Tony McNamee is a well-known figure in Donegal soccer circles, and played senior football for more than twenty years.

He started off with Clonleigh Athletic in 1977, and went on to play for Rockhill United, Prior United, Swilly Rovers, Bonagee United, Milford United, Lifford Celtic, Ramelton Mariners, and Curragh Athletic.

He has been involved in coaching since the eighties and is now a referee on the local scene.

McNamee has this week picked the best 11 (3-5-2) he faced over his career, with honourable mentions for Danny Kelly (Fanad United), Bernie Timlin (Buncrana Hearts), Mickey Duffy (Letterkenny Rovers), Donal McCafferty (Milford United), Loughlin O’Rourke (St Catherines).

Bosco Gallagher (Fanad United)

Overall a fantastic goalkeeper. His distribution was brilliant. Any player going through one-on-one knows how big and strong he made himself.

John McElwaine (Fanad United)

No team could be without John. He was one of the coolest players I’d ever seen when under pressure. He probably didn’t know what pressure was.

Hugh Rua Gallagher (Gweedore Celtic)

A leader for Gweedore with that great team they had in the eighties. Excellent central defender with a great brain.

Harry Walsh (Letterkenny Rovers)
A proper footballer who had a wicked left foot and good in the air. I wasn’t surprised he made it to senior level.

Padraig Coyle (Gweedore Celtic)
Another Gweedore player who stood out a mile. All players and teams had tough times heading to Magheragallon. Tough as nails.

James O’Doherty (Fanad United)
Played against James when I was starting out. I’d honestly say, he was the best Junior player I’ve ever played against. An absolute gentleman on the pitch and off it. R.I.P. James.

Patsy McGlanaghy (Donegal Town)

Patsy had excellent ability. He was one of the main player in a good Donegal side in the eighties. Could turn you inside out with his movement.

Kenny Harkin (Fanad United)

Played a lot with Kenny in the Army and it was better playing with him than against him. Most were jealous of his fitness levels. You could train for months and Kenny could relax and still be fitter than most.

Liam Sweeney (Fanad United)
Top, top player who I had to make room for so playing him out wide left. Full of running and never gave away possession.

Paul ‘Feet’ Murrin (Donegal Town)

Paul had two great feet and pace. Drop the shoulder and he’s away. I was lucky I was normally at the other side of the pitch. Always a danger. R.I.P. Paul

Colm McGonigle (Fanad United)

Colm played a lot at senior level with Galway, Bohs etc. He was a natural goalscorer. Always in the right place at the right time. If Colm got the ball inside the area, it was a goal.