Members of Cromane GAA Club

Pat O’Shea, Michael Riordan and Pat Casey tell the story of the GAA in their part of the world, Cromane. Located close to Killorglin in Kerry, they had problems setting up a club of their own due to a combination of economic factors, population issues and reluctance at county board level. They recall playing challenge games against other clubs and participating in local leagues. Although they did get a club together in the 1950s, it did not last long as economic hardship forced many to leave the area. Another effort was made to establish a Cromane club in the 1980s and, despite considerable difficulty initially, their efforts eventually paid off. They soon had their own grounds and facilities along with the support of a close-knit community. Although some other clubs did not take them seriously as a footballing force they did make an impact on the Kerry scene, winning the occasional title and providing a successful Kerry side with two talented players in Seán O’ Sullivan and Donnchadh Walsh. Their achievements at inter-county level brought great joy to the community and spurred on a new generation of young aspiring players. Pat O’Shea was also a Kerry selector for 13 years. He shares his memories of those times, and revisits the famous day in 1982 when an Offaly goal denied Kerry the five-in-a-row in a dramatic All-Ireland final.