The fundraising luncheon at Ballygarry House Hotel was a resounding success, with 530 patrons initally enjoying a Jazz and Champagne Cocktail Reception. When everyone was seated, Club Vice-Chairman, Liam Lynch welcomed the gathering and spoke of the club’s fundraising initiative to develop the second pitch – ‘The Nuns Field’ – in Connolly Park. An introductory clip of Rory Kirby’s MacNamee Award winning “Rockumentary” was shown, with M.C. Eoin McDevitt of ‘Second Captains’ conducted an interview with Kieran Donaghy, discussing the background to what is now the Kieran’s infamous line on winning the All-Ireland “now what do you think of that, Joe Brolly?”, which was the cue for the Derry man himself to enter the room and turn the tables on Star! It was a very well executed surprise and went down a bomb with all present!
During the course of the meal, the club’s player employment initiative “Jobmatch” was explained to prospective employers present. This initiative will link employers who have vacancies with club members, including players, who are looking for work – keeping local GAA players and members employed locally.
Eoin McDevitt conducted brief entertaining interviews from the floor with Stephen Stack, Dinny Allen, Mick O’Dwyer, John O’Keeffe, William Kirby and Club Chairman, Aidan O’Connor.
Following the meal there was a very entertaining panel discussion on stage, with Eoin McDevitt interviewing Ger Power, Mick Galway, Micheal O’Muircheartaigh, Eoin ‘Bomber’ Liston, Tomas O’Se and Joe Brolly. The panel were introduced by Jerry Grogan, the voice of Croke Park, and a native of Cahirciveen.
The raffle prizes were announced, the first prize was the actual no. 14 jersey worn by Kieran Donaghy in the 2014 All-Ireland Final, signed and framed. It was won by John Moriarty.
All in all, an unforgettable occasion with Austin Stacks looking forward to the All-Ireland Club Football semi-final against Slaughneil of Derry in Portlaoise on 15th February. Thanks especially to the organising committee of Siobhan Naughton, Frank Stephenson, JP Brick, Ger O’Keeffe, Colin Teahon and Liam Lynch on a job very well done, and to Ballygarry House Hotel for the excellent meal and their professionalism.
Ann O’Regan Hoare, Denis O’Regan and Anne Sheehan.
Ollie and Eileen Kearns, Mr. and Mrs. Pat Murphy.
Senior player, William Kirby with Seamus Smith, Anne Lucid O’Donnell, Shane Lucid & Michelle Flynn
Micheal O’Muircheartaigh, Mick Galway and Kieran Donaghy.
John Tobin, Wayne Guthrie, Daniel Bohan and Jonathan Magnier.
shake hands and make up! Joe Brolly turns the tables on Kieran Donaghy!
Tralee CBS TY students who assisted with the raffle – Brandon Patterson, Rory Forbes, Joseph O’Connor, Conor Lowe, Adam Buckley and Dylan Hennebery.
HAIL HAIL! SUPER Rockies: Seamus O’Mahony, Brian Morgan, Hank Naughton and John Collins.
panel discussion – Ger Power, Mick Galway, Micheal O’Muircheartaigh, MC Eoin McDevitt, Eoin Liston, Tomas O’Se and Joe Brolly.
Joe Brolly entertaining the masses, Eoin Liston and Tomas O’Se enjoy the joke!
event organiser, Siobhan Naughton with M.C. Eoin McDevitt.
Aidan O’Connor in conversation with Jerry Grogan – the man behind that voice. Jerry’s is the famous voice we hear over the PA system in Croke Park on big match days and he certainly made a great addition to proceedings at the Austin Stacks Corporate Lunch.
Austin Stacks supporters, Healys and Quirkes.
winner of the first prize in the raffle was John Moriarty. L>R: Frank Stephenson, Liam Lynch, Joe Brolly, John Moriarty, Kieran and Hilary Donaghy, Deirdre Donaghy, JP Brick.