Who Are Tom Crean Sister? Mary, Emma And Eleanor Age Gap Explored

Table of Contents

Dr. Thomas Joseph Crean: Early Life and Family Background

Dr. Thomas Joseph Crean, a renowned Irish rugby figure and Victoria Cross recipient, was born in Dublin in 1873. He was the fifth of eight children born to Michael Theobald Crean and Emma Dunn. Michael, a barrister, and Emma, whose parents owned the Morrison Hotel, played significant roles in Thomas’s upbringing.¹

Notably, Thomas was named after his uncle Dr. Thomas Joseph Crean, a respected practitioner in Clonmel.

2. Education and Athletic Achievements

Thomas received his education at Belvedere College and later boarded at Clongowes Wood College, where his athletic prowess as a rugby forward and an outstanding athlete emerged. During this time, he earned a medal for bravery from the Royal Humane Society for rescuing a fellow student while swimming near Blackrock.

3. Rugby Career Beginnings

In 1891, Crean commenced his medical studies at the Royal College of Surgeons while joining Wanderers Rugby Club as a halfback.

His transition to the forwards and subsequent promotion to the senior team marked a pivotal phase in his rugby career. Graduating as a doctor in 1896, Crean played a crucial role in representing Leinster and Ireland, winning home nations championships and the triple crown.

4. International Rugby Success and British & Irish Lions Tour

Crean’s impact extended to the international stage, representing Ireland in nine matches and earning a spot in the 1896 British & Irish Lions team for the South Africa tour. He played in all four tests against South Africa and stayed on in the country, working as a doctor and continuing his rugby with the Johannesburg Wanderers.

5. Boer War Service and Victoria Cross

With the outbreak of the Boer War in 1899, Crean enlisted as a trooper in the Imperial Light Horse Regiment. His notable service included the relief of Mafeking and Ladysmith. In 1901, Crean, now Surgeon Captain, earned the Victoria Cross for attending to wounded soldiers under heavy fire, displaying exceptional courage at the battle of Tygerskloof.

6. Post-Boer War Career and Personal Life

After recovering from injuries, Crean received the Victoria Cross from King Edward VII in 1902. He married Victoria Heredia in 1905, and they had three children. Crean’s post-war career involved a transfer to the army reserve, opening a private practice, and serving as a medical officer at Ascot.

7. World War One and Later Years

With the outbreak of World War One in 1914, Crean returned to the Royal Medical Corps, serving with distinction. Promoted to Major in 1916, he commanded the 44th Field Ambulance Expeditionary Force on the Western Front.
Despite returning to private practice after the war, his health suffered, leading to bankruptcy in 1922.
Dr. Thomas Joseph Crean passed away in 1924, leaving behind a legacy that includes a Victoria Cross on display at the Army Medical Services Museum and a commemorative stamp in South Africa.

A Family Rooted in Michigan: Tom and Michelle Crean’s Background

Tom Crean, the head coach of the Georgia men’s basketball team, and his sister, Michelle Crean, share a strong bond rooted in their upbringing in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Both alumni of Central Michigan University, the siblings have maintained their connection despite pursuing separate career paths.²

A Sibling’s Prayer for a Frontline Worker

Before Michelle Crean embarks on her daily journey to McLaren Bay Region Hospital in Bay City, Michigan, she takes a moment for a prayer. Working as a clinical nurse specialist in cardiology, Michelle faces the challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis with a deep sense of responsibility.

Navigating the Crisis in Bay County, Michigan

While Bay County reports 59 confirmed cases, Michigan as a whole has witnessed 1,602 deaths due to COVID-19. Michelle, who coordinates the Structural Heart program, provides insights into the challenges faced by healthcare workers in Bay County, expressing concerns about the potential surge in cases.

Frontline Realities: Challenges in the Healthcare Sector

In a candid reflection, Michelle shares the emotional toll of her profession, emphasizing the mental toughness required by healthcare workers. Hospital director Joel R. Stasz highlights that 67 percent of positive cases in Bay County are healthcare workers, underlining the risks faced by those on the frontline.

Hospital Protocols and Adjustments

Michelle sheds light on the precautions taken at McLaren Bay, where elective procedures have been suspended, and alternative methods such as telehealth are explored. The hospital’s limited intensive care units are dedicated to COVID-19 patients, showcasing the strain on healthcare resources.

Balancing Work and Personal Connections

Despite her demanding work hours, Michelle remains deeply connected to her family, especially her brother Tom. Her commitment to caring for her mother during her final days underscores the familial support that has shaped their lives.

A Coach’s Perspective on the Crisis

Tom Crean acknowledges the challenges faced by healthcare workers, describing them as the epitome of mental toughness. He recognizes the sacrifices made by his sister and others in the healthcare profession, emphasizing the importance of perspective during these trying times.³

Basketball, Family, and Crisis: A Unique Juggling Act

Michelle’s dedication to her profession doesn’t waver, even during Georgia basketball season. Tom admires her ability to balance work and personal commitments, highlighting her resilience and commitment to helping others heal.

Navigating the Uncertain Future

Reflecting on the sudden end to the basketball season due to the pandemic, Michelle expresses concern about the potential spread of the virus during large gatherings. Her awareness of the crisis extends beyond her workplace, emphasizing the broader impact on public health.

A Family’s Resilience Amidst Crisis

The Crean siblings share a unique bond that extends beyond familial ties. Tom praises Michelle’s dedication and labor of love in the healthcare sector, recognizing the countless individuals worldwide facing similar challenges. Their story serves as a testament to the resilience and unity required to navigate these unprecedented times.⁴

Meeting Joani Crean

I received a text from Joani Crean, the sister of Super Bowl XLVII bound brothers, John and Jim Harbaugh, and the wife of Indiana’s basketball coach Tom Crean, suggesting a meeting at Cook Hall.

First Impressions: Beyond the Title

Joani Crean, known as the first lady of Indiana basketball, goes beyond the title, refusing to let it define her. Her willingness to speak with me about being a coach’s wife marked the beginning of my exploration into the life of a major university coach’s spouse.

Surprising Gesture: A Personal Touch

In a surprising turn, Joani offered to bring me coffee during our meeting, showcasing her down-to-earth and considerate nature. This unexpected gesture set the tone for our conversation, revealing a side of her that defied conventional expectations.

The Interview: Insights into a Coach’s Family Life

Our conversation took place two days after Indiana upset No. 1 Kentucky in basketball. Joani shared vivid memories of the game and provided insights into the challenges faced by the Harbaugh family due to their respective coaching commitments.

Thanksgiving Challenges: Family Amidst Success

Joani described the difficulties of celebrating Thanksgiving with a family scattered across different coaching commitments. With Tom’s basketball squad and John and Jim’s football teams, finding time for a family gathering proved challenging, reflecting the sacrifices made for the love of the game.

Identity Beyond Titles: “I’m just Megan, Riley, and Ainsley’s mom”

Delving into the essence of my story, I asked Joani about her identity beyond being a coach’s wife. Her response encapsulated the humility and simplicity that defines her, stating, “I’m just Megan, Riley, and Ainsley’s mom,” highlighting the genuine and unassuming nature of this influential figure.

Unexpected Reunion: A Journalistic Surprise

Months later, during a visit to Indiana, I encountered Joani in the coaches’ family lounge.
To my surprise, she not only remembered me but also took the initiative to catch up, demonstrating a rare personal touch from someone immersed in the world of college sports.
This encounter left a lasting impression, showcasing Joani Crean’s genuine interest in people beyond the realm of her accomplishments.

Tom Crean’s Sisters

Tom Crean’s sisters were significant figures in his life, contributing to the familial bonds that shaped his upbringing. This section delves into the role played by Mary, Emma, and Eleanor in Tom Crean’s life.

2. Mary’s Passing in 2018

A subheading dedicated to Tom Crean’s sister, Mary, provides information about her passing in 2018. The source of this information is mentioned as Facebook, highlighting the digital aspect of the news.

3. Sibling Relationships and Support

This section explores the loving relationship between Tom Crean and his sisters. It emphasizes their support for his life choices and career pursuits, portraying a family united in their endeavors.

4. Childhood and Upbringing

Under this subheading, details about the sisters’ early life in Esker House, Upper Rathmines Road, are presented. It reflects on the shared experiences, fun, and joy that marked their upbringing in Dublin.

5. Alice Mary’s Marriage to Alexander Findlater Todd

Here, the focus shifts to Tom Crean’s younger sister, Alice Mary, and her marriage to Alexander Findlater Todd, who was one of Thomas’s rugby teammates. This adds a layer to the familial connections and relationships.

6. Strong Familial Bond and Dublin Upbringing

The paragraph discusses the solid familial bond that characterized the Crean siblings’ upbringing, with a specific mention of their shared experiences growing up in Dublin.

7. Tom Crean’s Role as a Responsible Brother

This section emphasizes Tom Crean’s role as a responsible brother, caring for his sisters and potentially serving as a source of inspiration for them to pursue their dreams.

8. Age Gap Among the Crean Siblings

Exploring the age dynamics among the Crean siblings, this subheading acknowledges the three elder sisters and the younger sister, Alice Mary. It speculates on the age gap and highlights the unique relationship beyond mere numerical differences.

9. Treating Each Other Beyond Age Gap

This part delves deeper into the sibling relationships, emphasizing that despite any age differences, the Crean siblings treated each other with love and respect, transcending the constraints of age.

10. The Crean Sisters’ Privacy

Acknowledging the lack of detailed information about Tom Crean’s sisters, this subheading notes their preference for a low-profile life, adding an element of mystery to their stories.

11. Tom Crean’s Contributions and Honors

This final section briefly mentions Tom Crean’s active life, including his service with the Imperial Light Horse and the recognition he received in 1902 as an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons for his dedication and proficiency in medicine.

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