Former Ireland Rugby star enjoying journey with Ahane junior footballers

FORMER Ireland rugby hooker Sean Cronin played a starring role from centre half back for Ahane in the Premier Junior ‘A’ Football final win last weekend. Ex-Ireland rugby star Ian Keatley was also part of the squad, but he was ruled out of the Premier Junior ‘A’ final through injury.

“It’s great. It’s a bit surreal really. I suppose the journey we’ve been on over the last two years, going up last year and today against a very tough Fr Casey’s team,” Cronin told Limerick Leader after Ahane's victory over Fr Casey's.

The East Limerick side have now achieved back-to-back promotions after winning the Junior ‘A’ Football Championship and Premier Junior '’A'’ Football Championship in the last two seasons. They will now play intermediate football in the 2026 season. 

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Ahane were crowned Limerick Premier Junior ‘A’ Football Champions onlast Saturday afternoon when they just did enough to defeat Fr Casey's 0-10 to 0-9 in Askeaton on Saturday afternoon. Former Clare senior footballer Garry Brennan took charge of Ahane this year.

“Ah, look, it’s great, you can see the support here today from the parish and over the last week with being in the final. It’s great, it’s fantastic and there’s a great buzz. I’m wrecked and happy to get over the line.”

Cronin compared the achievement to some of the most memorable highlights of his rugby career. The 39-year -old previously won a Senior Football Championship title with Monaleen in 2005 before he committed to rugby on a full time basis.

“They’re very similar. It’s probably even a bit more special because my kids are here, the community kind of buy in and there was a great buzz all week.

“They are special days. You see any inter-county player when they achieve something with their club they always say it means a hell of a lot to them, this is the same as well,” added the three-time Six Nations winner.

The former Ireland hooker isn't ready to make any decisions about his playing plans for 2026.

“It’s brilliant and it’s going to be a big challenge next year. That’s another step up, I felt that this year going from junior ‘A’ to premier junior.

“I’ll make a decision on whether to hang up the boots, we’ll see over the next weeks and months.”

Ahane will now switch their focus to a Munster Junior Football Championship semi-final against Buttevant of Cork on Saturday November 22 in Kildorrery, Co Cork, 1.30pm.