HURLING: Our Hurlers were due to travel to Lixnaw on this Friday evening (7th August) to play the home side in the first round (quarter final) of the Co. Intermediate Hurling Championship with a 6.30 pm throw in. However, as we write, the fixture is in doubt. Check Club Website for updates.

SENIOR FOOTBALL:  Our Seniors begin the defence of their Town Championship title (we won the 2014 title in our very first game of this calendar year – defeating Kerins O’Rahillys on the 24th January 2015 by 1-14 to 1-9) with a semi final tie at home to Ballymac. The game – in Connolly Park –has been refixed for this Sunday (9th August). Check with Club for starting time.

JUNIOR B FOOTBALL: Our B team are due to play Ballymac (away) in round 3 of the Town League on this Monday evening (3rd Aug). Throw in 7.30pm.

MINOR FOOTBALL: An Ghaeltacht 1-11; Austin Stacks 2-7.

Our scheduled game against Laune Rangers did not go ahead last Friday (31st July) but in its place we availed of the opportunity to play our Round 1 Central League back game against An Ghaeltacht. The game was played in Dingle (The Gallarus pitch was unavailable)  and, aided by a strongish breeze, we got off  to a good start and led by 4 points after 8 minutes – three by Calvin Foley (two frees) and one from play by Louis Ryle. Gaeltacht’s first two points came in the 9thand 11th minutes, both from frees.

Then a minute later Philip Quilter’s ball was won near the end line by Seán Dukes and Seán’s low shot across the square was met by Cian Liston who coolly slotted the ball to the net to put us five ahead  (1-4 to 0-2).

Gaeltacht’s first score from play came in the 18th minute and then in the next 8 minutes they added another three (two frees) to reduce our lead to the bare minimum. Just before that Cian Liston was most unlucky not to have scored a second goal but our second goal did come on the stroke of half time when Fergal Ryan finished a great Rock move to the net which left us four clear at the break (2-4 to 0-6).

Shortly after the resumption we increased that lead with a well taken point by Seán Dukes after some brilliant work by Seán Fitzmaurice.

But An Ghaeltacht were now coming more into the game, aided by that strong wind, and were back within a point after they scored a goal and a point by the 40th minute. Two minutes later Calvin Foley pointed a free and then in the 46th we went three up when a high ball into the square by Michael O’Donnell was fielded beautifully by Cian Liston and from a tight angle Cian put over.

This, however, was to be our last score while Gaeltacht chipped away at our lead, equalizing for the first time on the 57th minute and going ahead for the first time, two minutes later, with what was to be the last score of the game .

Apart from those already mentioned there were also some brilliant individual performance from team captain Colin Griffin and in defence Brandon Patterson and Dylan Hennebery also excelled.

We picked up a number of injuries during the game – in particular Louis Ryle, Calvin Foley and Jonathan Myers, We wish all three a full and speedy recovery.

Team: Daniel Kinsella, Thomas Sheehy, Brandon Patterson, Dylan Hennebery, Seán Fitzmaurice, Darragh Scanlon, David Fitzmaurice, Michael O’Donnell, Philip Quilter, Fergal Ryan (1-0), Colin Griffin (Capt), Louis Ryle (0-1), Cian Liston (1-1), Calvin Foley (0-4 – 3 frees), Seán Dukes (0-1).

Subs used: Michael Linnane (ht), Jonathan Myers (35m), Daniel Teahan (42m), Michael Kenny (45m).

Our next outing will be on this Friday (6th Aug) (please note date change) when we travel to Lewis Road to play Dr. Crokes in round 3 of the Co. Championship. Throw in at 7pm with extra time if required.

WELL DONE: to all three Kerry teams (SF, MF and MH) who won their All Ireland quarter finals at the weekend – with wins over Kildare, Sligo and Kildare respectively and congrats to players Kieran Donaghy (SF), Jack Morgan (MF) and Ciarán Breen (MH) and to Senior team selector, Mikey Sheehy.

BINGO: continues on this and every Saturday night commencing at 8.30pm.

CLUBHOUSE: As always the Clubhouse is available for all types of Parties. For Bookings phone Des at 066 7126942  after 8pm any evening.

CARDS: The 45 Card Sessions continue in the Clubhouse every Monday and Thursday Nights, commencing at 9.30pm each night.

LOTTO: Last Monday’s (27th July) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 1, 14, 17, and 31.

The €20 Prizes went to Fionn O’Regan, c/o Brendan O’Regan; Brian Neenan, c/o The Club; Noreen Power, c/o The Ladies; Anne Edwards, c/o The Bingo; and Christine Foley, c/o Carmel O’Neill.

SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died recently  –  Helen Treacy (nee Fitzgerald), The Cloisters, Abbeydorney and late of Connolly Park; Mary Duggan (nee Brennan), Blackrock (Tralee) and late of Oakpark (mother-in-law of former Club Footballer, John L. McElligott); Benny O’Sullivan, Tobar Naofa, Dean’s Lane and late of Kevin Barrys Villas and Spa Road; Michael Lynch, Doire Loin, Clogherbrien; and Eileen Cronin (nee Locke), Dromavally and late of Killerisk.

SENIOR FOOTBALL: Austin Stacks 3-10; Dingle 0-10.

Three first half goals set us on the road to victory in this round 6 game of the Co. League played in ideal conditions in Connolly Park on last Saturday evening (13th June).

Both sides had wides early on before Dingle opened the scoring in the 5th minute to be followed a minute later by our opener from Darragh O’Brien.

Then in the 9th minute came the first of our goals and it came from David O’Sullivan who began as a late substitute for Mikey Collins who had picked up an injury in the warm-up, although Shane O’Callaghan may have got a touch as it entered the net.

Dingle added two more points in quick succession but as the game entered the second quarter we got our 2nd our goal and this time there was no doubt that it was Shane O’Callaghan’s, after receiving a perfect pass from a Pa McCarthy free.

Dingle kept in touch with another pointed free which was followed shortly after by a Fiachna Mangan effort. Before half time Dingle added two more but in between we really put the game out of reach with a third goal by Alan Duggan after good work by Darragh O’Brien, to leave us five points clear at the break (3-2 to 0-6).

We kept up the pace in the 2nd half adding a further eight points to four for the visitors. David Mannix contributed three (one free) with two each from Shane O’Callaghan and Darragh O’Brien and a lovely effort by second half substitute Seán Ryan.

Again our defence was superb with very impressive displays from Ciarán O’Connell and Shane Guthrie but the player that really caught the eye was Club Minor, Jack O’Shea who was making his Senior debut.

The win puts us on 3rd spot now as the League enters the second half of the season with our next outing on the weekend after next, away to Kerins O’Rahilly in round 7.

Team: Paddy Fitzgibbon, Denis O’Neill, Ronan Shanahan (Capt), Ciarán O’Connell, Pa McCarthy, Shane Guthrie, Jack O’Shea, Brían Mangan,  Alan Duggan (1-0), Fiachna Mangan (0-1) , David O’Sullivan (1-0), Shane Carroll, David Mannix (0-3 – 1 free), Shane O’Callaghan (1-2), Darragh O’Brien (0-3).

Subs used: Seán Ryan (31m) (0-1), Eoin Colgan (58m), Colin Griffin (58m).

WELL DONE: to both the Kerry Junior and Senior Footballers on their victories in Thurles last Sunday, and congrats to Kieran Donaghy who led out the Seniors for their first Championship outing. The last Rock man to lead out a Kerry SF team in the Munster Championship was Darren Aherne when he captained the team against Limerick in May 1995.

CO. LEAGUE DIV 5: Austin Stacks 0-9; Asdee 2-11.

Our B team opened proceedings in Connolly Park on last Saturday evening with a round 6 game in Div 5. We were well in the game as half time approached (trailing by a goal at that stage) but a defensive error in the 30th minute gifted the visitors a second goal who led at half time by 2-4 to 0-5.

We began well with two good points from Sean Dukes inside the 6th minute. Asdee had drawn level within two minutes but a lovely effort from an acute angle by Louis Ryle in the 18th minute put us back in the lead.

Three minute later Asdee equalized again. And then in the 23rd minute they were through again but a brilliant save by Seán Purcell kept the score intact. However the visitors did get through for their first goal in the 26th minute which was followed a minute later by a neat point by Kyle Fitzgibbon. Another point followed for Asdee and then came their second goal which we referred to earlier.  Kyle finished the half with a pointed free after Calvin Foley was fouled.

The North Kerry boys continued to dominate matters in the second half, outscoring us by 0-7 to 0-4. Our scores came from Kyle with two more (one free) and one each from Seamus Bastible and Seán Dukes.

We were unfortunate to lose the services of team captain, Dale Counihan to a 17th minute injury. Shane Walsh, who began impressively, also picked up a first half injury and played through the pain barrier for the rest of the game.

Team: Seán Purcell, Brian O’Sullivan, Seamus Bastible (0-1), John Murphy, Paul Galvin, Cathal O’Reilly, Seán Fitzmaurice, Calvin Foley, Shane Walsh, Dale Counihan (Capt),  Louis Ryle (0-1), Kyle Fitzgibbon (0-4 – two frees), Breandán Caball, Seán Dukes (0-3), Alan Griffin.

Sub: Shane Greensmyth (ht).

Our B Team’s next outing will involve a long trip south to Lauragh to play Tuosist in round 7 on the weekend after next.

SENIOR HURLING: Austin Stacks 0-8; Ballyheigue 2-13.

Our Co. League (Div 3) campaign got underway last Wednesday evening (10th June) in glorious summer sunshine when we welcomed Ballyheigue to Connolly Park. Hampered by a number of injuries and other absentees we had to give-way to a better team on the day.

We could only muster three points in the first half – two by Ronan Gilsenan (one free) and another from play by Colm Ó Giollagáin. The visitors, in the meantime, had notched up 1-9 in this first period. We could have been a lot closer were it not for a number of uncharacteristic wides – eight in total.

We did a lot better in the second half – holding the opposition to 1-4 and putting over five ourselves. Two each by Colm Ó Giollagáin  and Seán Hartnett (the second from a well-taken last minute free) and one from play by Danny Maguire was our contribution. Danny was most unlucky not to have netted two goals at least – his first coming off the crossbar and his second excellently saved.

Our defenders again were superb with Seán King, in particular, outstanding.  It was also good to see Andrew Foley back in action again – playing his first game since April 2013.

Team: Paul Daly, Kevin O’Leary, Seán King, Paudie Bradley, Ciarán Breen, Peter O’Regan, Andrew Morrissey, Ronan Gilsenan (0-2 – one free), Andrew Foley, Michael O’Leary, Danny Maguire (Capt) (0-1), Colm Ó Giollagáin (0-3), Ger Scollard, Ross Long, Tadhg Meehan.

Subs used: Sean Hartnett (20m) (0-2 – one free), Stephen Pierce (42m), John Connelly (48m).

Round 2, against St. Pats (East Kerry), is scheduled to go ahead in Fossa on this Wednesday evening (17th June), at 7.30pm. We have a bye in round 3 and then on 1st July we have a home game against Duagh in round 4. The 5th and final round is away to Causeway on Wednesday 8th July.

U21 FOOTBALL We have drawn St. Brendans away in the first round of the Co. Championship. The game is due to go ahead on next Wednesday week (24th June) with venue and time yet to be confirmed.

MINOR FOOTBALL; Our Minors will also be back on duty on next Monday ( 22nd June) with an away game in Gallarus against An Ghaeltacht, in round 1 of the Central League. Throw in 7pm. Round 2 is scheduled for the following Monday (29thJune) with another away game against Kerins O’Rahillys.

The week after that we have a home game against Feale Rangers in the 1st round of the County Championship (Wednesday, 8th July).

The remaining fixtures in the Central League are as follows: R3 Dingle at home 20th July; R4 Laune Rangers at home 27thJuly and the  5th and final round away to Milltown on 17th August. The semi final is fixed for the following Monday (24thAugust) with the final provisionally fixed for Saturday, 29th August.

CONGRATULATIONS: and best wishes to two Club Footballers who had occasion to celebrate recently – Tom McLoughlin and Zoe Keogh on the birth of their baby girl (Lauren Rose) – a grand-daughter for Damien and Adrienne; and St. John Hegarty and Jackie Fraher who were married recently.

ANNIVERSARY: We offer congratulations also to Fr. Pádraig Walsh PP. St. Brendan’s Parish, who celebrates the 25thanniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood on this coming weekend.

GREYHOUNDS: Austin Stacks have qualified for the final of the The Malton Hotel Kerry GAA Club Sweepstake Final on Friday night next in The Kingdom Greyhound Stadium Tralee.  The Prize-fund for Clubs represented in the Final will be: 1st €1000, 2nd €600, 3rd €400, 4th €300, 5th €300, 6th €300.  In all this year we have ten clubs paired with six dogs involved in the Final and all will win a prize-they are as follows:

Trap 1 Unique Wishes: St Pat’s Blennerville

Trap 2 Ramona Rumble : Kilgarvan & Killarney Legion

Trap 3 Secreto: Ballydonoghue & Dingle

Trap 4 The Other Benson: Austin Stacks & Keel

Trap 5 Senan’s Forever: Ballyheigue

Trap 6 Kerry Legend: Castlegregory & Rathmore.

The Meeting is covered live on RTE2 TV from 8 to 9pm

BINGO: continues on this and every Saturday night commencing at 8.30pm.

CLUBHOUSE: As always the Clubhouse is available for all types of Parties. For Bookings phone 066 7126942  after 7pm any evening.

CARDS: The 45 Card Sessions continue in the Clubhouse every Monday and Thursday Nights, commencing at 9.30pm each night.

LOTTO: Last Monday’s (8th June) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 9, 12, 27 and 29.

The €20 Prizes went to Tony Casey, c/o Charlie Healy; Brian Collins, c/o Martin Collins; Brendan McMahon, c/o Club Rockies; Paul O’Connor, c/o Carmel O’Neill; and Josie O’Connor, c/o Galvin’s Shop.

SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died recently – Sheila Kerins (nee Condon), Rock Street; Marie Conway (nee Roche), Stacks Villas and late of St. John’s Park (wife of the late Joe Conway, former Club Footballer); Denis Murphy, London and late of St. Brendan’s Park (brother of former Club Footballer, Mary B. Murphy); Mary Barrett (nee Lynch), Meadowlands; Noreen Kissane (nee McGlynn), Spa Road; and Seán O’Neill, Model Farm Road, Cork and late of St. Brendan’s Park (cousin of Tim and Timex Slattery).

FAOI 6: (i) The Rock Under 6 footballers will be in action at 11am in Caherslee on Sunday. (ii) Our evening football sessions for the Under 6s will continue at 5.45pm on Thursday i bPáirc Uí Chonghaile. See you all, lads!

FAOI 8: (i) We’ll be in Caherslee again on Sunday ag 11am. (ii) The County Board’s round-robin Under 8 Go Games Blitz will be held ag 6.15pm on Wednesday in our own Connolly Park.

FAOI 10: (i) 11am football on Sunday next. (ii) Training this Thursday at 5.45pm in Connolly Park.

FAOI 12: (i) The 2rd phase (round 3) of the County League will take place this coming Sunday. (ii) Training mar is gnách at 5.30pm in Caherslee on Tuesday and on Thursday.

FAOI 14: (i) Training next Monday. The Central League is due to start in mid-June and the Féile Náisiúnta Peile is fast approaching (26th June).

(ii) Please return all Féile sponsorship cards and money asap. Thanks to all players and parents who gave their time to our Féile bag packing so far…go raibh míle maith agaibh.

(iii) Please support our generous Féile sponsors: Barrys’ Bakery (Rock St), Terry’s Butchers (Oakpark) and BurgerKing/Tralee Food Court (Mileheight).

(iv) Painéal A na Carraige: Dáithí Oba; Craig Ó Tíocháin, Dara de Barra-Breathnach, Dáithí de Búrca; Dónall Draghici, Pádraic Ó Lionnáin, Eoghan Ó Cearúill; Leon Shalemba, Seán Cuiltéir (captaen); Cian Puirséil, Dónall Ó Ruairc, Adam Ó Curráin; Conchúr Ó Mír, Liam Ó Nualláin, Lúcás Chester, Seosamh de Bastábla, Tomás Ó Fearaíl, Jordan de Barra, Séamus Ó Fearnáin, Gréagóir Ó Scannláin.

(v) Painéal B na Carraige: Greg Scanlon, Daniel Breen, Peter Kearns, Conor Horan, Ciarán Kelliher, Luke Chester, Ryan Foley, Armin Heinrick, Jordan Barry (capt), Charlie Curran, John Hanafin, James Fernane, Connor Kavanagh, Matt Browne, Christopher Nolan, Shane Bastible, Jordan Kissane.

PEILEADÓIRÍ THRÁ LÍ FAOI 14: ‘Well done’ to Tim McMahon, Reggie Griffin, Pat Bowler and their Tralee players who gave their all but were unsuccessful in the recent Under 14 Interdistrict Football Competition. Babhta a 2 den gComórtas Idircheantar Peile:- Raonaithe na Sionainne: 5-15; Bordcheantar Thrá Lí: 1-10. Painéal Thrá Lí: Joe Hannafin (K-o’R); Barry Foley (K-o’R), Dara Barry-Walsh (AdeS), David Burke (AdeS); Danny Draghici (AdeS), Pádraig White (JM), Rian McLysaght (K-o’R); Pádraic Linnane (AdeS), Ben Foley (K-o’R); Daniel O’Rourke (AdeS), Seán Quilter (AdeS), Eoghan Carroll (AdeS); David Oba (AdeS); Conor Myers (AdeS); Conor Hayes (K-o’R); Craig Ó Tíocháin (AdeS), Adam Curran (AdeS), Cian Purcell (AdeS), Liam Nolan (AdeS), Joe Bastible (AdeS), Leon Shalemba (AdeS), Seán Tighe (JM), Gavin Burrows (K-o’R), Dara Fitzgerald (K-o’R), Tyreese Flaherty (JM), Dylan O’Brien (JM).

FAOI 15: We qualified for the Kerry finals of the Under 15 SuperTouch competition following an unbeaten run of games in the qualifiers on Saturday last in Caherslee. Well done, boys!

FAOI 16/18: Go n-éirí go geal le lucht na scrúduithe. Ní fada go mbeimid ag imirt caide arís ar an bhféar glas agus faoin spéir ghorm!
AN CAMPA ‘CÚL’: The 2015 Kerry GAA Cúl Camp will take place at Austin Stack Club, Connolly Park, from July 6th to July 10th.

KERRY HURLERS IN ‘CROKER’: (i) ‘Nice to see a Kerry hurler playing with the best in Jones’ Road: Bhí Dara Ó Conaill (Mainistir Ó dTórna) ag imirt le Bleá’ Cliath v Gaillimh ar an Domhnach seo caite agus arís (athimirt) ar an Satharn beag seo. (ii) Go n-éirí le hiománaithe Chiarraí v Doire ar an Satharn i gComórtas Christy Ring.
<AaaaAibhistín de Staic…Nótaí ’13.doc>

SENIOR FOOTBALL

Austin Stacks 1-15

Kerins O’Rahillys 3-9

This Tralee derby ended all square after a very entertaining hour’s football in this final round of the County League, played  in very heavy underfoot conditions at Connolly Park on last Sunday afternoon (9th Nov).

Team captain for the day, William Kirby won the throw-in and linked with Michael O’Donnell and Seán Ryan who laid off to David Mannix who pointed after just 19 seconds.

Then inside the 2nd minute O’Rahillys countered with a well taken goal, followed a minute later by a point, and it took us until the 55thminute of the game to restore our lead.

A second goal for the visitors in the 26th minute left us behind by four at half time (2-7 to 0-9). Our remaining eight points of the half came from Ciaran O’Connell and Seán Ryan with one each, two from play by Darragh Long and a further four from David Mannix (2 frees) to add to his opener.

Half way through the second half Rahillys had extended their lead to five with their third goal of the game, which followed two earlier David Mannix points from frees (3-7 to 0-11) and things were looking blue for us at that stage (excuse the pun).

But we rallied well in the closing quarter and further points from David Mannix ( 2 frees), Shane O’Callaghan and Darragh Long, to one for the opposition, left us two adrift as the game entered the closing minutes. Then a good move by our lads in the 55th minute saw Ciarán O’Connell’s quick ball, chest high into the square, fielded well by Darragh Long who turned and lashed the ball low into the net to put us back in the lead for the first time since the 2nd minute.

The O’Rahillys equalizer came two minutes later from a free to leave the sides deadlocked at the end.

The draw leaves us on top of the League on our own with 20 points, one ahead of Dr. Crokes, and this now leaves no doubt that we will have a home venue for that League Final on a date yet to be confirmed.

Team: Jonathan Conway, Barry Walsh, John Dennis, Eoghan McKivergan, Ciarán O’Connell (0-1), Seán Purcell, Denis McElligott, Michael O’Donnell William Kirby (Capt), Seán Ryan (0-1), Eoin Colgan, Fiachna Mangan, David Mannix (0-9 – 6 frees), Darragh Long (1-3), Eamon McAllen.

Subs used:  Jack Morgan (18m), Pa McCarthy (28m), Ronan Shanahan (ht), Daniel Bohan (ht), Shane Carroll (ht), Shane O’Callaghan (46m) (0-1).

SF FIXTURE: Our Munster Club Championship semi final clash against Cork Champions, Ballincollig, is to take place in Austin Stack Park on next Sunday (16th Nov) with a 2pm start and extra time if required.

This will be our 10th Munster campaign, our 1st was in the 1973/74 season and it will be our 8th semi final tie. Of our previous 7 semi finals we have won 3 and lost 4 – the last 4 in which we have participated in.

So let’s wish the best of luck to the whole squad and management team on Sunday.

In the event of a draw after extra time the replay will go ahead at a Cork venue on Sunday week (23rd Nov)

The other semi final, between Cratloe (Clare) and The Nire (Waterford), is also fixed for next Sunday in Dungarvan.

HURLING: Our Hurling Co. League semi final against Kenmare did not go ahead last Saturday. The venue for the refixture is still Connolly Park and a new date will be announced later to suit the visitors.

JUNIOR B FOOTBALL: The replay of the Co. League final between our B team and Legion will go ahead in Connolly Park on this Saturday afternoon (15th Nov) at 3pm. In the drawn game, played on the 13th Sept. last, we scored 1-13 to 2-10 for Legion.

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’s (3rd Nov) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 13, 17, 22, 31.

The €20 Prizes went to Elisha Dowling, c/o The Club, Brendan O’Riordan, c/o John O’Riordan; John O’Connor, c/o Charlie Healy; and Donnchad O’Regan and Selina O’Shea, both c/o Brendan O’Regan.

And on that note everyone in the Club wish Brendan a full and speedy recovery from his recent minor surgery. And despite having that surgery Friday Brendan still made it to the Club last Monday week with his Lotto tickets.

SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died during the past week – Jean Fernane, Casement Avenue; John Buckley, Listellick; Margaret Moran (nee Kelliher), Leith Cross and late of Ballinorig Estate and Moyderwell; Tim Scannell, Ballybeggan and late of Clash West; Jerry O’Carroll, Skahanagh and late of Knockanure;  Dylan McCarthy, Cois Coille; Micheál (Jo Jo) Ó Loingsigh, Páirc Chaisleán na Coille agus Baile Átha Cliath; Kathleen Fitzgerald (nee Clifford), St. Brendan’s Park and late of Kenmare; Imelda Norris, Schull and late of Grot An Riain, Croogorts; John Prendergast, Caherbreagh; and John O’Halloran, Farran, Causeway (brother of Joe – son-in-law of the late Anselm Boyle).

SENIOR FOOTBALL Austin Stacks 1-13; Mid Kerry 2-10.

Both sides rode their luck in the closing stages of this Co. Final played at a drizzly and squally Austin Stack Park on Sunday afternoon (26th Oct).

The last score of the game came in the 55th minute – the equalizer for Mid Kerry – and then both sides had opportunities to win the game in the remaining almost nine minutes.

Most neutrals at the game however deemed the result a fair one and most who witnessed the game claim it to be one of the most entertaining and best Co. Finals in recent times.

From the throw-in Wayne Guthrie moved the ball quickly to Conor Jordan and he found Shane Carroll who pointed into the strong wind after just 24 seconds.

Mid Kerry’s opener came over a minute later and then in the 6th minute came the 1st of their two goals.

But we responded well from this and in a five minute spell (8th to 13th) were back in the lead after putting over four good points, the first from wing back, Pa McCarthy, a pointed free by Shane Carroll after a foul on Mikey Collins, and then two by Daniel Bohan who was having a blinder at this stage.

Shane Carroll converted two more frees to be followed by a beauty from play by David Mannix from an acute angle, but in between Mid Kerry had added two to their tally to leave them two adrift after 21 minutes.

A minute later Shane Carroll lobbed a high free into the square which Kieran Donaghy fielded superbly. His first attempt was saved but he steered his follow-up to the net to put us five clear.

However, between then and half time, Mid Kerry responded with two more to leave us with a three points lead at the break (1-8 to 1-5).

It took us 24 seconds in the first half to score our opener. At the start of the second half we went ten better when Star won the throw in and fed Pa McCarthy who put over his second of the game after just 14 seconds.

Mid Kerry added two in quick succession and then in the 39th minute Shane Carroll restored our three points half time lead when he converted his 4th free following good work by Greg Horan and Mikey Collins.

But then, inside two minutes, Mid Kerry secured a rather fortuitous second goal to level the game for the 4th time. Half way through the half they went ahead from a pointed free but within a minute Mikey Collins had leveled matters again with one of the points of the game.

We then went two up with brilliant points by Shane O’Callaghan and Kieran Donaghy but within minutes Mid Kerry were back on level terms by the 55th minute and with the weather deteriorating and a number of misses by both sides, as already mentioned,  the game ended in a draw.

This was our 4th draw in Co. Finals – the other 3 were in 1932, 1975 (against Mid Kerry) and 1994. And we won all three replays. – hopefully a good omen for next Sunday’s replay, which will be held in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney, at 2.45pm.

Team: Darragh O’Brien, Fearghal MacNamara, Barry Shanahan (Capt), Ronan Shanahan, Pa McCarthy (0-2), Conor Jordan, Greg Horan, Wayne Guthrie, William Kirby, Michael Collins (0-1), Shane Carroll (0-5 – 4 frees), Daniel Bohan (0-2), David Mannix (0-1), Kieran Donaghy (1-1), Shane O’Callaghan (0-1).

Subs used: Darragh O’Brien (45m), Fiachna Mangan (57m), Denis McElligott (61m).

CONGRATULATIONS to Kieran Donaghy on winning his 3rd All Star last week to add to the two he won in 2006 and 2008. Congrats also to the four other Kerry winners – Paul Murphy, Peter Crowley, David Moran and James O’Donoghue. James was also named as Footballer of the Year.

HURLING: Austin Stacks 3-9; St. Pats (East Kerry) 0-3.

Our Hurlers got the weekend off to a winning start with a comfortable win in the final of the South Kerry JH Championship played in dry, blustery conditions at Lewis Road last Saturday evening (25th Oct).

Scores were at a premium in the opening quarter and any Martians that might have dropped in could be excused for thinking they were looking at a soccor scoreboard as the score after 15 minutes was 2 goals to nil in our favour.

The first of these came in the first minute when Paul Daly’s dropping shot landed in the net. Paul was involved again in our second goal after 15 minutes when he found Peter Doyle who netted.

Two minutes later a brilliant side-line cut by John McCarthy was put over the bar by Ronan Gilsenan.

This was followed immediately by St. Pats first and only point of the half, while in the closing ten minutes of the half we really put the game to bed, scoring a further 1-5. Paul Daly (2 – one from a free), Joe Brennan, John Mac and  Peter Doyle were the point scorers, with the goal coming in the last minute of the half  – a  beautiful effort after Breandán Caball combined with Paul and his lobbing shot was touched over-head to the net by Bella. This left us ahead at the break by 3-6 to 0-1.

With all the hard work done in the opening thirty minutes we eased off somewhat in the second half adding just three more points in this period to two for the opposition. Our second half scorers were Aaron Barry, Shane Fitzgerald and team captain, Paul Daly.

The win is what we wanted but the manner of the win and the display in achieving it will have team mentors, Mark Power and Ger Scollard probably more than the win itself.

Danny Maguire, still recovering from the shoulder injury picked up during the summer, was soundness personified in goals. Anything that came Andrew Morrissey’s way was fielded and cleared brilliantly as was the case with Seán King and Kevin O’Leary.

The half line of Paudie Bradley, Peter O’Regan and Shane Fitzgerald also defended brilliantly and launched attack after attack, especially in that first half.  A feature of the display was the number of excellent block-downs during the game and this explains to a large extent the paucity of scores by the opposition.

In the centre Joe Brennan and Breandán Caball made continuous darting runs and were there to support the defence when required.

All our 12 scores, bar one, came from play with all six forwards on top of their game.

And all five subs who were introduced during the second half were as good as the starting 15.

Well done again on a great win – the team’s  third title of the season so far, to add to the other two already won earlier in the year, the Novice Championship and the League  – all in the South Kerry Division.

Team: Danny Maguire, Andrew Morrissey, Seán King, Kevin O’Leary, Paudie Bradley, Peter O’Regan, Shane Fitzgerald (0-1), Joe Brennab (0-1), Aaron Barry (0-1), Paul Daly (Capt (1-3 – 1 free), Ronan Gilsenan (0-1), Peter Doyle (2-1), John McCarthy (0-1), Thomas Meehan.

Subs: John Bradley (45m), Pádraig Lynch (49m), Ross Long (49m), Eddie Barry (49m), Tadhg Meehan (53m).

Our next outing will be the County League semi final, against Kenmare which is due to go ahead in Connolly Park on Saturday week (8th Nov) at 3pm.

BINGO: continues on this and every Saturday night comncing 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’s (20th Oct) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 12, 18, 27, 32.

The €20 Prizes went to Keith Harrington, c/o The Bingo; Noreen Power, c/o The Ladies; Jimmy Cotter, c/o The Cards; Luke McNecee, c/o Carmel Quilter; and John Moriarty, c/o Charlie Healy.

SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died during the past week –

Kitty McKivergan (nee Brennan), Monalee and late of Rock Street (mother of former Club players, Martin and Caitriona and grandmother of current players Eoghan, Donnagh and Maeve McKivergan and Luke and Makayla Chester)

Margaret Sayers (nee Cronin), Connolly Park (mother of former Club footballer, Denis and grandmother of current Juvenile player, Donncadh)

Marie Gibney (nee Phelan), Ballinorig Estate and late of Dingle and Rathfarnham

Ronald Cameron Coleman, Woodlands .

SENIOR FOOTBALL: Our much-awaited Co. Final against Mid Kerry goes ahead in Austin Stack Park on Sunday next (26th Oct) with a 3pm start. The game will be preceded by the MF Final between Dingle and Dr. Crokes at 1pm.

The Senior game will be the 11th Championship meeting between the two sides but only the 2nd in a final. Our only Final meeting was in the 1975 contest which we won after a replay.

And honours are pretty even in our ten previous meetings with both sides winning 4, losing 4 and drawing 2. We first met in the 1969 quarter final which Mid Kerry won and our last meeting was in the 1986 semi final which we won.

So best of luck to Stephen and his fellow mentors and all his back-room team as well as the whole squad of players as they endeavor to bring title No. 12 back to the Rock on Sunday evening.

And in the event of a draw the replay is scheduled for the following Sunday (2nd Nov).

SUPER ROCKIES ON TOUR: I’m sure many will have seen Kevin’s colourful Posters (Super Rockies on Tour) which are displayed all over Town inviting anyone interested to participate in the customary parade to the game.

The Gathering starts in the Clubhouse at 12 noon with the parade departing at 1.45 sharp, led by John O’Callaghan’s specially-coloured Van, going down the Rock, through Russell St. and Castle Street and straight up to Austin Stack Park. Entrance to the pitch is at the turn-stiles at the Mitchels end of the ground.

And one final thing – don’t forget to put your clocks back one hour as Winter time commences early on Sunday morning (at 2am to be precise).

PURCHASE OF MATCH TICKETS: It’s very important for all those participating in the Parade to purchase your Match Tickets in advance to avoid any possible congestion at the turn-stiles on Sunday.

Tickets may be purchased during the week at Garvey’s Super Valu at the bottom of the Rock. Children under 16 are free.

MERCHANDISE: Lorraine Scanlon informs us that the Club Shop will be open from 7.30 to 9.30 on each night form Monday to Friday inclusive and from 11.30am on Sunday morning for the sale of Club Merchandise for Sunday’s game.

JUNIOR B FOOTBALL: The replay of Co. League Final between our B team and Killarney Legion has been fixed for Saturday, 1st November in Connolly Park at 3.30pm. This of course is subject to a positive outcome to Sunday’s Senior Final.

No date has been fixed yet for the Town League Final between ourselves and Na Gaeil.

HURLING: We received a walk-over from Kenmare in the semi final of the South Kerry Championship which was due to take place last Sunday (19th Oct).

This means we are now in the Final of this competition where we will play St. Pats (East Kerry). The game has been fixed for this Saturday (25th Oct) at 4pm in either Tralee or Killarney. Check Website for updates.

Our County League semi final (also against Kenmare) is still fixed for Saturday, 8th November at 3pm in Connolly Park

CONGRATULATIONS: to the Club’s current Scór Champion, Aoife Ní Choileáin and her new husband, Brian Ó Donnchú, who were married last Saturday.

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 (13th Oct) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 4, 12, 17, 24.The €20 Prizes went to Carmel O’Neill, c/o The Club; Anne & Sonny Roche, c/o Charlie Healy; Billy O’Lehan,  c/o Club Rockies and Ross O’Callaghan, c/o Carmel O’Neill.

SYMPATHY: And amid all the joyful preparations for the Co. Final great sadness visited the Club last Sunday morning with the news of the death of Darragh Long’s one month old baby, Siún.

Everyone in the Club and particularly in the SF squad extends sincere sympathy to Darragh, Niamh and the Long and Kelly families and share with them in their great sadness at this time.

Sincere sympathy is also offered to the families of the following who died during the past week – Hugh O’Connor, Strand St. and Quinlan’s Bar, Bridge St.; Noreen Murphy (nee McCannon), Shanakill (aunt of former Club footballers, Paul, Pogga and Michael McCannon); Chrissie O’Brien (nee Dillane), Dromthacker and late of Pinure; Rose Lavin, late of Bridge Street; and Sheila Dolan (nee Nolan) Colliswood, Killeen and late of Ardrahan.

SENIOR FOOTBALL

Austin Stacks 0-14

West Kerry 0-7

Our Seniors qualified for their 28th Co. Championship semi-final in total, and their 4th in the last six seasons, with a relatively comfortable win, in wet and windy conditions, at Fitzgerald Stadium on yesterday afternoon (5th Oct).

It took us a little while to settle which allowed the Westerners to take a 5th minute lead from a free. A minute later we were level when Shane Carroll converted a free following a foul on David Mannix.

An immediate attack by the opposition yielded a point to put them back in the lead once more.

But this was as good as it was going to get for the Divisional side as we kept them scoreless for the rest of the half, while putting over a further eight points ourselves – Shane Carroll unerring with three more frees and one from play, Wayne Guthrie slotting over a beauty from a 45, and three good points from play by Shane O’Callaghan, Fiachna Mangan and Mikey Collins. This left us ahead at half time by 0-9 to 0-2.

With the conditions deteriorating it was a credit to both sides to battle away in the second half – a half in which the two teams scored five points each.

This time four of our five came from play with some lovely efforts from Wayne Guthrie, Mikey Collins, Greg Horan and Shane O’Callaghan and the only one from a free by Shane Carroll.

Again, our defence was superb on this occasion – holding the opposition to just three points from play during the whole hour. And when you consider that West Kerry came into this game with an average of 1-12 in their previous three games, then that puts our defensive display in context.

Team: Darragh O’Brien, Fearghal MacNamara, Barry Shanahan (Capt), Ronan Shanahan, Pa McCarthy, Conor Jordan, Greg Horan (0-1), Wayne Guthrie (0-2 – 1 forty five), Kieran Donaghy, Michael Collins (0-2), Shane Carroll (0-6 – 5 frees), Fiachna Mangan (0-1), David Mannix, Darragh O’Brien, Shane O’Callaghan (0-2).

Subs used: Daniel Bohan (43m), Denis McElligott (47m), William Kirby (40m), William Kirby (51m).

SEMI FINAL DRAW: We have drawn Dingle in next Sunday’s semi final. This will be our 16th Championship meeting and our 4th in a semi final. Our last meeting was in the 2010 semi final when we had a narrow two points victory (2-11 to 2-9). Venue and time has not been fixed as we write.

JUNIOR B FOOTBALL: W have received no dates yet for our B team’s Co. League and Town League Finals against Killarney Legion and Na Gaeil respectively.

GUESS THE SCORE: Our thanks to everyone who entered ‘Guess The Score’ competition for the All Ireland Final. Congratulations to the winners – Brendan Hoare, c/o The ESB and Club Footballer, Denis O’Neill.

LISTELLICK NS: is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its foundation this year and is marking the event with the launch this week of a well researched and brilliantly produced publication.

The book details a vast array of interesting information including the pupils, the teachers, local history and some of the roll books down the years. Our own Tim Tiger Slattery was very much involved in the detailed research that went into the book, especially from the sporting side of events.

The school, of course, has been a nursery for many pupils who went on to play football and hurling for the Rock including Michael Counihan and John L. McElligott to name but a few.

The Book Launch takes place at St. Brendan’s Pastoral Centre on this Friday evening (10th Oct) at 7pm and will be preceeded by a Mass of Celebration at 6pm.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS: to our good friend and former Club Footballer, Liam Shanahan who celebrated his 85th birthday recently. And where was Liam last Sunday? Yes, he was in Fitzgerald Stadium watching his beloved Rock progressing to the semi final of the Co. Championship. Happy birthday Liam.

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 (29th Sept) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 15, 26, 29, 31.
The €20 Prizes went to Anne Moynihan, c/o Club Rockies; Helen McSweeney and Bertie Flynn, both c/o Denis O’Connor; Mary Maunsell, c/o The Cards; and Neil O’Shea, c/o Charlie Healy.

SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to Club Chairman, Aidan O’Connor and family on the death of his mother Hanna (nee Godley), late of The Greyhound Bar and Ballyheigue.

Sincere sympathy is also offered to the family of Cicely Gallagher (nee Huggard), Dublin and late of Waterville and Day Place (Tralee) who died during the past week

STAR MAKES IT 89: Well done to the Kerry Seniors on winning title No. 37 last Sunday and to Kieran Donaghy who has now brought his own tally to four and to 89 the number of Senior Medals won by Club players who have played with the County since Joe Barrett won the very first one in the 1924 Final.

And what a contribution Star made again in this final as he has done in his three previous winning finals in 2006, 2007 and 2009 scoring 1-2 himself on this occasion.

MINORS MAKE IT 12: And congratulations to the Kerry Minors who go back on top of the Roll of Honours again with a dozen titles, now one ahead of Dublin who in turn have one more than Cork (10). This was the Minors first title since 1994. Well done to all involved including Jack Morgan and Seán Ryan.

SENIOR FOOTBALL: Now with Sam Maguire safely back home it’s on to domestic affairs. Round 10 – the penultimate round – of the Co. League is due to go ahead at the weekend. Our game is away to Waterville.

When the South Kerry side visited Connolly Park for last year’s encounter they went back home with a share of the spoils and ended the season on 6th place. Now with two more games to play they are two positions better than last season, lying 4th on the League Table at present.

Then the following week the Co. Championship resumes with the playing of the four quarter finals. It’s a double header in Austin Stack Park (Sat 4th Oct) and in Fitzgerald Stadium (Sun 5th). Our game, against West Kerry, is in the Stadium at 4pm, preceded at 2pm by the Mid Kerry .v. Laune Rangers game.

JUNIOR B FOOTBALL: Our B team have at least two more games to play. The Co. League Final replay against Killarney Legion is due to take place in Connolly Park but no date has been fixed as we write.
We are also involved in the Town League Final, against Na Gaeil, and no details of this has been announced yet.

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 (15th Sept) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 2, 17, 18 and 31.
The €20 Prizes went to Joan Moran, c/o Galvins Shop; John Moriarty and Margaret Lacey, both c/o Charlie Healy; Chris & Bríd Bradshaw, c/o Club Rockies; and Eddie Byrne, c/o Carmel Quilter.

DEATH OF JOHN LYNCH: Even though he was ailing with some time nonetheless, all in the Club and the wider community were saddened to learn last week of the death of John Lynch (Lisloose).

John was a former player – late forties/early fifties – and usually lined in the half back line with such stalwart defenders like Joe Flaherty, Frank Kissane, Doc McHugh and Jerry Pluggy Moriarty.

Later, John was a valued member of the Club Committee and served as Vice Chairman for a six year period (1984-1989).

He was instrumental at that time in securing and maintaining the ‘Nuns Field’ for our Juveniles which, coincidentally, is now taking on a new phase under the stewardship of his son Liam, who is the current Vice Chairman of the Club. John was a Vice President of the Club and as well as his son Liam’s involvement, his grandsons – David, Mark and Rory – now play with the Juvenile teams.

Sincere sympathy to John’s wife, Phil, sons Liam, Shane and Enda, daughter, Gillian, sister Betty and all his extended family and friends.

SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is also offered to the families of the following who died recently – Timothy O’Brien, St. Anne’s Bungalows, Basin View; Joan Hanafin (nee Carey), St. Brendan’s Park; and Patricia Fitzgerald (nee Lynam), Cois Coille.

SENIOR FOOTBALL

Austin Stacks 1-14

St. Michaels/Foilmore 1-9

Our first ever trip to the Dungeagan pitch (some say by any Rock team) ended with a five points win in our round 8 back-game, thus putting us into our 3rd Co. League Final in four seasons.

The results of our two remaining games (away to Waterville on 28th Sept; and at home to O’Rahillys) will determine home or away venue for that Final.

Last Sunday’s (31st Aug) game had to endure a constant heavy mist all through but, despite this, both sides served up some good periods of football.

Mikey Collins pointed us into an early lead and in the 4th minute a brilliant move involving David Mannix, Darragh Long and Shane O’Callaghan saw Darragh O’Brien finish-off Shane’s pass to the net.

Bally-Foilmore rallied and were on level terms by the end of the first quarter (1-3 a- piece), with our two points coming from two of our wing backs, Pa McCarthy and Greg Horan.

Two minutes later the home side had taken the lead on two occasions but with Wayne Guthrie fetching brilliantly in the centre, we finished the half with five more points from four different forwards – David Mannix (2), Mikey Collins, Shane O’Callaghan and Darragh Long, which left us three clear at the break (1-8 to 1-5).

We still had to work hard in that second half and, as the game entered the final two minutes three points only still separated the sides but a super effort from an acute angle by Mikey Collins followed by another from Darragh O’Brien sealed the victory.

Prior to that Darrgh O’Brien gave us our first score of the second half with Shane O’Callaghan and Darragh Long (a free) also on target. But the best point of the game came in the 43rd minute when centre back Conor Jordan sent over a beauty from distance, straight between the posts.

Our defence was superb again to-day with Ronan Shanahan back to his best form after his absence abroad.

Team: Jonathan Conway, Fearghal MacNamara, Barry Shanahan (Capt), Ronan Shanahan, Pa McCarthy (0-1), Conor Jordan (0-1), Greg Horan (0-1), Wayne Guthrie, William Kirby, Michael Collins (0-3), Shane O’Callaghan (0-2), Fiachna Mangan, David Mannix (0-2 – 1 free), Darragh Long (0-2 – 1 free), Darragh O’Brien (1-2).

Subs used: Paul Barrett (ht), Ciarán O’Connell (40m), Eamon McAllen (46m), Brían Mangan (54m).

JUNIOR B FOOTBALL: Austin Stacks 4-14; Dr. Crokes 2-6.
Our B team is due to play Dr. Crokes in the semi final of the Co. Championship (Molyneaux) on this Monday evening (1st Sept). Check Web for Report.

U21 FOOTBALL: It looks as if our game against Ballydonoghue on the 20th Aug (which we won by 5-19 to 3-12) is the only game to have been played so far in the Co. Club Championship.

None of the other six first round games have taken place with postponement after postponement. So our boys will have some wait until their next game.

HURLING

Our Hurlers are due to play St. Pats (East Kerry) in the South Kerry Novice Final on this Monday evening (1st Sept). Check Web for Report.

BRÚ COLUMBANUS CHARITY

Trevor Barrett’s family and Austin Stacks Hurling Club organised 3 events in July/August for Brú Columbanus, Cork which is an independent charity that provides “home from home” accommodation for relatives of seriously ill patients in any of the Cork hospitals and the Hospice.

Funds raised amounted to €12,907.69 and Trevor’s Dad, Richard presented a cheque for this amount to Anne Maria O’Connor of Brú Columbanus at the Austin Stacks Club, Connolly Park, on 26/8/14. The events held were: Table Quiz organised by Trevor’s brother, Paul in Dublin; Golf Classic held at Ballyheigue Golf Club and an Invitational Hurling Tournament held at Connolly Park, Tralee.

WELL DONE

Well done to Kerry in the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick last Saturday evening. It was another epic encounter with both sides giving all they had got.

Kieran Donaghy, making his 50th Senior Championship appearance and his first Championship start in over a year (his last start was against Cavan in the 2013 quarter-final), made another significant contribution to the victory but all 23 players played significant parts in the victory as did the management team, which also includes Mikey Sheehy.

It was Kerry’s 450th Championship game in total since their first ever Championship appearance which is reputed to have taken place in Mallow all those years ago.

And if the Record Books are correct that very first game took place on the 29th August 1889 which was 125 years ago almost to the day from last Saturday’s (30th Aug) event.

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 (25th August) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 6, 9, 12 and 18.
The €20 Prizes went to Eamon Quigley, c/o The Club; Phil Barrett, c/o Galvin’s Shop; Josephine Casey c/o Charlie Healy; John Culloty, c/o Brendan O’Regan; and Christy McCannon & Tony Hussey, c/o Carmel Quilter.

SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died recently – Thomas Lavin, Bridge St., and late of St. Patrick’s Buildings; Mary Brosnan, Ballyvelly; and Seán O’Carroll, The Anchorage and late of Caherslee.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2014

Our thanks to Club Secretary, Elma Nix, who penned the following report:

Right from the start there was a buzz of expectation in the air! The queues had formed, the dome was looking splendid, the dancers under the tutorage of Jackie O’Mahony had the work done, Terry Healy had the BBQ lit, our 4 judges – Aidan O’Carroll, Elma Walsh, Tim Moynihan and Honor Hurley were in position and Morgan O’Connell, Siobhan Naughton and Maria Hickey had our team of volunteer helpers ready to step into action.

As it turned out spectators were not to be disappointed.

Twelve couples took to the floor, each offering something different. The dancing was exceptional with varied routines and some fun elements also thrown in.

We are getting good at this dancing lark! And everyone was in agreement that the bar had certainly been raised by this year’s contestants. Sarah Griffin and Sean Hannafin were the judges favourites – the couple achieving four perfect 10’s for their Liddy Hop routine.

But the Strictly Come Dancing format is: 20% vote goes to the judges and 80% to the audience; who on this occasion would have their say.

When the voting boxes were opened and counted one couple stood out clearly from the rest: Clair Mc Evoy and Leon Diggins for their PasaDoble routine.

Wild scenes of celebration followed their announcement as our Strictly Come Dancing 2014 winners. Thanks to Joanie Barry and Johnny Dowling for presenting the winners trophies.

The €500 winning charity as chosen by Clair & Leon was Kerry Palliative Care.
We leave the last words to our club Chairman, Aidan O’Connor; “Like all such ventures it takes a lot of effort and expertise to put together and showcase an evening’s entertainment which is in every aspect polished and professional. The input of the participants and of our volunteers is a tribute and recognition of their unselfish efforts to contribute to the needs and welfare of Austin Stacks GAA Club”.

We thank you for dancing!

And when the formalities were completed it was then over to the one and only Francie Breen who, as Adrienne McLoughlin put it in her addendum to her montage of wonderful photographs of the event, ‘‘had the crowd still out dancing ‘til the wee hours’’.

SENIOR FOOTBALL: St. Michaels/Foilmore will be the opposition when we travel to Ballinskelligs on next Sunday afternoon (31st Aug) to play our back round 8 game in the Co. League. Throw-in 2pm.

JUNIOR B FOOTBALL: Our B team are in for a busy few weeks. We are due to play Ballymac in Connolly Park on this Monday(25th Aug) in the semi final of the Town League. Throw-in 7pm. Then on next Friday evening we were to play Dr. Crokes in the semi final of the Co. Championship (Molyneaux Cup) but this has now been refixed for next Monday (1st Sept). Throw in at 7pm in Connolly Park (Kilcummin and Dingle contest the second semi final). Our other definite fixture is the Co. League final against Legion which has been fixed for Saturday, 13th September.

U21 FOOTBALL: Austin Stacks 5-19; Ballydonoghue 3-12

This first round game of the County Club Championship, played in ideal conditions at Coolard on last Wednesday evening (20th Aug), had everything.

We led by 13 points at half time (3-8 to 0-4). Five minutes into second half we had increased that lead to 16 points (3-12 to 0-5).

Sometimes in a situation like that a team with that lead will drop its guard, and that is what happened. In an 18m period (35th to 53rd minute) Ballydonoghue had outscored us by 3-6 to 0-4, thus reducing our lead to just 5 points (3-16 to 3-11).

But what will have pleased Team Mentors, Tim McMahon, Colm Mangan and John O’Sullivan is the manners in which our boys responded to this potential crisis – as in the closing eight minutes of the game we upped our performance again – scoring a further 2-3 to 0-1.

We started in brilliant fashion with Darragh O’Brien scoring what must be the quickest hat-trick of goals in Gaelic Football, and all three consecutively.

The first came from the throw-in which Michael O’Donnell (just a day back from the USA) won. He found Greg Horan and his perfect pass was gathered by Darragh who netted after just 12 seconds.

The second came two minutes later when a brilliant run by Ciarán O’Connell was put away by Darragh. Colm Mangan timed Darragh’s 3rd goal at 7m 33 seconds and this surely must create a GAA record (Robbie Fowler did score a hat-trick for Liverpool against Arsenal in December 1995 in 4m and 33 seconds – but that is all they do in soccor – score goals).

By the 20th minute it looked as if Darragh was the only forward on the pitch as, by that stage, he had added a further 3 points to leave us ahead by 3-3 to 0-2.

But then others got in on the act and by half time Ciarán Flanagan, Michael O’Donnell, Greg Horan and Eamon McAllen (2) had added to Darragh’s tally to leave the half time score 3-8 to 0-4.

Then we had that bizarre second half described above. Ciarán O’Connell and Seán Dukes added to our goal tally in the closing minutes to restore our 13 points half time lead when referee Jim O’Connor blew the final whistle.

Darragh O’Brien finished the game with 3-9, an incredible score – with 3-8 of this coming from play and his 9th point from a brilliantly converted 45. In fact 5-18 of our total score came from play.

So now we are into a quarter final at least, and with seven teams in total to contest the quarter finals, one will obviously get a bye to the semi final, but that’s for another day.

None of the other six first round games went ahead last week. Four of these are due to take place on this Wednesday evening. The 5th game (Mitchels .v. Gaeltacht) is fixed for this Friday, with the 6th and final game (Glenflesk .v. Kilcummin) not due to take place until the following Wednesday (3rd Sept). So our boys will have some wait until their next game.

Team: Patrick Fitzgibbon, Paul Galvin, Barry Walsh, Colin Griffin, Tom McLoughlin, Conor Jordan, Ciarán O’Connell (1-0), Michael O’Donnell (0-2), Alan Duggan, Ciarán Flanagan (0-1), Greg Horan (0-1), Breandán Caball (0-2), Kyle Fitzgibbon, Darragh O’Brien (3-9 – one 45), Eamon McAllen (0-2).
Subs used: Seán Dukes (ht) (1-2), David O’Sullivan (35m), Dylan Harnett (40m), Seán Fitzmaurice (40m).

KERRY GAA: Well done to the Kerry Minors, who, of the five Kerry teams on duty at the weekend, were the only ones to come away with a victory.

Congrats also to the Seniors on that brilliant come-back, aided and abetted by the brilliant Star and best of luck in the replay. Commiserations to the Kerry Juniors, the Kerry Ladies and the U21 Hurlers who were just piped at the post in their respective outings.

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 (18th August) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 2, 11, 21 and 22.
The €20 Prizes went to Michelle Carroll, and Jim Gannon, both c/o Club Rockies, Josephine Casey c/o Charlie Healy; Pat Goodwin, c/o The Club; and Jeremiah Clifford, c/o Carmel O’Neill.

SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died recently – Brian Foley, London and late of Castle Street and Woodlee; Bridget Daly (nee Trant), Caherslee and late of Lixnaw; and Kevin Sweeney, Upper Rock Street and late of Racecourse Road.

STRICTLY COME DANCING

After weeks and weeks of diligent training and practice our twelve Dancing Couples are ready and looking forward, as we all are, to this Saturday Night (23rd August) in the Festival Dome.

Some tickets are still on sale from the usual Outlets – Garvey’s Supervalu, the Greyhound Bar, Kevin Barry’s Rock St., the Austin Stacks Club bar and also from the Ticket Office at the Festival of Kerry. Price €20 or Juveniles €10 on the night.

Again our Organising Committee are encouraging all Club members and the parents of juvenile members to support this event. Please buy or sell a few tickets to friends and neighbours and make the night a great success. All monies raised will go towards the purchase and re-development of the Nuns Field.

SENIOR FOOTBALL

Austin Stacks 0-13; Kilcummin 0-12

Though by no means a classic, this top-of-the-table clash in round 9 of the Co. League played at a dry, but breezy, Connolly Park on last Sunday afternoon (17th Aug) kept the sizeable attendance on tender-hooks for the whole hour with our lads just shading it by a point in the end.

We had three good points on the board, all from play, with Shane Callaghan (2) and David Mannix on target before the visitors got their first of the afternoon from a 17th minute free.

We were unlucky to lose Daniel Bohan to a 7th minute injury but his replacement Pa McCarthy had very good game, including another of trademark points in the 27th minute.

Before that Darragh O’Brien had converted another and we put over two more just before break from Mikey Collins and Shane Carroll (free) to leave us ahead at half time by 0-7 to 0-3.

Kilcummin abandoned their defensive style in the second half and it paid dividends as they outscored us by nine points to six with some very good scores from distance.

But we were never headed in this game and, with some very good scores by Fiachna Mnagan, Shane Carroll (2), Mikey Collins (2) and one of the best of the game from full back Barry Shanahan, we kept ahead, thereby maintaining our unbeaten run in this season’s League to stay on top of the table on 15 points, one ahead of Dr. Crokes with Kilcummin now on 3rd spot with 12 points.

Team: Darragh O’Brien, Fearghal MacNamara, Barry Shanahan (Capt) (0-1), Ciarán O’Connell, Conor Jordan, Daniel Bohan, Greg Horan, Wayne Guthrie, William Kirby, Michael Collins (0-3), Shane Carroll (0-3 – 2 frees), Fiachna Mangan (0-1), David Mannix (0-1), Shane O’Callaghan (0-2), Darragh O’Brien (0-1).

Subs used: Pa McCarthy (7m) (0-1), Darragh Long (ht), Paul Barrett (48m), Ronan Shanahan (55m), Eamon McAllen (57m).

It was good to welcome back Ronan Shanahan from his stint abroad and we also wish Daniel and Wayne Guthrie a speedy recovery from the slight injuries picked up during the game.

We now have one more back game to play (Round 8) away to St. Michaels /Foilmore and this is scheduled to go ahead in Ballinskelligs on the weekend after next (30th/31st Aug).

JUNIOR B FOOTBALL

Austin Stacks 4-13; Rathmore 2-10

Our 2nd trip to Rathmore in the space of 9 days saw another outstanding game of football by both sides and another super result for our lads. The win in the first game qualified us for the Co. League Final. This evening’s (15th Aug) game was in the first round (quarter final) of the Co. Championship (the Molyneaux Cup).

In another high-scoring encounter we had a five points lead at half time (2-5 to 0-6) and at full time we had increased that lead to 9 points.

It would be simplistic to summarize the game as four goals scored by our lads at one end, and at least four brilliant saves at the other end by Darragh O’Brien, even though that was the case.

And Darragh’s saves came at crucial times in the game, which, if converted, would have given the home side a distinct advantage at those particular stages in the game. One of Rathmore’s goals came from the penalty spot, in the 3rd minute after the resumption.

All our six forwards got on the score sheet as well as two of our centre-backs, Jack O’Shea and team captain, Eoin Colgan (Eoin is an all-rounder, as he will be one of the Dancers at the forthcoming ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Festival Dome on Saturday, 23rd August).

Jack picked up an injury six minutes into the second half and had to be replaced, but we are glad to relate the injury is not as serious as first looked.

Half way through the second half Rathmore had reduced our lead to just two points (2-10 to 2-8) but we had a very good final quarter outscoring the opposition by 2-3 to 0-2.

It was good to see Denis O’Neill back for his first Club game since he lined out with the Senior team in April 2012 and his first game with the B team since July 2011.

Team: Darragh O’Brien, Dylan Harnett, Barry Walsh, Nicholas Gogarty, Tom McLoughlin, Jack O’Shea (0-1), Eoin Colgan (Capt) (0-1), Brían Mangan, Paul Barrett, Dale Counihan (0-1), Darren Tiernan (1-3 – 2 frees), Breandán Caball (0-1), Eamon McAllen (2-2), Ciarán Flanagan (1-1), Seán Dukes (0-3).

Subs used: Denis O’Neill (ht), Niall Carroll-Cane (36m).

Our B team are having a great season so far. In their 12 games todate in all competitions they have amassed a total of 30 goals and 153 points which has put them in the Co. League final (against Legion on a date to be fixed), in the semi of the Town League (against Ballymac, to be played in Connolly Park on Wed, 27th Aug) and now in the semi final of the Co. Championship along with Kilcummin and Dingle, with the 4th quarter final (between Kerins O’Rahillys and Dr. Crokes) yet to be played.

U21 FOOTBALL

We get our U21 Club Championship campaign underway on this Wednesday evening (13th Aug), with a trip to Coolard to play the local side, Ballydonoghue. With seven teams to go through to the next round the winners are guaranteed a quarter final spot and maybe a semi final spot as one the seven winners will get a bye to the next round.

BEST WISHES

to former Club Vice Chairman, Pat Joe McQuinn, who, we are glad to relate, is making good progress after a recent hospitalization.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

To the one and only JJ Barrett who celebrated his 71st birthday with a surprise party at the weekend.

Joe Joe was joined by family, friends and former playing colleagues for the occasion. Earlier in the year we were speculating who was the youngest player to make their Senior County Championship debut with the Club, At first we thought it was Mikey Sheehy (17 yrs, 3 days).

Then we found it was Shane Carroll (16 yrs, 299 days). But with JJ’s dob now revealed we can confirm that the youngest was none other than Joe Joe himself, who was just 15 yrs and 295 days when he made his debut on the 7th June 1959 and scored 2 points in the Club’s 2-11 to 1-3 victory over Ballymac in round 1 of that season’s Championship.

Incidentally making their Championship debut on that same day were John Barry (former Sports Editor with the Kerryman) and the late Aengus Fanning (Editor of the Sunday Independent).

BINGO

Resumes on this Saturday night (23rd Aug) at 8.30pm and will continue on each Saturday night from now on.

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.
All at the Cards extend sincere sympathy to Pat Skeff Sheehy on the death of his brother, Joe (see Sympathy Column)

LOTTO

Last Monday week’s (11th August) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 1, 6, 14 and 19.
The €20 Prizes went to Neil O’Shea, c/o Charlie Healy; Laura O’Regan and Eileen Sugrue, both c/o Brendan O’Regan; Noreen Power, c/o The Ladies; and Colm Mangan, c/o Club Rockies.

SYMPATHY

Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died recently – Joe Sheehy, Mallow and late of Tralee (brother of former Club Footballer, Pat Skeff); Morgan O’Connell, Caherslee and late of Bun Talún (former Club Footballer of the 1950s); Kathleen O’Connor (nee Lawlor), Casement View, Ardfert and late of Ballynasare (sister of the late Club Footballer, Jacko Lawlor); Iris O’Boyle (nee Buckley-Colgan), Clogherbrien and late of O’Connor’s Terrace, Boherbee; Annette Murphy (nee Buckley), Mitchel’s Crescent; Christy Tobin, St. Joseph’s Estate and late of Mary Street (father of former Club footballer, Alan); Denis Clifford, late of St. Brendan’s Park, who died at his home in France (first cousin of Club member, Denis O’Connor, Connolly Park) and Maurice Carroll (former Juvenile player, and brother of Billy, former Senior footballer) who also died at his home in France.

STRICTLY COME DANCING

Put the date in your diary – Saturday week (23rd August) in the Festival Dome. Tickets are now on sale from Garvey’s Supervalu, the Greyhound Bar, Kevin Barry’s Rock St., the Austin Stacks Club bar and also from the ticket office at the Festival of Kerry offices.

Price €20 or Juveniles €10 on the night. We encourage all members of the Austin Stacks Club and the parents of juvenile members to get behind this event. Please buy or sell a few tickets to friends and neighbours and make the night a great success.

All monies raised will go towards the purchase and re-development of the Nuns Field.

SENIOR FOOTBALL: Listowel Emmets 0-9; Austin Stacks 1-16.

In Listowel on Sunday afternoon (10th Aug) we continued our unbeaten Co. League run (we now have six wins and one draw out of our seven games played) when we had ten points to spare over the home side to put us back on top of the League Table.
We led by 0-11 to 0-4 after a very good first half, with all our scores, bar one, coming from play.

The highlight of the half was the four exquisite points, from acute angles, by Darragh O’Brien. Wayne Guthrie was not far behind with some brilliant fielding at mid field. Corner back and wing back, Conor Jordan and Paul Barrett, had a point each (it was good to see Paul making his first start of the season – he did play three more games coming off the bench earlier in the season – and he showed he has lost none of his sharpness).

The other first half points came from Mikey Collins, Darragh Long and Shane Carroll. Shane added to his one from play with the only score of the half from a free.

The second half was more evenly contested but we still had the upper-hand (score-wise at any rate 1-5 to 0-5) with second half substitute, Eamon McAllen scoring the only goal of the game in the 52nd minute.

Three of our points in this half came from Shane Carroll frees with our other two coming from play by David Mannix and Darragh O’Brien (his 5th of the game).

Team: Jonathan Conway, Ciarán O’Connell, Barry Shanahan (Capt), Conor Jordan (0-1), Paul Barrett (0-1), Daniel Bohan, Greg Horan, Wayne Guthrie, William Kirby, Michael Collins (0-1), Shane Carroll (0-5 – 4 frees), Fiachna Mangan, David Mannix (0-1), Darragh Long (0-1), Darragh O’Brien (0-5).

Subs used: Alan Duggan (14m) (0-1), Barry Walsh (38m), Seamus Bastible (45m), Brían Mangan (46m), Eamon McAllen (48m) (1-0), Darren Tiernan (57m).

Our thanks to Tim Slattery and John Joe Sugrue for their help in compiling the above report.
Prior to the game there was a minute’s silence in honour of Maurice Stack (father of Team Manager, Stephen) who passed away recently at the great age of 97 and who was a long-time Vice President of the Listowel Emmets Club.

We now have one more back game to play (Round 8) away to St. Michaels /Foilmore which has been fixed for Ballinskelligs on Sunday, 31st August, But before that we play the scheduled round 9 game which has been fixed for this Sunday afternoon (16th Aug) at 2.30pm in Connolly against Kilcummin, who themselves are just one point behind us on the League Table, sharing 2nd spot with Dr. Crokes.

JUNIOR B FOOTBALL: Rathmore 3-14; Austin Stacks 7-11

Most teams who put up a score of 3-14 would normally be the winning team but in Rathmore on last Wednesday evening (6th Aug), in the semi final of the Co. League, this was not the case, as we outscored the home side by a further nine points to reach our second Co. League Final in succession.

A hat-trick of goals (and points) by Darragh Long, plus two by Darren Tiernan and one each by Eamon McAllen and Alan Duggan eventually saw off a never-say-die Rathmore side.
Three first half goals saw us ahead by five points at the break (3-5 to 1-6).
That was still the margin with six minutes of the game remaining, even though at that stage we had scored a further three goals (6-10 to 3-14) but we closed out the game in those closing minutes with another Eamon McAllen point followed by probably the best goal of game from Darren Tiernan, to bring an end to this 10 goals, 25 points thriller. One other stat from the game – in the whole hour we had just one wide while Rathmore had only two.

Finally it was great to see Peter Quillinan back, making his first appearance in a Black and Amber jersey since 8th February 2003 – yes 2003.

Team: Partick Fitzgibbon, Dylan Harnett, Barry Walsh, Nicholas Gogarty, Tom McLoughlin, Eoin Colgan (Capt), Seamus Bastible, Brían Mangan (0-2), Alan Duggan (1-0), Shane Crowley (0-1), Darren Tiernan (2-1), Calvin Foley (0-2), Kyle Fitzgibbon, Darragh Long (3-3), Eamon McAllen (1-2).

Subs used: Louis Ryle, Jack O’Shea (39m), Colin Griffin (39m), Peter Quillinan (47m).

We now play Killarney Legion in the final but before that we face Rathmore again in the first round (quarter final) of the Molyneaux Cup (B Co. Championship) on this Friday evening (15th Aug) in Rathmore at 7pm.

U21 FOOTBALL: Fixtures have been announced for the U21F Club Championship. Teams have been divided into three groups of 7. We are in Group A. The 1st round involves games between teams in Groups B and C.

The 7 losers then play in the Shield competition while the winners play teams in Group A in the Cup competition. The 1st round games between B and C are fixed for this Wednesday 13th August, with our game likely to go ahead the following week.

HURLING: Our opening game (quarter final) in this season’s County Intermediate Hurling Championship at home to Lixnaw, was due to be played last Monday evening (11th Aug). Check Website for Report.

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 (4th August) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 6, 10, 21 and 22.
The €20 Prizes went to Brian Collins, c/o Martin Collins; Padraig Healy and Niall O’Shea, both c/o Charlie Healy; and Seán O’Connor and Peter O’Regan, both c/o Brendan O’Regan.

SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of John Mike McCarthy, Lismore and late of Carrahane, Banna (one of the Club’s great supporters and brother of former Club Players, Mike, Paudie and Seamus); Maureen Cooper (nee O’Sullivan), Ardshanavooley, Killareny (mother of footballers, Danny, Mark, Mike, Vince and Colm); and Joe O’Donoghue, Fountain Court and late of Castletownroche who died during the past week.

TREVOR BARRETT MEMORIAL HURLING TOURNAMENT

The Trevor Barrett Memorial Hurling Tournament goes ahead in the Connolly Park and Caherslee pitches on this Bank Holiday Saturday (2nd Aug). Eight teams are participating with the first games going ahead in both pitches at 10.30am, concluding with both finals in Connolly Park at 3.30 (Shield Final) and 4,30 (Cup Final).

The following are the fixtures – Causeway .v Wolfe Tones (10.30 Caherslee); Austin Stacks .v. St. Pats (10.30 Connolly Park; Lismire .v. Laochra Óg (11.30 Caherslee) and O’Dorney .v. Crotta (11.30 Connolly Park).

The 4 Losers of those first round games compete in two semi finals, both at 1.15 – one in each venue with the winners contesting the Shield Final at 3.30 in Connolly Park.

The 4 winners of those first round games compete in two semi finals, both at 2.15 – one in each venue with the winners contesting the Cup Final in Connolly Park at 4.30.

HURLING

Kenmare 2-14; Austin Stacks 0-12.

The final of the South Kerry JH League played in ideal conditions in Lewis Road on last Wednesday evening (23rd July) ended in an eight points defeat for us, thereby relinquishing the title we won last season.

After a poor start we found ourselves behind by 1-4 to 0-1 after 12 minutes. But we had a very good 2nd quarter scoring six points without reply to level the game after 27 minutes (0-7 to 1-4). Paul Daly scored four of these (all from frees) to add to his opener, also from a free, in the 5th minute. Our other two points came from play, both brilliant efforts by Joe Brennan.

Both sides had a point each in the closing minutes of the half, ours scored by Ronan Gilsenan from play, to leave the sides deadlocked at the break (0-8 to 1-5).

We didn’t play to our full potential in the second half. Apart from two more pointed frees by Paul Daly and another scored by John McCarthy deep in added time, our only score from play came in the 54th minute from Danny Maguire.

Peter Doyle in goals and Peter O’Regan, Andrew Morrissey, Michael O’Leary and Aaron Barry played well also.

Team: Peter Doyle, Paudie Bradley, Peter O’Regan, Seán King, Andrew Morrissey, Jim McCarthy, Breandán Caball, Shane Fitzgerald, Michael O’Leary, Joe Brennan (0-2), Aaron Barry, Danny Maguire (0-1), Paul Daly (Capt) (0-7 frees), Ronan Gilsenan (0-1), John McCarthy (0-1 free).

Sub used: Brian Meehan (43m).

Prior to the game there was a Minute’s Silence in honour of the late Fr. George Foley who was a member of the Stacks MH Co. Championship winning team of 1955.

We have drawn Lixnaw at home in the 1st round (quarter final) of the County Intermediate Hurling Championship. The game is fixed for Connolly Park on Friday fortnight (8th Aug) at 7pm.

Details of the concluding fixtures in the County League have yet to announced.

SENIOR FOOTBALL: Round 8 of the Co. League, against St. Michaels/Foilmore, did not go ahead as scheduled due to the sad passing of Stephen’s father (see Sympathy). In the meantime we are due to play another back game (the Round 7 tie away to Listowel Emmets) on the weekend after next (9th/10th Aug). Check Web for updates.

JUNIOR B FOOTBALL: Austin Stacks 1-18; St. Pats 0-14

So far, in the Town League, it has been three out of three wins for our B team, the last win in Blennerville last Monday week (21st July) after earlier victories against John Mitchels and Kerins O’Rahillys. The penultimate round away in Ballymac is fixed for this Monday evening (28th July) at 7.45pm with the final round, away to Na Gaeil, due to go ahead on Wednesday evening (30th July) at 7.30pm.

Our Co. League semi final against Rathmore has now been refixed for next Wednesday week (6th Aug) at 7pm in Rathmore. The winner plays Killarney Legion in the final.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CLUB MEMBERSHIP: Are you receiving Club Up-dates regarding fixtures/results and club events? If not text your name to Club Secretary, Elma Nix, to be included. Phone number 086 105 3300.

www.austinstacks.ie to find the most up-to-date Austin Stacks news and match reports and photographs.

SPORTS FORECAST UPDATE: Treasurer, Michael Kenny submits the following report.

‘’Well what a few weeks it has been since the last update. Lots of us went down with Brazil and Naymar and ye of little faith who went with Crokes instead of the Rockies, and many more lost points by going for Cork instead of Kerry!
On the other hand lots of points were gained by staying with Kilkenny in Leinster, Djokovic for the Tennis, and lots of people got 12 points by going for “other” in World Cup top scorer.

And so to the Leaderboard: Congratulations to Kevin O Carroll who is our new leader on 89 points. Previous leader Frank O Donnell is on 86 points. Finbarr Smith and Edward Stack share third spot on 85.

Jim Murray and Johnny Clifford each have 83. The entry of Pa and Anne Hoare comes next on 82.

Malachy Nagle, Derek O Connor, and John Galvin each have 81 and finally Michael Tangney and Tommy Dowling with 80 each.
All other entries have 79 or less but some could still make a late bid if results fall their way.

So now we are down to just 4 events; the 2 All Ireland Finals and the 2 county finals.

Thanks to you all for your entries and your continued interest. Next update at the end of Sept when the 2 All Irelands will be sorted out.

As ever all totals will be cross checked for errors and gremlins before and money is handed out.’’

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’s (21st July) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 2, 24, 25 and 29.
The €20 Prizes went to Mary Lyons, c/o The Bingo; Paddy O’Mahony, c/o Denis O’Connor; Brian Collins, c/o Martin Collins; John Barrett, c/o The Club; and Niall O’Shea, c/o Charlie Healy..

SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of Maurice Stack, Woodbrook, Cahirdown, Listowel and late of Moyassa, Listowel (father of Stephen, Manager of our SF team); Val Allister, Maple Court, Ashley Downes and late of Caherina, Cobh and Yalta (Crimea); Marguerite Cotter (nee McCarthy), Clogher Lí, Ballyard and late of Kilshanna, Mitchelstown; and Isabella Robb, Gort Na Gréine, Cahermoneen who died during the past week.

SENIOR FOOTBALL

Austin Stacks 0-17; Rathmore 2-5

We qualified for our 6th Co. Championship quarter-final in a row by virtue of a six point win over Rathmore at Austin Stack Park on this Saturday evening (12th July).

We got off the blocks in brisk fashion with Kieran Donaghy winning the throw-in, who found Darragh O’Brien who was fouled, and Shane Carroll made no mistake from the resultant free after just 38 seconds.

Two minutes later Star won the kick-out, found Mikey Collins who was fouled on this occasion. This time Shane took a quick free to David Mannix who put over.

Then a minute later Mikey was the provider for Pa McCarthy to make one of his trade-mark runs upfield for a lovely point.
We seemed to be coasting at this stage but in the 8th minute Rathmore, against the run of play, were awarded a penalty, which they converted to level the game.

The next three points were from frees – two for us by Shane after fouls on Fiachna Mangan and Wayne Guthrie and one for Rathmore.

Then in the 18th minute Pa McCarthy made another brilliant run to score his 2nd point of the evening, bringing his scoring total in Senior football from his half back position, since first getting on the mark in 2008, to 3-15 (he scored a further 1-2 when playing a few games in the forwards last year).

Both sides again had a point each from frees (Shane again on target for us after another foul on Darragh O’Brien) and then in the 23rd and 24th minutes Rathmore put over their first two points from play to level the game for the second time.

From the kick-out they attacked again and Jonathan Conway had to make a brilliant tip-over safe to prevent a certain goal and Rathmore went into the lead for the first, and what turned out to be the only, time in the game. Two minutes later Wayne Guthrie pointed a free following a foul on David Mannix to level the game at half time (0-8 to 1-5).

We were in total control in the opening period of the second half, scoring six points without reply, one each from play by Shane O’Callaghan, Fiachna Mangan and Wayne Guthrie and three pointed frees from Shane Carroll. But like the first half we conceded a second goal in the 45th minute and Rathmore were back in the game again.

But this happened to be their only score of the half while we closed out the game with three more points by David Mannix, Shane Guthrie (forty five) and the final score from Darragh Long.

Not for the first time this season our defence was superb, holding the opposition to just four scores from play during the whole game, an opposition that scored fourteen points in their five points win over the Co. Champions, Dr. Crokes, in the first round.

It was good to see Paul Barrett back again, his first competitive game since the sad loss of his brother Trevor, last April.
The win also put us back on top of the Co. League as the game doubled up for our postponed round 4 game against the same opposition.

We are now on 11 points, one ahead of Dr. Crokes and Kilcummin with both Crokes and ourselves having a game on hand – we against Listowel Emmets and Crokes against Currow.

Team: Jonathan Conway, Ciarán O’Connell, Barry Shanahan (Capt), Fearghal MacNamara, Pa McCarthy (0-2), Conor Jordan, Greg Horan, Wayne Guthrie (0-3 – 1 free, 1 forty five), Kieran Donaghy, Michael Collins, Shane O’Callaghan (0-1), Fiachna Mangan (0-1), David Mannix (0-2), Shane Carroll (0-7 – 6 frees), Darragh O’Brien.

Subs used: Daniel Bohan (47m), Darragh Long (51m) (0-1), Paul Barrett (57m), William Kirby (59m), Eamon McAllen (63m).

MINOR FOOTBALL: Kerins O’Rahillys 2-14; Austin Stacks 1-6.

Our Minors did not have a good start to their Co. Championship campaign last Wednesday evening (9th July) in Strand Rd., going down to the home side in the opening round.

After a good opening period we had a poor 2nd quarter and trailed by four points at half time (0-10 to 1-3). Ciaran Flanagan was our goal scorer in the 11th minute.

Like the first half we had a reasonably good start to the second half, reducing the half time deficit to three at the end of the third quarter (0-11 to 1-5).

But like the first half we had a very poor final quarter while O’Rahillys had put the game beyond reach, scoring a further 2-3 in that period.

Team: Klaudio Dema, Niall Carroll-Cane, Colin Griffin, Dylan Harnett (Capt), Darragh Scanlon, Jack Morgan, Seán Hurley, Jack O’Shea, Calvin Foley, Timmy Murphy (0-1), Seán Ryan (0-1), Craig Corcoran (0-1 free), Seán Fitzmaurice (0-1), Ciarán Flanagan (1-1), Seán Dukes (0-1).

Subs used: Fergal Ryan (36m), Ferdia O’Brien (42m), Anthony Moynihan (55m), Jack Kenny (60m).
We now travel to Castleisland on this Tuesday evening (15th July) to play St. Kierans in round 2 (Losers Round). Throw in 7pm.

SENIOR HURLING

Our Hurling squad are organizing a Tournament to commemorate their late colleague, Trevor Barrett, to be held on the August Bank Holiday Saturday (2nd Aug). More details later.

In the meantime we still await to be notified of two outstanding fixtures for the semi final/final of both the County and South Kerry Leagues.

JUNIOR B FOOTBALL

After a good win away to Mitchels in the opening round of the Town League our B team’s 2nd (.v. O’Rahillys) and 3rd (.v. Na Gaeil) round games did not go ahead due to a fixtures overlap with the Minors and U21s.
The semi final of the Co. League, against Rathmore, is fixed for Friday (18th July) evening but the next round of the MF Championship is also fixed for the same evening (assuming we get through to that round). Check Club Website for updates.

U21 FOOTBALL

We travel to Cahersiveen on this Wednesday evening(16th July) for a quarter final Co. Championship clash against South Kerry. Throw in 7pm.

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 (7th July) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 4, 10, 19 and 31.
The €20 Prizes went to Michael & Joan Casey, Denis Sayers, Danny Carroll and TJ & Mary Sheehan, all c/o Club Rockies; and Catherine McCarthy, c/o Carmel Quilter.

SYMPATHY

Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of Paddy Commane, Rock Street (father of Club members Paudie and Ed and one of Rock Street’s oldest residents) and Ellen (Nellie) Brosnan (nee O’Brien), O’Rahillys Villas (mother-in-law of the late Garry Fernane Jnr) who died during the past week.

SENIOR FOOTBALL

The Co. Championship resumes this week-end with games in Round 3 (last 15).
We are involved in a double header in Austin Stack Park on Saturday evening (12th July). We play Rathmore at 7.30pm with the St. Brendans .v. Dingle game starting at 6pm.

WELL DONE

Well done to the Kerry Minors, Juniors and Seniors. In the space of 4 days they have achieved the treble of Munster Football titles, the first time doing this since 2003 and the 13th time in all since first achieving it in 1931. Kerry now have a combined 160 Munster titles in the three grades – Senior (76), Minor (43) and Junior (41).

SENIOR HURLING

Austin Stacks 1-16; Crotta O’Neills 2-13.

Our 4th and final round game of the Co. League against Crotta, played in ideal conditions in Connolly Park last Friday evening (4th July), ended all square after a very entertaining contest with some brilliant passages of hurling by both sides.

No more than three points separated the teams at any time during the game, with the sides level on six different occasions as well, including at half time (0-10 to 2-4) and at full time.

Thirteen of our 17 scores came from play with arguably two of the best points coming from one of John McCarthy’s efforts (John scored 1-4 in total, and on his birthday as well) and the one scored by Kieran McCaughley from an acute angle in the 56th minute.

That score brought us to within two points of Crotta and then three minutes later came the score that put us back in the driving seat. It came after a brilliant run by Aaron Barry who was brought down in the square.

Ronan Gilsenan’s well taken penalty was saved but John McCarthy was on hand to scramble the rebound to the net.

From the puck out Michael O’Leary won possession and put over to increase our lead to two.

But in the two minutes of added time Crotta added two to level the game.

Like all the games this season our defence was superb and when you consider the high scores that this Crotta team (with a lot of youth and some household names from their senior ranks of yester years still wielding the camán) have been achieving in the League to date – 6-13 to 0-4 against Duagh; 3-17 to 0-4 against St. Pats – this was indeed a super display by our lads.

It’s an amazing stat, and we don’t think it has happened before, but this was our third draw in three games which means we have ended the League on 5 points having got two points from the Duagh game which they conceded.

So with one more round to be played (we have a bye in this round) and one back game outstanding also, it’s still not 100% clear as to who will go through to the final stages.

However it looks that we have every chance of getting a semi final berth at least.

Team: Peter Doyle, Damien McCarthy, Peter O’Regan, Paudie Bradley, Seán King, Jim McCarthy (0-1), Andrew Morrissey, Michael O’Leary (0-1), Breandán Caball, Aaron Barry, Danny Maguire (Capt) (0-3), Eddie Barry, Ronan Gilsenan (0-6 – 4 frees), John McCarthy (1-4), Brian Meehan.
Subs used: Shane Fitzgerald (ht), Kieran McCaughley (41m) (0-1), Pádraig Lynch (59m).

JUNIOR B FOOTBALL

Austin Stacks 3-17; John Mitchels 2-7.
Last Friday evening (4th July) our B team had a good away win over Mitchels in the opening round of the Town League.
Round 2 is due to go ahead on this Monday evening (7th July) away to Kerins O’Rahillys. Check Club Website for details.

U21 FOOTBALL

We travel to Cahersiveen on next Wednesday week (16th July) for a quarter final Co. Championship clash against South Kerry.

MINOR FOOTBALL

Most games in Round 1 of the Minor Co. Championship will go ahead on this Wednesday evening (9th July). Our game involves the short trip across town to play Kerins O’Rahillys in Strand Road with a 7pm throw in.

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 (30th June) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 3, 7, 19 and 25.
The €20 Prizes went to Brian McKivergan, c/o John Breen; and Paudie McQuinn, Jerry Carroll, Brendan McMahon and Brian McKivergan, all c/o Club Rockies.

SYMPATHY

Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of Terence Foley, Hillview Drive, Caherslee; and Maureen O’Sullivan (nee Foley), Ballinorig Estate and late of Shanahill, Castlemaine who died during the past week.