THE DOWNS GAA NOTES Nov 27th 2023

The Downs GAA AGM

The Downs GAA Club held their AGM last Saturday November 25th. A full agenda was completed in a very business-like manner with excellent reports presented by chairman, secretary, treasurer and the minor board secretary.

We thank all for their attendance and wish all the incoming committee the best of luck in their roles for the year.

There were two notable outgoing officers/committee members on the night. Firstly, outgoing secretary Tommy Kelly. The club would like to thank Tommy extensively for his extensive work on behalf of The Downs GAA club in his role as secretary. Not only was his role as secretary attended to with enthusiasm and precision but Tommy’s innovation and drive to complete projects was noted and applauded. Tommy will remain as a committee member however his five years as secretary has come to an end. Many thanks Tommy.

The second outgoing committee member was none other than Matt Carley. After 54 years of service on the committee and attendance at The Downs GAA AGMs, Matt has decided to step away. Matt served as Treasurer of the club for over 40 years of that tenure. It was noted by Chairman Aiden McGuire that Matt’s attention to detail and diligence to the role of Treasurer set the bar for future officers of the club and commended Matt on his superb dedication and service to the club. It was duly noted also that Matt served as Irish Language Officer on the county board with distinction for many years as well as his club commitment. Matt himself in turn thanked the club in a heartfelt address regaling of his honour and pleasure to be a cog in such a wonderful club but that unfortunately it was time to move on. It was finally noted by the chairman that the likes and calibre of Matt’s service to the club would never be replicated and could not be under estimated. The Downs GAA club would again like to thank Matt for his service and companionship over the last 5 decades and wish him every success in his retirement.

Elected Committee;

Chairperson Aiden McGuire, Vice Chairperson, Paddy Kenny, Secretary, Shane Carroll,

Assistant Secretary, Dermot Power, Treasurer Anthony Rowan, Finance Committee: Deirdre McGuire and Anne Mooney, Development Officer Sean Carroll, Hall Secretary Aiden McGuire, Registrar Paddy Murtagh, IT/Social Media Officer Anne Marie Corroon, P.R.O Emma Murphy, Child Protection Officer Clodagh Donohoe Designated Liaison Officer Denise Doherty/Ed Quinlan, Coaching Officer Davy Monaghan, Minor Chairperson Paddy Kenny, Minor Secretary Ed Quinlan, Playing Facilities Paddy Kenny, Minor Board Delegates Joe Daly, Ed Quinlan

Committee: Seamus Conroy, Patrick Doherty, Noel Lynam, Kevin Staunton, Joe Lynam, Declan Lynam, Marc Cunningham, Bernie Murray, Tommy Kelly, Dean Clarke and Barry Conroy

The Downs Ladies LGFA AGM

Reminder: The Downs Ladies LGFA will hold their AGM on November 30th in the clubhouse at 8.30 p.m.

Winter Programme for Nursery Kids

Our Winter Nursery programme continues next Saturday December 2nd. The Downs GAA & LGFA clubs are running the Winter Nursery for kids in The Downs hall every second Saturday from 11am to 12 noon up to Christmas. Venue may change in New Year. All are welcome, members and non-members. Dates after Christmas to be confirmed. No fee charged.

Congratulations

Congratulations are in order for three new arrivals to The Downs. Firstly, congratulations to senior player Dean Clarke and Aoife Mulleady on the safe arrival of their baby boy Tadhg last week.

We also send our congratulations to clubman Vinnie Conneely and his wife Jess on the arrival of their baby boy Paidí and finally, congratulations to Conor Carley and his partner Anna on the recent birth of their baby boy Cillian. A fine team of footballers for the future!

We also congratulate senior ladies’ footballer Sarah McGuire and Derek Healy on their recent engagement.

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.

Mass for Deceased Members

Our annual mass for deceased members of The Downs will take place on Wednesday December 13th at 8 p.m. in the clubhouse. All welcome.

Club Shop

Plenty of stock available for Christmas shopping. Ben jerseys are also available for collection. Please contact Carmel on 0879496347 for any further requests.

Sympathy

We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Catherine Shaw late of Chestnut Drive Mullingar. Catherine’s daughter-in law Gillian Ferguson is a member of The Downs Ladies senior team.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam

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.

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.