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, or any type of gatherings other than the limited use of our walkway We ask all club members and people in our community to observe the Government and HSE protocols and STAY SAFE 

The Community Call

The Community Callinitiativeis being coordinated through Westmeath CountyCouncil. The Downs GAA Super Valu and Centra have signed up to this initiativeTo 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 

The club is currently assisting two households who are restricted with cocooning. Volunteers are also keeping in contact with the elderly ensuring that they safe secure. Well done to all. 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 initiative 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.

Important Notice 

Our playing facilities remain closed and consequently no playing activity or gathering of any description is permitted on club pitches or grounds.

Any unauthorizedactivity of gatherings on club grounds will be reported to the relevant authorities. 

We ask everyone to respect the current restrictions and do their bit to protect our community.

Access to our Walkway

As part of phase two of the easing of the Covid 19 restrictions the club is pleased to announce the phased opening of our Walkway under strict conditions and in accordance with advice from Croke Park.

From Monday the eight of June access to the walkway will be from 10-30 am to 11-30 am for vulnerable people only. For all other walkers access will be from 6-30pm to 8-30pm. Signage will be in place to direct walkers on the correct route via a one way system. People will need to check in with the Covid Steward prior to commencing their walk. Adherence to the existing protocols around safe distancing and hygiene are to be observed at all time. 

Please note that walking is only permitted for those who are fully paid up members and no other activity is permitted on or in the vicinity of the walkway.

Club Lotto

We will continue to live stream or Lotto draw via our Facebook page for the foreseeable future. Tune in at 9-30 on each Monday night to catch the draw.

Results for 08/06/20 for a Jackpot of €3200

Numbers Drawn 9, 16, 20, 26

No match four winners.

2 x €100 winners: Melinda Dixon, Mattie Maguire (both online)

Next week's jackpot will be €3,400.    

Those who now wish to play our lotto can do so by any one of the following methods;

• Play online at our website www.thedownsgaa.com
• Play on the App ClubZap The Downs GAA.
• Contact your regular lotto collector for your area or any Committee member who will enter your numbers on to our “Perma Book” which is retained at the club.
• Send a cheque for €100 to club secretary Tommy Kelly, Coralstown, Mullingar (one year’s subscription).

Thanks our supporters for their loyal commitment to our Lotto and to those new players who have recently signed up online and in hard copy.  

Ag Féachaint Siar    Fundraising, 1982 style. The Night of The Big Draw

In December 1982 the club held, what can only be described as novel draw for a house, in the Greville Arms. Hotel The club took the brave decision to raffle a house some twelve months previous. Entry fee for the Draw was set at fifty pounds, not a sizeable amount by today’s standards but back then it was more the average weekly take home pay of many workers. The draw was limited to a thousand entries. The full complement of tickets was sold in advance and it is recalled that many people were looking to purchase on the night of the draw and had to be refused! This was a ground breaking move by the club for its time and the proceeds of the draw enabled the club to purchase eight acres of land which is now the home of CLG Na Dúnta.

However there was a twist in this this remarkable venture when the club was summonsed for a breach of the Gaming and Lotteries Act. Luckily no sentence was passed and the then Chairman Brian Murtagh and Secretary Christy Whelehan didn’t have to serve time!!

This type of draw was the first of its kind to be held in Westmeath and perhaps in Ireland? We suspect that the possibility of prosecution may have had something to do with that but as they say, fortune favours the brave?

The night of The Big Draw (L to R): Ray Smyth, Fr Ulic Troy (Westmeath County Board chairman), Moira Bardon, Liam Murtagh, Sean Quinn, Gerry Moore, Christy Murtagh, John Joe Monaghan, Seamus Conroy.

Club Developments

 Since the easing of the Covid restrictions a couple of weeks ago, phase two of our development work as recommenced and great progress is being made on the new pitch and walkway (see photo). 

New Juvenile pitch under construction

Sympathy

The Downs GAA club wishes to extend sincere sympathies to the family, relatives and friends of the late Joe Canning, Clongowney. 

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. 

You will now, 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

Suspended until further notice 

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 

Congratulations

Congratulations to Mary and Brian Murtagh who celebrated their 50^th Golden) wedding anniversary recently. 

Membership 2020

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

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

Keep Fit Classes for Ladies and Gents

Suspended until further notice.

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.