This week marked the return of the Shay Murtagh senior championship. The senior men of the club rolled in to TEG Cusack Park on the first wet Sunday of the summer to defend their county champions status and that they did with the same never say die attitude that signifies Na Dúnta teams throughout the years. The game itself didn’t live up to the expectation quality wise however the excitement factor towards the end was worth the entry fee. Down a number of regulars due to injury, The Downs were going to have to dig deep to get a result in this one and that they did. The score-line of 4 to 3 in favour of St. Lomans tells the story of the first half. St. Lomans kicked into gear early in the second half with a number of scores from John Heslin and a two-pointer from the returning Ronan O’Toole. It looked like game over but the lads managed to just about stay in the game with a goal from Ian Martin and a two-pointed free from his brother Trevor. It did look as though it was going to be a disappointing day for the black and ambers at 59 minutes gone and 5 points down. But in chaotic fashion, a side-line ball for St. Lomans resulted in a free for The Downs and when Niall Mitchell blasted the ball into the St. Loman’s net, it left just 2 two points between the sides. It was helter skeltor in the dying moments with The Downs winning a free on the left side of the goals in two-point territory. Up stepped resident goal keeper Trevor Martin, who struck the ball perfectly to landing it inch perfectly over the bar much to the delight of his team mates and The Downs supporters. A draw was the final result and to be fair it felt like a win in the manner in which it ended. Final score The Downs 2-11 St. Lomans 0-17. The outcome required character and resolve entering injury time and yet again the lads showed that they won’t cough up the Flanagan Cup without a fight. Congratulations to our two debutants, Josh Murtagh and Michael Moloney on their championship debuts, both acquitting themselves very well on the night. The future looking bright for Na Dúnta with these two on board. 

The u12’s had a superb performance against Mullingar Shamrocks last Monday evening at home earning themselves a win in phase two of the league. Congratulations to all the players and mentors.

 

Our U16’s and U14’s weren’t so lucky in their encounters versus Mullingar Shamrocks on Monday and Wednesday respectively with both losing out to better teams on the night. The U16’s losing by a deficit of 4 points while our U14’s lost by 5 points to a much more physical Mullingar side.

 

The U14 Division 5 team were very unlucky not to come away with a win against CFCW on Wednesday at home despite a fighting performance, while the U16 Division 5 team were lucky to hold on for the win against St. Lomans on Monday evening. 

 

The minors took on Shandonagh last Thursday and had to settle for a share of the spoils on a score-line of 2-11 a-piece.  

The U12’s took on St. Lomans at home on Sunday morning last. Although the girls played some good football, St. Lomans proved too strong for our girls on the day.

The U14’s also took on St. Lomans at home. While the girls contested competitively, they suffered a defeat on a score-line of 2-16 to 5-03. However our Division 5 team had a comprehensive win against Clann Gaels on Sunday morning in Ballynacarrigy. 

Our minor ladies minor team took on Mullingar Shamrocks this week also. The girls were short a few regulars but still put in a fighting performance. A serious injury to one of our players Laura Tansey rocked our girls’ concentration conceding 3 goals in the space of 5 minutes. However the girls never gave up and produced a much better performance in the second half. Final score Mullingar Shamrocks 7-04 The Downs 1-09.

We would like to wish Laura Tansey every best wish with her recovery. Laura sustained a serious ankle injury ruling her out for the foreseeable future. We have no doubt that Laura will treat her recovery with the same determination as she plays with. Get well soon Laura.

The Downs GAA extends their sincere sympathy to the Cleary Family, Clongowney, Mulllingar, on the death of Ann. Ann’s husband Tosh was part of the historic three in a row team playing with the club for many years, as did her sons David and Tommy representing Na Dúnta with distinction.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

Plenty of bargains to be got in the club shop over the next few weeks. Please contact Carmel on 0879496347 for any inquiries. 

Why not join us on Friday night when you could be in with a chance in winning some cash. Please keep an eye on our Social Media platforms for updates to Bingo continues. 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.

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