With much anticipation and little fanfare, the boys arrived in Dublin today. Though the flight was slightly delayed in arrival at the airport in Dublin, the boys emerged eager and ready to begin their journey, their excitement clearly evident through tired eyes and weary bodies. As for the chaperones, I think the slideshow pictures best tell the story of their state.
After boarding the bus and a short ride to Dublin City University (DCU), the schedule was changed slightly to accommodate the delayed arrival whereby we all hauled the luggage to the 5th floor of the dorm (mostly by stairs and considered a workout for most of the adults). A quick lunch in the cafeteria followed (hamburger or chicken-like matter with a side of “chips”). So far so good for their first taste of Irish food .
Then it was off to a couple hour training session under the direction of some very fine (and enthusiastic -- ask Mitchell) coaching from the local Belvedere club, who the boys will play against on Sunday. There was running, jumping, chest bumping, piggy-back rides, and some very good soccer training mixed in for good measure. The boys surely had fun with some of the unorthodox training methods they experienced. (We think it has to do with the coach’s accent.)
Following a brief couple hour respite to rest and recover from the long journey and training session, the boys had a blast playing small-sided games (steel-cage matches, if you will) for a couple hours on the very nice turf fields here at the University. The matches were very spirited and lively.
Dinner this evening was courtesy of the local pub across from the University. Almost all the boys cleaned their plates after a busy day of travel and soccer.
Weather was great today, party sunny to sunny, around 65 degrees. It felt great, particularly after the “no AC” in the jet from GSP to Atlanta.
Tomorrow, it’s the first set of matches against the local club.
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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