The late Eamon 'Gal' Slattery Rock Street and the Austin Stacks club lost one of its all-time greats with the death of Eamon 'Gal' Slattery on Saturday, May 26, 2007. Eamon or 'Gal' as he was known by all, was one of the stalwarts and characters of the Rock Street Club. His association with the Street of Champions dated back to the days of his childhood when he kicked the leather and pucked the sliothar with boyhood friends. The pseudonym Gal derived from his family the Clattery's, who hailed from the parish of Ballymacelligott, a couple of miles outside Tralee. To differentiate between the different Slattery families who lived in close proximity, each was conferred with their own unique call sign. Aged 82, Gal wore his colours on his sleeve and left no one in any doubt about where his allegiance was when it came to hurling and football. The clack and amber of the Rock which he wore so proudly, had many famous sons in its ranks, but none more proud or genuine than Gal. When the Bishop Moynihan Cup was won in 1973 after an absence of thirty seven years, Gal cried tears of joy. The parade of the victorious team up Rock Street to Mulchinock's corner was a night to remember. Gal often recalled the great occasion with pride and referred to the players who recorded the historic win as the Dream Team. Gal was born in the heart of the Rock in Pembroke Street. In later years he resided at Reidy's Terrace, Rock Street in a beautiful scheme of terraced houses built by Tralee Urban Council. When Gal was being allocated in his house, it was pre-arranged by a Council official to give him a house with a blue door - the colours of the Kerins O'Rahnilly Club, to see what his reaction would be. Of course being a true black and amber man, he said there was no way he could accept the house with the door painted blue. The official in charge told Gal that it had been a set-up and that he wouldn't have to live in a house with those offending colours. During the period of time when Gal played with the Rock, the trophy cupboard was fairly bear. The famine years from 1936 to 1973 saw many teams give their best in the quest for success. Gal was never found wanting at the time and gave his all for the glory of the black and amber for over 20 years. An all round sportsman, Gal loved coursing and horse racing and was an accomplished snooker and billiards player. Coursing and horse meetings were attended up and down the country when he pencilled for Tralee bookmaker Tunney Galvin. While bets Tunney was giving the odds and taking the bets, Gal was busy with he pencil keeping account of all transactions. He had a brief sojourn in the United States as a young man, when going to reside with a cousin in San Fransisco. But the thought of working and living in the west coast of America didn't appeal to him and he made a quick return to the town in which he was born and reared. He was happiest to be among his own and enjoyed a pint and the craic in the Greyhound Bar, the Castle Bar and the Stacks Club. The camaraderie of his family, friends and companions was of paramount importance to him. He enjoyed many a great night in their company and would give a bar of his favourite song when called to do so. His daily tips down to Kevin Barry's shop or to town was interspersed with stops for a chat. The goings on of the day or the fortunes of the various town teams was discussed with friends whom he met on a regular basis. Those little chats, wether with young or old, kept Gal up to the speed on the happenings in the town. At the removal of his remains from Gleasure's Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 to the Church of Our Lady and St Brendan, a guard of honour was formed by members of the Austin Stacks Club. Club president Fr Micheal Tunney offered the Rosary for the happy repose of Gal's soul. Following concelebrated Requiem Mass internment took place in Rath Cemetery. Gal was pre-deceased by his brother Sean and sister in law Eily. The Boys from the Top of the Rock was sung with gusto to welcome Gal - truly one of the rare auld stock - to his heavenly home. Gal is survived by his nieces Brenda Kerins and Pat Enright, relatives and many friends. Coladh samh in measc na nAingeal Gal, to se tuille agat. Courtesy of the Kerryman 6 June 2007 Tweet

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