Charlestown in the Spotlight
Kilmovee PP Fr Joseph Gavigan makes a presentation of a bouquet of flowers to Breege Moran on the occasion of her retirement as heritage centre co-ordinator at Kilmovee Heritage Centre on August 11. Included in picture are from left, Michael Dooney, Fr Joseph Gavigan, Mary Jordan, Breege Moran, Bridie Cassidy, Christina Shiel, Tom Shiel, Sheila Hunt, and Ciara Smyth. Pic James Hunt Photography.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €8,000 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, September 3, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 7, 10, 12 and 21. The winners of the 2 x €50 weekly prizes were Brendan Quinn, Strandhill, Sligo and Jackie McDonnell. The latest jackpot increased to €8100 and the draw was held on Sunday night, September 10.
Charlestown Sarsfields secured a crucial victory in round two of the county senior championship with a 2-13 to 0-15 victory over Claremorris in a good quality encounter played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently.
The Sarsfields were on something of a retrieval mission having been humbled by Westport in the previous round and were anxious to atone in front of their home support against a Claremorris team who also came into the game on the back of a defeat having lost their opening round encounter to Ballaghdereen at home.
Conditions were ideal with the sun high in the sky and the pitch in pristine condition with both teams keenly aware of the ramifications of victory and defeat respectively.
The visitors made the better start and led two points to one after the opening five minutes with Jack Mahon registering the Sarsfields first score from play with a tidy effort. The Sarsfields levelled with a good point from Paul Towey and grabbed the lead for the first time in the game from the resultant kick out when Joe McBrien guided over a nice point from a mark.
The Sarsfields grabbed control of the game in a blistering ten minute spell as they hit the visitors for 2-1 with goals from Paul Towey and Paddy Lenehan putting them in a position of real dominance as the Claremorris defence struggled to contain the lighting green and white attacks from deep.
Both goals were well taken with Towey’s real beauty as he carved his way through a succession of tackles before planting his shot low and hard to the corner of the net to give the Srsfields just the fillip they needed to drive on and put some daylight between the teams.
Points from Paddy Goldrick and two beauties from Conor O’Donoghue and Gareth O’Donnell put the Sarsfields eight clear with Claremorris still reeling from the concession of the two goals. Credit to them however they hauled their way back into the game care of some indiscipline in the Sarsfields defence which Adam Beirne punished in full as he landed four superb points from the hand to bring the deficit back to five with minutes left in the opening half.
Sarsfields wing back Ruairi Cullen raced forward and curled over a gem of a point with the outside of his left foot to push the lead out to five once more before Adam Beirne again stepped up for the blues to nail another quality free from the hand to reduce the margin to four with the Sarfields 2-7 to 0-9 in front at the end of an entertaining and score laden opening thirty.
The second half began with the visitors doing their utmost to close the gap as they looked to their inside line for scores and inspiration. Niall Hurley and Adam Beirne threatened danger every time they ball came their way but they missed some good chances from play with the Sarsfields goal bearing something of a charmed life on occasions.
The Sarsfields too, were profligate in front of the posts and kicked five poor wides in a row at the start of the second half which impacted on their confidence and morale and created some unease in the camp as good scoring chances were being spurned on both sides. The Sarsfields always managed to keep their lead at two scores which proved vital in their overall context of the game with Jack Mahon finally breaking their second half duck with an excellent point from play.
Claremorris kept in touch mainly through the scoring exploits of Beirne as he continued to give an exhibition of fine free taking but the three pointer they so craved eluded them as the Sarsfields kept a tight screen around their goal and managed to stymie the visitors best attacks with some vigilant defending.
At the other end points from Paddy Goldrick and a gorgeous effort from Matt Lenehan widened the gap to six once again with the Sarsfields beginning to exert a modicum of control in the key middle third battleground as Gareth O’Donnell, Matt Lenehan, Jack Corley and Conor O’Donoghue made some big plays and pushed the Sarsfields forward at every opportunity. Another Jack Mahon point kept the Sarsfields pot boiling nicely with Beirne and Niall Hurley replying for the visitors to maintain their hopes albeit they were becoming fainter with each passing minute.
The Sarsfields were clever in the way they closed out the game as they put width on the ball and length into their attacks and kept Claremorris at arms length with Paul Towey cracking over a terrific point to keep the gap at six as the game headed into injury time. Claremorris kicked the final two scores of the game to reduce the margin of victory to four with the final whistle bringing a mixture of relief and delight for all associated with the Sarsfields camp as they managed to exorcise some of the demons from their huge defeat to Westport from the previous fortnight and provide some joy for their club members and supporters who turned out in big numbers once again to lend their encouragement.
The Sarsfields had outstanding displays from the likes of Jack Corley and Conor O’Donoghue in defence with Ruairi Cullen, Enda McLoughlin, Fergal Quinn and Patrick Walsh in goals providing plenty of good moments in defusing the threat of a quick and dangerous looking Claremorris attack. Ben Conway too, stuck admirably to his task of trying to curb the elusive Niall Hurley and never shirked his duties at any time. The midfield duo of Matt Lenehan and Gareth O’Donnell had a fine outing with both men growing into the game most notably in the second half when strong leadership was required. They made some huge plays when the need was greatest with both lads showing their aerial prowess with some brilliant fielding as well as registering two fine points from play, one in each half.
The attack as a unit functioned well for the most part with Jack Mahon, Paul Towey, Paddy Lenehan and Paddy Goldrick providing a real scoring threat at all times. Gerard McLoughlin and Joe McBrien were never less than willing runners and got through a power of work and won an amount of dirty ball that proved crucial in the overall context of the final outcome.
Subs Niall Drudy and Alan Woods were also hugely influential when introduced with young Michael Marren also showing up well on his senior championship debut. All in all a much better day at the office for the Sarsfields with the victory giving them a chance or progression from the group with everything hinging on their final outing against near neighbours Ballaghaderreen which is exactly the way they hoped it would have played out at the outset.
There was a minute’s silence before the throw-in memory of the late Aidan Horkan who passed away on the Friday night prior to the match. Aidan was well known to many connected to the Sarsfields team and management and his family are deeply embedded in the community and a huge part of the GAA Club stretching back many generations. The club would like to offer their sincere condolences to the family and on Aidan’s sad passing as he was a good man in every sense of the word and was a popular presence in many of our lives over many years. May he rest in peace.
There was a good turnout at the weekly summer bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, August 30, at 8pm, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Robert and Frances Healy, 2nd Michael and Patricia Brennan, 3rd Mary O`Connell and Elsie Jackson, 4th Alison Doohan and Carmel Moffitt, 5th Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 6th Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne, 7th Maura Dunne and Mike Wingrove, 8th Tom Dunne and Mary Lynskey, 9th Margaret Kenny and Mary O`Hara, 10th Mary Conway and Mary Marren.
The parishioners of St Anne’s Parish, Carraroe, Sligo, are inviting people to join them for their 2nd Annual Eucharistic Conference at St. Ann’s Parish Church, on Saturday, September 16, starting at 10.30am. The day will include talks and testimonies with speakers from America, England and Italy. There will be Mass and Confession, prayers and reflection, a healing service and an opportunity to venerate a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 Card drive held in The Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday night, September 5, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Darby Leonard and Colm Gallagher, 2nd James Cafferty and Seamus Durcan. The game takes place every Tuesday night at 9pm in Walsh’s Bar and all are welcome especially new members.
Well done to the Charlestown Sarsfields U14 team who captured the East Mayo C title with a comfortable victory over Kilmovee Shamrocks in the final played at the Kilmovee GAA grounds recently.
The Sarsfields came through on a score line of 4-10 to 3-7 in a good quality contest that kept everybody entertained from gun to tape. The Sarsfields had to fight hard to stave off a gallant and determined Kilmovee Shamrocks side who showed buckets of spirit and character and kept plugging away until the final whistle.
The Sarsfields however had that little bit of extra class and star quality in some of the key areas of the pitch with the Cassidy brothers Sean and James making a big contribution on the scoreboard as they kicked some great scores in either half which allowed the Sarsfields amass a lady they never looked like surrendering despite lots of pressure from the hosts who never took a backward step at any stage in the match.
Sean and James Cassidy showed their class with some well taken goals with Blane Doyle also getting in on the act as he too, scored an excellent goal to keep the margin to two and three scores at all times, It was a fine all round team performance with the likes of Brian Egan, Reece Leino, Tadhg Murphy catching the eye with some big performances while Rory Kilroy excelled in defence with captain Oisin Murphy performing very well in goals as he dealt capably with all that came his way. Cian Casey, Liam Giblin and Jack Healy can also be pleased with their displays as they showed well in attack and used the ball intelligently at all times. A deserved victory for the Sarsfields and one that was celebrated in style with a big cavalcade making its way back to the town where they were well received by a large crowd who turned out to fete them. Well done to the management team of Donal Healy, Declan Divilly, Paddy Breheny and Gareth O’Donnell who got a great tune out of the lads all year and had them primed to deliver a display that was worthy of winning a much coveted East Mayo Title.
Sympathy is extended to Ann Goldrick Corthoon, Charlestown, on the death of her brother Pat Guthrie, Birkenhead, England, which occurred recently.
Charlestown Choir Practice has recommenced 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.
The October meeting of the Charlestown Parish Council takes place on Monday, October 2, at 8pm in the Pastoral Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown. All members are requested to attend.
The untimely death took place recently of Aidan Horkan, Sarsfields Manor, Charlestown. His remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown, to St James’s Church, Charlestown, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the Cemetery of the Resurrection. He is survived by his son Oran, father Marty, brothers Brendan, Dermot and Padraic, sister Deirdre, Oran’s mother Fionnuala, aunts, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends.
The late Aidan, who was pre-deceased by his mother Dolores, brother Colm and sister Colette was a good man in the true sense of the word who was a well known and popular member of the local community. Teddy, as he was affectionately known was a man of wit and humour who brightened up many a dark day with a funny quip or story that would have you in stitches such was his ability to deliver the punch line. He was a gifted story teller with an innate sense of decency about him who would give you his last penny if the occasion demanded. He could always be relied upon to lend a hand in times of crisis or need and if Teddy had your back you had a true friend in your corner with his kindness, civility, generosity of spirit and integrity endearing him to many in the community.
Teddy was a talented tradesman who could turn his hand to anything in the building and carpentry trade and his talents and abilities were always in demand and this saw him secure the best of work as he knew the value of a good day’s work for a good day’s pay. He had many strings to his bow however with his gregariousness, sociability and cordiality among his finest qualities. Ted’s company was always much sought after and time spent in it was never wasted as you were guaranteed laughter, fun and enjoyment as stories were recalled and relayed with that famous chuckle and hearty laugh of his reducing you to tears of joy such were the many episodes of hilarity and devilment he managed to create as he went about his daily business.
Ted was a proud family man and took great pride in them at all times. He had the biggest of big hearts and his generosity and gratuity were always on display when it came to family and friends. Ted left a lasting impression on all who knew him and his passing has left a pall of grief in the community as he was one of its best and nicest citizens. I, among many others, was privileged to share some great times and moments in his company and when I think of Ted I can only conjure up images of joy, fun, good humour and warm heartedness with that infectious laugh of his dominating our every conversation and interaction. Ted was the best he could possibly be and he always evoked fond, positive and good memories among all who knew him. His death has left a real void in the community of Charlestown but it was a privilege to have known him and he leaves a legacy and treasure trove of recollections which his family will cherish and cling to in these deep, dark hours and days. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
Hard Luck to the Charlestown Sarsfields U16 girls who lost out to Westport in the county U16A final played at the Connacht Centre of Excellence, Bekan recently. Westport came through on a 3-9 to 1-6 score line which reflects rather harshly on the Sarsfields overall effort as they competed hard all through and were game and tenacious in everything they did. Westport had the edge in terms of size and physique but the Sarsfields were far from intimidated and got stuck in from the first whistle and battled bravely despite going behind from an early stage.
The Westport ladies were slick and clever in possession of the ball and moved it intelligently from back to front with their ability to score goals at vital times proving crucial to the overall outcome.
The Sarsfields had their chances too it must be said but weren’t as clinical or accurate as they would have liked which undermined some fine approach play as they had the Westport defence under the pump on numerous occasions in both halves.
The West Mayo ladies did enough in the second half to withstand the Sarsfields late press with the final whistle setting off big scenes of celebration in the Port camp while the Sarsfields were left to reflect on what might have been. They did the jersey proud however with many of the team eligible for the same grade next year which augurs well for another push at the title in 2024. Well done to the management team on all their hard work and dedication and well done to the team and panel on getting this far in a competition that was stacked with some fine teams with the Sarsfields girls looking very much at home in this elite level of competition.
Charlestown Sarsfields face up to Ballaghdereen in the final crunch game of the county senior championship on Sunday next, September 17, at the Ballyhaunis GAA grounds with the throw-in timed for 4pm. Both teams enter the game on one victory each albeit Ballaghdereen put up a much better show against Westport than the Sarsfields did as it took the county champions all their time to secure the victory with Ballagh pushing them right to the wire. Games between the Sarsfields and Ballaghdereen are always tight and extremely competitive and this upcoming renewal promises to be very similar with the two teams stacking up well in terms of their line-ups. The Sarsfields need a victory as they have no room for error in terms of scoring difference so everything will be on the line in terms of the engagement with a big crowd expected to flock to Ballyhaunis to witness two teams going at it hard. Ballaghdereen have most definitely had the upper hand in terms of the head to head record in championship clashes between the two which feeds nicely into the narrative with all hands to the pump on both sides in what promises to be a fascinating encounter with any amount of intrigue playing out in terms of team selection and tactics. There’s lots on the line for both teams as they strive to secure the all important second quarter final place and book their passage into the last eight.
The Garden are looking for volunteers. This, as the name suggests, is an ongoing community project and any help and support offered would be deeply appreciated. Volunteers meet at the garden every Tuesday afternoon at 3.30pm. If you would like to help or get involved in some shape or form please contact Paddy Casey any day between 3-6pm at 083-4360494.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €5000 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, September 4, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 2, 3, 7 and 23. The following were the winners of the €20 prizes; Eilis Maguire, Declan Haran and Margaret Gilligan.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Sunday night, September 3, as The Egg and Boom Boom fought out another gripping instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus refereed with his usual authority and kept both men in check at all times with some firm but fair handling. The Egg made the better start and snatched the opening set with a trademark treble eighteen, double top finish in the fourth leg. Boom Boom, on a retrieval mission following last week’s final defeat hit right back in set two and reeled off three quick fire legs to level the game at one set apiece. Boom Boom took this form into set three and raced away with thanks to some precision finishing with each and every dart finding the centre of the doubles bed. The Egg needed a bright start to set four to keep his hopes alive and although he managed to take the first leg he lost the next two to leave Boom Boom poised for victory with the advantage of the darts to come at the beginning of the fourth leg. His confidence levels were sky high as he breezed to the ochie and made little or no mistake with the Egg having nothing more to give as his average feel through the floor following the high of the opening set. Boom Boom stepped forward and calmly took out 136 with three darts with his final arrow landing plum in the middle of the double eight bed to wrap up the match and in the process claim his third title of the year and atone for some near misses having lost his last four finals. The Egg was gracious as always in defeat but it was Boom Boom’s day as he took his place on the winner’s podium to a rousing cheer from his loyal band of supporters.
