Lurgan's James Dowling a trailblazer in Brazilian football

Dowling came to the attention of senior club scouts when playing at centre forward for junior club Lurgan Rangers. His goal scoring exploits during the 1936/37 brought him to the notice of Portadown FC, and in the summer of 1937 the Ports pounced to beat other interested clubs to his signature. After successful trials he made is debut against Coleraine in September 1937, and his display in that match saw Portadown sign him to a professional contract immediately after the game.

Whilst his main position was centre forward, an injury to the Ports left back saw him temporarily fill that role. Such were his performances he made the full back spot his own. Dowling played for the Ports until the club dropped out of senior football at the end of the 1940/41 season due to wartime constraints. He returned in 1942 to play for the Portadown Reserve team in the Intermediate League having had a success spell at that level with Bangor.

When Portadown returned to action post war in 1947 Jimmy Dowling was one of the first names to sign up again. In 1949 he received a well earned testimonial and continued playing until his work with the Lurgan Opical factory took him all the way to South America.

Dowling continued his football career with several junior clubs in São Paulo and his reputation brought him to the attention of The Corinthians club. Jimmy signed for the famous Brazilian club and in 1953 he was the only British team in the Corinthians side which won the Bon Accord cup. Surely no other Irish footballer has won a winners medal in Brazil?

So when all the talk turns to Jamal Lewis, Portadown FC can proudly claim the honour of having a former player trailblaze in Brazilian football over seventy years ago.