Tim Crowley

Tim Crowley (born 14 May 1952) is an Irish retired hurler who played as a centre-forward for the Cork senior team.^[1]

Born in Newcestown, County Cork, Crowley first excelled at Gaelic games in his youth. He arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of seventeen when he first linked up with the Cork minor team, before later lining out with the under-21 side. He made his senior debut in the 1976–77 National Hurling League. Crowley went on to play a key part for almost a decade, and won three All-Ireland medals, seven Munster medals and two National Hurling League medals. He was an All-Ireland runner-up on two occasions.

Cunningham represented the Munster inter-provincial team at various times throughout his career, winning one Railway Cup medal. At club level he won two junior championship medals with Newcestown.

Throughout his career Crowley made 29 championship appearances. He retired from inter-county hurling on following Cork's exit from the 1985 championship.

Playing career

Tim Crowley was born Newcestown in County Cork in 1952. He showed great skill as a hurler in his youth, and in time he would go on to have a very successful career with his native county. Crowley joined the Cork minor hurling team in the mid 1960s. In 1969 he had his first major success when he won his first All-Ireland medal as a minor. In 1970 he captured his second consecutive All-Ireland medal at minor level. Crowley subsequently joined the Cork under-21 team with whom he won an All-Ireland medal in 1973, along with other future stars Seánie O'Leary and Jimmy Barry-Murphy.

Crowley had to wait another few years before he joined the senior team, however, he made his senior debut against Waterford in 1977. He partnered Tom Cashman at midfield and subsequently went on to claim his first Munster and All-Ireland medals at senior level. In 1978 Crowley was moved to the half-forward line on the team. It was another successful year as he claimed his second consecutive Munster and All-Ireland titles. In 1979 he won his third Munster medal, however, Cork’s attempt to capture four All-Ireland titles in-a-row was halted at the All-Ireland semi-final stage when Crowley’s team were defeated by Galway. In 1980 and 1981 Cork failed to win further Munster titles, however, Crowley was a key member of the team that won back-to-back National Hurling League titles in those years.

In 1982 Cork had recaptured their form, and Crowley captured a fourth Munster medal, however, Cork were later defeated by Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final. In 1983 Crowley won his fifth Munster title, however, Cork were once again defeated by Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final. 1984 was a very special year in the history of the Gaelic Athletic Association. It was the centenary year of the association, and every team was hopeful of championship success. Crowley won his sixth Munster title with Cork, a win which qualified the team for a very special All-Ireland final appearance at Semple Stadium. In the first ever championship meeting of Cork and Offaly Crowley played at centre-forward. With a seven-point win over the midlanders Crowley claimed his third All-Ireland medal.

By 1985 Crowley was in the twilight of his inter-county career. He won a seventh Munster title, however, his side were beaten by Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final. This was Crowley’s last game with the Cork senior hurlers.

References