On Sunday evening last, in TEG Cusack Park the senior men turned in an authoritative display against current county champions St. Lomans to make it three wins from three in the Shay Murtagh Senior championship. Phillip Martin finished the first goal to the St. Lomans net early in the half, followed by a second from his brother Ian with the talented Luke Loughlin finishing off the first half with another superb finish. Half time score 3-08 to 0-6. St. Loman pulled back a goal of their own through substitute Conán O’Hara together with a further 4 points. However, the damage was done in the first half by The Downs who themselves tagged on a further 8 scores. Final score The Downs 3-16 St. Lomans 1-10. Next up for the men in black and amber is Athlone GAA in round 4. 

 

On Friday evening last we travelled to our near neighbours St. Lomans for round 3 of the junior football championship. In a game with a delayed start The downs opened the scoring through Shane Murtagh who registered the first score of the time. The proceeding 5 minutes was an end to end encounter with St Lomans getting the better of the first half exchanges to lead at half-time on a scoreline of 2-10 to 0-5. 

The Downs came out like a different team in the second half and laid siege to the St. Lomans defence for the majority of the second half. With goals from Jack Carroll and another from Dylan Carroll, we drew level for the first time in the 55th minute. In a cagey last couple of minutes, it was the hosts who found the last score of the game to run out winners on a Scorline of 2-13 to 2-12. Our lads must be commended for the never say die attitude in the second half and were extremely unfortunate not to get something from this round 3 clash. Next up in round 4 is a clash with Athlone in 2 weeks time.

On Tuesday last we welcomed Athlone to Breedon Molloy Park for the quarter final of the U20 Football championship. Both sides evenly traded a score each over the first couple of minutes. The Downs started to gain control of more possession and started to gain the upper hand in this first half and by the 20th minute aided by a goal finished by Conor power The Downs led on a scoreline of 1-8 to 0-1. Athlone started to take over in the closing stages of the second half and by the half time whistle Athlone had registered 1-2 leaving the halftime score at 1-08 to 1-03. Athlone started the brighter of the second half straight away raising a green flag from the throw in. The Downs lads replied to this goal rapidly and within a minute Michael Moloney had the ball in the back of the Athlone net. From that point on The Downs never looked back and took control off this quarter final clash. Despite a few goals from the Athlone men, our lads responded brilliantly each time and we never relinquished our lead. The Downs now have a semi-final to look forward too after winning out in this clash on a scoreline of 7-17 to 5-3 with details yet to be confirmed.

The U12’s played the second round of the Garrycastle tournament this week. End to end action – the lads delivered a great performance to earn themselves a four point victory over St. Mary’s Rochfortbridge. 

The u8s travelled with 22 fine footballers to Tang last Saturday to play the hosts and Athlone. Some great performances on the day, with the lads not only playing good football in wet conditions but battling hard for each other off the ball too. Thanks to Maryland/Tang for hosting on the morning with large numbers there. 

The U14’s had a tough fixture in the championship this week with an epic battle against Mullingar Shamrocks. In a very enjoyable game for the spectator, Shamrocks won the game by a margin of 8 points despite a determined and gritty performance from the home side. 

The Downs GAA offers their condolences to the Conroy family on the passing of Seamus’ aunt Margaret Conroy late of Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.

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.