Luke Downey hopes to become next Cork City young gun to push on
Luke Downey with his brother Alex and dad Len, after a friendly against Preston North End.
Quality over quantity is something I believe is so important when it comes to success.
There were years when Wilton United ladies team had the bare 11 players for match day, but what we did have was a quality 11. Playing together so regularly, I believe, is what made us the successful team that we were.
I look at teams nowadays with squads of 20. How does a manager keep everyone happy? Simple answer is, they probably don’t. Does this affect performances and morale in squads? I would think so but look isn’t it great participation numbers are increasing...
I refer back to quality over quantity and I look at a club such as Leeside. A great club who have shown massive strides in recent years in developing teams and facilities in the Little Island area. And again, while they may not have produced a massive amount of big-name players, those they have will certainly be big names in the not-too-distant future.
Cathal O’Sullivan is a prodigy of theirs and what a talent he is. He’s been a joy to watch as we’ve seen more of him on the bigger stage with Cork City, for however long more they manage to hold onto him.
Another upcoming talent from Leeside and one I spoke to recently is 17-year-old Luke Downey, son of former Cork City player Len Downey.
Luke has been in around the first team set-up and certainly has not looked out of place in his two recent performances, the Munster Cup quarter-final against Carrigaline in which he scored in and a friendly against Kerry.
While still only in Fifth Year, the Glanmire Community College student has shown maturity beyond his years and has slotted in nicely with the squad. And given their performance in Cobh on Friday night, it’s possible we could see Luke feature a lot more this season.
"I began playing with City at U13 level and have come through the ranks and lucky enough to have played with the first team also,” said Luke.
“I know there are a lot of experienced lads in the squad and I have a long way to go yet to being established in the centre-back position however I do hope to get a taste of some more first-team football throughout the season.”
There is a lot of uncertainty about how City will do this season back in the top tier, Luke reassures us that the underage in the club is in great hands with Liam Kearney at the helm.
"We have had a lot of players go overseas and a lot breaking into the first team just to name a few Cathal O’Sullivan, Jaden Umeh and Matthew Moore who I played with. They all deserve their success.
If we can keep that talent in Cork, I expect the first team to do well.”
Quick to praise his parents for all their support, Luke admits his dad has played a big role in his progression as a player and believes taking advice from someone who has been in his shoes, is a worthwhile one.
“My dad has been a big part in my development and never misses any of my matches. As a player, he will always tell me the truth even if it is harsh sometimes. I try to take his advice on board because he was doing the same things at my age.”
Len spoke fondly about his son’s rapid progress.
“I have to say I was very proud to see Luke playing for the senior team in recent games. To see him progress through all the academy teams onto make his senior debut was great for us as a family.
"Luke is only 17 so playing at U20 level and some first-team experience is huge for his development. The only advice I ever give him is to work hard in training... listen to his coaches and enjoy it.
"Thankfully he seems to be doing all three. Long may it continue.”
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