Gavin O’Connor talks to Austin Stacks boss, Stephen Stack, about the upcoming Munster Club Final on Sunday…
Austin Stacks, team manager, Stephen Stack Photo by Dermot Crean.
AT a time of the year when the lights are turned on inside before 5pm and almost every tree on your street has been stripped of its leaves, Austin Stacks are still preparing for football matches.
The next one is a date with destiny next Sunday afternoon in the Munster Club Final against Waterford side, The Nire.
Stephen Stack spoke about the prospect of facing a side who are a bit of an unknown.
“It presents the same challenge as it did going into the Ballincollig game, we’re depending on video. I’ve had a look at their last three games, but The Nire are in the same situation as us in that regard.”
On the way to the Munster Final, The Nire beat a Cratloe side who were fighting on two fronts, hurling and football in the Munster championship, so there was a good chance the Clare side were beginning to burn out when they came up against The Rock’s opponents this Sunday.
“I wouldn’t go along with that and it’s an unfair suggestion. The Nire have a very good pedigree in Waterford,” he said.
Continued below…
When coming towards the end of a hard year, recovery is key. Many of The Nire team are also duel players and have been turning out for their hurling club. They also had to play extra-time in their semi-final match. Could this be an advantage for Stacks?
“Not necessarily. We’ve been out a lot as well, when you take the replay against in the county final and the extra-time against Ballincollig, so I don’t think there’s an advantage with either side in terms of games being played,” said Stack.
The match was originally set for Pairc ui Rinn, but has been switched to the nearby venue, Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
“The change of venue makes no difference, it’s a bigger pitch and that will suit both teams, the main thing for us is that the surface in Pairc Ui Chaoimh is very good.”
For the Munster Final, Stacks are without the services of forward Darragh O’Brien and Ronan Shananhan, a vital cog in a mean defence this year.
“It is a blow not to have Ronan, but you’ll never go through a season like we’re having and not pick up injuries. It would be a minor miracle if we went into every big game with a full squad of players.”
“This year the bench has never left us down, our impact players have got game time, it’s a case of one man’s misfortune is another man’s gain.”
“We’re not feeling the fatigue of the year, we’re just enjoying keeping this journey going.”
“It is a long season, but if you were to ask other players in the county if they were feeling fatigued or feeling the joy of facing a Munster Final which one would they pick? I think you’ll find most players would gladly swap to where we are.”
Austin Stacks face The Nire on Sunday in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, throw in time, 2pm. The game will be televised live on TG4.
