- OUR PARTNERS
The U12’s may have finished their domestic campaign in style but one final adventure awaited as the Boys (and Parents) set sail to explore new territories on the May Bank holiday weekend. It was an early Saturday morning start for the Young Explorers and their not so bright eyed Parents as they were greeted by Coach Driver and Guide Gerry to board their Giant Green Bus.
It was appropriate that the destination was Liverpool as other than knowing the destination the Boys knew nothing of the itinerary involved as they embarked on their “Magical Mystery Tour”. So here’s what happened.
An early start meant an early arrival at their destination, the Holiday Inn Hotel, where the Boys were advised of their first task. “You have 15 mins to get ready and get back on the bus ‘cause we are going to Goodison Park to see Everton V Man City”. With only 21 tickets to hand Margaret Ryan and Sam Reilly bravely volunteered not to go to the game and “forced” themselves to go to Liverpool One for some retail therapy dragging along Lisa Bowe, Nadia Enache, Cristina Russell, Bronagh Mc Donagh and Eve Reilly in the process. Their sacrifice in this instance will not be forgotten!!!!
Meanwhile the Boys enjoyed the game that saw City gain top spot with a 3-2 win before everyone regrouped for a wonderful meal in Liverpool One where aside from the fine food we were entertained by a marvellous magician. It would be a tired bunch that headed to their beds at midnight. There were some late revellers led by Joe Ryan & Fergus Flynn who hoodwinked the unsuspecting Coach Reilly by inviting him for a “Game of Pool” at midnight...........
It was an early start on the Sunday and it was a weary looking group that launched into a breakfast feast. 1 hour later, fed and watered, we moved onto the football part of the weekend. First up was Woolton FC. As always the Boys prepared professionally but had to focus hard as some off the pitch antics were proving a distraction. That man Ryan was at it again. Having won the coveted role of team photographer over a disappointed Declan Mc Donagh, Joe then demanded that he should also be linesman as he felt Declan was not up to the job. This clearly knocked Mc Donagh’s confidence who was now visibly upset resulting in a disastrous stint as linesman. Declan’s dream of being Linesman for next season now lies in tatters.
As for the game the boys started slowly but once Kiano Ryan scored with a stunning shot it was clear there would be only one winner. Further goals by Leigh Reilly, Ryan and a clever free kick by Cathal Flynn secured the win. A 4-0 win only told part of the story as there were top class performances all over the pitch with Alex San Emeterio, the Duracell bunny “ET” Elliott and birthday boy Dylan Mc Donagh clearly enjoying playing abroad while Mark Hughes was well Mark Hughes and Johnny Kane was at his dazzling best.
The second game would be harder. After an hour's break, the Boys took to the field against Atletico Caldwell, league winners and runners up in the Shankly U12 Cup, who were keen to restore Merseyside pride. Caldwell were a slightly older team and immediately sought to make their physical presence count. After an even start Castleknock started to gain the upper hand only to be caught by a sucker punch on the break. 0-1 and on what was a really warm day no one could have expected the Boys who were surely tired to respond in such a positive way. It was a case of heads up and dig deep. “Marko” was immense in midfield. Kane was like an electric eel. Andrei was working overtime while Leigh and Kiano were starting to show a good understanding up front. The goals came via Kiano (2), Leigh (1), Matthew Russell (1) and a deflected Kiano shot before, with legs understandably tiring, Caldwell got a late consolation goal. A special mention to Andre who went in goal, looking every inch a keeper in the making, to allow Thomas “the Cat” Bowe, who incidently made a world class save in the second game, to enjoy a stint up front where the youngster brought a new meaning to the word “commitment”. Two games, two wins and more importantly two top class performances that were not only acknowledged by our hosts, David Woods and Chris Leahy of Woolton FC, but also by a watching Everton FC scout who made himself known. A wonderful day's football and a big thank you to our kind and welcoming hosts Woolton FC.
Having received huge applause from their adoring fans (the “Girlettes”) the Boys enjoyed a day of karting with the two “Gingers” Thomas and Marko looking like Formula 1 stars of the future. Back to the Hotel to unwind where the proud Joe Ryan was eager to show all his stunning photos. Credit to Joe as the quality of the images was excellent. There were some wonderful shots of Kiano in action, Kiano tying his laces, Kiano fixing his hair, Kiano taking a drink................in fact of the 500 photos 490 had Kiano in them. Sorry Joe but you are sacked.
Monday arrived and with it tired bodies as the Boys went for an early morning swim at 8.20am. By 10.00 we were on the Coach as we headed to the real home of football “ANFIELD”. Once again the Girlettes stood up to be counted as Lisa Bowe bravely dragged the other ladies to go for more retail therapy session with Sam Reilly visibly upset at missing the Anfield tour . Other noticeable absentees from the tour were the Kanes who said they would not be able to handle the excitement of seeing FIVE European Cups in one room!!!.
With Anfield and its wonderful tour behind us, the Boys made their way for a 2 hour coaching session with the English FA where Jack Walton was our Coach for the day. An excellent session that had all the Boys involved non-stop and if there were any watching Scouts we may lose Thomas such was his outstanding performance on the day.
After an action packed and fun filled weekend it was a weary bunch that made their way back to Dublin in the early hours of Tuesday morning. For a trip to work it needs everyone to be part of a team – all have to play their part to make it work. Of course we had our 11 footballers who were brilliant mixing the good with the mischievousness. We had our Entertainment officers and Bouncers – Sean & Eve. The Mascots – Ben & Lukey. The Coach driver – Gerry who was a gentleman and did everything bar sing “Ferry across the Mersey”. There were the Coaches – Pat & Dave - trying to look important but not doing it very well. There were the parents who cheered, supported, and ensured we were fed and watered all the time. And then there was Fergus who did ABSOLUTELY nothing and ensured that no one stopped him having a ball. The only sad moment was seeing a grown man in tears – Declan, who after just about recovering from the linesman incident, was found on Monday evening in tears following Liverpool’s late collapse against Palace. A final mention to Juan, the “Swashbuckling charming Spanish Casanova” who was the complete gentleman unlike some of the Dublin layabouts.
The memories will last forever. There were no “cliques” just 15 children who mingled and had fun. They laughed at anything and they laughed at nothing. It was summed up best by one weary eyed player as the coach arrived back in Castleknock who said “this was my best holiday ever”. Praise indeed.
The Parents were proud of the kids and it was a case of vice versa. All mingled, all had fun, all have memories and all can’t wait for next year!!! Well done everyone. Up the Celts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
