Local Notes: Mayo Genealogy Group and friends enjoy festive lunch.
Mayo Genealogy Group and friends who enjoyed a festive lunch at the Ellison Hotel, Castlebar, recently.
On Sunday, November 30, members of Mayo Genealogy Group and Friends enjoyed an end of year festive lunch at the Ellison Hotel Castlebar. The December meeting of Mayo Genealogy Group will take place in the Museum of Country Life, Turlough on Saturday, December 13, at 11am. New members are always welcome at the meetings. The group thank all the staff at the Museum for facilitating the meetings during the year. Thanks also to the committee and volunteers who give so freely of their time during the year to organise meetings and events for the benefit of all. The group wish all their members in Mayo and around the world a very happy Christmas and every good wish for 2026.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €19,600 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, November 30, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 6, 8, 17 and 18. The winners of the 2 x €50 prizes were Adrian Brennan and Karen Mulligan. The latest jackpot rose to €19,700 and the draw was held on Sunday night, December 7. Tickets are on sale at a number of outlets in the town and are also available on line by checking out the club’s Facebook page. The club would like to thank all who support their weekly draw.
The annual general meeting of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club was held in the upstairs meeting room of the Charlestown Service Station, Airport Road, Charlestown and there was a good crowd in attendance as the club reflected and took stock of another busy year on and off the park. The following officers were elected for the coming year; President Kitty Walsh, patron Michael Byrnes, chairperson Ryan O’Connor, vice-chairperson Mike Doherty, secretary Kevin Deignan, asst -secretary Phil Craig, treasurer To be confirmed, asst-treasurer to be confirmed, PRO Stephen Healy, asst. PRO Ronan Kenny, county board delegate Noel Gallagher, East Mayo board delegates Paddy Breheny and Joe Lenehan.
All three members of the executive presented very detailed and comprehensive reports to the meeting outlining in detail the many successes, initiatives and projects the club enjoyed, engaged in and achieved throughout a very busy and full-on 2025. Chairman Ryan O’Connor’s report covered all facets of the club’s business as he paid tribute to the many people who work so hard in ensuring the facilities are kept in tip-top shape and among the best in the county. Charlestown Sarsfields have grounds they can be immensely proud of but it takes a lot of dedication and commitment to keep and maintain them at the high standards they undoubtedly are and for this he thanked the likes of Ciaran McBrien, the FAS lads, Lewis O’Connor and many others who invest such time and energy in the upkeep and maintenance of the three pitches they are lucky to have with the addition of the Colm Horkan pitch of tremendous importance as it provides a wonderful facility for players to enjoy and play on and has received much in the way of favourable commentary from visiting clubs, players and fans alike.
Ryan thanked the many people who were involved in the coaching and training of the many teams who represented the club with such pride on the fields of play as the Sarsfields once again punched above their weight and brought home silverware at several grades in both the boys and girls grades. He congratulated Bord na nÓg on another magnificent year as they continue to set the standards in terms of coaching and leave no stone unturned in the way they prepare and coach their players with the results on the fields of play a glowing fulfilment of their work on the training paddock.
Ryan congratulated the lotto committee and the people who do the hard sell week in week out to keep the lotto viable, as it remains their main source of fundraising and provides the club with that all important weekly source of income. To this end he heaped praise on assistant treasurer Emmet Gavaghan who took responsibility for the distribution of tickets and results sheets every week and did a terrific job to boot with the tickets and results sheets in the shops and outlets within hours of the draw being held.
Ryan paid tribute to outgoing senior team manager David Tiernan and his team for securing the club’s championship in dramatic fashion with their relegation semi-final victory over Mayo Gaels putting everybody associated with the team, club and supporters through the full wringer of emotions before Paul Towey secured the victory with pretty much the last kick of the game. Ryan stated that David took on the role with typical passion and determination and brought great energy and drive to the job and left no stone unturned in his quest to drive the club forward. Holding on to championship status was a real achievement and he thanked Michael Horkan, Francis Mannion, Patrick Walsh, Phil Craig, Shane Moran and Lewis O’Connor who provided David with the best of support and assistance in what was a difficult and demanding year with lots of challenges being thrown at them in terms of player availability and injuries. The club, Ryan stated, hope to be in a position to appoint a new manager in the coming weeks with lots of work going on behind the scenes in relation to the same.
Secretary Kevin Deignan compiled his 17th secretary’s report as he continues to set new standards in the level of diligence and professionalism he brings to the position. He outlined the ongoing work around the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch with the installation of new floodlights around the pitch very near completion which will add another dimension to what is a magnificent facility. To this end he thanked the likes of Sean Higgins and Joseph McBrien who have been two of the main players in bringing this project across the line and their efforts were very much appreciated as were the efforts of many others who were involved in some shape or form. The club, Kevin stated, ‘have a facility to be immensely proud of which adds another string to our bow and makes us the envy of many clubs throughout the county and beyond’. He also stated how privileged the club were to host the county senior semi-final involving Westport and Crossmolina where they were given opportunity to showcase their facilities at their very best and this they did with aplomb with the pitch and surface lending itself to a wonderful game of football played before a huge crowd who generated a special atmosphere with the place buzzing with excitement as the O’Hara Park once again came up trumps with club members pitching in and making sure all bases were covered to ensure everything ran smoothly. The club received a lot of favourable commentary on the back of hosting a game of such magnitude with the facilities coming in for plenty of praise and plaudits which was nice to hear as they once again showed the capabilities of staging games of such importance. Kevin thanked his fellow officers and club members for their unstinting support and looked forward to more success on and off the field in 2026.
Treasurer Tom McLoughlin presented his final balance sheet and it was as thorough and concise as always, as Tom always brought great honesty and prudence to the role. He was in the happy position of being able to report a nice surplus which was very well received as he kept a steady hand on the till and was scrupulous and candid in his handling of the club’s finances which endeared him to all in the club. Tom executed his duties with dignity and always had a smile on his face and gave the role everything he had. The club handled a lot of money during Tom’s tenure with the completion of the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch and Walkway taking place during his time at the wheel so to speak which added another layer of work to an already busy role. Tom made light of it and took it all in his inimitable stride and he can be proud of his body of work with tributes coming thick and fast for his service to the club from all present at the meeting. He stated it was a privilege to serve the club and thanked his assistant Emmet Gavaghan who he formed a good relationship with, and they worked very well together as a team. Tom and Emmet must have made a pact as Emmet also indicated his intention to step away which leaves the club in a real bind as it will be hard to replace two men of such ilk and calibre. Tom stated that the lotto continues to be the fewel on the crown and thanked all who work so hard to keep it relevant and buoyant and expressed his gratitude to John Casey and his dedicated team who do the hard sell on big match days in O’Hara Park and raise a lot of money though this avenue. He wished the club well in the future and stated his intention to help in any way he can as he formed some firm friendships and enjoyed many great highlights and memories in the position.
Chairman Ryan O’Connor concluded the meeting by wishing everybody a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a prosperous and productive 2026.
An extraordinary general meeting of the Charlestown Cemetery Care Committee was held on Monday, December 1, in the Pastoral Centre, Charlestown. The purpose of the meeting was to elect a new committee. The newly elected officers are as follows: chairperson Susan Loughlin, vice chairperson Robert Mulligan, secretary Patricia Cassidy, assistant secretary Maureen McEntire, treasurer Seamus Bermingham, assistant treasurer David Doherty. Additional committee members are; John Bones, Kieran Durkin, Joe Finn, Fr. John Maloney, Tom McLoughlin, Tommy Woods.
Sincere thanks are extended to the outgoing committee members for their dedicated service, volunteering and achievements.
Congratulations are extended to Kyle McLoughlin, son of Brendan and Noirin McLoughlin, Lavey, Charlestown who celebrated his coming of age with a party for family and friends in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown recently.
The following were the winners of the 25-drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry Co. Sligo on Tuesday, December 2; 1st Darby and Breege Leonard, 2nd Teresa McIntyre and Veronica McCarrick shared with Joe Mahon and Kevin Maloney. Raffle winners were Nancy Brennan, Teresa McIntyre and Miko Sheridan.
There was no winners of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €5,000 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, December 1, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 12, 23, 24 and 28. The winners of the 3 x €20 prizes were as follows; Mary Brennan, Susan McDonagh and John Jennings. The latest jackpot increased to €5,100 and the draw was held on Monday night, December 8. Tickets on sale at several outlets in the Curry and Charlestown area and the jackpot can also be played online by logging onto the Curry GAA Facebook page.
The Tourism section of Mayo County Council have started a brand new competition inviting photographers of all abilities to submit their favourite Mayo moments and be in with a chance to feature on the 2027 Mayo Moments Tourism Calendar. Full details of this competition are available from https://mayo.ie//news/Tourism-Photography-Competition and there are cash prizes to be won.
Congratulations are extended to Shaun Cunningham, Kilbeagh, Charlestown, who celebrated his 30th birthday with a party for family and friends in Johnny’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown recently. There was a great turnout for the birthday boy with a large contingent making the trip from Monaghan to be part of the celebrations as Shaun is a proud Farney man hailing from the town of Clones, home of the likes of Barry McGuigan. Shaun has made his home in Charlestown having come to the area some years ago and he has long since put down roots having married local girl Michaela Haran and he also transferred his allegiance to the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club albeit injury has been a constant companion over the last number of years. He has formed some firm friendships within and outside the club since his arrival and there was a great crowd present to help him come to terms with his graduation to a new number and decade. Behind every good man is an even better woman and his good wife Michaela had a lovely cake to mark the occasion with all thirty candles presented and accounted for on the delicious offering. Shaun is a big man with a powerful set of lungs on him and he had little difficulty quenching the flame with the fire not even getting a chance to ignite. The music and craic went on long into the night and here’s wishing Shaun many more celebrations of this nature in the years ahead and continued good health and happiness in the future.
The death took place at Blackrock Nursing Home, Foxford, Co. Mayo of Annie Regan (nee Phillips), Cloonfane, Carracastle. Her remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown to St. James’ Church. Carracastle and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to Carracastle Cemetery. She is survived by her daughters Bernie, Ann and Pauline, sons-in-law Vincent and John, daughter-in-law Katherine, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
The late Annie, who was pre-deceased by her husband Tommy and son John, was a well known and respected member of the communities of Cloofane, Carracastle and Charlestown where she had forged many strong links and friendships. She was a lady of great character and humour who had a terrific zest and enthusiasm for life as she had reached her 98th year at the time of her passing. She leaves many memories which her family will cherish and cling dear to and deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Want to make a real difference in just a few hours of your week? The Meals on Wheels service urgently needs volunteer drivers. Deliver more than just food -bring smiles, connection and independence to home bound seniors in the community.
There is flexible scheduling as even just one day a week makes a huge impact. Routes typically take just 1-2 hours to complete. Join an amazing team of volunteers who are changing lives. One meal delivery at a time. Many of the seniors say the delivery driver is the only person they see all day.
Contact Kilmovee Community Centre on 094 9649484 or message the Kilmovee Social Facebook page directly. Together they aim to ensure no one goes hungry or is forgotten.
Would you be interested in sharing your home and supporting an individual with a disability for a few hours per week or month, or more regular? Western Care is looking for single people, couples or families to provide respite breaks for children and adults across County Mayo in your own home. If you are interested or want more information, contact Ruth Kneafsey, Home Share Co-Ordinator, on 094 9029148.
There was a good turnout at the weekly Bridge game held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday night, November 26, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne, 2nd Hilary McCrohan and Carmel Moffitt, 3rd Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, 4th Paddy and Patricia Colleran. Games takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm and all are welcome.
The Charlestown Athletic FC annual general meeting will place on Thursday, December 11, at the Charlestown Service Station, Airport Road at 7pm. All members are requested to attend.
The cubs basketball club had another busy week on the courts and they had mixed success with the U14 girls continuing on their winning ways as they defeated Westport in another high scoring, thrilling performance with the girls pulling away in the end on a scoreline of 46-24 in their favour. This was a sensational display and keeps their unbeaten run intact as they sit proudly on top of the division having knocked over all their opponents to date. They are in a rich vein of form at the moment and are a very well-balanced unit with power in both the defensive and offensive zones.
The U12 girls lost out to Westport in a thrilling contest but not before they pushed their opposition to the very limit as they left everything on the court in their pursuit of victory. The girls were gallant in defeat and can be proud of their battling spirit and qualities which kept them in the game right to the buzzer.
Fixtures for the coming week can be viewed on the Cubs Basketball Facebook page with more news and results next week.
The seniors exercise class takes place in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown on Friday mornings from at 11am. New members are always welcome.
Art and Craft classes continue in the Arts Centre on Wednesday mornings from 11am-1pm and new members are most welcome.
The Beaver and Cub Scouts continue to meet on Monday evenings in Carracastle Community Centre at 7pm. This is a fun and friendly meeting place for all and for more information on joining email mayoscoutscarracastle@gmail.com or call Eimear on 085 2133013.
Yoga is held at Carracastle Community Centre every Tuesday evening at 7.30pm and the cost is €10 per class. There is a free taster class for newcomers. For more information and to book your place, contact Sophie on 083 4798831.
Tavneena NS present their Christmas play "Straw and Disorder" in the school (F12R232) on Friday, December 12, at 6.30pm. They are looking forward to seeing you there. It promises to be a night of great fun and entertainment so save the date and be prepared to laugh and get into yuletide spirit.
Bellaghy Community Group in conjunction with Hegarty’s Centra, Bellaghy, are holding a monster raffle again this year. All monies raised go towards the community fund, which has enabled the committee to buy Christmas lights. Tickets can be purchased in Centra, Addictions and Colleran’s Pharmacy price €2 per line or 3 for €5. There is a fabulous array of prizes with ten in total up for grabs. Your support would be very much appreciated.
Journey back in time and marvel at the innovation and endurance of our rural ancestors through the Irish Folklife Collection. Then discover more about the life of the Fitzgerald family and the history and architectural style of Turlough Park House and Gardens. Join an experienced Museum guide for these informative and engaging tours, which take place at 2pm and 3.30pm on Saturday 13th and 20th December. Tours start at Museum reception. No booking required. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
There was another smashing turnout for the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday night, November 30, as Podsie and the Pillock squared off in another gripping instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus had to be at his best to maintain law and order and tempers became frayed on occasions, but common sense prevailed as the darts took centre stage after some initial flare-ups. Podsie blazed his way into a two-set lead with some sublime throwing as the Pillock struggled to match the standard being set by the top seed. He did, however, find some form in the third set and stalled the momentum of the favourite as he finally found his range among the doubles. The fourth set was a thrilling spectacle as both men hit top form simultaneously. The Pillock looked to be holding sway when he led by two legs to nil but Podsie showed all his class and composure to reel him in as he plundered the next two legs to set up a fifth and final set decider.
Like all champions when the pressure is at its greatest it was Podsie who responded best as he took on the challenge laid down to him by the Pillock with a 161 check-out sealing victory in sensational style with the Pillock cutting a forlorn figure as Podsie’s final dart nestled in the heart of the bulls eye to set off wild scenes of celebration among his large support base. This victory, Podsie’s fourteenth of the year tasted every bit as sweet as his first as once again underlined his class and big game pedigree. He looks in rude health ahead of the lucrative Christmas circuit and will definitely be the man to beat as his consistency levels remain far ahead of his opponents.
