Local Notes: First Year students at St Joseph's Community College, Charlestown for 2025/2026.
The first year students at St Joseph's Community College, Charlestown for the new school year 2025/2026.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €18,300 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, August 31, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 4, 7, 30 and 35. The winners of the 2 x €50 weekly prizes were Maeve Figg and Denice Kenny. The latest jackpot increased to €18,400 and the draw was held on Sunday, September 7.
Sign up now for ballet classes that inspire confidence and creativity in your little ones. Ballet classes are suitable for children age 3 +, with a qualified instructor, it is supportive and creative, held in local venues. There are limited spaces available and for more information and to book call 089 407 9074.
Congratulations are extended to David and Nora Kivlehan, Lowpark, Charlestown on the birth of a baby girl recently.
A silent protest takes place every Friday evening on the N17/N5 overpass from 6-7pm with numbers growing week on week as the horrors of what continues to unfold in Gaza impacts on more and more people across the country. Many have been moved to take action via protests of one form or another and the silent protest taking place at the above overpass is another indication of the depth of feeling and anger that’s out there as the people of Gaza suffer untold hardship and loss of life which is stirring up lots of emotions and outrage in people across all strands and facets of the community.
Cloonacool Sheep Festival takes place from September 18-21 next. Each day and night will have special events and fun for all the family. Highlights include Kieran Quinn Music, bingo and Saturday’s annual festival dance with Gavin Cribbin. Keep an eye on local media for further information. It is always a great event where everyone is welcome.
The Mayo branch of Alzheimer Society of Ireland will be holding a Memory Walk on Sunday, September 21, around Lough Lannagh, suitable for all levels. Meeting point is 12 noon at Lough Lannagh Leisure Complex, Castlebar, Co. Mayo (F23 A257). Register for the Memory Walk on www.alzheimer.ie.
Mayo Recovery College begin their autumn/winter suite of mental health and well-being modules on the following dates throughout September in the Atlantic Technological University in Castlebar (online options also). Everyone welcome. Tuesday mornings, September 16 and 23, at 10am. “Recovery, Let`s Talk”; Thursday evenings, September 18 and 25 “All About Stress”, at 5pm . Call/text Karen McHale at 086 0294901 or email karen@mentalhealthireland.ie to register. New participants are warmly invited to begin at any time throughout the semester.
Women’s Box-Fit classes (fun fitness for all ages and levels) take place every Wednesday at the Charlestown Boxing Club headquarters (Old Cloonfane School) from 7.30pm-8.45pm. The cost is €60 per eight week block or €10 per session (pay as you go). The instructor is Keely Stevens, five times national champion. Call 089 4977388 for more details.
Charlestown Sarsfields ladies opened their 2025 senior championship campaign with an opening round assignment against Carnacon, the former kingpins of senior ladies football in Mayo with Fr O’Hara Park providing the venue. The game was played in foul conditions with driving wind and rain making life particularly difficult for both sets of players. The wind and rain persisted throughout and great credit must go to both teams as they attempted to play their way through such appalling weather.
Carnacon may not be the power of old but they had enough nous and guile in their locker to see off a doughty and persistent Charlestown challenge with the South Mayo ladies coming through on a 2-5 to 0-6 score line. The final score reflects a little harshly on the overall Sarsfields effort as they were always in the game and never ran away from it any stage but the goals scored by the visitors proved absolutely pivotal to the final outcome and was the biggest difference between the teams at the last whistle.
The Sarsfields had the better of the first half in all the key metrics except the most important one, on the scoreboard, as they retreated to the sanctuary of warm dressing room with a slender 0-4 to 0-3 lead which was scant reward for their overall dominance. Nicole McLoughlin with a brace, Chelsea Doherty and Leah O`Grady were the Sarsfields scorers in the first half.
Carnacon flew out of the blocks in the second half with a 1-1 scoring blast in the opening sixty seconds scuppering the home side’s game plan and leaving them with a mountain to climb as the elements were firmly behind Carnacon for the remainder of the game. The Sarsfields were never less than game or willing from there to the finish but the scores they needed to ignite their challenge never arrived as Carnacon dug in and adopted the motto of what we have we hold as they kept the Sarsfields attacking threat on a tight leash with the green and white ladies managing just two second half points to go with the four they kicked in the first thirty. Carnacon sealed the victory with a late goal to get their campaign off to the best possible start as the narrative entering the game painted them as underdogs with the Sarsfields having shown much the better form in the league.
The Sarsfields will have to re-group ahead of game two but there were many positives to be taken from their performance with the deplorable weather making it extremely difficult to apportion any level of criticism to a performance that had much to recommend. Heather Johnson, Mary Peig Horkan, Ella Brennan, Leah O’Grady, Chelsea Doherty, Abby Conway, Nicole McLoughlin and Kellee Crean were particularly good as the Sarsfields look to pick up the pieces with Sinead Halligan and her management team having to lift the players and prepare them accordingly for game two in the coming weeks.
JKA Sligo - Karate Club are enrolling new members for classes based in Curry and Moylough for children, teens and adults. Contact Shane for more details on 086 7777399.
Charlestown Sarsfields U17 host Tourmakeady in Fr O`Hara Park in division 2 of the U17 grading league in on Tuesday (this evening), September 9, with the throw-in timed for 6.30pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Kiltimagh to take on the locals in division 6 of the U13 grading league on Saturday, September 13, with the throw-in timed for 11am.
The Sarsfields host Swinford in Fr O’Hara Park in round two of division 3 of the county U15 grading league on Thursday, September 11, with the throw-in timed for 6.30pm.
The next meeting of the Mayo Genealogy Group takes place on Saturday, September 13, at 11am in the Museum of Country Life, Turlough, Castlebar.
Gentle Flow Yoga with Sophie takes place at Carracastle Community Centre on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm-8.30pm costing €10 per class. To book call 083 4798831.
Charlestown Sarsfields U16 ladies recorded a very good 4-10 to 2-9 victory over Knockmore in round 1 of the division one county U16 championship played at Fr O`Hara Park recently. The Sarsfields had to be at their best to beat a good and tenacious Knockmore side who hung in well throughout the game and made the Sarsfields work hard for this victory. The Sarsfields big players stepped up admirably however, when the game was there to be won with a couple of second half goals providing them with the impetus to seal a good if hard earned victory.
The Sarsfields are one of the favourites for the championship as they have some excellent players at their disposal with games like this giving them a good indication of the depth and talent pool they will need to annex a very tough and ultra competitive championship.
The East Mayo Athletic Club Track Development is at an advanced stage with an enormous amount of work having taken place over the summer period. The track has been laid in recent weeks and is almost complete with the floodlights, perimeter fencing having been completed in mid-summer. The track is well on course to be open at the end of September with the final stages of the project being worked on as we speak. The development is the culmination of a lot of hard work on the part of a very diligent, progressive and forward thinking committee who have invested a huge number of hours in the planning and funding of a facility which promises to be a huge asset to the community for many years to come. The East Mayo Athletic Club continues to attract and draw members from all corners of the town and the East Mayo region and is one of the fastest growing in the community with a huge boom in the amount of people who have taken up running in the post Covid 19 era.
The facility will also be a great value and importance to the local schools with St Attracta’s NS in particular one of the main beneficiaries as the facility is situated right next door to the school and is sure to be the source of many PE lessons in the years ahead. An open day is planned for the end of September with more details available as they come to hand in the coming weeks. If you would still like to sponsor a metre of track, the option is still available by visiting www.eastmayoac.ie. The club and committee hope to get signage printed in the very near future with an opportunity to view the virtual signs available on the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook pege. The club thank all that have contributed to date as they continue with their ambition and vision of building a legacy.
Salsa Dancing classes continue in the Town Hall Arts Centre on Wednesday nights from 7.30pm-8.30pm and all are welcome.
Charlestown Sarsfields senior ladies travel to Westport to take on the reigning county champions in round 2 of the group stages of the county senior championship on Sunday, September 14, with the throw-in timed for 11am. This is a big game for the Sarsfields and one where they will be going in as big underdogs as Westport are warm favourites to retain their title having broken through the glass ceiling in 2024. The Sarsfields are in the box seat as they go in with nothing to lose and Sinead Halligan and her management team are sure to have their homework done and will be looking to expose some chinks and weaknesses in the champions armour with a view to keeping alive their play-off hopes with pretty much everything on the line for the Sarsfields in what should be a good contest. We wish the ladies the very best of luck as they go into the lion’s den so to speak and tackle the might of the county champions.
The garden remains open to the general public on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and is well worth checking out as they have a splendid array of flowers and vegetables on display with the place looking serene especially with the good weather we are having at the moment. The volunteers have done a terrific job all summer and deserve all the support they can get with the new raised beds a huge addition to the place.
The Sarsfields U13 boys had a comfortable victory over Aghamore in division 6 of the county U13 grading league with the green and white lads recording a 2-9 to 0-4 victory. They were good value for their win too, as they had too much scoring power for the home side with the two goals giving them a nice cushion which they never looked like relinquishing as the defence kept a tight rein on the Aghamore attack, limiting them to just four points which speaks volumes for their tackling and defending as they hounded and harried the opposition anytime they came near their goals. A good start to the campaign for the team and management and one they will be looking to build on for the remainder of the campaign.
For knitters, crocheters, hand stitchers, embroiderers......from beginners to experts...... whatever your fabric art may be, Yarn Tales is the place for you. They meet every Thursday from 10.30am-1pm at the Charlestown Art Centre. For more information contact Pamela on 089 4795664. All are welcome.
Meetings have resumed in the Arts Centre on Thursday nights at 7pm and new members are most welcome.
There was a good turnout at the summer bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, September 3, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Mona Curry and Tom Ginty, 2nd George Brennan and Tommy Banks, 3rd Mary O`Connell and Carmel Moffitt, 4th Patricia And Paddy Colleran The game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, with guest members from other clubs more than welcome.
The weekly game will resume in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on its usual Tuesday evening slot in the coming weeks. Full details will appear here when they come to hand.
Classes take place in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 12 noon-1pm on Friday, September 12. Lift access is available. All are welcome and the fee is €2.
Charlestown Cubs Basketball are looking for new volunteers for the coming season. They are looking for enthusiastic people to help make this basketball season a success. No experience is necessary - just bring your energy and a willingness to help. Opportunities include coaching support, fundraising activities, team assistance et al... People/volunteers are welcome for all age brackets. Whether you can commit a little time or a lot, your support will make a difference for the club’s players and the community. If you are interested contact the club via the Charlestown Cubs Basketball Facebook page.
Culture Night will be celebrated again this year in Carracastle Community Centre on Friday, September 19, from 8pm, with music from the pupils of Scoil Iosa National School, Carracastle, and their music teacher Theresa O’Grady, as well as music and chat with the current Mayo Rose of Tralee Clara Gardiner. Free entry and all welcome to join us on the night.
You can drop into your local centre or contact it by phone and email for information, advice and advocacy. Make sure you check your local service’s opening hours if you are dropping in. Appointments are offered as needed following an initial assessment. You can also call the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday 9am-8pm.
Ireland West Airport Run takes place on Saturday, September 13. The annual Ireland West Airport Run, in partnership with Portwest, is a 5km charity event which represents a unique opportunity to run or walk on the on the runway at Ireland West Airport. Proceeds from the event will go to the charity partners for 2025; Connacht SBHI (Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland), Dillion Quirke Foundation, Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Order of Malta (Knock Branch), The National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Western Alzheimers. All participants will receive a free commemorative runway run t-shirt. The run starts at 6pm and for more information on entry and other details log on the Ireland West Airport Facebook page and follow the link.
The Annual Croi Night Run sponsored by Benecol is coming to Charlestown on Friday, October 17. Register at croinightrun.ie and complete your 5km your way - walk, jog or run - with all funds going towards Croi’s fight against heart disease and stroke. Go to croinightrun.ie and select register ‘Take part in your Area’. Fill in your details and select ‘Join a Run’, select (East Mayo AC Track) from the drop-down. Complete form. Let’s light up the country together with the electric energy of the Croi Night Run.
Senior Strength and Conditioning classes are held at Carracastle Community Centre on Wednesday mornings at 11am. Chair based exercises and light weights are used. For more information and to book your place, contact Sarah at 086 3879635.
Living Well is a free HSE programme which helps people living with a long-term health condition to manage their condition and improve their overall well-being. Anyone with chronic illness such as diabetes, arthritis, COPD, cardiac illness, anxiety, etc can benefit from these workshops. A new programme will commence in Claremorris Primary Care Centre on Wednesday, September 17 from 10.30am-1pm, continuing weekly at that time for six weeks. Places are free but advance registration is required. To find out more, contact Liam Gildea on 086 014 2575 or by email at lgildea@southmayo.com.
Dance classes with Gina continue at Carracastle Community Centre on Wednesday evenings at 8pm. Learn to jive, waltz, quickstep and line dance. The cost is €10 per person. For more information and to book contact 085 7704647.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €3700 in the weekly draw held on Monday, September 1, and the following were the four numbers drawn on the night; 7, 13, 18 and 25. The following were the winners of the 3 x €20 weekly prizes Carmel Marren, Aoife Jennings and Jack Kelleher.
The latest jackpot increased to €3800 and the draw took place on Monday night, September 8. 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 respectively.
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 30th anniversary of the Carracastle Lass takes place on Saturday, October 18, at 8pm in Carracastle Community Centre. If you would like to sponsor an entrant (aged over 18) to represent your business/company, contact 086 1660196 or email carracastlelass@gmail.com for more information.
Senior Line is Ireland’s national telephone service for older people open every day of the year, 10am-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 31, as Boom Boom and The Egg squared off in another exciting instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was on duty as always in the referee’s chair and exuded his usual authority as kept both men on a tight leash throughout. Boom Boom played some tremendous darts in the first two sets and swept his way into a big lead as he backed up the trebles with some sumptuous finishing to leave The Egg in a real bind at the beginning of set three as the game looked to be heading only one way.
Credit where it’s due the Egg responded in sterling fashion and took set three against the darts with a mesmeric 170 finish in the fifth leg snatching the set from under the nose of a clearly miffed Boom Boom. This set us up nicely for an unexpected fourth set with the Egg buoyed by his response in the third. His hopes of forcing a decider were dashed in ruthless fashion however as Breheny regained his mojo and composure and blasted his way to a 3-1 victory as he reeled off three straight legs to shatter any illusions the Egg may have had of causing an upset with a treble eighteen, double top finish in the third leg doing the job nicely for the number three seed as he plundered his way to a fifth title of the season. An awesome display from a man who remains a beacon of consistency and he celebrated accordingly and was happy to acknowledge the support and plaudits of his loyal band of supporters.
