“The Stacks are Back, The Stacks are Back, Let the Railway End go Barmy, Hill 16 has never seen the Likes of Joe Joe’s Army” – so sang the Rockie supporters 40 years ago, and a reunion was held in Connolly Park on Saturday evening for that 1977 team that won the All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship.
The event got underway with our vice-chairperson, Máiréad Fernane welcoming all present to the club. She recounted what was happening in the world back then and in particular on “The Street of Champions,” when the senior football team defeated Kenmare in the 1976 County Final (1-14 to 0-7,) culminating in an All Ireland victory in Croke Park on 13th March 1977 over Ballerin of Derry, and the ensuing celebrations homeward and on Rock Street, the memories of which are still embedded in the minds of those involved in Austin Stacks 40 years ago.
Videos of both the 1976 Kerry Co. Final and the All-Ireland Final were shown on the big screen.
The M.C. for the evening was Tim Moynihan of Radio Kerry, and he did a fine job introducing the players and interviewing them. The commemorative medallions were presented by Mícheál Hayes, who would have taught and trained 30 of these players in the early stages of their football careers from 1961, six of whom have since passed away.
Presentations: Teddy Brick RIP (medal presented to his sister, Helen Leahy); Garry Scollard (son Ger received his medal); Noel Power; Paul Lucey (medal received by his daughter, Ciara. Paul’s grandaughters Hannah Mai and Ellen play football with the Ladies Club); Fintan Lawlor; Tony O’Keeffe; Ger Power; John O’Keeffe; Ger O’Keeffe; Fionnan Ryan (sons Sean and Fergal play with the senior football team); Timmy Sheehan; Jackie Power; Paudie McCarthy; Mikey Sheehy (scored 3-31 in that campaign); Colm Mangan (sons Brían and Fiachna on senior football team); Billy Curtin; Paddy “Whack” Moriarty; Mike Culloty; Aidan O’Connor; Jay Galvin; Terry McSweeney. Dinny Long and Joe Joe Barrett were unable to attend. Medals for selectors with the team, Jimmy Barry RIP and Frank King RIP were presented to Mary Barry Fitzmaurice and Peggy King.
In concluding the evening, Máiread Fernane thanked everyone involved in making it such a success – the organisers, Noreen Power, Bernie Mannix and Elma Nix; Martin Collins and Tim Slattery for background information and statistics; Francie Breen for his technical expertise with videos; and the hardworking bar staff, Denis Sayers, Annette Carmody and team, who always provide lovely food and refreshments for all visitors to the Club.
The next event on the club calendar will be the launch of the much anticipated Centenary Book, which is due to hit the shelves shortly. Orders can be made with Club Secretary, Elma Nix on 086/1053300, more info on website.