THE DOWNS GAA NOTES Sep 25th 2023
Underage Results
The U15’s have qualified for the semi-final of the Division 1 championship having overcome a tough and tenacious Killucan in the quarter-final earlier this week. Semi-final is fixed for Friday October 6th at 7 p.m. in Lakepoint Park versus St. Lomans. Best of luck to all involved.
The U13 Division 1 team contested the League 2 semi-final on Friday evening under lights at home against a strong Mullingar Shamrocks side. Shamrocks got off to a flying start and despite our lads scoring 17 points we ended up on the losing side. We wish Mullingar Shamrocks the best of luck in the final.
The Division 4 team play Lilliput Gaels in the quarter-final of the League 2 this Friday at home at 6.45 p.m.
Our U10’s participated in the Ber Murtagh tournament hosted by Killucan on Sunday morning last. Our lads showed great skill and determination in all games giving an excellent account of themselves. Well done to all involved and many thanks to Killucan for being superb hosts as usual.
Our U12 boys contested the semi-final stage of the Garrycastle tournament also on Sunday morning in very wet conditions. This bunch of lads are going from strength to strength serving up a quality performance against a hard-working Ballinamere side. We now qualify for the final of the Garrycastle Tournament with details to be confirmed.
LGFA
All roads lead to Shandonagh GAA this Sunday October 1st at 12 noon for the senior ladies who will play in the semi-final of the Village Barn Senior Championship against near neighbours St. Lomans. We wish Johnny Murray and his management team the very best of luck and hope that the whole club comes out to support them.
The U16 girls had a great win the quarter final of their championship last Saturday evening against Millltown. A point down at half time and playing into a strong breeze in the first half, the girls took the game by the scruff of the neck and ran out eventual winners on a score-line of The Downs 2-13 Milltown 1-6.
Well done to our U12 girls who put in a great performance against local rivals Mullingar Shamrocks on Tuesday evening in very wet conditions. This game brings an end to our matches for the 2023 season. We would like to thank the parents/guardians of the girls for having them at training and for travelling around the county for games. Many thanks also to coaches Mark Niall, Niamh & Clive for their time and dedication to the team.
Our u8s and U10s travelled to Streamstown last Saturday morning for the last Go Games blitz of the season. Both age groups fielded 2 teams, with U8s facing Mullingar Shamrocks and St Joseph's, while our U10s played Mullingar Shamrocks, St Joseph's, Multyfarnham and Rosemount. Games were evenly matched with all the girls getting lots of time on the ball and displaying all their new found skills. It's is brilliant to see the progress these girls have made despite the wet year hampering many of their blitzes this year. We have our final training session this Friday evening and hope to round off the season with an enjoyable evening for all.
Quid Games
Westmeath county board are hoping to raise over €200,000 from a major fundraiser on October 29th held in The Park Hotel. With all 47 clubs and a few “special guests” participating in some fun games on the night –the winning club will take away a whopping €10,000 for their club.
The Downs GAA Club are being represented by clubman Jasper Rijksen and will no doubt do the club proud. We thank Jasper for his time and in line with this – we are hosting a table quiz this Saturday evening kicking off at 7.30 p.m. in the clubhouse at €40 per table (all welcome including kids) to help Jasper in his plight to be our Quid Games ambassador. Please support Jasper, The Downs GAA Club and Westmeath GAA at the same time.
Ben Jerseys
Back by public demand. Ben Jerseys are now available for order for Christmas. Closing date for orders is Saturday October 14th. Adult jerseys cost €45 while children’s cost €35. Please contact Alma (0877604990) or Carmel (0879496347) for further information.
Strength & Conditioning
Strength & conditioning classes resume in the clubhouse with Mickey-Dan Murtagh on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7.30-8-30 p.m. Beginning on October 3rd at a cost of €10 per session – all welcome.
U10, U8 Girls and U12 Garrycastle Team
G4M&O
Training continues Wed evening 8-9 with yoga in Hardy Bucks on Thursdays 8-9. Please contact Anne-Marie on 0874140184 for any further information.
Club Shop
Please contact Carmel on 0879496347 for any of your club gear requests. Carmel will be happy to facilitate orders and purchases.
Vacancy Updated Link
New Updated Link: https://jobsireland.ie/en-US/job-Details?id=2237602The vacancy for the position of Caretaker/Groundsperson position at The Downs GAA Club is still available. Please see new updated link for information regarding same. This is a Community Employment Position with MSCO Ltd.
Bingo
Bingo continues every Friday night at 8.30 p.m. All new members welcome.
Clubhouse Bar
The Clubhouse bar is open on Fridays and Saturdays nights.
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:
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.
