Lauren Magee looking to continue family Crokes tradition

Fifteen years after Johnny Magee captained Kilmacud Crokes to All-Ireland club glory, daughter Lauren is hoping to emulate her father's achievements as part of the Dublin side’s bid of a maiden women’s All-Ireland success.

The Stillorgan-based side are not only eyeing their own history, but should they land the Dolores Tyrrell Memorial Cup in Croke Park on Saturday, it will mean that Kilkerrin-Clonberne’s bid for four-in-row has been derailed.

For decorated Dublin powerhouse Magee, who has five All-Ireland medals with the Metropolitans, the opportunity to climb the Hogan steps with her club is the stuff of dreams.

Her father also represented his county, yet the five county titles and the memorable All-Ireland success in 2009 is what sticks out, especially as brother Darren was there to share the war stories.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport ahead of Saturday’s showpiece at Croke Park, Magee says the family link is a vital part of the club.

"I know he played for Dublin, but Crokes meant so much to him and Darren," she said.

"He lives and breathes Crokes, and so did my nanny and granddad. It means so much to me, not just that my dad played in an All-Ireland final, but he captained the side.

I know that whole time was so special for him, my uncle and my whole family.

"A lot of the girls are the same with their family connections. It comes the full circle.

"It’s a big driving factor, and it always has been for me."

While familial connections are the bedrock of a side that only claimed a first county title in 2022 but are now three-in-a-row Dublin champions, outside influence has also played a part.

Ailbhe Davoren of Galway have added to the panel strength since joining the club, while Cork’s Niamh Cotter, who joined in 2020 while studying a