Dowdallshill G.F. & A.C.

This week's details are on our 'Lotto Latest' section >>

The club can confirm that Hugh Mc Parland and his Management team of Ernie Finnegan, Dixie Quinn and Gerry Roe, have stood down from their roles, following the finish of the season last Sunday.

The club would like to thank them for their dedication and commitment over the past few seasons, in particular Hugh Mc Parland, who returned to the job 3 years ago for a 2nd term.

We'd like to wish all 4 men the very best, and who knows, we could see them back at some stage in the future!

The club will be appointing a new Secretary and Treasurer at next month's AGM, after confirmation that outgoing officers Donal Sheridan and John Brady, are standing-down after 2 years in their respective roles.

Both officers have given diligent service to the club, steering us through an exciting period when the new clubhouse got up and running.

Needless to say, it will be difficult to replace such talent, but at this month's committee meeting, the message went-out that the club needs people to come-forward and fill these roles, otherwise the club simply will not flourish.

All existing and intending club members are asked to consider running for either of the above roles, at the forthcoming AGM.

More than ever, your club needs you!

A reminder again, at the club AGM will be held on Monday night December 8th, starting at 8pm in the clubhouse.

And our Christmas Raffle, which will be held in conjunction with our weekly Lotto, will take place on Tues night Dec 16th, in the LISDOO.

The season for our first team came to a very disappointing end on Sunday, when we were beaten by Naomh Finbarra, in the Div 3 promotion play-off at Dromiskin.

The final score was 0-10 to 0-6, while at half-time, we trailed 4-3.

It means we stay in Div 3 for next season, while the Barrs' progress to play the Young Irelands, in the play-off final next Sunday.

More details on our defeat, on our 'Junior 1 Fixtures-Results' section >>.

Our function room at St Brigid's Park is now open for business, and one of the weekly events taking place, are Aerobics/Pilates classes. This is a great chance to get in shape for Christmas, and anyone who feels they need to lose a few pounds or get themselves a bit fitter, is encouraged to come along and try it out!

Anyone interested in availing of the Wednesday and Thursday night classes (7pm start), can contact either of the following:

Brian 086-1712185 or Clodagh 042-9352401.

At this week's meeting of the Louth County Board in Darver, the Young Irelands vented their dismay at the fact that the race for promotion from the Division 3 League wasn't decided by score difference, because certain teams had conceded walkovers. Delegate John Laverty suggested the offence for teams conceding walkovers should be more punishable than just a €40 fine, and suggested that clubs should be docked points for the start of their League campaign the following year.

Chairman Paddy Oliver was equally critical of the teams who didn't field, but said there was no way a club could be docked points, as the rulebook didn't allow for this. He said Croke Park had set-up a special committee earlier this year, to look into the area of walkovers, but that committee had yet to report back with it's findings.

In the meantime, the Irelands, ourselves and the Finbarrs are preparing for the forthcoming play-offs.

Work is well underway on the stand side of the ground, which will involve the erection of new chainlink fencing, covering the length of the pitch. The new fencing will be accompanied by a new cement footpath. Also, the concrete 'booth' located at the entrance to the pitch adjacent to the 'shed', has been demolished, and will be replaced by a newly constructed facility.

Funding for the current work is being provided by our recent Lottery Grant.

Later, a new Palaside Security Fence will be erected, behind the Doylesfort Road goals.  

Entrance to pitch, with old 'booth' removed..

The club has arranged it's AGM for Monday night December 8th in the Clubhouse. And a Development meeting with Co Board Development Officer Padraig O'Connor, has been arranged for Thursday night November 6th.

Photos from our recent underage Sportsday, are now posted on our 'Underage Football' section>>

The resumption of our Div 3 League campaign on Sunday, resulted in a hard-earned win over Glen Emmets in Tullyallen. More on our 'Junior-1 Fixtures-Results' page >>>

The Lotto tellers for the coming month are Sheila Maguire, Colin Agnew, John Brady and Sinead Mc Nally.

Lotto counting commences at 9.30pm each Tuesday night.

On a weekend when our mens football team fell at the penultimate hurdle, our U-14 Girls team fared somewhat better, bringing home some c'ship silverware!

See our 'Ladies Section' for more >> 

Colin O'Hare, who once donned the red and green colours of the 'Hill, has earned a place in County Manager Eamon Mc Eaneaney's backroom team for the 2009 season.

Colin, whose a fitness/training expert, is coming into the set-up as Team Trainer, and will work alongside Mc Eaneaney and selectors Stephen Melia and Padraig Califf.

Califf from Clogherhead, is also new to the set-up, and comes-in having worked at underage level for a number of seasons.

Colin O'Hare previously worked as trainer with Latton in Monaghan, while this season, he's been involved with Cooley Kickhams.

We wish him well in his new venture.

Anyone wishing to attain photographs of our historic recent Official Opening Day, can now do just, courtesy of our own club Photographer, Alvin Mc Evoy! 

Alvin has been burning the midnight oil since last week, putting together a selection of the best photographs from the day. He's compiled a CD, and for a price of just €7.50, you can own a copy ofthe day's best moments!

Anyone seeking a copy can contact Alvin directly at alvin.mcevoy@dkit.ie

Meanwhile some photos from the opening day, are now posted on our 'photos' section ...

United we STAND - Minister Dermot Ahern in deep conversation with committee members Eoghan Mc Evoy and John Brady.

Treasurer John Brady stressing the point that it's a much better idea to be sitting down in the stand, rather than standing-up!

Meeting the minister- From left: John Brady (Treasurer), Eoghan Mc Evoy (Committee member), Billy O'Callaghan (Club President), Dermot Ahern TD, Donal Sheridan (Secretary), Sheila Maguire (Vice Chairperson), Pat Rogers (Club President) and Seamus Keelan (Chairman Dundalk Town Council).

Paddy Duffy R.I.P.