Local Notes: Turning on of lights at the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch, Charlestown.
At the switching on of the lights at the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch recently were from left; Councillor John Caulfield, Councillor Gerry Murray, Minister Alan Dillon, Marty Horkan (father of the late Colm), Minister Dara Calleary, and Ryan O’Connor (Sarsfields Club Chairman).
Charlestown Sarsfields played an entertaining 1-12 apiece draw with Moy Davitts in round 2 of the Centenary Cup played at the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch under the splendid new floodlights which were turned on before the throw-in. The game was played at a lively and brisk pace throughout with both teams setting out their stall in terms of securing the victory.
The visitors made the better start and had 1-1 on the board in the opening eight minutes and looked much the better team in the early exchanges. Indeed they could and should have been further ahead as they butchered a couple of gilt edged goal chances which almost came back to haunt them at the final whistle. The Sarsfields finally got the scoreboard working in their fagilt-edgeda point from their best player on the night Matty Lenehan who popped over a fine score on the run. This was the start of a purple patch for the Sarsfields as they kicked over four points in row with Lenehan at the heart of all their best football as he landed two frees and another beauty from play with young Cian Towey landing the other point to edge the green and white side in front and bring some cheer to the large home support.
Moy Davitts, stung by the Sarsfields surge, awoke from their slumber and banged over the next three points with a superb two pointed effort, the highlight of their mini scoring spree. The Sarsfields roared back however with that man Lenehan underlining his talent as he cut through the visiting defence with real pace to slam the ball to the net to put the Sarsfields back in front once again. The sides swapped three more scores with the visitors bagging two to the hosts one to leave the game nicely poised at 1-6 apiece at the interval. Moy Davitts were dealt a blow just before the whistle however when they were reduced to fourteen men which spoiled an otherwise enjoyable opening salvo and put a dampener on their mood as they trooped off to the dressing rooms.
The second half was every bit as tight and keenly contested as the first as the two teams grappled for supremacy. The Sarsfields, on paper, should have held all the aces, with the extra man at their disposal but the visitors dug in well and upped their work rate and kept in touch at all times despite the Sarsfields looking the more threatening team. The Sarsfields continued to press with further scores from Matt Lenehan, Gareth O’Donnell and Sean Dunleavy giving them some real momentum and traction as the game entered the final, frantic closing few minutes. Moy Davitts refused to wilt however and while their shooting left a lot to be desired at times, they kept in touch mainly due to the cerebral presence of Brain Reape who was always a threat on the edge of the square. Both teams had their chances to win it but balls were lost in contact or turned over with the final whistle igniting mixed emotions as it was a game the Sarsfields had in their grasp at various stages in the second half but one they ultimately didn’t secure with the visitors probably doing enough to secure a share of the spoils which owed much to their doggedness and resilience as it did to their skill.
There were many positives to be gleaned from a Sarsfields point of view not least of which was the form of Matt Lenehan who was the game’s outstanding player and provided that bit of class and quality as he bagged over half of the Sarsfields final scoring tally. Others to catch the eye included Thomas Goldrick who was solid and strong at full-back with Eoghan Flannery, Sean Dunleavy, Cian Towey, Gareth O’Donnell, Eoin Murphy, Jack Corley, Paddy Joe Dunleavy and Ben Conway making notable contributions. A much improved performance from their opening outing against Aghamore and one which Ruairi Clarke and his management team will be looking to build on as the start of the senior league comes into sharp focus in the next number of weeks.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €21,200 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, March 22, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 4, 5, 18, 20. The winners of the €50 prizes were as follows; Yvonne Walsh (AT) and Tom Morley (lucky dip), and Rebecca McDonnell (online). The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on Sunday night, March 29, was €21,300. Tickets are on sale at a number of outlets in the community and they are also available online via the club’s Facebook page. The club thank everybody who supported their weekly draw.
Atlantic Care is currently looking for compassionate and reliable caregivers to support people in their own homes. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in your local community. Experience is welcome but not always essential, as training and support can be provided. Flexible hours may be available. If you are kind, dependable, and interested in helping others live independently at home, they would love to hear from you. Contact Nollag at 094 9014028 or nollag.mchale@atlanticcare.ie to apply or discuss further.
The next Community Coffee Morning will take place in the Charlestown Arts Centre on Friday, April 3, from 11am-1pm. Lift access is available and all are welcome for a cuppa and a chat.
Pilates classes continue in the Arts Centre, Charlestown on Monday evenings at 8pm and all are welcome.
Salsa classes continue in the Arts Centre, Charlestown on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm and all are welcome.
Charlestown Sarsfields senior ladies lost out to Castlebar Mitchels in round 2 of division one of the county senior league with the Micthels prevailing on a score line of 2-9 to 0-6. The Sarsfields were somewhat depleted in their line-up with a number of regulars missing due to injuries and unavailability. Castlebar, in contrast, were strong and had that little bit more depth across their panel to cope with some absentees and they made their dominance pay where it mattered most on the scoreboard. The Sarsfields fielded a very young and inexperienced side with a number of young players being introduced to the fray which bodes well for the future. This was a bridge too far on this occasion as the Mitchels cruised to a convincing victory with the Sarsfields hoping for better luck in their next outing at home to McHale Rovers.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday, March 18, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 2nd Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 3rd Mary Lynsley and Tom Dunne, and 4th Hilary McCrohan and Carmel Moffitt.
The game takes place every Wednesday night in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown at 8pm.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA Lotto Jackpot of €2900 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, March 16, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 5, 14, 17 and 24. The winners of the 3 x €20 prizes were; Maisie Haran, Cathal Marren and Mary Duffy.
The jackpot in the draw held on Monday, March 23, was €3000. Tickets on sale in a number of outlets and they are also available online via the club’s facebook page.
The Sarsfields host Ballintubber in Fr O’Hara Park in division 2 of the county minor league on Tuesday (this evening), March 31, with the throw-in timed for 5.30pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Parke to take on Parke/Keelogues/ Crimlin in divison 3 of the county U16 league on Thursday, April 2, with the throw-in timed for 5.30pm.
Charlestown Sarsfields suffered a 5-10 to 3-5 defeat to St. Jarlath’s in round 1 of the county U16 league played at the Brickens GAA grounds recently. The hosts had the edge in terms of strength and physicality, and they made this count in all areas of the field. The Sarfields were nothing if not game and brave throughout and never threw in the towel. Jarlath’s had that bit more about them in the middle third and truth to tell were good value for their victory. The Sarsfields goal scorers were Sean Cassidy, Adam Hunt and Artiom Gavrilliuc. Next up for the Sarsfields is a home fixture against Islandeady.
The Sarsfields travel to Ballyhaunis to take on the hosts in round 1 of the Canon Henry Cup on Friday night, April 3, with the throw-in confirmed for 6pm.
Bingo will take place in the CBD Recreational Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown on Good Friday, April 3. Doors open at 7.30pm with the game commencing at 8pm. All proceeds are in aid of the Charlestown Swimming Pool. All are welcome to come along and support and enjoy a great night. There will be a raffle on the night with spot prizes galore and your support would be appreciated.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 drive game held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry on Tuesday night, March 24, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Miko Sheridan and Vera Scally, 2nd Darby and Breege Leonard. Raffle winners were Darby Leonard, Kevin Maloney and James Cafferty. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm and all are welcome.
The Easter Camp takes place at the CBD Recreational Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown (Rinka Ireland-Kids Fun Fitness ) on Wednesday, April 8, from 10am-2pm. The camp consists of high energy, confidence building activities, full of games, teamwork and movement for children aged 4+. Spaces are limited and booking is now open at https://rinka.ie/children-camps.ireland/.
The Charlestown Men’s Shed is open on Wednesday afternoons from 3-5pm and for a 25-card game on Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm. All are welcome.
The Carracastle 11th Mayo Scouts meet every Monday evening in Carracastle Community Centre, with Beavers (6-8yrs) from 6-7pm and Cubs (9-11 yrs) from 7pm-8.15pm. If aynone is interested in joining or would like more information, call 085 2133013 or email mayoscoutscarracastle@gmail.com.
Turn your old tapes into digital memories. Call or message Joe on 086 2303055.
This summer, Leah O’Grady and Sarah McEntire will travel to Nairobi, Kenya, where they will be volunteering in a school supporting education and childcare for children from preschool age and upwards. Both ladies have a great interest in working with children and are really looking forward to getting involved in the classroom, helping out where they can, and learning from the teachers and students there. This is something they have been hoping to do for quite some time, and they are eagerly looking forward to the experience and everything it will entail academically and personally. To help support this, they will be hosting a bake sale after 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Bushfield and after noon (12pm) Mass in St James’ Church, Charlestown, on Easter Sunday next, April 5. All funds raised will go towards their volunteering programme and will also support the school they will be working in and with. They are very grateful to everyone who contributed and supported them to date - it means a great deal. You would be most welcome to stop by after Mass and enjoy some homemade treats.
Charlestown Sarsfields host Balla in division 1 of the county U14 league in Fr O’Hara Park on Monday evening, April 6, with the throw-in timed for 5.30pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Bofeenaun to take on Ardmoy in division 2 of the county minor league on Tuesday, April 7, with the throw-in confirmed for 6pm.
There were some cracking matches played in the latest round of fixtures played in the Honour of the Village darts competition hosted by Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown. All games were tightly contested and drew large crowds to the splendidly appointed venue. Hosts Grainne and Gus Marren have done a great job to date in getting so many games played in such a short window and hats off to all the teams who have co-operated so willingly and turned up to compete on their due date.
Lurga set the ball rolling in a week of high drama as they eliminated a much fancied Lavey in a game of tight margins with the Lurga tyros coming out on the right side of a 5-4 scoreline. This was a real turn-up for the books but Lurga held their nerve when the pressure was greatest as they kept up their fairytale run in a competition they have no real history or form in.
Curry (1) also caused something of a mild shock as they saw off the challenge from Tavneena in a game that had plenty to recommend with - heavy scoring and superb finishing very much the order of the day. Curry Supremon Deccie Haran used his players well and came out of the doubles with a nice cushion which he and his charges were able to maintain in the all important singles contests that followed. Tavneena head coach John Paul Doherty cut a somewhat disconsolate figure when the hammer came down on their hopes as he was hoping to make a big push and return Taveena to the top of the village pecking order. It wasn’t to be however as Curry marched on to the semi-finals and they look one of the form teams in the competition at the moment.
The final game of the week was a cliffhanger as champions Lowpark put their title on the line against a much touted Hagfield outfit. This turned out to be an epic contest with little or nothing separating the teams as the doubles and singles played out. The two teams couldn’t be separated with the scores tied at 4-4 and just one singles match left to be played. Up stepped James Kilroy for the champions with Dom Jordan doing battle for Hagfield. It was nail biting stuff as the two men stepped forward to the ochie. It was the wily and crafty Kilroy however who kept his composure as he navigated his way to the doubles with some steady throwing. Jordan, to his credit, put up a brave show but in the pressure cooker atmosphere that enveloped the packed auditorium, it was Cool Hand Luke Kilroy who had the ice in his veins and clarity on his mind to take out the necessary double and clinch Lowpark’s passage to the semi-final thus keeping alive their hopes of doing the back to back. The roar that greeted his winning dart could be heard over the border in Sligo such was its magnitude and sonority. The old adage of form is temporary, class is permanent, springs to mind to sum up Kilroy’s display as he remains the key anchor man in the Lowpark line-up.
The competition continues to entertain and thrill like no other with the semi-final draw news and dates of the impending fixtures to be revealed in next week’s column.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Public House, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, March 22, as Podsie and The Gripper squared off in the latest instalment of the weekly classic. With Gus at the ochie, it was left to Boom Boom to assume the role of referee and this he did with aplomb as he kept both men in check with total authority.
Podsie made the better start and blasted his way into a two-set lead with some typically power packed darts as he matched heavy scoring with equally adept finishing to leave Gus firmly trailing in his wake as the red marauder found it hard to keep pace with the levels being exhibited by his opponent. The third set was a much closer affair as Gus steadied the ship and found some form after a turgid opening two sets. He looked odds on to take the game to a fourth set when he led two legs to nil with Podsie appearing to be floundering. Gus had the chance to make it a clean sweep as he eyed up double sixteen with three arrows in his quiver. None managed to hit the target sadly which paved the way for Podsie to step forward and fight his way back into the leg which he did effortlessly as he nailed treble sixteen, double eight to haul himself back into contention in the set. Podsie had his mojo back and took full advantage in the next leg as well with Gus still reeling from his missed chances in the previous leg. Podsie was on a roll and the outcome had a real sense of inevitability about it as he steamrolled his way to the title with a blistering final leg display which left Gus trailing in his wake. This was vintage Podsie as he once again showed all his flair and class to get the job done in imperious fashion. This victory, his sixth of the season, sets him up nicely for the lucrative Easter season with Gus left to lick his wounds and ponder on what might have been as he came to terms with another final fadeout. This was a cracking spectacle played before a huge crowd with the online figures also soaring on the back of Podsie’s dominant display.
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The annual Kilmovee 10k and 5k run takes place on Saturday, April 4, at 1pm for one of the most exciting and welcoming races in the country with runners travelling from as far as Philadelphia, London, and all across Ireland. This year’s event promises an incredible atmosphere and a fantastic turnout.
The Kilmovee10k has earned its reputation as one of the largest and most loved races in Connacht built on years of genuine hospitality, community spirit, and unforgettable race-day experiences. Whether you're chasing a personal best or just soaking up the buzz, this is a race you won’t want to miss. There is always an electric atmosphere with a huge crowd, and a friendly, supportive local community. The race is open to runners of all levels and it gives a chance to be part of something truly special.
All proceeds go towards the Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the Kilmovee Shamrocks Player Injury Fund, making every step you take even more meaningful. Lace up your runners, spread the word, and be part of a growing tradition. The organisers look forward to seeing you at the starting line.
The annual Good Friday quiz will be held in Kilmovee Community Centre on Friday, April 3, at 8pm. Admission is €10 per person and there are tables of four people. The proceeds will be divided between Kilmovee Shamrocks GAA club and Kilmovee Active Age (Thursday Club). These are two very worthy causes in the parish. The quiz is open to all ages and your support is greatly appreciated. There will be a raffle with spot prizes on the night and trophies for the winners. The categories are primary school, secondary school, and adults. Please support.
There are rooms available for community meetings, training sessions, workshops, and small events. The centre welcomes local groups and organisations. There is kitchen facilities and a TV available. Reasonable rates. For further information contact: communitycentre2025@outlook.com.
Accord Ballaghaderreen offer a confidential counselling service where couples can explore family relationships. Accord counsellors can help if relationships are under stress. To book a face to face counselling session, call Accord Ballaghaderreen on 087 9972503 for further details.
Kilmovee FRC together with Kilmovee Community Centre will be commencing a Breakfast Club starting 2026/2027 School Year. Expressions of interest to kilmoveehwc@gmail.com.
The Active Age Group meets every Thursday in Kilmovee Community Centre from 11am – 2.30pm. Come along from 11am for tea/coffee and a chat. There will be exercises around midday, lunch at 1pm with Bingo afterwards. It is a lovely way to spend a few hours in good company, get some exercise and a good lunch. The organisers look forward to welcoming you. The cost is €10 a week plus annual membership.
The numbers drawn in the Shamrocks GAA lotto which was held on Saturday, March 14, were 3, 31, 42, 46. There was no winner of the jackpot.
