On Saturday evening last our Divison 6 team travelled to TEG Cusack park to play in the Division 6 league final against Kilbeggan Shamrocks whom were the only opponents to get the better of us throughout the league phase of the competition. In what was an entertaining game, considering the storm like conditions, it was Kilbeggan Shamrocks who took the early incentive to open the scoring. Moments later Ben Harte opened our account with a 2 pointer off his left boot. Scores were hard to come by throughout the game and Kilbeggan struck for the first goal of the game from wing forward Cillian Rochford just a few minutes before halftime to put Kilbeggan three ahead. Ben Harte finished the scoring for the first half from a close in free after Kilbeggan breached the 3-up rule leaving the halftime score at 1-3 to 0-4 in favour of Kilbeggan. The downs started the second half brighter and got the opening few scores of the half. Kilbeggan though held firm for most of the second half to lead by 2 points coming into the closing stages & just as it looked like the game was running away from The Downs, Matthew Cunningham stepped up to kick a splendid 2 pointer in the dying moments to send the game to extra time.
The extra time period was a nervy one and Kilbeggan started the extra time period by opening the scoring. Eoghan Murray and Ben Harte added further scores for The Downs before Kilbeggan once again levelled proceedings at the half time break of extra time on a score of 1-8 to 0-11. As we entered the second period of extra time once again it was Kilbeggan who took the initiative to go ahead by the minimum just two minutes after the restart. The Downs levelled again with 5 minutes to go through a Matthew Cunningham free and once again with one minute left on the clock Cunningham surged through the Kilbeggan defence to finish the ball into the back of the Kilbeggan net to put The Downs in front by three points heading into injury time. The Downs’ never say die attitude was evident throughout the whole game and with some great pieces of defending in the remaining few minutes as was the case for the whole game, The Downs ran out winners in this league final on a score-line of The downs 1-12 Kilbeggan 1-9. With so many younger players, some of which only made their adult debuts this year on the field of play yesterday it was great to see the resilience and determination from all involved to grind out a hard fought win and give the group of players a big boost heading into the championship season. The cup was presented to the captain Daniel Kenna much to the delight of the black and amber supporters. Congratulations to Sean Carroll and his management team on a great start to the season.
Congratulations
Many congratulations to senior Scór set dancer Ursula Carley on her recent marriage to Darren Watkin . We wish them a lifetime of health and happiness.
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
on their win.
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 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.
