Jim McKeever’s football and fitness philosophy remains valid to this day
Derry’s Jim McKeever makes a high fetch against Dublin in the 1958 All-Ireland SFC final at Croke Park.
The great Derry footballer Jim McKeever was a man ahead of his time. On the field, he was known as a fierce competitor, best remembered for his ability to soar into the sky and catch a high ball. He was the backbone of the Derry team which made the 1958 All-Ireland final.
Off the field, he was a visionary — using his expertise as a qualified PE teacher lecturing at St Mary’s Training College to inspire others and spread the gospel of fitness and exercise, and also helping to revolutionise the concept of coaching in the GAA.