Austin Flynn RIP
The word legend is probably the most overused word in the English language, but it would be hard to find anyone who would disagree with the describing Austin Flynn as such. It was with great sadness that we learnt last Monday that our club president had passed away. He leaves behind a massive legacy in this parish and beyond and will be greatly missed by his family and great many friends.
Growing up in Abbeyside we were immersed in the tales of the great players who had worn the jersey. These giants who soldiered in the Blue and Gold or Green and White, but one man always stood head and shoulders above all others. He was a mythical character for us not fortunate enough to have seen him play. We were regaled with stories of his clashes with Ring and Rackard, titanic tussles with some of the greatest ever players, how he led us to 4 senior finals, patrolling the edge of the square like a colossus, his leadership on and off the field and his unstinting drive and commitment.
And then you get to meet the man and you realise he wasn’t one for pedestals. The epitome of a gentleman, never too busy and always with a story to tell. He was an extremely eloquent speaker and a fantastic conversationalist who spoke with authority on a great many subjects; hours could drift by as you might be taken back in time to his days with the scouts, his love of sailing or just a catchup on the latest goings on around town. But more than anything he maintained a great love and knowledge of hurling, his in-depth analysis even catching the eye of The Sunday Game where he popped up as a guest a few years back. His great passions of course were Abbeyside and Waterford, like us all he longed for the day when either would return to the summit. Unfortunately, this didn’t come to pass, but we know when our time comes, he will be there with us in spirit. He was and always will be one of us!
Austin first came to prominence in the Town & Local Area U-16 Hurling League in 1948, when two Abbeyside teams contested the finals. Then in 1949 when we re-entered a minor team he was on board, going on to win successive County Minor football medals in 1950/51. He played corner back on the team which won the County Junior Hurling Championship in 1950 and was a mainstay at senior level for the next 20 years, playing in four finals and winning Sargant Cup medals in 1963 & 65. He also of course played football winning an Intermediate title in 1965 and served on the club committee with a stint as Chairman in 1968.
At intercounty level, Austin played Minor hurling for Waterford before graduating to the Senior team in 1953, where he went on to cement his position at fullback. Of course, his feats in this arena are well documented, he played in 3 All Ireland finals, winning in 1959, 6 Munster finals, winning 3 provincial medals as well as National League and Oireachtas titles along with 2 Railway cup medals with Munster. He was named on the Gaelic Weekly All Star hurling teams in 1963, 1965 and 1967 and was selected on the Rest of Ireland team on three occasions. In addition he was, unsurprisingly named at full back on Waterford’s Team of the Millenium.
Known simply as Aushteen he was a proud Abbeyside man and all of Abbeyside were proud of him. He will be greatly missed, but no more so than by his daughters Janice and Anita, his grandchildren and extended family and all in the club extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
Our “prince of fullbacks” has gone to take his place on the celestial 15.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.


Return To Play

Following the resumption of Juvenile training last month we will at last see our Adult teams return to the field on Monday next, 10th May. This is fantastic for all involved and hopefully a sign we are slowly but surely getting back to normal. As per the procedures in place last year teams will be allocated areas of the ground each evening so, please contact Michael O Donovan to book your time.

Membership

As we return, we’d like to emphasis the importance of getting your membership paid as soon as possible. If you have not already done so, please contact our membership officer Kevin Tobin on 087 9954448 to arrange payment. From a playing perspective it is compulsory that you are a member as it ensures you are included in the insurance scheme. Rates for this year are Adult €150 / Student €75, Married Couple (non-playing) €70, Single (non-playing) €50 and OAP €40. Of course, members of our 300 Club are fully covered.

Intercounty

Following the excitement of their run to the All Ireland Final last year we were all eagerly awaiting the return of the Waterford Senior Hurling team to action. On Sunday next thankfully that wait comes to and end when they take the field against Cork. We have 3 players on the panel this year with Michael Kiely joining Conor Prunty and Neil Montgomery. During the week it was confirmed that Conor would remain as captain which is a great honour and a fitting recognition of the qualities he possesses. We wish him and his team all the best for the year ahead.

Jack The Joker

The ever-popular Jack The Joker draw took place on Monday night last. Shaun Hallihan was drawn and picked number 20. When turned this was not the Joker, but he did win €50. Jimmy Lenihan and Ned Murray won €25 each. The jackpot next week will be €3,500.

All Star Bingo

Our May Bank Holiday Mega Bingo with €3,000 prize fund was a massive success last Saturday night. Margaret McNamara and Claire Barry were our big winners on the night scooping €500 each in our two main games.
This weekend we will have €1850 up for grabs again with €400 extra on offer in game 7 for a full house in 50 calls or less. Books are available to purchase through the following link and cost €12 for a Single and €18 for a Double Book. bit.ly/abbeysidebingo . Books will be emailed to those who purchase after 2pm on Saturday.
Congratulations to Monnie Whelan, Margaret Hogan and Sharon Curran and who won our spot prizes last weekend. We are extremely grateful to the O’ Mahony family in O’ Mahony Cycles Abbeyside and to Jane Casey for their generous sponsorship of these prizes.
You can keep up to date on the weekly prize fund through our All-Star Online Bingo Facebook page. 
If you or anyone you know isn’t too tech minded we can arrange to have the Bingo books delivered out - just get in contact with us either by email on allstaronlinebingo@gmail.com or by phoning (083) 1213777.