Local Notes: Irish sporting legend visits Charlestown
Former Dublin GAA star and Manchester Utd and Republic of Ireland icon Kevin Moran who popped into Walsh’s Bar in Charlestown on a recent visit. He is pictured with well known local man Padraig Kivlehan.
Former well-known international soccer star and Dublin footballer Kevin Moran popped into Walsh's Bar, Main Street, Charlestown for a visit while passing through the town recently.
Kevin was one of Dublin's finest players in their fabulous team of the 1970s winning two All-Ireland football titles in 1976 and 1977 where he lined out at centre-back and delivered some stellar displays with his athleticism, power and mobility proving crucial to Dublin's successes in both years.
Kevin later went onto to forge a brilliant career with Manchester United where he became a lynchpin in the United defence and played at centre back for the best part of a decade winning two FA Cup medals in 1983 and 1985 with his strength in the tackle, aerial ability and tenacity making him a cornerstone in the United team that came close to winning the league title on several occasions throughout the 1980s.
Kevin also won 71 caps for Ireland and played in the European Championships in 1988 and the World Cup in 1990. He also had a spell in Spain with Sporting Gijon and made the most out of his talents with his determination, doggedness and spirit just some of his many outstanding qualities.
Kevin was and remains one of Dublin's and Ireland's most easily recognisable and best-remembered players with a very down-to-earth, friendly and affable nature and he was only too happy to pose for pictures with the locals in Walsh's Bar and engage in friendly chat and banter which made his visit all the more memorable and special. He was an absolute gentleman in the truest sense of the phrase and made a terrific impression on all who were lucky enough to be present.
Kevin's wife Eleanor is a native of Westport and he is a regular visitor to the town where he has struck up many friendships over the years.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Lotto jackpot of €12,900 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, August 18th.
The numbers drawn were 19, 21, 28 and 30, and the winners of the two €50 weekly prizes were Etaine Clarke and Eileen Towey, Ballaghdereen.
The jackpot last Sunday was for €13,000. Tickets on sale in a number of outlets in the town and online. Your support is appreciated.
There is a terrific array of prizes in the Ireland West Airport Summer Charity Draw with all details to be had on www.irelandwestairport.com.
Tickets cost €5 or three for €10. All proceeds go towards the Ireland West Airport's 2024 charity partners ACT for Meningitis, BUMBLEance, Down Syndrome Ireland (Mayo branch), Irish Red Cross, Mayo Mountain Rescue, and Western Care Association.
The death took place in Dublin recently of Fr Michael McMahon, C.S.Sp, Kimmage Manor, brother-in-law or Marianne Garvey McMahon, Church Street, Charlestown.
Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Congratulations are extended to Michelle McLoughlin, Tavneena, Charlestown and Brian Monaghan, Caherlistrane, Co Galway on their recent marriage which took place at St James` Church, Charlestown.
We wish Michelle and Brian every good wish for the future, health and happiness and many years of wedded bliss.
Charlestown Sarsfields threw the formbook out the window with a thrilling draw at the home of a much-touted Castlebar Mitchels side in round one of the 2024 Mayo Senior Championship played at the Josie Munnelly Park recently.
The final score read 0-13 to 2-7 with Sarsfields ace marksman Paul Towey nailing a brilliant free with the last kick to clinch a draw for the Green and White men, which was the very least they deserved as they matched the Mitchels in every facet of the game throughout.
The Sarsfields went into the contest as rank outsiders with the Mitchels as low as 1/5 in the betting which indicated a resounding home victory was on the cards as the home side looked to hold all the aces in terms of match winners and personnel.
The Sarsfields, however, got the best possible start when Ruairi Cullen delivered a terrific ball to Paul Towey in the inside line and he placed on-rushing Paddy Goldrick with a pinpoint fist pass with the tall midfielder planting the ball low and hard to the net to give the Sarsfields just the start they craved and plant some seeds of doubt in the minds of the favourites.
The Mitchels, stung by the concession of that early goal, sprung to life and kicked the next four points to take the lead as the Sarsfields failed to build on the platform which the early goal should have provided. The visitors left some scores behind them with the normally accurate Towey missing two relatively easy frees with the malaise also impacting the home side as they, too, left some chances behind them as both teams grappled for supremacy in that all-important middle third battleground.
Towey steadied the ship for the visitors with a straightforward free from in front of the posts which the Mitchels responded to with one of their own minutes later to leave the score 0-5 to 1-1 in their favour.
Castlebar extended their lead with a Paddy Heneghan point from play as they began to plunder most of the breaking ball between the two 45s. The Sarsfields' threat remained viable, however, with Ben Conway racing forward from wing back to clip over a fine point from play to keep the Sarsfields within range with Castlebar having the final say as they hit the final point of the half to leave the game nicely poised with the Mitchels holding sway as they lead 0-7 to 1-2 at the first whistle.
The second half provided lots of drama and took on a real championship feel as the Mitchels probed endlessly looking for the scores to take the wind out of the visitors' challenge.
The Sarsfields, buoyed by their first-half performance, never took a backward step at any stage and kept a compact, solid defensive shape at all times which served them well as they never looked like giving up a goal chance at any stage in the game.
The Mitchels struck the opening two points of the half, however, to push the lead beyond a two-score game with the Sarsfields in danger of being cut adrift.
Paul Towey got the Sarsfields motoring with a point from a free and he struck again minutes later with a cracking point from play as his influence started to grow markedly in the game.
The Mitchels, however, were beginning to get a grip in the middle third and began to dominate the possession stakes but their shooting let them down as they butchered some gilt-edged chances in front of the posts with two points all they had to show from ten minutes of almost relentless pressure. That said they extended their lead to four points once again on the back of their mid-half mini-surge as the Sarsfields struggled to make any real inroads on the scoreboard with Towey their main go-to man in this respect.
They hung in there, however, as the defence continued to keep the Mitchels at bay and their doggedness and persistence paid off six minutes from time when Paul Towey somehow conjured up a bit of magic as he stole in along the Mitchels end line and placed Matt Lenehan with a perfect pass with the wing forward passing the ball to the net with the utmost confidence.
The Mitchels were rattled and they suffered a body-blow minutes later when Neil Douglas was sent to the line for an off the ball altercation which only added further impetus to the growing belief levels of the Sarsfields. Towey kicked a peach of point from play to haul the Green and White level as the noise levels among the both sets of supporters upped a couple of notches.
The Sarsfields hit the front from their next attack with the tireless Ruairi Cullen kicking a tremendous point from way out to edge the Sarsfields in front with a shock result looking very much on the cards.
The Mitchels roared back though to kick the next two points with the second of the two from Sean Morahan a classy effort and one which looked to have sealed it for the home side.
There was time for one more play, however, as Paul Towey engineered a free for the Sarsfields, albeit from a fair distance out and from a very unfavourable angle for a right-footed free-taker.
There was huge pressure on his young shoulders as it was in essence the last kick of the game but he made light of it and used the wind expertly to guide it between the posts to bring to a conclusion a breathless encounter that contained all that was best about club championship football.
The Sarsfields raised their level of performance considerably and had plenty of motivation going into the game having suffered a 19-point hammering in the league meeting between the sides three months previously, shipping seven goals which only added further ignominy to the defeat.
They kept a tight defensive shape throughout with the backs playing superbly as Fergal Quinn, Tom Goldrick, Niall Drudy, Ben Conway, Jack Corley and Ruairi Cullen defended with aggression and played on the edge while keeping their discipline in the main at all times. Keeper Paddy Walsh was solid and composed throughout and kept his backs on their toes as he barked out the orders continuously throughout.
The midfield battle was fascinating throughout with Gareth O'Donnell and Paddy Goldrick going toe to toe with Bob Tuohy and David Stenson and emerging with plenty of credit as they stayed in the game and won some vital ball when the fat was in the fire so to speak with Goldrick's first half goal a delightful team effort.
Paul Towey stepped forward in attack when the need was greatest, kicking five points in total including two from play, both of which arrived at crucial junctures in the game. He also set up the two goals, showing wonderful vision and intelligence to pick the right pass and while he did miss a few in both halves his final point was glorious and all the more special considering the time and pressure he had to face down before guiding it over.
Alan Woods, Jack Mahon, Jack Brennan all had their moments with Matt Lenehan proving hugely influential in the second half, in particular, as he covered acres of ground and was a constant threat when in possession, albeit he left a few scores behind him with two wides in the closing stages almost proving costly for the Sarsfields.
Paddy Lenehan was excellent as sweeper and cut out several dangerous Castlebar attacks with shrewd reading of the game and was always on hand to bring the ball forward when the Sarsfields needed an out. Kiefer Craig and David Caffrey also made useful contributions when introduced with the Sarsfields relieved to have got something out of a game they invested a huge amount of energy and commitment in.
The result gives them something to cling on to ahead of their crucial Round Two encounter at home to Ballyhaunis on Sunday next with all to play for as the Sarsfields look to build on this performance and tidy up some aspects in terms of ball retention and shot selection and accuracy.
Charlestown Sarsfields wound up their U16 Mayo Division 1 Championship campaign with a defeat to Ballintubber in the final round of group games played at the Sarsfields GAA grounds recently.
The West Mayo lads came through on a score line of 2-13 to 1-6 and were, truth to tell, full value for their victory as they had the edge in terms of class and speed in every line of the pitch.
It wasn't as if the Sarsfields rolled over - far from it, they battled from gun to tape but were chasing the game from an early stage as the visitors attacked with pace and intent and made their dominance count where it mattered most on the scoreboard.
The Sarsfields' challenge never went away but the game drifted away from them in the second half as the West Mayo lads remained in control and never looked like relinquishing it at any stage and managed the game well to the final whistle.
There were a lot of positives for the Sarsfields throughout the season not least of which was their Division 2 league triumph. They also competed against the best teams in the county at the top end of competition and acquitted themselves well as they pitted their wits against Westport, Ballina and Ballintubber respectively and had their moments in each of the three games and made all three sides work hard for their victories.
A good campaign overall for these talented young men as they got a glimpse of what it takes to compete and take on the best teams in the county. Well done to the management team who got the best out of this young squad and panel with lots of positives to take for the future as they continue to work on their skills and development with a view to being better next season.
Mayo Fire Service is looking to recruit retained fire-fighters to serve the local community around Charlestown and recruitment is now open on www.mayo.ie.careers.
Charlestown Drama Group is planning an upcoming production before Christmas and is looking for people to help out with lighting, stage sets, props, make-up, wardrobes and roles in the production. Meetings will be held in the coming weeks in the Town Hall Arts Centre and all are welcome to attend.
There was a good turnout at the weekly summer bridge game held in Walsh's Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday, August 14th. The prize-winners were: 1st, Maria and Robert Wallace; 2nd, Paddy and Patricia Colleran; 3rd, Tom Ginty and Maura Dunne; 4th, Michael and Patricia Brennan; 5th, Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne.
The weekly game takes place every Wednesday night in Walsh's Bar at 8pm and all are welcome.
Charlestown Sarsfields host East Mayo neighbours Ballyhaunis in Fr O'Hara Park in the second round of Group 4 of the Mayo Senior Championship on Sunday, September 1st, with the throw-in confirmed for 3pm.
This is a crunch clash between two sides with everything to play for as both look to secure their first win of the group stages. The Sarsfields will be looking to build on their opening round draw against group favourites Castlebar Mitchels while Ballyhaunis will be looking to atone for their defeat at home to Garrymore where they fielded without their two best-known players Keith Higgins and Jack Coyne, both of whom were unavailable due to injuries respectively. Their inclusion will undoubtedly bolster their chances greatly versus the Sarsfields as the two teams clash for the first time in the senior championship with little or no obvious championship history to report in terms of past meetings.
Ballyhaunis have lots of quality in their ranks as, apart from the afore-mentioned Higgins and Coyne, they have men like Eoghan Collins, Aidan Sloyan, Brian O'Neill, Eamon Phillips and John Cunnane to mention but a few top-quality performers who are well capable of coming to O'Hara Park and causing some real bother for the home side who are keenly aware of the size of the task facing them.
This is a game fraught with danger with Ballyhaunis revelling in the role of underdog as the Sarsfields look to bring the same passion and intensity they displayed in taking the Mitchels to the wire. It's a game with many interesting sub-plots and is sure to draw a big crowd with the added presence of Mayo TV providing live coverage only adding to the expectancy and intrigue. There's lots at stake for what should be a cracking encounter with a large crowd expected to descend on O'Hara Park for a right good championship rumble.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 Card Drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday, August 20th, and the following were the prize winners: 1st, Vera Scally and Darby Leonard; 2nd, Michael and Mary Lynskey.
The raffle winners were James Reidy, Pearse Henry and Teresa McIntyre.
The game takes place every Tuesday night at 8.30pm in the Yeats County Inn and all are welcome with new members especially welcome.
The death took place at the Queen of Peace Nursing Home, Knock of Jimmy Dillon, Cashel, Charlestown and formerly of Lavey Heights, Charlestown and Tullow, Co Carlow.
His remains were removed from Horkan's Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown to St James' Church, Charlestown and burial took place after Requiem Mass to the Cemetery of the Resurrection.
Jimmy is survived by his daughter Katerina and her mother Shahine, sisters Maria, Sarah, Kathleen, Ann, Philomena and Carmel, brothers Johnny and Bernard, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.
The late Jimmy, who was pre-deceased by his parents Nancy and Jim and wife Angela, was a very well-known and prominent member of the community who formed many strong links and friendships in the areas he lived and worked in over many years. He was a quiet-spoken, gentle man and his passing is deeply regretted.
We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
Best wishes are extended to Sarsfields' stalwart Enda McLoughlin who underwent an operation on his ACL at the Santry Clinic in Dublin recently.
Enda has been one of the Sarsfields best and most committed defenders for well over a decade and is one of those unsung heroes who has anchored the full-back line since making his senior debut back in 2011. In that time, Enda has gone toe to toe with some of the best club forwards in Mayo and more than held his own with his steadiness and consistency and ability to get the job done making him one of the first names on the team sheet. His loss to the Sarsfields is incalculable and robs the team of a real pillar in the truest sense of the word.
The McLoughlin name has been synonymous with the Charlestown Sarsfields senior team for a number of years now with Enda's brother Gerard another vital cog with both men holding down key defensive positions in several areas. The side that took the field against Castlebar Mitchels in the recent opening round of the 2024 Mayo Senior Championship was the first time the McLoughlin name didn't feature since 2011 with Enda recuperating from injury and Gerard gone travelling Down Under.
The club wishe Enda all the very best as he begins the long rehabilitation process and wishes him every success in the journey towards recovery. Everyone looks forward to seeing Enda back in the Green and White colours in 2025 as he looks to regain full fitness and back to work in the very busy and demanding job he's currently holding down.
A bereavement support meeting is held weekly 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.
Extra adult swimming lessons take place every Thursday evening at Charlestown Swimming Pool while open swims run every day from 2 to 5pm. Lane swims every weekday from 7 to 7.50pm. Morning lanes are also available on Tuesday to Friday from 7.10 to 8am.
All swims can be booked via the Swimming Pool Facebook page or visit www.charlestownaquacentre.com for the latest updates.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA Lotto jackpot of €2,500 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, August 19th, and the four numbers drawn were 3, 9, 11 and 23.
The following were the winners of the three €20 weekly prizes: Rachel Haran, Padraic Cafferty and Margaret Walsh.
Next week's jackpot will increase to €2,700 and the draw will take place on Monday night, August 26th. Tickets can be bought in a number of outlets or via the club's Facebook page.
Meetings of the Legion of Mary take place every Tuesday evening in the Charlestown Pastoral Centre at 8pm. All are welcome.
