The U14 boys squad reached two league finals this week. First up was the Division 5 squad who played St. Pauls. The Downs put in a sterling performance showing great skill and determination on the night. St. Pauls put up a great fight however The Downs were the stronger team throughout. Following the final whistle, the shield was presented to captain TJ Loughlin much to the delight of his team mates and supporters. The Downs 7-07 St. Pauls 1-03
The Division 1 team had a much tougher assignment. Having earned themselves a home draw due to topping the group, The Downs faced a very well drilled and physical Athlone side. Having conceded a goal late in the second half, The Downs found it difficult to recover and it was Athone who kicked on in the second half to emerge victorious. Final score: The Downs 0-7 Athlone 2-11
Congratulations to the management team of Eddie Quinlan, Cahal Kelly, Kieran Carroll, Tommy Coyne, Jasper Rijksen and Lane Orme. Great time and effort has gone in to guiding these lads into two finals. They now look forward to preparations for the championship. Well done to all involved.
U16 Division 1 Final
On Friday night it was the turn of the U16 squad to contest the Division 1 final. Their opponents were St. Lomans in Lakepoint Park in the basking sunshine. A fiercely contested game in which both sides were evenly matched. St. Lomans however were more clinical up front edging out the black and ambers by a solitary goal when it finished. Despite a fighting performance by The Downs, St. Lomans held on to earn victory. Final score 2-12 The Downs 2-09.
Dylan Quirke Foundation Heart Screening
We are delighted here in The Downs to welcome the Dylan Quirke Foundation to The Downs for cardiac screening of our U16/U14 boys and girls. Due to the hard work of Sharon Crowley, the foundation will be attending The Downs on Tuesday June 24th to complete screening of our young athletes. A superb initiative and much appreciated by everyone here on The Downs. Thanks to Sharon for organising.
U8 Boys
On Saturday morning 21 of our U8 athletes took to the field to take on Shandonagh and St. Lomans. Our lads put in a massive performance in hot and chaotic conditions. It was great to see them throwing the ball around so well. Well done to all.
Win a Home in Spain Westmeath GAA Fundraiser
Why not be in with a chance to “Win a Home in Spain” aswell as €50,000 in cash in conjunction with Westmeath GAA. Proceeds going towards the development of “Centre of Excellence” for all our GAA teams. If interested, please use the following link to purchase a ticket: https://linktr.ee/Thedownsgaa
Club Shop
The club shop will be opened every second Friday during underage training from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
Gaelic 4 Mothers and Others
Na Dúnta G4M&O travelled to Simonstown last weekend for the G4M&O North Leinster Blitz. They played Moylagh, Rathkenny, Naomh Martin and Mullingar Shamrocks in 4 enjoyable games of football with plenty of craic had afterwards. Huge thanks to @simonstowngaels who managed to host a brilliant event despite the weather. 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
Bingo
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.