Best Goalkeeper ever in LOI

**iceman** · 17/01/2009, 6:33 PM

Slightly off-topic but does anyone remember a 'keeper that climbed up on the goalposts and broke them up during a game (think it was at Oriel Park) in the 70's. The clip was later played on ITV's "On The Ball" and on "What Happened Next" on BBC's A Question Of Sport?

**prince20** · 17/01/2009, 9:58 PM

Originally Posted by iceman

Slightly off-topic but does anyone remember a 'keeper that climbed up on the goalposts and broke them up during a game (think it was at Oriel Park) in the 70's. The clip was later played on ITV's "On The Ball" and on "What Happened Next" on BBC's A Question Of Sport?

Mick O Brien

**red bellied** · 17/01/2009, 10:37 PM

Alan Patterson helped Sligo Rovers win the league in 1977.

**R�iteoir** · 17/01/2009, 10:38 PM

Mick O'Brien was an eccentric goalkeeper who played in the League of Ireland throughout the 1970s.

He began his career with Home Farm F.C. where he was part of a Leinster Youth Cup winning side. In 1967 Mick moved to Athlone Town F.C. who were then in the Leinster Senior League.

He spent almost 10 years at Athlone during which time, they would join the League of Ireland. He kept goal during the famous UEFA Cup tie against AC Milan in 1975. Athlone held the Italian giants to a scoreless draw at St. Mel's Park.

He also famously delayed a match in Dundalk after breaking the crossbar in 1974 [1].

After leaving Athlone in 1976 , he moved to St Patrick's Athletic and spent 4 years there. He then moved to Bohemians in 1980 and spent 2 years at the club (making 8 league appearances).

**Mr Maroon** · 17/01/2009, 10:47 PM

Originally Posted by Blue Man

Alan Gough and Alan O Neill for me. I always thought highly of Dave Henderson too. Brian Murphy is the current best by a fair distance followed by Barry Murphy

I'm glad to see him mentioned by someone who isn't a fan of one of the clubs he played for. He's a legend in my eyes.

**Blue Man** · 17/01/2009, 11:26 PM

Originally Posted by Mr Maroon

I'm glad to see him mentioned by someone who isn't a fan of one of the clubs he played for. He's a legend in my eyes.

He was my coach when he played for Shels and continued to coach me even when he moved up North to Glentoran. Absolute legend and a huge hero of mine

**Razors left peg** · 18/01/2009, 10:56 AM

Has any LOI goalkeeper ever been a regular for the national team in the past? Im sure there have been a couple that have gotten the odd cap but has anyone ever been first choice?

**prince20** · 18/01/2009, 10:56 AM

Without a doubt, The answer to this question is Mick Smyth.
You can throw up other names but you will be wrong

**shelbourne1904** · 18/01/2009, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by Razors left peg

Has any LOI goalkeeper ever been a regular for the national team in the past? Im sure there have been a couple that have gotten the odd cap but has anyone ever been first choice?

There was never a regular but Mick Smyth, Paddy Roche and Peter Thomas were capped while playing LOI.Peter Thomas was English but became a a "naturalised" Irishman after living here for years.

**Orangecelt** · 18/01/2009, 4:13 PM

Alec Ludzic of Cork Celtic and later Cork City. No question!

**rambler14** · 18/01/2009, 4:36 PM

For the Ramblers supporters among us.............Dave the Save!

**michaelguineys** · 19/01/2009, 1:07 AM

Originally Posted by rambler14

For the Ramblers supporters among us.............Dave the Save!

Dave the Save that played for Corinthians?
Did he play for ye too?

Anthony Fenelly has to be up there as one of the best keepers in the league ever, never mind one of the best Ramblers keepers

**don ramo** · 19/01/2009, 1:10 AM

Originally Posted by michaelguineys

Dave the Save that played for Corinthians?
Did he play for ye too?

Anthony Fenelly has to be up there as one of the best keepers in the league ever, never mind one of the best Ramblers keepers

why the smile fennelly was class

sadly he ran off with some savage youngone in derry the ****ing lucky c**t and hasnt been seen since, i think he was the christmass turkey

**gael353** · 19/01/2009, 4:25 AM

Of yesteryear it would have to be Kevin Fitzpatrick of Limerick and Ireland and of the newer ones id go for Dave Henderson.

**Hibs4Ever** · 19/01/2009, 6:51 AM

This is easy, Dave Henderson by a long distance

**Tis-smeee** · 19/01/2009, 6:54 AM

Peter Thomas

**Calcio Jack** · 19/01/2009, 7:34 AM

Surely it has to be Gordon Banks

**SMorgan** · 19/01/2009, 9:42 AM

Originally Posted by Calcio Jack

Surely it has to be Gordon Banks

Arrrr over-rated. Made a living off a single save!!

A lot of posters are going for keepers at their own clubs. I'll go for Dermot O'Neill, who started his career as an understudy to Blackmore at Dundalk, and Mick Smyth.

But I have to say the League of Ireland has produced a number of quality keepers. A lot of the keepers montioned in this thread were quality and certainly bring back some good memories.