The Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) Championship 1 has been a breeding ground for some of the best football talent in the country. Over the years, many players have come and gone, but only a few have left a lasting impression on the league. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 players of all time in the NIFL Championship 1.
Gary Hamilton
Gary Hamilton is undoubtedly one of the best players to have ever graced the NIFL Championship 1. The striker has scored an impressive 178 goals in 293 appearances for his former club Glenavon. He was also named the league’s Player of the Year twice in his career.
Darren Murphy
Darren Murphy is a highly-respected midfielder who played for a number of clubs in the NIFL Championship 1. He is known for his incredible work rate, tenacity, and leadership qualities. He won the league title twice with Lisburn Distillery and was named the league’s Player of the Year in 2008.
Richard Clarke
Richard Clarke is a former midfielder who played for Ballyclare Comrades and Ards. He is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted players to have ever played in the NIFL Championship 1. He won the league title with Ards in 2013.
Mark Dickson
Mark Dickson is a former striker who played for a number of clubs in the NIFL Championship 1. He scored an impressive 141 goals in 366 appearances throughout his career. He was also named the league’s Player of the Year in 2007.
David Cushley
David Cushley is a highly-skilled attacking midfielder who currently plays for Ballymena United. He started his career with Lisburn Distillery before moving on to Crusaders. He has scored over 100 goals in the NIFL Championship 1 throughout his career.
Michael Smith
Michael Smith is a former defender who played for Ballymena United and Coleraine. He is known for his exceptional defensive skills and leadership qualities. He won the league title with Coleraine in 2018 and was named the league’s Player of the Year in 2019.
William Murphy
William Murphy is a former defender who played for a number of clubs in the NIFL Championship 1. He is known for his no-nonsense defending and leadership qualities. He won the league title with Portadown in 2002 and 2003.
Chris Kingsberry
Chris Kingsberry is a former midfielder who played for a number of clubs in the NIFL Championship 1. He is known for his incredible work rate and versatility. He won the league title with Institute in 2005.
Kevin Kelbie
Kevin Kelbie is a former striker who played for a number of clubs in the NIFL Championship 1. He is known for his clinical finishing and ability to score goals from anywhere on the pitch. He won the league title with Institute in 2008.
Philip Mitchell
Philip Mitchell is a former goalkeeper who played for a number of clubs in the NIFL Championship 1. He is known for his exceptional shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the penalty area. He won the league title with Ards in 2013.
