Johnny Crowley

Johnny Crowley (born 21 February 1956) is an Irish former hurler who played as a centre-back at senior level for the Cork county team.

Born in Enniskean, County Cork, his family later moved to the city.

He attended Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa for a couple of years, but transferred to St Finbarr's College, Farranferris after 4th year.

He first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of eighteen when he first linked up with the Cork minor teams as a dual player, before later joining the Cork under-21 hurling team.

Crowley first came to prominence as a dual player of both hurling and Gaelic football with Cork in 1974.

He won a Munster medal with the hurlers following a 2–11 to 2–7 defeat of Tipperary in a replay, while he also claimed a provincial medal with the footballers who bested old rivals Kerry by 0–13 to 1–6.

The subsequent All-Ireland hurling final saw Cork narrowly defeat Kilkenny by 1–10 to 1–8, giving Crowley an All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship medal.

Two weeks later he was back in Croke Park as the footballers faced Mayo in the championship decider.

Cork once again emerged victorious following a 1–10 to 1–6 victory.

The win gave Crowley a unique double as he collected his second All-Ireland medal.

In 1975 Crowley was an automatic choice in defence for the Cork under-21 hurling team.

He won a Munster medal that year following a 3–12 to 2–6 defeat of Limerick, before later lining out in the All-Ireland decider against Kilkenny.

In what was rated as the best hurling game of the year, Cork looked likely champions, however, two great saves from Kevin Fennelly in the closing stages saw the Cats seal a 5–13 to 2–19 victory.

He made his senior debut during the 1976 championship.

Crowley enjoyed a decade-long career with Cork and won five All-Ireland medals, nine Munster medals and one National Hurling League medal.

He was an All-Ireland runner-up on two occasions.

Crowley also lined out with Munster in the inter-provincial series, however, he never won a Railway Cup medal.

At club level he enjoyed a lengthy career with Bishopstown.

Throughout his inter-county career, Crowley made 39 championship appearances for Cork.

Cork continued their provincial dominance in 1976, with Crowley collecting a second Munster medal following a 2–11 to 3–6 win over Clare.

The subsequent All-Ireland decider was a replay of the previous year, with Cork facing Kilkenny as underdogs.

The Rebels powered to a 2–17 to 1–8 victory, giving Crowley his first All-Ireland medal in the grade.

Crowley made his senior championship debut with Cork on 13 June 1976 in a 4–10 to 2–15 defeat of Tipperary.

He later collected his first Munster medal as Cork trounced Limerick by 3–15 to 4–5 at the newly-opened Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Wecford provided the opposition in the subsequent All-Ireland final on 5 September 1976.

Wexford got off to a great start and were 2–2 to no score ahead after just six minutes.

Wexford had a two-point lead with ten minutes to go, however, three points from Jimmy Barry-Murphy, two from Pat Moylan and a kicked effort from team captain Ray Cummins gave Cork a 2–21 to 4–11 victory.

It was Crowley's first All-Ireland medal.

He enjoyed little success with the relatively new club, however, he did win a city junior hurling championship medal in 1977.

Crowley collected a third consecutive Munster medal in 1977 as Limerick fell by 5–9 to 1–8.

A third successive All-Ireland decider beckoned and, for the third year in-a-row, Kilkenny were the opponents.

Only a goal separated the sides at the full-time whistle, however, victory went to Kilkenny by 2–9 to 1–9.

In 1977 Crowley won a second Munster medal following a 4–15 to 4–10 defeat of fourteen-man Clare.

The All-Ireland final on 4 September 1977 was a repeat of the previous year, with Wexford providing the opposition once again.

Seánie O'Leary scored the decisive goal for Cork as the game entered the last quarter, while Martin Coleman brought off a match-winning save from Christy Keogh to foil the Wexford comeback.

His retirement came following the conclusion of the 1987 championship.

In retirement from playing Crowley became involved in team management and coaching.

As a selector under manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy, he has helped guide Cork to All-Ireland, Munster and National League successes.

Crowley also served as manager of the Bishopstown senior team.

Crowley played his club hurling and football with Bishopstown.