On Saturday afternoon we travelled to Rochfortbridge to play St Joseph’s in the JFC quarter final. In good conditions for a match, it was The Downs who started the brighter and after 15 minutes we led 0-3 to 0-1. Thereafter in the first half Joseph’s gained some control of the scoreboard and pounced for the only goal of the game on the 20th minute, thus helping them into the halftime break with a lead of 1-4 to 0-5. 

Like the first half the second a low scoring affair and despite the best effort of our lads the Streamstown men got the scores when they needed them most to keep control of this quarter final clash and eventually ran out winners on a score-line of St. Jospehs 1-8  The Downs 0-8.

The Downs took on St. Loman’s in the Division 1 semi-final at home in Kevin Molloy Park last Friday. In a thrilling encounter played under fading light, The Downs minors edged past St. Loman’s in a pulsating end to end game. The game was tightly contested throughout, with standout scores including two 2 pointers from Kian Loughlin and a decisive goal from Finn Brennan, which ultimately proved crucial Playing with the wind advantage in the first half, The Downs went into the break with a narrow two-point lead. Early in the second half, St. Loman’s struck back with a goal of their own bringing the sides level. However, The Downs responded strongly, scoring 1-03 without reply opening up a five-point lead heading into the final ten minutes. In a tense finish, resolute defending from The Downs proved vital as St. Loman’s pushed hard for goals. The Downs showed great composure and discipline to see out the game, securing a hard-fought two-point victory. They now advance to face a strong favourites Mullingar Shamrocks in the final on Sunday 26th of Oct.

Our U16’s qualified for the Division 1 county final following an epic battle with neighbours Corastown Kinnegad under lights in The Downs on Monday night.

The visitors held a two-point lead at halftime but The Downs lads battled very hard in the second half to hold a one point lead going into injury time. A pointed free for Corastown Kinnegad was the last kick of the game in normal time to bring the game to extra time. It was the visitors that scored first in extra time but a late free followed by a turnover & fisted point by Conor Cleary ensured victory for The Downs. We now look forward to a repeat of last year’s final versus Shandonagh which will take place in Kinnegad on Saturday October 11th at 11.30am.

 

In what was a very successful week for The Downs underage, the U14’s were the team to set the ball rolling on Tuesday evening at home under lights with a win against a resilient St. Mary’s Rochfortbridge. With very little between the teams in the first half, it was The Downs who got the decisive scores when needed and booked themselves into the Division 1 county final on Sunday October 5th in Milltown GAA at 12pm against Athlone GAA. Final score The Downs 1-19 St. Marys 0-10

On Sunday we had the pleasure of hosting Inny Gaels (Meath), Mullingar Shamrocks, Coralstown-Kinnegad & Maynooth (Kildare) in Breedon Molloy Park for our annual festival of football in memory of our star in the sky, Ben Murray.

In perfect conditions, we were treated to some wonderful football from all 5 teams and 100+ players. Playing a league format, each team played each other in order for finals pairings to be decided. As league form suggested, Mullingar Shamrocks and Maynooth were paired for the Cup Final with The Downs facing Coralstown-Kinnegad in the Shield decider. The final pairings provided for very competitive football with Maynooth prevailing in the Ben Murray Cup and Kinnegad in the Shield.

The Murray family joined us for this very special day in our club calendar where we remember Ben and also recognise the amazing legacy that Boris, Alma & Alfie have given our community in honour of Ben via the many defibrillators and training sessions provided through Ben's Lifeline. As always, these club events don't happen on their own and we have many to thanks for everything running so smoothly.

Our u12 team mentors, Ciaran McCormack, Paul Mangan, Alan Kenna, Joe Martyn & Brian McGuire. Organising committee Paddy Kenny & Michael Moloney.

To all parents that helped out in the hall and brought food for our visitors to enjoy.

Our referees, Grace McDonald & Paddy Joyce. Marie & Laurie for keeping everyone refreshed from the Cuppa Hut.And finally our u14 boys who volunteered to umpire the event.

Our U12’s have qualified for the Garrycastle shield Final next Friday against Mullingar Shamrocks in Garrycastle. We wish them the very best of luck and complement them on reaching the final. Many thanks to Garrycastle GAA for hosting the event. 

The U10 girls played their last blitz of the season in Milltown GAA last Saturday morning. It was fantastic to see the progress they have made throughout the season.

Our U16 girls will contest the Division 3 county final next Friday at 7pm in Killucan GAA against Mullingar Shamrocks.

The Downs Dragons finished up their season with a brilliant evening of fun and games in Kids & Co. Huge thanks to all of our wonderful nursery coaches for their time and effort this year. Special mention to Vinny and Jess Conneely for organising Kidz & Co and also to Lisa Crowley (lisastreats) for providing the treats. A hugely successful year for this group of players. 

Our Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others attended a fantastically run blitz in Rhode last Saturday. The ladies played four games and also cleaned up with prizes in the raffle!! Many thanks to Rhode G4M&O for a great day with plenty of laughter. 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

We extend our condolences to the Monaghan family on the death of Ray Monaghan late of Bellview,Heights, Mullingar this week. 

We also send our condolences to the McGrath family Michael, Anne-marie, Oisín, Ciarán and Killian on the death of Michael’s mother Carmel McGrath, late of 47 Primrose Park, Sion Mills, Tyrone.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

The club shop will be opened this Friday October 3rd and 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.

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.