Yesterday, we had Gally (Rory Gallagher), a veteran of our last Junior A win in 2018 with his passion for 17th century French poetry, hopefully on Saturday next he can evade the St. Joseph’s Doora-Barefield defense with his incisive runs to notch a few points from midfield in the Junior A hurling final out in Tulla and afterwards, he can regale us all with his mastery of 17th century French poetry 😊.

Today, is the turn of the fly-keeper, Darragh Stack, another bright young talent from our brilliant Academy. Darragh is the latest representative from the Stack clan to grace the playing fields on the Clonroad. He follows in the footsteps of both his brothers, Conor, and Gary, under the tutelage of his father, Tommy. Darragh really burst on the scene earlier this year with a series of outstanding displays between the posts for the seniors in the Clare Cup and he followed this up in the Junior A championship with some super stops to date. Particularly at the conclusion of the 2nd half in the semi-final against Clarecastle where the Magpies threw everything (and I mean everything) at Darragh and the Eire Og defence but they held firm. Darragh marshalled his defense time and again, barking instructions at his older teammates in the backline. Regularly coming out with the ball in hand to set up another attack to relieve the pressure. He has an innate belief in himself that belies his years.

Darragh looking to thread the eye of a needle

It is worth remembering that psychologically, goalkeeping is by far the most demanding position on the pitch. It requires immense mental strength and a unique mindset that many other players don’t have. Only the most resolute players are cut-out to be good goalkeepers. In the old days, goalies were judged by their shot-stopping abilities but nowadays, their puckout accuracy is equally crucial and, in this regard, Darragh excels – he can put the sliothar through the eye of a needle. No doubt, a hurling star of the future for Eire Og.

Darragh marshalling his defense

As our fly-keeper, we all hope that Darragh will have a quiet today at the office next Saturday against the Parish, St. Joseph’s Doora-Barefield in the Junior A hurling final out in Tulla at 1.30 pm. Regardless of that, we can be confident that Darragh and the Eire Og defense will stand up to whatever is thrown at them. So, don your red tops and let’s get out and support Darragh & the lads. Here’s Darragh Stack -

1. Name – Darragh Stack

2. Position – fly keeper

3. Occupation/Career - jobseeker

4. Date of Birth/Age – 18

5. Where were you born – Limerick Hospital

6. When did you start hurling – I’d say around 6

7. Biggest influence on your career to date – my oldest brother Conor

8. When did you start playing with Eire Og – u8

9. Cups/trophies to date - u14b hurling and football, u14b Feile

10. Have you played for Clare/intercounty – u15, u16 and minor

11. Favorite thing about Eire Og - playing important games with teammates

12. What other sports have/do you play (besides hurling)- I did boxing for a few years and used to play football and soccer

13. What's your favorite TV show/film- Prison Break

14. Favorite music – all music but mostly rap

15. Favorite meal - would have to be the mothers roast beef

16. What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite for a drink & why – Muhammad Ali, Kevin Hart and Elon Musk

17. What would you change about the current GAA & why - get rid of games on Sky (unfair on elderly who don’t have it)

18. What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA - going to the gym

19. What's the best piece of advice you ever received - back yourself

20. What's your favorite sporting memory - winning junior A 2022

21. In 5 years’, time I hope to be – a few inches taller

Darragh pointing the way to Tulla