EVEN factoring in the enforced absence of star player Colm Cooper through long-term injury, there is great optimism that new Dr Crokes senior team boss Martin Byrnes has all the necessary ingredients required to steer the Kerry kingpins to further glory.
Byrnes has been chosen as the man to lead the black and amber in succession to the three-man management team of Noel O’Leary, Vince Casey and Malachy Walsh.
A native of Dromtariffe in North Cork but a long-time Killarney resident, Byrnes played both football and hurling with Crokes and was on the panel that won the All-Ireland Club Championship in 1992 before coaching a various levels. He is also a former senior team mentor and commands great respect within the club.
An accomplished sportsman, Byrnes is a keen golfer and also played soccer with Killarney Celtic for several years when he was widely regarded as one of the best midfielders playing the game in the town.
A psychiatric nurse, he is married to Ann O’Donoghue who comes from a family steeped in the black and amber tradition with her eight brothers, Greg, Johnny, Lawrence (RIP), Roger, Denis, Josie, Pa and Tim, all representing the club at various levels.
