 Throughout this period the team was backboned by Brian McConvey, Noel Galloway, Noel McKermitt, Michael Bohill, Brian Cheetham, the Healy brothers Pat and Brian, and goalkeeper Harry McCurry (father of Ciaran) who went on to gain full Amateur International Honours.In the early 1970s the Hospital required the playing area and Grandstand to build an extension, relocating the footballers to their current site within the Hospital complex.Downshire joined the Newcastle and District League in 1975 and by season 1979–80 they were winners of the 1st Division Championship and Harry Clarke Cup double.