Seán Stack
Encyclopedia
Seán Stack is a retired Irish
sportsman. He played hurling
with his local club Sixmilebridge
and with the Clare
senior inter-county team in the 1970s and 1980s. Stack is regarded as one of the greatest players never to have won an All-Ireland
title.
in 1953. His father was a native of Kerry wile his mother hailed from Glin, County Limerick
. Stack spent the first year of his life in Listowel before moving to Glin for three years. In 1957 his father purchased a farm of 97 acres (392,545.4 m²) near Sixmilebridge
, County Clare
.
Stack was educated locally and first came to prominence on the hurling field at school and college. He later moved the United States
where he spent a number of years working.
with his local club in Sixmilebridge
and enjoyed much success. He won his first senior county title with the club in 1977. It was the first county championship victory in the history of the club. Stack’s side later played in the Munster
club final, however, Blackrock
from Cork
emerged victorious after a replay.
Two years later in 1979 Stack won a second county medal. He won two more back-to-back county medals in 1983 and 1984. This latter victory was later converted into a Munster club medal following a 4-10 to 2-6 triumph over Patrickswell
. ‘The bridge’ were later defeated by Castlegar
in the All-Ireland semi-final.
1989 saw Stack collect a fifth county medal before lining out in his third Munster club final. For the second time Sixmilebridge were defeated in the provincial decider.
Stack captured another set of back-to-back county medals in 1992 and 1993. On both occasions ‘the bridge’ reached the Munster final, however, on both occasions he ended up on the losing side. The latter defeat was bittersweet for Stack as his club side were defeated by Toomevara
, a club that he was coaching at the time. He retired from club hurling following this defeat.
minor hurling team in the early 1970s. He captained the side in 1971 as he lined out in the Munster minor final against Cork. On that occasion ‘the Rebels’ were too good for Clare and trounced Stack’s side by 6-13 to 3-5.
Stack later joined the county under-21 team. He lined out in the Munster final in that grade in 1972, however, Tipperary
won by a single goal. Two years later in 1974 Stack was back in a second under-21 provincial final. Once again Clare looked poised for victory, however, Waterford
won by 2-5 to 1-3.
By this stage Stack had already joined the Clare senior hurling team. He made his debut against Galway
in a National Hurling League
game in late 1973 and made his senior championship debut in 1974. That year Stack lined out in his first senior Munster
final. Liemrick
, the reigning All-Ireland champions, provided the opposition on that occasion, however, Clare looked likely to make the big breakthrough. Unfortunately, this never materialized and Clare were heavily defeated by 6-14 to 3-9.
Two years later in 1976 Clare made further progress when they reached the final of the National League. Kilkenny
provided the opposition on that occasion, however, the game turned into a rout. Stack’s side lost the game by 6-14 to 1-14.
1977 saw Stack lining out in his second consecutive National League final and, once again, it was Kilkenny who were the opponents. At last Clare made the big breakthrough at national level and won the game by 2-8 to 0-9. It was Stack’s first National League medal. Later that summer Clare reached the Munster final and expectations were high. Cork were the opponents on that occasion and an exciting game followed. Once again, Clare’s hopes were dashed as Stack’s side lost the game by 4-15 to 4-10.
In 1978 Stack was appointed captain of the Clare senior hurling team. That year his side reached their third successive National League final with Kilkenny providing the opposition for the third year in-a-row. Stack’s team were now very much in their stride and brushed ‘the Cats’ away by 3-10 to 1-10 giving him a second National League medal. The subsequent Munster final saw Clare take on Cork for the second year in-a-row. Once again the game was an exciting affair, played out in front of 55,000 spectators. On this occasion Clare were the firm favourites, however, Cork were aiming for a third All-Ireland title in-a-row and nothing was going to stop them. ‘The Rebels’ won the game by 0-13 to 0-11 and dashed Stack’s hopes once again.
Three years later in 1981 Clare were back on form and reached the provincial decider once again. Limerick, the reigning champions, were the opponents on that occasion, however, Clare failed to step up to the mark once again. Stack’s side suffered a 3-12 to 2-9 defeat, thus ending Clare’s championship campaign. In spite of this defeat Stack was later presented with a coveted All-Star
award.
Five years later in 1986 Stack lined out in his fifth Munster final, however, he had yet to end up on the winning side. Cork provided the opposition on that occasion as they were attempting to capture a record-equaling fifth consecutive provincial title. Once again both sides served up an exciting game, however, for the fifth time Stack was defeated in a provincial decider by 2-18 to 3-12.
Stack retired from inter-county hurling following a National League game against Wexford
in early 1987.
in the inter-provincial hurling competition. He first played for his province in 1980, however, Connacht
were the victors on that occasion. Stack continued to play for his province for another few years and captured two Railway Cup medals in 1984 and 1985.
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
sportsman. He played hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
with his local club Sixmilebridge
Sixmilebridge GAA
Sixmilebridge is a Gaelic Athletic Association club in Sixmilebridge, County Clare, Ireland.-History:Sixmilebridge Hurling Club was founded in 1904. The first recorded matches were at Junior hurling and football level against Newmarket on Fergus with the hurlers winning and the footballers losing...
and with the Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
senior inter-county team in the 1970s and 1980s. Stack is regarded as one of the greatest players never to have won an All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
title.
Biography
Seán Stack was born in Listowel, County KerryCounty Kerry
Kerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective...
in 1953. His father was a native of Kerry wile his mother hailed from Glin, County Limerick
County Limerick
It is thought that humans had established themselves in the Lough Gur area of the county as early as 3000 BC, while megalithic remains found at Duntryleague date back further to 3500 BC...
. Stack spent the first year of his life in Listowel before moving to Glin for three years. In 1957 his father purchased a farm of 97 acres (392,545.4 m²) near Sixmilebridge
Sixmilebridge
Sixmilebridge is a small town in County Clare, Ireland. Located midway between Ennis and Limerick city, the town is a short distance away from the main N18 road, being on the old "back road" between the two...
, County Clare
County Clare
-History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones...
.
Stack was educated locally and first came to prominence on the hurling field at school and college. He later moved the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
where he spent a number of years working.
Club
Stack played his club hurlingHurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
with his local club in Sixmilebridge
Sixmilebridge GAA
Sixmilebridge is a Gaelic Athletic Association club in Sixmilebridge, County Clare, Ireland.-History:Sixmilebridge Hurling Club was founded in 1904. The first recorded matches were at Junior hurling and football level against Newmarket on Fergus with the hurlers winning and the footballers losing...
and enjoyed much success. He won his first senior county title with the club in 1977. It was the first county championship victory in the history of the club. Stack’s side later played in the Munster
Munster Senior Club Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Club Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1964 for the top hurling clubs in the province of Munster in Ireland...
club final, however, Blackrock
Blackrock GAA
Blackrock National Hurling Club is a G.A.A. club located on the southside of Cork City, Ireland. The club was founded in 1883 and is primarily concerned with the game of hurling.-History:...
from Cork
Cork (city)
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
emerged victorious after a replay.
Two years later in 1979 Stack won a second county medal. He won two more back-to-back county medals in 1983 and 1984. This latter victory was later converted into a Munster club medal following a 4-10 to 2-6 triumph over Patrickswell
Patrickswell GAA
Patrickswell GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the small village of Patrickswell in County Limerick, Ireland. The club is almost exclusively concerned with the game of hurling.-Honours:*Munster Senior Club Hurling Championships: 2...
. ‘The bridge’ were later defeated by Castlegar
Castlegar GAA
Castlegar GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the parish of Castlegar in County Galway, Ireland. The club is almost exclusively concerned with the game of hurling.-Overview:...
in the All-Ireland semi-final.
1989 saw Stack collect a fifth county medal before lining out in his third Munster club final. For the second time Sixmilebridge were defeated in the provincial decider.
Stack captured another set of back-to-back county medals in 1992 and 1993. On both occasions ‘the bridge’ reached the Munster final, however, on both occasions he ended up on the losing side. The latter defeat was bittersweet for Stack as his club side were defeated by Toomevara
Toomevara GAA
Toomevara GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the parish of Toomevara in County Tipperary, Ireland. The club is almost exclusively concerned with hurling.-Honours:*Munster Senior Club Hurling Championships: 3** 1993, 2004, 2006...
, a club that he was coaching at the time. He retired from club hurling following this defeat.
Inter-county
Stack first came to prominence on the inter-county scene with the ClareClare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
minor hurling team in the early 1970s. He captained the side in 1971 as he lined out in the Munster minor final against Cork. On that occasion ‘the Rebels’ were too good for Clare and trounced Stack’s side by 6-13 to 3-5.
Stack later joined the county under-21 team. He lined out in the Munster final in that grade in 1972, however, Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
won by a single goal. Two years later in 1974 Stack was back in a second under-21 provincial final. Once again Clare looked poised for victory, however, Waterford
Waterford GAA
The Waterford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Waterford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for all levels of Gaelic games in County Waterford. The County Board is also responsible for the Waterford inter-county teams. The county...
won by 2-5 to 1-3.
By this stage Stack had already joined the Clare senior hurling team. He made his debut against Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
in a National Hurling League
National Hurling League
The National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
game in late 1973 and made his senior championship debut in 1974. That year Stack lined out in his first senior Munster
Munster Senior Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Munster in Ireland....
final. Liemrick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
, the reigning All-Ireland champions, provided the opposition on that occasion, however, Clare looked likely to make the big breakthrough. Unfortunately, this never materialized and Clare were heavily defeated by 6-14 to 3-9.
Two years later in 1976 Clare made further progress when they reached the final of the National League. Kilkenny
Kilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
provided the opposition on that occasion, however, the game turned into a rout. Stack’s side lost the game by 6-14 to 1-14.
1977 saw Stack lining out in his second consecutive National League final and, once again, it was Kilkenny who were the opponents. At last Clare made the big breakthrough at national level and won the game by 2-8 to 0-9. It was Stack’s first National League medal. Later that summer Clare reached the Munster final and expectations were high. Cork were the opponents on that occasion and an exciting game followed. Once again, Clare’s hopes were dashed as Stack’s side lost the game by 4-15 to 4-10.
In 1978 Stack was appointed captain of the Clare senior hurling team. That year his side reached their third successive National League final with Kilkenny providing the opposition for the third year in-a-row. Stack’s team were now very much in their stride and brushed ‘the Cats’ away by 3-10 to 1-10 giving him a second National League medal. The subsequent Munster final saw Clare take on Cork for the second year in-a-row. Once again the game was an exciting affair, played out in front of 55,000 spectators. On this occasion Clare were the firm favourites, however, Cork were aiming for a third All-Ireland title in-a-row and nothing was going to stop them. ‘The Rebels’ won the game by 0-13 to 0-11 and dashed Stack’s hopes once again.
Three years later in 1981 Clare were back on form and reached the provincial decider once again. Limerick, the reigning champions, were the opponents on that occasion, however, Clare failed to step up to the mark once again. Stack’s side suffered a 3-12 to 2-9 defeat, thus ending Clare’s championship campaign. In spite of this defeat Stack was later presented with a coveted All-Star
GAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
award.
Five years later in 1986 Stack lined out in his fifth Munster final, however, he had yet to end up on the winning side. Cork provided the opposition on that occasion as they were attempting to capture a record-equaling fifth consecutive provincial title. Once again both sides served up an exciting game, however, for the fifth time Stack was defeated in a provincial decider by 2-18 to 3-12.
Stack retired from inter-county hurling following a National League game against Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
in early 1987.
Provincial
Stack also lined out with MunsterMunster GAA
The Munster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Munster.-Constituent counties:*Cork*Clare*Kerry*Limerick*Tipperary*Waterford-Honours:...
in the inter-provincial hurling competition. He first played for his province in 1980, however, Connacht
Connacht GAA
The Connacht Council are a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Connacht.-Constituent counties:*Galway*Leitrim*Mayo*Roscommon*Sligo-Special counties:...
were the victors on that occasion. Stack continued to play for his province for another few years and captured two Railway Cup medals in 1984 and 1985.