Former Player and current underage caoch Robbie McCrave reflects on his playing days
First memory of Club -
I do remember wandering down Park street towards the Magnet gates not sure what to expect , Joe McNally arrived then came the two Tony’s, Coleman and McDonnell
Biggest Influence -
I must give a shout out to a fair few here, my parents I remember getting my first pair of boots Blackthorn with a hard toe as a birthday present, I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t allowed to wear them out on the street when I went out to play .
It started for me in Primary school Mickey Lambert, Tom Quinn, Pat McCann and the smiling Tom Kindlon RIP they made it fun and encouraged all the time. I still remember Mickey saying if you have any talent and can play then you can play in any position just go out and try and do your best.
Secondary school , Pat Darcy, and Paddy Hamill they put the pieces in place so eventually we could compete at the highest level in school football in Ireland. It took 4/5 years planning training at lunch times and on Saturday mornings and friendlies all around the Country I have 2 north Leinster leagues medals a Lennon cup and a Leinster school victory very special.
Mickey Matthews and Terry Doherty gave me my Gaels debut in Knockbridge verus the Clans in the Junior League we won I think, no home pitch and playing in division 3 against the Clans second Team we have come along way since then.
Then comes Danny and Gene who took over and brought it on to higher levels with the influx of a lot of talented young players Danny made me the captain after a few years and put me into the no 6 jersey that was an honour.
You can be inspired and energised even when you are in your mid Thirties, so Paul Lynch and JP OKane deserve a shout out. I played in an all-Ireland SEMI Final in 1985 with the school and then again in 2003/4 with the Gaels another honour.
Curved ball here I must mention Jimmy Clancy I played a lot of Soccer in my teens went to 3 milk cups and was involved with Dundalk youth teams he was very encouraging .
Worst Trainer -
Don’t have a worst trainer .
Best trainer -