Covid -19 Virus

In line with the most recent measures announced by Government, The HSE and Croke Park the club has ceased all activity in relation to Training, Bingo, Lotto, Walkway or any type of gatherings. We ask all club members and people in our community to, STAY AWAY, STAY AT HOME, and STAY SAFE

The Community Call

Since I wrote in our notes last week there has been a change to what we termed ‘Lets Club Together To Help The Community’ this is now called The Community Call and is being coordinated through Westmeath County Council. The principle is still much the same. The Downs GAA Super Valu and Centra have signed up to this initiative To Help The Community. This is a great opportunity to reach out to the elderly and those living alone in our community and help in a practical way with the basic requirements of shopping, fuel, distance conversation etc. Anyone who needs assistance should contact Westmeath County Council on 1800 805 816 or covidsupporty@westmeathcoco.ie  The Council will then contact the club who will, through its volunteers, carry out the necessary duties. Thanks to all those who have contacted the club to volunteer their services for this initative 

Aiden McGuire will coordinate the club volunteers as required. Aiden’s number is 086 2532327. Further details are available on the club website www.thedownsgaa.com. This imitative will augment the clubs current endeavors of keeping an eye out for the elderly and those living alone in our community If anyone in our community needs additional  assistance during this health crisis please contact Tommy Kelly, club secretary on 087 2949714 or any member of the committee. Queries/requests will be treated in strict confidence.

Club Lotto 

Due to the Covid – 19 restrictions our Lotto is suspended until further notice.

Those of you who have bought tickets for the now postponed draw, which was due to take place on the 30/03/20, will be included in our next draw, as soon as we are allowed to recommence. The Downs GAA Club wish to thank our supporters for their loyal commitment to our Lotto up to this point in time in what are very trying circumstances.

Ag Féachain Siar -25 Years Ago 

As we continue our look back in time this photograph shows the Westmeath U/16 champions of 1995.. Interestingly quite a number of this team, which was a combination of The Downs, Coralstown Kinnegad and Killucan had major success at county level. Thomas Cleary, Shane Deering and Martin Murtagh were members of the All Ireland winning minor team of 1995. Shane Deering and Keith Shanley were members of the All Ireland winning U/21 team of 1999. Many of this panel also went on to win championship medals with their clubs at senior level in both football and hurling.

Changes to our Club messaging service

The club has made changes to its messaging service. The Teamer messaging system that you have been familiar with has been discontinued.

From this point onward you will only be able receive club messages via a new APP called ‘ClubZap’. You will need a smartphone to access this App Go to the App Store download the App and follow the simple instructions to register.

Bingo 

Underage Registration/Coaching

As outlined above coaching and play has been suspended.

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

Club Shop

Our club shop will remains closed until further notice

Membership 2020

We encourage people to use online where possible during the health crisis

Keep Fit Classes for Ladies and Gents

Suspended until further notice

Sympathy

A tribute to Matt Maguire Jr., a colleague friend and neighbour.

A dark cloud descended on our club on Thursday afternoon last as we learned of the untimely passing of our club colleague, neighbour and friend at such an early age. Feelings of shock, disbelief and heartfelt sorrow for Matt, his beloved daughter Avril, parents Dinah and Colm, brother Robert, relatives and his many friends from near and far. Words cannot express our deepest sorrow for the loss of a fine young man who contributed to our community in many ways. 

Matt played his underage football for our club and he was a keen marksman in front of goal. He had great ability, with skill in abundance and was a team player. He also played adult football with the club. When he finished his footballing career he took on the role of coaching and was a selector with our successful Under 16 boys only a few years ago. Many of that squad has graduated to our senior and adult teams and no doubt they will have fond memories of their time spent with Matt. 

Matt also spent several years coaching our underage and adult ladies teams and when he wasn’t coaching he spent endless hours at the club kicking football with his daughter Avril. He went on to coach at county level in Westmeath too and always gave 100% once he committed to anything. He was passionate and vocal and brought great determination to the job in hand. Our club will be forever grateful for all his commitment.

Matt together with his brother Robert and father Colm worked in construction and would always lend a hand at the club when called upon. The Maguire family, together with numerous relatives has a long association with The Downs, and continues to play an active role within the club. When called upon their support has always been unwavering.

Our heartfelt sorry is hard to express as we live through unprecedented times where travel restrictions, safe distancing and general lockdown, restricts our customary gatherings of support during such a sad and difficult time for our neighbours and friends which deepens our sorrow for the family even further. We offer our prayers for them that they will find the strength to get through this heartbreaking time.

CLG Na Dúnta.

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.  See details of our new messaging App above.