Pat Stakelum
Encyclopedia
Pat Stakelum was an Irish
sportsperson. He played hurling
with his local club Holycross-Ballycahill
and was a member of the Tipperary
senior inter-county team from 1947 until 1957. Stakelum captained Tipperary to the All-Ireland
title in 1949.
with his local Holycross-Ballycahill
club and enjoyed much success. Although not regarded as one of the most successful clubs in the county he won three senior county titles
in 1948 (the club's first county championship title), 1951 and 1954.
minor hurling team. He won a Munster
medal in this grade in 1945 before later lining out in the All-Ireland final. A high-scoring game followed, however, Dublin
were the winners by 3-14 to 4-6.
Stakelum's skills were quickly noted and he soon joined the Tipperary senior hurling team. He made his debut in 1947, however, Tipp were going through a barren spell. All this changed during the 1948-49 National Hurling League
. It wa sthat year that Stakelum, captain of the team, enjoyed his first major success as Tipp defeated arch-rivals Cork to take the National League title. Both sides met again in the Munster Championship with Tipp recording another victory. The men from the 'premier county' later defeated Limerick
by 1-16 to 2-10, giving Stakelum a coveted Munster
medal. He subsequently lined out in his first All-Ireland final at senior level. Surprisingly, Laois
were the opponents on that occasion, however, the result was expected. Tipp opened the floodgates with a Paddy Kenny
goal before Jimmy Kennedy added two more goals in the second-half. At the full-time whisstle Tipp were the victors by 3-11 to 0-3 and Stakelum had captured a coveted All-Ireland
while also having the honour of lifting the Liam McCarthy Cup
.
In 1950 Stakelum added a second consecutive National League medal to his collection before further provincial glory followed. A 2-17 to 3-11 defeat of Cork gave him a second consecutive Munster medal and an easy passage into another All-Ireland final. Kilkenny
provided the opposition on that occasion in a close but uninterseting game. At the final whistle Tipp emerged the victors by 1-9 to 1-8 giving Stakelum a second All-Ireland medal.
In 1951 Stakelum captured a third Munster title following a 2-11 to 2-9 defeat of arch-rivals Cork. This victory resulted in Tipp being installed as the favourites for a third consecutive All-Ireland title. Wexford
, however, stood in Tipp's way after making a long-awaited breakthrough in Leinster. Nicky Rackard
had been Wexford's star goal-poacher throughout the year, however, his artistry was beaten by Tony Reddin
in the Tipperary goal-mouth. Séamus Bannon
, Tim Ryan and Paddy Kenny got the goals in the second quarter that did the damage, however, Tipp forged ahead to win by 7-7 to 3-9. It was Stakelum's third consecutive All-Ireland medal.
For the next three years Stakelum's Tipperary side were defeated by Cork in the Munster championship. It wasn't the end of his playing days, however, as he captured further National League honours in 1952, 1954, 1955 and 1957.
in the inter-provincial hurling championship where he played alongside his championship rivals Christy Ring
, Tom Cheasty
and Jimmy Smyth
. He first tasted success with his province in 1950 as Munster defeated Leinster
to take the Railway Cup title. Both Munster and Leinster qualified for the Railway Cup final again in 1951. With Stakelum playing a key role Munster claimed a second consecutive victory over their great rivals. 1952 saw the Munster men capture a third successive title, this time following a victory over Connacht
. In 1953 it was four in-a-row for Stakelum and for Munster as Leinster were accounted for once again. After a defeat by Leinster in the Railway Cup final of 1954 Stakelum won a fifth title in 1955 after Connacht were beaten once again. In 1957 Stakelum captured a final Railway Cup medal as MUnster accounted for Leinster once again.
. It was a move which kick-started the rejuvenation of Gaelic games
in the town where the association was founded. Stakelum served as a selector on a number of Tipperary senior hurling teams and saw his nephews, Richard and Conor Stakelum
and Bobby
and Aidan Ryan
achieve success with Tipperary.
Pat Stakelum died on April 4, 2008.
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
sportsperson. 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 Holycross-Ballycahill
Holycross-Ballycahill GAA
Holycross-Ballycahill GAA club is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the areas of Holycross and Ballycahill five miles outside Thurles in mid County Tipperary, Ireland.-History:...
and was a member of the 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...
senior inter-county team from 1947 until 1957. Stakelum captained Tipperary to the 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 in 1949.
Club
Pat Stakelum 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 Holycross-Ballycahill
Holycross-Ballycahill GAA
Holycross-Ballycahill GAA club is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the areas of Holycross and Ballycahill five miles outside Thurles in mid County Tipperary, Ireland.-History:...
club and enjoyed much success. Although not regarded as one of the most successful clubs in the county he won three senior county titles
Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship
The Tipperary Senior Hurling Club Championship is an annual club competition between the top Tipperary hurling clubs...
in 1948 (the club's first county championship title), 1951 and 1954.
Inter-county
Stakelum first came to prominence on the inter-county scene in the early 1940s as a member of the TipperaryTipperary 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...
minor hurling team. He won a Munster
Munster Minor Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Minor Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1928 for the youngest competitors in the province of Munster in Ireland...
medal in this grade in 1945 before later lining out in the All-Ireland final. A high-scoring game followed, however, Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
were the winners by 3-14 to 4-6.
Stakelum's skills were quickly noted and he soon joined the Tipperary senior hurling team. He made his debut in 1947, however, Tipp were going through a barren spell. All this changed during the 1948-49 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...
. It wa sthat year that Stakelum, captain of the team, enjoyed his first major success as Tipp defeated arch-rivals Cork to take the National League title. Both sides met again in the Munster Championship with Tipp recording another victory. The men from the 'premier county' later defeated Limerick
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...
by 1-16 to 2-10, giving Stakelum a coveted 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....
medal. He subsequently lined out in his first All-Ireland final at senior level. Surprisingly, Laois
Laois GAA
The Laois County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Laois GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Laois and the Laois inter-county teams.-History:...
were the opponents on that occasion, however, the result was expected. Tipp opened the floodgates with a Paddy Kenny
Paddy Kenny (hurler)
Paddy Kenny was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Borrisoleigh and with the Tipperary senior inter-county team in the 1940s and 1950s. Kenny is regarded as one of Tipperary’s greatest-ever players.-Club:...
goal before Jimmy Kennedy added two more goals in the second-half. At the full-time whisstle Tipp were the victors by 3-11 to 0-3 and Stakelum had captured a coveted 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....
while also having the honour of lifting the Liam McCarthy Cup
Liam McCarthy Cup
The MacCarthy Perpetual Challenge Cup is a trophy awarded annually by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the hurling team that wins the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.-The trophy:...
.
In 1950 Stakelum added a second consecutive National League medal to his collection before further provincial glory followed. A 2-17 to 3-11 defeat of Cork gave him a second consecutive Munster medal and an easy passage into another All-Ireland final. 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 in a close but uninterseting game. At the final whistle Tipp emerged the victors by 1-9 to 1-8 giving Stakelum a second All-Ireland medal.
In 1951 Stakelum captured a third Munster title following a 2-11 to 2-9 defeat of arch-rivals Cork. This victory resulted in Tipp being installed as the favourites for a third consecutive All-Ireland title. 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...
, however, stood in Tipp's way after making a long-awaited breakthrough in Leinster. Nicky Rackard
Nicky Rackard
Nicholas Rackard better known as Nicky or Nickey Rackard, was a famous Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local Rathnure club and was a member of the Wexford senior inter-county team from 1940 until 1956...
had been Wexford's star goal-poacher throughout the year, however, his artistry was beaten by Tony Reddin
Tony Reddin
Martin Charles Reddington , better known as Tony Reddin, is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling at various times with his local clubs Castlegar in Galway and Lorrha-Dorrha in Tipperary from the 1930s until the 1950s...
in the Tipperary goal-mouth. Séamus Bannon
Séamus Bannon
Séamus Bannon is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling at various with his local clubs Nenagh Éire Óg in Tipperary and Young Irelands in Dublin and was a member of the Tipperary senior inter-county team in the 1940s and 1950s. Bannon won three All-Ireland and three Munster titles with...
, Tim Ryan and Paddy Kenny got the goals in the second quarter that did the damage, however, Tipp forged ahead to win by 7-7 to 3-9. It was Stakelum's third consecutive All-Ireland medal.
For the next three years Stakelum's Tipperary side were defeated by Cork in the Munster championship. It wasn't the end of his playing days, however, as he captured further National League honours in 1952, 1954, 1955 and 1957.
Provincial
Stakelum 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 championship where he played alongside his championship rivals Christy Ring
Christy Ring
Nicholas Christopher Michael Ring , better known as Christy Ring, was a famous Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with the Glen Rovers club from 1941 until 1967 and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1939 until 1963. Ring is widely regarded as one of the greatest hurlers in...
, Tom Cheasty
Tom Cheasty
Tom Cheasty was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with two clubs Ballyduff Lower and Portlaw and with the Waterford senior inter-county team in the 1950s and 1960s. He is regarded as one of Waterford's greatest-ever players.-Biography:...
and Jimmy Smyth
Jimmy Smyth (hurler)
Jimmy Smyth is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Ruan and with the Clare senior inter-county team from 1948 until 1967. Smyth is regarded as one of the greatest hurlers never to have won an All-Ireland medal.-Early life:Jimmy Smyth was born in Ruan near Ennis,...
. He first tasted success with his province in 1950 as Munster defeated Leinster
Leinster GAA
The Leinster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Leinster. The Leinster Council has been partnered with the European County Board to help develop Gaelic Games in Europe...
to take the Railway Cup title. Both Munster and Leinster qualified for the Railway Cup final again in 1951. With Stakelum playing a key role Munster claimed a second consecutive victory over their great rivals. 1952 saw the Munster men capture a third successive title, this time following a victory over 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:...
. In 1953 it was four in-a-row for Stakelum and for Munster as Leinster were accounted for once again. After a defeat by Leinster in the Railway Cup final of 1954 Stakelum won a fifth title in 1955 after Connacht were beaten once again. In 1957 Stakelum captured a final Railway Cup medal as MUnster accounted for Leinster once again.
Post-playing career
Following Stakelum's retirement from club and inter-county hurling he moved into the administrative side of the GAA. He served as secretary of the Tipperary County Board in 1961 and 1962, a period which saw Tipp capture back-to-back All-Ireland titles. In the 1970s Stakelum helped set up the Dúrlas Óg Club in ThurlesThurles
Thurles is a town situated in North Tipperary, Ireland. It is a civil parish in the historical barony of Eliogarty and is also an ecclesiastical parish in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly...
. It was a move which kick-started the rejuvenation of Gaelic games
Gaelic games
Gaelic games are sports played in Ireland under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The two main games are Gaelic football and hurling...
in the town where the association was founded. Stakelum served as a selector on a number of Tipperary senior hurling teams and saw his nephews, Richard and Conor Stakelum
Conor Stakelum
Conor Stakelum is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Borrisoleigh and with the Tipperary senior inter-county team in the 1990s...
and Bobby
Bobby Ryan (hurler)
Bobby Ryan is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Borris-Ileigh and with the Tipperary senior inter-county team from 1981 and 1993. Ryan captained Tipperary to the All-Ireland title in 1989.-Biography:Bobby Ryan was born in Borrisoleigh, County Tipperary in 1961...
and Aidan Ryan
Aidan Ryan
Aidan Ryan is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Borrisoleigh and with the Tipperary senior inter-county team in the 1980s and 1990s.He won a minor all Ireland hurling medal in 1982 and followed with an u-21 medal in 1985...
achieve success with Tipperary.
Pat Stakelum died on April 4, 2008.