Local Notes: Marty Horkan, Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club presents Ruairi Cullen with Young Player of the Year award
Marty Horkan presenting Ruairi Cullen with the Young Player of the Year Award at the recent Charlestown Sarsfields GAA dinner dance recently
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €10,700 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, March 17, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 5, 9, 11 and 24. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were Conor, c/o Delaney’s and Maureen Maloney. The latest jackpot increased to €10,800 and the draw was held on Sunday night, March 24.
Charlestown Athletic FC are hosting a Soccer Camp from April 2-5 (inclusive) from 10am-2pm which will be run by well known former Sligo Rovers star Raf Creatoro. For more information click on the Charlestown Athletic FC Facebook Page or alternatively log onto www.charlestown.ie and follow the link. 1st child €60 with additional siblings €50 each.
Congratulations and best wishes to Susan O’Connor and all her staff at the Susie’s Bistro Cafe who have re-branded and set up in Tubbercurry Golf Club as they opened their doors to the general public on Friday last, March 22. The trading hours are from 9.30am-5.30pm and they are open on Saturdays and Sundays as well. For more information contact Susan on 089 4055656. I’ve no doubt she will do a tremendous trade as her food is top class and Charlestown’s loss is most definitely Tubbercurry’s gain as Susie and her staff are wished every success in their new venture and location and many and successful days of good and busy trading.
The death took place at the University Hospital, Sligo, of Eileen Murphy, Sandyhill, Curry. Her remains were removed to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Curry, and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to Bunnacrannagh cemetery. She is survived by her son Seamus, daughters Anne and Heidi, daughter-in-law Aoife, sisters Teresa and Kathleen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends.
The late Eileen, who was pre-deceased by husband Michael-James, brothers Tom and Billy and sister Philomena was a much respected and admired member of the communities of Sandyhill, Curry and beyond. She was a kind lady with an innate sense of decency and family meant the world to her and were at the heart of her every action and interaction. She was a quiet-spoken, hard working lady who ran a good home and made sure her family needs were met and provided for at all times. She made a deep impression on all who knew her and her passing is deeply regretted. Deepest sympathies is tendered to the bereaved.
The death took place at her residence, Barnacogue, Swinford of Mrs Nora O`Neill (neé Brady) formerly of Killawalla, Westport. Her 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. She is survived by her daughters Maureen, Caroline and Sharon, sons Sean and Barry, daughters-in-law Ann and Miriam, sons-in-law Michael and Eamon, sister Kathleen, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends.
The late Nora, who was pre-deceased by her husband John and son David, was a much loved and respected member of the community of Barnacogue and beyond. She was a hard working lady who forged a great bond with her late husband John, as together they made sure their family’s needs were met and provided for at all times. She was devoted to her family and took great pride in their health and well-being at all times. Nora lived a long and fruitful life and knew the value of hard work and navigated her way through life with a strong will and determination. The large crowds who attended the removal of her remains and subsequent burial was ample proof of the esteem and affection in which she was held. The community of Barnacogue has lost one of its best and nicest citizens but she leaves many great memories which her family will cherish and cling dear to in these deep, dark hours and days. We tender our deepest sympathies to the bereaved.
Hatha Yoga takes place on Tuesday nights at Carracastle Community Centre from 7.30pm-8.30pm (classes may run over a few minutes). Remember the five for €50 deal is valid for eight weeks starting from the first class. This means you can skip a few weeks within that time frame, if you need to. Alternatively you can just drop-in for €12 per class.
South Sligo Wild Sauna is a mobile sauna located at Curry Swimming Pool, Curry, Co. Sligo. For more information click on the Curry GAA Facebook Page or log on to www.charlestown.ie.
Flourish social prescribing service is on the lookout for a group of people to come together and read (listen to) a chapter of the ‘The Happiness Project’ book by Gretchen Rubin once a month. This will either be held in person in your local area (depending on interest) or online via Zoom. Throughout the year , they will be organising group activities such as walks, trips, etc. This is for anyone over 18 years of age and all are welcome. Contact 094 9025900 or flourish@thefamilycentre.com for further details and to register your interest.
Sarsfields Shamrocks (Kilmovee/Charlestown amalgamation), competing in division 2 of the county minor league got their season off to an exciting start with a 1-12 to 2-9 draw with Ballina Stephenites in round 1 of division 2 of the county minor league played at Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown recently.
The Sarsfields Shamrocks combination have put a lot of work on the training paddock in the last number of weeks with Martin Mulvaney, Gary Murphy, Christopher Flatley and Brendan Horan making up the management team and they can consider themselves unlucky not have taken both points with a late Ballina Stephenites goal depriving them of the victory they, perhaps deserved.
The Sarsfields Shamrocks side played some quality stuff throughout a well contested encounter but they will rue some missed chances in front of the posts with a missed penalty also coming back to haunt them at the final whistle.
Credit to the side however, they fronted up well against a much touted Stephenites selection and harried and hassled them in every line of the field thus forcing turnovers which fed into their confidence levels as they produced a display full of promise and potential with lots to admire in the way they went about their business so to speak.
The concession of a goal however, with practically the last kick, left a sour taste in the mouth but they can be pleased with many aspects of their performance with Peter Horan carrying the main scoring threat as he accounted for 0-9 of the Sarsfields Shamrocks final total.
Paddy Joe Dunleavy had a fine game at wing back and weighed in with two nice points from play while Cian Towey was the Sarsfields Shamrocks goal scorer with a neat finish with Kasey Mannion the other point scorer for the Sarsfields Shamrocks side as they look to build on this display and add another layer or potency in attack with Peter Horan carrying the bulk of the scoring threat to date.
The Sarsfields travel to Parke to take on Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin in Division 2 of the county U16 league on Thursday, March 28, with the throw-in timed for 6.45pm.
The Sarsfields travel to Aghamore in a re-arranged Centenary Cup fixture on Good Friday, March 29, with the throw-in timed for 5pm. The Sarsfields will be putting their Centenary Cup title on the line against their near neighbours in what should be a keenly contested encounter with little or nothing between the sides when they usually collide and tussle.
The Sarsfields/Shamrocks amalgamation travel to Ballinrobe to take on the locals in division 2 of the county minor league on Tuesday, April 2, with the throw-in timed for 6.45pm.
A free 8 week Bridge lessons for beginners (singles and pairs) course continues on Wednesday evenings from 7.45-9.45pm in The May Queen, Tubbercurry. Refreshments are available on each night. For more information and to register interest call Francis 087 7541081, Ann 087 6474136, Mike 071 9181830.
Galvin 1:1 Holistic Health are excited to announce that they are adding to their Swinford based business and offering a Recovery Room with Recover to Perform. This will offer the recovery and health benefits of an InfraRed Sauna, Ice Bath and Normatec compression boots. It is aimed at sports recovery but it will also have enormous health benefits such as detox, weight loss and mental health overall well being. This business will be available from early April. For more information contact Brian on 086 3265911.
Senior strength and conditioning classes are held at Carrcastle Community Centre every Wednesday morning at 11am, involving chair-based exercises and using light weights. For more information and to book your place, contact Sarah at 086 3879635.
Keep Fit classes are held at Carracastle Community Centre every Friday evening at 7.30pm , focusing on cardio, stamina, core work, fitness, self-confidence and self-defence. For more information and to book your place, contact Sarah at 087 6014197.
Congratulations are extended to Sandra Lavin, daughter of Des and Bernie Lavin Lavey, Charlestown, on her recent marriage to Kevin Murphy, Waterford, which took place at St James’s Church, Carracastle, recently. Sandra and Kevin are wished every good wish for the future, health and happiness and many years of wedded bliss.
Birthday greetings are extended to Tadhg Horkan, son of Michael and Siobhan Horkan Cashel, Charlestown, who celebrated his 18th birthday recently. Tadhg is a very promising young footballer with the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club and a vital cog in the Sarsfields Shamrocks minor amalgamation. We wish him many more milestones of this nature in the years ahead and continued good health and fitness in the future.
Well done to the committee behind the recent St Patrick’s Day Parade who did a terrific job in the organisation and collation of the many floats who paraded through the town and brought some real life and colour to the community on the day that was in it. The weather remained good for the most part as large crowds flocked to the town to see a good and varied display of floats with many of the local clubs, groups and organisations front and centre of what was a very good parade indeed. The local businesses got a real boost with plenty of footfall making their way through the doors of the shops, bars and restaurants with the local traders in the happy position to report of a good day at the tills which made for an excellent day all round for the town, local business and the community at large. The committee extend a special thanks to St Patrick who embraced the role with energy and brought their very own skill set to the position and played the part superbly.
Well done to the many stewards and volunteers who helped out along the parade route with their help and support proving invaluable and contributing enormously to the overall success the parade and day as a whole. It was a great occasion for the town and the committee deserve all the plaudits for making it happen and going out of their way to ensure a good time was had by all. Roll on 2025.
Banada Abbey Bingo takes place every Tuesday night at 8pm. Play in the hall and online. The jackpot game is for €2000 on 47 calls or less. Game 5 is €1000 on 40 calls or less. There is a prizefund of €10,500 on offer with lots of surprises and additional ways to win in the hall. New Game 11 with a separate Super Snowball jackpot only in the hall, and there is a new €500 “Lucky Date “ prize.
Charlestown, Bellaghy and Districts Development Association next community coffee morning takes place on Friday, April 5, in the Town Hall Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown, from 11am-1pm. Lift access available. All welcome for a cuppa and a chat.
The action is heating up in the Honour of the Village competition with some big names still standing ahead of the remaining quarter-final ties. Some household names have also made their exit with the likes of Lowpark, Glann/Sinolane and Hagfield left kicking their heels having been eliminated in their respective preliminary round fixtures. There are still some quality names in the draw all of whom will be fancying their chances of lifting the famous old trophy with Curry’s two teams, Ballyglass and Sonnagh to name but four all showing up well as the pressure and tensions cranks up another notch with two quarter-finals down for decision in the coming days. There will be a full results service plus draw news in next week’s column as the excitement among darts enthusiasts and supporters gathers some real traction with the competition coming to the boil nicely.
Jiving classes have started at St Mary’s Community Centre, Curry, on Tuesday evenings starting at 8.30pm. The cost is €40 for the four week course. No partner needed. All ages welcome.
Charlestown and Districts Men’s Shed hold a darts and cards night every Wednesday at 7pm in the Men’s Shed which is located at the rear entrance of the CBD Sport and Recreational Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown. The gathering is open to members and non-members and finger food and refreshments will be served. The game starts at 8pm.
Hard luck to the Charlestown Sarsfields U16 team who lost out narrowly to Breaffy in round one of division 2 of the county U16 league played at Fr O'Hara Park, Charlestown recently. This was a closely contested encounter throughout with little or nothing separating the teams with the Sarsfields very much in the game right up until the final whistle. The scores they so craved however in the closing stages only came sporadically as the Breaffy lads held a tight line in defence and kept the Sarsfields forward line at bay with some tigerish, committed defending. The Sarsfields lads were gutted when the final whistle arrived as Breaffy held on grimly for the points but there were plenty of positives to be taken from this Sarsfields performance as they competed well in every line of the pitch and never once took a backward step against a much touted Breaffy side who are among the favourites for league glory having shown well at the same grade last season.
There was a good turnout at the weekly bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday, March 20, at 8pm, and the following were the prizewinners;1st Hilary McDonagh and Tom Ginty, 2nd Nora McVeigh and Maura Kilcoyne, 3rd James Mooney and Mary O’Connell, 4th Mary Lynskey and Tom Dunne, 5th Michael and Pat Brennan, 6th Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 7th Michael Dee and Tommie O’Malley, 8th Charles and Mae Quinn, 9th Mary O’Malley and Teresa Ward, 10th Ruth Connor and Noelle Spellman.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, March 19, and the following were the prizewinners; 1st Darby and Breege Leonard, 2nd Michael O’Hara and James Cafferty. Raffle winners were Breege Leonard, Miko Sheridan and Colm Gallagher.
The game takes place every Tuesday night at 8.30pm in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, and all are welcome with new members are especially welcome.
A 25 card drive in aid of three card playing legends - Packie-Joe Kennedy, Gerry Coleman and Raymie Morrisroe, who sadly have departed to that great house in sky will take place in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Friday, April 5, at 8.30pm. Total cash prize of €500 is on offer. Admission €10. Doubles.
Bingo takes place in the CBD Recreational Centre, Lowpark, Charlestown, on Good Friday, March 29. Doors open at 8pm. There will be great prizes on offer and an enjoyable evening is assured. All proceeds go towards the Charlestown Swimming Pool and your support would be greatly appreciated.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2700 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, March 18, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 1, 11, 12 and 13. The following were the winners of the 3 x €20 prizes; Mary Duffy, Stephen Gallagher and David Pospiech. The latest jackpot was €2,800 and the draw took place on Monday night, March 25.
The Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club remind their members that membership for the 2024 season is now due and can be made payable to any member of the executive or alternatively can also be paid by following the link on the club’s Facebook page which gives up to minute details on offers the club have in regard to membership, annual lotto and county board draw. The cost of the membership remains at €50 and the closing date for the same is March 31.
Junior Cycle Irish oral revision course suitable for 2nd and 3rd year students will take place in the Hilary Room, Banada Abbey, on April 4. For further information contact Siobhan at 087 6151581.
The Sarsfields U14 development team drew with their Ballintubber counterparts in round one of the development league played at the Ballintubber GAA grounds recently. The Sarsfields goal scorers were Sean Cassidy and Cian Haran with a Ballintubber defender inadvertently diverting the ball into his own net. Their next outing is home to Balla in Fr O’Hara Park on Saturday, March 30, with the throw-in timed for 11am.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition on Sunday night March 17, as Podsie and the Duke faced off in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. Governor Gus was imperious in his role as match referee and kept the two men in check throughout a gripping encounter. The Duke started off like a train and had the first set bagged in a matter of minutes as he reeled off three legs on the bounce to leave Podsie firmly in his wake. Things got a whole lot better for the number two seed in set two as he backed up his form of the first with some more rapier like finishing as Podsie struggled to match the extraordinary numbers being posted by his opponent. The third set saw a shift in the dynamic as Podsie finally found his range, stringing three legs on the trot to reduce his deficit and put him in good fettle ahead of the fourth set.
The Duke held the advantage of the darts and he made the best possible start winning the first leg with a superb 161 finish which almost raised the roof on the packed venue. The Duke continued to set the tone and took the second leg as well as he pierced the bulls eye with his final dart with Podsie loitering with some intent on double eighteen. Things looked grim for the number one seed ahead of the third leg but he showed his undoubted class as he snatched the leg with a treble 20, double eighteen blast keeping him in the game as the Duke started to get edgy and twitchy having seen this script many times before. He put his fears to bed however in the fourth leg as he took the game away from Podsie with heaving scoring as he peppered the treble twenty bed with unerring accuracy. He won the race to the doubles convincingly and faced up to the ochie with three darts in his hand with double sixteen at his apparent mercy. He missed with his first two which led to an audible gasp among his large band of supporters. He steadied himself before releasing his last dart which landed plum in the centre of the bed to set off wild scenes of celebration. The Duke celebrated with his customary one arm salute with Podsie first on the premises to congratulate his old rival as the two men embraced warmly and chatted deep into the night as the Duke basked in his second victory of the season. Another epic episode in a long and storied rivalry with the Duke thrilled to get one over his long time nemesis.
