JOBMATCH PROGRAMME: This initiative is successfully helping a wide range of our players/members/parents. Today we are appealing to those of you who are: (1) Employers/Business owners and (2) Willing to ask your own employer if they will join the programme.
The more employers we have on our contact list, the better it is for everyone. Please contact jobmatch@austinstacks.ie if you are willing to help in either of the above ways. Let’s keep the success going and help our own.
SENIOR FOOTBALL: We travel to Annascaul on next Saturday evening (30th April) to play Dingle in the semi final of the Club Championship at 6.30pm.
It was Dingle who put an end to our Club Championship aspirations in the last two seasons – defeating us, also at the semi final stage, last year by 3-10 to 0-11 and at the quarter final stage in 2014 by 4-7 to 1-10.
The winners of Saturday’s game with play either Dr. Crokes or Killarney Legion in the Club Final. They contest the other semi final at the same time in Kilcummin.
MINOR FOOTBALL: Austin Stacks 1-18; Firies 1-9.
We qualified for our third Co. League Final in five seasons after a very comprehensive display against an opposition who defeated us by one point in the opening round of the competition two months ago.
This semi final was played in ideal conditions in Connolly Park (the Nuns Field) on last Friday evening (22nd April) and within 35 seconds Philip Quilter popped over the first point of the game. Firies first score came from a pointed free in the 5th minute.
A minute later Philip delivered a perfect pass into Ferdia O’Brien who laid off to Cian Liston and Cian burst through for a great goal.
Then David Fitzmaurice won the kick-out and his measured kick was won by Cian who found Ferdia who pointed. Our third point again came from Ferdia, with David again the provider. After twelve minutes Cian’s goal still separated the sides (1-3 to 0-3).
However between then and the 26th minute we were in complete control, adding a further six points without reply – Ferdia putting over his 3rd, Cian also pointing, and two each by Fergal Ryan and Joseph O’Connor. Firies added the last score of the half – from a forty five. We led by 1-9 to 0-4 at the break with all our ten scores coming from play.
We had an even better start to the second half – with Ferdia pointing after just 22 seconds and then David, who had one of his best games ever in a Rock jersey, putting over from distance. Firies did more attacking in this second period, but our six defenders were superb, snuffing out attack after attack, so much so, that Robbie Murphy in goals had hardly a save to make.
However Robbie did contribute to the victory with some perfect kick-outs, as Philip, David, Joseph and Michael Linnane, in particular, will testify. Firies did eventually get through for a goal in the 54th minute but we had the game very much in the bag at that stage.
Our other second half points came from Ferdia – to bring his total for the evening to eight (two frees) – Donagh McKivergan (2 – one from a forty five) and the final point of the game by Fergal Ryan.
So now we face Dr. Crokes in the final. While it’s expected to be fixed for next Friday, this has not been confirmed as we write. Crokes had a very comprehensive win over Gneeveguilla in their semi final game, played also on this Friday evening (4-15 to 1-9).
Team captain, Brandon Patterson picked up a slight knock, half way through the second half, and we all hope that Brandon will be fit for the Final.
Team: Robbie Murphy, Shane Kelliher, Dylan Casey, Brandon Patterson (Capt), Tomás Sheehy, Ciarán O’Reilly, Odhran Liston, Philip Quilter (0-1) , David Fitzmaurice (0-1), Donagh McKivergan (0-2 – one 45)), Fergal Ryan (0-3, Michael Linnane, Cian Liston (1-1), Joseph O’Connor (0-2), Ferdia O’Brien (0-8 – 2 frees).
Subs used: Donagh McMahon (43m), Harry O’Callaghan (46m), Conor Lowe (49m), Alan Dore (57m), Jason Roche (58m).
SENIOR HURLING: Our Hurlers get their season underway on this Wednesday evening (27th April) when they welcome Dr. Crokes to Connolly Park in round 2 of the South Kerry League (we had a bye in round 1). Throw in at 7pm.
We then have two away games in rounds 3 and 4 – against St. Pats (4th May) and against Kilgarvan (11th May). Our 5th and final round game will be at home to Kenmare on 25th May. The top two teams qualify for the Final.
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 will continue in the Clubhouse on every Monday and Thursday nights, commencing at 9.30pm each night.
LOTTO: Last week’s (18th April) Jackpot, worth €5,000, was not won. The numbers drawn were 3, 4, 24, 26.
The €20 Winners were: Mick Laide and K. Boyle, both c/o The Club; Bunny Heinrich, c/o Denis O’Connor; William Kirby, c/o Club Rockies; and Danny Walsh, c/o John O’Riordan.
SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died recently – Anne Moore (nee Harris), Kevin Barry’s Villas and late of Ardrahan, Ardfert (grandmother of former Club Footballers, Garrett, James and Thomas Moore); Michael Feehan, Spa Road and late of Reidy’s Terrace; Paddy (Pat) Sheehy, Derrylea, Oakpark and late of Ballysheen (Limerick) and Clonlara (Clare); Breda Louise Kevane, Ogham Rian, Ballinorig; and Elizabeth (Betty) Roberts (nee Savage), Arklow (Wicklow) and late of Annagh.
