Fate played a large role in Stapleton having the mantle of captain bestowed on him for the inaugural All-Ireland final.
Because of a dispute over the railway travelling expenses, seven players including the Thurles captain Dinny Maher were left standing on the platform of the morning of the match.
Spotting a free player he passed the sliothar to Tom Healy who went on to score the very first goal in an All-Ireland final.
In 1888 Stapleton was among 50 Irish athletes and hurlers who traveled to the United States to play in several hurling exhibition games.
While many of the group stayed in America, Stapleton returned home where he continued his involvement with the infant Gaelic Athletic Association.