THE DOWNS GAA NOTES Sep 18th 2023

Underage Results

The U17’s unfortunately bowed out of the championship having undergone defeat to Garrycastle in the semi-final on Sunday evening at home on a score-line of 3-12 to 0-12. A tight game overall with our lads just coming up short on the night. Best of luck to Garrycastle in the final.

The U13 Division 4 team finished the group stages with a win over St. Lomans on Wednesday evening. They now qualify for the knock-out stages of the championships with details to be confirmed. The Division 1 team will contest the semi-final on Friday evening under lights against Mullingar Shamrocks.

The U7’s U9’s and U11’s all took to the field on Saturday morning for the final Go-Games of the season at home. A big change weather wise from the previous weekend but the skill and urgency of the games was the same. Some terrific performances from all the clubs ensured a great morning’s football. Thanks to travelling clubs Lilliput Gaels, Caulry and Ballynacargy. Well done to all the coaches and players for their hard work all year and indeed to all the parents for their support.

Ben Murray Tournament

Last Sunday we honoured our star in the sky Ben Murray in a Molloy Park. Although the weather was damp it didn’t dampen the spirits of the players turning in a wonderful display of football. The Downs, Garrycastle, Clan Braonain (Rochfortbridge & Milltownpass), Killoe Óg, St. Mary’s Ardee and Ballivor all competing for the Ben Murray Cup, The Downs Shield and The Downs Plate with all teams serving up a great morning of entertaining and skilful football. Congratulations to our own U13 squad who were crowned the Ben Murray cup narrowly defeating St. Mary’s Ardee with a 3-point margin in what was an enthralling end to end game of football played in great spirits by both teams. The standard of football was to an exceptionally high standard in all finals. Clan Braonain were winners of The Downs Shield against Ballivor while Garrycastle were awarded The Downs Plate defeating runners-up Killoe Óg. Finally, thanks to all who assisted with the event in any way, shape or form, particularly Eddie Quinlan who lead by example and to the Murray family for also being present and presenting the honours. A great effort by all and much appreciated

Ben Jerseys

Back by public demand. Ben Jerseys are now available for order for Christmas. Closing date for orders is Saturday October 14th. Adult jerseys cost €45 while children’s cost €35. Please contact Alma (0877604990) or Carmel (0879496347) for further information.

LGFA

The final round of the Village Barn Senior A championship took place on Saturday evening in Garrycastle The game was a tense affair with both sides aware that a loss would put them out of the championship. At half-time the score was 6 points a-piece. Garrycastle came out fighting to their credit and mid-way through the second half engineered a three-point cushion. The Downs Ladies showed some grit and determination with a Beth McGuire goal keeping them afloat. The same player then kicked The Downs in front with only seconds remaining. Some superb defending by The Downs ensured a win for our girls securing their place in the semi-finals. Final score 1-10 to 0-12. Congratulations to both players and management team on a super campaign to date.

Note: We would like to acknowledge the kind gesture and sportsmanship shown by Garrycastle GAA Club to our ladies’ team with the provision of ice-baths for all players after the game. With many of our girls playing a championship camogie game the following morning it was very much appreciated by us all here at the club looking after the welfare of all players. The gesture has not gone unnoticed and is very much applauded by all here at The Downs LGFA.

Well done to the girls U14 team on completing their Bag Pack on Saturday making some funds for the Ladies Club. Many thanks to SuperValu for having us and their continued support.

G4M&O

Our Gaelic for mother's and others team made their way to St. Sylvester's in Dublin on Saturday last to attend their 1st ever National blitz sponsored by Sports Direct. They fielded 16 players and were led by team co-ordinator Niamh Duncan and special supporter Catriona Brennan. They played teams from Tyrone, Leitrim, Limerick and Donegal. There was brilliant football played and lots of laughs had. The team would like thank their coaches Martin and Anthony for their time and commitment throughout the season.If you would like to join our Gaelic4Mothers & Others please contact Anne-Marie on 0874140184. Training continues Wed evening 8-9 with yoga in Hardy Bucks on Thursdays 8-9.

Congratulations

Congratulations to our three clubmen Niall Mitchell, Conor Coughlan and captain Adam Loughlin Stones on winning the New York championship last Sunday playing for Westmeath V St. Barnabas. All three played their part representing Na Dúnta with distinction.

Club Shop

Please contact Carmel on 0879496347 for any of your club gear requests. Carmel will be happy to facilitate orders and purchases.

Vacancy Updated Link

New Updated Link: https://jobsireland.ie/en-US/job-Details?id=2237602The vacancy for the position of Caretaker/Groundsperson position at The Downs GAA Club is still available. Please see new updated link for information regarding same. This is a Community Employment Position with MSCO Ltd.

Bingo

Bingo continues every Friday night at 8.30 p.m. All new members welcome.

Clubhouse Bar

The Clubhouse bar is open on Fridays and Saturdays nights.

Club Lotto

We will continue to live stream our Lotto draw via our Facebook page for the foreseeable future. Tune in at 9-30 on each Monday night to catch the draw.

1.Add a discounted bundle to your Downs GAA club membership by clicking here.
2.Play online at our website www.thedownsgaa.com
3. Play online at Clubzapp http://bit.ly/3ItlksQ
4. Contact your regular draw collector for your area or any Committee member who will enter
your numbers on to our Perma Book which is retained at the club.
5. Send a cheque for €100 to club secretary Tommy Kelly, Coralstown, Mullingar (one year’s
subscription).
6. Or scan here:

Thanks to our supporters for their loyal commitment to our Fundraising Draw and to those new players who have signed up online and in hard copy.

Keep up to date with club activities

There are lots of ways to keep up to date with our activities. Our award-winning website can be viewed at www.thedownsgaa.com where you can sign up to receive our weekly newsletter by email. Also check us out on Twitter, Facebook YouTube and Instagram.