 In 1975 Crowley was an automatic choice in defence for the Cork under-21 hurling team.He won a Munster medal that year following a 3–12 to 2–6 defeat of Limerick, before later lining out in the All-Ireland decider against Kilkenny.In what was rated as the best hurling game of the year, Cork looked likely champions, however, two great saves from Kevin Fennelly in the closing stages saw the Cats seal a 5–13 to 2–19 victory.