At club level he brought the Kilmacud Crokes minor hurling team to championship victory in 2007.
[3] In 1983 the club qualified for the final of the county senior championship and Stakelum was a key member of the half-back line.
Goals at key moments proved the match-winner as a 2-9 to 0-9 score line gave Stakelum an All-Ireland club winners' medal.
He made his debut against Wexford in the National Hurling League in 1986, however, he remained on the fringes of the team for the remainder of the year.
That year Tipperary reached the Munster final and had the chance to deny arch-rivals Cork of a record-breaking sixth successive provincial title.
After the presentation of the cup Stakelum gave one of the most memorable Munster final acceptance speeches as he roared defiantly that 'the famine was over.'
The following year Stakelum returned to the fringes of the Tipperary team, however, he did win a second Munster title as a non-playing substitute.
He made a few cameo appearances in the National League, however, he was later included as a substitute on the Tipp championship team.
Described by many as an inspirational leader, Stakelum brought the team to Dublin Minor Hurling Championship glory in 2007.
In late 2008, Stakelum was chosen to be part of Dublin Senior Hurling management team which was led by Clare legend Anthony Daly.