Special farewell to a ‘Rock’ stalwart
THE late Des Hurley played with Austin Stacks in the 1950s, a decade when senior success at the club was but a dot on the horizon. But the friendship, camaraderie and the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a GAA club, was never in doubt for Des throughout his life.
Fast forward over 50 years to a quiet graveyard on a Friday afternoon in May where the same friendship and camaraderie was in evidence as some of Des’ closest friends gathered to pay special tribute in these extraordinary times.
Des passed away on May 8 and, as has sadly become the new norm, his family and friends were unable to partake in the send-off Des deserved.
Friday’s gathering was organised by Austin Stack Club Chairman Billy Ryle, who was joined by club delegates - Mairead Fernane, Eddie Barrett, Martin Collins and Tadgh McMahon.
A bouquet of flowers was placed on Des’ grave on behalf of the club he loved and served, while a collective rendition of the famous song ‘Oró sé do bheatha abhaile’ was sang before Mairead recited the famous club poem, ‘ The boys from the top of the Rock.’ Des’ friends Simon Foley, Tom Baker and Paddy Kissane also attended, acknowledging Des’ other passion in life - swimming at Fenit.
“We chatted around the grave, observing social distance, where we informally exchanged happy memories of Des,” Billy said.
Des Hurley was born in Pembroke Street in 1935 growing up in a family ‘steeped in Rock tradition’. As part of Billy’s graveside oration, he spoke of how Des was part of a small and dedicated group of people who kept the club alive during challenging years in the ‘50s when emigration decimated the club.
“Des felt very proud that, in the worst of times, Austin Stacks never failed to field a team or fulfil a fixture,” Billy said.
“Des lived a simple and modest life. He made the most of every day before being laid low by his final illness. He was his own man and loved living in Mounthawk, mid-way between his two great sporting loves in Fenit and Connolly Park.”
Billy concluded: “Des is not alone today. His friends and colleagues are at his graveside to pay tribute to a life well lived, and to thank him for his selfless dedication to his beloved Rock Club. We are here today on behalf of many more, who are not allowed join us due to health and safety regulations, to bid farewell to a genuine ‘auld stock of the Rock.”