As Monday night turned into Tuesday morn, the rains arrived; refreshing the air and heavy at times right up until the time we awoke. Moving day was at hand as we prepared to leave Dublin for our next adventure. A tired crew of boys (and parents) arose at 5:00 AM to get their belongings in order and load the bus for the short hop down to the Dublin port.
Arriving at the port, many were surprised by the size of our ferry vessel, the Ulysses, which would carry us on from Dublin to Holyhead in the UK. Once aboard, many again were surprised at the amenities and somewhat luxurious atmosphere that the ship offered. While many chose to catch up on lost sleep during the three-hour journey, lounging out on the sofas, others chose to partake in various activities while onboard. Many of the boys played cards to pass the time, others roamed the vessel in groups (for safety’s sake), others enjoyed the arcade games, a large group played hide-and-seek, some were caught shopping yet again, while still others caught the latest new film, Kung Fu Panda in one of the two theatres on board.
Following our arrival in Holyhead, a three-and-a-half hour bus drive ensued to take the group to Liverpool. On this portion of the trip, sleep was the order of the day with little else to pass the time but for the occasional sightseeing of the English countryside; except of course for bus Karaoke. Many of the young lads took to the microphone and demonstrated their vocal abilities with gusto.
Upon arrival in Liverpool, the group headed to Liverpool Hope University for our accommodations. Once again the unloading process of passengers and luggage began as we checked in to our rooms, only this time during a pouring rain storm. Rain then became the theme for the evening. As Pearse so eloquently stated, “ Grasso, here’s your rain.”
Following a hurried stop at the University, the boys then took the field (indoor at this point) at the Liverpool Football Club Academy for a quick training session. It was a good, quick session on the same fields that many of the Liverpool soccer greats had played on to start their careers. Sorry for the poor quality photos due to the bad lighting indoor but we will have better Academy photos tomorrow.
The next scheduled event was the attendance by the group of the Bolton-Tranmere soccer match at the stadium in Tranmere. However, the weather intervened and the match was cancelled. As an alternative, the group had a nice dinner in Liverpool. The boys ended the evening bowling with Mina and Pearse (fun was had by all).
More training at the Academy tomorrow followed by matches for the boys.
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
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