On Friday 26th October, I went to visit The South Pole Inn with Jonathon in Anascaul, Co. Kerry to pay tribute to Tom Crean’s huge achievements on many of his Polar expeditions. It was a fitting way to embark on our adventures and remember those who have gone before us.
In 1927 Tom opened the South Pole Inn. He was a local celebrity, and the locals called him ‘Tom the Pole’. Right up to the end of his days, he spoke little to anyone about the enormous feats he accomplished during his time with Scott and Shackleton.
Tom Crean died in Cork on 27 July, 1938. There is a statue of him in the green opposite the Inn, holding 2 Husky puppies.
Crean was a pivotal figure, intimately involved in the great exploits of Scott and Shackleton. His contribution to these expeditions was enormous and on more than one occasion he risked his life to save others. For many years his story remained obscure, known only to an interested few. Fortunately, all this has now changed and the name Tom Crean is now a household name in Ireland.
