[citation needed] Pat Stakelum first came to prominence on the inter-county scene in the early 1940s as a member of the Tipperary minor hurling team.
Pat Stakelum's skills were quickly noted and he soon joined the Tipperary senior hurling team.
It was that year that Stakelum, captain of the team, enjoyed his first major success as Tipp defeated arch-rivals Cork to take the National League title.
At the full-time whistle Tipp were the victors by 3–11 to 0-3 and Stakelum had captured an All-Ireland while also having the honour of lifting the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
A 2–17 to 3–11 defeat of Cork gave him a second consecutive Munster medal and an easy passage into another All-Ireland final.
Nicky Rackard had been Wexford's star goal-poacher throughout the year, however, his artistry was beaten by Tony Reddin in the Tipperary goal-mouth.
Séamus Bannon, Tim Ryan and Paddy Kenny got the goals in the second quarter that did the damage, however, Tipp forged ahead to win by 7–7 to 3–9.
With Pat playing a key role Munster claimed a second consecutive victory over their great rivals.
He served as secretary of the Tipperary County Board in 1961 and 1962, a period which saw Tipp capture back-to-back All-Ireland titles.