Kilkenny Hurling team doctor and Traleeman, Dr Tadhg Crowley.
YOU might be surprised to learn that at the heart of of the most successful hurling team of all time is a Tralee man.
Dr Tadhg Crowley originally from Oakpark, has been the chief medic for nine All-Ireland winning Kilkenny hurling sides. The most recent of which coming last Saturday against Tipperary.
Thirteen years ago Dr Crowley took over the job as Kilkenny team doctor and since then he has been a vital cog in one of the most successful winning machines in Irish sporting history.
Tadhg made the move to Kilkenny in 1997 and landed the job in 2001 after the previous doctor for the Kilkenny team – who worked in the same practice as Tadhg – resigned.
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“I’ve been lucky enough since than they’ve kept me on each year on a rolling yearly contract,” said Tadhg.
After all his success in his adopted county with the small ball, Tadhg still hasn’t lost his love for football and the Kerry team.
“If I’m not at the hurling with Kilkenny, I’ll be at Kerry games wearing my green and gold jersey,” said Tadhg.
“‘I’ve practically lived in Croke Park in September over the last few years with Kerry being involved so often in All-Ireland finals as well,” said Tadhg.
Tadgh lives and works in Kilkenny City, and is married to Michelle Buckley, originally from Abbeydorney with their four children.
“I may have left the county, but at least I didn’t marry outside the environs of Tralee!” said Tadhg.
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2010 and 2011 were two high pressure years for Tadgh. As part of the medical team that worked on long term and highly publicised injuries to Henry Shefflin, the spotlight was shone on him to get Kilkenny’s talisman back to full fitness. Shefflin, picked up his tenth All-Ireland medal last Saturday.
“He did well to come back from them. They were very tough injuries, he’s just a phenomenally driven person and athlete,” said Tadhg.
“Henry was a pleasure to work with, if you tell him to do something 100 times he’ll do it, there is no stone left unturned by him. Part of the joy of working with fellas of Henry’s caliber is they challenge you as well, Iv got to be at the top of my game for them” Tadhg
“That’s what it’s all about, going on this sporting journey and all improving together” said Tadhg.
Over his 13 years in the job Tadgh has worked with just one manager who just so happens to be the greatest of them all in hurling, Brian Cody.
“First and foremost, he just loves hurling, but he has a great love for football as well that people might not know a lot about,” said Tadhg.
“He’s a great Kerry fan. He has a great love of Kerry football and enjoys seeing the aristocrats of the game win out,” said Tadhg.
“He’s a fantastic man-manager in terms of dealing not only with the players and hurling, that comes instinctively, but he’s not afraid of new developments and new ideas. He’s very good with dealing with professionals, sitting down one to one and looking at what’s needed” said Tadgh.
“There’s a public image out there of Brian being sort of austere and cold, but he’s anything but. He’s actually a very warm-hearted individual,” said Tadhg.
Being a Kerryman, but having lived in Kilkenny and worked with the hurling team for so long, I asked which was a better sight to him, Kerry with Sam, or Kilkenny with Liam?
“I love seeing Kerry win and going to the matches, but when you’re involved with a team that wins the All-Ireland it is that bit more special,” said Tadhg.
