Linfield FC are saddened to learn of the sudden passing of 39-year-old former Linfield Rangers and Swifts player, Michael Downey.

Michael joined the Blues from Oxford Sunnyside and would play in the same Linfield Rangers team as club legends such as Peter Thompson and Michael Gault. That team went on to lift the Youth League Cup in 2002 after a 3-1 win over rivals Glentoran, with Michael scoring one of the three goals in the final. Michael would also play in the Harry Cavan Youth Cup the following year against Coleraine Colts and played for the club between 2002 and 2004. Michael then went on to captain his hometown team, Lurgan Celtic.

Former Linfield Captain and U18s teammate of Michael, Michael Gault said "Michael was a good lad and a very good footballer" as he recalled his time playing with Michael Downey.

Philip Mitchell, Michael's former Linfield U18s Manager paid tribute to Michael:
"Anyone who played with Michael at Linfield loved him. He was not just a super young player but also a super young lad who got on with everyone. I still remember meeting with him and his Mum and Dad ( Anne and Barry) in their front room when he signed for Linfield, from what was then I think Sunnyside Boys (now Oxford Sunnyside FC).
I am like any of his ex-team mates and coaching staff at Linfield from that era, devastated at the news of Michael’s death. Our hearts break for his wife and children, his parents, sisters and the wider family and for everyone connected with the Football and GAA clubs that Michael represented in Lurgan. I pray that God will wrap his loving arms of comfort round all of Michael's family and friends in these extraordinarily sad days."

Everyone at the club is thinking of Michael's family, friends,former football & GAA teammates and anyone connected to Michael through sport at this sad time.