On Friday evening Monaghan town was in darkness in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn as an army of black and amber descended on the town. With no less than 19 competitors representing Na Dúnta, Iarmhí and Laighean at the All-Ireland Scór na nÓg finals there was no club in the country that could say the same. And these competitors had plenty of support in tow! 

The quiz team of Pádraig Monaghan, Oisín McGrath, Aaron Connaire & Conor Cleary and mentored by Pat Leavy began their competition in the Four Seasons Hotel, but not before they were wished good luck by Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns. The lads were unlucky not to make it to the final round, where they always excel due to the strong individual performers on the team. Well done to the lads on making it this far. The amount of knowledge absorbed by these four, patiently mentored by Pat is hard to comprehend. We look forward to seeing them back in action again.

Our fantastic novelty group had the Hillgrove hotel in stiches with their performance of “The Hi Five Code”. Aiden Tuite, Aidan Quinlan, Senan O’Neill, Órla O’Connell, Sophie Moore, Rónan Murtagh, Conor Quinlan & Naoimhe Geoghegan can all hold their heads high as they never put a foot wrong on the stage. This group brought friends and family in tow, and it really is a joy to see this bunch of kids of all ages experience being on stage at an All-Ireland Final. The Novelty of course needs to be written and directed and props and costumes put together. Those behind the scenes deserve huge credit for all they do for the club. Grace O’Neill, Trudi Rowan and Noel Lynam did an outstanding job as always. They were unfortunate not to win the judges over on this occasion be we are sure Noel is already cooking up next year’s script. 

The Downs Set Dancers are known the length and breadth of the country and Aaron Connaire & Conor Cleary, fresh from the Tráth na gCeisteanna along with Órla Rijksen, Leah Bardon, Billy Carroll, Bailey Shiels, Caleb Shiels & Ellen Connaire concluded the event to raucous applause dancing two figures of the Plain Set. There was stiff competition in this category and although the group never missed a step, they unfortunately missed out on the top prize. Mentors Brenda and Alice Deihy have a long tradition with the club set and we’re sure this group will get their hands on a well-deserved All Ireland in the future. 

Last but not least, we have an All-Ireland Champion at Na Dúnta!!

Alanna Corroon wowed the judges and the audience alike with her flawless performance of “The Child I Did Not Know”. Alanna having competed in last years All Ireland in Killarney was no stranger to the stage. You could hear a pin drop in the auditorium as she recited the powerful piece. There was huge excitement and tears of joy as the judges called her name as all of the Downs & Westmeath supporters cheered and applauded this incredible achievement. Alanna’s mentors, Noel Lynam and Anne Marie Corroon could not have been prouder of her. Congratulations Alanna from all at Na Dúnta. Táimid brodúil ar fad. 

Well done to the other Westmeath Clubs involved on the day, Bunbrosna in the Ceoil Uirlise, Mullingar Shamrocks in the Amhránaíocht Aoinair and Moate All Whites in the Bailéad ghrúpa. 

Huge thanks to Na Dúnta Scór Committee, Scór Iarmhí and Scór Laighean without whom there would be no Scór an nÓg. Well done to everyone who performed and to all who came to support. You represented the club with great pride and distinction and congratulations again to our Scór na nÓg All Ireland Champion – Alanna Corroon.

The Downs Dragons

The Downs Dragons continues every 2nd Saturday at 12 p.m. in the clubhouse. New members always welcome. Next date for the diary is Saturday Feb 1st. Free jersey on registration for new members.

Couch to 5k / Valentines Run. Looking for some motivation for the new year? We are delighted to announce that our couch to 5k is back this year. Starting Monday 6th Jan at 7:30pm at the Downs GAA Club. The initiative will run every Monday with our fantastic running coach Criona, and will lead up to our annual Valentines 5k/10k fundraiser on 16th February. All you need is runners, water and a smile. For more information, contact Anne Marie on 0874140184

Couch to 5k / Valentines Run

Our Club Calendar for 2025 is now available. We extend our gratitude to all our sponsors for their continued generosity and support in this venture. Calendars can be picked up in Mullingar Pewter, A&J Newsagents Coralstown and Egan’s Rathconnell Service Station while stocks last. Calendars are €3 each or 2 for €5.

The Downs GAA extend our sympathy to Gordon and Edwina Mitchell and family on the sad passing of Gordon’s mother Bridget Mitchell, late of Raharney, Co. Westmeath.

We also extend our sympathy to the family of Joe Raleigh, Heathstown, Coralstown, Mullingar.

Condolences also to former senior player Tommy Cleary and family on the recent passing of his father-in-law Paddy Martin, late of Rathskeagh, Ballymore, Co. Westmeath.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

We look forward to Bingo returning this Friday night at 8.30 p.m. Storm Eowyn was responsible for its cancellation last Friday. All new members welcome.

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.