Well, the boys successfully made it through the night with their hosts families last evening here in Drogheda and all of them managed to show up for the games today. In fact, many of the boys reported that they had their best night’s sleep of the trip last night. The same may not be said of some of the chaperones, many of whom socialized last evening together without any “chaperone” responsibilities for getting boys to bed, packing, etc…; and sharing stories until well into the morning hours. A good time was enjoyed by all.
Getting the day’s games started then became a slight adventure as the originally scheduled fields were not available, but the local Drogheda club did a great job in finding alternative fields and shuttling both players and parents to the new complex. A highlight of the transfer for the parents was the trip through the Louth County countryside outside Drogheda on winding, narrow country roads, including getting behind a farm tractor pulling a cart filled with local potatoes. The games of the day for the boys, two each, were very competitive and game reports will follow tomorrow in full.
Once again, the weather was spectacular. There were just a few small periods of light sprinkles but overall the sun was out, again, and the temperatures absolutely beautiful for being outside watching our boys play.
Following the games, the boys were off again with their host families who all seem to be very, very friendly and truly happy to be hosting our boys in their homes. Many of the boys reported having lots of fun playing pick-up soccer in the neighborhood, watching movies, and just being boys with the Irish children. The chaperones also enjoyed meeting and chatting with the host families.
The chaperones then ended the evening with a very nice dinner together in a local restaurant. The consensus of the group was that the food was very good, including several comments that the steaks were some of the best any of us had ever had anywhere; so much for fish and chips again in Ireland.
That’s all for now.
