THE CROKE PARK DREAM DAY

Eoghan O'Brien eyes the prize!

After a night of restless sleep the much anticipated Croke Park Dream Day arrived for 40 lucky young juvenile players Saturday morning. It was an early start for sure but activities were kicking off in Croker Park at 8.50am and everyone had to be suited and booted there at 8.30am.

Centra had their bus at St. John's Park at 6.30am and to their surprise 40 wide eyed children and 10 wide eyed 'Big' children were waiting and ready. Centra Johns Green arrived up with a tray of sandwiches, fruits and water to accompany the group on their trip so that everything was layed on for the young stars.

Croke Park Arrival...

On their arrival at Croke Park  they were greeted by Donnacha who outlined what was ahead... they were lead to the dressing rooms. Now that's an experience in itself..some lads would be happy with just that but after a change into gear in the same rooms as some of the greats before them our young Gaels entered the Croke Park pitch via the famous tunnel under the stand. As they ran out under the great Hogan Stand the Cusack stand towered above them and the sheer scale of the stadium tingled their spines. This was the highest level..this is what it was like.!!

The jumped into the  team photo flanked by Richie Hogan, Seamus Callanan ...two men who took the same photograph on the biggest day of the year for their counties only a matter of weeks ago.  One day it would be one of our boys.

The Coaching...

On to the pitches then for a two hour coaching session from the countries top hurlers. All the skills were done on rotation -Richie Hogan was there for some striking, Seamus Callahan did catching, Dotsy O'Callaghan looked at handpassing while Maurice Shanahan was there too to show the boys how to put the ball between the posts. Podge Collins, Niall O'Meara, Jason Flynn, Lee Chin and Shane Dooley all shared their tricks and skills with our youngsters. You won't get better coaching than that... these boys will be flying ..

The Banquet...

After two hours of intense coaching the boys were led to the Cusack Suite for much needed refreshment. A Croke Park banquet fit for our heroes was laid on to refuel the batteries.  No speeches or Man of the Match awards were on offer today but a taste of what it's like to be fêted will surely encourage these lads to achieve their best... which s something all at O'Loughlin Gals GAA will look forward to.

Liam McCarthy...

There was time to meet our old pal..Liam McCarthy..let him know that it would be ok..he'd be back in his rightful place very soon..Both Liam and the boys were very happy to see each other at this tough time for us all!!!

The Tear-aways!!...

Of course some boys were interested in sneaking their own picture of another County.. proving these boys like the big ball too.....

Back to the dressing rooms....

The Stadium Tour....

There's more to do... it's off round the stadium to learn about the history and culture of one of the greatest Stadiums in the world... and listen out for the roars ands sounds from times gone by...

Fun Activities....

At the end of a great Day where the boys were treated like kings by Centra and Croker Park, met and were coached by the biggest stars in the game, it was time to relax at the activity area before making their way back to St. Johns Park..where after putting in a 12 hour day (6.30AM - 6.30PM)  the boys  got straight off the bus and went for a puck-around on the front pitch. They just can't get enough of it!!

Watch out for these boys and follow their development because for sure these lads are going to do great things for O'Loughlin Gals GAA.

A big thanks to Paul Wall, Darren Kelly, Mark Nolan, Noel Hanrahan, Fonzie Butler, Mick Johnson, Padraig O'Neill, Alan Byrne (Photos), John Morrissey, Fearghal Powell....and of course to u10 star Eoghan O'Brien who's skills won this fantastic trip.

Lovely hurling!