Michaela Downey was absolutely delighted to receive a 2008 Ladies Football All Star, becoming the first ladies footballer from Down to be receive this high-profile award.
On Saturday evening (20th November 2008) the Clonduff footballer won a place in the half-forward line at a glittering spectacular at Dublin’s City West Hotel, attended by Irish president Mary McAleese and Geraldine Giles, president of Cumann Peil na mBan. The event was hosted by RTE broadcaster Marty Morrissey and TG4’s Daithi O’Se.
The Newry girl was nominated alongside her namesake and county defender Eliza Downey.
She was presented with her award by President Mary McAleese and outgoing President of Cumann Peil Gael na Mban, Geraldine Giles.
But although Michaela might well be surprised at her award, few who saw her play would question the wisdom of the judging panel.
For example in the 2008 All Ireland Qualifiers, that was televised by TG4, the supremely talented Downey won the Player of the Match as her Down side narrowly lost by a single point to the mighty Kerry.
The former Newry Bosco dynamo, who also excels at camogie, basketball, hockey, squash, badminton and swimming, has star quality written all over her. She plays football with skill, speed and strength, specialising in lung-bursting solo runs, sometimes almost the length of the park. Michaela tackles hard, has a steely will to win and is a prolific goal-scorer. (Report Courtesy of The Newry Democrat)
Michaela was also Down’s Joint Player of the Year (2008) along with her namesake, Eliza Downey who hails from Rathfriland and plays her club football for Annaclone.
