AN CHÁISC: Beannachtaí na Cásca ar gach éinne. Happy Easter, all! Cáisc Shona! Joyeuses Pâques! Felices Pascuas! Frohe Ostern! Szczęśliwej Wielkanocy! Go easy on the eggs! What day falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox (March 21st)?
PEIL – ALL PLAYERS: Cúpla seachtain eile! Keep at the exercises: (i) kick passes, solos, pick-ups – cos dheas agus cos chlé; (ii) fist passes – lámh dheas agus lámh chlé; (iii) body catches – ard agus íseal; (iv) rith. Beireann foighne faoiseamh! Patience earns relief!
ZÚMSHEISIÚN FAOI 13: Well done to all who took part in our Zoom sessions last week and to our Lifestyle voucher draw winners, Aodhán Horgan and Tadhg Falvey. We all await news of our return date and, just as importantly, the manner in which we can restart football. It has been a long wait and no doubt players and coaches alike must have wondered at times if we’ll ever make it back. Ach, chomh siùráilte is atá cros ar asal, beimid ar ais ar an bpáirc sul i bhfad i gcoinne: Na Misteálaigh, Na Gaeil, Buachaillí ón Leamhain agus a leithéidí! We’re back online on Wednesday (Céadaoin an Bhraith) at 7pm, again on Saturday at 4pm and on Sunday morning (Domhnach Cásca) at 11am. Zoom login details will be posted on the parent’s WhatsApp group in advance.
ZÚMSHEISIÚN FAOI 15: The U15 boys are pushing very hard and are taking their workouts seriously. We still have two Zoom sessions every week…an-obair ar siúl! We have great numbers of enthusiastic players in attendance at both Eric’s Strength and Conditioning session and Richie’s Skills session. Extra sessions will take place during the Easter break (from school!!). Coimeádaigí súil ghéar ar an Parents’ WhatsApp Group. Leanaigí oraibh, a gharsúna!
PEIL FAOI 17: Fingers crossed for our U17 lads!
PEIL NA mBAN: All club shoppers are requested to support the Austin Stack Club ladies if shopping in Lidl. Ceithre chéim shimplí chun airgead a bhailiú do mhná an chlub: (1) download/open the Lidl Plus App, (2) select the Austin Stack LGFA as your chosen club, (3) spend over €30 in-store and scan your Lidl Plus card, (4) collect 6 stamps by Sunday April 11th and submit your card via Lidl Plus. Mórbhuíochas ó na cailíní go léir.
The Target is 50 stamps to receive a new set of Jersey’s for our Girls Academy. Closing date April 11th – please support Austin Stacks Ladies Club if shopping in Lidl.
SCRÚDUITHE: Best wishes to all students who are facing tests at this time….rath Dé ar an obair!
BINGO FUNDRAISER: Thanks to all families for their support of our bingo fundraiser last Friday evening. Great fun was had by all despite the lack of winners. We are greatly indebted to Eileen Nagle for her Trojan work in getting the game up and running.
FOCLÓIRÍN: Dochtúir na sláinte an codladh = the doctor of health is sleep. Ní hé lá na báistí lá na bpáistí = The day of the rain is not the day of the children. Is maith an t-anlann an t-ocras = Hunger is a great sauce. Is deas an rud an beagán ach é a dhéanamh go maith = Little is good but to do it well. Ní dhíolann dearmad fiacha = Forgetfulness doesn’t pay debts.
BÓITHRÍN NA SMAOINTE: Bóithrín na Smaointe – ón mbliain 2008: (i) FOOTBALL FAOI 6: In the last Under 6 outdoor outing of our 2008 season we saw (possibly!) The Rock Senior team of 2028 in action! The future of the club is in safe hands…these tiny tots have it all…nearly 50 mighty football men! The inaugural Jimmy Barry Cup competition was run off for these Under 6s and, after two very enjoyable semi-finals, Jimmy Barry’s own grandson, Niall Fitzmaurice, lifted Corn de Barra. The de Barra family was well represented at the presentation…ócáid speisialta…many thanks. In the first exciting semi-final the ‘Black and Ambers’, led by Cian Purcell, defeated the skilful ‘Stacks’ under the leadership of Jack Barrett…5-2 to 3-2. Semi-final 2 was won by Niall Fitzmaurice’s solid ‘Rockies’ after overcoming John Kenny’s exciting ‘All-Star’ team…6-4 to 4-2. For third place in the competition the ‘All-Stars’ had to battle very hard to overcome the determined ‘Stacks’ and they won by just one goal. In the final the ‘Rockies’ were just too strong for the hardworking ‘Black and Amber’ brigade. The victorious team: Niall Fitzmaurice, Evan Healy, Darragh Moriarty, Eunan Murphy, Morgan Ó Conaill, Aaron Deering, Simon Pierse, Elliot Lynch, Greg Scanlon, Pierce Gray, Evan Foley. Na Bainisteoirí: Pádraig Killeen, Jimmy Browne, Timmy Leahy, Seán O’Sullivan. (ii) FOOTBALL FAOI 8/10: The final Sunday morning outdoor games of the ‘08 season took place in Connolly Park…nearly two hours of non-stop skilful spirited football, good sporting competition and great excitement among players and parents. The Bracker ‘Regan finals were run off and, after a lot of leather-bashing and after an exciting final in that Under 8 tournament, the “Blonde Bombshell” from Rock Park, Gearóid Ó Síocháin, lifted the trophy for his team, ‘The Rock’. The O’Regan family was well represented at the presentation…ócáid speisialta eile…many thanks. Of course outstanding football was witnessed in this competition as the youngsters played with style and with passion. The winning ‘Rock’ side: Gearóid Ó Síocháin, Evan Maher, Jack Scanlon-Gaynor, Jordan Tearle, Donagh McMahon, Joe Bastible and Jake Deering. Brilliant skill was shown also by the Under 10 lads…great players…imreoirí den scoth! All in the Rock Club wish Kieran Killeen…one of the deadliest inside forwards in Tralee juvenile football… a speedy recovery from a hand injury that he picked up during Under 10 action on Sunday morning.
(iii) PEIL FAOI 13: Our club team bounced back with a good win over St Pats in the Shield competition on Sunday morning last. Barry Walsh captained the side but it was the powerful Tomas Ziga who dominated the game and he capped his performance by scoring 1-2. Others to impress were Graham Riordan and Shane Greensmith in defence and Mike O’Donnell, James Galvin and Eoghan McKivergan who terrorised St Pats. Our star wing back Darragh O’Carroll also picked up an injury in this game but we are hopeful that he will be back for the final…a game to which we look forward! An fhoireann bhuacach: Killian Comerford (cúl báire), Graham Riordan, Kieran Flanagan, Brian Horgan, Shane Greensmith, James O’Connor, Daragh O’Carroll, Tomas Ziga, Barry Walsh, Colin Griffin, Michael O’Donnell, James Galvin, Seán Fitzmaurice, Eoghan Mac Iomhargáin, Breandán Caball. Fir ionaid a d’imir: Dominic Horgan, Brendan Duffin, Anthony Moynihan. Tá an fhoireann seo i gCraobh na Scéithe…Shield finalists. This competition is sponsored by: ‘Micko’s Restaurant and Take Away’. (iv) PEIL FAOI 12A: Winners of Division One Shield Final: Seán Dukes (captaen), Seán Fitzmaurice, Colin Griffin, Mike O’Donnell, Jack Ó Muireagáin, Brian Hill, Richard Hurley, Shane Flaherty, Timmy Murphy, Daragh Scanlon, Claudio Dema, Craig Corcoran, Dylan Hennebery, Seán Ryan, Dylan Hartnett, Rory Hill. (v) PEIL FAOI 12B: Winners of Town League Shield Final: Cillian Ó Briain (captaen), Andrew McEllistrim, Jack Ó Dónaill, Shane Ó Néill, Tomás Ó Floinn, Eoin Ó Cuirc, Adam Bairéad, Cian Ó Cathasaigh, Daniel Ó Tíocháin, Jack Mac Carthaigh, Louis Ó Raghaill, Enda Jordan, Cathal Ó Raghallaigh, Oisín Mac Gearailt (0-1), Claudio Dema, Jack Murray, Jack Ó Muireagáin, Darren Bastible, Kevin Murphy, Sam Nealon. (vi) PEIL FAOI 15: Coiste Thrá Lí Final: Austin Stacks 2-7; Ardfert 0-7. Our final game of the 2008 juvenile calendar resulted in us retaining our Under 15 title following a hard earned victory over a strong Ardfert team in Connolly Park. Played in terrible conditions, this win brought the curtain down on a long and successful season for this particular bunch of outstanding players. Ardfert opened brightly with a point after just 3 minutes but our lads, with wind advantage, took control for the next 15 minutes and scored 6 unanswered points, 0-3 by Dean Bastible and 0-3 by Danny Roche. With half time approaching, Ardfert staged a great comeback and scored 3 points in quick succession and at half time we were 0-2 up. Facing into a gale force wind in the second half, The Rockies showed their true character and played some great football both in defence and attack. A goal by Dean Bastible 10 minutes into the half gave The Rock a 4 point lead. However, this was followed by 2 quick points from Ardfert with 15 minutes remaining. A great move out of defence, involving Ciarán O’Connell and Alan Duggan, resulted in a free on the 45 yard line to our lads. Captain Alan Crean scored despite the gale. The Rock defence was on top at this stage and a long ball into the full-forward line saw ‘’Deadly” Dean Bastible score his second goal of the game after which there was no way back for Ardfert. Ardfert scored 1 more point from a free and left the final score at 2-7 for Na Stacaigh to Ardfert’s 0-7. The celebrations at the final whistle were thoroughly enjoyed by our players, mentors and supporters alike. Goalkeeper Shane Begley kept another clean sheet and his kickouts into the wind were on target every time. Full-back Stephen O’Connor, laoch an chluiche, was supreme and had great support from his tenacious corner back duo, Johnnie Nolan and the great-hearted Greg Switzer. Centreback Michael Gallagher, ‘Gala,’ used his strength to break up several dangerous Ardfert attacks while on the left Ciarán Ó Conaill gave a very classy performance. Right half back Tom McLoughlin’s speed and ball carrying was most impressive. Midfielders Alan Crean and Micheal Godley deserve great praise for maintaining their high tempo right up to the final whistle. Centre forward Dean Bastible scored 2-3, all from play, and was ably assisted by his wing men, David Sullivan and Shane Walsh. In the full-forward line, Danny Roche won every ball in his area and scored 0-3. Full-forward Danny Carroll was forced to leave the field after just 10 minutes (injured); however, we had an excellent replacement in Darragh O’Brien. In the left corner, the towering Shane Crowley had a powerful second half and was involved in both goals. Alan Duggan, when introduced, showed great pace and linked up well with his forwards. Star forward Paddy Fitzpatrick missed this final due to an injury in a schools’ match during the week. Paddy is a great clubman and never missed a training session or match since the start of the season last April. This was a well deserved victory for this young Stacks’ team and with 14 of the panel eligible again next year the future looks bright for this group. Team mentors Tim McMahon, Noel O’Connell, Brian Morgan and senior player Seanie Power can be well pleased with their efforts. Panel: Shane Begley, John Nolan, Stephen O’Connor, Greg Switzer, Paul Galvin, Ciarán O’Connell, Michael Gallagher, Tom McLoughlin, Alan Duggan, Michael Godley, Alan Crean (captain; 0-1), Shane Walsh, Dean Bastible (2-3), Patrick Fitzgibbon, David Sullivan, Shane Crowley, Danny Carroll, Danny Roche, Brian Óg Caball, Darragh O’Brien, Luke Donnelly, Thomas Ziga, Scott Monaghan. Sponsors: Kerins Brothers and FBD Insurances. (vii) IOMÁNAÍOCHT FAOI 15/16: Hurling will take place on Sunday at noon. (viii) THE GREEN FAOI 15: The Munster final of Corn Uí Mhóráin saw The Green take on The Seminary in the Strand Road Pitch with the following Rock players: John Nolan, Tom McLoughlin, Shane Walsh, Danny Carroll, Alan Duggan, Paul Galvin, Shane Crowley, Patrick Fitzgibbon, Greg Horan; (ix) SCÓR na nÓG: The County semi-finals of Scór na nÓg will take place in Abbeydorney on Saturday next. Good luck to Shelley Ní Eidhin (solo singing) and to Megan Nic Ionnrachtaigh (recitation).
LOTTO: Club lotto tickets may be purchased at (i) Husseys’ Deli, Prince’s Quay, (ii) Maguires, Butchers, Caherslee, (iii) Kevin Barry’s Shop, Upper Rock Street, (iv) Paudie Commane’s Book Shop, Rock Street (when restrictions allow), (v) Terry’s Butcher Shop, Oakpark, (vi) O’Flynn Interiors, Rock Street, (vii) The Burger Shack, Monavalley, (viii) Kirbys’ Brogue Inn, Rock Street (when restrictions allow), and (ix) on https://play.clubforce.com/play_newa.asp?ll_id=529#Anchor
