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DENIS O’CONNOR RIP: Even though he had been ailing since last December, nonetheless, it came as a shock to most people who knew him when news filtered through that Denis O’Connor had passed away peacefullyat Kerry University Hospital on last St. Partick’s Day morning,
For many years he was involved in so many activities within the Club. Probably his greatest achievement was his very first involvement in 1986 with the establishment of the U13 Lee Strand Tournament which has grown from strength to strength down the years under his stewardship, and continues to be such a success to this very day.
Denny loved nothing more than meeting all his old friends from the various participating Clubs, with Na Piarsaigh Club (Cork City) having a special affection for him as they are the only non Kerry Club who have been there every year since 1986.
He was also involved in the Field Committee, the Bar, the Cards (he was a great card player himself – 45), the Lotto, since its formation in January 1993, and the Bingo since its inception in November 2005, until its demise a few weeks ago.
He carried out his work with the least of fuss. He was always on call, early in the morning or late at night. He lined the pitches, cut the grass, opened the Clubrooms, closed them at night and made sure the lights were off.
He paid the referees, met people who came to view the Club or who had appointments with Club Officials. He organized the Church Gate Collection at St. John’s for many years.
Just a few weeks ago (4th Feb) he and his wife, Nora celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Literally, Denny will be irreplaceable both as a Club worker and as a friend and neighbor to all who knew him and, of course, to his loving family.
We extend sincere sympathy to his wife Nora, sons Denis and Paul, his sister Maura and her husband, Donal, his daughter-in-law, Fiona, his grandchildren Daniel, Lilly and Ronan and all his extended family and friends.
SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is also offered to the families of the following who died recently – Philomena (Ciss) Kerins, St. John’s Park and late of Blennerville; Donie Houlihan, Connolly Park and late of O’Rahilly’s Villas; Sarah (Sally) Spring (nee Donovan), Manor Court and late of Mary Street and Rusten (England).
JOBSMATCH 2017 – Summer, Part Time & Full Time Employment Opportunities
With huge success for the last 2 years we are now taking CV’s for Summer, part time and full time employment.
Please consider this golden opportunity where you will receive all the tools to update your CV and direct help with interview techniques from the Jobmatch Mentors. Feedback from employers continues to be very positive. Please email jobmatch@austinstacks.ie.
CENTENARY MEMBERSHIP DEAL: We continue to ask existing members, players, former players, supporters, parents of juvenile players both boys & girls clubs, business owners and friends of Austin Stacks (living abroad or at home) to consider becoming a Member of the Club and also entry to the Austin Stacks Weekly lotto.
The total cost for this dual package is by direct debit €10 a month. 2017 Direct Debit Mandate membership/lotto forms are now available from all Executive Officers or can be posted out to anyone who wishes to join – email Secretary.austinstacks.kerry@gaa.ie or text your name & address to Club Secretary on 086 1053300. Please sign up and play your part in guaranteeing the financial future of our great club.
GAELTACHT SCHOLARSHIPS: are funded by GAA Coistí (Munster, Kerry & District Boards) to give some financial help to young students who wish to spend time in Corcha Dhuibhne, West Kerry over the summer months.
If you wish your child to avail of the scoláireacht, apply immediately by texting your child’s name to Club Secretary on 086 1053300. All applicants must be registered members of Austin Stacks GAA or Austin Stacks Ladies Club. Closing date for receipt of applications March 31st.
SENIOR FOOTBALL: Our Seniors travel to John Mitchels on next Sunday afternoon (26th March) for their opening game in this season’s Co. League. Throw-in 2pm. Keep in touch with the Club Website in case of any change.
WELL DONE: to Dr. Crokes and Cuala on their All Ireland Club victories on St. Patrick’s Day. It was Cualas’ first win while Crokes were doing it for the 2nd time (their first in 1992) And as well as Seán McMahon having connections to Cuala, as previously stated, Man of the Match last Friday, Darragh O’Connell is a nephew of Bridie Scollard (wife of the late Garry and mother of current Club Hurler, Ger).
B FOOTBALL: Our Co. League game against Moyvane did not go ahead last Friday as a mark of respect to the late Denis O’Connor. Our thanks to Moyvane for facilitating the postponement, even though they had already arrived in Connolly Park at the time.
We are due to travel to Kilgarvan on next Sunday (26th March) for a round 2 game. Throw in at 2pm. Keep in touch with the Website in case of any change
CONGRATS: to the Kerry U21 footballers (including our own Jack Morgan) on their victory over Waterford in the Munster semi final last week. The Final, against Cork, is fixed for next Wednesday (29th March) in Páirc Úi Rínn at 7.30pm .
MINOR FOOTBALL: John Mitchels 1-7; Austin Stacks 5-13.
Under lights at the Mitchels pitch on last Wednesday night (15th March) our Minors registered their third Town League victory out of three with a good win against the home side. We led by 4-7 to 0-3 at half time and in the second half we went on to score a further 1-6 to 1-4 for the opposition.
A hat-trick of goals in the first half by Gearóid Fitzgerald, including one from a penalty, put us well in command at the break. Harry O’Callaghan added a forth on the stroke of half time. Harry and Gearóid (2) also added points in that first half, as did David Ditzmaurice (free), Seán Quilter and Donagh McKivergan (2).
Mitchels got their second half off to a brilliant start with a goal after just 45 seconds but we kept chipping away with some good points and a brilliant Michael Linnane goal as full time approached. Michael had earlier added a point, as did Gearóid Fitzgerald, and two of our second half substitutes, Gearóid Sheehan and David Couchman pointed as well. Donagh McKivergan also added two to the two he scored in the first half.
Early in the second half Mitchels could have been much closer but for a super double save by David Oba, first from a penalty and then from the rebound, and David made another point blank save with about four minutes to go in the game.
Team: David Oba, Shane Kelliher, Tomás Sheehy, James Quigley, Conor Lowe, Odhran Liston, Cian Talbot, David Fitzmaurice (0-1 free), Seán Quilter (0-1), Joe Looby, Harry O’Callaghan (1-1), Michael Linnane (1-1), Gearóid Fitzgerald (Capt) (3-3 – one penalty goal, one free), Donagh McKivergan (0-4 – one free), Alan Dore.
Subs used: Gearóid Sheehan (38m) (0-1), David Couchman (38m) (0-1), Dean Scanlon (42m), Garry Clifford (44m), Donagh McMahon (55m).
We now have two back games to play in the Town League (at home to Ardfert and away to Kerins O’Rahillys).
Our next scheduled game is a Co. League outing at home to Na Gaeil on this coming Saturday (25th March) and after that we have two more Co. League games to play – the postponed game away to Firies and the final round game away to Dingle.
CLUBHOUSE: As always the Clubhouse is available for all types of Parties. For Bookings, phone Maurice McNamara at 086 3747 642.
CARDS: The 45 Card Sessions continue in the Clubhouse on every Monday and Thursday nights, commencing at 9.30pm each night.
LOTTO: Last week’s (13th March) Jackpot, worth €5,250, was not won. The numbers drawn were 3, 16, 19, 20. The €20 winners were: John Guthridge, Nial Shanahan and Noel O’Connell, all c/o Club Rockies; Joan Moran, c/o The Cub; and Orville Hughes, c/o Richard Healy.
