A brilliant night for Dr Crokes

THE year’s end was all about taking a break and reflecting on another whirlwind season for Crokes; a season far from finished given a successful outcome in the All-Ireland Club Semi-Final remains uppermost on everyone’s New Year’s wish list right now.

But the focus temporarily switched from the playing fields to the INEC on Thursday night last as the annual social attracted over 300 of the club’s faithful who enjoyed a super evening’s entertainment. It’s essential to relish the good times while they last and they don’t get much better than being the current champions of Kerry and Munster.

The night was further enhanced by the presence of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh who introduced the victorious All-Ireland winning Crokes team of 25 years ago, and the fact the current senior team are now just two games away from achieving the same accolade wasn’t lost on anyone in the packed hall.

But the evening wasn’t just about the senior team as the minor, U21, Ladies, C and B teams all received their just rewards for the part played in a standout year for the black and amber.

“It was a special night for us as we marked the 25th anniversary of the 1991-92 team. To be honest, it was a strange feeling to have two teams in the room, 25-years apart, who were county and Munster championship winners. It was a unique night from that point of view,” said Crokes’ Chairman, Denis Coleman.

While Crokes are renowned for their swashbuckling forward play it was the club’s defenders who scooped the year’s main awards: Young Player of the Year went to David Naughton; Senior Player of the Year to John Payne, while Junior Player of the Year is Brian Fitzgerald. Added to the list is Hurler of the Year, Mike Milner, and Ladies’ Player of Year, Edel Cronin.

“We’re extremely proud of the achievements of our players and teams and they deserved their awards. Colm Griffin won Club Supporter of the Year and Jim Coppinger was named Club Person of the Year. Jimmy does so much work for our club and he was delighted. All in all, it was a great night and we’re looking forward to the new season,” Denis said.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Louise Sexton Sjogren, Joanie, Louise and Mike Sexton with Daniel Sjogren at the Dr Crokes GAA dinner in the INEC.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Laura O’Sullivan, Kelly O’Neill, Tara Casey, Jessica Galvin, Karena O’Leary and Fiona Galvin at the Dr Crokes GAA dinner.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Lee Koehler, Patrick O’Donoghue, Eileen and Tim Brosnan, Niall and Bridie Brosnan at the Dr Crokes GAA social on Thursday.

Club Person of the Year Jimmy Copping with Helen Fitzgerald at the Dr Crokes dinner in the INEC.