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It was 6.30am as the Castleknock U13’s and their travelling support arrived to board the Coach for their Easter trip to Manchester. The players were well turned out in their new tracksuits courtesy of the kind sponsorship of the Castleknock Hotel.  Our thanks to the Hotel and the Club for organising this.

The trip to Holyhead was not uneventful as Sean Bowe (elder brother of “The Cat”) injured his elbow as he demonstrated his strength by trying to break the ship in half with a forearm smash. This forced the poor young lad to visit A&E before thankfully getting the all clear.

Having arrived in Holyhead the eager bunch made their way to the Village Hotel which would be base camp for the trip. After a quick swim it was off to the important “team” presentation in the form of a screening of “Fast & Furious 7”.  Thereafter having feasted for two hours it was bedtime for the motley crew while the Parents adjourned to the refreshments room to assist David & Pat with team selection.

Early Saturday morning and we set off for Woodley Sports Village where things did not go to plan. The Manchester Easter Cup has gained a good reputation over the years but this year it took a dent. The bad weather had taken it’s toll but the organisers had no Plan B. The pitch for our age group was reduced to a ½ pitch with the recommendation that 11-a-side still be played. Thankfully the Referee correctly deemed the pitch unplayable. Added to this one of the group teams was a no show. The organisers had no solution. However, Castleknock had. They moved up a year to make up the numbers following a no show at this level. Common sense prevailed and games commenced albeit 3 hours late.

A 3 hour delay combined with playing up a year meant an uncertain Celtic took to the pitch where they were 5-0 down at half time to the talented eventual winners ,Reddish North End. A rollicking at half time saw Celtic put respect to the scoreline thanks to a hat trick by Leigh. Next up were Ashling Annacotty but despite a strong first half Celtic were again put to the sword.

There was no time for discussion as the Boys were whisked off to Goodison Park to take in the Everton V Southampton game. The ladies (Margaret, Jo, Lisa, Sam, Junkal, Edel & Nadia) chose to go shopping in Manchester to help Birthday Girl Jo Hughes celebrate. How kind of them!!!

Once the match was over Burgers and Ice cream were gorged as the team refuelled before returning to the Hotel for a swim and relaxation. After a Gourmet feast the players adjourned to cause mayhem in the Hotel while Parents & Supporters took time to enjoy a hearty meal and celebrate Jo’s Birthday (again) as the young lady enjoyed repeated renditions of “Happy Birthday”.

Sunday morning saw the team take breakfast and a swim before departure for the days fixtures. Some of the Parents stayed at the Hotel for a little R&R in the Hotel Spa & Toning Room.

Meanwhile at Woodley it was a case of the walking wounded as players nursed some injuries and bruised egos . The team was further rocked when “The Cat” injured his back meaning he couldn’t start. Andrei went in goal and gave a wonderful display however with legs tiring “The Cat” offered to go on at left full. The question marks over the Cat’s fitness were quickly answered when Tommy did a kamikaze tackle where he, the ball and the opponent all went flying into the air. THE CAT WAS BACK.

After some rest the Boys were back in action against Falkirk knowing a win would see the lads make the plate final. The opposition were Falkirk of Scotland who narrowly had lost to Annacoty. A defence well marshalled by Alex set the tone and six goals later we knew the Celts were back with the goals of Leigh (4), Kiano & Franc plus the quick feet of Aaron doing the damage against a shellshocked Falkirk.

(One more game to go and tiredness is setting in)

However before the game there was something wrongs -  Lisa “Prada” Bowe was in floods of tears. Her husband Tom could not console her. What was wrong? Was it Sean? Was it Tommy? No it was worse …………the SHOPS WERE CLOSED!!!!! Having calmed Lisa down it was back to the football with the PFA (Professional Football Academy) up next. A tall order indeed but it was Celtic who dominated the first half  - playing the better football and creating the better chances. HT: 0-0.

(Celtic don’t go down without a fight. What a save by “The Cat”)

The second half was a tighter affair and as Celtic tired in the last quarter they conceded a goal with 5 minutes left and despite a wonderful penalty saved by The CAT lost 1-0. This was no disgrace and the Coaches who had been unimpressed by Saturdays performances could only compliment the efforts of the lads. Special mention to Ben Blanche and Alan Elliott for coming to the aid of the team. Having moved up a year the lads stood in to help the depleted and tiring squad with some excellent cameo performances. Thanks lads.  Special mention to Jo who over the 3 days never put the Camera down for all the photos and also to our noisy supporters although Peter “Rayban” Killian looked more interested in soaking up the rays as he topped up his tan.

 There was no time to relax as the lads were whisked off to the Manchester Climbing Centre. All exceled with Mark & Antonio looking like they could stand in for Tom Cruise in the next Mission Impossible movie. Mark & Antonio had worked tirelessly over both days and god knows where they got the energy from. Two more unlikely midfield partners you could not meet – one doesn’t eat (Mark) and one never stops (Antonio). However if you are looking for the new Peter Parker then look no further than Jake “Spiderman” Rice who looks like he was born to climb.

After the climbing the Coaches were getting the “Evil Eye” as starvation set in. The Coaches didn’t know whether the Parents wanted to hit them or eat them so Brendan, our driver, was told – A Restaurant and GET US THERE NOW. Off to “Frankie & Bennies” at the Trafford Centre where all were well fed and watered. More celebrations were had as “Birthday Girl “ Jo was joined by “Birthday Boy” Tom Bowe Snr for more celebrations with the Restaurant playing HAPPY B’DAY 5 (yes 5) times. Cocktail Man Joe Ryan supplied the Mojito’s to add a nice touch.

Relaxed, fed and watered the return journey began at 10.00pm. While the “oldies” slept Eve & Leigh supplied the music with Kiano, Aaron and Matthew willing accomplices. With all the noise Coach Hughes enquired how is youngest was but was re-assured by Eve that “Luke is with his Crew in the back”.

At 2.30a.m we departed Holyhead and it was the Parents & Supporters who hit the wall first as they fell asleep one by one. The kids were fine and it was they who helped their tired Parents to their cars @ 7.00am.

And so the trip ended where it started…at the Castleknock Hotel. What a weekend - there was football, there was fun. There were no clicks. Friendships were forged , birthdays were celebrated and memories made. All the players and their siblings were a pleasure to travel with and a credit to their families (although we can’t say the same for the rowdy parents!!!).

There’s already a demand for 2016 trip. It’s all to look forward to but for now thank you Tommy, Cathal, Alex, Matthew, Franc, Andrei, Aaron, Mark, Antonio, Ciaran, Leigh & Kiano plus our supporters Jake, Luke, Daniel, Sean, Eve, Ben & Alan for the fun and memories you gave us.

Here’s to a great end of season on the pitch. There’s more to come from these lads.