Twelve months ago, Dr Crokes beat Slaughtneil in the All-Ireland final at Croke Park as they were crowned as the best club team in the country. The Derry club lost out by just two points in their second final in three years, but it’s a long way back to Croke Park, as they learned this year.
Some of the scenes at full-time will live long in the memory. The sight of Colm Cooper celebrating the win showed just how important the club is to top players. Meanwhile, as captain Johnny Cooper climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift the Andy Merrigan Cup, he brought with him Amy O’Connor.
Tragically, O’Connor passed away last week, and the famous Killarney club was left in mourning. Tributes poured in as the club remembered one of their own.
Yesterday, the club tweeted a picture of a sympathy card sent to them by Slaughtneil.
“Ní neart go cur le chéile.”
Beautiful classy message from @GACSlaughtneil to @drcrokesgaa and family of Amy O Connor RIP. Our defeated opponents in last years Club Final (the day Amy lifted the cup) demonstrating true humanity and decency. pic.twitter.com/UgILOIGaax
— Dr. Crokes GAA (@DrCrokesGAA) March 6, 2018
It was a nice touch from the Derry champions, translating the message that there are things far more important than football.
