Paddy Crozier

Paddy Crozier (Irish: Pádraig Crúiseír) is an Irish Gaelic football manager and former player who managed the Derry county team between 2006 and 2008, guiding the county to a National League title. He has also managed a number of club teams and Derry underage teams. Crozier currently manages Omagh St Enda's. He was a distant relation of former Derry manager Eamonn Coleman.^[1]

Paddy Crozier

Personal information
Irish name	Pádraig Crúiseír
Sport	Gaelic football
Born	Ballymaguigan
Occupation	Electrician
Club management
Years Club Early 1990s Early 1990s 1996/7?-? 2003/4?-2005 2010 – present Donegal (Philadelphia) Ballymaguigan Lavey Dungiven Omagh St. Enda's
Inter-county management
Years Team 1995-1996 & 2000-? 2006-2008 2006-2008 Derry minors Derry Under 21s Derry
Inter-county titles
County League Province All-Ireland Derry minors (1st term) Derry minors (2nd tem) Derry ? ? 1 1 2 -

Managerial career

Inter-county

Crozier was manager of the Derry Minor side that won the 1995 Ulster Minor Championship and finished runners-up to Westmeath in that year's All-Ireland Minor final.^[1] He rejoined the management team in 2000 under Chris Brown and Derry won the 2000 and 2002 Ulster Minor Championships, as well as the 2002 All-Ireland Minor Championship.^[1]

Having previously served terms as selector,^[2] Crozier was appointed manager of the Derry Senior team in October 2005 for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 seasons.^[3] As well as the Senior job, he also took on the role of Under 21 manager for the three seasons.^{[citation needed]}

He managed Derry to success in the 2008 National League, defeating Kerry in the final.^[4][5] He was awarded BBC Radio Foyle - Bank of Ireland Sports Personality of the Month for April 2008.^[6]

There was much speculation with regards to Cozier's future as Derry boss following their 2008 All-Ireland Qualifier Round 1 defeat to Monaghan, but county PRO Sean Gunning said on 5 August 2008 "Paddy Crozier continues to have the full backing and support of Derry County Board, players and genuine Derry supporters".^[7] The statement also condemned any criticism of the players and management team and added "We are proud Paddy Crozier has delivered an All-Ireland Senior football title to his native county". Crozier announced in late August that he was stepping down from the role after three years in charge.^[8]

Club

While living in the United States Crozier managed the Donegal side in Philadelphia. He led them to success in two North American Senior Football Championships.^[1] Upon returning to Ireland Crozier managed his home club Ballymaguigan and led them to the Derry Intermediate Championship and league double in 1993.^[1]

In 1996 Crozier took up the role of Lavey manager alongside Henry Downey.^[1] They led the club to the Derry Championship final in 1998, but were defeated by Bellaghy. Between 2003/4? and 2005 he managed Dungiven.^[1]

In December 2009 Crozier was announced as the new manager of Tyrone club side Omagh St. Enda's for the 2010 season.^[9]

Playing career

Inter-county

Crozier represented Derry at Minor, Under 21 and Senior level.^[3]

Club

Paddy Crozier played club football for his native Ballymaguigan - winning the 1971 Derry Intermediate Championship were among his playing honours with the club.^[10] He also won a Dublin Senior Football Championship medal with the Civil Service side in 1980.^[11]