Local Notes: The Eugene McLoughlin Memorial Tractor Run, Charlestown, presentation of cheques.
The committee and the McLoughlin family, Barrack Street, Charlestown presenting a cheque to CROI to the value of €12,000 from the 11th Annual Eugene McLoughlin Memorial Run which was held in August last.
The Eugene McLoughlin Memorial Tractor Run Committee made their latest presentation to CROI and a number of local clubs following the hugely successful 2025 staging of an event that has become the highlight of the Charlestown Summer calendar since its inception in 2014. The event has grown immensely in the eleven years since and draws participants and crowds from far and wide and attracts support from all corners of the community and beyond. The committee held their recent presentation night and were happy to report that the whopping sum of €25,000 was raised from the 2025 event which is some going for a small community such as our own. The committee deserve great kudos and praise for their ongoing organisation, dedication and commitment as it continues to capture the imagination like no other and brings terrific atmosphere and life to the town not to mention the financial windfall it brings to local businesses as it generates some much needed cash flow and brings footfall to the town like no other event of its kind.
The committee presented €12,000 to CROI which does a huge amount of work in the area of Heart and Stroke management and prevention. The committee also donated €5,000 to the local East Mayo Athletics Club in recognition of the magnificent new facility the club are about to open with a state of the art running track and Astro pitch the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by a very ambitious and driven committee and group of people. The Eugene McLoughlin Memorial Run committee were only too delighted and thrilled to make this donation as it provides the youth and community with a facility that will provide so much fun and enjoyment to people for years into the future. They also donated €1,000 to the Kilbeagh First Responders who also provide a crucial service in the community, responding so promptly and willing to medical emergencies as well as ensuring the upkeep and maintenance of the many defibrillators in the local area. They also provide training courses in medical care and take responsibility for the upskilling of current and new members. The remainder of the monies raised covered all the entertainment and other expenses that were incurred on the day.
The committee and McLoughlin Family are deeply indebted to the community for their continued and sustained support of the event not just this year but over the course of the last eleven years. People have been steadfast in their support and the family and committee would also like to extend a sincere thanks to the many sponsors who have come up trumps in terms of prizes of all sorts for the raffles and auctions that also form a key part of the overall event. Deep gratitude to the people who act as stewards, volunteers and all the many other jobs that contribute to the success of the event, their support is invaluable and very much appreciated with the community as a whole rowing in wholeheartedly behind the event in memory of a husband, dad and father who was well liked and much respected by all in the town and beyond before his sudden and untimely passing.
A special word for the committee who have made an outstanding success of a concept that they first derived and came up with in 2014. They deserve all the praise in the world for their hard work and determination in making the event bigger and better year on year. They put in a huge shift in the organisation and planning with their work bearing fruit in spades as with the amount of money raised over the last fourteen years being well in excess of €100,000, €90,000 of which has gone to CROI with €25,000 going to local charities/clubs. This is an astounding achievement for a small and voluntary committee with all eyes on the 2026 version as they look to emulate and topple the success of 2025 which will be one hard task but one they are very much geared up for as the planning for 2026 has already begun.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €19,300 in the weekly draw held on Sunday, November 9, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 4, 6, 13 and 23. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Jimmy Haran (annual ticket) and Joanne Kilkenny.
The latest jackpot increased to €19,400 and the draw was held on Sunday, November 16.
A meeting to discuss the ongoing care and maintenance of the Charlestown Cemetery of the Resurrection will take place on Monday, November 24 at 7.30pm in the Pastoral Centre. All interested members of the community are warmly invited to attend. Your support and suggestions will be greatly appreciated as we work together to ensure the continued upkeep and reverent care of the cemetery.
The annual general meeting of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club will take place on Friday, November 28 at 8pm in the meeting room over Supermac’s Airport Road, Charlestown. All members are invited to attend as the club reflect on another busy and successful year on and off the field. Nomination papers for the various positions on the executive are available by logging on to the Charlestown Sarsfields Facebook page or by contacting the secretary Kevin Deignan at secretary.charlestown.-mayo@gaa.ie.
A silent protest takes place every Friday evening on the N17/N5 Overpass from 6pm-7pm with numbers growing week on week as the horrors of what continues to unfold in Gaza impacts on more and more people across the country. Many have been moved to take action via protests of one form or another and the silent protest taking place at the above overpass is another indication of the depth of feeling and anger that`s out there as the people of Gaza suffer untold hardship and loss of life which is stirring up lots of emotions and outrage in people across all strands and facets of the community.
Senior exercise classes takes place in the in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown on Friday mornings at 11am and all are welcome.
Classes take place in the Arts Centre on Wednesday mornings from 11am-1pm and new members are most welcome.
The annual Bereavement Service will take place on Sunday, November 23, at 5pm in St James’ Church, Charlestown. It is a time when people remember all those who have died in the past twelve months in the parish. An invitation is extended to those whose loved ones have passed away outside the parish community if they wish to have their loved one remembered in the service. For further information contact Fr John Maloney.
Women’s Box-Fit classes (fun fitness for all ages and levels) take place every Wednesday at the Charlestown Boxing Club headquarters, Old Cloonfane School, from 7.30-8.45pm. The cost is €60 per an eight week block or €10 per session (pay as you go). The instructor is Keely Stevens, five times national champion. Call 089 4977388 for more details.
Family Carers Ireland is currently recruiting for community homecare workers. Work hours are flexible based on availability. Essential qualification requirements are; QQ1 Care of the Older Person and Care Skills modules completed and must have their own car and full driving licence. Send CV to jobs@familycarers.ie or contact Carol on 049 8511051 or 086 4183949 for more information.
Rosary takes place at Tavneena Upper Shrine each night at 8pm during the month of November.
The annual general meeting of the Charlestown Sarsfields LGFA Club will take place on Thursday, November 20, at 8pm in the upstairs area of Charlestown Service Station (Supermac’s). All members are invited to attend as the club reflect on another busy year on and off the field. For more information on nomination papers, etc check out the Charlestown Sarsfields LGFA Facebook page.
Dance classes with Gina at Carracastle Community Centre are held on Wednesday evenings from 8-9.30pm. The cost is €10 per class. Learn to jive, waltz, quickstep, foxtrot and line dance. For more information contact 085 7704647.
Yoga class is held at Carracastle Community Centre every Tuesday at 7.30pm. The cost is €10 per class, with a free taster class for newcomers. For more information and to book your place, contact Sophie at 083 4798831.
The Christmas Craft Fair will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Sunday, November 30, from 10am-2pm, featuring a wide variety of handmade crafts and bakes. Free entry. Tea and coffee available, and there will be a raffle on the day. Please support our local crafts people.
The Youth 2000 Connaught retreat takes place on November 21-23 in Summerhill College, Sligo, with workshops, music, talk, testimonies and more. Donation only. Register online at Youth2000.ie contact connaught@youth2000.ie for more information.
Rosary will be recited at the Lurga Shrine during the month of November at 7pm each evening and 5pm on Sunday evening for the Holy Souls. Everyone welcome.
The death took place in England recently of Maria Durcan Stock, Ingatestone, England and formerly of Glann, Charlestown. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
St Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown, host Elphin Community College at Fr O’Hara Park in the Senior E Schools Football Championship on Wednesday, November 26, with the throw-in confirmed for 12.30pm.
Pencil Portraits Here’s a brilliant idea for a gift with the Christmas Season coming very much into focus. Why not order /get a portrait drawing of a loved one. Matt Doyle has a terrific talent for the whole amazing art and design of portrait drawing and this might well be an avenue to ponder on in terms of surprising a loved one with their very own portrait. For more information check out the Charlestown (town) facebook page and PM for details.
The death took place at Bailey’s Nursing Home, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo recently of John P. Durcan, Bunnacrannagh, Curry, Co. Sligo. Deepest sympathies are extended to the bereaved.
Have you ever thought about Fostering? Change a child’s life by becoming a Tusla Foster Carer. Talk to Tusla Fostering today by calling Freephone 1800 226 771 or visit www.fostering.ie.
Sásta Learnig Centre AGM will take place on Thursday, November 27, at 7pm in the Town Hall Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown. All are welcome to attend.
Mayo’s new monthly indoor market will start on Sunday, December 14, from 11am-4pm at Julian’s Midfield and every second Sunday of the month thereafter. If you would like to trade at this event monthly, call 087 7957190. Stalls will be €20 and €25 if electricity is required (spaces limited). No hot food sales. All traders must have relevant insurance.
Charlestown Sarsfields were pitted against near neighbours Kilmovee Shamrocks in a winner-take all County U20C championship fixture played at Fr O’Hara Park on Sunday last. The Sarsfields came into a game in a rich vein of form having seen off the challenges of Achill and Shrule/Glencorrib with ease and with home advantage this was surely going to be worth a few points to them with the visitors expected to bring plenty of fire and brimstone to what was anticipated to be a keenly contested encounter indeed with the noisy neighbours hoping to get one over on their more illustrious neighbours in a game which has plenty of plots and sub-plots around it. There will be a full report in next week’s issue as the two neighbours slugged it out with the small matter of a play-ff place awaiting the winners.
Classes continue in the Town Hall Arts Centre on Wednesday nights from 7.30-8.30pm and all are welcome.
Workshops continue on November 25 in the Charlestown Arts Centre from 6-7.30pm for 12-18 year olds. The focus over the course of the four workshops was on movement, vocal work, script work, character development, improvisation and musical theatre. Thus represents a great way to meet new friends, develop creativity, confidence, wellbeing, be active and have so much fun. For more details and booking s contact Carmel on 086 0734867.
Carracastle Trad Session takes place every Wednesday night at Davey’s Bar, Carracastle, Co. Mayo starting at 9pm. An old fashioned rambling house session with no microphones or speakers. All musicians/singers welcome.
New and returning members are asked join the parish choir. No prior experience required. Practice takes place each Thursday at 7pm in the parish church. Enquiries to Carmel on 086 3271196.
Exercise classes are back with Tracey in the Charlestown Arts Centre on Friday afternoon, November 21, at 12 noon. All welcome. €2 contribution per class. Lift access available.
Living Well the free HSE programme helps people living with chronic conditions. Anyone with any illness such as diabetes, arthritis, COPD, cardiac illness, anxiety, etc can benefit from these workshops. Prior registration is required. Contact Liam Gildea on 086 0142675 or ligildea@southmayo.com.
The East Mayo Athletics Club have a Christmas Challenge available for all would be athletes/joggers and walkers. The aim is to run/jog/walk 3 x 5km a week in the five week period leading up to Christmas with the initiative expected to get underway this coming week. It costs €20 to take part which represents very good value and team What’s App groups have been created with more information on the same to be had on the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook page. This challenge is well worth taking on and is sure to prove popular to many within and outside the community as people look to get/keep in shape ahead of the busy Christmas period.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, November 5, at 8pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st James Mooney and Mary O’Connell, 2nd Hilary McCrohan and Carmel Moffitt, 3rd Michael Dee and Teresa Ward, 4th Mae and Charles Quinn.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25-card game held at the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday, November 11, at 9pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Mary Costello and Kevin Maloney. Raffle winners were; Darby Leonard, Breege Leonard, Miko Sheridan and Mary Costello.
Tavneena NS are delighted to announce that their Annual Christmas Concert will take place in the school on Friday, December 12, at 6.30pm. This year the children will perform ‘Straw and Order’, a children’s nativity with an amazing fun twist on the original Christmas story. It promises to be another fantastic evening filled with singing, laughter and brilliant acting. Everyone is welcome, so bring your family and friends and join us as we begin to celebrate the festive season together. Looking forward to seeing you there on the night, so save the date.
Castle Kidz Childcare are holding their AGM at the facility on Thursday, November 20 at 8pm. The organisation is seeking new volunteers to join their management committee and help out with service events. Please come along to meet the committee and see how the wonderful service works and operates. looking forward to welcoming you all on the night.
The Carracastle Annual Remembrance Service will be held on Friday, November 28 at 7.30pm at St James’ Church, Carracastle to remember all the deceased loved ones and friends. All welcome to join us for an evening of prayer, reflection and thanksgiving.
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 services 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 from 9am-8pm.
The death took place recently of Mary O’Brien (nee Higgins), Stillorgan, Dublin, College Road, Longford and formerly of Charlestown, Co. Mayo. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
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.
Life after bereavement can feel very lonely. Trained facilitators conduct a weekly ‘Bereavement Support Meeting’ 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 on 094 9375320.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €4600 in the weekly draw held on Monday, November 10, and the following were four numbers drawn; 1, 16, 20 and 22. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; Cathal Marren, Michael Loftus and John A Kennedy. Last week’s jackpot increased to €4800 and the draw took place on Monday, November 17.
St. Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown progressed to the next round of the Connacht Junior D Championship with a comprehensive 4-13 to 1-7 victory over Sancta Muire, Louisburgh in a winner take all contest played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently. As the final score would indicate, St Joe’s were in control of the contest from an early stage and secured the scores to put their opposition on the back foot with the goal threat carried by their forward line manifesting itself where it counted most on the scoreboard that is. A good performance from St Joe’s and one which augurs well for their chances as they look to go deep into the competition.
Taisce Bheag Handmade Christmas Cards are available through messaging their page and can also be sourced through accessing their upcoming website. A percentage of the proceeds made from their cards will be donated to Mayo-Roscommon Hospice which helps to support care in the local community. They thank you for your continuous support and look forward to unveiling their exclusive seasonal designs over the coming weeks.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday, November 9, as Podsie and Boom Boom fought out another interesting instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was tucked away in the referee’s hut and did his usual top class job ensuring both men towed the line impeccably. Podsie has dominated this head-to-head in recent times and once again put his opponent to the sword in the opening two sets with some sublime throwing. He hit his trebles and doubles with complete precision as Boom Boom just caved as he made to look redundant in the face of such an onslaught of high scoring from the top seed.
Boom Boom began the third set staring very much at a whitewash as Podsie, buoyed by his top-class form, looked to put the game to bed in three. Credit to Boom Boom he rallied and took the first two legs of the third against the darts to prolong the match a little longer for the large crowd who had flocked to the venue expecting fireworks. They were sorely disappointed however, as Podsie regained his poise and composure and rattled off three legs on the spin as only he can, thus closing out the match in three straight sets as he nailed double eighteen with his final dart in the fifth and deciding leg to complete another lopsided victory. Boom Boom had appeared in this movie many times and all he could do was offer his hand in congratulations with both men sharing a warm fist pump and a few nice words. Podsie took the acclaim of his large band of supporters as he stepped on the winner’s podium for a remarkable thirteenth time this season which sets him up nicely for the lucrative Christmas season with his game in terrific shape as he hones in on several more titles in the weeks ahead.
