Dick O’ Clifford   [College Street]        1907 / 1995.

Just like all G.A A. clubs around the country, the Dr’ Crokes had their share of ‘strictly club legends’ in their ranks.

 Such a man was ‘Dicko’ Clifford’, born and reared in the G.A.A. stronghold of College Street where he learned his football skills from the best in Kerry. ‘Dicko’ showed early promise, playing senior football with the club at 16 years of age and he developed into the brilliant player and leader of Croke teams at hurling and football. He captained both on a number of occasions throughout his playing career

            At the time when football was considered a ‘mans game’, ‘Dicko’ captained the club to their first East Kerry League win in 1927 at 20 years of age when he led  many seasoned campaigners onto the field. The report of the Co. Championship of that year stated ‘The star of the Crokes team was Dick Clifford’ son of Johnny. Reminding readers that father and son played together a number of times

  ‘Dicko’ played Kerry junior football for many years and got his reward with an All-Ireland medal in 1928

   The Author of the Forties Chapter in the ‘Dr Crokes Gaelic Century’ when covering the game in 1941 pointed out that the only significant feature of this game was that it marked the end of a distinguished career in the Black and Amber for ‘Dicko’ Clifford. Esteemed by all as one of the ‘father figures’ of the Club. 'Dicko’ genius was, thankfully, not entirely lost as he continued to serve the club as an aspiring mentor and efficient administrator.

    ‘Dicko’ was also- County and College referee- our club delegate to the East Kerry and County Boards and East Kerry delegate to the Munster Counties.

       He was President of the Dr Crokes Club from 1986 up to his death. ‘Dicko’ sons Con and Richard gave sterling service to the club in the 1950s,/60s keeping the Crokes Club to the fore in the county.