Please get out and support our men’s senior team in their Leinster quarter-final in TEG Cusack Park next Sunday against Offaly champions Tullamore.
Underage Train with Senior Champions
Last Tuesday evening Breedon Kevin Molloy Park was a hive of activity when our underage stars of the future had the opportunity to have a training session with the senior champions of 2025. The boys and girls of the club came in their droves undeterred by the inclement weather to meet, train and take photos with their heroes. It was a wonderful event where the stars of today had the opportunity to inspire the stars of the future. Many thanks to all involved in organising and of course to Bernie Conneely for capturing it all with her camera. A very special event for the club.
Club Shop
Please keep an eye on our social media platforms for updates to shop opening.
Scór na nÓg
Comhghairdeas mór to members of Na Dúnta who represented the club so brilliantly at the Scór na n-Óg semi final in St. James' Hall, Kilbeggan on Saturday evening. The competition was stiff and a glance at the order of events showed that almost 50 competitors and groups were vying for an opportunity to represent their club at the county finals next weekend.
The Downs had competitors in the amhránaíocht aonair, rince foirne, aithrisóireacht, nuachleas ceol uirlise agus rince seit. Well done to Luke Keena and his beautiful rendition of Song for Ireland in the amhránaíocht aonair competition, earning him a spot in the county final. Congratulations also to Orla Murray his mentor. Luke also entertained the audience with his performance of "U6's Football Training" in the recitation competition under the tutilage of Noel Lynam.
The Rince Foirne group led by Geraldine and Amy Dagg consisted of Molly Nea, Emma Conneely, Vivienne Daly, Isobéil Murphy, Aoibhinn Smyth, Isabelle Smyth, Orla O'Connell and Ciara Egerton. They performed The Morris Reel beautifully to progress to the county final.
The instrumental group was made of of Ruby Scally, Cian O'Looney, Harry Doyle, Luke and Jack Maloney. They performed The Little Diamond Polka and The Sunday Solitude Jig in what was to be one of the toughest disciplines on the night with 11 groups competing. This was their first opportunity to showcase their talents as a group, led by the wonderful Taylor Shields. Although they did not make it through to the next round last night, there is no doubt we will see a lot more from them in the future.
Noel Lynam and Trudie Rown's protégés took to the stage in the Novelty act competition performing "Una's Plan". Their humorous rendition of how the Giant's Causeway came to pass had the audience in stitches. Performed by Naomi Geoghegan, Ronan Murtagh, Orla O'Connell, Tom O'Connell, Senan O'Neil, Aoibhinn Smyth and Isabelle Smyth, this group will be competing again at the County final. The last group representing Na Dúnta were the Rince Seit dancers. The skill and talent of this experienced group led by Brenda and Alice Deihy was unequalled. They performed The Plain Set Figures 1 and 6 to progress to the final. Well done to dancers Aaron Connaire, Conor Cleary, Orla Rijksen, Leah Bardon, Aleisha Nolan, Billy Carroll,Bailey Shiels & Caleb Shiels.
The County Final takes place on Saturday 15th November in The Downs GAA Club.
Christmas Raffle
Na Dúnta Annual Draw has just launched. Fantastic prizes to be won including €5000 1st prize, hotel breaks , gym membership & much more. Tickets can be purchased from any committee member or online https://naduntagaa.clubifyapp.com/products/31900/purchases/new
Proceeds go to running the club as well as a contribution to a new local community footpath.
LGFA Awards
Well done to all who involved on a fantastic Westmeath LGFA Dinner Dance last Friday evening in Bloomfield House Hotel. Westmeath Ladies Gaa had plenty to celebrate with u14, u16, u18 and Intermediate Leinster Champions this year. Na Dúnta are delighted to have representatives on all 4 panels. Special mention also to Anthony Rowan who was nominated for the Shiela Lyster Hall of Fame award and Sarah & Ellen Carthy who were nominated for young volunteer of the year. These 3 nominees are so generous with their time and energy in the club always with good humour. We are delighted to see them recognised.
Sympathy
The Downs GAA club would like to express their sympathy to the following families. The McCarthy family on the death of Ann McCarthy, Gaulmoylestown, Mullingar. The Dale family on the death of Peter Dale, Russlestown Mullingar. The Gavin family on the death of Liam Gavin, Rochfordsbridge and finally the Gaffney family on the death of Mick Gaffney Newdown The Downs.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a na-anamacha.
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.
