THE DOWNS GAA NOTES Dec 4th 2023

The Downs Ladies LGFA AGM

The Downs Ladies LGFA A.G.M. was held last Thursday evening November 30th. A very well prepared agenda was delivered including detailed Chairman, Secretary and coaches reports. The AGM was very well attended signifying the continued strength and growth of the Downs Ladies club. We thank all those that attended and we wish the elected executive and committee members the best of luck for 2024. The Elected Officers are as follows:

Chairperson Barry McDonald: Vice Chairperson: Anne-marie Corroon, Secretary: Muriel Flynn,

Assistant Secretary: Paula McCormack/Denise Maguire, Joint Treasurer: Bernie Corroon & Mary Rijksen, IT/Social Media Officer: Anne Marie Corroon, P.R.O Emma Murphy, Children’s Officers: Carley Kelly/Fionnuala Kenny Registrars: Deirdre Corroon & Emma Murtagh County Board Delegates: Helen Walsh/Beth McGuire(Player Reps) Bernie Corroon/Anne-marie Corroon/O’Neill Harte Coda Officer: Martin McHugh Designated Liaison Officer: Zita Dowdall, Coaching Officer: Bernie Corroon Well-being and Mental Health Officer: Olivia Corcoran & Trudie Rowan, Pitch/Facilitator: Paddy Kenny

Committee: Chris McEntee, Paul Moore, Anthony Rowan, Caitriona Murtagh, Lorraine Cassidy, Louise Tobin, Rebecca Eivers,

Minor Girls Qualify for Division 3 Final

Our mighty minor team have qualified for the Division 3 county final following a serious comeback on Sunday morning last in Clonmellon versus St. Paul’s Delvin. Down by 13 points at half-time, the girls rallied and produced a sensational performance scoring five goals in the second half to earn themselves a place in the Division 3 county final. Each and every one of our girls dug deep to redeem the first half with the subs making a big impact on the result. Opposition for the final will be decided this week with Athlone and Tyrellspass playing the opposing semi-final. Details of the final will be confirmed later in the week. Well done to all involved.

Minor Ladies County Finalists

Christmas Draw

The club is running its annual Christmas Draw Fundraiser. Prize Fund of €5,000. Tickets cost €60, 2 for €100 or book of tickets for €300. Tickets are available from any committee member.

Winter Programme for Nursery Kids

Our Winter Nursery programme continued last Saturday December 2nd. Great fun was had by all. 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.

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.

Sympathy

Two former players went to their eternal reward over recent days. Michael Murtagh Baltrasna, who played with the club in the 1940’s and 50’s and won Junior Championships in 1947 and 1949 and an Intermediate Championship 1950. Michael was also a long time member of our committee for many years and was a willing volunteer who served the Club with distinction.

Secondly, Jim (James) Moore was a faithful supporter and former player with Na Dúnta. Jim played Senior Championship with the club for over a decade and had the distinction of winning two senior championships with the club, 1974 and 1980. His senior career was cut short due to immigration in the mid 1980’s. Jim never forgot his roots and returned regularly to his native shore. He involved himself with the Tara’s GAA club in London where he put in Trojan work over many years. Jim was a proud Galway man and never failed to support his native county on big days in Croke Park and further afield. We in The Downs GAA club will remember Jim with great fondness for his infectious enthusiasm, his generous support and his never say die attitude.

We extend sincere sympathy to Jim’s wife Carol and all the Moore and Baker families

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

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

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

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.