THE DOWNS GAA NOTES Oct 16th 2023

Senior Ladies Final LGFA

Our wonderful ladies team unfortunately fell at the final hurdle on Sunday last in the Village Barn Senior Final against a well-seasoned Milltown side. It was an historic occasion for the ladies as it was the first time they qualified for the senior final having previously won two Intermediate titles in 2017 and 2021. Johnny Murray and his management team of David Kelly, Martin Egerton, Christy Doyle, O’Neill Harte, Emma Murtagh and Trudie Rowan gave everything in preparation to overcome Milltown however they just came up short on the day. Just a point adrift at half time, Milltown showed their wealth of experience to take control of proceedings in the second half. A Beth McGuire goal gave the girls renewed energy however Milltown counter attacked at every opportunity and were deserving winners in the end on a score-line of 2-15 to 3-03. Congratulations to Milltown and no doubt our own ladies will be back again.

Under 15 Boys Semi-final

The U15’s contested the Division 1 championship semi-final last Friday in Lakepoint Park against St. Lomans. The Downs were quickest out of the traps and held an 8-point advantage well into the second half. St. Lomans kept plugging away and much to the dismay of the black and amber crowd in attendance the home side managed push the game into extra time with level scores at full time. Both teams were out on their feet at this point. The Downs got off to a flying start in extra time with a Padraig Monaghan goal, however, that was as good as it got for The Downs as St. Lomans got a new lease of life outscoring their counterparts in the second half of extra time in what can only be described as a pulsating game of football. Hard luck to the lads and their management team and congratulations to St. Lomans. Final score was 3-20 to 4-07.

U14 Girls Division 4 Final

Our U14 girls contested the Division 4 Championship Final last Saturday evening in Killucan GAA grounds and what a battle it turned out to be. With the game ending in a draw at full time in an end to end game, it took extra time to separate the two sides of this epic battle. Coralstown Kinnegad were quickest off the mark in extra time scoring an early goal and despite our girls exploring every avenue they just could not engineer an equaliser resulting in Coralstown Kinnegad emerging winners on a scoreline of 6- 06 to 6 -03. We are immensely proud of these young ladies who have made superb progress and can be very proud of their performance not only in the final but throughout the year. Heads up girls. You did yourselves proud. Congratulations to Corlastown Kinnegad.

U13 Division 4 Semi-final

The boys Division 4 team played Multy on Sunday evening in the semi-final of the championship. The lads battled hard going ahead by three points early in the second half. However, a more physical Multy side were able to balance out the lead and add on two scores that The Downs lads just couldn’t get back despite their best efforts. Well done to all involved on a great season’s work.

Strength & Conditioning

Strength & conditioning classes resume in the clubhouse with Mickey-Dan Murtagh on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7.30-8-30 p.m. Beginning on October 3rd at a cost of €10 per session – all welcome.

Club Shop

Please contact Carmel on 0879496347 for any further requests.

Sympathy

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Pauric Kirby Castletown Geoghean.

We also send our condolences to the family of Mary Kearney late of Ballydavid and Mullingar.

We would also like to extend our condolences to Paul Furey and extended family on the recent death of his father Vincent Furey, late of Derryfadda, Clonlara, Clare and Ballyglunin Galway.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

G4M&O

Training continues Wed evening 8-9 with yoga in Hardy Bucks on Thursdays 8-9. Please contact Anne-Marie on 0874140184 for any further information.

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.

Recent Jackpot Winner Gerard Ward receiving his winnings from Anthony Rowan and Aiden McGuire

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