Coiste Chontae an Dúin and the family that is Down GAA are saddened to learn today of the death of Rose Watson, mother of Gillian Devaney, mother in law of our County Chairperson John and much loved granny to Olivia and Isabella. 

We extend our deepest sympathy to Rose's husband Ian, to her sons Kenny and Gary, daughter Gillian, daughters in law, Lynne and Cathy, son in law John,  grandchildren Oliver, Max, Jamie, Isla, Zak, Olivia, Isabella, her brother William and sisters Elizabeth and Anne.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam

Funeral Arrangements

Watson (nee Taylor) - 28th May 2024 (peacefully) at her home 39 Killeague Road, Coleraine, Rose, dearly loved wife of Ian, much loved mother of Kenny, Gary and Gillian (Devaney), Dear Mother-in-law of Lynne, Cathy and John, devoted Granny of Oliver, Max, Jamie, Isla, Zak, Olivia, Isabella and dear sister of William, Elizabeth and Anne.

Service in Killaig Presbyterian Church on Friday at 12.00 noon followed by interment in the adjoining burying ground.

Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu if desired for Killaig Presbyterian Church Building Fund c/o Mrs Mona Murdock, 31 Bushmills Road, Coleraine.

Deeply regretted and very sadly missed by her loving family, friends and entire family circle.

‘The Lord is my Shepherd’

2024 Down GAA Clubs Draw – May 2024 RESULTS

SPECIAL CLUB DRAW
4 Monthly Prizes of £200.00

• 24AL212 Rebacca Harper (Atticall)
   
• 24DA050 Mark McKay (Dromara)
   
• 15SP032 Maureen Monaghan (St Paul’s)
   
• 24DH068 Geraldine Greer (Drumgath)

MONTHLY DRAW
5 Monthly Prizes of £1000.00 May 2024 Draw 002

• 24BD232 Bryansford GAC (Bryansford)
   
• 24LE033 Noel Haughian (Longstone)
   
• 24CF187 Kalum King (Carryduff)
   
• 23PY041 Erica Holmes (Portaferry)
   
• 22DK060 Mary M Fegan (Downpatrick RGU)
   

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  Congratulations to the winners in the May 2024 Draw

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By Conor Martin in McGovern Park, Ruislip - Photo  Louis McNally 

RTÉ Sport contributor

There was double delight for Down in Navan on Saturday afternoon as the minors firstly recorded a comprehensive victory over Meath to qualify for an All Ireland C Quarter Final and their victory was followed by the U20 team recording a win in the Liam Connor Cup Final against Westmeath.

The afternoon opened with the minor game and, for the most part, Down were significantly superior to their Leinster opponents - though Meath did have their moments, especially in the middle part of the first half and, were it not for the splendid shot stopping of Callum Travers the Royals would have had a couple of goals which may have altered the course of the game. As it were, with Travers’ stops Meath were limited to two first half points from dead balls, one a 45 and one a free while Down notched nine before the break with Barra McEvoy, Liam Blayney and Paul McGovern each contributing a third of the total haul.

After a short Meath renaissance at the beginning of the second half Down quickly assumed control again and if there was any doubt about the result it was well and truly put to bed thanks to goals from Darragh Poland and Charlie McGrath as Benny Coulter’s side stormed to a 2-16 - 0-08 victory.

The u20 game was much tighter throughout. Down trailed at half time by 0-05 - 0-04 but never panicked. They controlled the ball for large parts and defended well when Westmeath came at them.

The game stayed neck and neck right the way through the second half and it was the 43rd minute when Senan Carr’s score nudged Down to the front. The entire down defence continued to push the side on late on with the energy and fitness levels on show a credit to all involved. Down led by two with the game entering injury time but a Westmeath free reduced the gap to just one. Down responded in style though as a rapid breakaway led to the ball reaching Dan Rafferty and the wing half back slotted it home to secure the victory and seal scenes of jubilation.

Down travelled to Portlaoise for the second time this year to take on Laois in rd4 of the McDonagh Cup. Having lost to their hosts in rd1 of the league by 7pts and playing most of the second half with a man short, Ronan Sheehan was confident that they could improve on their previous meeting and push the O’Moore men to a tight contest, but unfortunately having Tim Prenter, John McManus, Barry Trainor, Chris Egan & Darragh Mallon unavailable through injury it was always going to be a tall ask.

Starting off well it looked like a weaken red/black were up for a battle leading by two points after the 1^st fifteen minutes, but an injury to Laois’ Mark Dowling which resulted in a ten minute delay until he was replaced was time enough for Laois to reset and take control of the game. Leading by 15 pts at the half Down made a few positional changes but their hosts proved that a few seasons playing at a higher league standard in Div.1 than Down had experienced was enough as they pushed further ahead to ensure they led the group and virtually ensured qualification to a McDonagh cup final in a few weeks’ time.

Given the much smaller pool of players Down have actually exceeded anyone’s expectations as, although they have not reached their desired goal, they have ensured a six successive season in the Joe McDonagh Cup with a game left to play.

Coiste Chontae an Dúin and the family that is Down GAA are saddened to learn of the death of Eilish Laverty mother of Castlewellan Secretary Jolene Baker and Down All Ireland winner Martin Laverty. 

We Offer our deepest sympathy to her husband Seamus, sons Martin, Paul and Colin, Daughter Jolene, her grandchildren and the entire Laverty and McEvoy Family Circle and to the Gaels of Castlewellan.

Funeral Arrangements

Laverty nee McEvoy (Castlewellan) 19/5/2024
Peacefully at home, Eilish, dearly beloved wife of Seamus and cherished mother of Martin, Paul, Colin and Jolene.
Eilish's remains will leave her late home 89 Newcastle Road Castlewellan on Wednesday at 9.15 am to arrive at St. Malachy's Church Castlewellan for 10.00 am funeral service, burial afterward in St. Mary's Cemetery Aughlisnafin.
On her soul sweet Jesus have mercy. Deeply regretted by her sorrowing husband, daughter, sons, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and entire family circle.
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if desired to Newry Hospice c/o Cunningham Bros 53 Main St. Castlewellan 028 437 78445
All welcome from 12.00 noon until 9.00 pm on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st May

HOUSE PRIVATE ON THE MORNING OF THE FUNERAL PLEASE.