Junior SF The Downs vs Kilbeggan Friday 25th Sept 7:30pm in Kinnegad 

 

Senior SF The Downs vs Moate Saturday 26th Sept 4:15pm in TEG Cusack Park

 

Minor Final against Shandonagh will precede the Senior SF on the 26th. Minor match 2:30pm start

Last Tuesday evening, Na Dunta Minor lads secured their place in a second consecutive county final following a hard-earned extra-time victory over a strong St Loman’s team.Playing against a strong wind in the first half, Na Dunta produced an excellent opening period and went into the break leading by 1-02 to 0-03. The second half proved much tighter as the game ebbed and flowed from end to end. Despite both sides creating chances, neither team could gain a decisive advantage, and the match finished level at the end of normal time, sending the contest into extra time. With the wind at their backs, the lads made the perfect start to extra time, finding an early goal that helped them build a four-point lead heading into the second period. After a tense and fiercely contested second half of extra time, our lads  held their nerve and eventually emerged on top by two points. The victory means we have now qualified for our second county final in succession and will look forward to the opportunity of taking on red hot favourites Shandonagh. Final Score: Na Dunta 3-07  St. Loman’s 1-11

 

The Downs Ladies bowed out of the Village Barn Senior Championship at the semi-final stage this weekend following a brave and determined performance against reigning champions Milltown. The sides met for the third time this season in what was always expected to be a closely fought contest. The Downs suffered an early setback when Niamh Nolan picked up an injury during the warm-up, but the team showed great character from the outset. It took eight minutes for the opening score to arrive, with Milltown registering three points before Sheila McGrath responded with a well-taken goal after 11 minutes to level the game. The physical battle continued, with neither side willing to give an inch. The Downs then moved ahead with a Walsh free, while Ellen Taite produced a brilliant save in the 18th minute to keep the score level. Milltown regained the advantage with a penalty before adding another goal in the 29th minute to move into a commanding position. Olivia Glynn settled the Downs with a point before half-time, leaving the score 2-3 to 1-2 at the interval. 

Britney McNamee opened the scoring for the Downs early in the second half, but Milltown responded with a goal shortly afterwards. Sheila McGrath added another point as the Downs began to build momentum, and Britney McNamee found the net once again to give the Downs renewed hope. The Downs continued to push forward and applied relentless pressure in the closing stages, but unfortunately they were unable to convert their opportunities into scores. The final whistle saw Milltown progress on a scoreline of 3-4 to 2-4. While there was understandably disappointment at not reaching the final, this Downs squad can be immensely proud of what they have achieved this year. They reached the club's first-ever Division 1 League Final and followed that by reaching the semi-final of the Senior Championship — a significant achievement for the club. The squad has shown great commitment and progress throughout the year and there is plenty to look forward to when they return next season. A huge thank you also goes to the management team of Trevor Fitzpatrick, Dean Clarke Eoin Paterson aswelll as Sami Clarke, Trudie Rowan and Caoimhe Monaghan or all their hard work, dedication and commitment throughout the campaign. Well done to all involved on a fantastic year for Downs Ladies football.

 

 

The Junior B panel were also unlucky not to book their pace in a county final on Sunday evening following a close encounter with St. Lomans Mullingar. St. Lomans started the brighter racing into a 1-01 to nil lead. Our girls got their act together responding with 1-01 of their own, the goal coming from the boot of Molly Goldsberry. The Downs then tagged on another few scores to lead at the interval by a solitary point. Although the girls remained competitive in the second half it was St. Lomans that were the most economical with their scores and became eventual winners on a score-line of 1-05 to 1-09 at the final whistle. Hard luck to all involved. Many thanks to the management team of Anthony, Niamh and Aoife Rowan aswell as Gillian Ferguson for their hard work with this squad throughout the year. 

 

The Downs U14 LGFA team were crowned Division 5 Champions after a fantastic comeback victory over Clann Gaels in the Championship Final played in Seán Doolin Park, Milltown GAA. A large crowd of supporters from both The Downs and Clann Gaels roared on their teams and led to a terrific atmosphere throughout. The Downs faced a strong wind in the first half which favoured Clann Gaels. The Downs played some great football but were unlucky with a combination of several wides and a saved penalty, resulting in little to show for the team effort. Clann Gaels scored two goals just before half time. The half time score Clann Gaels 2-3, The Downs 0-2.

However, the Downs were blessed to have a talented panel, and our second half substitutes came in to boost our energy and efforts in a timely manner.

With the wind at their backs, the girls in black and amber took control, gradually chipping away on the scoreboard, registering some well taken points. We restricted Clann Gaels to just 1 point in the second 30-minute period. 

The Downs frequent attacks on goal were denied with some strong defensive work by the opposition, including a string of saves from the Clann Gaels goalkeeper. 

In the nerve jangling closing minutes , the Downs then got an all-important goal to pull ahead and finish on a final score of The Downs 1-10, Clann Gaels 2-4.

After the game, County Chairperson Geraldine Giles presented the cup to team captain Izzy Cassidy, much to the delight of the team and supporters.

 

Huge congratulations to all the players and management team of Barry McDonald, Clive and Niamh Kiernan and Mark Monaghan on a great Championship win

 

Congratulations to Aoife and Niamh Rowan on winning The Downs lotto jackpot of €7,900 recently, pictured below with club chairman Aiden McGuire.

Shop

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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