.Jordan Kissane is presented with the trophy by Ena Healy after his team won the Charlie Healy Memorial tournament. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlin
A JUVENILE tournament was held in Connolly Park on Sunday in memory of a great Rockie.
A mini-blitz for the Austin Stack Club U12 boys remembered the late Charlie Healy, a great Rock mentor and follower who died in August.
His wife, Ena Healy, presented Jordan Kissane with the winners trophy at the end of the blitz and players received medals and trophies for their achievements during the year.
The event was co-ordinated by U12 bainisteoirí/meantóirí, Denis Sayers, Armin Heinrich and Tom Foley.
The Healy family came along to Connolly Park for an event that all agreed he would have been proud of.
Adrienne McLoughlin took these photos at the event…
.Participants in the Charlie Healy Tournament with members of the Healy family. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlinAction from the tournament. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlinA youngster in action during the tournament. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlinInterested spectators at the tournament. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlinAction from the tournament. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlinAction from the tournament. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlinJordan Kissane (centre) and pals after the tournament. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlin
SADLY for Rockies, it wasn’t to be at Fitzgerald Stadium yesterday as their side suffered a one-point defeat at the hands of great rivals Dr Crokes.
But the black and amber army still made themselves heard, bringing great support from Tralee, even outnumbering the ‘home’ side’s support.
We were there to capture the atmosphere as the fans arrived in the video below and we snapped some familiar faces on the terraces at half-time.
Scroll down for video and photos…
.Looking on the bright side of things at halftime. Photo by Dermot Crean.Rockies fans waiting for the second-half to start. Photo by Dermot CreanRockies on the terrace at half-time. Photo by Dermot Crean.Well-known club stalwarts during the half-time break. Photo by Dermot CreanTaking time out for a photo at half-time. Photo by Dermot CreanDiscussing the first half action on the terrace. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fans discuss the first-half action. Photo by Dermot CreanAustin Stacks fans waiting for the second-half to start. Photo by Dermot CreanWaiting for better things in the second half. Photo by Dermot CreanRockies ponder on their side’s opening half performance. Photo by Dermot CreanWell known Stacks men at the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanYoung Rockies at the game. Photo by Dermot Crean
A Rockie fanatic runs onto the pitch before the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
ROCKIES travelled in huge numbers again on Sunday to cheer on their heroes in Portlaoise.
Eight buses left the Austin Stacks Club at 10.45am and arrived at around 1.15pm in the Laois capital.
The nightclub area of O’Loughlin’s Hotel was taken over by Tralee folk and rocked to beat of the black and amber drums while people were fed and fuelled up for the big game ahead.
An incredible crowd took part in the march to the stadium at about 3pm and amused locals whipped out their camera phones to capture the atmosphere.
While Slaughtneil also brought big support, the Rockies won the battle of who was the loudest over the course of the game, with Billy Sheehan and his megaphone stirring up the chants.
When it was all over, the fans stayed on to show their support to the players and management who have given so much joy to the fans over the past ten months.
Scroll down for loads of fan photos from the day…
John Carroll, Paschal Power, Lana O’Shea and Marie Quirke. At back; Mike Shea, Fiona O’Shea, Francie O’Shea and John O’Connor at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
John Smith, Joe Smith, Philip Moriarty, Siobhan Moriarty, James Smullen and Sean Kavanagh at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanMark Teahon, Sandra Leahy, Eilish O’Brien and Neilus O’Shea at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Rockie faithful at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanBernie Somers and Angela Fitzgerald at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanSeamus ‘Mog’s O’Mahony, Ed O’Connor, Alannah O’Connor, Tracy and Shannon Dowling at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanMartina, Katie and Ann Slattery and Sean Naughton at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanJohn Dillane, Tim Walsh, Eddie Dowling and Dave Scanlon at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanMike Murphy with Aisling and Matthew Browne at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanAmy Quirke at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanSean O’Connor, Michael O’Connor and Aidan Kane at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanRockie supporters at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanJoe Quirke at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanJohn ‘Collie’ Collins, Francie Breen and Kevin O’Carroll at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanNoreen Landers, Siobhan Naughton, Deborah Meehan, Susan Healy and Barbara Liston at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanAndrea O’Donoghue, Maria Reilly, Niamh Collin and Niamh Collins at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanPaudie Looney, Donnacha Sayers, Denis Sayers and Jimmy Carton at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanMary Lehane, Philip Lehane, Francis Roche and Philip Moriarty at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanJoseph Kinsella, Sr Kathleen Collison, Mary Kinsella, Aileen Galvin and Sarah Galvin at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanSean Myers and Robert O’Connor at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanPaudie Healy, John O’Callaghan, Yvonne Byrne, Edward Byrne, Alan Tobin, Mary Lacey, Lorraine Healy and Marian Griffin at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanFrankie Murphy, John Gotteridge, Billy Sheehan, Padraig Locke, Dave Billings and Adrienne McLoughlin at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanKieran Kelliher, Michelle Kelliher, Marian Lyons, Deirdre Power, Siobhan Power and Orla Coyne at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanJackie Power, Patrick White, Francie Breen, Mark Teahon and Paschal Power at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanAisling O’Brien, Kayleigh Quirke, Sharon Cronin, Gillian Barrett, Aisling O’Mahony, Sarah Hobbert, Nicole Roche and in front, Lorraine Counihan at O’Loughlin’s Hotel in Portlaoise prior to the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Rockies making their way through the streets of Portlaoise on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanRockies on their way to O’Moore Park on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanRockies making their way through the streets of Portlaoise on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanRockies making their way through the streets of Portlaoise on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanLeading the way in the parade on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanSeamus Smith waves the flag in front of the black and amber army in O’Moore Park. Photo by Dermot CreanThey certainly are. Photo by Dermot CreanOne man and his dog…John Collins and friend on the pitch before the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanRockies making their way through the streets of Portlaoise on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Gavin O’Connor spoke to Austin Stacks boss, Stephen Stack, recently about preparations ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final showdown with Slaughtneil…
Stephen Stack.
“NO REGRETS” has been the Austin Stacks mantra since they began their club championship campaign nine months ago.
For many of the players, Sunday will be the most important game of their lives.
Stephen Stack and his team have been doing their homework on Ulster opponents, Slaughtneil, in the All-Ireland club championship semi-final this Sunday. They’ve waited a long time since the Munster final in November, but Stephen Stack and his charges are ready for battle.
Continued below…
“It’s uncharted territory for us because we’ve never had this sort of a layoff between championship matches. We took a week or maybe ten days off just before Christmas, we got straight back into it then, we’ve been working away really for the last six or seven weeks fairly hard.”
Challenge matches against the Clare senior team and the Cork U21s, plus a town championship final against O’Rahilly’s has helped Stack and his charges prepare for Sunday’s big match. Ronan Shanahan remains the only injury worry, a decision on the defender’s fitness is expected at the end of the week.
“The lads at this stage can see that they’re getting very close to the game coming around. We’ll be tailing off the week of the match and getting in the right frame of mind because that’s going to be very important,” said Stack.
“Ok, the year does drag out, but we’ll take that. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these players, and I think they recognise that themselves,” said the manager.
“The bookies have us as fourth favourites. We bridged a 20 year gap by winning the county title and bridged a 37 year gap in Munster, but I don’t get a sense that either the management or the players are settling for that. This is a once off opportunity. If we lose, I don’t want us to have any regrets, I don’t want them to be conservative. It’s an All-Ireland semi-final, we’ll have to go for it” said Stack
“In the last twelve months I’d say nearly every player has improved on aspects of their game. Some fellas previously might not have worked as hard, but they’re doing that now. It might not be the most natural part of their game, particularly some of the forwards.”
In 2014, their opponents, Slaughtneil, picked up their first provincial title which added to their second county championship in their history, the previous title coming in 2004.
“We’ve huge respect for them. Their background coming into the competition is very similar to ourselves. They’re very strong around the middle of the field. We’ve looked at five of their games on video and a friend of mine who’s a good judge of the game was at the Ulster Final, so he came back and spoke to our players about what they can expect.”
“They are very strong around the middle, good at retaining the ball. They don’t give it away too often and are very physical, but within the rules. They’re also very patient, those would be some of their characteristics.”
“There is a lot of similarities between how both teams will play. They’ve come through a lot of tough battles as well.”
“I think it’s going to be a physical battle, I think the middle third of the pitch is where the game will be won and lost. It’s the area where they have dominated nearly every team they have played. Patience and decision-making are the kind of things that will swing the game in club football. If you have a period of dominance it’s all about capitalising on that. It’s something we’ll be hoping to do.”
“It’s going to be a very tough game there’s no question about that, but I think we’ll be prepared for it,” he said.
AUSTIN Stacks senior team boss, Stephen Stack, has issued a rallying cry for all Rockie supporters ahead of the All-Ireland Club semi-final next Sunday.
In an open letter published on the Austin Stacks website last night, the Rockies manager asks the black and amber fans to make a special effort to support the team by heading to Portlaoise on Sunday, February 15.
“I am asking that every Rock supporter try to make every effort to come to the game as your support is so so crucial to us,” he wrote.
“I am aware in these challenging economic times that it is not always easy to travel with families with the cost involved but I know the club have previously and continue to be very supportive in this regard,” he continues.
“We feel our unique Rock supporters can give us a huge advantage and I am making a special ask on behalf of the squad that you might make every effort possible to attend the game and support the team.”
He also described how the players reacted after seeing Rory Kirby’s footage of the fans in the ‘Rockumentary’ DVD.
“I can tell you the highlight of the excellent Rocumentary by Rory was seeing all the supporters and the parades and the reaction at the matches and especially in Cork for the Munster Final. To a man this is what what the players have been talking about since they viewed it. We really do feel we have a 16th man on the field when we play now and with the strength of your support I could not articulate properly how important it is to us in every game we play,” he said.
The Austin Stacks Club poster for their trip to Portlaoise.
THE Stacks faithful have released more details of travel arrangements for their All-Ireland semi-final match in Portlaoise next month in a new poster published today.
The poster shows club players, management and stalwarts in a golden ring with the words of the ‘Celtic Symphony’ gracing the bottom – “We’re on the road again, we’re on our way to paradise”.
Continued below…
Buses will leave the clubhouse in Connolly Park at 10.30am sharp on Sunday, February 15, for the long trip to Laois where the Rockies will face Ulster Champions Slaughtneil with a St Patrick’s Day date at Croke Park the reward for victory.
They’ll head straight to O’Laughlin’s Hotel in the town centre for food and refreshments, followed by a march to O’Moore Park at 3.40pm.
The buses will depart for base in Connolly Park just a half an hour after the final whistle.
Tickets are just €10 return and are available at the Austin Stacks clubhouse.
Stacks fans gathered outside Pairc Ui Chaoimh before the Munster Final back in November. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Rockies will be on the move in their droves again next month, as the club have announced details of transport for fans to the All-Ireland Club semi-final.
For just €10 return, the black and amber brigade can travel from base in Connolly Park to Portlaoise on Sunday, February 15 (times to be confirmed soon).
The Tralee fans will be based in O’Loughlins’ Hotel, (right in the centre of Portlaoise town), a well known, GAA haunt.
O’Loughlin’s have organised parking for the coaches in the town centre and have given the club their large function Room, this will have a full bar with food available.
There will also be food available throughout the hotel.
The Stacks fans plan to march from the front of the hotel (with Garda escort), to the pitch, which is approximately one mile away.
Tickets for the buses will be available from tomorrow night (Wednesday) at the Austin Stacks Clubhouse.
Director of ‘2014: A Rockumentary’ Rory Kirby and Siobhan Naugthon manning the DVD stand, at the premiere in Siamsa Tire on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
PLAYERS, club officials and the greater Austin Stacks family gathered at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday night for the premiere of ‘2014: A Rockumentary’.
The DVD, put together by Rory Kirby, tells the story of Austin Stacks triumphant year in the wake of 2013’s disappointment of losing the County Final to Dr Crokes.
Continued below…
It features player interviews, match footage and, of course, the Stacks fans who lit up the championship this year.
Hundreds turned up at Siamsa despite the bad weather to catch a first look at the DVD in a special screening.
Just prior to the screening, we asked its creator, Rory Kirby, how long it took him to do the project.
“I suppose it was 19 years in the making,” joked Rory. “It was a big project and a lot of work went into it, a few late nights,” he said.
“The story I’ve focused on is that Stacks won it in 1994 and then there was a drought. Then later Wayne [Quillinan] came in, changed things around and moved things forward. Then Stephen Stack carried on the development and finished the job,” said Rory.
“It should be a great night and I’m looking forward to it,” said Rory.
Scroll down for photos…
Martina Slattery, Dinney Walsh, Seamus ‘Mogs’ O’Mahony, Wayne Guthrie, Mike Slattery, Katie Slattery and Bernie O’Connor at the premiere of ‘2014: A Rockumentary’ at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Paudie McQuinn, Jonathan Conway and Daniel Bohane at the premiere of ‘2014: A Rockumentary’ at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mikey Collins, Eoin Colgan, Noelle Cregan and Darragh Long at the premiere of ‘2014: A Rockumentary’ at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanChloe Smith and Chelsey Conway at the premiere of ‘2014: A Rockumentary’ at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanJohn, Catherine, Ella and Tara Smith at the premiere of ‘2014: A Rockumentary’ at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanFrancie Breen and Tony Hennessy at the premiere of ‘2014: A Rockumentary’ at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMarie Kirby with, in front, Emer Cotter and Liam Meade and Conor Kirby and Caoimhe Cotter at the premiere of ‘2014: A Rockumentary’ at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanBrian Caball, Paula Mangan, Pauline Barrett and Eddie Barrett at the premiere of ‘2014: A Rockumentary’ at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanRiain and Fionnán Hallinan at the premiere of ‘2014: A Rockumentary’ at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMorgan O’Connell, Dave Scanlon, Greg Scanlon, Lorraine Scanlon and Dell White at the premiere of ‘2014: A Rockumentary’ at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanSharon and Kenneth Cronin at the premiere of ‘2014: A Rockumentary’ at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Collins family Maurice and Delia with Mairead, Mikey and Bríd at the premiere of ‘2014: A Rockumentary’ at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanEmma Enright, Jonathan Conway and Brian Shanahan at the premiere of ‘2014: A Rockumentary’ at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
AUSTIN Stacks memorable journey to the Munster Club crown has been captured on a DVD to be on sale for the Christmas market.
Rory Kirby has been filming the Austin Stacks progress through the championship this year, getting exclusive interviews and access to the Munster champions for ‘2014 – A Rockumentary’.
Here is a sneak preview to the DVD which will be launched in Siamsa Tire on Wednesday, December 10 and if you’re a Rockie you won’t want to miss it.
Austin Stacks players with fans on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
AUSTIN Stacks’ Ulster opposition in the All-Ireland final have issued a request to move the fixture from Saturday, February 14 to the next day, which may affect live TV coverage of the game.
New Ulster club champions Slaughtneil lodged the request with the Central Competitions Control Committee GAA to change the date to Sunday, February 15, as one of the players in the Derry side has a family wedding.
While moving the fixture may not have a huge bearing on the preparations for players, it could mean the match may not be covered live on TG4, as there is a full programme of Allianz Hurling League fixtures on that Sunday which is likely to take precedence over a club game.
It could be a blessing in disguise for Austin Stacks as many more Rockies may travel to the game (which is likely to be in a midlands venue) if it’s not on TV.
Gavin O’Connor spoke to the Stacks players, manager and club chairman immediately after their Munster Club final win against The Nire at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday. Here’s what they had to say…(scroll down to the end for more action photos from the game)
Austin Stacks manager Stephen Stack embraces Darragh Long after the game. Photo by Dermot Crean
Stephen Stack – Manager
“I said to my players going out, do not have any regrets, do not not come back in here with regrets.
In the dressing room at half time we acknowledged we had a poor start, we said we had to try and make good decisions on the ball in the second half.
We had to to keep very tight at the back and not allow their inside forwards to get in room or scores, not to give cheap frees away and not to give the ball away, the ball must be like gold in Fort Knox.
We put Shane O’Callaghan, in as a target man, because we wanted Kieran [Donaghy], out around the middle to give us a little of stability and leadership.
I thought Donaghy was magnificent today, I don’t normally pick players out. The whole lot of them were.”
Wayne Guthrie in action on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Wayne Guthrie – Midfielder
“It was tough at the start when we went down to 14 men, but the feeling now is indescribable, we’re Munster champions! At the start of the year I didn’t think we would get this far.
We weren’t worried when, Shane [Carroll] got sent off. I thought it was a bit harsh, but as soon as it happened, everyone started talking to each other. We said ‘next ball, the sending off means nothing, let’s drive it on’.”
Darragh Long enters the fray on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Darragh Long – Forward
“There is a couple of fellas I played with in the start of my career, like Pa Laide, who always had a couple of medals over me, so this is one medal I can dangle in front of him (laughs)!”
This club is too big to not win big finals every few years. This team is good enough to go on and dominate for a couple of years.
We’ll enjoy the night and we’ll enjoy Christmas, we always look forward, so the semi-final is a carrot to put in front of us for a couple of months time.
From meeting up this morning there was a feeling that this team was not going to be beaten today. We could have went down to 13 men and it wouldn’t have made a difference.”
Daniel Bohane and Kieran Donaghy look a bit happy on Sunday after the game. Photo by Dermot Crean
Aidan O’Connor – Club Chairman
“After winning the county championship, from here on everything is a bonus. Right now we’re looking forward to a very good Christmas.
I’d have to confess, when we went a man down we were very concerned. But this team has showed amazing energy and it takes great teams to do what they did and they are certanly that.”
Scroll down for action shots…
The Austin Stacks players line up for the team shot. Photo by Dermot CreanShane O’Callaghan scores Austin Stacks’ first goal. Photo by Dermot Crean“C’mon!”…David Mannix celebrates scoring Austin Stacks’ second goal. Photo by Dermot CreanGreg Horan’s shot on goal is foot blocked by The Nire’s keeper. Photo by Dermot CreanPa McCarthy shoots……and scores the vital second half penalty. Photos by Dermot CreanFiachna Mangan shoots for the all-important insurance point to send the Stacks four points up. Photo by Dermot CreanMan of the match, Shane O’Callaghan keeps his eyes on the ball. Photo by Dermot Crean
THERE was an incredible atmosphere before, during and after the Austin Stacks v The Nire Munster Club final in Cork yesterday.
Ten buses put on by the Rockie club pulled up to the Cork Constitution rugby grounds at around noon, where hundreds piled into the clubhouse for refreshments and fuel for the day ahead.
TraleeToday.ie followed the fans from the clubhouse to the stands, to the pitch after to capture the atmosphere of the day.
Scroll down for a short video and loads of fan photos from the day…
Carmel Quilter O’Neill in front with Mark Teahon, Michael Healy, Sandra Leahy, Eilish O’Brien and Aidan Teahon at the Cork Constitution Rugby Club prior to the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanBernie O’Connor, Lorraine Counihan, Sarah Hobbert, Nicole Roche and Kaylee Quirke at the Cork Constitution Rugby Club prior to the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanRistears Pierse with Pa Laide and children Ciara and Barry at the Cork Constitution Rugby Club prior to the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanTim O’Rourke and Eric Knott at the Cork Constitution Rugby Club prior to the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanPadraig Clifford and Tim Slattery at the Cork Constitution Rugby Club prior to the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanKevin O’Carroll, Jack Murphy, Amy Quirke and Karina O’Carroll at the Cork Constitution Rugby Club prior to the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanPeter Nammock, Michael Carmody and Kieran Horgan at the Cork Constitution Rugby Club prior to the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanPat and Ger O’Carroll, Dave Prendergast and Anthony O’Carroll at the Cork Constitution Rugby Club prior to the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanNiamh Collins, Daniel Teahon and Karen O’Brien at the Cork Constitution Rugby Club prior to the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanJohn and Michael Murphy with Ashling and Matthew Browne at the Cork Constitution Rugby Club prior to the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanMarina, Sarah and Ann Barry at the Cork Constitution Rugby Club prior to the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanPaschal Power, Mike Shea, John Carroll, John Dowling and Alan Conway, with, in front, Con Bailey, at the Cork Constitution Rugby Club prior to the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanMaura McMahon, Joan Walsh, Denny Walsh, Mike Slattery, Katie Slattery and Pat Slattery at the Cork Constitution Rugby Club prior to the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanAnthony Moriarty, Michael McNamara, Martin Moriarty, Laura Gibney and Garrett Clifford at the Cork Constitution Rugby Club prior to the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanFans gather outside Pairc Ui Chaoimh before the game. Photo by Dermot CreanJimmy and Cillian Litchfield during the half-time break at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanSeamus Smith and Wayne Quillinan in pensive mood during the half-time break at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanCaptain Barry Shanahan celebrates with the Rockie fans. Photo by Dermot CreanA fan congratulates William Kirby after the game. Photo by Dermot CreanDavid and Ger Mannix celebrate with the new addition to the trophy cabinet at Connolly Park. Photo by Dermot CreanLiam Carroll, Christy Flaherty, Stephen Fernane and Seamus O’Mahony celebrate after the final whistle. Photo by Dermot CreanKieran Donaghy poses for photos after the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanSelfie time for Rockie fans with Stephen Stack. Photo by Dermot CreanTime to celebrate.
HOW many Austin Stacks fans marched to the stadium today? Eh, lots!
Judging by our video, probably around 600 to 800 Rockies took to the road from the Cork Constitution rugby grounds to Páirc Uí Chaoímh for the clash with The Nire.
They marched, they chanted and, as our video shows towards the end, they celebrated at the final whistle on a great day for The Rock.
Next up, a date with Ulster side Slaughtneil in February.
Scroll down for video of fans marching and chanting until the final whistle…
‘Mystic’ Gavin O’Connor – who predicted a four point win for Austin Stacks in his preview yesterday – reports on a historic win for the Rockies…
Kieran Donaghy and Daniel Bohane celebrate after their Munster final victory. Photo by Dermot Crean
Austin Stacks 3-5
The Nire 2-4
IT was some slog, but 14 man Stacks rally hard to capture first Munster title in 38 years.
“I said to my men going out at half time, ‘do not come back in here with regrets’. They were absolutely magnificent to do what they did today,” said Stephen Stack.
When free-taker, Shane Carroll saw the line in the 15th minute for a second yellow card offence, Austin Stacks were trailing by six points, things were looking dire.
But true to form the side buckled down and restricted The Nire to just a goal a point from then on.
Shane O’Callaghan was particularly impressive in that lone attacking role. He gave the Deise side a torrid time all afternoon, scoring a goal and setting up another.
In truth, the overall quality of this game was poor, with both sides coughing up possession regularly, despite that it was an engaging encounter because the high stakes involved.
The pitch in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, didn’t lend itself to good football, players throughout, slipping on the surface.
Trailing by 1-3 to no score, O’Callaghan hit back superbly for the Rock. He jumped high from a long ball in by Mikey Collins, turning and smashing the ball to the net.
The second goal was extremely fortuitous, five minutes later. Nire goalkeeper, Tom Wall, attempted a short kick out, but aimed the ball straight into, O’Callaghan’s hands 20 yards out. ‘The Rockie Gooch’, then passed the ball to David Mannix who made no mistake in slotting it home.
Barry Shanahan lifts the cup. Photo by Dermot Crean
Despite being a man down, Stacks led at the break 2-1 to 1-3.
A bit of breeding space came for Stacks when they were awarded a penalty in the 42 minute because of a foot-block by The Nire goalkeeper on David Mannix.
Wing back Pa McCarthy, who has been a bit of dead-ball specialist, smashed the ball to the net, the scores now 3-3 to 2-4. The Nire were extremely wasteful and kicked 12 wides. Facing a better side today and Stacks could have been in trouble.
The rest of the game featured some extremely tough and tenacious defending, particularly from corner back Fearghal McNamara.
In the closing exchanges, Stacks were bossing it in midfield and with three minutes left, substitute, Fiachna Mangan, got the insurance point when he linked up with Donaghy.
The Nire, attempted a number of attacks, but didn’t have the quality to make a dent in The Rock’s lead. With two minutes of added time played, Referee, Conor Lane from Cork, blew his whistle to crown Austin Stacks kings of Munster for 2014.
What an adventure! Austin Stacks and the black and amber army can enjoy their Christmas.
Scorers
Austin Stacks: David Mannix 1-2 (0-2f), Shane O’Callaghan 1-1, Pa McCarthy 1-0 (penalty), Mikey Collins, Fiachna Mangan 0-1 each.
The Nire: Shane Ryan 1-1 (0-1f), Michael Moore 1-0, Brian Wall (0-1f), Michael O’Gorman, Conor Gleeson 0-1 each.
Scroll down for photos…
Fiachna Mangan gets the insurance point near the end of the match. Photo by Dermot CreanBarry Shanahan with the cup and fans after the game. Photo by Dermot CreanMikey Collins and Stephen Stack celebrate after the game. Photo by Dermot CreanPlayers and fans celebrate after the game. Photo by Dermot CreanDarragh O’Brien and Greg Horan hoist the cup aloft in celebration. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Austin Stacks graphic design department has been at it again over the weekend.
Last time they corrupted the famous Lord Kitchener poster from World War 1 to rally the forces for the Ballincollig game, but this time they’ve adapted a more modern cultural landmark to entice people to head to the game.
Kieran Donaghy and William Kirby are cast in the roles of Jake and Elwood Blues of Blues Brothers fame as the poster declares “we’re putting the band back together for a Cork gig”.
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According to the people at Austin Stacks, there is already ten buses booked for the trip to Pairc Ui Chaoimh (click on the poster image to get all the details). With about 50 people in each coach, that’s 500 already travelling, just by bus!
There is still time to get your name in for the trip so get your contact the clubhouse by tomorrow evening.
Incidentally, the backing band for ‘The Blues Brothers’ in the movie were the famous ‘Stax’ recording label’s session musicians.
They could have put their logo in the poster. Same colours, name and everything, see!
SO a documentary about Austin Stacks winning the county championship this year is about to be released in time for Christmas.
It got us thinking; What if there was a real movie made about the Austin Stacks journey to glory in 2014 and which Hollywood A-listers would play the main protagonists…
Starring Jason Statham as ‘Kieran Donaghy’
Both not classic leading men (to some), but their all-action style packs a box-office punch.
Jason Statham, has experience in the sports movie genre – he played the character ‘The Monk’ in the behind bars football flick, Mean Machine.
It might take a while, for Statham to master the accent though. And a boost in the boot department will be needed for him to put in a ‘Star’ performance.
Robert de Niro As ‘Chairman Aidan O’Connor’
“You talking to me?” isn’t a million miles off “You the man!” so this might be a neat fit.
De Niro is well known as a method actor, so it wouldn’t be surprising to catch him in The Greyhound a couple of months before shooting, pulling pints and greeting every customer with a solid handshake to make them feel welcome.
A trait the Stacks’ genial gentleman of a Chairman is famous for.
Liam Neeson As ‘Stephen Stack’
We suspect the Listowel man will be pleased with this selection.
You can just imagine Neeson, reprising his lines from the film ‘Taken’, when he finds out a couple of the Stacks players have been having a few sneaky pints in the run-up to games.
“What I have is a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over the years training footballers. If you put down the pint now, that’ll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don’t, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will drop you.”
Micheal Fassbender as ‘William Kirby’
No trouble with the accent, of course, and Fassbender’s patience and diligence in his roles is comparable to William’s 20 years waiting for a county championship medal!
The Phantom Menace As ‘Rockie überfan, Kevin O’Carroll’
Ok, we’ve gone too far now.
• Right, over to you. Did we get it right? Who would you cast in the role of some of the players or famous club members?
THE town had another visit last week from the FA Cup, thanks to member of the local Arsenal Supporters Club, Tony Monaghan.
Again, it wasn’t the ‘real’ one (see previous story here) that was presented to Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen earlier this year in Wembley, but a replica trophy.
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“There are three FA Cups,” Tony explained. “There’s the one that never leaves Wembley, ever! The second one stays at the Emirates and the third, this one, which does the rounds all over the world,” said Tony.
Tony explained the cup has visited businesses, hospitals, pubs and clubs all over town and always gets a great reception. It was in the Austin Stacks clubhouse last Sunday morning before the big game against Ballincollig, where it met the ‘Bishop’.
Rockies got a chance to take photos with the iconic trophies before Tony had to hand back the silverware on Tuesday.
Scroll down for photos…
Francie Breen with the Bishop Moynihan Cup and the FA Cup at the Austin Stacks Clubhouse on Sunday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanKevin Healy, Jonathan Lynch and Paul O’Connor with the Bishop Moynihan Cup and the FA Cup at the Austin Stacks Clubhouse on Sunday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanFrank, DJ and John Murphy with the Bishop Moynihan Cup and the FA Cup at the Austin Stacks Clubhouse on Sunday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanKevin O’Carroll with the Bishop Moynihan Cup and the FA Cup at the Austin Stacks Clubhouse on Sunday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kieran Donaghy and Barry Shanahan lift the Bishop Moynihan Cup on November 2. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE incredible story of Austin Stacks in 2014 is coming a screen near you!
Yes, the Rockies have decided to commemorate the incredible year they’ve had by releasing a DVD of their story in ‘2014 – A Rockumentary’, which will be premiered in Siamsa Tire on Wednesday, December 10.
This documentary tells the story of how the Stacks led, by manager Stephen Stack and his back room team won that magical county championship for the first time in 20 years.
Aided and abetted by the sixteenth men – the legendary Super Rockie supporters – they show the inside story, interviewing key individuals with never before seen footage of how Stacks climbed the mountain and claimed the ultimate prize in Kerry football.
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They also capture the subsequent excitement and action as the team embarked on a quest to become Munster Club Champions, a fate that will be known on November 30.
The DVD will be launched in Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday, December 10 where fans young and old will have an opportunity to watch the documentary on the “big screen”.
Tickets for this special event are priced at €10 with copies of the DVD on sale after the screening for €20.
Tickets will be available from Siamsa Tíre, from the Austin Stacks Clubhouse.
Will big Rockie numbers travel to Cork for the final?
THE Austin Stacks Club have announced that they are putting on special buses for the fans to travel to the Munster Club Championship Final in Cork and are charging just €5 return.
The subsidised buses will take the Rockie hordes to Pairc Ui Rinn, Cork for the 2pm throw-in on Sunday November 30 but fans better get their names in early!
“A limited number of Supporters Buses have been secured for the bargain price of €5 per person return,” reads a statement from the club. “Buses depart from Connolly Park on the morning of the game at 10.30am and return directly to Tralee 30 minutes after the final whistle. Bookings now being taken at the clubhouse on a first come first serve basis.”
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All tickets must be pre-paid and no alcohol is permitted on the bus.
“We guarantee an unforgettable day for all the family – so get behind the team and ‘Rock with the Rockies’ for the Big One!” read the statement.
The club also acknowledged the support received fromRock Street businesses.
“As was the case when the club filled 10 supporters buses for the Co. Final Replay in Killarney, once again the Businesses of Rock St. have come together and subsidised the cost of the Supporter’s buses travelling to Cork this weekend. Sincere thanks on this occasion to The Castle Bar, Linnane’s Bar, Terry’s Butchers, Paddy Power Bookmakers, Kirby’s Brogue Inn, Barry Packaging, Lucid Insurances & O’Flynn Interiors,” the club statement read.
Looks like ye better get booking lads and lassies!
WE’VE already put up the videos of the Austin Stacks fans, but TraleeToday.ie was also there to take photos of the fans on that sunny Sunday morning.
Rockie fans gathered at the Connolly Park headquarters before the game against Ballincollig and what a colourful lot they were.
No doubt they’ll gather early on Sunday week before boarding buses to Cork for their final date with The Nire.
Scroll down for photos from the club, parade and the terraces…
In front; Peter Kerins and Carmel Quilter O’Neill, with at back; Damien Dowling, Jack Murphy, John Murphy and Ciaran Murphy at the Austin Stacks Clubhouse on Sunday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanKenneth, Kian and Sharon Cronin at the Austin Stacks Clubhouse on Sunday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanIn front; Aisling O’Mahony and Sarah Hobbert, at back; Bernie O’Connor, Lorraine Counihan, Claire O’Sullivan, Laura O’Sullivan and Gillian Bradley at the Austin Stacks Clubhouse on Sunday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanYoung Rockies Aoife and Dara Naughton with their auntie Siobhan Naughton at the Austin Stacks Clubhouse on Sunday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanBilly Sheehan, Seamus ‘Mog’s O’Mahony, Tim McMahon, Peter Quinlan, Ger Teahan and Ronan Hurley at the Austin Stacks Clubhouse on Sunday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanLiam Lynch, Morgan O’Connell and Mark Teahan at the Austin Stacks Clubhouse on Sunday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanPeter Quinlan and Paudie Sugrue at the Austin Stacks Clubhouse on Sunday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanJack Murphy at the Austin Stacks Clubhouse on Sunday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanDamien Dowling, John and Pat Murphy at the Austin Stacks Clubhouse on Sunday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanBilly Sheehan rocking the mic on the parade through town. Photo by Dermot CreanRockie Carmel Quilter O’Neill with Ballincollig fans before the game on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanMichael Healy, John Collins and Kevin O’Carroll hanging the banners on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanThe roar of the Rockies goes up as another point goes over. Photo by Dermot CreanBarry Jones (centre) on the terraces during the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanWell known Rockie faces in the crowd at the game. Photo by Dermot CreanFaces in the crowd during the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanStacks fans reflect on the first half action. Photo by Dermot CreanUsing the half-time break to check the scores elsewhere? Photo by Dermot CreanTime for a half-time phone call at the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
WE’VE already shown you the Austin Stacks and Ballincollig fans creating fun on the streets of Tralee yesterday.
But TraleeToday.ie was also at the clubhouse on Sunday morning with the fans and we followed them on their journey to the stadium, on the terraces, right through to the final whistle.
Check out the short video below to sample some of the atmosphere on the day.
THE GAA seems to bring out the best in people and Sunday was no different in Tralee.
The Austin Stacks fans paraded through town and came upon the Ballincollig supporters, who came out from Turner’s and The Sportsfield Bar to witness the colourful carnival.
Both sets of fans greeted and wished each other well, with one particular Cork soul unable to resist joining in the fun!
There was a fantastic atmosphere all day long so fair play to both sets of supporters.
Kieran Donaghy celebrates with a Rockie fan after the game against Ballincollig on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
IT wasn’t the greatest of games, but it was certainly an epic!
Austin Stacks booked their place in the Munster Club Championship final after a three point win, 0-15 to 1-9, over Ballincollig at a sunny Austin Stack Park on Sunday afternoon.
They become the first Tralee team to contest the Munster Final since Kerins O’Rahilly’s in 2009, when they were pipped by Kilmurry/Ibrickane.
The venue is to be decided later, but Thurles could be a likely option after The Nire of Waterford beat Clare’s Cratloe in the other semi-final.
The Rockie hordes were out in force again but Ballincollig brought a huge crowd and almost completely took over the stand.
The Stacks fans were made to sweat though as the game went to extra-time, but a flurry of points in the first period gave the Tralee side breathing space and they never looked back.
There was joy and relief when the final whistle sounded and the black and amber can look forward to another day out.
Well done lads.
Full match report to follow…
Scroll down for a video of the players acknowledging the great Rockie support on the terraces and scroll further down for photos…
David Mannix, acknowledges the fans after the game. Photo by Dermot CreanKieran Donaghy consoles Cian Kiely of Ballincollig after the game. Photo by Dermot Crean“We did it!” Stephen Stack and Darragh O’Brien celebrate after the final whistle. Photo by Dermot Crean“We go again in two weeks!” or words to that effect from Stephen Stack to his charges after the victory over Ballincollig on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanDarragh Long is a happy man after the victory. Photo by Dermot Crean
This poster (click on image to enlarge) which was sent to TraleeToday.ie, issues a rallying cry to all Rockie fans for Sunday’s Munster semi-final clash with Ballincollig at Austin Stack Park.
Kieran Donaghy is in full Lord Kitchener pose to ask for the black and amber army to assemble for marching on Sunday afternoon at 12.45pm.
First,they’re congregating at 11.30am at the clubhouse and they’re even offering spot prizes for fancy dress and ‘reaction to score’.
It’s looks like it’s going to be another colourful day.
ON a day when the Austin Stacks team rose to the occasion to win their first senior championship county title since 1994, so did the famous Rockies’ support.
Stacks beat Mid Kerry by 2-13 to 1-7 in a replay of the senior county championship final in Killarney and hundreds of Rock supporters who filed into the ground before throw in, congregated underneath the tunnel of the terrace behind the goal.
The noise they made reverberated around Fitzgerald Stadium and no doubt spurred on their side even more.
Check out the black and amber army chanting before the match, in the video below…
Shane Carroll and Stephen Stack, celebrate, Kieran Donaghy’s goal with fans last Sunday. Photo by Oscar Brophy.
AROUND 700 Austin Stacks fans are expected to board free coaches to Killarney next week thanks to the club.
But the change of venue for this Sunday’s county final replay has forced Rockies to abandon their famous march to the stadium before big matches.
Because the replay between Austin Stacks and Mid Kerry takes place in Killarney, an estimated 700 Austin Stacks supporters will board free coaches at the Connolly Park HQ and drop them to the gates of Fitzgerald Stadium.
Tickets for the coaches are free and can be collected from the Austin Stacks clubhouse in Connolly Park. As it stands now, there are 12 buses booked provisionally.
Buses will leave Connolly Park at 1pm sharp, Sunday afternoon.
“It’s a disgrace really, the match should be on in Tralee,” said Kevin O’Carroll, of the Austin Stacks supporters group.
For last year’s county final in Killarney, Stacks fans, made their way by boarding special trains. This year, due to works being done on the train line, the extra carriages can’t be brought in for supporters.
“There will be no march to Fitzgerald Stadium this year. What will happen is, we will come in the Lewis Road entrance, then march across to the terraces and we will stop at the tunnel and have a bit of a banter there,” said Kevin O’Carroll.
Buses are scheduled to head back to Tralee a half an hour after the final whistle.
“Please God, if we win it, the first place you want to be is back at your own club and winning it is the most important thing,” said Kevin.
Ticket prices for the replay are unchanged at the price of €15 for adults, €5 for students, OAP and Juveniles (U16).
Showing their colours in the Austin Stacks clubhouse were, from left: Frankie Murphy, Deirdre O’Carroll and Corina O’Carroll. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
THEY come in their hundreds.
They’re noisy and colourful.
They are The Rockies fan club.
We caught up with one of the Austin Stacks fan club’s chief organisers, Kevin O’Carroll, to get a sense of the mood ahead of the hotly anticipated county final this Sunday against Mid Kerry.
“There is a great buzz around the place and a bit of jitteryness also! But if people weren’t a bit on edgy it would mean they didn’t care,” said Kevin O’Carroll, of the Austin Stacks supporters group who are hoping their team can win their 12th county crown.
The Stacks fans are well known for their march to the stadium when big games come around. The march can gather sometimes, up to 1000 people, if not more.
“In the last few years, since we started the official marches, we’re finding that people are enjoying them and talking about them as much as anything else” said Kevin.
On Sunday, the march is expected to head off at 1:30pm from Connolly Park, then make its way down Rock Street, by Kirby’s Brogue Inn and straight through town, until it hits its destination of Austin Stack Park.
“For last year’s final, we booked a train to go to Killarney. There were 1,000 fans that travelled with us and I guarantee you, there was children on it who will talk about it to their own children in 60 years time,” said Kevin.
“They won’t remember that Stacks got a hiding off Crokes, but they’ll remember the journey in,” said Kevin.
“Everyone is there for the same reason. It’s a great thing for the community and a great thing for the town,” said Kevin.
“Since the semi-final, everyone who stops and talks to you in the streets is on about the match. It doesn’t matter if they’re from Mitchel’s or Strand Road or wherever,” Kevin said.
We asked Kevin if he thought the whole town was behind the Rockies?
“Most of them probably are, in their own way, but it’s like anything else, you look at the big rivalries in sport and there will always be an element who want their rival to lose,” said Kevin.
When pressed if he would be part of that element should Kerins O’Rahilly’s get a final?
“I have to be honest, I probably would!” said Kevin.
“At the end of the day, sport isn’t the be all and end all. The most important thing is that people have a bit of craic and we’ll have a great day Sunday no matter what. Up The Rock!” said Kevin.
Scroll down for photos below and you want to see what the Rockies march looks like, this is a video of the march ahead of the 2010 final.
Showing their colours in the Austin Stacks club house were, from left: Frankie Murphy, Mike Healy, Terry Healy, Kevin O’Carroll and Joe Quirke. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.The t-shirts say it all, ‘Super Rockies, in the Austin Stack club house were: Pat Murphy and Timmy Sugrue. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Our previous trip to Dingle, five weeks ago, ended in a six points defeat for us, in the quarter final of the Club Championship. But our journey back west on a glorious summer’s evening last Saturday (14th June), for round six of the Co. League, reversed that result, thereby continuing our unbeaten run in this season’s League.
The first half ended all square on four points each with Shane Carroll contributing three from placed balls and our only score from play coming from David Mannix in the 24th minute.
Mikey Collins’ first half pointed effort went just left and wide of the upright. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlin
Four minutes after the resumption Dingle went ahead again. But we were defending in numbers, as we did in the first half, soaking up all the pressure that Dingle threw at us and we now started to attack in droves. And this included almost everyone from Ciarán O’Connell, wearing the unfamiliar number two jersey, out.In the space of five minutes (from the 35th to the 40th) we went into a three points lead (0-8 to 0-5) with four great scores from David Mannix, Darragh O’Brien, Fiachna Mangan and Greg Horan.
In the next ten minutes two points for the home side and one for us by Mikey Collins left us ahead by two with ten minutes remaining (0-9 to 0-7). But we took complete control in those remaining minutes, scoring a further six points without reply. Two of these came from two more Shane Carroll frees with the other four coming from play by David Mannix (his 3rd of the day) and three brilliant points from two of our outstanding defenders – Conor Jordan with two and the other one by corner back Ciarán O’Connell.
Minor, Sean Ryan, had his first full senior match in the Black and Amber. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlin
Our display, especially in that second half, was as good as we have seen all season. Jonathan’s kick-outs almost always found a Rock man, as they normally do. Team captain, Barry Shanahan, launched many a Stacks attack. Seán Ryan, playing his first full game (he made his debut the previous week when coming on as a sub) was very impressive. Wayne Guthrie won a lot of ball around the middle and the evergreen Kirby got a standing ovation when coming off after playing 58 of the 60 minutes. Up front all our six forwards scored.
Team: Jonathan Conway, Ciarán O’Connell (0-1), Barry Shanahan (Capt), John Dennis, Pa McCarthy, Conor Jordan (0-2), Seán Ryan, Wayne Guthrie, William Kirby, Michael Collins (0-1), Greg Horan (0-1), Fiachna Mangan (0-1), David Mannix (0-3), Shane Carroll (0-5 frees), Darragh O’Brien (0-1).
Subs: Darragh Long (54m), Darren Tiernan (58m).
SF CO. CHAMPIONSHIP: We have drawn Rathmore in the next round (last 15) of the Co. Championship. This will only be the second meeting between the sides in this competition. Our only other meeting was at the quarter final stage of the 2010 Championship when we had eight points to spare (1-13 to 1-5) over the East Kerry side.
There is a possibility, if so desired, that the game could double up with the round 4 Co. League game, as both ties are home games for us.
SENIOR HURLING: Austin Stacks 2-9; Kenmare 2-9.
So far, this season, it has been impossible to separate these sides. When they met at the end of April in the first round of the South Kerry League it ended in a draw. Both teams ended up on seven points each in the League table at the end of the round stage of the League. So last Wednesday evening’s (11th June) game, played in ideal conditions in Connolly Park, doubled up as a play-off in that South KerryLeague (with the winners to go through to the final and the losers contesting a semi final against Duagh) and as round 1 of the County SH League (Div 3).
We had a very good first half. We defended very well, with Peter O’Regan and Andrew Morrissey clearing their lines on numerous occasions and Kevin O’Leary, Paudie Bradley, Jim McCarthy and Seán King as solid as ever. Michael O’Leary was soundness personified in his unusual position in goals.
Upfront the scores were coming as well with goals by John McCarthy and Joe Brennan and points from Ronan Gilsenan, Paul Daly ( 2 frees) and Danny Maguire and one also from Joe Brennan. New man, Aaron Barry was also catching the eye with good incisive play as was Brian Meehan. Shane Fitzgerald was doing well in the centre also. The one concerning factor was the number of wides we had in that first half – 11 in all – which was most uncharacteristic for our lads, especially on a glorious summer’s evening.
So at half time things looked comfortable enough when we led by 2-5 to 1-1 after playing well within ourselves.
A win for us looked odds on eight minutes into the second half when we had extended that lead with two more points from John McCarthy and Danny Maguire But gradually Kenmare edged themselves back into the game, scoring six points without reply between the 40th and 56th minutes to leave just three between the sides at that stage (2-7 to 1-7). Paul Daly converted a 65 in the 58th minute to put us four up again, but in the space of a minute Kenmare added a goal and a point to see the sides level for the first time in the game.
In the 61st minute Paul Daly put us in front again with a pointed free after Brian Meehan was fouled but on the stroke of full time the visitors equalized and that’s how it ended.
The result meant a point on the Co. League table for both sides but it also necessitates a replay to determine who goes where in the South Kerry League (winners to the final, losers to the semi final).
As we said it was good to see Aaron Barry making his Senior debut – he did play Juvenile Hurling with the Club in the past. It was also good to welcome new-comer Stephen Pierce to the squad and also good to welcome back Ross Long after an absence.
Team: Michael O’Leary, Kevin O’Leary, Peter O’Regan, Paudie Bradley, Andrew Morrissey, Jim McCarthy, Seán King, Shane Fitzgerald, Joe Brennan (1-1), John McCarthy (1-1), Danny Maguire (0-2), Aaron Barry, Paul Daly (Capt) (0-4 – 3 free, one 65), Ronan Gilsenan (0-1), Brian Meehan.
Subs: David Field (45m), Kieran McCaughley (50m), Damien McCarthy (51m).
Our round 2 Co. League game, against St. Pats (East Kerry), is due to go ahead in Fossa on this Wednesday evening (18th June) at 7.30pm.
CONGRATULATIONS: to Club Hurler Seán King and Eva Corcoran on the recent birth of their son, Michael.
JUNIOR B FOOTBALL: Our B team were due to play their penultimate round of the Co. League away to Legion on Monday evening (16th June). With both teams topping the League Table on five points each a win will put us in the League final for the second year in succession. In the competition so far we had good wins over O’Rahillys (4-13 to 0-9) and Mitchels (1-17 to 0-7) and a draw away to Rathmore (1-10 each).
PÁDRAIG LYNCH: All in the Club extend congratulations and best wishes to Pádraig Lynch as he takes up a new jobs position in Kildare. While dual player Podge will not be severing his ties totally with the Club (he will be commuting down for the occasional game when time permits) his loss, nonetheless, will be felt by both Hurlers and Footballers alike and also by the Club Executive of which he was a loyal and valued member. Best of luck again Podge.
CONGRATULATIONS: to Tracey Nelligan (former Bar Manager) and Louis Heaphy (former Club footballer) who were married recently
CLUBHOUSE: As always the Clubhouse is available for all types of Parties. Phone Ian from 7pm at 066 7126942 for bookings.
BINGO: The Bingo session will continue on this and every Saturday night at 8.30pm in our Clubrooms.
SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of Margaret Aherne, London and late of Urban Tce., Boherbee; and Gerry Smyth, West Belfast (brother of Pauline Barrett, Ballyard) who died during the past week.
