TEDDY BRICK: It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of former Club Footballer, Teddy Brick. Teddy, who passed away peacefully early on Good Friday morning, had fought his illness over the past few years, and in particular over the past few months, with the same bravery and courage that he displayed in the many pitches where he played football for his beloved Rock over the 12 seasons he spent with the Senior team.
He had just turned 19 when he made his Senior Co. Championship debut in Austin Stack Park on the 28th July 1973, keeping a clean sheet in that first round victory over John Mitchels (1-13 to 0-9). Coincidently, it was also on the 28th July (1984) when he played his last Senior Championship game, this time going down to a Castleisland side by just one point. In all, he played 34 Co. Championship games with the Club over those 12 seasons.
In addition he played 21 Munster and All Ireland Club Championship games between 16th December 1973 and 10th November 1979. He won 4 Co. Championship medals (1973, 1975, 1976 and 1979), one Munster medal (1976) and one All Ireland Club Championship medal (1977). In addition he won seven Co. League titles between 1973 and 1982 and captained the team during the 1981 season.
He had the unique distinction of never missing a Championship game and never being substituted in any of those 55 games (County, Munster and All Ireland Club) he played in between 1973 and 1984.
Later, in the early nineties, he managed our Club Bar for a period.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Teddy’s family and many friends in the Rock and elsewhere, and in particular to his sisters Helen Leahy, and Breda Riordan.
SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is also offered to the families of the following who died during the past week – Johnny Boyle, Connolly Park and late of Casement’s Avenue (former Club Footballer and son of the late Anslem – former Club footballer and team Mentor); Michael McGrath, Kilmoyley and late of St. Brendan’s Park; and Mary Delia O’Mahony (nee Hughes), O’Mahony’s Bakery, Boherbee.
SENIOR FOOTBALL: Austin Stacks 0-12; Kerins O’Rahillys 1-6.
Our Seniors won their first Silverware of the season when they overcame a resolute Strand Road side in Austin Stack Park on last Saturday evening (4th April) in the final of the Town League. It was our second year in a row and our 3rd time in five seasons to win the John Kissane Cup.
Both Shane Carroll and Darragh Long failed fitness tests prior to the start of the game and at half time we lost the services of goalkeeper, Jonathan Conway and Brían Mangan to injury.
Only a point separated the sides at the end of the first half, Rahillys going in at the break one point in the lead (0-5 to 0-4). Two David Mannix frees and two from play by Shane O’Callaghan was our contribution in that half.
Three minutes into the second half Denis McElligott had us back on level terms after good work by Conor Jordan and Pa McCarthy. But we were rocked back on our heels three minutes later when the impressive Cormac Coffey scored a brilliant goal for the Road. Then in the 40th minute the opposition were unlucky to go down to 14 men and even though we have often seen the 14 men using this to their advantage we immediately came to grips with the situation, going on to score a further seven points without reply, from five different players – David Mannix and Wayne Guthrie (two each) and one each by Fiachna Mangan, Sean Ryan and, who else, but Pa McCarthy.
Barry Walsh had an excellent game as did team captain, Fearghal Mac Namara and, in particular, Ronan Shanahan, whose positional play was excellent. The final score of the game came late in added time with a pointed free by O’Rahillys.
The win was dedicated to the memory of our late colleague, Teddy Brick, for whom there was a Minute’s Silence prior to the start of the game.
Team: Jonathan Conway, Ronan Shanahan, Barry Shanahan,, Denis McElligott (0-1), Pa McCarthy (0-1), Fearghal MacNamara (Capt), Barry Walsh, Conor Jordan, Wayne Guthrie (0-2), Sean Ryan (0-1), Fiachna Mangan (0-1), David O’Sullivan, David Mannix (0-4 – 3 frees), Brian Mangan, Shane O’Callaghan (0-2).
Subs used: Greg Horan (ht), Patrick Fitzgibbon (ht), William Kirby (51m), Alan Duggan (60m).
Our next outing will be in round 3 of the Co. League when we travel to Glenbeigh on Sunday next (12th April) for a 2pm start. The last time these sides met in the Co. League was during the 1983 season which was the last time that Glenbeigh/Glencar graced the top flight.
SF CO. LEAGUE DIV 5: Our B team are due to travel to Duagh on Sunday next (12th April) to play the home side in the 3rd round of the Co. League. Throw in 2pm. Please note change of date.
MINOR FOOTBALL: Austin Stacks 0-15; Kerins O’Rahillys 1-5.
After a very good win last week in the Town League our Minors served up another splendid performance in Connolly Park on last Good Friday evening, this time in round 4 of the Co. League.
When these sides met seven weeks ago it was O’Rahillys who had the upper hand but on this occasion our boys played the type of football that we all know they are capable of.
As the game headed for half time we were in the lead by five points to one, with Ferdia O’Brien scoring all five (one from play). Up to that Rahillys had just one point on the board from a5th minute free and this was down mainly to a brilliant defensive display from our lads. Then in the 30th minute a free for the visitors came off the bar into the path of their wing forward who blasted to the net.
But straight away we were on the attack when a brilliant burst up field by corner back Ciaran O’Reilly, who had an absolute blinder of a game, found Louis Ryle who pointed, to leave us two up at the break (0-6 to 1-1).
Two minutes after the resumption we were awarded a penalty following a foul on Calvin Foley (what another brilliant game Calvin had) and Ferdia’s shot went over the bar. A minute later it was Calvin himself on the score sheet after good work by Philip Quilter and Pádraig Looney. After a 35th minute pointed free for O’Rahillys we went on the score four more, all from play, with Calvin on target twice and one each by wing back, Darragh Scanlon and Sean Dukes with a punched effort. That left us ahead by seven (0-12 to 1-2) as the game entered the final quarter and this was still the margin at the end of the game as both sides scored three each in the final fifteen minutes. Ferdia O’Brien was involved in all our three – scoring two (one from a free) and setting up the third which was put over beautifully in added time by Jack Morgan.
Team: Daniel Kinsella, Dylan Hennebery, Colin Griffin (Capt), Ciaran O’Reilly, Darragh Scanlon (0-1), Jack O’Shea, Cathal O’Reilly, Philip Quilter, Jack Morgan (0-1), Louis Ryle (0-1), Calvin Foley (0-3), Sean Dukes (0-1), Darren Bastible, Ferdia O’Brien (0-8 – 5 frees and one penalty point), Sean Fitzmaurice.
Subs: Padraig Looney (19m), Cian Liston (44m), Brandon Patterson (60m).
The 5th and final round of the Co. League is fixed for Friday week (17th April) at 6.45pm, also in Connolly Park against Dr. Crokes. But before that we are due to face the Strand Road boys again in the final of the Town League. The game is fixed for Connolly Park on next Friday evening (10th April) at 6.30pm.
CLUB SOCIAL: Our annual social was held on Easter Sunday night (5th April) and was a resounding success. The venue this year was Ballyroe Hotel with over 350 Rockies attending the function. Proceedings got underway with a champagne reception. Once seated, there was a slide show presentation of photographic action from the Austin Stacks club recorded during the year, and what a busy year it was, especially with our senior team’s club championship success all the way to the All-Ireland semi-final. The M.C. for the night was Andrew Morrissey.
Before the meal was served Francie Breen spoke on behalf of the family of the late Teddy Brick, recounting some memories before a minutes standing ovation was observed by all present in his memory.
After the meal our Chairman, Aidan O’Connor spoke, congratulating all present on various achievements during the year, and encouraging continued support of the various ongoing fundraising activities in the coming year towards the development of our second pitch – the forthcoming benefit Night At the Dogs, Bingo sessions to name a couple.
Senior Team Manager, Stephen Stack also spoke with enthusiasm, and on behalf of the Management and senior team presented the Austin Stacks Club and supporters with a framed montage of photos depicting memories of the year past. Mikey Collins was named Senior Footballer of the Year and was presented with the perpetual shield. The senior captain for the coming year is Daniel Bohan and vice-captain is Fearghal MacNamara.
In a break with tradition, the award for best club supporter of the year was presented to Denis “Dee Butcher” O’Regan, who accepted the trophy on behalf of all the Austin Stacks supporters, “The 16th Man”, for their continued massive support of the Senior Football team during the year. The Hurler of Year was Sean King, who received the Andrew McAllen Memorial Shield. The Players Hurler of the Year Award was presented to Andrew Morrissey by Club Chairman, Aidan O’Connor. Medal presentations were then made to the individual football and hurling players for the achievements at local, County and Munster levels.
The night’s entertainment then got underway with dancing to “Celebration” followed by the late night disco with Francie Breen. “Best Dressed” awards were presented to Ber O’Connor and Francie Breen.
Sincere thanks to the hardworking organising committee led by Mary McQuinn and Noreen Power for a very well organised event, and to management and staff of Ballyroe Hotel for their service and venue.
A very late night, but one to remember with happy memories for all present.
Our thanks to Adrienne McLoughlin for the above comprehensive Report and continued thanks to Adrienne for her outstanding photography of all aspects of Club activity. Finally a special thanks to Club Secretary, Elma Nix for her great work in organizing the medal presentation which was the centrepiece of this year’s Social.
CONGRATULATIONS: and best wishes to Niamh O’Halloran (grand-daughter of Club President, Brendan Dowling) and Padraig Slattery on their recent wedding. We wish you both health and happiness for the future.
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, commencing at 9.30pm each night.
LOTTO: Last Night’s (6th April) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 13, 18, 26 and 30.
The €20 Prizes went to John Moriarty, c/o Charlie Healy; Ger O’Keeffe, c/o The Club; Willie McNamee, c/o Carmel Quilter; Siobhán Power, c/o The Ladies; and Teresa Ashe, c/o Brendan O’Regan.