Over the decades, the Moycullen parish has produced many fine hurlers, who gave outstanding service at club level and in many instances at inter county level. High on any such list of honour would be Kenneth (Ken) Croke of Claughaun. The community was deeply saddened when news came of his death in New York, where he had resided for many years. From a young age Ken Croke lined out for Moycullen hurling and football selections. He was especially well known and regarded as a top-class goalkeeper and exploits with Moycullen gained him recognition at county level, where he represented the county on many occasions during the 1950's. Local people will recall his great displays and his ability as a net minder. He lined out with Galway at the opening of the Pearse Stadium in June 1957 when Galway played Tipperary. As will be readily be known, the fifties ad sixties were not good times in this country and like many other folk of his generation, he emigrated to the United States, but he continued his great hurling exploits in New York, when huge attendances visited Gaelic Park each weekend. Hurling and football games were the link with home for very many people during this time as the legendary John Kerry O' Donnell developed and promoted a marvellous facility in Gaelic Park. Ken Croke gave top displays against the great teams who visited from Ireland for the national league finals. While he was better known in hurling circles, he was also a fine football exponent. He received many awards in the states and was active in many associations being honoured by the Galway Association in New York. While being away from his native parish over many years, he kept in constant contact with home and followed the fortunes of the local teams and gave great assistance and direction to many people going to New York. Ken visited home on many occasions and enjoyed meeting friends and took great satisfaction from Moycullen's successes at Comortas Peile na Gaeltachta in Baile Bhuime, County Cork back in June 1971. He was a member of a widely known and highly regarded local family and his passing will leave a great void in family circles and in the wider community, where he will be fondly remembered. The late Ken is survived by his wife Marie (nee Bradley of Omagh in County Tyrone); six sons - Patrick, Kenny, Brendan, Raymond, Kevin and Brian; by his brothers, Dermot (Oranmore), Aidan (New York), Derek (Prospect Hill, Galway) and Raymond (Claughaun, Moycullen); also by his four sisters, Mrs. Shelia McDonagh (Uggoole, Moycullen), Mrs. Deirdre Lee (Headford), Mrs. Maura Flaherty (Riverside, Galway) and Mrs. Anne Downey (Uggoole, Moycullen); by his daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws other relatives and a very wide circle of friends. The deceased was sixty five years of age last may and his untimely passing following a brief illness is the source of much regret. Members of the family travelled to New York for the Removal and funeral ceremonies this week. A remembrance Mass will be celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Moycullen on this Friday evening August 16th at 8.30 p.m. Sar-Gael, sar-fhear spoirt agus comhluadar imithe uainn. Ta suil nach ndeanfar dearmac go deo ar a ghaisci ar fhaithchi na h-iomana. Solas na bhflaitheas le anam Ken Croke. Seamus Gavin. Courtesy of The Connacht Tribune August 2002 Tweet

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