Crokes family ties

DR Crokes head to Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day looking to emulate the team of 1992 that delivered the club’s first and only All-Ireland Club SFC title.

After several near misses in the meantime in their efforts to reclaim the Andy Merrigan Cup, it would be fitting if the Killarney club could close the circle on the 25th anniversary of that famous win in 1992.

There would also be plenty of familial links between the two teams, with the next generation looking to emulate fathers, uncles and brothers who climbed the Hogan Stand steps following that 1-11 to 0-13 win over Dublin and Leinster champions Thomas Davis.

Current manager Pat O’Shea was a key forward on the 1992 team and his son, Gavin, of course scored Crokes’ first goal last Sunday against Corofin.

Pat’s nephew, Bryan O’Shea (Gavin’s cousin) is on the present panel, and their uncle Sean (Pat’s brother)was also a starting forward in the 1992 All-Ireland final.

Vince Casey was full forward in 1992 and his nephew, Daithi, continues to wreak havoc on opposition defences in this campaign.

Kieran O’Leary, who was man of the match against Corofin, has his brothers David and John for company on the panel, and their uncle, Noel, played at midfield in the ’92 final.

Mike Buckley played his part throughout that 1992 championship and is a selector on the current team, while his son Johnny captains the team.

Danny Cooper played at centre-forward in the ’92 All-Ireland final and his brother Colm will be looking for that elusive All-Ireland club medal next month. Their brother Mark was a panellist 25 years ago.

Corner back in 1992 Sean Clarke is represented this year with son Paul on the panel.

Finally, Eddie ‘Tatler’ O’Sullivan was manager of the 1992 team and he is back on the sideline, 25 years, on as a selector, working alongside his sonin-law Pat O’Shea.