Today was a very enjoyable day for all. For many of the chaperones it started off with the attendance of services in the center of town at various churches throughout the town center area, only a short walk from the B&B. The churches themselves were old, beautiful, and full of rich history.
After that it was off to the football stadium in the city, again a short walk from the B&B, to watch the boys play teams from the host Drogheda Football Club. It certainly appeared to be a thrill for all the boys, including the Drogheda teams, to play in the stadium, in front of a crowd that cheered each exciting play and made each player feel special as they were substituted for with rousing applause. The U14's played two matches and the U13's one match with the game reports to follow in the morning.
Once again, the chaperones had some small time to chat with the boys and the host families; and it appears that all the boys are having a great time. Many had plans to go see movies, such as Batman, or go the the indoor waterpark here in Drogheda. Some even had a chance to try the game of Hurling with the some of the host kids. All appeared to be eating well and many had compliments about the home-made shepherd's pie that is a staple of Irish families.
Following some very exciting football and interaction with the families, the chaperones were back on their own and the boys were back with their host families. The chaperones split off for the evening in smaller groups and found local pubs and restaurants downtown for dinner. Towards the end of the evening, all seemed to converge at The Punt Pub for a surprise 40th birthday party for Pearse that included his family, his relatives, and many of his old friends.
A good day and evening was had by all.
That's all for now.
Quote of the Day
“I don’t think I could have a higher opinion of any footballer than I already had of the Irishman, but he rose even further in my estimation at the Stadio Delle Alpi. The minute he was booked and out of the final he seemed to redouble his efforts to get the team there. It was the most emphatic display of selflessness I have seen on a football field. Pounding over every blade of grass, competing if he would rather die of exhaustion than lose, he inspired all around him. I felt it was an honour to be associated with such a player.”
Sir Alex Ferguson (on Roy Keane after the European Cup semi-final in 1999)
English soccer manager
Sunday, August 3, 2008
U13 Boys Game Report - 08/02/08 Game 2
Cesa is playing a second selection of Drogheda boys. This team looks stronger than the one we played this morning. Despite this our team seems to be in the groove after this morning’s performance: Connor D intercepts the ball. He goes to the goal and scores our first goal: 0-1 for Cesa. For a while the game goes back and forth without much excitement: our defense (Andrew, Joe, Josh and Connor M) is playing well.
Christopher passes the ball into the open space into the corner where Keaton passes through air to the second post where Connor D tips the ball in for our second goal: 0-2.
The opponent puts in a great effort but Raven prevents the goal.
The second half does not bring much excitement. The teams are evenly matched but Cesa is in control. Two games in one day two wins. A nice comeback after losing our last game in the UK.
Christopher passes the ball into the open space into the corner where Keaton passes through air to the second post where Connor D tips the ball in for our second goal: 0-2.
The opponent puts in a great effort but Raven prevents the goal.
The second half does not bring much excitement. The teams are evenly matched but Cesa is in control. Two games in one day two wins. A nice comeback after losing our last game in the UK.
U13 Boys Game Report - 08/02/08 Game 1
After a change of venue the game is ready to start. The boys are playing against the background of the Irish country side. Green Hills, trees and typical Irish weather which means we will have Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall in the time span of 10 minutes.
The game is on. Our team starts well and after 5 minutes Conner Mccown who passed to Connor D who shoots on the goal. The goalie pushed the ball out but Ryan is there to kick the ball in the lower left corner: 0-1 to Cesa. The Drogheda selection does not give up and intercepts the ball. The forward dribbles passed Raven and gently kicks the ball in the goal: 1-1.
Despite the set back Cesa keeps playing well. Good passes and movement. However, it is the Drogheda team who scores after we can’t clear the ball from a corner kick: 2-1.
Connor D shows his form by dribbling into the box he pulls the ball back, a shot but no goal. Then Connor M dribbles on the sideline a nice high ball to the second post and Rafael is there to head the ball in 2-2.
Brennan intercepts the ball and puts in a great pass to Rafael: who chips the ball over the goalie: 2-3
Our defense (Andrew, Joe, Josh and Connor D) is stepping up and a very nice sequence for 4-5 uninterrupted passed leads to Christopher who finds Joe open but at a difficult angle. He does not hesitate and kicks the ball high in the top right corner: 2-4 for Cesa.
The Irish rain starts and the parents take cover but not 3 minutes later the sun comes out. The Irish team takes full advantage of the slippery field as the ball bounces through to the center forward who kicks the ball passed our goalie: 5-3. That would be the final goal of the game. Cesa wins a well played game.
The game is on. Our team starts well and after 5 minutes Conner Mccown who passed to Connor D who shoots on the goal. The goalie pushed the ball out but Ryan is there to kick the ball in the lower left corner: 0-1 to Cesa. The Drogheda selection does not give up and intercepts the ball. The forward dribbles passed Raven and gently kicks the ball in the goal: 1-1.
Despite the set back Cesa keeps playing well. Good passes and movement. However, it is the Drogheda team who scores after we can’t clear the ball from a corner kick: 2-1.
Connor D shows his form by dribbling into the box he pulls the ball back, a shot but no goal. Then Connor M dribbles on the sideline a nice high ball to the second post and Rafael is there to head the ball in 2-2.
Brennan intercepts the ball and puts in a great pass to Rafael: who chips the ball over the goalie: 2-3
Our defense (Andrew, Joe, Josh and Connor D) is stepping up and a very nice sequence for 4-5 uninterrupted passed leads to Christopher who finds Joe open but at a difficult angle. He does not hesitate and kicks the ball high in the top right corner: 2-4 for Cesa.
The Irish rain starts and the parents take cover but not 3 minutes later the sun comes out. The Irish team takes full advantage of the slippery field as the ball bounces through to the center forward who kicks the ball passed our goalie: 5-3. That would be the final goal of the game. Cesa wins a well played game.
U14 Boys Game Report - 08/02/08 Game 2
In the second match of the day our boys took the pitch versus a combination of teams from around the area, including U13, U14, and U15 boys. The team was undoubtedly the biggest and most physical team we have ever played. Our starting lineup had DJ in goal, with Ben, Brett, Justin, and Seth on defense. Andrew, Ted, Michael, and Mitchell were at midfield, and Jack and Wells up front. Tim came in on defense, while Jeff came in up front.
The tone was set early with a hard tackle on Ben. Ben came back right away with a hard tackle on the same player. The boys played their most spirited and courageous game of the week. They did not back down against an incredibly physical team.
Most of the first half was spent on our half of the field, but our defense and keeper held fast. The score at halftime was 1-0, with the opponents scoring on a nice header from a corner kick.
In the second half, our boys picked up the pace and physical game as well. It was a great game to watch, as many of the spectators were the parents the boys were staying with, and who were routing for our boys.
At the 60 minute mark, the opponents defenseman passed the ball back to their keeper. Out of nowhere, Jeff made a spirited sprint and blocked the kick, dribbled past the keeper and buried the ball in the back of the net.
During the last five minutes the referee's whistle was blowing frequently for fouls as both teams turned up the intensity level wanting a victory. In the 68th minute a redcard was issued to a player on the opposing team for excessive taunting. The referee prudently ended the match shortly thereafter.
The game ended in a 1-1 tie. Hustle and heart was the slogan of the match. This was a very good showing for our boys who did not back down and played extremely hard. Tomorrow is our last day for games versus the boys from Drogheda.
The tone was set early with a hard tackle on Ben. Ben came back right away with a hard tackle on the same player. The boys played their most spirited and courageous game of the week. They did not back down against an incredibly physical team.
Most of the first half was spent on our half of the field, but our defense and keeper held fast. The score at halftime was 1-0, with the opponents scoring on a nice header from a corner kick.
In the second half, our boys picked up the pace and physical game as well. It was a great game to watch, as many of the spectators were the parents the boys were staying with, and who were routing for our boys.
At the 60 minute mark, the opponents defenseman passed the ball back to their keeper. Out of nowhere, Jeff made a spirited sprint and blocked the kick, dribbled past the keeper and buried the ball in the back of the net.
During the last five minutes the referee's whistle was blowing frequently for fouls as both teams turned up the intensity level wanting a victory. In the 68th minute a redcard was issued to a player on the opposing team for excessive taunting. The referee prudently ended the match shortly thereafter.
The game ended in a 1-1 tie. Hustle and heart was the slogan of the match. This was a very good showing for our boys who did not back down and played extremely hard. Tomorrow is our last day for games versus the boys from Drogheda.
U14 Boys Game Report - 08/02/08 Game 1
In the first match back on Irish soil, the starting lineup against a club from Drogheda included Daniel in goal; Justin, Jeff, Tim and Ben in the back; Andrew, Ted, Mitchell, and MJ in the middle; and Seth (better known these days as Ronaldo among the group for his goal-scoring prowess) and Jack up front. Brett came in for Jack, Wells came on for MJ, and DJ played keeper for the second half.
The game was back and forth throughout the entire first half. We had some good opportunities on two corners to none for Drogheda but came away empty and the first half ended 0-0. Early in the second half, Drogheda scored from the left side in the 33rd minute on a high ball into the corner. From there on out, our boys dominated the play with almost all of the action in the offensive end. Good chances to even the match were wasted by our boys as two free kicks form just outside the 18 and a penalty kick were not even on frame. We also had multiple shots on goal from Ted, Brett, Wells, Michael, and Mitchell but we could not get it past the keeper. Drogheda had a few counter attacks with only a single shot on goal as we pressed the game forward for the equalizer, especially when we went to a 3-4-3 formation over the last few minutes.
In the end, it was a very tough loss in that the boys played well, dominated most of the game, but just came up on the short end of the scoreboard. The boys will try again later in the afternoon.
The game was back and forth throughout the entire first half. We had some good opportunities on two corners to none for Drogheda but came away empty and the first half ended 0-0. Early in the second half, Drogheda scored from the left side in the 33rd minute on a high ball into the corner. From there on out, our boys dominated the play with almost all of the action in the offensive end. Good chances to even the match were wasted by our boys as two free kicks form just outside the 18 and a penalty kick were not even on frame. We also had multiple shots on goal from Ted, Brett, Wells, Michael, and Mitchell but we could not get it past the keeper. Drogheda had a few counter attacks with only a single shot on goal as we pressed the game forward for the equalizer, especially when we went to a 3-4-3 formation over the last few minutes.
In the end, it was a very tough loss in that the boys played well, dominated most of the game, but just came up on the short end of the scoreboard. The boys will try again later in the afternoon.
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