Donal gets his dream

Donal gets his dream

11 January 2012 - by CHARLIE McSTAY

DONAL Bell has been appointed as the new manager of Downpatrick FC.

The former Down GAA star becomes the sixth manager at Downpatrick in four years and takes over from Leo Kearney and Michael McGarritty, who parted company with the club last week.

Bell, who has had previous management spells at Drumaness Mills, Kilmore Rec and Killough, enjoyed a memorable time with Kilmore, guiding the Rec to two Clarence Cups and two Border Cup finals.

But he now takes over a club in crisis. They are second from bottom in the Premier Section and are staring relegation in the face.

Things didn’t go right for Kearney and McGarritty when they took over at the start of the season, but Bell must hit the ground running.

His first task will be to pick a side to face Islandmagee in the Clarence Cup on Saturday and then Killymoon Rangers in the Intermediate Cup the following week.

Bell, who won Steel and Sons Cup medals with Downpatrick Rec in 1977 and Shorts two years later, is looking forward to the new challenge with relish.

“I am a dyed-in-the-wool Downpatrick Rec man and I have always wanted to manage a team from the county town,” he said.

“It has taken me longer than I would have wished to take charge of Downpatrick, but I can’t wait to get going.

“It’s great to be back in management. I left Drumaness Mills almost two years ago, but I have kept a close eye on the progress of all local teams and I also still have quite a few contacts throughout the Amateur League.

“I know there are a lot of good players at the club and it is just a matter of getting them organised and committed to the job in hand. I believe that a record number of points will be required to avoid relegation this year and my priority will be to start winning league games.