Soccer

The chairman of the Mayo League, Pat Quigley, offered his sympathies to the Downes family, and expressed the League’s feelings on the death of Henry Downes last week. “I want to express my deep sadness and profound loss on the death of a dear football colleague and a great personal friend of 35 years,” Mr Quigley said. “Henry Downes was a legend in terms of the growth and expansion of Mayo football, and he was a pioneer and visionary in this respect. His commitment and dedication to the development of facilities at Milebush Park during the eighties is evident for all to see today. He was an outstanding character of Castlebar with a fabulous knowledge of local history, and a great pride in his local town. His sad passing will leave a major void for all his family, colleagues, friends and neighbours. We extend our deepest sympathies to Bernie, Emer, Hilary, Maeve, Gabriel, Declan and Colin along with his brother Donal, and all extended family members. May he rest in peace.”