Dr Crokes celebrate a year to remember

THE annual Dr Crokes GAA social has really become a night of celebration in recent years owing to the tremendous success achieved by the club on the playing fields of Kerry and beyond.

This year was no exception with plenty for players, officers, family, friends and well-wishers to toast at the club’s Celebration Night in the INEC, Killarney, on Sunday night.

There was plenty of silverware as a result of an extremely successful 2012 with the Kerry County Senior Football Championship, Kerry County Senior Club Football Championship, Munster Senior Club Football Championship and East Kerry Senior Championship trophies taking pride of place.

The club’s senior side has been creating their own bit of history over the last decade or so, winning three county titles in a row, two Munster club championships and seven O’Donoghue Cups in a row.

And, having overcome London’s Tir Chonaill Gaels in the All-Ireland Senior Club Championship quarter-final prior to Christmas, Dr Crokes have their eyes firmly set on a meeting with Dublin champions Ballymun Kickhams in late February, and a possible AllIreland Final clash with either old foes Crossmaglen Rangers of Armagh or St Brigid’s of Roscommon.

The good news was also announced that county senior star and three-time All-Ireland medal winner Eoin Brosnan will captain Kerry for the coming year.

The event also saw the presentation of awards to players and members who have excelled, not just this year but in recent and not so recent times, for the club.

Awards were presented on the night to Club Player of the Year Colm Cooper, Young Player of the Year Gavin O’Shea, Hurler of the Year Mike O’Keeffe, Junior Player of the Year Sean Coppinger, Supporter of the Year Brendan Harnett and Club Person of the Year, John C O’Shea.

Dr Crokes PRO John Keogh said the event was a great success with plenty for the club to cheer about.

“It was an excellent night,” John said, “a tremendous evening head by all. There was a great crowd, great food and a great band.”

■ Louise Sexton Sjogren, Daniel Sjogren, Michael and Louise Sexton, Layla Mahony with (back from left) Joanie Sexton, Paudie Sextion, Aine O'Donoghue, Chris, Sarah and Michael Sexton at the Dr Crokes Dinner in the INEC, Gleneagle, Killarney, on Sunday.

■ ABOVE: Kate Hickey, Andrew Kennelly, Michael Moloney and Michelle Doolan with (inset, right) Laura, Emma and Rebecca Galvin at the Dr Crokes Dinner in the INEC, Killarney.

■ Terry Potts, vice-chairman of Dr Crokes GAA Club, presenting the Club Ladies Player of the Year Award to Emma Galvin with her parents Colm and Maura at the Dr Crokes Dinner in the INEC, Gleneagle, Killarney, on Sunday.

■ Helen Fitzgerald and Patrick Buckley.