The Story of Tom Crean - Unsung Hero

Michael Smith, author of An Unsung Hero: Tom Crean, talks about the life and heroics of Tom Crean outside Tom Crean's pub, the South Pole Inn, Anascaul, Special thanks to Michael Smith, Cliff Wedgbury "The Ballad of Tom Crean" and Kemare trad Irish band Amergin, "Grey Funnel Line"...

[@MissAmused]

They need to make a movie of this absolute legend’s life

[@davidlean1060]

When Mick Fasbender has finished his racing career (he's been driving for Porsche the last while, gearing towards the le Man 24 hour race), then he'd be ideal as Crean. He'd have the accent down of course, but he'd be brawny enough to play an Antarctic explorer too.

[@MrTravenB]

Indeed

[@binmansam]

As a relative of Tom, I'm so glad I found this! I'm so proud of being related to him and seeing people all over the world take inspiration from him! :D

[@celticlofts]

I still believe that had Tom been chosen by Scott to be a member of the pole party they might well have survived. His strength and endurance were legendary and might well have made the difference in getting Scott and the rest of the team back to safety. Alas that was not to be. It's interesting too to note that Tom was invited to join Scott, and later Shackleton on their respective expeditions when most of the other members of the party had to apply. It shows you the respect both men had for his amazing abilities.

[@readwithrahma]

Ok..

[@donsheahan1569]

Here in Ireland 🇮🇪 Tom Crean is part of the History curriculum for Primary school children. A valuable part of a geography lesson too. !!!

[@gerardfitzpatrick414]

Not in the north

[@davidlean1060]

It was not always so. He only began to be talked about in the 90's. Before that, he was only spoken about quietly among Kerry people.

[@melchristensen8282]

@@davidlean1060 Yep. Read about him as a child, but it definitely wasn't taught in school back then. My father is a Kerry man, and always loved to talk about Tom Crean growing up.

[@karlagoff535]

Yes i learnt about him at least 2 years ago

[@davidlean1060]

@@gerardfitzpatrick414 Probably because it was based on an English education system, even in the Catholic parts of the province? Had the English known, they would have praised, 'the great Englishman', much as they do when an Irish athlete wins something! ;)

[@maddyg3208]

I don't want to take anything away from the great Tom Crean but it's also worth remembering that the footage (in the video) of him on the Shackleton expedition wouldn't exist if cameraman Frank Hurley hadn"t dived into the freezing water inside the stranded ship to retrieve it. Hurley also spoke highly of Crean in his book about the expedition..

[@eamonncampbell2218]

I totally agree with you and well spotted! , as a cameraman meself, I marvelled at the shots taken and dedication within those incredible moments...

[@carolwilson9341]

The book was fascinating. A truly extraordinary man. I doubt anyone today could do what he did.

[@mgmayo2]

The book is a terrific read, thank you Michael Smith

[@TommyGorman95]

This man is my idol. Tom Crean is simply one of the greatest men who ever lived. I come from an Irish family who are from Cork & Dingle, the fact that he was a Kerry man fills me with great pride. They MUST make a film about him! By the way, who is the singer at the start of this video?

[@shishir1969]

What a human being. Salute.

[@Ferda1964]

I am just reading excellent book by Alfred Lansing >> Endurance

[@carlrichards9333]

Absolutely amazing book, amazing Story, Amazing Man...

[@vanyadolly]

I can't think of a more deserving end for a great explorer than to find love and a peaceful life at home.

[@kayroe1831]

I just wrote an exam for my Antarctic Geology class. One question mentioned Shackleton's crew and asked about Captain Frank Worsley. After answering the question I wrote as a small footnote "May I just say Tom Crean was so cool and later owned an inn he called "South Pole"?

[@padraigsisk4057]

My great grand uncle. When Guinness were using an image of Tom as a bar man , my dad was not too happy but my answer no one knew who tom was now they now know

[@sophiemcgrath1422]

Great story!!

[@mexicanfries5336]

There's no a place on God's green earth that an Irishman has not left his mark.

[@maddyg3208]

I'm not sure if your comment is meant to be ironic since there is not much "green" in the Antarctic ...

[@22grena]

@@maddyg3208 Artistic license

[@patrlim]

i only remembered this guy recently, i last read about him probably close to a decade ago

[@madcatmovies]

yes, it's been a few years since I did that interview, Tom Crean was a truly amazing man...

[@ryno8834]

The figure in the swirling snow in the thumbnail is actually a painting of Capt Oates of the ill fated Scott attempt to reach the South Pole.

[@babyrne78]

"I'm just going for a walk. I may be some time".

[@ottowalter6102]

Tom Crean = instalike!

[@marklynn1372]

i love itttt

[@ricf9592]

My wife's maiden name was Crean. When I first saw a picture of Tom Crean I remarked that he looked like her father. Oh, he's a distant relation of mine she casually remarked.

[@akhilvanaparthy2872]

Now your child is too..

[@peachbaby100]

my maiden name is also Crean, he's never been mentioned in our family so I doubt we are related. None the less, I feel privileged to share the surname!

[@oliverschlake8480]

Great story. Just a nitpick: The thumbnail in YT has Tom Crean on the left and a depiction of Titus Oates from the Scott Expedition on the right. It is the moment when Oates left the tent walking into his death. Quick edit should solve this.

[@Cronaghmol]

I'm related to him

[@madcatmovies]

Thx Cronagh, he lived an amazing life with great courage...great genes to have!...:-)

[@thisirishlife2429]

How

[@Joe-lj1sl]

Same but distant haha

[@readwithrahma]

Tom crane is really interesting

[@shanemoore7068]

IRELAND IRELAND TOGETHER SANDING STRONG

[@Onemadass]

Song name

[@tadhgbuckley5995]

Unsung hero