30/06/2026
He has taken his final bow and leaves us applauding loudly.
The members of Kerry Drama Festival are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of
our friend and mentor, Jerome Stack, yesterday evening.
Though we were well aware of his battles with failing health, it is a shock to face the reality that
he has left us. He had so much more to give but though his mind wished to go on, his body
could take no more. We wish him now the rest he richly deserves, Jerome was a founding member of the revived Kerry Drama Festival in 1988 and remained steadfast in steering it as Festival Director.
As recently as March this year, though unable to be
physically present, he was in constant communication with his loyal friend and associate, Aidan who picked up the reins. Though we did not see him, his spirit was everywhere. His name was
on everyone’s lips.
His role in promoting drama in Castleisland is well known and widely acknowledged through his
involvement with the Island Players, the Ivyleaf Arts Centre and Kerry Drama Festival. He was a
founding member of all three.
He also served a term as Chairman of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland and Chairman of
the Munster Council on several occasions.
He was Festival Director when Kerry Drama Festival organised and oversaw three All-Ireland Drama Finals at Siamsa Tíre in Tralee.
Jerome was a “doer” and had little time for analysis and red tape. There was work to be done.
Though he recognised and tolerated necessary formality he spared no time in discarding the
bow tie and tuxedo and rolled up his sleeves to get on with things.
His watchful eye was
everywhere and he was busy solving a problem before most of us knew it had occurred. He was
the one who put the key in the door of the Ivyleaf and switched on the lights and the one who
switched them off and put the key in the door to lock it.
To Jerome, no problem was unsolvable and nobody was indispensable. Every task had to be
faced and every job needed to be and was completed. We joked that, if we didn’t demand our
share of duties, he could make us all redundant. He never looked for thanks or appreciation
and appeared surprised if complimented on a job well done or a problem quietly solved.
To Jerome, that is what one did!
He was reliable, honest and hard-working and expected nothing in return.
It has to be recognised that, though he may seem to have been a type of Superman, we all
know that only Superman can manage without a lot of support especially from those closest to
him and Jerome was blessed to have the support of a wonderful wife in Brenda and his beloved
family.
Indeed, it must be noted that Brenda’s involvement in Kerry Drama Festival is also a vital
cog in the wheel.
To Brenda, to Deirdre, John, Sharon Sinéad and to the grandchildren of whom he was so
justifiably proud, we offer our sincere and heartfelt sympathy.
We thank you for sharing Jerome
with us and the wider community. We feel your sadness and share your loss. We know his spirit
will live on.
Suaimhneas síoraí dó anois.
https://rip.ie/death-notice/jerome-stack-kerry-castleisland-634997
