Former Derry City captain Declan McDowell passes away

Former Derry City captain Declan McDowell has sadly died. 

Declan, who had the unique position of playing for Derry City in both the Irish League and the League of Ireland, was a midfielder who also played with Coleraine and Finn Harps before playing Northern Ireland Intermediate football with Oxford United Stars.

He was part of a host of Derry men who helped Finn Harps win the 1974 FAI Cup - to this day the club's only major trophy in senior football - by defeating St. Patrick's Athletic 3-1 at Dalymount Park. 

The goals that day were scored by Derry men Brendan Bradley (2) and Charlie Ferry – two of a squad that included a number of other players from the city – the others being McDowell, brothers Tony and Donal O’Doherty, Jim Smith, Peter Hutton and Paddy McGrory.

In December 1985, Declan signed for Noel King at Derry City and made his first appearance for the Candystripes in a 2-0 win over Monaghan United at Belgium Park on 1 December '85. Six players made their debuts that day, including Stuart Gauld, Noel King, Owen Da Gama, Nelson Da Silva and Sean Boyle. Of all the players in the Derry team, only McDowell had survived from that infamous game against Ballymena United thirteen years earlier which led to the club leaving the Irish League. 

He went on to make 40 appearances for the Candystripes in the League of Ireland, captaining the team 13 times. He was also the captain when Derry City won their first ever trophy in the League of Ireland, with the Shield victory over Longford Town at the end of the 1985/86 season. 

Declan's remains will be reposing at his late family home, 13 Lindenwood Park, Foyle Springs from 3pm today, Tuesday 31st January. Funeral leaving from there on Thursday 2nd February at 11:20am for 12pm requiem mass in Holy Familly Church, Ballymagroarty. Burial will take place immediately afterwards in the City Cemetery.

Wake House Private From 9pm till 11am.