SENIOR FOOTBALL: Austin Stacks 3-5; The Nire 2-4.
Away back in September 2001 when the English Soccer team scored their 5th goal in their 5-1 trouncing of Germany in a World Cup Qualifier in Munich the legendry John Motson said in his TV commentary – ‘it’s getting betta and betta and betta’.
And after Sunday’s Munster Final performance in Páirc Uí Chaoimh one could say the same thing about this Rock team who have now gone where only one other Rock team have gone before – into an All-Ireland semi final.
After eight minutes of the semi final, a fortnight ago we found ourselves 1-2 down. In Sunday’s final, played in summer-like conditions, we found ourselves 1-3 down after eight minutes.
But we responded well when a Pa McCarthy ball into the forwards was gathered by Shane O’Callaghan and, under severe pressure, he scored a great goal while still on the ground. By the 13th minute The Nire pointed again, but that was to be their last score of the half.
We had to wait until the 19th minute for our next score, but it was worth waiting for. Shane O’Callaghan, who was absolutely brilliant, intercepted the Nire kick-out, passed quickly to David Mannix, who netted.
A minute later David was on target again with a pointed free after Greg Horan was fouled and from being six points down after 8 minutes we were now on level terms in the space of twelve minutes. And that’s how the half ended – all square (2-1 to 1-4).
Kieran Donaghy won the throw-in and placed Shane O’Callaghan who put the Rock in the lead for the first time after just 22 seconds. By the 33rd minute we were two clear when Mikey Collins latched on to Greg Horan pass and pointed.
Then in the 38th minute The Nire were back in front when they got through, against the run of play, for their second goal.
The goal came as a result of a bizarre decision by the first official who failed to call a free when Kieran Donaghy was taken out with a blow to the face and while he lay on the ground the opposition took full advantage and raced up field to goal. That happened to be their only score of the second half.
Then in the 42nd minute came our 3rd goal when Pa McCarthy brilliantly converted a penalty after Greg Horan was fouled. A minute later another David Mannix point from a free saw us three clear for the first time in the game.
The final quarter produced only one other score while we repelled attack after attack, and when the opposition did get a shot on goal they were off target with five wides in that quarter as a result of close policing by our backs.
The score that finally clinched the victory came in the 58th minute when, Man of the Match, Shane O’Callaghan’s quickly-taken free found Kieran Donaghy who placed Fiachna Mangan and he slotted over under pressure to leave us with four points to spare at the end.
Another brilliant win, fashioned by another great come-back and a never-say-die spirit by a fantastic squad of players and all that after playing with 14 men for 50 of the 64 minutes played.
Congratulations again to all involved – including Stephen, John Joe, Paul and Ciarán, all the backroom team, all our generous sponsors and of course all our brilliant supporters who travelled in numbers to the Southern Capital and whose colour and chanting seems to be increasing with every game.
A special word for two men who were on the line on Sunday and who were part of the playing squad in our last Munster Final victory in December 1976 – Club Chairman, Aidan O’Connor and current team selector, Paul Lucey.
Team: Darragh O’Brien, Fearghal MacNamara, Barry Shanahan (Capt), Ciarán O’Connell, Pa McCarthy (1-0 pen), Conor Jordan, Denis McElligott, Wayne Guthrie, Greg Horan, Michael Collins (0-1), Shane Carroll, Daniel Bohan, David Mannix (1-2 – 2 frees), Kieran Donaghy, Shane O’Callaghan (1-1).
Subs used: John Dennis (ht), Fiachna Mangan (42m), William Kirby (47m), Darragh Long (55m), Michael O’Donnell (59m).
So now it’s on to our 2nd ever All Ireland semi final appearance and we will be facing a side from Co. Derry (Slaughtneil) who will be making their 1st appearance at this level. This semi final is fixed for 15th February next.
SENIOR HURLING: Kenmare 1-11; Austin Stacks 0-11.
After a good first half, after which we led by a point (0-8 to 1-4), we seemed to lose our shape and intensity somewhat in the second half and eventually lost by three points in the semi of the Co. League (Div 3) played in Caherslee on last Saturday afternoon (29th Nov).
And that goal difference resulted from the very first score of the game in the 5th minute – a dropping shot from distance which deceived everyone and landed under the crossbar. We recovered well from that setback and two quick points from corner forwards Ronan Gilsenan and Peter Doyle got us back in the game.
A converted 65 after eight minutes for the visitors was followed by three on the trot for us – one each from Paul Daly (free), Peter Doyle and Shane Fitzgerald to put us in the lead for the first time after 14m.
Both sides scored three each in the second quarter with all our three coming from play by Shane Fitzgerald (putting his football skills to use with a kicked effort), Paul Daly and Michael O’Leary.
By the 10th minute of the second half Kenmare had restored their early lead when they put over four (1-8 to 0-8).
Our only point from play in the second period came from Pádraig Lynch with our remaining two coming from frees with Paul Daly and Peter Doyle on target.
With three more points for Kenmare that was still the difference as the game went into added time and try as we did in those closing minutes we could not penetrate a very solid opposition defence with the only goal of the game the difference in the end.
Team: Danny Maguire, Andrew Morrissey, Seán King, Kevin O’Leary, Paudie Bradley, Peter O’Regan, Eddie Barry, Jim McCarthy, Joe Brennan, Michael O’Leary (0-1), Paul Daly (0-3 – 2 frees), Shane Fitzgerald (0-2), Peter Doyle (0-3 – 1 free), Pádraig Lynch (0-1), Ronan Gilsenan (0-1).
Sub used: Breandán Caball (46m).
Later we will do a summary of the season as a whole. But in the meantime thanks to the whole squad for their dedication to training and playing during an unnatural year which no young men should have had to experience. A special thanks to Mark Power and Ger Scollard, a super management team, for their dedication also.
2014 – A ROCKUMENTARY
:Many of you will have seen the short video clip Rory Kirby put together before the County Final to wish the team luck, following on from that Rory has put together a fantastic documentary telling the story of how Austin Stacks won the 2014 county football championship.
The DVD will be launched in Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday 10th December where fans young and old will have an opportunity to watch the documentary on the “big screen”.
The Rocumentary will feature never before seen footage and document the excitement, commitment and love every player and fan has for our club.
Tickets for this special event are priced at €10 with copies of the DVD on sale after the screening for €20 (Might be a good Christmas present for the Rockie in your life!).
This promises to be a special night with an opportunity to mix with fellow fans and exchange memories of a wonderful sporting year. Tickets will be available from Siamsa Tíre, from the Austin Stacks Clubhouse.
THE CLUB AGM takes place this year on Friday week (12th Dec) at 7.30pm at the Clubrooms. Nomination & Motion forms have now been emailed to all members. Any member who has not received their form and would like to request one is asked to contact Club Secretary Elma Nix 086 1053300. Closing date for receipt of nominations/motions is Tuesday Dec 2nd at 5pm.
BEST WISHES: to Damien McLoughlin (husband of Adrienne and father of current footballer, Tom) who is well on the mend after a recent short spell in hospital.
FOOTBALLER/GREYHOUND OWNER: Well done to former Club Footballer, Liam Liddy and his wife Noreen, owners of a very good Greyhound named Simtam, who won the Cup at Lixnaw Coursing on Sunday last and who now goes on to compete in Clonmel at a later date.
BINGO: continues on this and every Saturday night commencing at 8.30pm.
CLUBHOUSE: As always the Clubhouse is available for all types of Parties. Phone Ian from 7pm at 066 7126942 for bookings.
CARDS: The 45 Card Sessions continue in the Clubhouse every Monday and Thursday nights at 9.30pm
LOTTO: Last Monday week’s (24th Nov) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 10, 13, 30, 31.
The €20 Prizes went to Ryan & Taylor Houlihan and Mike Kenny, both c/o The Club; Gerald Teahon and Pat Joe McQuinn, both c/o Club Rockies; and Teresa Ashe, c/o Brendan O’Regan.