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Tom Long, the
author of the 1940s chapter in the “Dr. Crokes Gaelic
Century”, informed us that in that era victory
celebrations were rare and the few that did win medals
were exceptional. The real champions of those years was
the gallant team of officials who in spite of repeated
disappointments and defeats kept the heart of the club
alive by their loyalty, dedication and hope.
One of these
club stalwarts was John Moynihan of York Terrace, who up
to the late 1930s had not been involved in any G.A.A.
activities, but this all changed for him when he joined
the Killarney Mineral Water company, just a hundred
yards from his home, as a clerk in 1939.
The Manager of
the K.M.W, was that great Dr Crokes clubman Eugene O’
Sullivan, who with another clubman Johnny O’ Halloran,
recognised his ability and persuaded John to become
secretary of their club, a position he held for the
first half of the 1940s.
For whatever
success the Dr Crokes had in later years, so much is
owed to John and his comrades for keeping the show on
the road in these very tough times, and even the
survival of the club itself.
During the war
years the club secretary was the main man ,who had to
get enough players on the day, supply a football, boots,
togs and stockings for those in need and that was some
task in those hard times but John was the supreme
provider. His connections with St Brendans college was
important as they often helped out in the kit department
and it is reported he was as drained as any player after
the game, giving his all from the sideline and he
immortalised the catchphrase ‘Watch the Break’.
His total
commitment was rewarded in 1944 when the club won the
Junior East Kerry league and they celebrated in style
with the first all male club social held in Scotts Hotel
on November 29th.
John also has
great memories of the Fitzgerald Stadium project and as
Secretary of the Crokes helped in raising funds to keep
both club and stadium in a good financial position.
Although
domiciled in Tralee for many years, his heart is in
Killarney and with the Dr Crokes and he was delighted to
be bestowed the honour of becoming the Club’s 5th
President.
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