Local Notes: Successful Pink Ribbon fundraiser held in Charlestown
Martina Cullen, Grainne Marren, Fiona Casey and Trina Donohue organisers in chief of the very successful Pjnk Ribbon fundraiser in aid of National Breast Cancer Research which took place in Walsh’s Bar Main Street Charlestown recently. Also in the pic is well Known former Today FM DJ Phil Cawley who was MC for the night .
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €10,300 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, February 18, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 4, 17, 21 and 29. The winners of the 2 x €50 weekly prizes were Mary Murphy and Tommy Vesey while Caitriona Lavin was the winner of the €50 Mace voucher which was kindly sponsored by Mace Lowpark, Charlestown. The latest jackpot increased to €10,400 and the draw was held on Sunday night, February 25.
Classes have commenced in the Town Hall Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown, on Thursday evenings from 7-8pm for a 6 week block cost €75 or €14 pay as you go. To secure a spot contact Tish on 087 2906002.
Birthday greetings are extended to Caroline Tiernan, Lurga, Charlestown, who reached a very significant number recently which I’m prevented from revealing due to data protection. Caroline looks an absolute picture and is a right good advert for the new number she has graduated to which speaks volumes for the very healthy lifestyle she has been following for any number of years. Caroline is an active presence in the community being very much involved in the Cubs Basketball Club and Charlestown Sarsfields Ladies Club to mention but two and occupies key positions in the afore-mentioned clubs with her opinions and work ethic always much sought after and respected. She runs a busy house too but takes all this in her stride as she has a calmness and composure about her that have served her well as she gets ready to face down the challenges of a new decade and all that life will throw at her in the coming years.
Caroline has aged rather gracefully it must be said and has changed little over the years with all that running around and hard work staving off the threat of advancing years as she continues to defy father time in her own inimitable fashion. I’m sure there was a cake uncovered to mark the occasion with her husband David very much involved in the bake and selection with the calorie intake monitored very closely to ensure it didn’t breach the recommended daily requirement! Each candle was counted meticulously and arranged neatly on each and every part of the cake I’m led to believe as David wouldn’t have it any other way!!. I’m sure Caroline had little or no difficulty quenching the large flame those copious amount of candles ignited as she remains a fit lady with plenty of oxygen stockpiled in the lungs. I’m sure she’ll set aside a slice of the said cáca on the back of this mention which I look forward to sampling before the ink has gone dry on this. For now here’s wishing Caroline continued good health and happiness in the future and don’t be in any rush throwing away those candles as the other half of the house will be needing them very soon as he too gets ready to embrace life as a .......oops I better reach for the full stop!!
It was another busy week and successful week for the Cubs Basketball Club with the U14 and U16 girls recording big wins in their respective leagues to keep the momentum going as these teams continue to go from strength to strength. The U14 girls had a tremendous victory over Ballintubber in a keenly contested encounter which went right to the hooter with the Charlestown girls showing their resilience and tenacity as they eked out the win in terrific style.
The U16 girls were no less impressive as they recorded a memorable 34-9 victory over Castlebar in a wonderful display as they put the county town to the sword with a dashing display of all court play. The girls were brilliant from the tip-off and had far too much power and class for their opponents and were very worthy winners with the final score line in no way flattering them as this was one of their best and most impressive performances of the season.
The U14 boys didn’t fare as well as they lost to Crossmolina in their last league game of the season but the boys went out on their shields as they left everything on the court and battled right to the final hooter. The boys were in a tough division and learned lots during the year and showed marked improvement in each and every game they played and will be better for the experience as they continue their development in the off –season.
Sunday, February 18, was a sad day for the town and community of Charlestown as Susie’s Bistro closed its doors for the final time. The Bistro, run by Susan O’Connor, had been opened for almost five years and had been a wonderful addition to the town with Susan and her staff running a top class business with the food earning rave reviews from all who came through the doors to sample the excellent cuisine she served up. The menu was multi and varied and the prices were always keen and competitive which attracted people from far and wide with the passing trade one of the key components of the success of her business. The local community also supported Susan in a big way with people flocking to the splendid facility where good food and ambiance was guaranteed as the business grew into a flourishing operation in its almost five years in existence. It had created a real niche for itself on Main Street and won praise from all who ventured through the doors with the fine decor and surroundings winning many an admiring glance and attracting much favourable comment.
There was a palpable sense of sadness when the shutters came down on Sunday week last as one of the most progressive and popular businesses ceased trading which is a real blow to the morale of the town not to mention the hard pressed business community who are finding it difficult to keep trade buoyant in these tough and turbulent times. The town has been dealt a real blow with the closure of what was an excellent facility and here’s wishing Susan all the very best in her new venture as Susie’s Bistro now decamps to Tubbercurry Golf Club which she hopes to have up and running and open for business by Easter weekend, March 30/31. Charlestown’s loss is most definitely Tubbercurry’s gain and here’s wishing Susan and staff every success as she brings her culinary excellence to a new venue.
Bingo takes place every Tuesday night at 8pm. Play in the hall and online. The jackpot game is €2000 on 47 calls or less. Game 5 €1000 on 40 calls or less. There is a prize fund of €10,500 on offer with lots of surprises and additional ways to win in the hall. New Game 11 with a separate Super Snowball Jackpot only in the Hall. New €500 ‘Lucky Date’ prize.
The Honour of the Village darts competition which was such a regular and staple feature of the darts calendar has returned after an absence of some four years with Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, once again hosting all games in a tournament that always sets the pulse racing among darts enthusiasts. The competition was first played in 1975 and has witnessed some terrific finals many of which can be recalled with fondness by many of the older darts generation of players and supporters.
This year’s renewal, the first in some time, contains twelve teams all representing the different townlands and parishes dotted across the hinterland of Charlestown and indeed beyond. Some familiar names have pitched up once again with the likes of past winners Barnacogue, Hagfield, Glann, Tavrane, Lowpark, Church Street, to mention a few all in the hat and revved up for another crack at winning a competition that retains a lustre and prestige all of its own.
The competition got off to a cracking start with Glann-Sinolane, previous winners some years back taking out another team with a proud history in the competition, Hagfield on a score line of 5-3 which was fully deserved as the Glann/Sinolane combination had too much firepower in both the singles and doubles for a Hagfield team who lacked the finishing prowess of the victors. Next up on the schedule is a meeting between Rooskey and Curry (2) with Lopwark and Ballyglass also facing each other in an all town clash which should whet the appetites nicely with all games taking place on Friday nights at 9.30pm. There will be a full results service and fixtures news in next week’s column as the Village takes centre stage for the next two months 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, February 22, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Hilary McCrohan and Carmel Moffitt, 2nd Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 3rd Mary O’Connell and James Mooney, 4th Charles and Mae Quinn, 5th Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 6th Margaret Kenny and Ogie Moran, 7th Frances and Robert Healy, 8th Ruth Connor and Noelle Spellman.
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, February 20, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Ivan Maloney and Vincent Brennan, 2nd James Reidy and Pearse Henry. Raffle winners were Kevin Maloney, Mary O’Hara and Colm Gallagher.
A 4 week block has commenced in the Charlestown Arts Centre with the class continuing on Fridays, March 8, 15 and 22 at 12 noon. Cost €4 per class. For more information contact 086 8514682 or email info@charlestown.ie.
A fashion show will be held in the Brusna Inn on Friday, March 8, starting at 8pm. More details to come next week.
It’s that time of year again when the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club are asking their many faithful and dedicated members to renew their annual lotto tickets for the 2024 season. The annual lotto has been an outstanding success since its launch in 2001 and has provided the club with a steady and valuable source of income which has financed many a project and football team in the years that followed. The ticket remains a steal at €70 which covers all 52 weekly draws which represents great value hence why its proved so popular to many purchasers and subscribers over its life time. The 2023 ticket is due to expire in the next six weeks or so with many enjoying plenty of success in the weekly draws and in some cases netting a tidy profit on their investment. The format remains the same where you select four numbers from a pot of 36 and these become your numbers for each and every weekly draw. In the event of the jackpot not being one there is a draw for 2 x €50 prizes which more often than not throw up one annual lotto ticket holder each week. The club also offers an incentive to all annual lotto ticket subscribers by way of entering them into a draw with three cash prizes up for grabs and this too has encouraged and cajoled many to sign up and take the plunge so to speak. The club are keenly aware of the pressures people are under as we enter a new year as bills come through the door following the Christmas splurge but people have always answered the call and supported the club through thick and thin and they are hoping this year will prove no different. The club have details of how to sign up on their excellent Facebook page which contains all you need to know by clicking on the relevant link . The club are deeply appreciative and grateful for all the support they receive from the local community with the annual lotto ticket providing some vital funds to help fund the many teams who play under the Sarsfields banner as well developing their infrastructure to provide the best in terms of facilities for the next generation of Sarsfields stars.
Congratulations are extended to Rita Casey, Main Street, Charlestown, who picked up the Western People Community Award at the Western People Sports Stars Awards night held in Breaffy House Resort on Friday night, February 16, last. Rita is a remarkable lady who has achieved so much in the last number of years as she continues to display wonderful resilience and courage in the face of her ongoing battle with cancer. She completed her fifth Dublin City Marathon last October clocking a magnificent time of 4hrs and 4 minutes in the process while undergoing chemotherapy which was a marvellous achievement that one couldn’t be moved by. She also raised a mind boggling €22,300 for Mayo-Roscommon Hospice by completing the marathon which speaks volumes for her spirit, tenacity and the courage of her convictions. Rita has gained so many admirers through the strength of her character and determination as she continues to forge ahead with life and live it in the best way she knows how.
She can be regularly seen pounding the roads as running gives her a great purpose and provides her with the strength of mind to keep going and take each day on its merits. This award was due recognition for all her outstanding virtues and traits and there was a great turnout of family and friends to support her and cheer her on with her husband John right by her side as she received her award from guest of honour on the night Ger Canning. We can only salute Rita on all she accomplished and wish her continued good health and happiness for many more years in the future as she carries on the fight and battles with all her energy and capability for each and every day.
Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club are staging their annual dinner dance on Saturday, March 9, in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, Co. Sligo. Tickets cost €35 and are available from any member of the executive. There will be a number of presentations made on the night such as Club Person of the Year, Senior, Junior and Young Player of the Year Awards with the ladies club also having a number of their own presentations to make in what promises to be a great night of fun and entertainment. Note the date and join the club in a night of celebration as they look back and reflect on a good year overall in both genders with the men and women coming together to celebrate as one.
Charlestown, Bellaghy and Districts Development Association next Community Coffee Morning takes place on Friday, March 1, in the Town Hall Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown, from 11am-1pm. Lift access available. All welcome for a cuppa and a chat.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2300 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, February 19, and the following numbers were drawn; 1, 4, 23 and 26. The winners of the €20 prizes were; Hayes Family, John Gilmartin and Matthew Kennedy.
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 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.
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 Gaelic For Mothers & 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.
A new five week block of yoga classes is commencing at Carracastle Community Centre on this evening Tuesday, at 7.30pm. Please note this is not a drop-in class. For more information and to book your place contact Toni at 089 2389351 and see Facebook age Yoga with Toni.
SJ Fitness classes have commenced in Carracastle Community Centre on Friday evenings from 7.30-8.30pm. Classes are €8 pay as you go or €40 for a block of 6 classes (18+ only). The classes will concentrate on working on cardio, core, fitness, self-confidence, stamina and self-defence. Sarah looks forward to seeing you all there.
The annual Achonry Pioneer Dinner Dance will be held on Friday, March 8, at 8pm at the Yeats County Inn, Curry with music by The Duets. Tickets cost €35 per person. To book tickets, contact Thomas at 087 2344338 or Caroline at 086 1660196.
There was delight in Charlestown recently following the reopening of the local library after more than three years. At the official opening the range of services provided by the library were outlined. These include free membership, a full stock of new books, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers and learning courses directly to your phone or tablet, DVDs, and story time sessions for children. County librarian Austin Vaughan said at the opening 'Your Mayo library card works in each of the 14 libraries throughout the county, and it also works in all other public libraries in Ireland -so you can borrow a book in Dublin when you’re there for a day and you can return it in Mayo. Newly appointed librarian Elizabeth Maher is delighted to welcome new and older members to the library. She is planning numerous events for both children and adults in the area and believes that the library is a fantastic resource once again for people in Charlestown and the surrounding areas. The weekly opening hours in Charlestown Library are as follows: Tuesday: 12 to 7pm, Thursday: 12 to 7pm, Saturday: 11 am to 4pm.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, February 18, as The Duke and the Dynamo went head to head in another instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was as impressive as always in his role at referee and kept both men in tow with consummate ease. The Duke was rampant on the night and took the game away from his opponent with some sizzling firing. He wrapped up the first set by reeling off three straight legs and things didn’t get much better for the dynamo in set two as the Duke swept into a two set lead with some more deadly scoring as the dynamo struggled to match the levels of a man who was in no mood to offer up any gifts as he continued to maintain his high level ahead of the start of the third set.
The Duke resumed where he left off at the end of set two and continued to blitz his opponent as he camped in the treble twenty bed. He grabbed the first two legs with some ace throwing with the dynamo never getting a look at a double such was the laser like accuracy of the number two seed. He had the advantage of the throw at the third leg and truth to tell the outcome looked never on doubt as two 140s left him in pole position to close the match out in three. The Dynamo tried manfully to stem the tide but he knew the writing was on the wall as the Duke strode to the ochie with three darts in his hand to aim at double eighteen. He needed only one as his first dart arrowed plum into the middle of the bed to set off big scenes of celebration in the Duke’s large support base who chanted his name to the high heavens as he raised his hand in salute and celebration. A terrific victory for the Duke who was imperious from gun to tape with the dynamo quick to acknowledge that fact as he embraced the victor with grace and sincerity. The Duke was a happy man as he claimed his second title of the season as he looks to add more consistency to his play and add another title or two in the coming weeks.
