Johnswell National School.... On Friday morning a group of players and some juvenile mentors took time to visit the St. Johns Parish and City Schools to show off the Tom Walsh Cup to our young Gaels.all schools and their staffs were very welcoming and that tone was set with the reception received at Johnswell NS..our first schools visit. Familiar faces recognised the players and mentors and were thrilled to be close to Champs and the Cup..Andy Kearns, Paddy Deegan and Sean Bolger took questions from the floor in what could only be described as a quick fire round - keeping the boys on their toes!. The lads had a few questions of their own too and those who answered correctly received prizes and went home extra happy. All the young players sent the lads off on their way to a tumultuous applause and a pep in their step as they headed to town...next stop GaelscoiIl Osraí..Big thanks to everyone at Johnswell NS. Gaelscoil Osraí.... The O'Loughlin Gaels Players and entourage arrived into the Halla at Gaelscoil Osraí to a huge rí rá agus a massive buala bas!!. An Mean-Príomhoide (Camogie chairwoman Joan Galwey) was only too delighted to welcome the Co. Champs. Fair play to all the youngsters they gave a huge welcome to the boys regardless of their club loyalty's which range from clubs throughout the city and county. In a huge show of respect one young fella shook the hand of Paddy Deegan telling him 'he didn't support O'Loughlins but well done anyway'..an a sportúil ar fad! Past pupil Andy Kearns spoke to the children and again more prizes were dished out. It was a proud day for lots of young Gaels attending the school and some of the Múinteoirí who are also club supporters. Muinteoir Brian Fox is Juvenile Vice Chairman and also coaches at youth level. Go raibh míle maith agaibh ...on to CBS... C. B. S. Dominic Street..... On to the CBS then and another big welcome for our heros and the Tom Walsh Cup. Proud CBS Teacher and Senior Player Niall Bergin was on hand to introduce the lads to the CBS boys. A special welcome for past pupil Seanie Bolger..who's brother Joe was proudly looking on. Question time then and the the players were questioned on all aspects of their game, Fav position, other sports, diet..good questions no doubt. But what about the fella who wondered if the lads were worried going up against the World Champions New Zealand??.. Not Paddy Deegan..he always knew Ireland would win. Our new heros can achieve anything to the wide eyed youngsters. Another big send off..and the lads were off next to the Model School. Not before a chance meeting with Teacher and Clara man Shane Prendergast who congratulated the boys on a fine achievement. Fair play...lovely hurling. The Model School..... By the time the group reached the Model School just off the Castlecomer Rd. they were joined by another of the players and the momentum of the day was building. A cup of tea in hand with the proud staff and colleagues of Mr. Kearns (Andy) at little break before being greeted by the enthusiastic young students. The Model School for the first time this year have entered a team into the Cuman Na mBunscoil leagues under the stewardship of teacher and player Andy Kearns so the pupils were eager to see the Tom Walsh Cup with their hero. The big interest though was the introduction of a 2nd Mr. Kearns (Eddie) who had just joined the group. Question time focused on this enigma .... "Who was older?.'..are you twins??... "No..you almost look alike..but one is chubbier!!!!"... (No comment)...and then the killer question... "Which one of you is better??"... You could feel the tension...Paddy and Seanie stepped away as Eddie rose to the challenge.." Some say I'm better...but he's good..very good..but I think I'm better!!" , he quipped (and sheepishly kept out of reach of the older brother)..The local crowd were not satisfied - In the Model School, Mr. Kearns is the best..they wouldn't have it any other way!! More prizes were given out..more photos..and off to St. Johns Junior next... St. Johns Jnr School - The Lake.... Into Michael Street next and to The Lake School where all the pupils had the assembly room decked out in white and green. Their craft skills were brought into play too as one class wore Champions Hats they made with their teacher...(I don't think it was Miss Fry!!! - her colours are very different) The reception was great and many of the youngsters were as thrilled to see their u6 coach (Stephen McCormack) as they were the players. Not surprised either as Stephen and mentors do a fantastic job. The Tom Walsh Cup attracted the most attention. Big eyes focused on the glistening trophy and thoughts of future great days in the white and green jersey of O'Loughlin Gaels raced through their heads. The players spoke to the children..told them to train hard and listen to their coaches. All the the focus was on past pupil Paddy Deegan.."this new hero was one of us..he went to this school..now look at him..a County Champion...I can be like him too. ".. The children queued up to lift the cup and get jerseys, flags and everything they made or brought autographed by Deego...while the other boys looked on..possibly thinking thoughts that one day they would be like him!!! Another great visit and thanks to all the staff and pupils for a great reception. On to St. Johns Snr now for the final visit. Autograph time.........FOR SOME!!!! St Johns Snr School - Ballybought Street.... The final school the lads visited was in the heart of the parish..St. Johns Senior School, Ballybought Street. The lads entered the assembly room to chants of 'Championee', flags, cheering and lots of colour...led by Deego with cup in hand, Sean Bolger and St. Johns Teacher Mr. Kearns (Eddie) . The boys sat on stage in front of a large white and green banner made by the pupils that simply said "Best of Luck Mr. Kearns".. Dozens of young Gaels wore the club colours and Mr Cooney welcomed the players and mentors and spoke to the pupils of the match..and of past achievements the school shared with the O'Loughlin Gaels players. Mr. Kearns addressed future young stars and reminded them to keep practicing..train hard and to keep attending juvenile training every Sunday morning..(currently at Wallslough from 10.30am). More questions..and very good ones.. and more prizes given out as with all the schools on this tour. 'If not O'Loughlins what club would you play for?"... Wow that was tough..but a quick side step and a clever pass and the danger was averted. " not where you come from anyway" was the retort. The locals loved it!..Diet was another intrigue for the future stars..Eddie Kearns says plenty of steak and advised where to get it...the best little butcher shop in town!.. Just a short walk down the street. "How did you feel when you won?"..pure elation for the lad next to you..that hurled with you since ye were u6..and if he was your brother all the better!! It was surely a day to remember for both current and future stars. This school pulled out all the stops...they weren't going to let their hero teacher down...the visit served up a special St. Johns atmosphere and produced a rousing rendition of 'The Rose of Mooncoin' to see the players off. The final school visited for the day...its back to training tonight...more business to attend to ..there's a big game next weekend and the players would love nothing better than to have more days like this. To do that they've to continue their winning ways starting next Sunday in Wexford Park at 2.00pm. PRIZE WINNERS.... THANKS TO ALL THE SCHOOLS AND STAFFS TODAY FOR VERY WELCOMING RECEPTIONS
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
November 2018
Categories |