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THE ROCK ALL-STARS: If you were in Connolly Park on Sunday morning last and saw the numbers of players showing up for our All-Stars session you would have been forgiven for thinking that you were at a Munster final in Fitzgerald Stadium. We mightn’t have had the greatest weather, as we still wait for our summer to arrive, but the kids brought the sunshine in the form of energy and excitement. Coach Grace Magnier got things going with a much needed warm-up….getting all the players in the mood for some real action. Katie Dillon was rearing to get going on the ball-playing and to getting stuck into the activities right away. Coach Tim McMahon, as always, brought organisation to the proceedings. Lily Deegan showed that the girls were not to be messed with as she used her great strength to knock even some of the coaches off the ball! The boys showed great progress in their kicking skills and Fionn Yeates, Adam Donovan, Kean Fitzgerald and Gearóid O’Shea made the most of every opportunity in front of goals, beating the goalkeeper at every chance. Gooooooal! The girls showed how it’s done with Fémhe O Sullivan, Caoimhe Naughton and Millie Masterson flying through our impressive new, improved and ever-expanding obstacle course. But Ethan and Ryan Quirke made sure that the boys weren’t left behind! It was great to see some new faces and they joined in as if they were always with us; we also include John Lacey, Isaac Johnson, Philip Huggard, Alex Horan and Muhammad and Ayesha….and all newcomers helped to create a great atmosphere right to the end. We make special mention of Coach Richie Conway who, each week, supports the development of the children and helps them to improve their skills and technical ability. We also mention Coach Ade who is always on hand promoting inclusion and maintaining the spirit of fun throughout the session. It is great to see that we are growing from strength to strength and newcomers will always be heartily welcome. So, boys and girls, join us on Sunday morning at 10am at the Austin Stack Club pitch in Connolly Park. The All-Stars initiative is open to all children with a diagnosis. Eolas/information: please contact Sandra (087-294 6658) or Sarah (087-281 0239). (Cathal Ó Sé a chuir peann le pár).
U7 FOOTBALL / PEIL FAOI 7 (born 2015/16/17): The action continues in Connolly Park at 11am on Sunday and 6.30pm on Thursday. New players are always welcome. Bí páirteach le peileadóirí na Carraige!
PEIL FAOI 9: Phase 2 of the Coiste na nÓg GoGames, a series of 5 games, will take place over the coming weeks. This particular squad includes some outstandingly skilful players.
SUMMER CAMP: The Austin Stack Club football camp will take place from August 3rd to August 6th. The July County Board Cúl Camp is already full.
PEIL FAOI 15: Saturday July 2nd is D-day for those who’ve been chosen to represent The Rock in the John West Féile Idirnáisiúnta na nGael (Division 1) in Dublin. The Rock Féile panel will be based overnight at Maynooth University. Ballyboughal (north of Dublin Airport), is the venue for our Group 1 games with New York (USA) and St. Peters (Ballyboughal). Other participants include Kilmacud Crokes, Maynooth (Kildare), Bredagh (Co. Down), St. Judes (our David Mannix played for the senior team in last year’s Dublin county final), Ballyboden St. Endas (Dublin), Naas (Kildare), Oranmore/Maree (Galway), London (Sasana) and Douglas (Cork). So, our lads will face the best of Irish, English and American GAA teams! Féile is truly an international festival of Gaelic games. ‘Rock Street’ U15s have a great tradition of participation in this international festival and many outstanding Rock players have proudly represented the Black‘n’Amber at Féile na nGael.
Photo: Adrienne McLoughlin
QUIZ NA FÉILE: A big ‘thank you’ to all who participated in the U15 Féile quiz fundraiser last weekend. The clubhouse hall was packed and full of eager participants, all vying for those highly coveted prizes. Congratulations to the deserved winners, the ‘Old Fogies’ (na Seanóirí), who proved more than able with a pen and an answer sheet….Conor Falvey and his team.
Photo: Adrienne McLoughlin
Even those who sadly weren’t as successful thrived on the fantastic atmosphere and buzz in the hall. Ard-oíche a bhí ann, gan aon agó. Everybody worked so hard to ensure that the night would run smoothly agus níor fágadh lúb ar lár!
Photo: Adrienne McLoughlin
The success of the event is, of course, a credit to their hard work. The club was delighted to receive so much support, both from within the club and from generous well-wishers throughout Tralee and Kerry. Congratulations to the Féile fundraising organisers, Helen O’Connell, Annette Carmody, Teresa Carroll, Jacinta Walsh and Fiona Lynch, all of whom worked so hard to ensure a wonderful occasion with a brilliant atmosphere of merriment.
Photo: Adrienne McLoughlin
Thanks also to Ronan Kavanagh and Mike Casey for their help in the planning and preparation. Special thanks to our wonderful quizmaster/host supreme, Joe Walsh, who organised the questions. He was ably assisted throughout by his daughters, Laoise and Lile. Lile was the lucky winner of the Kerry senior jersey, signed by the current squad and kindly donated by Teresa Carroll. Paudie Barrett was the happy man who left with two All-Ireland senior football final tickets that were kindly provided by club chairman, Shane Lynch. Overall the fundraiser was a resounding success and raised over €2,000 on the night to help/support our Under 15 Boys, our Féile 2022 contestants.
Photo: Adrienne McLoughlin
The club would also like to thank our principal Féile 2022 sponsors….Ned O’Shea Construction, ACE Engineering, the Ryan family and Four Star Pizza (Tralee), Pádraig Foley Solicitors, Kerry Group and O’Connell Pharmacy (Tralee). Sincere thanks to all those who supported the event, especially to the businesses and individuals who bought a table or who contributed a spot prize. The following is a list of the spot prize contributors: Patrick’s The Hair Company, House of Glamour, Yummy Café, The Glasshouse, Ugly Mug, John Dowling Shoes and Sportswear, The Daily Grind, Razzle Dazzle, Connolly Jewellers, Ross Jewellers, Celsius, Peevers Motorparts, Silver Coin, Jonathon Lynch & Shaws, MTU, CH Chemists, O’Connell Pharmacy, Terry’s Butcher Shop, Kevin Barry, Domino Pizza, Leahy Pharmacy, Office & Ink, The Castle Bar, Linnanes’ Bar, Dunnes, McCaffreys, Cleary Photography, Teresa Carroll (signed Kerry jersey), All-Care Pharmacy(Mounthawk). (Dáithí Ó Loinsigh agus Morgan Ó Conaill a chuir peann le pár).
PEIL FAOI 11: Phase 2 of the Coiste na nÓg GoGames is now in progress. Having played very very enjoyable games v Listowel (as baile), v Crokes (ag baile) and v Milltown (ag baile) our young stalwarts are ready for further tough opposition! Training for this great group will take place at 10.50am on Sunday next in Connolly Park. Go n-éirí go geal leis na GoGames!
HELP OUR CLUB: If you purchase a box of Kelloggs Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies or Bran Flakes you may nominate the Austin Stack Club for a possible windfall – €40,000 worth of prizes are available – by using the on-pack code. This is part of the Kelloggs GAA Cúl Camps promotion, details onwww.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/competition.
PEIL FAOI 13: Team Black (i): We travelled to Milltown/Castlemaine for our final group game in the Lee Strand County League (Division 1A) and, despite nursing a few injuries, we were determined to put in a solid performance. After a great first half display of brilliant football, we lead at the break…5-2 to 0-8. However, the hosts came out for the second half and threw everything at us. They fought tooth and nail to gain the upper hand but níorbh é a lá é! It was a great game in which both teams gave of their very best. Some wayward shooting by our boys in the second period kept Milltown/Castlemaine in the match ach bhí an suvae ag an gCarraig.
Team Black (ii): Following a great run of results in Phase 2 of the Lee Strand County League (we topped Division 1A), we hosted the John Mitchel Club in the semi-final. We took to the field with our strongest team possible, though nursing a number of injuries. With the aid of a strong breeze in the first half and playing great football, the Mistéalaigh ran up a impressive score. However, in true Rock fashion, our boys gave of their very best; they kept trying and working hard but, unfortunately, we had a mountain to climb in the 2nd half. Half-time score…0-3 to 3-6. During the break our mentors tried to lift the spirits of their young charges, urging and encouraging them to stay positive, to keep the heads up and to fight to the end. Our boys willingly and bravely did as they were asked. We gave it our all and played some very good football! Even though we put together some good passages of play, the Green‘n’Gold team was too strong. A powerful goalkeeping performance by their keeper saw our goal chances well blocked. We did pick off a number of well-taken points but the opposition kept the scoreboard ticking over. Final score: 0-10 to 5-10. Sea, buann cúil cluichí! ‘Well done’ to the Ballyseedy boys and the best of luck to them in the final.
Team Black (iii): Training sessions continue this week. So, boys, heads up and stay positive. We’ll see you on Tuesday and on Thursday.
Team Amber (i): Team Amber finished Phase 2 of the Lee Strand County League (Division 13B) group games with a fantastic victory after an enthralling encounter with Milltown/Castlemaine in Paddy Burke Memorial Park on Sunday June 12th. Scór…Team Amber: 5-9 (24); Milltown/Castlemaine (Team White): 4-11 (23). Wow! So close! Pounding hearts! What excitement! From the ‘off’ both teams hit the ground running and no quarter was asked or given. Our Austin Stack Club boys got the first score of the game but it was the Milltown/Castlemaine players who were in early control with their first goal. Two Kyle Yoxall goals gave Team Amber the advantage before two more goals for the home team put them in the lead by four points as the half-time whistle blew….2-3 for the Ambers and 3-4 for the Whites. In the 2nd half the quality and intensity of the play rose to another level. A Jack Delaney goal for Team Amber was matched by another three-pointer for the home team. Then, in a 5 minute whirlwind, Team Amber struck for goals…by Ewan Canty and Jack Delaney…and then tagged on a few points to edge ahead midway in the 2nd half. In the remaining minutes of the game both sides went point for point. Our stalwarts defended their lead as if their lives depended on it and they succeeded in denying the mid-Kerry lads any chance of a winning goal before victory was confirmed for the Black‘n’Amber by the referee’s final long welcome whistle blast. Relief! And a county semi-final place for Team Amber! Man-of-the-Match: All 20 players were immense but Oisín Cotter at full-back gave a performance that will live long in the memory of those lucky enough to have witnessed it. Thanks to Milltown/Castlemaine for a fantastic duel played in the right spirit. Thanks to the referee for his handling of the game. Our Team Amber: Seán McCannon, Alex Dafoor, Diarmuid Hennessy, Conor Murphy, Jack Delaney, Kyle Yoxall, Liam Swords, David Ahern, Nathan O’Connor, Luke O’Connor, Ediart Topali, Oran O’Donoghue, Oisín Cotter, Alex O’Flaherty, Tadhg Somers, Joe O’Halloran, Karol Kowalczyk, Ewan Canty, Albi Gaxha, Mateusz Mikolajczuk.
Team Amber (ii): Team Amber’s 2022 Lee Strand County League (Division 13) campaign came to an end with defeat by the John Mitchel Club U13s at a blustery Connolly Park on Sunday June 19th. Team Amber: 2-4; JM B: 3-13. We got a dream start with an early goal from Luke O’Connor and in the early exchanges we seemed well placed to take full advantage of the strong breeze. However, a fortuitous goal settled the visitors and they quickly followed up with points and, faraor/unfortunately, another goal. A well taken Jayden O’Dowd goal brought Team Amber right back into the fray to leave the half time score at 2-2 for Team Amber and 2-5 for the John Mitchel Club boys. The 2nd half saw another fast start from our boys who were very unfortunate not to add another couple of goals to their tally. However, as the half wore on, the Mistéalaigh used the wind to their full advantage and were deserving winners in the end. All the boys should be very proud of their heroic efforts in this game and throughout the County League campaign. Remember, boys, that the Central League is only a few short weeks away and, so, we must build on the progress and on the improvements already made with good training sessions on Tuesday and on Thursday nights. Chun oibre linn, a bhuachaillí na Carraige! Man-of-the-Match: Alex Dafoor was immense at wing back. Ardfhear, a Alex Darfoor. Is sár-imreoir thú! Congratulations to John Mitchel Club boys and we wish them all the best in the county final. Thanks to the referee for his handling of the game. Austin Stack Club Team Amber: Seán McCannon, Alex Dafoor, Diarmuid Hennessy, Conor Murphy, Kyle Yoxall, Liam Swords, David Ahern, Nathan O’Connor, Luke O’Connor, Oran O’Donoghue, Oisín Cotter, Karol Kowalczyk, Conor Hanafin, Noah Reidy, Séamus Keenan, Eliot Caleja, Jayden O’Dowd, Jack Walsh, Gearóid Corcoran.
Team Amber (iii): Training sessions continue this week. So, lads, heads up and stay positive. We’ll see you all on Tuesday and on Thursday. (Pádraig Ó Laoide a chuir peann le pár).
LOTTO: Thanks to all who support our club lotto: (i) The Brogue (Kirbys), Lower Rock Street, (ii) Husseys’ Deli, Prince’s Quay, (iii) The Burger Shack, Monavalley, (iv) Maguire, Butchers, Caherslee, (v) Kevin Barry’s Shop, Upper Rock Street, (vi) Paudie Commane’sBookshop, Rock Street, (vii) O’Flynn Interiors, Lower Rock Street, (viii) www.austinstacks.ie and/or (ix) on the following link: https://play.clubforce.com/play_newa.asp?ll_id=X529#Anchor
CLUB SHOP: Items are available to order on this link (free delivery on orders over €50): www.oneills.ie. The new Austin Stack Club Ganzee Club Clothing Collection is for sale and it’s available in men’s/unisex/women’s/kids’ sizes. Check out all the style ranges in hoodies, t-shirts and sweatshirts onwww.ganzee.ie/austin-stacks-gaa-clubs/
WHO ARE WE? We all belong here at this place at this time. We belong not because of who we are or where we’re from. Being here means belonging. Belonging means knowing that we’re part of a community, a community that has a place for all, in which potential is nurtured, in which individuals become teams that honour the legacy of those who went before and who strive to build a legacy of our own. Some of us play. Some of us used to play. Some of us never played. We belong. Belonging means having a voice, being able to say what we think is right and being listened to. Belonging means respecting each other and being there for each other on the pitch. Off the pitch, belonging means rolling up our sleeves and doing what needs to be done. We all belong, whether it’s our first day or our hundredth year. We all belong here because this place belongs to us all….OUR GAA….OUR ROCK…this is where we all belong. We are family!’ And this is our GAA philosophy, ár bhfealsúnacht.
ROCK KERRY CAPTAINS: How many Rock footballers have captained Kerry since our first football All-Ireland in 1903? Seo iad: 2022…Joe O’Connor; 2015…Kieran Donaghy; 1995…Darren Ahearne; 1989…Mikey Sheehy; 1980…Ger Power (winning captain); 1977…Ger O’Keeffe; 1976…John O’Keeffe; 1974…John O’Keeffe; 1937…Miko Doyle (winning captain); 1932…Joe Barrett (winning captain); 1929…Joe Barrett (winning captain). In 1904 Austin Stack was a winning Kerry captain; he played for the Tralee John Mitchel Club before our club was officially founded.
