Coiste Chontae an Dúin and the family that is Down GAA would like to offer our Congratulations to Daniel Wiffen on his magnificent achievements at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha. Daniel became the first Irish Swimmer to win a Medal at the long course World Championships and today he added Gold to the Gold he won on Thursday, and in doing so became World Champion at 800m and 1500m.

A great achievement for Daniel from Magheralin in County Down, a young man who played under age football up to the age of 12 with Down Club St Michaels, before concentrating on swimming and it is wonderful to see his dedication being rewarded. 

We wish Daniel continued success and look forward now to the Olympics in Paris and cheering on the man from County Down as he aims for Olympic Gold.

Details have been confirmed for the return of Lá na gClub this year and which will take place in clubs across Gaelic Games on Easter Bank Holiday Monday, April 1st, 2024. 

The Lá na gClub event carries added significance this year throughout the Gaelic Games community. 

This year marks 140 years since the establishment of the GAA in 1884. It is also the 120th anniversary of the birth of the Camogie Association, while also marking 50 years of the existence of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and is the centenary of GAA Handball.  Every club throughout the Gaelic Games community at home and abroad is being encouraged to host their own event to coincide with Lá na gClub or if suitable, across that weekend, and create an international festival of Gaelic Games colour and activity, and where everyone is welcome.

A special campaign to assist clubs to participate will be launched in the coming weeks and encourages clubs and the public to Join Us and Join In. 

GAA President, Larry McCarthy said: “Lá na gClub is an opportunity for our clubs to get out and do what they do best – showcase the fantastic work they do promoting Games and offering lifelong participation and sense of belonging to the communities they represent. 

“I look forward to clubs all over the world participating and showing their colours in all manner of fun events that weekend and with a particular focus on Easter Monday throughout Ireland. 

“The emphasis will be on participation, and welcoming new people to experience our clubs. In a year with so many milestones throughout Gaelic Games it is an opportunity for clubs to celebrate their existence in their local communities, so I encourage all our clubs and their local communities to Join Us and Join In.” 

A special section of the gaa.ie website will be dedicated to Lá na gClub in the coming weeks and regularly updated and can be found at gaa.ie/joinin 

The Down GAA County Convention will be held in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry this Wednesday evening (13th December 2023) commencing at 7.30pm.

For full reports, motions and nominations please visit: www.downgaa.net/convention