Only The Sky Above Me

Jim McKeever, one of the greatest Gaelic footballers of all time, became the first Footballer of the Year after he captained his native Derry in the 1958 All-Ireland final.

“Only The Sky Above Me” is a riveting cameo of a brilliant footballer and extraordinary coach. Written both in his own words and by those who knew him best, it permeates the insightful recall and perceptive thinking of a versatile sportsman. Below are quotations from a select group of fellow Gaels who fondly remember Jim McKeever’s passion and love of Gaelic football in all its facets.

“When I started playing, Jim McKeever was the top midfielder in the country. A beautiful fielder, his ability to rise high off the ground, in the shortest possible approach, was something I greatly admired.” The legendary Mick O’Connell in “A Kerry Footballer” Mercier Press (1975).

“I still see him in my mind’s eye fetching them down out of the clouds to such an extent that the stands and terraces rose to claim his brilliance time and again.” Raymond Smith in “The Football Immortals.” Aherlow Press (1983).

“One man above all others epitomises for me, the spirit of the GAA. That man, Jim McKeever, through his coaching expertise for so many years, has done more to promote the GAA than any other person.” Former Tyrone manager and coach extraordinaire, Art McRory, in “Voice from the Sideline” (1997).

“Jim McKeever was, undoubtedly, one of the game’s great midfielders. His contribution as one of the pioneers of coaching courses, was immense. As an educator he influenced countless generations of future teachers to pass on his coaching philosophy to children across Ulster and beyond.” Mickey Whelan, famous coach and 1963 All-Ireland medal winner with Dublin (2024).