Local Notes: Presentation of cheque from Kilbeagh Community First Responders and Charlestown Bord na nOg towards the Dillon Quirke Foundation.
Hazel and Dan Quirke along with members from both Kilbeagh Community First Responders (KCFR) and Charlestown Bord na nOg and two of the participants who took part in the cardiac screening programme - Daniel and Robert Tiernan.
Monday, August 5, marked the second anniversary of Tipperary Hurler Dillon Quirke’s tragic passing at Semple Stadium, Thurles from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). On average SADS takes 100 young lives in Ireland each year. Cardiac screening can help prevent (SADS) by identifying heart conditions at an early age - before they cause symptoms. From such profound sorrow, the Quirke family established the Dillon Quirke Foundation to ensure no other family endures this heartbreak. The aim of the foundation is to raise awareness and reduce the number of young people dying from SADS through a cardiac screening programme.
In June 2024 Kilbeagh Community First Responders (KCFR), in conjunction with Charlestown Bord na nOg hosted a two day cardiac screening programme with the Dillon Quirke Foundation, which was delivered by Advanced Medical Services. Eighty six (86) teenagers took part in the very successful programme which was held in the CBD Recreational Centre, Charlestown, over two days. This was a real community effort and we are extremely grateful to all the many volunteers that helped make this screening programme the success it undoubtedly was with special thanks to the CBD Recreational Centre and their committee for facilitating the event and to Delaney’s Mace, Lowpark, Charlestown and Complex Coffee for providing the lunches and refreshments.
As of August 5, over 7,000 screenings have been carried out at 161 sports clubs across the country. The foundation has set an ambitious target of completing 10,000 screenings in 2024. The initial findings offer a glimpse into the broader area of cardiac health challenges facing young adults in our community. This is why the Dillon Quirke Foundation is so determined to reach their stated goal for 2024.
On Thursday, August 8, Charlestown Bord na nOg Club and Kilbeagh Community First Responders welcomed Hazel and Dan Quirke, parents of Dillon to Charlestown to hand over a cheque of €1,000 which was raised by the generous donations of the parents of the 86 teenagers who were screened. If your club would like to enquire about booking a cardiac screening, contact the Dillon Quirke Foundation on screening@dillonquirkefoundation.com.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €12,800 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, August 11, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 3, 12, 19 and 34.
The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Gerry Hunt and Liam Brennan (annual ticket). The latest jackpot increased to €12,900 and the draw was held on Sunday night, August 18.
The death took place recently of Martin Fleming, Brackloon, Charlestown. His remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown, to St James’s Church, Carracastle, for solemn requiem Mass with burial afterwards to Charlestown Cemetery. He is survived by his daughters Cora, Geraldine, Bernie and Paula, sons Tommy and Martin, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, relations, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. The late Martin who was pre-deceased by his wife Bernadine and daughters Marion and Gabrielle, was a very well known and prominent member of the communities of Brackloon and Charlestown where he had forged many strong friendships. Martin was a hard working man who knew the value of a good day’s work for a good day’s pay and his strong work ethic stood him in good stead as he was in his ninetieth eighth (98th) year and had a great passion and zeal for life right up until his death.
Martin was a quiet-spoken, devoted family man who took great pride in their health and well-being at all times. He, and his late wife Bernadine, made for a good team and did their best for their family at all times. Martin was much respected in all the communities and circles he moved in and had a lovely kind and gentle way about him which endeared him to many as he lived his life in the best way he knew how. He was a man of immense character and was always a purveyor of good advice and saw many changes as he moved through life and tackled all that life threw at him with typical determination and resilience. The large crowds who attended the removal of his remains and subsequent burial was ample proof of the esteem and affection in which he was held and we tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
The death took place in the USA recently of Josie O’Donnell, formerly of Cloonaughill, Curry, sister of Dan, John, Jimmy and Margaret. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
A ‘Coffee Morning’ will be held on Friday, August 23, from10.30am- 2pm in the home of Rita and John Casey, ‘Malin Lodge’, Charlestown (F12 FD79). All proceeds going to Tubbercurry Cancer Support Centre and Mayo/Roscommon Hospice.
Congratulations to Martin Neary, Madogue who published his new book ‘Madogue Memories’ recently. The book brings together some wonderful memories detailing Martin’s life and times growing up in Madogue where past lives and live styles in a small village in East Mayo have been brought to life in vivid detail by Martin. His book chronicles his own life and that of his local community from the early 1940s to the mid 1970s. He brings the reader on a journey which includes school days, local defence force training, emigrant experiences, land purchase and farming activity. In the process, a host of unique characters is introduced so that we feel we are part of the rich tapestry of Madogue Memories.
The book is available locally and can also be purchased online, via Amazon Books. Reaction to its initial release has been very positive and favourable and sales have been brisk which indicates the level of interest in the publication with the Madogue townland being very familiar to many as it’s tucked into the landscape, alongside the new N5, between Charlestown and Swinford. It is a book well worth getting your hands on and I would heartily recommend you read it as it strikes a chord with many people who went through the same experiences as Martn did as he forged his way through life.
Well done to the Charlestown Sarsfields senior ladies who recorded a resounding 7-16 to 3-7 victory over Ballyhaunis in division 2 of the county ladies league played at the Ballyhaunis GAA grounds recently.
The Sarsfields were too strong for their East Mayo neighbours and made their dominance count where it mattered most on the scoreboard that is as they ran up a big score which leaves them sitting pretty at the top of the table and in good fettle as they gear up for a tilt at the senior championship which takes place in late August/early September.
The Sarsfields ladies carried a major scoring threat in their forward line and ran in seven goals as Ballyhaunis struggled to cope with the pace and movement of a very slick attacking Sarsfields unit who moved with real menace throughout. This was a very good and authoritative performance from the Sarsfields and one which they will be looking to build on in the coming weeks as the level of games and quality of opposition cranks up a couple of notches.
The Sarsfields host near neighbours Swinford in Fr O’Hara Park on in the U10 Go Games competition on Saturday, August 24, with the throw-in confirmed for 11am.
The tenth (10th) annual Eugene McLoughlin Tractor Run took place on Sunday, August 11, and it brought a huge crowd to the town as a spectacular display of tractors, motorcycles and cars made their way through the streets to a gasps of admiration and awe from a captivated crowd who lined each and every street in the town to witness such a terrific display of machinery. The organising committee did their usual fantastic job as they covered every base in the lead in with an army of volunteers on hand to help out and make sure all roads were cleared for the run with the local Gardai also stepping up to police the event ensuring all safety regulations were followed to the letter of the law as all vehicles returned safely with the quality of machinery on display being the talk of the place so to speak.
It was a good day for the town and community with the businesses enjoying a welcome boom in footfall as the tills were ringing from early morning. People came from all corners of the county and province to participate in and view the spectacular array of tractors, cars and bikes that roared through the streets with each and every vehicle in tip top shape as their owners had them in pristine shape for this showpiece occasion. There were a number of prizes handed out to the best vehicles in each category the details of which will appear in this column in the coming weeks. There was a raffle held which was wonderfully supported with top prizes available for the winners and there was any amount of entertainment and activities available for the younger generation with bouncing castles and the likes doing a roaring trade throughout the day as the weather held out for the most part.
The music started in the immediate aftermath of the run with a number of top class acts such as Pat’s Country Roadshow, Jenna Sloane, David Connor and Bandjaxed entertaining the large crowd with their very own medley of songs and music which went down a real treat with the large crowds who took to the streets in big numbers and danced the night away in glorious splendour.
All proceeds from the event went towards the CROI Heart and Stroke Charity as the curtain came down on another hugely successful Eugene McLoughlin Memorial Run as all eyes turn to the 2025 version as the event continues to capture the public’s imagination like no other and is the undoubted highlight in the town’s summer programme. Well done once again to the organising committee who ran a brilliant event and they can be proud of what they achieved as Eugene’s memory continues to endure and burn brightly in the hearts and minds of many in the community with his family very much front and centre of the whole event and occasion.
Charlestown Swimming Pool, in conjunction with Delaney’s Mace, Lowpark, Charlestown held a very successful Summer Raffle draw which offered a splendid array of prizes with the draw for the same being held in Delaney’s Mace on Saturday, August 10, with the incomparable Conor from Mace on hand to announce the winners which were as follows:
1st Four Seater Patio with a BBQ and Inflatable Pool and 2 x Water Blasters - Samantha Maloney; 2nd 55 inch TV - Sarah McDonnell; 3rd Pool Party at Charlestown Swimming Pool followed by party food for up to 20 people at Delaney’s Mace , Charlestown - Aiveen Duffy; 4th Personal Training for 2 people at HQ Gym - Joan Fleming; 5th Day Pass for 4 people at Westport Adventure Park - Paddy Colleran; 6th Baysports voucher worth €100 - Neil O’ Connor; 7th Summer SUP voucher for 4 people to go Stand Up Paddleboarding or Kayaking at Old Head Westport - Pauline Sheehan; 8th Meat hamper from B&B Foods - Elma Gourrege; 9th O’Hara Food Hampers - Rita Casey; 10th O’Hara Food Hampers - Rory O’Connor; 11th Children’s Beach Hamper -Andrea Harrington.
The Swimming Pool committee congratulate all the prize winners on their good fortune and thank everyone who supported the draw and contributed most generously with a total of €8875 raised in total which covers the cost of the new pumps which had to be installed recently. It was a real win win for the pool and the many people who support this terrific facility as people dug deep to lend their support and the committee would like to extend their sincere thanks and deep appreciation to Conor and his super team at Delaney’s Mace for sponsoring the raffle with special mention also to the many other sponsors who donated prizes which made for a very innovative draw indeed with all prizes available for collection by calling into Delaney’s Mace.
Charlestown Drama Group are planning an upcoming production before Christmas and are 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 were great scenes of jubilation and celebration in the hinterland of Carracastle and beyond as Caiseal Gaels annexed the Mayo Junior B Hurling Championship by virtue of their resounding 3-22 to 0-11 victory over Gaeltacht Iorrais in the final played at Hastings Insurance McHale Park recently.
Caiseal Gaels really stepped it up in the second half as they blew away their opponents with an awesome display of attacking hurling having just led by a solitary point at half –time.
The Gaels gave full vent to their attacking talents in the second period and ran riot on the scoreboard with man of the match Paddy Dozio leading by example as he finished with a personal tally of 0-12 with his accuracy from frees and general play being unerring throughout. Others to weigh in with big contributions included Killian Gallagher who gave the Gaels the momentum they needed at the start of the second half with a brilliant virtuoso goal which saw him finish account for 2-2 of the Gaels final winning tally. Matthew Connor was also excellent throughout and contributed 1-4 of what was a fantastic team performance with their second half display memorable to say the least.
The panel as a whole played superbly and there were great scenes of elation and joy when the final whistle sounded as the Gaels were crowned champions thus gaining retribution for last year`s final defeat in the process. The Gaels have enjoyed a meteoric rise in Mayo hurling circles over the course of the last decade and a half and they are a real force to be reckoned with at all levels as they continue to develop and coach players to the highest possible standards.
This victory will go a long way to securing their future and provide the template for the next generation of Caiseal Gaels hurlers to emerge with the current generation providing the pathway as they continue to compete and drive the standards in this hurling mad pocket of Mayo. They deserve great credit for what they are doing with this latest achievement providing further proof of the passion that exists for the game and one which will only fuel their fires even more on the back of this wonderful victory.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday, August 13, at 8.30pm and the following were the prize winners; 1st Kevin Maloney and Joe Mahon; 2nd Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally, Colm Gallagher and Mary O`Hara. Raffle winners were; Mary O’Hara, Miko Sheridan, Kevin Maloney and Vera Scally.
Sarsfields Shamrocks qualified for the County Minor B championship final following their admirable 1-13 to 0-10 victory over Davitts in the semi-final played at the Davitts GAA grounds recently. The Sarsfields Shamrocks amalgamation were good value for their victory as they looked the more likely winners from an early stage of the contest and managed to keep the Ballindine men at bay throughout a well contested game with Sarsfields Shamrocks work rate and energy two of the key characteristics that stood to them in the white heat of battle.
Sarsfields Shamrocks hit the front early in the first half and managed to keep their noses in front throughout with the defence standing tall and holding the line well as they kept the Davitts forward line in check with some strong, no nonsense defending. From the likes of Tadhg Horkan and Paddy Joe Dunleavy who were excellent in this regard as they manned the key defensive areas with real authority and stymied the threat of a Davitts forward line that got no real change out of a well organised and vigilant Sarsfields Shamrocks defence.
Sarsfields Shamrocks continued to set the tone in the second half and kicked the scores at the key moments with Peter Horan and Cian Towey leading the way in this regard. They could and should have been further ahead heading into the closing stages as the Davitts challenge remained live and persistent right to the final whistle. They had enough in the locker to hold out however with a Paddy Joe Dunleavy goal on the stroke of full time sealing the victory and ensuring their qualification for the final.
Sarsfields Shamrocks can now turn their attention to a final showdown against Parke-Keeloges-Crimlin who caused something of a surprise by taking out the favourites Knockmore in the other semi-final. The two teams have already clashed in the league earlier in the year with the West Mayo lads prevailing by the slender margin of a point which indicates the final could well be along the same lines as there looks to be little or nothing between the two teams with the small matter of a championship title at stake.
Sarsfields Shamrocks are in great shape with the Charlestown Sarsfields and Kilmovee Shamrocks clubs embracing the build-up to what should be a cracking final.
Congratulations and well done to Dean O’Toole, son of Des and Joan O’Toole, Madogue, who won the U18 Sean Nós Dancing Competition at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann held in Wexford recently. This was a fantastic achievement and one which underlines Dean’s prowess and talent as a dancer as he beat off stiff competition from dancers all over the country to scoop the top award. Dean is a very prominent member of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club and is a key player in the club’s U16 and minor teams with his skill on the ball, balance and nimbleness of foot marking him down as a special talent. His skill as a dancer has undoubtedly complimented his talent on the field and his many friends, teammates and colleagues congratulate him on his latest award as he continues to make big waves in the very skilled and unique pastime that Sean Nós Dancing is.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2500 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, August 12, and the four numbers drawn were as follows; 10, 13, 18 and 19. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; Jimmy Hayes, Elaine Cunnie and Catherine McCormack.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday night, August 11, as The Magician and the Dynamo locked horns in another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. Governos Gus was imperious in his role as referee and ensured law and order prevailed at all times. The Dynamo made the better start and wrapped up the first set with a treble eighteen, double sixteen blast in the fourth leg. He continued on his merry way in set two with heavy scoring and dead eye finishing seeing him into a two set lead as the Magician struggled to get any kind of rhythm or consistency going such was his waywardness in front of the board. The third set saw a shift as McGowan found his range as he won three legs on the spin to clinch the set and put some doubt into the mind of his opponent. The Dynamo, sensing a shift in the pattern of the match, hit back at the start of the fourth as he won the first two legs in good style to leave him just one away from victory. The Magician wasn’t finished just yet and roared back to win legs three and four to set up a fifth and deciding leg with everything on the line. It was game on as the crowd cranked up the noise with the atmosphere at fever pitch as the Dynamo opened the leg with a big ton plus score. The Magician responded with a ton of his own but the Dynamo continued to pile on the pressure as he won the race to the double with something to spare with the Magician floundering in the high 300s.
The Dynamo stepped forward with three darts in his quiver at double eighteen. . He needed only one as he guided his dart into the heart of the eighteen bed to set off wild scenes as he clinched just his second title of the season and he duly celebrated accordingly. The Magician was most gracious in defeat and was first to admit the better player won as the dynamo stepped onto the winner’s podium to a standing ovation from his loyal and dedicated fan base.
