CORONAVIRUS – COVID 19: MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRMAN, BILLY RYLE
Just when our season was up and running and the club was a hive of activity, the deadly virus from the Orient invaded our shores.

It broke our hearts to have to lock the gates and to bring activities in Connolly Park to an abrupt halt. But it was the right thing to do and as an integral part of the GAA family we had no hesitation in complying with the directives from Croke Park.

The World Health Organisation’s categorisation of the Coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic has presented all of us with a serious challenge.

The Rock Club is facing that challenge in a united and determined manner. We are doing so by proactively complying with the Government’s national public health guidelines.

It is a particularly difficult time for our players, from the youngest to the oldest, who are denied the joy of training and the thrill of competing on the playing field.

The best laid plans and timelines of our coaching staff are now in disarray. Year planning, administration and organisation by our Club officers and committees will have to be revisited. Social activity in the Bar, fitness activity in the Gym and activity on the playing fields have all come to a standstill.

The important thing is that every member of our Club has risen to the challenge and is doing what is necessary to rid us of this deadly Covid-19 virus.

As well as that, the Austin Stacks GAA Club Community Response initiated by our senior players to lend a helping hand to those in need, fills me with pride in our great Club.

Thank you to every member of our Club for your patience, solidarity, cooperation, generosity of spirit, compassion and wholehearted support for The Rock’s contribution to the national campaign to rid Ireland of this evil virus.

Your actions will help our Club and the entire country to come safely through the worst of times. Please continue to comply with the public health guidelines. Stay safe and well until we can once again do what we do best – indulge our passion for Gaelic games in our wonderful Club.

Thank you Billy for that and just to remind you again if you or any family member are in need of help please contact or text Ciara at 086 0690145 or Wayne at 087 6283308 and a member of our team will be in contact.

FOOTBALL: The following is a statement issued last week by Co. Board Secretary, Peadar Twiss. In relation to the Kerry Club Fixtures, while the CCC is not in a position to confirm when our fixtures will resume, you might reassure  your Team Managers/Players  that regardless of when these restrictions are lifted, the CCC will allow a lead time of 2 to 3 weeks before any club championship games would be fixed so as to allow all players and teams an opportunity to get back up to speed.

It would be envisaged that at least one Co League game would be played before any Club championship  fixtures would be considered.

While the current restrictions on Club activity extends up to 29 March it is generally agreed that this will be extended so the likelihood of club championship games going ahead in April are pretty much negligible.

Depending on how the situation develops and how the Inter-County games programme pan out, we may well have to adjust our own games programme for this year. This may mean a re-structuring or curtailment of some competitions.

The CCC will be examining all the options in due course but at present do not have enough information to hand to make any proposals.

Any changes to the fixtures calendar or competition structures will be well flagged. involve discussion with all the clubs and will only be done with the approval of the County Committee.

CLUBHOUSE: Our Bar and Clubhouse will be closed now until further notice.

CARDS: Likewise our 45 Card Sessions on Monday and Thursday nights are being cancelled for the time being.

LOTTO: Our Lotto has also fell foul of the current situation and has been put on hold go dtí an chéad uair eile.

SYMPATHY:  Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died recently – Bridie O’Connor (nee Carmody), Lohercannon and formerly West Commons, Ardfert (aunt of Mags Quillinan – Wayne’s wife); Maryanne O’Flynn (nee Kelly), Rae Street and formerly Rock Street and Dundrum (Co. Dublin); Nor Brosnan (Reidy), Knockmoyle and formerly Ballymac and Castleisland; Michael Conroy, Urban Terrace, Boherbee; and Deirdre Feehan, St. Anne’s Bungalows.