The senior team opened their championship campaign last Saturday evening in TEG Cusack Park with a win over our near neighbours Coralstown/Kinnegad. The opening quarter was a cagey affair however a brace of goals heading towards half-time gave the black and ambers a cushion that would be hard to overturn by the opposition. The second half saw The Downs scoring a further seven points as opposed to 4 for Coralstown Kinnegad leaving the final score at 3-13 to 0-10. 

On Sunday morning our junior championship side welcomed Mullingar Shamrocks to Molloy park for their opening round. Both sides traded scores evenly throughout a low scoring first half to leave the game at 0-4 each at halftime. It was a day where both defences were hard to break down and it was not until the 50th minute before our opponents gained control of this championship match. A quick fire point from play and a 2 pointer from a free for the Mullingar men saw them open up a 3 point lead the largest lead up until that point of the game. Our lads rallied well but unfortunately came out on the wrong side of This game on a score-line of Na Dunta 0-9 Shamrocks 0-14.

A multi game ticket can be purchased for this year’s championship on the following link https://www.ticketmaster.ie/westmeath-gaa-club-championship-tickets/artist/5421700

The winners of the All-Ireland tickets were Grace, Ruairí and Sean Baltrim, while the winner of the €100 was Dolores McGonagle, Kinnegad. Congratulations to both winners. 

A Life Lived on the Line. An event is being held in honour of former manager of The Downs GAA John O’Mahony on August 8th in St, Nathy’s College Ballaghaderreen with doors opening at 7 pm. It promises to be a wonderful night, reflecting on the legacy of John O’Mahony and the future of Gaelic Games. Hosted by Marty Morrisey and featuring a stellar panel of GAA legends and pundits including Pádraic Joyce, Kieran McGeeney, Declan Darcy, Martin Carney, Fergal O’Donnell, John Maher, Tommy Rooney, Marc O Sé and David McBrien. Tickets available on the following link https://www.tickettailor.com/checkout/view-event/id/5973489/chk/9e5d/?modal_widget=true&widget=true 

This week The Downs GAA club celebrated the eightieth year for two club stalwarts Brian Murtagh and Matt Carley. Fr. Tom Gilroy officiated a beautiful mass which was attended by many family, friends and members of the community followed by tea and refreshments in the clubhouse. A fantastic evening of celebration was had by all. 

A presentation was made this week to U20’s player Billy Moffat marking his success with Westmeath winning the All-Ireland B against Monaghan. Billy also made his senior adult debut against Coralstown Kinnead this week in TEG Cusack Park. Congrats Billy.

Hard luck to Annie MacDonald and the Westmeath Minors on their defeat in the All Ireland C championship against a strong Waterford team. Annie has represented The Downs with great pride all year – well done.

The Downs GAA club offer their sincere sympathy to the extended family of Detty Cornally as well as Mullingar Shamrocks GAA club on her recent passing.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

The G4M&O ladies travelled to Shandonagh for a game this week. Many thanks to Shandonagh for their hospitality. Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others continues every Wed eve at 8pm. Newcomers always welcome. Na Dúnta Gaelic 4 mothers & other's takes place every Wednesday (back middle pitch). No experience required, all fitness levels welcomed. This is a lovely outlet for women to get some exercise, learn a new skill and meet new people. Contact Carley 087 7701318 or Elaine 0868785006

The club shop will be opened every second Friday during underage training from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm.

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.