James McKeever (born 1931 Ballymaguigan, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland) is a former Gaelic footballer. He played for the Derry GAA team in the late 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s and played club football for St. Trea\'s GFC Ballymaguigan and Seán O\'Leary\'s GAC Newbridge. He was captain of the Derry side that finished runners-up to Dublin in the 1958 All-Ireland Championship.\n', '

McKeever was a very versatile player as evidenced by his playing in all positions with the exception of goalkeeper and wing half back during his Derry career. He started out his inter-county career as a half-forward, but is chiefly remembered as a midfielder for both club and county and has been frequently described as "one of the greatest midfielders of all time". He was renowned for his high-fielding ability – described by Kerry legend Mick O\'Connell as the best catcher he ever played against. Other skills in his repertoire include his surging runs forwards from midfield, shooting accuracy and free taking ability. McKeever was named in the Football Team of the Century comprising players who never won an All-Ireland. He played an "inspirational role" in helping put Derry on the GAA map.\n', '

After retiring from playing, he served as manager of a number of teams. In 2009 he was named in the Sunday Tribune\'s list of the 125 Most Influential People in GAA History. Former Tyrone manager Art McRory said of McKeever: "That man has done more to promote the GAA than any other person I know."\n', '

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