According to Transfermarkt, 11 players aged 40 or over have featured in Northern Ireland’s top-flight during that time period with some absolute legends making the list. Let’s get into it!
NOTE: All age and player data courtesy of Transfermarkt and is relevant only for Premiership.
9. Stuart Addis (Dungannon Swifts)
Stuart Addis spent time with Armagh City, Ballymena United, Lisburn Distillery, Dungannon Swifts, Glenavon, Glentoran, Linfield, Loughgall and Newry City during his Irish League career. The goalkeeper's final Premiership appearance came for the Swifts in December 2019 aged 40 years 05 months 16 days. Photo: Stephen Hamilton/Inpho
10. Sean Ward (Glenavon)
Sean Ward made 779 Irish League appearances for Glentoran, Linfield, Crusaders and Glenavon, winning five top-flight titles and four Irish Cup crowns in that time, before making his final outing for the Lurgan Blues in April against Carrick Rangers at Mourneview Park aged 40 years, 3 months and 15 days. Photo: Inpho/Stephen Hamilton
11. Noel Bailie (Linfield)
Irish League legend Noel Bailie lifted Linfield's 50th league title in his final match of a remarkable 22-year period playing for the Blues. He made 1,013 appearances during that time - the last one aged 40 years, 2 months and 7 days - and collected 10 top-flight league crowns, eight Irish Cups, eight Irish League Cups, six Co Antrim Shields and also won the Setanta Sports Cup. Photo: William Cherry/Presseye