Devoted family man Jackie Stacey was a man of many talents
New Ross Standard
The New Ross and Shanbogh communities are mourning the loss, and celebrating the life, of Jackie Stacey, who passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 4, at the age of 83.
Jackie, who was born in 1941 and spent his entire life in Shanbogh, was a man of many talents, interests, and deep commitments. A beloved teacher, respected principal, founding member of local organisations, accomplished musician, and proud family man, Jackie's legacy is felt far beyond the confines of his classroom or community halls.
At just 19, Jackie began his teaching career at CBS New Ross, a school that would become his professional home for decades. He eventually rose to the role of principal, leading with vision, compassion, and a belief in the potential of every student. Former pupils remember his love of music sneaking into lessons, and if you were lucky, a gentle request for a song might turn an afternoon of sums into an impromptu singalong, guitar and all.
Education wasn't just his job; it was a calling. Even after retirement, Jackie continued as a substitute teacher, driven by his passion for learning and mentoring. But Jackie's contribution to the town extended well beyond the school gates. He was a founding member of the New Ross Musical Society, a regular on stage in productions and pantomimes, and a vital part of the New Ross Historical Society.
His love for folk music led him to becoming involved in two of the best-known bands ever to come out of New Ross, Shanbogh Folk and Barrowside, as a guitarist and vocalist, Shanbogh Folk rose to stardom by winning the highly prestigious Kilkenny Beer Festival Ballad competition in 1970 which led them to being invited to perform on several RTÉ television and radio shows.
Jackie played a comeback concert with Shanbogh Folk at the Eugene O'Neill Festival in New Ross in October 2023, not allowing his illness to stop him doing what he loved. The band received a rapturous welcome and standing ovation. They never lost their star quality. Barrowside came on the scene in the early 1990s and signed a five-album record deal with Round Tower Records, toured the UK, Europe and the US, as well as performing the Irish folk circuit.
Among the highlights for Jackie and the band were the concerts they performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London and at the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. Jackie also served on countless community committees, contributing to town twinning programmes, the Credit Union, church choirs, and more. When something needed doing, Jackie was the man people called, and he never said no. He was known for turning up, rolling up his sleeves, and getting the job done with a smile.
Through it all, Jackie remained grounded in what mattered most: his family. He and his wife Yvonne, married in 1974, raised four sons in the very house Jackie was born in. Over many years, they built a life full of music, humour, and mutual respect. Jackie was immensely proud of his ten grandchildren, his 'pride and joy', and was known to anyone who'd listen as their greatest champion, quick to share stories of their talents and kind hearts.
Even as illness gradually limited his mobility in recent years, Jackie remained active, curious, and engaged. He was still attending local meetings and printing out agendas for the New Ross Active Retirement Association right up to his final days, including one last reminder to his sons to 'make sure there's black ink in the printer', he always had one more job to do.
Jackie leaves behind a lasting legacy: his students, who remember him not just for what he taught but how he made them feel; his fellow musicians and community members, who sang and served beside him; and above all, his wife, children, grandchildren, neighbours, and friends — for whom his presence was a steady source of strength and joy.
His song may be over but his melody lives on.
Jackie will be sadly missed by his wife Yvonne, sons Mark, John, Paul and Colm, daughters-in-law Mary, Elaine, Elaine and Hannah, his adored grandchildren Finn, Luca, Wil, Éinín, Ethan, Daimhin, Jonah, Elijah, Rob and Noah, his trustee companion Boxer, extended family, relatives and friends.
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