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“Castleknock Celtic U12’s come of age on Easter Trip to UK.”
Our young Celts are growing up and as cute as foxes individually set about their Parents with the BIG Question - “can we go on a football trip?”. The Parents and Coach had been cornered and the decision was made to bring our young Heroes on a Magical Mystery Tour to Warrington, Manchester & Liverpool for the Easter break.
Thus the Adventure began….
THURSDAY – It was a bright but cool Thursday morning as our Heroes and their Parents made their way to the Castleknock Hotel where Con Martin, from Dublin Coaches, was on hand to load us up and take us on our Easter Adventure. Before long we were like Viking Explorers on the Stena Adventurer to Holyhead. A quiet journey save for when Terry Browne decided to take over the Photographer duties much to the upset of the distraught Barry Sherlock. Once checked in at our lovely Park Royal Hotel our heroes were in the Pool – SPLASH, BANG, WALLOP – before once again we boarded the Bus to Cheshire Oaks Retail Park. The team bonding session was at the Vue Cinema where tactics were observed watching “FAST & FURIOUS 8” (where there was definitely more Crash, bang, Wallop) while the Parents met for Magical Water to discuss the next days game. Thereafter we all met up in “Frankie & Bennys” for a healthy diet of Pizza, Buffalo Wings and Burgers. Back to the Hotel and lights at 10.00., no 11.00 …..oh OK it was 12.00.
FRIDAY – Up and at ‘em early. A healthy breakfast and we are on our way to Warrington Town FC. “Click Click” Browne was beavering away with the camera as the Team prepared. Game face on and off we went as Lukey Hughes led the way exchanging pennants with the Warrington Captain. Warrington never stood a chance – Abdullah scored early and before long Esse, Andre, James and a 30 yarder from Luke had us in control. Back came Warrington with two fine goals before, in the second half, Tara O'Hanlon, Ben, Catalin Labont & Ryan Sherlock ensured the win was secured. Warrington to their credit battled all the way but it was the dead eye finishing from Celtic that won the day. But there was no time to rest – back to the Hotel and back in the Pool for a swim and more splash, bang, wallop before a quick change saw us back with Con on our Coach. Manchester here we come!!!
Having done the cultural thing !!! at the National Sports Museum the Group journeyed to the Trafford Centre. A Mecca for shoppers. The Players eyes popped out of their heads as they attacked the shops with a vengeance. And the shops never stood a chance. Having said that the Retailers were rubbing their hands after our Motley Crew spent their (or should that be their Parents') hard earned cash. It was a tired crew that returned to base @ 9.30pm and by 11.00 all were in bed save the fearless Parents who adjourned for much needed refreshment.
SATURDAY – Again, an early start, and there were signs of fatigue as Ben, Abdullah & Esse were late shows for the roll call at Breakfast. The planned swift departure was scuppered as we investigated the case of the “Missing Boots” (Luke’s – duly found in the pool – don’t ask) and poor Denys’ weekly nose bleed. Con was given the instruction – we have 25 mins to KO, put the boot down. Con, as he did all weekend, duly delivered.
A quick warm up and we were off to play Warrington @ 9.30pm and to-day Warrington would be up for the game. Still it was Celtic, led by Captain Fantastic, James, with the Castleknock Haka, who struck first as Abdullah powered home. Back came Warrington 1-1. Esse edged Celtic ahead but again back came Warrington to make it 2-2. The game was tight but it was Celtic, despite tiredness, who upped their game as Esse made it 3-2 before Andre hit a screamer to make it 4-2 and break Warrington’s resolve. With a two goal lead Celtic never looked back as goals from Esse, Catalin, Luke, James, Tara and Big Mac rounded off a great win in front of their appreciative supporters. Many thanks to our hosts, Warrington Town FC, who kindly facilitated us with two games. Thanks Joann and thank you to all at WTFC. A lovely bunch and a lovely Club who have their teams playing football the way it should be played.
A quick change and we were on the road again. ANFIELD and a tour of the magnificent Liverpool stadium and trophy room. LIVERPOOL LIVERPOOL LIVERPOOL….One day one of our Celts could be a star here. Remember dreams do come true but only if you’re willing to work for them so keep practising. There was no time to rest as we made the short jaunt to Goodison Park to watch Everton beat Burnley 3-1 in front of a noisy and partisan support. As we left the ground no one was happier than Big Ryan, an EVERTONIAN die-hard, who, fully attired in his team's colours, had the biggest smile.
Still, no time to rest as we made the mad dash to our Coach. The getaway driver, Con, was ready. The challenge was simple – Holyhead or bust “you have 2.5 hours to do it”. Con’s the Man and he duly delivered and in enough time for a healthy Mc Donalds. Three cheers for Con.
Soon we were on board the Stena Adventurer as we made the return trip to Dublin and the Castleknock Hotel. As the clock struck midnight the Easter Eggs were passed round. Just what the Parents wanted – more chocolate!! But sure why not, it’s Easter.
By 12.30am Sunday as the Coach rolled in, the eyes were heavy but the spirits high after a wonderful break. Never a dull moment, never a harsh word, our Heroes mingled, played and had fun. There were no gangs, no clicks rather the players shared and showed wonderful camaraderie. Well done to all, especially our Heroes Abdullah, Andre, Catalin, Conor, Denys, Esse, Luke, Max, Ryan Mc, Ryan S, and of course Tara who were ably supported by Barry, Colm, Dodgy Derek, Dorel, Martin, Mark, Terry (aka Click Click), Vasile and the Hughes Boys (including adopted siblings for the trip). A final well done and thank you to Con, our driver and saviour. Con was always there and always willing. He saved the day more than once especially his life saving dash to get Dodgy Derek to the shops!!. Here’s to next year and our next big adventure. For now we will just enjoy the moment, savour the memory and look forward to the rest of the season. Com’n the Celts!!!
