At a function in Croke Park on Thursday evening (March 29th), Austin Stacks were presented with an award for “Best New Digital Initiative” for the Stacks100.ie website initiative. Stacks100.ie was produced by Rory Kirby and was specially commissioned by the club to celebrate our centenary year in 2017.  The citation read:
This website was commissioned especially to mark the centenary of the Austin Stacks Hurling and Football Club. Stacks100.ie is a wonderful tribute to the club’s rich history and the people who have played their part in the club’s development. The platform allows the user to dig deep and explore the evolution of one of Kerry’s greatest clubs through the use of mixed media. This digital platform is a priceless resource.
At the function there were 10 awards in all presented as part of the GAA’s National Communication and Media Awards, named after the late Pádraig MacNamee, former President of the GAA, Chairman of the GAA Commission (1969-1971) and member of the RTE authority. They are presented annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made by individuals and Association units in the area of media and communications. The awards were presented by the President of the GAA, Seán Horan and MC for the evening was Damien Lawlor. Other recipients of awards were:
- Best GAA Publication – Thurles Sarsfields GAA Story, Vol.1
- Best Website – St. Peters GAA Club, Warrenpoint, Co. Down
- Provincial Media Award – Donegal Democrat – “Donegal ’92 History Makers.”
- National Media Award – Vincent Hogan, Irish Independent (article on Joe Canning, Galway Hurler.)
- Best Programme – Louth GAA Football Final.
- Best GAA related Radio Programme – LMFM – “When Sam Crossed the Boyne.”
- Gradam Gaeilge (Irish Language Award) – Focás Films “Poc na nGael.)
- Best Photograph – Piarsás O MÃdheach, Sportsfile (photo of Joe Canning, Galway hurler.)
- Hall of Fame Award – Tommy Callaghan (Leinster Leader.)
The “Best New Digital Initiative” Award was presented by GAA President, Seán Horan to Austin Stacks Club Secretary, Elma Nix. Also representing the Austin Stacks Club at the function were Club Chairman, Liam Lynch; Vice-Chairman, Mairead Fernane; Treasurer Bernie Mannix, Club Photographer Adrienne Mc Loughlin, Rory Kirby ( Producer Stacks100.ie) and club members. This is the club’s second Mac Namee Award, previously winning in 2014 with ‘Rockumentary’ – the story of that year’s Co & Munster Club Championship win, also produced by Rory Kirby.
