Downpatrick mourning Jim

Downpatrick mourning Jim

5 May 2021

DOWNPATRICK is mourning the death of one of its footballing greats, Jim Connolly. He was 63.

Jim was a member of the Downpatrick Rec team during their most successful period in the 1970’s and played a major role in their memorable Steel & Sons Cup success in 1977.

He picked up a host of trophies and was pursued by a number of Irish League clubs, one of which tried to sign him as he left the pitch after the replayed final.

He was selected to represent the Northern Amateur Football League three years in a row in international challenge matches against their Scottish League counterparts. He was never on a losing side.

A trialist at Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Everton — his time in England cut short by homesickness — Jim was recognised as one of the most accomplished players of his generation.

Former Rec manager Jim Prior described him as the “complete player” and said his former teammates were in awe of his talent. “He was just out of this world and could do things that others couldn’t do. He had star quality written all over him and will always be remembered as a special player and a special person.”

Killyleagh YC stalwart Philip Jennings also paid tribute. “Jim was a real legend in local football, but even more than that, just an absolute gentleman.”

Jim Connolly was a product of the Downpatrick Youth League and continued to take an interest in the development of grassroots football throughout his life, particularly by being a regular attendee at the Northern Ireland Milk Cup where his son Blaine played for a County Down Select team.

An extremely modest and unassuming individual, Jim was equally at home playing in the Downpatrick & District Bar League as he was in stepping out at some of the most iconic sports venues in Ireland.

It was because of the commitment and participation of players such as Jim that the Bar League drew unprecedented interest within Downpatrick and surrounding areas. The 1974 final drew an attendance of 1,500 people to Ibrox Park, which was located within a few hundred yards of where Jim was born in Stream Street.

Jim left Downpatrick to join Ards in the Irish League and later linked up with local rivals Killyleagh. He was also a member of the successful Downshire Hospital side which won the all-Ireland Hospitals’ championship in 1988.

See page 55.