The Downs GAA became runners-up following a penalty shoot-out with last Saturday afternoon in Shay Murtagh Senior Football Championship final replay after a titanic battle with our near neighbours St. Lomans in TEG Cusack Park. In what can only be described as a war of attrition with neither side being able to pull away from the other with any real significance in over 140 minutes of football in total. To go out on penalties was a real sucker punch for this unbelievably spirited group of players. The club and community are immensely proud of each and every one of this young team who will no doubt bounce back stronger in the years to come. Congratulations to all players involved as well as the management team of Johnny Murray, Liam Joyce and Danny McDermott. Congratulations to St. Lomans and we wish them luck in their upcoming Leinster campaign. Please see match report elsewhere in paper.

Thanks to our Volunteers

We would like to thank each and every one of the volunteers that helped in any way shape or form over the weekend whether it be helping in the bar, serving food, cleaning up or preparing the hall. We appreciate all the goodwill as well as time and effort that given to the club. Your presence doesn’t go unnoticed or under appreciated. 

Special mention to Bernie Conneely who once again captured all the moments as they unfolded. Bernie’s incredible work and giving of her time is very much appreciated.   

Our Minors can count themselves very unfortunately to have missed out in the Division 2 Final by a point on Sunday afternoon’s Division 2 Minor Final in Bunbrosna on a scoreline of 0-11 to 1-9 to Garrycastle. Playing with the aid of a strong wind in the 1st half, the lads played some wonderful free flowing football building up a lead of 08-03 at half time. They kicked 6 of their 8 points from play with a great spread of scores across the team Kian Loughlin(3), Eoin Mullin(2) and Aaron Connaire, Michael Moloney and Darragh Smith a point apiece. The question was whether that would be enough as a strong and dogged Garrycastle Team would play with an increasing wind in the 2nd half. Our lads started the half defending extremely well, controlling the ball and moving it through the hands and denying any chances of the concession of a score. An awarded and converted penalty was a huge boost for Garrycastle, who followed that quickly with a converted free to reduce the gap to a point. The response from our lads was fantastic, as they pushed up the pitch adding two pointed frees in a row from the boots of Eoin Mullin and Michael Moloney to extend our lead back to three points as we entered the final 10 minutes. As the wind rose to a gale, we witnessed a tight, tense and gripping contest as the lads battled heroically. Garrycastle added a pointed free and Eoin Mullin responded with a free of our own. However, Garrycastle added four pointed frees to go into the lead for the first time around the 60th minute. Despite, their best efforts, and getting back up the pitch as the clock ran down in extra time, the lads could not get that equalising score. There was naturally huge disappointment at the defeat on the final whistle. However, the lads should take huge consolation from the fact they gave it everything, playing some fantastic football, and restricting a high calibre opponent to one point from play in such weather conditions. Thanks to both the players and coaches for such a wonderful season.

Sympathy

The Downs GAA Club sends their deepest sympathy to the family, friends and Raharney community following the untimely passing of Liz Cahill (nee Shaw) earlier this week. Liz herself as well as her family are synonymous with the GAA particularly the camogie and hurling community. An immense loss to her family and friends.  

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

 

For urgent orders please contact Carmel on 0879496347.

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

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.