The big news this week is of course that the senior footballers here in The Downs are contesting this year’s Shay Murtagh Senior Football Championship final this coming Sunday in TEG Cusack Park at 3.30p.m. against St. Lomans. We look forward to a big gang of black and amber support to travel into TEG Cusack as the men’s team attempt to re-claim the Flanagan Cup that they won 2 years ago. Go n-éirí an bóthair libh go léir!!

Last Sunday we honoured our star in the sky Ben Murray in Breedon Kevin Molloy Park.  On a beautiful sunny morning/afternoon all players/clubs turned in a wonderful display of football. The Downs, St. Mary’s Ardee, St. Lomans, Mullingar Shamrocks and Ballivor all competing for the Ben Murray Cup, The Downs Shield and The Downs Plate with all teams serving up a great morning of entertaining and skilful football. The standard of football was to an exceptionally high standard in all finals. Winners of The Downs Cup were Ballivor, the shield was St. Mary’s Ardee and the Plate was awarded to St. Lomans. Finally, thanks to all who assisted with the event in any way, shape or form. Many thanks to the Murray family for also being present and presenting the honours. A great effort by all and much appreciated

 

Our Division 5 team played Goldsmiths in their final last Saturday in Killucan. In what can only be described as an epic battle our girls emptied themselves only to be beaten by a solitary point when the final whistle blew. We got off to a flying start scoring 3 goals in the opening half and only conceding 4 points. However, we knew Goldsmiths were going to come out a different team in the second half and that they did. It was nip and tuck the whole way to the end with a single point between the sides at full time. We are immensely proud of these young ladies with a lot of them contesting two finals in less than a week. The spirit in which they never gave up is something to be very proud of. Congratulations to Goldsmiths.  

Having topped the Division 1 championship league table, our u14 Black Squad entered this Championship semi-final at home in Breedon Molloy Park with high expectations.

While the rain held off, it was a very windy evening with The Downs playing into the wind for the first half. Despite conceding an early goal, our boys responded with one of their own and despite playing against the strong wind, finished the first quarter level on scores. To their credit, Lilliput Gaels broke clear in the second quarter with some excellent attacking play and taking some fine scores. The Downs went into half time with a deficit of 8 points but all to play-for given wind assistance in the second half.

Unfortunately for The Downs, it was Lilliput that pushed on in the second half against the wind. While the Downs did stage a late rally it wasn't to be our evening and we wish Lilliput Gaels the very best in the final.

The minors will context the Div 2 semi-final this Wednesday October 9th at 7 pm. In Breedon Molloy Park. All support welcome.

On sat 21st of September our G4MOS team took to the field as they hosted their inaugural blitz in the Downs. Teams were welcomed from Mulligar Shamrocks, Rochfortbridge, Ballymore, Ballymahon-Forgney and Shandonagh each playing 4 games across 3 pitches. All games were played in the true spirit of G4M&O with lots of laughs. Great to see players of different ages and abilities come together and play sporting matches of free flowing football. 

 

Thanks to all the teams who travelled and made it a great day and night. Special thanks to all that helped in arranging the day, our referees and our volunteers serving the food and beverages. Huge thanks to all our 21 sponsors without whom the blitz wouldn't have been the success it was.

With the county final now on our radar, the club shop will be open this Wednesday and Friday from 7 to 8 at the clubhouse for all your bunting, flags and headband needs. For urgent orders please contact Carmel on 0879496347.

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.