GABRIEL DOWNES spends every working day in downtown Castlebar.
His family garage business in Spencer Street has been serving motorists since it was founded by his grandfather, William Downes, back in 1937.
Gabriel has carried on that proud tradition of service while also following the sporting tradition handed down through the generations.
The Downes family are synonymous with soccer across the county.
The name carries great weight when dedication to the game is discussed and on Saturday next, Gabriel will proudly send out the talented Mayo Under-13 team he manages for their SFAI Interleague final.
The team boss is excited about the game, excited about the adventure awaiting, and excited about watching his team play ball in the manner they can.
“I’ve been in football a long time. I first played for (Castlebar) Celtic in 1976, so I’ve seen a few games over the years and I think this is the best group I’ve ever been involved with,” he told The Mayo News.
“They’re a talented group and are always looking to improve and enjoy playing games. They’ve been brilliant for us and made it so enjoyable for the management team to be involved. The players have been fantastic and their parents have played a huge role in making this a very special year.
“Nothing has been too much for them to do and that has made our job so much easier. We’ve had 45 sessions since last September and the sense of togetherness and enjoyment has been huge.”
Saturday’s final will see the Mayo boys take on Galway in Evergreen, Kilkenny at 1.45pm.
Victories over Longford at home, Midlands away, Galway 2 at home in Milebush and Wexford away took Mayo into the semi-final against last year’s Under-12 champions Cork. They were seen off in Castlebar and now all thoughts turn to Saturday’s last game of the season.
“We’re very excited. We can hardly wait for Saturday to come and the lads just want to get out on the pitch. All of us in the management group are immensely proud of what this group has achieved both on and off the pitch as they have grown in many different aspects.
“When they first came to us they were shy of one another and stayed in their own club groups. But as the weeks passed they got to know each other and now they’re the best of friends.
“There’s a real ‘club’ sense about the team and that’s what makes it special I think. “You can see that on the pitch too, they all play for one another and are so united.
“To see that social development is fantastic and will stand to them going forward. Of course, football is about doing your best on the field, but it’s also about growing and developing off the pitch and it’s great to see that,” the manager added.
On Saturday next, Downes and his coaching team of Declan Leonard, Alan Mulchrone and Dave Bristow will send out their boys for their date with destiny. They’ve prepared well; they’re happy and they’re ready to play football with a smile on their faces. They wouldn’t have it any other way.
MAYO SQUAD
Mark Leonard (Ballina Town), Conor Durkan (Ballina Town), Thady Hoban (Ballina Town), Cillian Reilly (Ballyheane), John Mulroy (Ballyvary Blue Bombers), Kian Redmond (Castlebar Celtic), Ethan Kelly (Castlebar Celtic), Mattie Daly (Castlebar Celtic), Henry Noone (Claremorris), Robbie Ruane (Conn Rangers), Conor Carey (Kilmurray), Ryan Nolan (Manulla), Sean Nolan (Manulla), Ethan Duffy (Manulla), Mattie Vahey (Manulla), Tony Cunningham (Manulla), James Heaney (Manulla), Josh O’Malley (Westport United), Rian Gavin (Westport United).
FIXTURE
SFAI U-13 Interleague Final
Mayo v Galway
Saturday, May 20
Kilkenny at 1.45pm
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