Local Notes: St Attracta's NS, Charlestown, staged their plays at Feile Dramaiochta in Kimovee Community Centre
At Feile Dramiochta in Kilmovee Community Centre were pupils from St Attractas NS 6th class with their teacher m/s Elaine Tierney who staged their play 'Wizard of Oz'. Pic James Hunt Photography.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €10,500 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, March 3, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 11, 14, 22, 23. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Lorraine Egan and Breege Hunt. The latest jackpot increased to €10,600 and the draw was held on Sunday night, March 10.
The untimely death took place at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, of Paul Leach, Carn, Charlstown. His remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown, to St. Patrick’s Church, Bushfield and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to Bushfield cemetery. He is survived by his father Sean, sister Siobhan, brothers Mark and John, sister-in law, aunt, uncle, nieces, nephews, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
The late Paul, who was pre-deceased by his mother Mary was a well known and respected member of the communities of Carn, Bushfield and beyond. He was a nice, quiet-spoken decent man who had formed many firm friendships and was a good friend to many in the communities her interacted in. Paul had a strong bond with his family and lived his life in the best way he knew how. His passing came as a deep shock to all in the villages of Carn and Bushfield as he left a deep impression wherever he went. He leaves many good memories which his family will cherish in the deep, dark hours and days ahead and we tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
The U14 girls played their last game of the season and it was a thriller as they faced off against Crossmolina in a re-match of the recent U14 cup final who they had so narrowly lost out to. The Charlestown girls had plenty of motivation in the tank to get one over on their opposition and exact some measure of revenge for their recent narrow loss and this they duly did as they played a terrific match from tip-off to the final hooter to secure the win and end the season on a real high. The girls played some quality basketball throughout and were very good under the board as they took the game to their opponents early doors and raced into a lead they never looked like relinquishing. This victory capped a very good season for the team and their dedicated coaching group and they can be extremely proud at the manner of their improvement in each and every game as they competed vigorously in all competitions and look to have a great future going forward as they move up through the age grades.
South Sligo Wild Sauna is a mobile sauna located at Curry Swimming Pool, Curry, Co. Sligo. For more information click on the Curry GAA Facebook Page or log on to www.charlestown.ie.
St Joseph’s Community College have set up a new walking group on Wednesday mornings for the next four weeks with the walk getting underway at 9.30am. Gentle pace to suit all, one-step at a time. One €30 voucher of the winner’s choice will be raffled amongst participants.
Dust off the dancing shoes for an Easter Social Dancing Weekend in the Broadhaven Bay Hotel, Belmullet from March 29-31, with bands every afternoon and night. Contact 086 3083976 for more information.
Katie Mairead Dance School is now enrolling for Ballet Classes in Charlestown. Classes take place every Wednesday. They offer fun, friendly dance classes for children aged 3 and upwards. Contact Ms. Katie on 089 4079074 for more information or register your child on https://katie-mairead.ds.classforkids.io Once registered and paid, your child`s space is secured.
Flourish social prescribing service is on the lookout for a group of people to come together and read (listen to) a chapter of the ‘The Happiness Project’ book by Gretchen Rubin once a month. This will either be held in person in your local area (depending on interest) or online via Zoom. Throughout the year, they will be organising group activities such as walks, trips, etc. This is for anyone over 18 years of age and all are welcome. Contact 094 9025900 or flourish@thefamilycentre.com for further details and to register your interest.
HQ Plus (Health Quarter) Charlestown Sports Performance, Fitness and Wellness Centre are hosting Healthy Aging Classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9.30am for people over 60. The emphasis on these classes will be on movement and resistance with a good dollop of fun and enjoyment involved. For more information call 085 8416420.
Charlestown Gaelic4Mothers&Others have resumed training for the new season on Wednesday nights at 8pm in Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown, and all are welcome with new members encouraged to come along and give it a try.
The late John Harrington
The untimely death took place recently of John Harrington, Bushfield, Charlestown. His remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown, to St James’s Church, Charlestown, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the cemetery of the resurrection. The late John is survived by his brother Tom, sisters Kathleen, Eileen and Elizabeth, brothers-in law, sister-in law, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours.
The late Johnny as he was affectionately known, who was pre-deceased by his parents John and Anne and sisters Bernadette and Mary was a gentleman in the true sense of the word who was much respected and admired by all in the community of Bushfield and beyond. He was a good man in every sense of the word who went about his daily work in a very industrious and diligent manner and knew the value of a good day’s work for a good day’s pay. Johnny was a good neighbour and friend to all in the community of Bushfield as he could always be depended upon to lend a hand and help out in times of crisis and need. He was at his happiest roaming the land tending to his livestock and his unexpected came as a deep shock to all in the communities of Bushfield and Charlestown as Johnny was one of its nicest citizens. 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 as he leaves a legacy of outstanding memories which his family will cherish and cling dear to in the these deep, darks hours and days. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
A free 8 week Bridge lessons for beginners (singles and pairs) continues on Wednesday evenings from 7.45-9.45pm in The May Queen, Tubbercurry. Refreshments are available on each night. For more information and to register interest call Francis 087 7541081, Ann 087 6474136, Mike 071 9181830.
Well done to Amy Mahon, daughter of Joe and Mary Mahon, Sonnagh, Charlestown, who has joined Athlone Town FC for the 2024/2025 soccer season. Amy joined the Ciaran Kilduff managed Athlone Town team and will be hoping to impress and lay claim to the number one goalkeeping position for the coming season. Athlone Town are one of the best and most progressive club’s in the women’s league and enjoyed a notable FAI Cup success last year as they defeated Shelbourne in the final 4-3 on penalties.
Amy joins a very ambitious and progressive club who will be looking to build on last year’s cup final victory with a good run in the league one of their top priorities. Amy has had a stellar career to date, representing Sligo Rovers at all levels from underage to senior and is one of the best young keeper’s in the Women’s National League. She will be hoping this move aids her in her career path as she fights for the number one jersey and she is wished her every success in this latest and newest chapter in her career. Her progress with be monitored with interest as Amy puts her head down and works hard in the hope of impressing her new gaffer Ciaran Kilduff.
Senior strength and conditioning classes are held at Carracastle Community Centre every Wednesday morning at 11am, involving chair-based exercises and using light weights. For more information and to book your place, contact Sarah at 086 3879635.
Keep Fit classes are held at Carracastle Community Centre every Friday evening at 7.30pm, focusing on cardio, stamina, core work, fitness, self-confidence and self-defence. For more information and to book your place, contact Sarah at 087 6014197.
St Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown, host Colaiste Mhuire, Ballygar, in the Connacht D Juvenile Championship in Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown, on Thursday, March 21, with the throw-in timed for 12.30pm.
Salsa classes continue in the Town Hall Arts Centre on Wednesday evenings at 7pm and all are welcome.
Bingo takes place every Tuesday night at 8pm where you can play in the hall and online. The jackpot game for €2000 is on 47 calls or less. Game 5 is for €1000 on 40 calls or less. The total prize-fund on the night is €10,500. There will be lots of surprises and additional ways to win in the hall. There is a new Game 11 with a separate Super Snowball jackpot only in the hall. There is also a new €500 ‘Lucky Date’ prize.
The Honour of the Village Darts Competition continued to draw the crowds last week as Curry (2) put their reputation on the line as they squared up to Rooskey, one of the competition’s dark horses who won the competition previously. The men from the border however revelled in the role of underdogs and upset the hotly fancied Rooskey team with a fine performance as they closed out the match on a 6-3 scoreline. Rooskey struggled in the doubles and while they did peg it back in the singles Curry were not for turning and had enough of a buffer to secure their passage to the quarter-finals with a fine overall team performances. Each and every Curry player delivered a big performance and they will be a tough nut for anyone to crack in the quarter-finals with all eight teams left in the hat very much in contention to win the famous old trophy.
There will be a full report on the quarter-final draw in next week’s column with the competition looking the most open in years with Governor Gus finding it hard to call a winner. The sense of anticipation among darts enthusiasts and supporters is gathering pace with Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, going to the epicentre of darts over the course of the next month or so.
Charlestown and Districts Men’s Shed are holding a darts and cards night every Wednesday night at 7pm in the Men’s Shed which is located at the rear entrance of the CBD Sport and Recreational Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown. The gathering is open to members and non-members and finger food and refreshments will be served. Game starts at 8pm.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, March 6, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Hilary McDonagh and Toim Ginty, 2nd Paddy and Patricia Colleran shared with Nora McVeigh and Maujra Kilcoyne, 4th Charles and Mae Quinn, 5th Robert and Frances Healy, 6th Michael and Patricia Brennan, 7th Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, 8th Mary O`Malley and Margaret Kenny, 9th James Mooney and Mary O`Connell, 10th Tommie O`Malley and Michael Dee. The weekly game continues on Wednesday evenings at 8pm in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, and all are welcome.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, March 5, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally, 2nd Darby and Breege Leonard. Raffle winners were Darby Leonard, Breege Leonard, Kevin Maloney and Paul Flannery. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 8.30pm in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, and all are welcome.
The death took place at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar of Tommy Kennedy, Fauleens, Carracastle. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Congratulations and well done to young Aoibhe Breheny who added a Girl 1 33kg Connacht Championship title to Mayo Schools and Mayo Championships won previously this season. Aoibhe is a smashing young talent who had taken to the ring like a duck to water since first donning the gloves less than twelve months ago. She’s a natural, quick on her feet with some nifty footwork and packs quite the punch with her jab and speed of punch just some of her outstanding traits as she continues to sweep all before her in the ring.
Aoibhe’s exploits have to be commended as she now goes forward for one of the 6 regional qualifiers for her age group which takes place in Dublin during Easter Week. She has taken all the plaudits in her stride and she is wished every success in the upcoming regional qualifiers as she looks to add some more titles to an already very impressive list. Well done Aoibhe on your excellent achievements to date and well done also to Darren Fahy and all the coaches at the Charlestown Boxing Club who continue to churn out the successes with increasing regularity. Hats off to Aoibhe’s dad, the right honourable Paddy Breheny who was quite a formidable presence himself in the ring back in the day!!.
The AGM of the Charlestown Swimming Pool will take place on Friday, March 22 at 7pm at the swimming pool. All are welcome to attend.
Bingo takes place in the CBD Recreational Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown, on Good Friday, March 29. Doors open at 8pm. There will be great prizes on offer and an enjoyable evening is assured. All proceeds go towards the Charlestown Swimming Pool and your support would be greatly appreciated.
Meetings have resumed in The Pastoral Centre Lowpark, Charlestown, on Mondays between 11am-1pm. All are welcome and new members are especially welcome.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2500 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, March 4, and the following were the four numbers drawn;16, 17, 26 and 27. The following were the winners of the €20 prizes; Catherine Howley, Caroline Friel and Aaron Deare.
The latest jackpot was €2,600 and the draw took place on Monday night, March 11. 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.
The Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club wish to remind their members that membership for the 2024 season is now due and can be made payable to any member of the executive or alternatively can also be paid by following the link on the club’s excellent Facebook page which gives up to minute details on offers the club have in regard to membership, annual lotto and county board draw. The cost of the membership remains at €50 and the closing date for the same is March 31.
St Patrick`s Day Parade takes place on Sunday, March 17, starting at 1pm. Registration forms are available by contacting 094 9255156 or email info@charlestown.ie. The committee are hopeful of a good turnout as the parade always brings plenty of footfall to the town and some welcome business for the business community as the town puts on a show for one of the best and busiest days in the calendar year. The parade has grown incrementally in size over the years and this year’s version will be looking to emulate and build on the success of last year with some good weather hopefully adding to the atmosphere and feel good factor as another St Patrick’s Day rolls around. All clubs, organisations, schools and businesses are invited to take part with their own unique participation to make this a special year in celebrating traditions. You are asked to assemble at the CBD Sports Complex (Lowpark, Charlestown) at 12 noon with a starting time of 1pm. Support and volunteers are asked to help out on the day. Traffioc restrictions will be in place. Registration forms must be completed and returned prior to the parade. The organisers have been working hard behind the scenes in recent months to make the 2024 version the biggest and best ever and they deserve all the support they can get as they appeal to all businesses to support and enter a float and get in the spirit of the day.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, March 3, as The Magician and Podsie squared off in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was authoritative as always in his role as match referee ensuring both men towed the line impeccably. The Magician made the better start, winning the first set with some steady, metronomic scoring. Podsie, looking to put back to back titles on the board, bounced back in set two wrapping it up with a lovely treble 16, double eighteen finish in the fourth leg to level the match at one set apiece. Podsie picked up the cudgel at the start of set three and romped away with as he lifted his darts to another level. The Magician, sensing the game was drifting away from him, needed to reset at the start of the fourth and this he managed to do admirably as he won the first two legs with some excellent throwing.
One can never discount Podsie at any stage, however, as he retains that star dust quality that can flip a game on his head and this is what transpired as he managed to string together three legs on the trot to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and leave the Magician gobsmacked as he looked to have set four all but in the bag as he led 2-0 and was miles ahead in the third leg. Podsie however, found that bit of brilliance to turn the game around with his final dart, fittingly landing it plum in the heart of the bull to ignite great scenes of celebration among his huge and growing band of supporters. A tough pill for the Magician to swallow but he was gracious as always in defeat as Podsie stepped forward to claim his second title of the season which he celebrated with great relish and enthusiasm.
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Carracastle / Kilmovee Drama Group staged John B Keane’s play ‘The Year of the Hiker’ in Carracastle and Kilmovee to packed houses. Great credit is due to the cast and producer for their experience in dealing with the many emotional scenes and the various narratives which were part of this emotional play and this production. The audiences were very mindful of the effort, hard work and precision of the play. The proceeds were divided to benefit two necessary amenities in both parishes Kilmovee NS and Kilmovee Swimming Pool, and Carracastle Community Centre and Scoil Íosa NS.
The Kilmovee 10K and 5k will be taking place on Saturday, March 30, at 1pm and registration is now open at www.kilmovee10k.com. In 2023 over 500 participants were welcomed and the organisers are positive that the 2024 event will top that number again, as participants enjoy the great course, super scenery and legendary hospitality in Kilmovee. They welcome volunteers on the day, who can contact them via their website or facebook.com/kilmovee10k and also they welcome anyone who can help prepare sandwiches, cakes or treats for the post-race hospitality.
A pilgrimage to Medjugorje is being organised and for further information, contact Tommy Moran on 086 081 5635.
Sincere thanks to all who organised and contributed to the recent successful scrap metal collection. A clothes collection fundraiser is also being organised.
The lotto numbers drawn for Saturday, February 24, were 10, 24, 38 and 46. There was no winner.
