Sport

Derry GAA great Jim McKeever dies aged 92

In an iconic image, Derry's Jim McKeever pulls one out of the air playing for Derry the 1958 All-Ireland football final against Dublin
In an iconic image, Derry's Jim McKeever pulls one out of the air playing for Derry the 1958 All-Ireland football final against Dublin

Derry GAA chairman John Keenan as paid tribute to one of his predecessors and Oak Leaf legend Jim McKeever, who has died at the age of 92.

The Ballymaguigan native represented his county with distinction at minor and senior level and was the fulcrum of the team that reached the 1958 All-Ireland SFC final - a first appearance for Derry - where they lost to Dublin but McKeever did win the Footballer of the Year award that year.

McKeever made an immeasurable contribution to Gaelic Games in Derry, Ulster and throughout Ireland, but his first experience of county football came when he played for Antrim minors in 1947. He represented Ulster in the Railway Cup and a Combined Universities team. 

McKeever was also a former chairman of the Derry County Board and Central Council delegate for the county.

Currenty Derry chairman Keenan said: "Jim McKeever was an affable man and a leader. It's an honour to walk in his footsteps."

The statement issued by Derry GAA on Thursday morning added: 

"Derry GAA are saddened to learn of the death of former Derry player, manager and county chairman, Jim McKeever.

"A proud Derry and Ballymaguigan player, Jim was a modest yet iconic leader. 

"Jim McKeever was a natural sportsman, representing Ulster with distinction in both Gaelic football and basketball. He was the inaugural Gaelic Footballer of the Year for 1958.

The Derry team of 1958 or family representatives pictured at Celtic Park during the 2008 Senior Championship Final led by captain Jim McKeever (front centre). The 58 team won their first Ulster title and went on to the All Ireland Final where they were beaten by Dublin. Picture: Margaret McLaughlin
The Derry team of 1958 or family representatives pictured at Celtic Park during the 2008 Senior Championship Final led by captain Jim McKeever (front centre). The 58 team won their first Ulster title and went on to the All Ireland Final where they were beaten by Dublin. Picture: Margaret McLaughlin

"Whether as an educator or as a midfielder he led by example. Jim actively encouraged people to use their talents and be the best they could be. Any team with Jim McKeever in it was a better team.

"Jim had a natural warmth and innate kindness which meant people gravitated towards him. He was affectionately known across Ireland as Gentleman Jim. 

"When Jim spoke people listened because they appreciated he was a man of immense experience and integrity. 

"Jim’s life was one of service to others. Jim realised whether in his club, community or county he was part of something bigger as part of the GAA.

"Jim McKeever was a once in a generation figure and has left an indelible mark on the history of Derry GAA.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time."

After his playing career, McKeever became a coaching pioneer and managed the Derry senior team. He lectured at St Mary's University College for more than 35 years, and guided them to their first Sigerson Cup success in 1989, a team which included the likes of Jarlath Burns, Seamus Downey, Malachy O'Rourke and Benny Tierney.

McKeever’s coaching colleague for that 1989 triumph was Peter Finn, who is now the Principal of St Mary’s University College.

In paying tribute to McKeever, Finn said: “I had the privilege of coaching and managing the gaelic football team at St Mary’s alongside Mr McKeever for a period of eight years and was a colleague of his in teacher education for many more years than that.

Paul McCann (centre) pictured with the Anglo Celt Cup after winning with Derry in 1987. Paul is pictured with the management team of Phil Stuart (left), Tom Scullion (second from right) and Jim McKeever (far right).
Paul McCann (centre) pictured with the Anglo Celt Cup after winning with Derry in 1987. Paul is pictured with the management team of Phil Stuart (left), Tom Scullion (second from right) and Jim McKeever (far right).

“We planned, travelled, coached, won and lost games together and therefore I was fortunate both to learn so much from him and gain insights into his approaches and methods in sport. I know that Mr McKeever considered the victory of St Mary’s in the Sigerson Cup of 1989 to be one of his most treasured achievements.

“However, it should be noted that he had also managed outstanding winning teams before that in the Ryan Cup, Trench Cup and other competitions. Mr McKeever was inspirational and his work in both physical education and competitive sport has created a tradition that will live long into the future.”

Ar dheis dé go raibh a hanam dílis