners were Joe Mahon, Miko Sheridan and Kevin Maloney.
The Sarsfields host Ardnaree in Fr O’Hara Park on Thursday, April 16, in division 2 of the county U16 league with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
The Honour of the Village competition continues to heat up and the action resumed after the Easter break with a seismic clash taking place between Church Street and Lavey. It was the Lavey men who held their nerve as they saw off a spirited challenge from Church Street to secure their quarter-final passage with a big crowd in attendance and bringing plenty of noise and razzamatazz to boot. The Lavey side have emerged as something of a dark horse as it’s a team with plenty of talent all of whom played their part in taking out a quietly fancied Church Street squad who were bullish in the lead up to the match in terms of talking up their title aspirations. They played well on the night but Lavey played that little better and were much more clinical when it came to the doubles which proved the crucial difference between the teams when it came round to the final analysis.
More games next week as the competition continues to attract big numbers through the doors with the viewership tuning in on social media also at an all time high. More news, results and draw news in next week’s column.
Mayo Cancer Support offer a range of emotional supports to people with cancer and their families. For more information call 094 9038407.
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 our older people are planned and delivered.
If you would like to find out more about this programme email agefriendlymayo@mayococo.ie.
Congratulations are extended to Fergal Quinn, son of Nuala and the late Richard Quinn, Craggagh, Carracastle, on his marriage to Eadaoin Minagh, daughter of Dympna and the late Paddy Minagh, Redhills, Co Cavan, which took place at St. Bridget’s Church, Killoughter. The ceremony was performed by Fr Jason Murphy PP, Redhills, assisted by Fr Gerry Davey PP, Carracastle.
Bestman was Ritchie Quinn, brother of the groom and groomsmen were Trevor Quinn, brother of the groom and Declan Regan, friend of the groom. Maid of Honour was Mary Killian, friend of the bride and bridesmaids were Caitriona Smith and Siobhan McConnell, friends of the bride. Page-boy was Rian and Billy Dempsey, nephews of the groom and flower-girl was Ava Quinn-Morgan, niece of the groom.
The reception was held in the Crover House Hotel, Mountnugent, Co Cavan. The happy couple are spending their honeymoon in Portugal. We wish Fergal and Eadaoin every good wish, good health and happiness in the future and many years of wedded bliss.
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 094 9375320.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €3,000 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, April 8, and the following were the four numbers drawn;12, 15, 20 and 22. The following were the winners of the 3 x €20 prizes; Marty Carty, Edelle Kennedy and Maisie Haran.
The latest jackpot was €3,000 and the draw took place on Monday night, April 15. Tickets can be bought in a number of outlets or via the online platform and also by logging onto the club’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
Charlestown Sarsfields had a strong connection on both sides in the recent Connacht Championship opening clash featuring Mayo and New York which took place at Gaelic Park, New York recently. Paul Towey came on as a second half substitute for Mayo and acquitted himself very well and moved with real menace in the full forward line and had a hand in several scores including being pulled down for a penalty which Cillian O’Connor converted expertly to put the game well beyond the reach of New York. Towey has been showing up well in various cameo appearances of late and must be firmly in the frame to make the starting fifteen for their upcoming semi-final clash with Roscommon on Sunday next in Hyde Park.
The Sarsfields also had a big connection in the New York ranks with Sean Reilly, son of former Sarsfields legend Kenneth and Valerie Reilly lining out at corner forward for the stars and stripes and was his usual bustling self and ran himself into the ground in a vain bid to keep New York on the front foot. His cousin Jack, son of Clement and Fiona Reilly Pine Grove, Charlestown, was an unused sub which was somewhat of a surprise as he’s a proven score getter who might have provided some more scoring ability in a forward line that struggled to convert some hard worn possession that was won out the pitch.
Nevertheless it was a proud day for the club with many making the trip from the town and getting their pictures taken with the afore-mentioned trio which made the occasion all the more special. The New York trip is one that always attracts huge interest and this year’s renewal was once again a weekend to savour as people from all corners of the county converged on Gaelic Park in the Bronx and took over the place with Mayo colours dotting every corner of the famous old venue. There is a huge clamour to retain the fixture with Mayo’s next visit to New York due to take place in 2029 albeit the fixtures calendar remains under constant review.
Grow is a mental health support program based on lived experience. This mean Grow groups are a meeting of peers, who are striving to develop and maintain good mental health.
If you would like to know more, call your local GROW office on 1800 558 268. You can also register for ‘Welcome to Grow’, the online orientation session. This will give you an introduction to how meetings work and an opportunity to ask questions. You can also search for a group close by to you by using Find a Group and just turning up. No registrations are needed.
The death took place at the Marist Convent, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim of Sr Una Giblin, formerly of Cloonfane, Charlestown. Deepest condolences are tendered to the bereaved.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday night, April 7, as The Magician and The Egg went head to head in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was imperious in his role as match referee and ensured law and order prevailed at all times. The Egg raced into a one set lead with some razor sharp finishing but the Magician pegged him back as he snatched the second set with a timely 148 in the deciding leg levelling the match at one set apiece.
The Magician brought this form into set three and wrapped it up in the third leg with another sizzling 170 finish doing the trick nicely. The Egg began the fourth set in a blaze of glory taking the first two legs but the Magician roared back to win the next two setting up a deciding final leg decider. The Egg looked to be holding the whip hand initially but the Magician hit back in terrific fashion as he knocked in a maximum and a 140 to win the race to the double with the Egg toiling in his slipstream as the leg panned out.
The Magician came to the ochie with 136 left on his score sheet and he made no mistake, banging in treble twenty, treble sixteen with his first two darts to leave one dart at double fourteen as a hush of expectancy descended over the large crowd. The Magician was in the zone and made no mistake as his final dart arrowed into the heart of the bed to set off big scenes of celebration as the Magician brought a four game losing finals streak to an end. His face bore a mixture of relief and joy as he registered his first win of the season which made his day so to speak as he consoled his opponent who was the epitome of sportsmanship as always.
