THE ROCK & ROSE VICTORY SOCIAL: The following is the address made by Club Chairman, Billy Ryle, at a Press Reception in the Clubhouse on Monday evening – I’d like to welcome the members of the media, M/s Michelle King, Director of Sales & Marketingat the Rose Hotel, members, supporters and friend of the Austin Stack Hurling & Football Club to tonight’s press briefing, I am delighted to announce that the Austin Stack GAA Club is hosting ‘The Rock & Rose Victory Social’ at the Rose Hotel, Dan Spring Road, Tralee on Saturday, 22nd February to celebrate six outstanding trophy successes in 2019.
Our senior football team under the management team of Wayne Quillinan, Eoin Colgan, Jonathan Conway, John O Sullivan, Tommy Naughton and Damien Ryall won the Kerry Senior Club Championship – defeating Dr.Crokes in the final. Then on Sunday 15th December in a wet and windy Rathmore, history was made when our gallant senior team completed a unique double by winning the final of Division One of the County League in the most dramatic fashion. With the teams – Stacks and Rathmore – still level at 1-10 each after normal time and extra time had been played, a penalty shoot-out was used for the first time in Kerry to decide the title. In a nerve-wracking climax, Stacks took the league division one title by scoring four penalties to Rathmore’s three – the decisive fourth penalty being calmly dispatched to the back of the Rathmore net by ‘The Star’ himself, Kieran Donaghy.
Our Senior team also did the double in Tralee District Board competitions by winning both the District League final against Ballymac and the District Championship final against John Mitchels.
Our C team, affectionally known as Charlie’s Angels, in memory of the late Charlie Healy also achieved a double success. Under the management of Aidan O Connor, Ricky Moloney, John Joe Sugrue, Tommy O Connor, Daniel Bohan, Ger Mannix and Ciaran McCabe they won both the County Junior League and Championship, bringing the Barrett Cup back to the Rock.
Our Senior B team managed by Paddy Barry, Eamonn O Reilly and Kieran Kelliher, played in Division 5 of the County League. Although they didn’t win silverware, they reached the final of their championship for the Molyneaux Cup, narrowly losing out to Dr. Crokes. The team also finished joint fourth in the league, just missing out on a promotion playoff. As many of these ‘stars of the future’ were needed during the year for first team duty, they will be entitled to medals at the Social.
I’d also like to mention that Austin Stacks is Tralee’s largest Ladies Club, catering for girls from U-6 to Senior. Our Senior Ladies last won the County Intermediate Championship in 2017 and are on the cusp of another major success. In 2019, the Club had no less than nine players involved with Kerry Teams. I am very grateful to Noreen Power Chairperson, Joan Devane Secretary, Bernie Mannix Treasurer, Elma Nix PRO and the dedicated team officials for their superb work in fostering ladies’ football in The Rock.
The commitment, time and effort that our teams and management have put into the past season was incredible. These very dedicated groups deserved success on the playing field. I am very grateful for all that they do to bring success to The Rock.
Of course, success is hard won and must be celebrated as life moves on very quickly. For that reason, I am calling for a huge turn-out of Rockies and their friends at the ‘Rock & Rose Victory Social’ at the Rose Hotel on Saturday, 22ndFebruary. Come along and pay tribute to our teams and officials. I can guarantee you that Siobhan Power, Chairperson of our Social & Cultural Subcommittee and her team are organising a great night of celebration in a convivial atmosphere, beginning with a champagne reception at 7.30pm and followed by a wonderful meal. After the medal presentation, the young and the young at heart can dance the night away to the music of ‘Heart & Soul’ and DJ Francie Breen.
A highlight of the night will be the announcement of ‘Club Lady of the Year 2019’ and ‘Club Man of the Year 2019’. That will be a difficult task for the judges but it will remain a closely guarded secret until the night. Social tickets at €35 each will be on sale this weekend from, Siobhan, Lorraine Scanlon and Mary McQuinn. The girls will also sell tickets at the Club on a number of nights. All details will be posted on our social media outlets and our club notes.
DEATH OF JOE FLAHERTY: Born in the heart of the Rock (Dawson’s Terrace) in May 1928 and residing in St. John’s Park for most of his life Joe was an outstanding footballer in his young days. His first success was at County level when he was part of the Kerry squad (along with his fellow Club players, Joe Ryan and Tom Moriarty) that beat a fancied Dublin outfit in the 1946 All Ireland MF Final (3-7 to 2-3).
The following year he made his SF Championship debut and played also during the next two seasons. He then spent some time away which curtailed his playing career but when he returned he was always an avid Club supporter down the years and was a valued member of our Card players (with his son, Joe) up to a few years ago.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Joe and to his three other brothers Tim, Jim and Mike and to all the late Joe’s extended family, which include great great grandchildren.
CLUB EXECUTIVE: The second Club Executive Committee Meeting of the season took place last Thursday night (16th Jan) with Chairman, Billy Ryle, presiding. The following co-options were made to the Committee – Jimmy Browne, Máiréad Fernane, Siobhán Power and Nial Shanahan. Comprehensive discussions took place on a wide range of items including Finance and Fund Raising, Sponsorship, The Selection Process for the Kerry SF Captain, Stewarding, Club Social, Club Sub Committees, Coaching and Communications among others.
BALLOONAGH FUNDRAISER: Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh Primary School is organising a Valentine’s Ball to raise funds to develop playgrounds and playing areas around the new school structure. The Valentine’s Ball will be held in Ballygarry House Hotel on Friday, February 14th.
Proceedings will begin with a Garnish Island Gin reception accompanied by classical pianist Deirdre Millane. This will be followed by a five course meal and then dancing to Arklight followed by a disco by DJ Manus Leane. Cocktail/black tie attire is optional.
The organising committee has invited the Austin Stack Club to take a table at the Ball, seating ten people. Chairman, Billy Ryle would like the Club to accept the invitation from our neighbours and friends if 10 club members are prepared to pay €100 each per ticket. Any Club member interested in buying a ticket to attend the Ball please contact Billy at 0879808979.
SENIOR FOOTBALL: Our first game of the 2020 season will be a home game against Ballymac in the Senior Town League on Sunday Feb 2nd at 12.30pm. Our opening game in the Co. League will see us at home to Kenmare Shamrocks on March 8th.
B FOOTBALL: Our B team get their Co. League (Div 5) campaign off the ground also on the weekend of March 8th with a home game against Kerins O’Rahillys.
BEST OF LUCK: to both Na Gaeil and the Kerry Seniors who will be in Croke Park on this coming Saturday (25th Jan). Na Gaeil will play the Wexford and Leinster Club Champions (Rathgarogue-Cushinstown) in the Junior Premier All Ireland Club Final at 3.15pm with Kerry’s opening game against Dublin in round one of the National League throwing in at 7.15pm.
MINOR FOOTBALL: The Town League is scheduled toget underway on next Sunday afternoon (26th Jan) with a home game for us against Ballymac at 3pm. However, as we write, there is a doubt about the fixture. Keep in touch. In round 2 on the following Sunday we are away to Na Gaeil and then on Saturday 8th Feb (Polling Day) we have another home game in the third and final round against Kerins O’Rahillys. The top two teams in this group of four will qualify for the Town League Final on a date which has yet to be fixed.
CONGRATS: to Kevin McCarthy, former Club Hurler, who was recently appointed President of the Tralee Chamber Alliance.
GAA NATIONAL CLUB DRAW: Austin Stacks GAA has signed up to participate in the GAA’s National Club Draw for 2020. We are asking all club members to sell/purchase National Club draw tickets. Top prize Renault Clio car. €10 each. See full details on www.austinstacks.ie
CLOTHES RECYCLING COLLECTION: Our Ladies Club has now confirmed that their annual Clothes Recycling Fundraiser will take place on Saturday 15th February and ask that everyone start collecting well in advance. We will accept –Mens, Womens & Childrens Clothing, Household Textiles ie Curtains & Towels, Soft toys, Shoes, Handbags, Belts. We cannot accept duvets or pillows. All items must be clean & dry.
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.
Bar opening hours are as follows: 7pm to 12.30am on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays, and 12 noon to 11pm on Sundays.
CARDS: The 45 Card Sessions continue in the Clubhouse on every Monday and Thursday nights, commencing at 9.30pm each night.
LOTTO: Last Night’s (20th January) Jackpot, worth €13,000, was not won. The numbers drawn were 7, 8, 15, 19.
The €20 winners were: Lisa Kerins & Co., Creigh Henry and David Pecker Doyle, all c/o Carmel O’Neill; Daniel Roche, c/o Rock Street Post Office and Claire Cassidy, c/o The Club.
Lotto Tickets are on regular sale at the Rock Street Post Office and at the Stacks Clubhouse, as well as from our other regular outlets. And from now on tickets will also be on sale at Kevin Barry’s Shop in Rock Street.
We continue to remind members that we are in competition with other clubs until April 2020 to retain our very important Lotto Franchise at our local post office on Rock St. Every time you are in the post office let Martin and staff know that you are a Rockie and to register your transaction in favour of Austin Stacks. The Club with the most points will win the franchise.
SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died recently – John Doyle, Balloonagh Close; Elizabeth (Betty) O’Sullivan (nee Moore), Stack’s Villas; Tim O’Shea, Laurel Court and formerly Kevin Barry’s Villas; Joan Nolan (nee O’Donoghue), The Spa and formerly Liosdara (Oakpark) and Annascaul; Alice Daly (nee Burrows), Kevin Barry’s Villas; Bernie McKeating, London and formerly Clounalour; Janet O’Sullivan, Model Farm Road, Cork and Balloonagh Estate: Gerard Ryan, Vancouver and formerly Mitchel’s Crescent and Old Marian Park (son of Mary and the late PJ and sister of Martina – all three who were part of the Club’s Scór teams down the years).