Downings pass on their thanks as the search for a new management team begins

Downings are looking for a new management team with the news that Kevin ‘Cookie’ Gallagher, Anthony Boyle and their backroom team have stepped aside.

The club paid tribute to those for ‘Memories that us, as a parish, will remember forever’. Gallagher returned to his local club midway through the 2021 season and within weeks Downings were Donegal Junior A Football Championship winners, following a 1-10 to 0-4 victory over Letterkenny Gaels. They went on to reach the Ulster final, only to lose out to Denn from Cavan.

Last year, Downings were Division 2 champions, with Johnny McGroddy kicking a dramatic goal direct from a free-kick in their one-point final win over Malin in Letterkenny.

Then, 2023 brought with it a first appearance in Division 1 for 30 years and victory in the Donegal IFC, where they again got the better of Malin.

“The Club would like to thank our outgoing Senior Mens managers Kevin Cookie Gallagher & Anthony Boyle along with their Backroom team SP Barrett, David Ladley, Tanya Roberts Browne, Francie McHugh, Michael Coyle and Shaun Gallagher and everyone else involved with the team over the past couple of years for everything they have done on and off the pitch for the senior team.

“The past two years have been a huge success for the Club with winning Junior Championship, winning Division 2, promotion to Division 1, and winning the Intermediate Championship for the first time in 30 years and gaining Senior Championship status for 2024.

“These massive achievements would not be possible without Cookie, Anthony and their dedicated backroom team. Memories that us, as a parish, will remember forever. Thank you all for everything and always supporting and believing in the club, in every possible way.

“Following their departure, we are currently inviting expressions of interest for the role of Senior Men’s football team manager for the upcoming season."