Local Notes: Young athletes from St Attracta's NS, Charlestown win 25 medals at the East Mayo Schools Cross Country competition.
Young athletes from St Attractas’s NS Charlestown who won the huge haul of 25 medals at the East Mayo Schools Cross Country Competition held in Swinford recently. A proud day for the East Mayo Athletics Club also as they have been heavily invested in the coaching of these young boys and girls from an early age.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €13,300 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, September 15, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 1,14, 25 and 33. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Susan McDonald and Margaret Goldrick, c/o Goldie. The latest jackpot increased to €13,400 and the draw was held on Sunday night, September 22.
South Sligo Wild Sauna is delighted to announce their new location for the coming winter months. They will be open for business at the CBD Sport and Recreational Centre (F12R832) from Saturday, September 21, and every Saturday there after. Bookings are now live on their website www.bookwhen,com/southsligowildsauna. You can also visit their social media page for more information.
The Charlestown Foroige Club will reconvene for the new season in the coming weeks and are currently in negotiations with their new first year group. They are also on the lookout for new leaders/volunteers to come on board and get involved with the group. If you are interested in either of the above you can visit the Charlestown Foroige Club Social Media Page(s) where you can find the links to register for both.
The club are putting out an appeal for more coaches for the coming season. The club has grown enormously since its foundation some five years ago and with teams competing at all ages from U10 and upwards. They have become a victim of their own success however as they are in dire need of new coaches to come on board and help out with the coaching of the teams they plan to field at age grade of competition in both genders for the coming 2024/2025 season. They have a number of coaching clinics and initiatives up and running to give people a course in best coaching practice but need more help to come forward or else they will not be able to cater and provide teams for competition at certain age grades. Any offers of support/help would be greatly appreciated with more information on how to get involved available on the Cubs Basketball Facebook page which gives up to date information on all matters pertaining to the club on a daily/weekly basis.
Charlestown Sarsfields came up short in round 3 of the county senior championship when they lost out to Garrymore on a score line of 2-8 to 0-11 in the final round of group games played at a wet and windy Ballindine recently.
The game was played in atrocious conditions as heavy rain left the playing surface in a very dubious state as the pitch cut up badly in several spots which left it extremely difficult for both sets of players.
Garrymore played with the advantage of a significant breeze at their backs in the first half and made most of the running as they controlled the ball in the middle third and in Darren Quinn they had a man who was inspired in front of the posts as he landed their first three scores from a variety of angles and distances as he gave an exhibition of long distance kicking.
Jack Mahon got the Sarsfields off the mark with a neat point from play with Paul Towey following it up with an excellent point from play to leave the Sarsfields 0-4 to 0-2 in arrears as Quinn landed another superb point from play as he threatened to take the game away from the Sarsfields single-handedly.
The Garrymore men continued to monopolise position with the Sarsfields defence coming under real pressure as the game took a real shift towards the men from South Mayo as they bagged two goals in quick succession both of which were almost identical in their creation and execution with two high balls deep into the Sarsfields small square ending up in the back of the net in a horror five minute spell for the green and white as the scoreboard took on a real red and white feel with Garrymore surging into a 2-4 to 0-2 lead with the Sarsfields heads floored on the back of this swift concession.
Two points from Paddy Goldrick and another beauty from Paul Towey offered some crumbs of comfort for the Sarsfields but the imperious Darren Quinn rounded off the half in some style for Garrymore as he landed the two final points to leave the Garrymore in dominant position as they led 2-6 to 0-4 at half time with the Sarsfields facing a very difficult and deflating team talk as they trailed by eight points with morale very much on the floor.
The Sarsfields had to go for it in the second half and go for it they did in earnest as they threw off the shackles and carried the game to Garrymore, Paddy Goldrick set the tone immediately from the throw-in as he careered through the heart of the Garrymore defence and fired the ball over the bar with a goal very much at his mercy.
Paul Towey followed up minutes later when another delicious score from play as the Sarsfields started to run hard at the South Mayo rearguard. Another point from a free from Towey made it three scores on the bounce as Garrymore struggled to get any kind of possession in the middle third as their attacks ran aground with the Sarsfields defence keeping a tight defensive line.
The intensity of the tackles and challenges went up several notches as a real championship game ensued with the Sarsfields continuing to come at Garrymore from every sector of the field. Paddy Lenehan, re-positioned on the edge of the square at the start of the second half, became a growing influence as he showed well for balls and from one such delivery rolled his man to hammer over a terrific point to reduce the deficit to four as the Sarsfields refused to back away from a game that looked gone from them at half-time.
Garrymore just couldn’t buy a score in the frenzy that was the opening twenty minutes as the Sarsfields sealed off all routes to goal with the forward line, ably led by Towey and Lenehan, threatened real menace when the ball landed in and around the Garrmore full-back line.
Two further points from the Sarsfields care of Towey and a nice effort from Ben Conway made it a one score game as Garrymore, sensing their hold on the game had long since gone, emptied the bench in the hope of stemming the tide and getting some kind of control back in their corner.
The Sarsfields were not for turning however and made it a one point game with another brilliant score from play from Paul Towey who was really in the mood to make a statement such was his overall excellence in front of goal. The Sarsfields had the possession and territory to get level but balls were lost in contact or wrong options were taken as Garrymore held firm and as they finally managed to break their second half scoring duck with Darren Quinn kicking a priceless score under the most extreme of pressures to lift the siege and give his team the fillip they needed having to withstand twenty five minutes of incessant Sarsfields pressure.
The Sarsfields continued to battle hard but the Garrymore fresh legs from the bench made a crucial difference in the final frantic few minutes as they won the coveted breaking ball and ran hard and drew fouls with Trevor Nally converting a handy free in the dying embers to stretch the lead back to three as the Sarsfields effort finally ran out of gas.
They did have one final chance at the death as Paddy Goldrick won a ball deep in the Garrymore half but it dribbled out of his hands at the key moment with the final whistle sounding immediately after to bring a rip-roaring game to a conclusion.
One must comment on the dire state of the pitch which is no way a criticism of the Davitts club or officials who did their best to have everything as good as they possibly could considering the huge amount of rain that fell in the lead up to the match. The pitch, however, was not in good shape before ever the ball was thrown in and cut up badly during the warm-up which calls into question the decision to play it there in the first place as it would hardly have passed a pitch inspection if the rules around what constitutes a playable surface were adhered to.
No question Garrymore deserved their victory but many were prompted to comment afterwards on the poor surface the players were exposed to with all the more credit to both sets on making the best of it and serving up a good and hard fought but fair contest. The Davitts GAA Club have a terrific facility at their disposal but the game should have been moved to a better playing surface with player welfare which we here so much about not being taken into account when both sets of players were asked to perform on such a soggy and rain drenched sod.
The Sarsfields had fine performances from Paul Towey who was superb throughout and gave a timely reminder of his class in front of the posts with Paddy Lenehan, Ruairi Cullen, Jack Mahon and Ben Conway, all providing good support in attack. Paddy Goldrick had some big moments in the middle of the field, kicking two points and showing well in broken play while Fergal Quinn, Jack Corley, Gareth O’Donnell, Niall Drudy and David Caffrey were excellent in defence and got in an amount of tackles and turnovers that hauled the Sarsfields right back into the game in the second half. Keeper Patrick Walsh put the disappointment of the two goals behind him in the first half as he enjoyed a storming second thirty and was always an outlet for the backline and drove forward at every opportunity.
The Sarsfields now face into a relegation battle which will be a real test of their mettle and character as they strive to cling on to their senior status having invested so much for such little reward in the group stages.
The death took place recently of Tony O’Brien, Killaturley, Charlestown. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Sympathy is extended to Patricia Brennan, Barrack Street, Charlestown, on the death of her sister Mary Kane who died in Philadelphia, USA recently.
The East Mayo Athletics Club have launched their Autumn 5km series programme which involves five races at a number of venues in the Charlestown and surrounding hinterlands. They are extremely grateful to the local businesses for their sponsorship of the event. The second in the 5km takes place in Cloonlyon on Saturday, September 28, with the race having a €5 entry fee or €20 for all five races. Registration takes place at 9.30am with the race having a 10am start. The Cloonlyon terrain is likely to provide a tougher test than the Curry route in race one with some hills and undulations to contend with which well make it a nice challenge for all taking part with all registration details to be found on the East Mayo Athletics Club Facebook Page. For more information on the event(s) contact Trina on 087 9809259 or Peter 086 3158254.
The next Community Coffee morning takes place on Friday, October 3, in the Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown from 11am -1pm. Lift access available.
Charlestown Sarsfields lost out to near neighbours in the county U17 league played at Robert McCallion Park, Swinford recently. The home side came through on a scoreline of 0-15 to 0-12 in a closely fought encounter with the Sarsfields in the game right to the final whistle as both teams crapped hard for victory. Ultimately is was Swinford who prevailed however with the Sarsfields hoping to have better luck in their next outing at home to Kilmeena.
Charlestown ladies picked up a crucial win in the county senior championship with a comfortable 4-18 to 3-10 victory over McHale Rovers in round 2 of the group stages played at Fr O`Hara Park, Charlestown recently. The Sarsfields were on it from the throw-in and had too much firepower for an honest if limited McHale Rovers side who, while never looking like winning the game at any stage, kept the Sarsfields honest right to the final whistle.
The Sarsfields were strengthened by the return to action of Deirdre Doherty who once again underlined her class by registering a big haul as her skill and eye for a score tormented the McHale Rovers defence throughout. The Sarsfields held sway in every area of the pitch albeit the defence was a little porous at times with the concession of 3-10 something they’ll be looking to tidy up on as they get ready to face Burrishoole in a do or die final round group encounter.
The Sarsfields did their scoring difference no harm at all as they racked up a big score and were much more accurate in front of the posts in marked contrast to their opening round defeat to Knockmore where poor shot selection and wayward shooting contributed to their meagre final total with lots of work being conducted on the training park in the interim to improve their accuracy in front of the posts. It worked a treat as the Sarsfields were much more clinical in front of goal with Deirdre Doherty leading the line in this regard with Nicole McLoughlin and Laoise Harkin chipping in with a goal each to keep the score board ticking nicely in the green and white’s favour.
The Sarsfields maintained a fair modicum of control throughout the second half notwithstanding McHale Rovers did rally somewhat and managed the breach the Sarsfields rearguard on a few occasions to give the scoreboard a more balanced look one might say. The Sarsfields, however, quickly put to bed any notions the Rovers had of a revival with the green and white notching a flurry of late scores to seal a comfortable victory and set them up nicely for their joust with Burrishoole in a winner take all contest.
The Sarsfields had fine performances from the afore-mentioned Deirdre Doherty with Cailin Durkan, Jennifer O’Donnell, Ella Brennan, Nicole McLoughlin, Nora McGovern, Chelsea Doherty and Laoise Harkin all contributing enormously to a good all round team performance. A good day at the office for the management team of Francis Mannion, Paul McNicholas and Sinead Halligan as they lifted the morale of the team impressively following their drubbing at the hands of Knockmore in round one.
On Friday, September 27, St Attracta`s Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown, will host its annual bake sale with all funds going directly to Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. The bake sale will run from 10am-1.30pm. All items will be home made by the in-house catering team with a selection of sweet and savoury offerings as well as homemade jams.
There was a good turnout at the weekly summer bridge game held in Walsh`s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Wednesday, September 11, at 8pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne, 2nd Frances and Robert Healy, 3rd Charles and Mae Quinn, 4th Michael Dee and Tommie O`Malley, 5th Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, September 17, at 8.30pm and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Pearse Henry and James Reidy, Miko Sheridan and Nancy Brennan, 2nd Paul Flannery and James Cafferty. Raffle winners were Breege Leonard, Miko Sheridan, Paul Flannery and James Cafferty.
Carracastle Lass Festival will be held on Saturday, October 19, at Caracastle Community Centre at 9pm. If any business/company would like to donate towards the running costs of this event contact carracstlelass@gmail.com for further information.
Charlestown Sarsfields square off against Belmullet in the senior relegation semi-final at the Knockmore GAA grounds on Saturday, September 28, with the game having a 4.30pm throw-in time. This is a tough assignment for the Sarsfields as they look to cling onto their senior status as they tackle a Belmullet team that has lots of quality about it albeit they come into the contest having lost all three group games. The Sarsfields, for their part, are not coming into the game in the best of fettle as they too only managed to garner one point from their three group games which left them in the position of trying to secure their senior status for 2025. There is lots on the line for both teams as they look to find some semblance of form that might provide the spark to inspire them to victory on the day.
Belmullet have Ryan O’Donohue in their ranks which will be a big plus as injury and unavailability prevented him from lining out in two of their group games and his presence along with that of Eoin O’Donohue, Ronan Murray, Fionnan Ryan, James Lavelle to mention but a few will provide plenty of headaches not to mention challenges for a Sarsfields team that has been hit hard by injuries and unavailability all year. They did, however show bags of spirit and courage in their recent narrow loss to Garrymore and will be looking to lean heavily on some of their clutch players to see them over the line. The game has a really intriguing look about it and is sure to draw a big crowd as two teams battle it out with the carat of survival very much the number one priority in both clubs minds. It’s all for the lifeboat as two teams from the opposite ends of the county duke it out in what should be a cracking spectacle.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €3000 in the weekly draw held on Monday, September 16, and the numbers drawn were; 6, 9, 16 and 26. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; Nuala McIntyre, Cara Burke and James Howley.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Charlestown on Sunday, September 15, as Podsie and the Duke locked horns for the umpteenth time in another classic instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus had to be at his best in his role as match referee as he ensured law and order prevailed despite some testy moments on both sides. The Duke made the better start snatching the first set with a wonderful 161 finish in the fourth leg. Podsie hit back to win the next two sets as he found his range among the doubles and trebles and blasted way into a one set lead with a massive 158 finish in the deciding leg of the third set. The Duke was on a bit of a downer heading into the fourth set but he steadied himself well and took the first two legs to pile the pressure back on the top seed with some rapier like finishing. Podsie always rises to the occasion however and this latest final was no exception as he roared back into contention in the set winning two legs on the bounce thus taking away the advantage held by his opponent who bore the look of a haunted man as he came to the ochie to start the fifth and deciding leg. The Duke started well and raced into a two hundred point advantage thus putting himself in pole position to take the game to a deciding set. Podsie replied in the true manner of a champion, hitting three 140s in a row to wipe out the lead the Duke had with both men reaching the doubles simultaneously. The Duke had first go at 146 but never got near it as Podsie hovered with real intent on 128. He banged his first dart into the middle of the treble sixty bed which drew gasps of excitement from the enthralled who were fully invested in the final from the first dart. His second dart found the corner of the treble twelve bed which left him with one dart at double sixteen as the auditorium descended into hush. That didn’t last for long as Podsie’s final dart arced plum in the centre of the double sixteen green baize to set off wild scenes of jubilation and celebration among his large and loyal band of supporters. The Duke was stunned as he expected to make another trip to the ochie but Podsie pulled the rug from under him in spectacular fashion as both men shared a warm embrace and swapped hand-shakes and fist pumps respectively. Podsie remains a class act who always finds a way to get the job done as he basked in the glory of his eleventh title of the season.
