Local Notes: St Joseph's Charlestown senior girls basketball team are through to All Ireland quarter finals.
Well done to the senior girls basketball team from St Joseph’s, Charlestown who are through to the All-Ireland quarter finals, defeating Colaiste na Hinse, Bettystown and Loreto, Milford, Donegal. They are coached and mentored by Ms Murray and Ms McHugh.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €15,000 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, January 12, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 5, 12, 30 and 31. The winners of the 2 x €50 weekly prizes were Gavin Meenan and Marty Horkan, Airport Road, Charlestown. The latest jackpot increased to €15,100 and the draw was held on Sunday, January 19.
A new Clubbercise Dance fitness class takes place in the Town Hall Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown, on Friday nights from 8-9pm. All are welcome.
Salsa Dancing classes continue in the Town Hall Arts Centre on Wednesday nights from 7.30-8.30pm and all are welcome.
Adult basketball continues in the CBD Recreational Centre on Tuesday evenings from 9pm-10pm (adults only please) so come along if interested.
Pilates with Taragh continues in the Charlestown Arts Centre on Monday nights from 8-9pm and all are welcome.
Yoga with Tish continues every Tuesday evening in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 7.15-8.15pm and all are welcome.
The East Mayo Athletics Club launched their very ambitious development plan for 2025 on New Year`s Day and it makes for impressive reading as they look to bring their long standing project to fruition with a lot of fundraising events in the pipeline in what’s going to be a busy first half of the year for one of the fastest growing and most progressive clubs in the community. The club was formed in 2019 and they can boast a membership in excess of 250 which speaks volumes for their enthusiasm, energy and ambition as they attract members from all corners of the community and beyond. The club headquarters will be located in the centre of the town next to St Attracta’s NS with the total cost of the investment expected to be in the region of €400,000 which is a significant one indeed and is testimony to the vision of the club’s hierarchy with athletics now very much a key part of the town`s recreational infrastructure.
The development will commence in the Spring of 2025 with the erection of a 6 lane floodlit 200 metre synthetic grass running track, with a 3 g astro in the centre, long jump, throwing area and new cross country training layout.
This development will play a huge part in allowing the club to continue to grow and flourish and attract many more members notwithstanding the continued development and harnessing of the outstanding local talent that has emerged since the club’s inception many of whom have gone on to achieve wonderful feats and achievements in primary and secondary school athletics competitions with many adults and teenagers also making their mark at all levels of competition and events of one form or another.
The committee have worked tirelessly over a number of years to bring this project to completion and they were buoyed to receive significant lotto funding from the sports capital programme at the start of 2024 which gave the project and the committee the impetus to push on and make their dreams a reality.
The committee are looking for financial support in a myriad of ways to help with the completion of the development and there are a number of ways you can support /contribute such as the following; you can sponsor a metre of track the details of which can be found on the splendid East Mayo Athletics Facebook page; you can also get involved with and support the club’s LipSync Battles Ireland fundraiser. If you are a business owner, the club have sponsorship packages available which will give you more visibility and acknowledgement so contact eastmayotrack@gmail.com if you are interested in contributing through this format/forum. People can keep an eye on the club’s socials for further updates and share all posts to build up awareness and generate momentum. The club are always looking for volunteers so if you are interested don’t hesitate to contact any member of the committee This is a huge year for the club and their energetic committee and members and they deserve as much support as they can get as they look to bring the club’s facilities into the twentieth and allow it to compete on an equal footing with similar clubs in Mayo and beyond.
Learn to dance classes with Gina have commenced in Carracastle Community Centre on Thursday evenings at 8pm. Learn to jive, waltz, quickstep, foxtrot and line dance. For more information contact 085 7704647.
Senior strength and conditioning classes with Sarah Timlin have recommenced on Wednesday mornings in Carracastle Community Centre at11am. For more information and to book your place contact Sarah at 086 3979635.
The East Mayo Athletics Club are keen to get all their members and the wider general public active for the new year with their January challenge which started on Monday, January 14 (yesterday). It consists of 3 x 5km challenge which runs for four weeks. The rules follow the same format as before with between 4 and 6 teams with each team member completing 3 x 5km runs/walks between Monday morning and Sunday night in the four week window. The countdown to Christmas challenge was a terrific success and the club are looking forward to welcoming all their members back with some newcomers perhaps keen to join and get the heart rate pumping for the new 2025 season. For more details on the challenge check out the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook page which gives regular updates on all matters pertaining to the January challenge and the club to boot.
Caiseal Gaels Hurling Club are holding their dinner dance in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Saturday, February 8, with doors open at 7pm. Tickets cost €35 and they can available/booked by contacting Gerry on 087 9705488 or Finbarr on 083 1852310. The club have been steadily rising through the hurling ranks at underage and junior level in the county in the course of the last decade or so and are a real force at all levels with their junior team continuing to make great strides as they look to build on the successes they have enjoyed at underage level since their formation. The dance is sure to draw a large crowd to the Yeats County Inn as Caiseal Gaels have a strong membership and support base who are sure to turn out in big numbers as they look back on another successful year at all levels in a club that continues to grow and flourish and attract players from all corners of the community.
Congratulations to the U12 boys who qualified for the division 1 cup final following their thrilling 20-17 victory over Castlebar Comets in a cracking semi-final hosted by the Comets recently The Charlestown Cubs played some wonderful basketball to see off a doughty and persistent Comets challenge that stayed relevant and live right to the final hooter. The Charlestown boys, however, displayed great tenacity and spirit to get the job done with their determination and attitude matching their undoubted skill levels and ability with the final hooter igniting great scenes of celebration and joy in the cubs camp. Hats off to the team and the coaches who have done a fantastic job in getting this group up to speed with the demands and intricacies of the game with a cup final a true indication of the progress and strides they have made in the last number of months. The final will take place at a date in February yet to be confirmed which is something for the club and team to look forward to and savour in the coming days and weeks.
The Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club wish to remind their many annual lotto ticket holders that their tickets are up for renewal in the coming weeks. The ticket continues to be a huge boon for the club and provides them with a valuable and crucial source of income as they look to meet and pay the many bills which come to their doors at the start of every new year. The ticket price will remain at €70 for the coming season which makes for terrific value as with the weekly ticket retailing at €2 the annual ticket holder gets the ticket for far less than the retail value hence why they have proved so popular over the years. The same format applies where you select any 4 numbers out of 36 and these become your numbers for each weekly draw with a significant number of weekly winners coming from the annual ticket cohort.
The ticket has been a very important part of the club’s revenue stream for any number of years and the club’s executive are hoping for a big uptake on the 2025 version and very much appreciate all who sign up and subscribe as they look to increase the number of ticket holders for the new season. Anyone interested in purchasing a ticket can do so by contacting any member of executive or log onto the Charlestown Sarsfields Facebook or website which contains a number of links that you can follow to facilitate online payment.
The online forum has proved particularly popular in recent years as this allows the diaspora to play the weekly lotto and lend their support to the club from far away places and shores. The club are keenly aware of the demands that are placed on households at the start of any year with bills coming through the doors and prices sky rocketing but they have always gotten fantastic support from the community and general public with regard to their annual ticket and greatly appreciate all support they receive as they continue to provide the best in terms of facilities and coaching for the many players who come through their doors at all grades and genders.
Pilates has started on Tuesday mornings at 6.45am for a six week block for a cost of €70. This class is ideal for core strength, back strength, mobility, flexibility and full body strength. It is classic mat pilates. Instructor has over 10 years experience in physio based Stott Pilates Limited availability so text Eleana on 086 3831225 if interested.
The death took place in New Jersey, USA of Margaret McIntyre nee Mulligan, New Jersey, and Corthoon, Charlestown recently. Deepest sympathies is tendered to the bereaved.
The new St Vincent De Paul charity shop opening in Ballyhaunis later in January is looking for volunteers. Would you be interested? If so, could you spare a few hours a week to help this important charity in the community. The organisers would like to hear from TUS and RSS scheme workers willing to volunteer. Email vincents.ballyhaunis@svp.ie.
The death took place in Philadelphia, USA recently of Mary Colleran nee Moffitt, formerly of Lowpark, Charlestown. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Sympathy is extended to Kitty Walsh, Barrack Street, Charlestown, on the death of her sister Colette Brennan (nee Breheny) whose death occurred in New York, USA recently.
The Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club wish to remind their members and supporters that membership, costing €50, for the new 2025 season is now due and can be made payable to any member of the executive. The closing date for payment of the same is March 31 and your cooperation in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
There was a good turnout at the first weekly bridge game of the 2025 season held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, January 15, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 2nd Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, 3rd Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 4th Carmel Moffitt and Hilary McCrohan.
The weekly game continues on Wednesday nights at 8pm in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, with new members most welcome.
The following were the winners of the weekly 25 Drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday night, January 14, at 9pm; 1st Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally; 2nd Teresa McIntyre and Veronica McCarrick, James Reidy and Colm Gallagher.
Activator Pole and Chair Exercise class takes place in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 12 noon-1pm on Friday, January 24. Lift access available. All are welcome and the fee is €2.
Charlestown , Bellaghy and Districts Development Association February Community Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, February 7, in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 11am-1pm. Lift access available. All are welcome to come along for a cuppa and a chat.
Ballet and Acro Arts continues in the Charlestown Arts Centre on Wednesday afternoons from 3.45pm- 7.15pm.
You can drop into your local centre or contact it by phone and email for information, advice and advocacy. Make sure you check your local service’s opening hours if you are dropping in. Appointments are offered as needed following an initial assessment. You can also call the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 Monday to Friday 9am-8pm.
Beginner Friendly Yoga and Meditation classes start in Kilmovee Centre on Thursday morning from10am-11am and costs €5. Space is limited so please arrive early or call 089 2389351 / 094 9649484 to reserve your spot. Chair yoga and mat work make this class accessible to people of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities. Everybody can enjoy the benefits of yoga.
The annual general meeting of the CBD Complex and Recreation Centre takes place on Tuesday, February 18, at 8.30pm. All members are requested to attend as the committee reflect on a busy and progressive year where a number of impressive initiatives have been put in place as the complex continues to reach out into all areas of the community.
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.
South Sligo Wild Sauna have an offer ongoing at the moment where you and a friend can avail of a free sauna every Sunday for the months of January and February respectively. To find out more and see how it works you are asked/encouraged to book your Sunday sauna session at www.bookwhen.com/southsligowildsauna. Enter the code Friend at checkout (one use per customer). There is limited availability so book early to secure your spot.
Life after bereavement can feel very lonely. Trained facilitators conduct a weekly bereavement support meetings 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, 094 9375320.
East Mayo Athletics Club and East Mayo Special Olympics present Lip Sync Battles Ireland on Saturday, March 29 in the Park House Hotel, Kiltimagh, at 8pm. This promises to be a cracking night of fun, music, laughter and entertainment with both organisations very keen to make it a night to savour for all connected and involved. More news in the coming weeks but save the date and make sure you clear your diaries for what should be a cracking night of jollity and hilarity and one not to be missed under any circumstances.
Cloonacool Players` production of ‘Moll’ takes to the stage in Cloonacool on Friday, February 21, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23. The cast, which includes the ever popular Tom Towey and Mary Kathleen Johnson, are in top form as are Dennis Ross and Martin McIntyre. Keep that weekend free in your diary so you can take your seats and sit back and spend the night laughing.
The re-scheduled AGM of the East Mayo Athletic Club took place on Friday, January 17, and there will be a full report on the election of officers and all matters pertaining to the club in next week’s issue.
There was one winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2300 in the weekly draw held on Monday, January 13, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 9, 14, 19 and 28. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly. The latest jackpot increased to €2400 and the draw took place on Monday night, January 20. 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 respectively.
Grow is a mental health support program based on lived experience. This mean Grow groups are a meeting of peers, who are striving to develop and maintain good mental health. If you would like to know more, you can call your local GROW office on 1800 558 268. You can also register for ‘Welcome to Grow’, the online orientation session. This will give you an introduction to how meetings work and an opportunity to ask questions. You can also search for a group close by to you by using Find a Group and just turning up. No registrations are needed.
Senior Line is Ireland’s national telephone service for older people open every day of the year 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.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition of 2025 held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, January 12, as Governor Gus and The Egg went to toe in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. With Gus at the ochie, it was left to Boom Boom to step into the referee’s chair and this he did seamlessly as he ensured good manners and sportsmanship prevailed throughout. The Egg made the brighter start, wrapping up the first set with a neat 84 finish in the fourth leg. Gus hit back in some style in set two, stringing three legs on the bounce to level matters at one set apiece. The Egg regained his composure in the third set however and raced into a two nil lead thanks to some tidy finishing and heavy scoring. Gus threatened a comeback when he won the third leg but The Egg dashed his hopes in the fourth when he arrowed his final dart into the heart of double sixteen to edge in front once again with all eyes on the start of the fourth set.
The crowd created a splendid atmosphere as both men came to the ochie with Gus keen to get back into the match with a good start imperative to his hopes of forcing a deciding set. The Egg was as keen to maintain his focus however and displayed his intent by taking the first leg with some imperious finishing. He backed it up in the second leg to leave him just one away from victory as Gus imploded somewhat as he struggled to control the trajectory of his arrows with single and treble one being his most common direction of travel. The Egg, sensing his day had come, began the third leg in impressive fashion firing in a 140 with Gus unable to respond as he hit a meagre forty three in reply. The Egg hit two more ton pluses with his next six darts to leave him practically out of sight as Gus continued to struggle with his action and flight path. The Egg raced to the ochie with 48 left on his scoring chart as the crowd held their collective breath in anticipation. He nailed sixteen with his first dart to leave him two darts at double sixteen with Gus staring between his fingers in disbelief. The Egg missed with his first shot at the double but made no mistake with his second as it nestled in the corner of the green baize to set off wild scenes of celebration as Casey claimed his first title of 2025. He was elated to say the least with Gus most gracious in defeat as he warmly embraced the victor with the Egg delighted to have got his name on the winner’s board so early into the new year.
