Club Fixtures

The first rounds of the adult football leagues commence this weekend as follows;

ACL Div 4 Saturday 22^nd away to St Lomans, 2-00pm throw-in.

ACL Div 3 Sunday 23^rd at home to Milltownpass, 11-30am throw-in.

ACL Div 1 Monday 24th away to Coralstown Kinnegad, 8pm throw-in

Club Lotto Results 17/02/2020

Jackpot: €14,000

Numbers drawn:  9, 13, 14, 28

Result: No jackpot winner

2 x €100 winners: Kay & Katie, Charlotte Connolly.

Next week's jackpot will be €14,000.

Play locally by purchasing a ticket from any one of our sellers or online at www.thedownsgaa.com.

Medal Presentation

A great night’s celebration was held in the clubhouse on Saturday night last when our U/18 Championship and League winners and our U/20 championship winning teams were presented with their medals. Thanks to Billy Foley County Chairman, Michael McHugh outgoing County Minor Secretary and our special guest John O’Mahony for their attendance on the night. A special mention of the achievements of our U/10 and U/12 who also attended on the night. Thanks to the organising committee led by Sean Carroll, for organising the night ensuring that everything went smoothly. Well done to all.

Bingo jackpot €11,700

Bingo continues every Friday at 8.30pm, come along and bring a friend for an enjoyable night’s entertainment. The Jackpot for week ending of 24^th of January stands at €11,700.

Volunteers are needed to help with Bingo on a rota for just one night per month. For further details please contact Tommy 087-2949714 or any committee member.

Club Developments

As mentioned previously, the club has embarked on the next phase of development of its playing, spectator, and member’s facilities. A new 300 capacity covered terrace has recently been completed. New fencing has been erected around the main pitch and the extension of the walking track is well underway. The final phase of this development will be completed this spring when a new underage pitch will be developed.

With the assistance of Westmeath Leader funding the club is investing close to €400,000 in this phase of our development. We will be calling on our members, supporters and friends for your support when we launch or fundraising draw in the near future.

Scór News

Preparations for Senior Scór are well under way in the Club and we will host the county final on Saturday February 29^th

Garda Vetting/Child Protection/Foundation Level Coaching

Now that the Underage coaching season is fast approaching we Wish to remind all volunteers that it is a mandatory requirement to be Garda Vetted, to have the necessary Child Protection Course completed and to have the basic Foundation Level coaching course completed in advance of any coaching activity. Any Queries in relation to Garda Vetting or Child Protection please contact either of our Welfare Officers at clodagh.donohoe@gmail.com or Mary @ 0868304195. Anyone who has not yet completed the Foundation Level coaching course please note that the County Minor Board are hosting a Foundation Level Coaching course over two days on  Saturday 22^nd of February in Clonkill GAA Grounds and Saturday 29^th of February in Moate GAA grounds commencing at 9-30am and finishing at 2-00pm on both days. In order to complete the course attendance on both days is necessary. To book your place please book on line at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/gaa-dual-foundation-course-hurling-football-tickets-90324271327?aff=eand  or contact Bernie Corroon   bernie.corroon.gda.westmeath@gaa.ie

Underage Registration

The Club will host a Registration Evening on February 22^nd in the clubhouse from 2-00pm to 6-00pm. Light refreshment will be served on the evening.

You can also register online at www.thedownsgaa.com.

Membership 2020

Membership rates for the coming year are as follows;

Adults: €50 (includes use of walking track)

Senior Citizens: €20

Adult Social: €30 (Allows people to use the Bar only).

U/18: €40

Family: €70 (Two adults and all children under 18 years of age)

Adult Players: €150.

Student Player (Over 18): €100.

Important Notice for players;

In recent correspondence from Croke Park and the County Board it is important to note that players cannot participate in any competitive games or challenge games without being registered and have paid their membership in advance. In other words, NO PAY NO PLAY.

Membership can be purchased via anyone of our Committee or online at www.thedownsgaa.com.

Playing Pitches

We wish to remind all team mentors that the playing facilities must be booked in advance. Given that the club caters for over twenty teams and host numerous club games during the season it is essential that manage this in an organised fashion the ensure that all teams get an opportunity to avail of the facilities. We also ask that players and mentors be mindful of weather conditions and not to use the pitches in periods of inclement weather conditions such as those experienced during the recent winter storms.

With the imminent redevelopment of juvenile pitch about to commence, further pressure on training space will be a feature of the season. We ask for everyone’s patience in this while this important development work is undertaken.

Club Calendar 2020

For the last number of years we have been producing a Club Calendar, as a fundraiser for our underage. The calendar chronicles various club activities and occasions through a wonderful series of splendid photos.. Copies are now available in the Club Shop, Flynn Fuels and in the clubhouse bar and retail at €10 each or two for €15.

Thanks to Bernie Conneely, Norma Mullen John McCauley, Tommy Macken, Danny Boyce, Westmeath Topic, Westmeath Examiner for their photographs. We also thank all those who sponsored this production.

Keep Fit Classes for Ladies and Gents

Classes continue each Monday and Thursday night in the Clubhouse, from 8-00 to 9-00pm,

New participants are welcome. For further details contact Mickey Dan on 0862799659

Ireland Lights Up Walking Initiative

The popular ‘Ireland Lights Up’ walking initiative returns in January 2020 in partnership with the GAA, Operation Transformation, and Get Ireland Walking. The Downs GAA Club will be Lighting up and walking on Thursday nights from 7pm to 8pm. All are welcome, and bring a friend

Sympathy

The club wish to offer sincere sympathies to the families’ relatives and friends of Michael (Micky) Power, Brockagh, Knockdrin. (My apologies for the typo in this notice in last week’s notes)

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 and Instagram.

Club text message service

If you wish to sign up and receive our occasional free text messages, text your name and number to 087 8362297. If you wish to stop receiving our messages, then text STOP and your name to 087 8362297.