Notice of Sympathy: RIP Martin Bailie and Peter Downey

Saturday 3rd September 2022

Coiste Chontae an Dúin and the family that is Down GAA are saddened to learn today of the deaths of two of our Gaels, Martin Bailie of Ballygalget and Peter Downey of St Michaels.

Martin Bailie was an outstanding Club and County Hurler in the 1980s and 90s, he had the honour of being the first Down Hurler to journey with the All Stars when he was named as a replacement All Star in 1988, he would go on to win Ulster Senior Hurling Medals in 1992, 1995, and 1997 and gave outstanding service to the Red and Black since first making his County Senior debut in 1982, a career that spanned 15 years and at a time when Down were playing Division One Hurling,  Martin Bailie could hold his own with the best hurlers in the Country.

Martin won County Championships with his Club and would later go on to serve as Club Chairman, working alongside his father Seamus the longstanding Club Treasurer. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Sheila, his sons Shane and Caolan, his daughter Naomi, his grandchildren, his father Seamus, brother and sisters and the entire Bailie Family Circle. To the Gaels of Ballygalget we also extend our condolences on the loss of a man who gave great service to his Club

We would ask that a minute's silence is held at both County Hurling Championship games tomorrow in memory of Martin, a man taken from us too soon.

Peter Downey was a former Club Secretary, Referee and Player for St Michaels who also featured on the County Football Panel in the late 70s, we extend our deepest sympathy to Peter's family and to the Gaels of St Michaels at this sad time.