Local Notes: Horkan family members with Minister O'Callaghan at 5th annual Colm Horkan Memorial Run.
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan pictured with members of the Horkan family at the recent fifth annual Colm Horkan Memorial Run that took place in Colm's memory recently in Charlestown.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €16,900 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, May 25, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 2, 5, 19 and 20. The winners of €50 weekly prizes were Karla Gavaghan and Enya Brennan. The latest jackpot increased to €17,000 and the draw was held on Sunday, June 1.
Charlestown Sarsfields lost out to Ballinrobe in round 5 of Division 1A of the county senior league played at Flanagan Park, Ballinrobe recently. The Robe men emerged victorious on a score line of 1-15 to 1-12 thus earning their first league points of the season with the Sarsfields still looking to break their duck on that front.
The Sarsfields were under strength with injury and unavailability ruling out Paddy Goldrick and Jack Corley from the starting line-up respectively which was a body blow as both men are key cogs when firing on all cylinders.
Ballinrobe enjoyed the better of the exchanges in the opening half with an early goal providing them with the impetus to drive on and build on the platform this three pointer provided them with.
The two teams enjoyed a good tussle for control as the half developed but the goal was undoubtedly the key score with the home side keeping the gap to two scores despite the best efforts of Sarsfields ace marksman Jack Mahon who kept the Sarsfields interested with some accurate kicking from placed balls with some help from Thomas Holton and Ruairi Cullen respectively.
Ballinrobe went into the half time cuppa with a 1-8 to 0-6 lead which was a fair reflection as they were that little bit more clinical and accurate in front of the goal with the Sarsfields having cause to rue some missed opportunities that eluded them most notably in the closing stages of the half.
The second half followed much the same pattern of the first with the home side being the hunted with the Sarsfields having to do most of the chasing and hunting so to speak.
Both teams swapped early scores before the Sarsfields thundered right back into contention care of a 1-1 blast in a matter of minutes with Paddy Joe Dunleavy getting the all-important goal to inject new life into the visitors challenge. Ciaran Honeyman followed up with a point from the very next play to leave the Sarsfields in with a right good shout of securing a much needed first league win of the season. It was Ballinrobe who responded best to the challenge laid down by the Sarsfields as they kicked the net three points to push the lead out to four once again as the green and white challenge started to stall somewhat as they failed to build on the momentum generated by the goal.
Jack Mahon kicked a point for the Sarsfields to bring the gap back to two once again with both teams grappling for control of the ball game. Again it was the home side who responded when their backs were to the wall as two points in quick succession stretched the lead back to four once again as the clock ticked down to the final, frantic few minutes.
Ballinrobe held firm however despite the best efforts of the Sarsfields who tried their level best to gain parity but never quite managed it with the Ballinrobe men doing just about enough to secure the valuable two points that were on offer. It was a disappointing finish for the Sarsfields as they invested plenty of energy and endeavour but got little or no return with some missed chances becoming something of a recurring theme in all their games to date.
The Sarsfields were best served by Paddy Joe Lenehan, Jack Mahon, Niall Drudy, Ben Conway, Thomas Holton, Ben Crean and Paddy Joe Dunleavy. The games aren’t getting any easier for the Sarsfields with Parke/ Keelogues/Crimlin next up on the roster as the Sarsfields go in search of that elusive league win that would push them away from the basement end of the table.
A call for 'More, More' from Cloonacool Players. Following the success of their staging JM Synge's ‘The Tinkers Wedding’, the play will be performed in Cloonacool Village on Sunday, June 29 at 7.15pm. And, as before, it will be staged outdoors. A masterful touch from the one and only Cloonacool Players under the direction of Eileen Davey. Be sure to note the date on your calendar. Not to be missed.
Charlestown Sarsfields U16s qualified for the Division 2 league final with a comprehensive 4-13 to 1-7 victory over St Jarlath’s in a one sided semi-final played at Fr O’Hara Park recently. The Sarsfields were full value for their win as they blew away the challenge of their opposition with a power packed display. The Sarsfields were on it from the throw-in and put the Ballyhaunis/Eastern Gaels axis on the back foot early doors with a flurry of fine scores which more or less sowed the seeds for their victory.
The green and white were dominant in every line of the field and went into the half-time interval with a comfortable lead which was due reward for a polished and fine first half display with their opponents very much second best in all the key metrics.
The second half saw no real change in the flow and direction of the play as the Sarsfields continued to exude control. St Jarlath’s kept at it to be fair, but they could make no real inroads against a well organised and tough tackling Sarsfields defence who shored up all routes to goal in impressive fashion. The Sarsfields have a very potent forward line with goals very much the currency they deal in with the Breheny brothers, Sean and Danny, very much to the fore in this regard with the former nailing two and the latter following up with a cracker of his own with Oisin Durkan completing the scoring from a goals point of view.
The Sarsfields went about their work in very business-like and mature fashion and were clinical in everything they did which augurs well for their final clash with Ballinrobe as they look to avenge an earlier round robin defeat with the Sarsfields holding a much stronger hand in terms of team selection this time round. It should be a cracking encounter against the two best teams in the division with the Sarsfields looking to add another league title to the one they earned last year with plenty of grounds for optimism that the lads will step up and embrace the occasion for what it’s worth and play to the best on the night.
The Sarsfields host Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin in Fr O’Hara Park on Saturday, June 7, in division 1A of the county senior league with the throw-in timed for 7pm. The Sarsfields will be looking to pull out a big performance in a bid to secure their first league points of the season but their West Mayo opponents will prove a tough nut to crack as they, too, need the points which makes for an intriguing encounter with the Sarsfields in dire need of a win to move away from the basement end of the table. There’s sure to be lots of drama and incident aplenty when the two teams collide with the Sarsfields fielding as close to full strength as possible to give themselves the best possible chance of victory.
The Sarsfields travel to James Stephens Park, Ballina to take on the Stephenites on Friday, June 13, in round 2 of the Exclusive County Junior Championship with the throw-in timed for 7pm (check sports pages for confirmation).
Charlestown Sarsfields and Ballintubber B teams played out a classic encounter in round 5 of division 3B of the county senior league at the Clogher GAA Grounds, Ballintubber recently. The final score read 3-12 to 2-14 in favour of the home side in what was a pulsating encounter with the result in doubt right up until the very last whistle. It was the Ballintubber lads who squeaked home in the tightest of finishes with the Sarsfields left to rake over the bones of a defeat that stung them hard as there were seven points up at one stage in the second half and seemingly in control.
The home side had goals in their locker however and never looked out of it despite the large hole they found themselves in as slowly but surely they reeled in the Sarsfields with a couple of last gasp goals seeing them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with the Sarsfields left to rue several missed chances and opportunities that they undoubtedly left behind them. That said it was a cracking game of football with scores flowing freely on both sides as the emphasis was very much on attack from the throw-in. The Sarsfields more than played their part and definitely deserved something out of the effort they invested but you don’t always get what you deserve in life and football and this was most definitely the case with the latter.
They posted a big total of 2-14 which would be enough to win most matches but the concession of the goals at the other hand came back to bite them with the final whistle bringing to an end a game that had much to recommend in terms of scores, goals, misses and everything else a close game brings when the two teams are so evenly matched. The Sarsfields goal scorers were Ben Crean and Scott Finlay with Sean Dunleavy, Sean Kilroy, Daniel Harrington, Oisin Maloney all showing up well and doing their level best to get the Sarsfields across the line.
The work continues in the Organic Community Garden with the new raised beds practically complete and reading for planting for the new season. This has been the culmination of a great team effort from a wonderful group of volunteers with new soil wheelbarrowed to the raised beds. Hats off to Paddy Casey and his dedicated team of stalwarts who continue to draw new members to a fantastic team with the good weather and sun shining bringing out the best in the garden which is open to the general public for viewing on Saturday afternoons from 2pm onwards. This is a super plot of ground and one which has been renovated and transformed into a little piece of heaven on earth and continues to draw admiring glances, plaudits and comments from within and outside the community with the Facebook page receiving hits from all over the globe. Keep up the good work and continued success into the future.
The Charlestown Swimming Pool opened its gates for the new Summer season on Saturday, May 31 last. The pool is one of the jewels in the crown of the town’s social and recreational infrastructure and is pleased to have a number of offers available for families and individual swimmers for the new season. Pay as you go tickets are €5 per person. 10 x Swim Pass costs €40 with a 50 x Swim Pass costing €150 while a 200 x Swim Pass costs €200. Open and lane swims are available to book in June with a children’s six week course of lessons also available while intensive children’s lessons take place from June 23-27 inclusive. Youth Lane Development will also be available down the line with all updates regarding the pool available on their Facebook and Instagram pages with more news on their schedules and timetables also available for reading in this column.
A Summer Music and Yoga Camp takes place at Carracastle Community Centre from Monday-Friday, July 14-18, costing €80. The camp is limited to twelve (12) places. Booking deposit of €20 is required and there are payment plans available. Contact Olivia on 085 1971372 or email o.sharkey@gmail.com. This will be a fun introduction to music and piano, mindfulness, relaxation and yoga.
A Brick by Brick Lego Camp suitable for children aged 5-12, takes place at Kilmovee Community Centre from July 14-16 inclusive from10am-12pm. The cost is €40 and for more information contact legocamp2023@gmail.com or 087 6648408.
There was a good turnout at the penultimate bridge game of the season held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, May 21, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Tom Ginty and Hilary McDonagh; 2nd Hilary McCrohan and Carmel Moffitt; 3rd Teresa Ward and Mary O`Connell; 4th Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne; and 5th Noelle Spellman and Ruth Connor.
The following were the winners of the 25 Drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday, May 27; 1st Joe Mahon and James Reidy, 2nd Miko Sheridan and Nancy Brennan. Raffle winners were Veronica McCarrick, Darby Leonard and James Cafferty. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm and all are welcome.
Training has resumed at Fr O’Hara Park for the group on Wednesday evenings at 8pm. No experience is necessary and new members are most welcome. This is an opportunity to improve your fitness in a fun and supportive environment.
Mayo/Roscommon Hospice need your help with National Sunflower Days for Hospice on June 6 and 7. A few hours of your time on either/both days in your area or any area that suits you. Any time you can give would be most appreciated. Call now on 094 9388666 or email info@hospice.ie . Your help can make the difference.
Dance Fitness Classes – Clubbercise take place on Friday nights at 8pm in the Arts Centre . Come and join in the fun and enjoy a good workout to 80s, 90s and 2000s classic anthems and disco. PM or WhatsApp if you like to join in the fun on Fridays on 087 4217407.
Charlestown, Bellaghy and Districts Development Association’s June Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, June 6, in the Arts Centre from 11am-1pm. Lift access is available. All are welcome to come along for a chat and a cuppa.
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.
Hard luck to the Charlestown Sarsfields trio of Julia Gawalkiewicz, Ella Brennan and Chelsea Doherty who were part of the Mayo team defeated by Galway in the Connacht senior ladies final played at McHale Park, Castlebar recently. The three Sarsfields ladies acquitted themselves well as Mayo ultimately lost out to a classy and experienced Galway side who are one of the top teams in the country and fancied by many to win the All-Ireland outright. Mayo competed well in the main and left everything out on the field but Galway’s edge in experience and guile proved telling down the stretch as they pulled away from the hosts and licked some quality scores to give the score board a somewhat lopsided look which reflected a little harshly on the Mayo effort overall.
It was a proud day for the families of the Charlestown ladies and the Sarsfields ladies club to see three of their own who they have nurtured through the ranks play on the biggest stage and represent their county and this they duly did with Julia keeping her goal intact with some assured and quality goalkeeping. Ella brought plenty of energy and endeavour in her role as wing back and gave it everything she had with Chelsea also showing up well in the forward line as she grafted hard for possession and used it well at all times. The club are immensely proud of the trio, and they are terrific role models for the next generation of players as they are extremely dedicated and committed and invest a huge amount of time in terms of training to compete at this elite level.
Mayo now goes into a group including Munster duo Cork and Kerry which will be difficult but the girls are getting exposed to the best of competition which can only improve and enhance their development as their games continue to evolve and improve from competing against the best teams in the country. All at Charlestown GAA Club wish them and Mayo well in the next rounds of competition with Mayo hoping to come through the back door to seek qualification for the latter stages of the All-Ireland competition proper.
Dance classes with Gina resume at Carracastle Community Centre on Wednesday, June 4 (tomorrow) at 8pm. Learn to jive, waltz, quickstep and line dance for just €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 €2300 in the weekly draw held on Monday, May 26, and the following were four numbers drawn; 7, 9, 13 and 17. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; Ann Marie Perry, John A Kennedy and Denise McGoldrick. The latest jackpot increased to €2400 and the draw took place on Monday, June 2.
Senior Line is Ireland’s national telephone service for older people open every day of the year, from 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.
The death took place recently of Michael Towey, Killaturley. Deepest sympathies 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, May 25, as The Pillock and the Magician locked horns in another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus had to be at his best to maintain law and order as tempers got frayed on numerous occasions throughout a tetchy encounter. The Magician weaved some magic in the opening two sets as he cast his opponent under a spell with some mesmerizing darts. The Pillcok cranked up the tensions at the start of the third and this got under the skin of the Magician as his level tapered off which provided the Pillock with a route back into the match. He took it in some style sweeping his way to the third and fourth sets with some devastating darts. The fifth set was a thriller as fortunes ebbed and flowed throughout.
The Magician looked to be in control when he went two legs to one in front but the Pillock charged back taking the fourth leg with a magnificent 161 finish as McGowan waited in the wings with just double top left on his ledger. Momentum swung back towards the Pillcok at the start of the fifth and deciding leg and he was in no mood to relinquish as he weighed in with two 140s to put him in a position of real control. The Magician couldn’t match those sizzling figures and this paved the way for the Pillock to step in and take the game and match which he duly did as he banged in treble 10 and double eighteen to claim his second title of the season and bring a series of near misses in finals to an end having lost the last three he contested. He was a picture of delight as he stepped onto the winner’s podium and celebrated in typically flamboyant fashion with his large and dedicated fan base. A cracking end to a rip-roaring contest with the Magician left to rue some big misses which he put behind him as he congratulated the victor in customary sporting fashion.
