CHRISTMAS GREETING: On behalf of everyone in the Rock Club we wish all our members, supporters and readers of these Notes a very happy Christmas.
The team behind ‘A Centenary History of Austin Stacks GAA Club’ at its launch in the clubhouse at Connolly Park on Friday night. From left; Tadhg McMahon, Martin Collins, Eddie Barrett, Seamus Smith, Billy Ryle, Adrienne McLoughlin and Tim Slattery. Photo by Dermot Crean
CENTENARY BOOK LAUNCH: Our thanks to Club Secretary, Elma Nix for the following report on the Book launch – ‘Young & old club members & friends gathered in the clubhouse in Connolly Park last Friday night (15th Dec) for the launch of the Austin Stacks ‘A Centenary History 1917-2017’ Book.
The beautifully produced book is packed with superb photographs, profiles of past & current players, supporters & club officers, amazing match stats and tells the story of the Rock Club from its foundations right through to the present day. The book will be enjoyed by not just Rockies but by all followers of the GAA.
Club PRO, Martin Collins, opened proceedings with some back ground information on the project. Next up was Billy Ryle, chairperson of the book committee who paid tribute to all who made a contribution to the project.
He said they held their first meeting on March 11, 2016, and had worked tirelessly since to do justice to the history of the famous Rock club. He paid tribute in particular to Supreme Rockies – Tadgh McMahon and Martin Collins, Seamus Smith for his I.T. expertise, the lady that is Adrienne McLoughlin for her photographic contribution and to Kerry O’Shea for his input. Billy also thanked Tony O’Keeffe, Tim Slattery, Eddie Barrett and all other contributors to the book.
The committee dedicated the first copy of the book to all the deceased members of the club.
Billy said that tonight we are proud to present a beautiful book of aesthetic appeal, superb photography and a captivating narrative from beginning to end. Chairman Liam Lynch added his praise to the book committee before officially declaring the book launched.
The Book is available to buy from Paudie Commane’s Book Shop on Rock Street; Kevin Barry’s Shop, Rock St.; Rock Street Post Office; Nolan’s Garage NCR, Tralee; Garvey’s Super Valu Rock St.; Easons, The Mall, Tralee; First Chapter Manor West; Polymath Book Shop, Court House Lane; O’Mahony’s Book Shop, Castle St. Tralee. At €25 per copy this 364 page A4 size Book is an ideal Christmas present, so be sure and get your copy of this very unique publication.
The Book is also available to purchase online on www.austinstacks.ie with postal options for Ireland, UK & International – so spread the word to Rockies at home & abroad’.
The quality of the production is in no small way due to the expertise of Walsh Colour Print, Castleisland (Phone 066 714 2179) and in particular Billy Browne and also to the excellence of their Graphic Designer, Fintan O’Connell, whose Graphic Design Company is based in Skibbereen (Phone 028 22922).
CLUB CALENDAR: Also our very popular Club Calendar 2018 featuring all our juvenile teams boys & girls is now on sale at Kevin Barry’s Shop. Price €5 your ideal Christmas Stocking filler
PRESENTATION NIGHT: On Thursday week next (28th Dec) there will a special evening in the Clubhouse for players and supporters. The evening will commence at 8pm with the unveiling of a picture of Dan O’Sullivan – the Club’s first Chairman in 1917.
Then at 8.45pm there will be another picture launch of the 2014 SF County and Munster Championship winners followed by medal presentations to the following four team winners: SF Club Championship 2016; SF Town League 2016; JF Town League 2016 and JF Town League 2017.
CLUB AGM: All Club Members are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Austin Stacks Hurling and Football Club taking place in the Gym Hall, Connolly Park, on Sunday 14th January, 2018 at 12.00 p.m.
Nominations are invited for all positions on the incoming Executive Committee. Details of the outgoing Executive Committee & procedure on how to return nominations can be viewed on club website www.austinstacks.ie Any queries please contact Club Secretary Elma Nix on 086 1053300.
CLUBHOUSE: As always the Clubhouse is available for all types of Parties and Functions. Enquiries about Club Bookings should be made by contacting Harry Hynes at 087 2467286.
CARDS: The 45 Card Sessions continue in the Clubhouse on every Monday and Thursday nights, commencing at 9.30pm each night. However, next Monday night being Christmas Night there will be no Cards and neither will there be Cards on the following Thursday (28th Dec) due to the Picture unveiling and the Medal Presentation ceremonies. The Cards will resume again on Monday, 1st January and on the following Thursday, 4thJanuary.
LOTTO: Last week’s (11th December) Jackpot, worth €7,200, was not won. The numbers drawn were 7, 18, 24, 31. The €20 winners were: Elisha Dowling, c/o The Club; Catherine Cullinane, c/o Rock St. P.O; and John O’Connor, Elaine White and Tristin Foley, all c/o Carmel O’Neill.
Tickets are on regular sale at the Rock Street Post Office and at the Stacks Clubhouse, as well as from our other regular sellers.
SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died recently – William Buster Hobbert (brother of former Club great – the late James), Mountain Close, Balloonagh Estate; Charlie Quilligan, Ahern’s Road, Caherleheen; Leonard O’Donnell, Hillview Drive, Caherslee (son of former Club footballer, the late Paddy, brother of former footballers, John and Michael and first cousin of former footballer and current Juvenile mentor, Gene); Mary Murphy (nee Collins), Ballyseedy and formerly of the Imperial Hotel, Denny Street (grandmother of Minor goalkeeper, Robbie); Nelly Lynch (nee Griffin), Ballyseedy Cottages and formerly Ballymacquin; Kathleen Fitzgerald (nee O’Connor), Árd Na Lí and formerly Farmer’s Bridge; Joan Lehane-Hewitt, ‘San Jose’, Upper Rock Street; and Matt Blennerhassett, Ballindooganig, Ballyseedy and formerly of London.
