By Cian O'Connell

Eamonn Cregan’s sporting life is brimful of interesting chapters.

A decorated playing career with Limerick brought splendid scores, silverware, and the Liam MacCarthy Cup. Then a daring adventure turning Offaly into All Ireland winners. One of the late stories, though, in the Fitzgibbon Cup arena supplied a reminder of the simplicity and possibilities existing in hurling.

Four years ago Mary I captured the third level competition. Cregan spearheaded the success. While the Mary I playing cast was sprinkled with talent, Cregan certainly supplied inspiration on the line.

Within minutes of the triumph, though, Cregan carried out an interview with HE GAA stressing the value and weight of the victory.

“I loved it, but today is the last day,” Cregan remarked. “I just can't enjoy myself anymore, there are nerves in the stomach before the match. I don't want that anymore. I'm delighted we have gone out on a winning note, that is my finale for Mary I.

“It would be next to the Liam MacCarthy because we are the underdogs, and we have always been the underdogs. This was a fantastic achievement for a small, small college.”

In a couple of short and sharp sentences Cregan found the words to illustrate what the journey meant. The drive and desire that was evident throughout his own time between the lines as a player.

Medals were accumulated and memories made. The list of honours is worthy of the utmost respect: one All Ireland, four Munster titles, one National Hurling League, and three All Stars.

Claughan’s affairs were always central to Cregan too with three Limerick hurling Championships and eight football crowns a bountiful haul.

Two years ago before Limerick returned to the summit of the hurling world PM O’Sullivan’s classy and compelling feature in the Irish Examiner supplied an insight into how Cregan operated.

Cregan’s passion for Limerick and his family ran through the gorgeous piece reflecting on how Limerick returned to prominence during his two decades wearing green and white.

It also features a line from the totemic Eddie Keher about the 1973 All Ireland Final when Cregan, the prolific attacker, was shifted to centre back.

“It was a very big surprise and it was a brave move from the selectors because they were removing the most lethal forward in the game at the time from their attack,” Keher remarked.

“It raised a lot of eyebrows and we weren’t sure if it was a decoy or not. It was very much a reality on the day and very effective.”

Then 21 years later Cregan was back in Croke Park on a September Sunday. This time, though, it was different, managing Offaly against his native Limerick.

Last year on Off The Ball former Offaly hurler Daithí Regan discussed the dilemma faced by Cregan, who had brought the Faithful County back to the top table again. “Eamonn Cregan, he appeared to us emotionless, but I guess he wasn't,” Regan commented.

“Everyone has their different personas, but in front of us, no. A really interesting cameo, obviously he was a great Limerick man and would be considered one of the great hurlers of the time.

“In Limerick they consider him one of their greats, but Derry O'Donovan was his physical trainer, he would have been very close to us. He would have been the conduit between Cregan and us at a level where we could chat.

“Derry often told that when we left the dressing room that day, Cregan had given his speech, everyone had left, and the selectors left. The only two left were Cregan and Derry, two Limerick men. Derry took a lot at him and went 'snap out of it' he said. Two teams have gone out there today and you know which one you are with.”

That afternoon Offaly finished with a flourish and Limerick were defeated. Afterwards Cregan tried to remain cool and calm on the exterior, but it was a match which somehow both delighted and drained.

What it confirmed, though, was the belief and conviction Cregan could instil in a team. Offaly kept going until the bitter end. Mary I. Cregan, like he did with Limerick- regardless of the role, found a way.