Local Notes: Tony and Bernie Towey Dance Competition is held at Brusna Inn
At the Tony and Bernie Towey Dance Competition in the Brusna Inn were Albert Cornwall and Irene Greene being presented with their trophy for second place in the quick step by Jane McCormack. Pic James Hunt Photography.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €8,900 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, November 5, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 3, 5, 17 and 27.
The winners of the 2 x €50 weekly prizes were Martha McGowan and John Kilroy. The latest jackpot increased to €9,000 and the draw was held on Sunday night, November 12.
The AGM of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club will take place on Friday, December 1, at 8.30pm in the Town Hall Arts Centre. All members are requested to attend as the club look back and reflect on a busy year on and off the field. Nomination forms for all the positions on the executive will be posted to club members in the coming days and people are asked to return the same to the club secretary, Kevin Deignan on or before November 29. The club are hoping a large crowd will be in attendance and they invite new members to come forward and get involved in the club as it continues to grow and evolve with many new developments and initiatives ready to take shape for 2024 and beyond.
Hard luck to the U14 girls who were narrowly beaten by Ballintubber in their latest outing in the U14 league. There was little or nothing between the two teams all through a gripping contest that ebbed and flowed from tip-off to the final buzzer. The Charlestown girls were competitive all through but the home side found that little bit of extra inspiration near the end as they secured a couple of late baskets to claim the spoils.
Well done to the U12 boys who acquitted themselves brilliantly at a recent blitz competition hosted by the Crossmolina Club recently. They defeated Westport (twice) and the hosts and played some quality basketball as they put their opposition to the sword with some thrilling play. The boys were a credit to the club and their coaches as they continue to develop and progress get better with each and every outing which hints at a bright future for this very talented group of young lads.
The AGM of the East Mayo Athletics Club will take place on Monday, November 20, at 8.45pm in the CBD Recreational Centre. All members are requested to attend to plan the year ahead and look back on the wonderful year that 2023 was for the club and its members. Your participation would be most welcome to grow and sustain the club.
Charlestown Sarsfields U21 team travel to Brickens to take on Eastern Gaels on Sunday, November 19, in round 3 of the county U21 C championship with the throw-in timed for 12 noon. Both teams will be looking to secure the victory to seal their passage to the play-off stages so there’s plenty at stake for the Sarsfields as they look to the likes of Jack Corley, Mike Marren, Ciaran Honeyman and Sean Dunleavy to guide them to victory.
Charlestown Sarsfields U13 team lost out to Burrishoole in the final of the U13 D Grading League final played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently. The Newport lads came through on a score line of 4-9 to 2-7 with the Sarsfields having cause to regret a lacklustre first half performance where they trailed by eight points at half-time.
Burrishoole were the slicker side in the first half and moved the ball well between the lines and had a potent forward line who hit the Sarsfields for three first half goals as they ran lanes through the heart of the green and white defence.
Oisin Durcan goaled for the Sarsfields twenty minutes in to lift the gloom somewhat but Burrishoole hit back with their very next attack as they cancelled out the Sarsfields three pointed with a goal of their own to restore their big lead. The Sarsfields were in a hole at half-time as they trailed by ten with the visitors full value for their lead.
The second half saw the Sarsfields thunder into the game as they slowly but surely seized control in the key middle third battleground. The scores they craved came albeit slowly as they laid siege to the Burrishoole goal as the visitors struggled to escape from the blanket press being applied by the hosts. Points from Adam Hunt with a brace, Sean Cassidy and Dylan Pilcher reduced their arrears as they harried and hassled their opponents in every line of the field and stripped them of possession at regular intervals.
Things got even better for the Sarsfields when Ethan Honeyman goaled to reduce their arrears to three as Dylan Pilcher and Sean Cassidy drove the Sarsfields forward with some terrific play.
Burrishoole , however found some late inspiration with a brace of points finally getting the scoreboard moving as the Sarsfields challenge hit the skids somewhat. Burrishoole, buoyed by those points, struck late with their fourth goal which finally put paid to a gallant Sarsfields revival as the Newport lads had enough daylight on the scoreboard to see out the game till the final whistle.
The Sarsfields rallied bravely in the second half and showed lots of guts and character but left themselves with too much to do as Burrishoole held on and came up with the goods at the end to seal a good victory for all involved with the Newport based side.
The Sarsfields had good performances from Dylan Pilcher, Sean Cassidy who were excellent in the second half with Pilcher particularly outstanding. Liam Giblin, Cian Casey, Brian Egan, Jack Healy and sub Cian Haran were also very much to the fore in their fine second half showing with keeper Tadhg Murphy also acquitting himself well between the posts. Well done to the management team of Donal Healy, Mike Doherty and Neal O’Connor who got a great tune out of the lads and put in a big shift with the team throughout a long and busy season with the team getting better with each and every outing. This was the final game of the season at underage level with the club once again competing well on all fronts and enjoying some good days in the sun.
St Attracta’s Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown, are pleased to invite expressions of interest from anyone who may wish to volunteer with the residents of the nursing home. The role of the volunteer is to communicate with the residents, listen to them and provide companionship. This endeavour will be structured and supported by the staff of the nursing home. Suitable volunteers should have excellent communication skills, compassion and integrity. If you would like to discuss this further contact St Attracta’s on 094 9254307 or email info@stattractas.com.
Could you spare two hours a month to help the current team? You will meet new people, have some fun, all the while helping others along the way. For more information contact Patricia at 086 8514682 or Sinead 087 2997049 or email info@charlestown.ie.
The CBD Recreational Centre have an ongoing clothing collection taking place at the moment with the next drop off talking place between November 13-November 17, between the hours of 10.30am and 1.30pm. Drop offs outside these times can be arranged by contacting 089 2616514. The following items are being accepted; Clean clothing, handbags, belts, paired shoes, curtains, bed linen, towels, blankets and soft toys. No pillows or duvets.
The death took place recently in Heathen Moor, England, of Lily Bones (nee Corley), formerly of Upper Hagfield, Charlestown. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Charlestown Sarsfields U21 team got their campaign off to the best possible start with a narrow 1-8 to 0-10 victory over Ballaghdereen in round one of the county U21C championship played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently.
The Sarsfields had much the better of the exchanges in the opening half and looked in control as Ballaghdereen had a man sent off and black carded in a tempestuous first half that tested the patience of the referee as cards were dished out left right and centre.
The Sarsfields looked to be well on their way to victory when Ciaran Honeyman punched the ball to the net early in the second half to extend their lead as the Sarsfields looked to kick for home with a man advantage to boot.
Things didn’t quite go to script however as the homeside huffed and puffed but never delivered the knockout blow as slowly but surely Ballaghaderreen plotted their way back into the game and started to make the scoreboard work in their favour. The game was very much in the melting pot with ten minutes to go as one score stood between the two sides with the Sarsfields holding the advantage but with little or no conviction or method to their play as shots were dropped short and passes misplaced which kept the visitors firmly in the contest.
The closing stages were tense as the Sarsfields searched for the scores that would settle the game in their favour. Those scores never arrived as Ballaghaderreen narrowed their deficit to one point with time almost elapsed. The Sarsfields hung on grimly and kept their goal intact but not with great assurance as the final whistle was greeted with pure relief in the Sarsfields camp as they fell over the line to claim the spoils.
The game had a real end of season feel about it as it lacked tempo and intensity as both sides struggled to raise their levels anything above mediocrity. The Sarsfields were best served by Jack Corley, Eoin Flannery, Tadhg Horkan, Sean and Paddy Joe Dunleavy, Conor McArdle and Ciaran Honeyman with James Conway acquitting himself well between the posts.
Next up for the Sarfields is a game against Shrule/Glencorrib where a more convincing performance will be needed if victory is to be achieved.
Learn to Dance classes including jiving and waltzing continue every Monday night from 8-9pm at Carracastle Community Centre. Classes are €10 and pay as you go. All welcome to come along on the night. For more information and to book your place, contact Kieran at 087 7414968.
Keep Fit classes with chair-based exercises for the over 60’s are held every Wednesday morning at Carracastle Community Centre from 1am -12 noon. For more information and to book your place contact Sarah at 086 3879635.
Carracastle Christmas Craft Fair is back again this year and will be held at Carracastle Community Centre on Sunday, November 26, from 10am-2pm, featuring a wide range of handmade presents, baked goods, and local crafters. Entry is free and tea/coffee will be available and all are welcome to attend. If you would like to have a table on the day, contact Trevor at 089 4463487 asap to book your place.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, November 1, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 2nd James Mooney and Mary O`Connell, 3rd Mary Swin O`Malley and Teresa Ward, 4th Frances and Robert Healy shared with Don Murray and Carmel Moffitt, 6th Maura Kilcoyne and Nora McVeigh, 7th Hilary McCrohan and Elsie Jackson, 8th Tom Dunne and Mary Lynskey, 9th Mary O`Hara and Margaret Kenny, 10th Tommy O`Malley and Michael Dee The game takes place every Wednesday night at 8pm in Walshs’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, and all are welcome.
The rosary will be recited at Lurga Shrine for the Holy Souls for the month of November. The meeting to pray for the dearly departed will take place every evening at 7pm and 5pm on Sundays.
The Knitting Club meet every every Thursday morning in the Pastoral Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown, between 10.30am-1pm.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Tuesday, November 7, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Pearse Henry and James Reidy, 2nd Paul Flannery and Mary O’Hara, Seamus Durcan and James Cafferty. Raffle winners were Darby Leonard, Vera Scally, Seamus Durcan and Miko Sheridan. The game is held every Tuesday night next at 8.30pm in Walsh’s Bar and all are welcome especially new members.
A Christmas Spectacular takes place at Knock Basilica on Friday, December 1, with ‘An Evening of Songs of Faith, Hope, Love and Christmas’ featuring Margo, Philomena Begley, Donna Taggart, John McNicholl and Marc Roberts. Also featuring Una Nolan and Schola Cantorum Basilicae.
Tickets cost €30 and are available from Mary McNicholas in Victim Assistance Head Office. This special event will raise funds for Victim Assistance, supporting victims of crime and trauma victims in Ireland. Door open at 6.30pm and the show begins at 8pm. More information from Victim Assistance head office, Kiltimagh. Tel 094 9000 251/1800 277 477.
Charlestown Choir practice takes place on Thursday evenings at 7pm in St James’s Church, Charlestown. New and returning members are welcome. For more information contact Carmel on 086 3271106.
Classes take place every Monday evening in the Town Hall Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown at 8pm. To book a place contact 087 6471919 or email taragh.cosgrove@gmail.com.
The Living Well programme is for adults 18 years and over. It is suitable for those who are living with one or more long term health conditions and for those caring with someone with a long-term health condition. This is an online course and there are still a few place available. For more information contact Fiona on 087 7185615.
Salsa classes take place in the Town Hall Arts Centre (upstairs), Barrack Street, Charlestown, every Wednesday evening at 7pm. For more information contact Lenka 086 3571360.
Free Alzheimer’s screening is available in O’Donnell’s, Totalhealth Pharmacy, The Square, Charlestown, on Friday, November 24. To make an appointment or for more information call 094 9254177.
The official reopening of the Charlestown Library will be held in December. More news anon.
Mayo Cancer Support offer a range of emotional supports to people with cancer and their families. For more information call 094 9038407.
Enable Ireland, Mayo Services, require volunteers in all areas of County Mayo to work with children with a disability. Volunteers usually work one to one with a child within their home but also within their community or at the centre in Castlebar. No more than three hours are required per week and work can be arranged around a person’s availability. Training is provided. If you are interested, contact Fiona at 087 6808350 or email fscully@enableireland.ie for further information. This is a rewarding activity and volunteers are very positive about their experience.
Cloonacool Players open Tubbercurry 1 Act Drama on Thursday, November 16, with their powerful rendering of Malachy McKenna's ‘The Quiet Land’. An outstanding with equally terrific performances from Martin McIntyre and Dennis Ross. Not to be missed.
The death took place at Sligo University Hospital of Sr Moira Ryan, Marist Convent, Carrick-on Shannon, Co. Leitrim, and formerly of Gowlaun, Doocastle, Co Mayo. Her remains were removed to St James’s Church, Charlestown, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the Cemetery of the Resurrection. Sr Moira is survived by her brothers Seamus and Thomas Bernard, sister Patricia, brother-in law, sister-in law, nieces, nephews, Marist family, relatives and a wide circle of friends.
Sr Moira was a lovely lady in the true sense of the word who created a wonderful impression on all who met and knew her during her many travels and adventures across the globe. She was a educator par excellence and had forged a great bond with the many students who were lucky enough to come under her tutelage. She was a lady of great kindness who had a friendly and caring disposition which was always on display whenever you had the good fortune to meet or bump into her as she went about her daily chores. Sr. Moira was a lady of compassion and integrity and these qualities served her well as she lived life in the best way she knew how. She was a lady of deep faith and dedicated her life to helping others with the large crowds who attended the removal of her remains and subsequent burial ample proof of the esteem and affection in which she was held. She leaves a lasting legacy and a treasure trove of memories which her family will cherish and cling dear to in these deep, dark hours and days and we tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2200 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, November 6, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 3, 9, 12 and 23. The following were the winners of the €20 prizes; Paul Cunnie, Michael Kilcoyne and Cathy McCarrick.
The latest jackpot increased to €2300 and the draw took place on Monday night, November 13.
Katie Mairead ballet classes place throughout the week in various locations. Contact Ms Katie on 089 4079074 for more information or register your child by logging onto the Charletown. Co. Mayo Facebook page and follow the link.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, November 5, as The Egg and The Magician went head to head in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was imperious as always in his role as match referee and ensured law and good manners prevailed at all times.
The Egg was bang on the mark in the opening set and bagged it in clinical fashion with a neat 100 finish in the fourth leg giving him an early lead. The Magician found his range in set two and levelled the match with a treble eighteen double sixteen brace doing the trick nicely as he won three legs on the bounce to level the match. The Magician weaved some more magic from his book of spells in set three and wrapped it up in the fourth leg as he nailed double eighteen with his final dart to turn the match on its head as he edged 2-1 in front and looked to have all the momentum ahead of the start of set four. The Egg steadied the ship and took the first two legs as he re-discovered his range among the trebles and doubles. He looked odds on to bring the game to a fifth and concluding set when he had three darts at double top in the third leg but he fluffed his lines badly and the magician stepped in and took the leg against the odds to stay alive in the set. McGowan, ecstatic at stealing the darts backed it up in the fourth leg with a clinical treble 15, double eighteen finish sealing the leg and leaving him one away from victory as the Egg was left to rue another leg that slipped from his grasp. The fifth leg had some moments of drama and suspense with the Egg looking an early favourite to close it out. The Magician had the bit between his teeth at this stage however and roared back into contention with a maximum 180 leaving him on a finish of 64 with Egg stranded in the low 200s.
McGowan raced to the ochie and pinged his first dart into the centre of the treble eight baize to leave two darts at double top. He needed only one as his next dart barged into the heart of the double to set off wild celebrations among McGowan’s large and loyal fan base. The Egg, while disappointed to lose out at the final stage once again, showed all his class and grace as he embraced the victorious Magician with genuine warmth which was reciprocated in return by an elated magician. McGowan was roundly applauded and cheered as he stepped onto the winner’s podium to claim his fourth title of the season and ended a losing streak in finals stretching back the best part of two months and more.
