Carey Faughs Hurling Club play, ”The Wake in the West” opened on Friday night in Carey Hall to a packed audience.

The Wake in the West is a popular Irish comedic play written by Mayo playwright Michael J. Ginnelly. Set in a small fishing village in the West of Ireland during the 1970s, it’s a fast-paced laugh-a-minute comedy that revolves around the wake of Tom Healy, a local character who loved his whisky. Tom drunk himself to death and now wishes his grave to be a watery one by requesting a cremation and the scattering of his ashes at sea. The fun begins when a neighbour decides that Tom is not entitled to take it all with him.

With the play sold out on Friday and Saturday night, and the vast majority of the tickets for Sunday night sold as well, the event has been a great success for the club. Chairman Sean McBride wrote a foreword for the event programme.

Fáilte everyone

On behalf of Carey Faughs, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you all as you join us for our 3-act comedy play this weekend.

Firstly, a huge thank you to our wonderful cast, all of whom have strong connections to Carey. Special thanks to our director, Padraig Hill, co-director and prompter Ann Donnelly, prompter Catherine Butler, and our talented makeup artist Kellyann McKillen.

Since November, they have dedicated countless hours of hard work and commitment to ensure you enjoy a fantastic night of laughter.

We would also like to sincerely thank all the businesses, both local and from further afield, who have generously supported us through programme sponsorship and raffle prizes. Please support these businesses where you can and let them know you saw their advertisement at the show in Carey Hall.

Finally, our appreciation goes to our backroom team, set designers and organisers. Without their invaluable support, a production like this simply would not be possible.

I hope you all have a wonderful evening. Sit back, relax and enjoy tonight’s performance.

Sean McBride

Cathaoirleach – Carey Faughs GAC

There may be a few tickets left for Sunday nights performace if you contact the Carey Faughs Club

MEET THE CAST

Anna Hill: Anna is no stranger to entertaining guests at her Airbnb, but this time she turns her talents to entertaining the audience as the grieving daughter. A whizz in the kitchen and always ready to cook up a storm—especially when it comes to Tom’s final request — Anna isn’t about to let him go quietly. She’ll fight tooth and nail to reclaim Tom’s jewels… but Rose may have other plans altogether.

Anne McBride: Anne might seem a bit of a nervous crater but believe you me she could fool anyone. Anne plays the part of neighbour Margaret who is fearless, a little light fingered at times but needs her fidget settled every now and then with a wee one! The same lady would soon hit you a quare hard slap. God help that poor ‘holic’ of hers.

Bernie McAlister: Bernie who takes on the character of Rose is a confident, charismatic, and heroically incapable of letting a single thought go unexamined. She’ll fight tooth and nail for what she wants, although she’s a kind of lovable troublemaker who brings both charm and mild panic wherever she goes. Tonight, Bernie transforms into a gentle elderly lady attending a wake of dearly departed Tom Healy. Bernie promises a performance filled with dignity, respect, and absolutely no unexpected antics surrounding the deceased. Everything will remain exactly where it was placed. If only!!

Caolán McCaughan: Caolán steps into the role of Barney, the so-called local “village drunk” and loyal (if slightly troublesome) pal of the late Tom Healy. Fond of a pint and pushing the boat out in more ways than one, Caolán is far more at home on the pitch than the stage. With a few mishaps already under his belt, could Barney still steal the show?

Daniel Gormley: Daniel plays the role of good ole ‘Dr John’ in the play, taking on a very important part as the deceased’s doctor and executor. As Daniel says ‘Acting has always been my dream, and to have been asked by my local community to perform in their play means a lot to me. Dr John has been entrusted in carrying out the last wish of poor aule Tom Healy.

Elizabeth Hill: Elizabeth takes to the stage as Joan, a neighbour and good friend to Mary. She acts a young, single woman in her early twenties who was rather fond of spending time “in the bushes”… enough said! This is her very first time strutting the boards, but don’t be fooled — her father Jimmy has taught her all she knows from his play days and after tonight you’ll all be asking where she gets her prescription for acting! Off stage, Elizabeth loves her workouts, and judging by rehearsals, she’s been getting plenty of exercise already! Stay away from those bushes Elizabeth!

Frank McCarry: Frank made his debut on stage a few years ago when he starred in Strictly. He’s back again, only this time in a more serious role starring as the parish priest, Fr Cassidy. He is tasked with looking after the funeral of Tom Healy and his unusual last wishes that goes terribly wrong. Watch this space Fr Con. This could be your new curate!

Jake Paterson: Jake was really delighted to have been asked to take part in the upcoming play. The challenge of acting as the late Tom Healy has got me back into my meditation practice and I’m really enjoying the part so much. I can rest in the centre of the stage and listen to my fellow performers play their parts so well that when it comes to my performance it all goes like clockwork! As Jake says ‘I have the most relaxing part in the show – I lie back relax and enjoy myself just like the audience’!

Jimmy McKiernan: Jimmy who plays Martin has been acting his whole life. Acting the what? We’ll leave that up to the audience to decide. His father Harry was a prominent figure in local amateur dramatics and appeared in the same play for Ballycastle hurling club. Jimmy is trying to fill the old man’s shoes to a point but there is still a bit of room in the toes. He hopes to put on a performance that will entertain the audience and make his father proud.TO SEE MORE PICS FROM FRIDAY’S OPENING NIGHT IN CAREY HALL CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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NFL Division 4 Antrim v Wicklow

Portglenone -5pm Saturday

Antrim’s excellent win in Carrick on Shannon last Sunday will hopefully injected some life into a season that, up until that point had been poor in the extreme for Mark Doran’s side.

Defeat to Carlow and Longford in Portglenone and away to Tipperary in their opening three games had all but put paid to Antrim’s promotion hopes and the visit to MacDiarmada Park looked like another difficult day for the Saffrons.

Leitrim had opened the season brightly with two wins from three starts and their only defeat came at the hands of Antrim’s opponents on Saturday evening, Wicklow and a win here would have put them right into the promotion race.

The Antrim management rang the changes for the Leitrim game however with St. Brigid’s Ronan Boyle coming into the side at centre half back and Dunloy’s Tomas McFerran partnering Paddy McAleer at mid-field.

Pat Shivers moved outfield to the ‘40’ where he was partnered by Conor Hand and Eunan Walsh on either side.

With the wind and rain at their backs in Carrick on Shannon the Saffrons raced into a 1-12 to 1-3 lead, despite kicking seven early wides.

Hand struck Antrim’s first half goal and with Dominic McEnhill in sparkling form they were 12 ahead before a late Paul Honeyford goal for the hosts gave Leitrim a glimmer of hope going into the second half.

There would be no let up from Antrim as they added the opening five points of the second half and while Leitrim did do better in the second period, they never really looked like closing the gap.

Keeper, John McNabb kicked five points for the Saffrons with Dominic McEnhill contributing 0-8 and Paddy McAleer 1-1 from mid-field in an encouraging performance where Antrim had 8 different scorers on the day.

Meanwhile Wicklow have been amongst the pace setters for promotion from division 4 with three wins from four starts, their only defeat to date coming against league leaders, Carlow.

There latest win came against London last day out with a commanding16-point win over the Exiles in Aughrim on Sunday afternoon, delivering their most impressive performance of the campaign to date. 

Wicklow’s forwards were on song showcasing attacking flair, defensive discipline, and ruthless efficiency in front of goal.

The result moves Wicklow onto six points, leaving them second in the league table, just two points adrift of unbeaten pace-setters Carlow.

Kevin Quinn led the Wicklow charge with 1-4 with Eoin Darcy in influential form and the ever-reliable Mark Jackson made a significant impact from between the posts, as well as weighing in with six points, including three two-pointers, highlighting Wicklow’s growing confidence in the new scoring system.

Speaking after the final whistle, manager Oisín McConville praised his side’s work rate, intensity, and clinical edge, highlighting the maturity and confidence now evident in their performances.

With momentum firmly on their side, Wicklow will now look ahead with renewed belief as the battle for promotion continues, knowing that destiny remains firmly in their own hands.

Antrim will have concern about the margin of Wicklow’s win over London but will note that only a point separated them and Leitrim when they met in Aughrim earlier in the campaign.

Was Antrim’s high octane victory on Carrick on Shannon a one of or was it the start of a run that may not get them into the promotion race but could come as a big boost for the forthcoming Ulster championship or another run in the Tailteann Cup?

Joe Finnegan’s late Red card in Carrick on Shannon will see the full-back miss the Wicklow game and will see another shuffle in the Antrim defence.

Who will come in to replace him remains to be seen with Eunan Walsh possibly dropping back from attack to take up the position he regularly occupied last year.

Whatever side Mark Doran and his selectors decide on, if Antrim can produce the level of performance they reached against Leitrim last week then they look capable of giving high flying Wicklow a real run for their money

Antrim Schools Year 8 Hurling Shield Final

Colaíste Feirste vs Rathmore Grammar

PICS BY BERT TROWLEN

Rathmore delivered a comprehensive and commanding performance to secure victory in today’s first final, producing a display built on defensive solidity, clinical finishing and intelligent use of possession.

The foundation for success was laid in defence, where Rathmore’s work rate and determination continually frustrated the opposition. Around the middle of the park, Ronan McGuinness and Ronan McKenna were outstanding, breaking up play and launching attacks. Their ability to hook and block prevented Coláiste Feirste from clearing their lines and ensured Rathmore maintained control in key areas.

Rudhan Adams and Shea McKinney were influential throughout, particularly on the opposition puck-outs. Their dominance in this sector allowed Rathmore to dictate the tempo and build sustained momentum as the game progressed.

At centre half forward, Conn Monaghan produced a Man of the Match performance. His early scores in the first half settled Rathmore and set the tone for the afternoon. Consistently dangerous in attack, he proved a constant thorn in the side of Coláiste Feirste, contributing significantly to Rathmore’s tally and overall attacking threat.

To their credit, Coláiste Feirste battled tirelessly. Conor Mac Domhnal worked relentlessly in the half forward line, tracking back to support his defence, while Aodhan O’Donnochu impressed with determined blocking and hooking. Corrain Mervyn made several important catches and clearances at the back, and the Coláiste Feirste goalkeeper Caoimhin Mag Uidir was kept busy throughout, pulling off a series of excellent saves to keep his side in contention.

However, Rathmore’s pace, precision and clinical edge in front of goal ultimately proved decisive. Their attacking intent was evident from the outset, as they moved the ball quickly through the lines and repeatedly tested the Coláiste Feirste defence. Crucially, Rathmore’s ability to turn turnovers into scores gave them a decisive advantage.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Rathmore maintaining their intensity and continuing to press forward. Their fitness and squad depth were clear as they added further scores to put the result beyond doubt. Sharp movement off the ball and composed finishing ensured they remained firmly in control until the final whistle.

A sincere thank you to all the spectators whose support rang out throughout the game. Thanks also to the teachers for providing the boys with the opportunity to compete, and to both sets of players for producing such an entertaining and high-quality final in challenging conditions

TO SEE MORE OF BERT’S PHOTOS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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Main picture Cross & Passion’s Cillian Cunning whose goal early in extra time set his team up for victory

Cross & Passion College, Ballycastle qualified for the Foresters Cup final when they beat Ardscoil Phádraig Keady in Thursday’s semi-final at the Meadowbank Sports Centre, Magherfelt. However they Ballycastle side needed extra time, and a little bit of luck, before they got over the line against an excellent Keady side.

Keady made a bright start, opening the scoring through Shea McCloskey, but CPC responded immediately with Paidi O’Kane pointing. It remained tight throughout the first half, with both sides working tirelessly and exchanging scores.

At the interval, CPC held a narrow 0-9 to 0-8 lead.

CPC built an early cushion in the second half, but Keady’s direct approach paid off when a high delivery into the square was finished to the net to level the game. Keady midfielder Caoimhin Mone was accurate from placed balls, showing great composure under high pressure. The back and forth game would finish level at the end of normal time.

Full-time: Cross & Passion College 0-19 St Patrick’s Keady 1-16.

Extra time proved decisive and the fact that Keady had lost their full-back to a second yellow card in the last minute of normal time was undoubtedly a boost for the Ballycastle school. They took full advantage when Cillian Cunning broke through and struck an early goal to give CPC momentum, and they added important points through Cahir McCloskey and Paidi O’Kane to extend their advantage.

Keady responded with a goal to keep the contest alive, but CPC managed the closing stages effectively, maintaining a five point lead to secure their place in the Foresters final.

Cross and Passion:
1 Ruairi Laverty
2 Peadar Doherty
3 Aaron Gillan
4 Cormac Bailey
5 Joe Deery
6 Oran Baudant
7 Lorcan Murtagh 0-1
8 Charlie McAuley 0-6
9 Peter Laverty
10 Damian Laverty
11 Patrick Campbell 0-2
12 Cillian Cunning 1-0
13 Cahir McCloskey 0-3
14 Paidi O’Kane 0-10
15 Ronan Elliott 0-2

Subs used:
Cahir McErlean
Cormac Scanlon

Ardscoil Phádraig, Keady
1 Fabian Hughes
2 Cain McCann
3 Johnny Loughran
4 Charlie Doyle
5 Harry Fox
6 Aaron Monaghan
7 Peter O’Callaghan
8 Caoimhin Mone
9 Ruairi Mullan
10 Caolan Carr
11 Sé McConnell
12 Peadar Donnelly
13 Eoghan Mallon
14 Shea McCloskey
15 Keegan McCann

Subs used:
Darragh McElroy
John McGeown

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/yRBb6gpo358YJy/?invite=a60bed3b-2c06-445c-905b-d25fa660ef0a