A Wonderful All-Ireland Final Half-Time Experience
I was very excited when I was told by Ms. Mulhall, my teacher, that I was going forward to the skills competition in Ballinakill. The 24th March was the coldest, windiest day ever, I thought to myself, I have to work extra hard. I was over the moon to get through and when I returned to school, St Joseph's NS Glenealy, everyone was clapping and cheering, such a feeling.
In June news came through from Ms Ryan, Cumann na mBunscol that I would attend the All-Ireland, I was beside myself.
Then just last week on 17th July the tickets arrived and the itinerary for the day from Ms. Harte. Even better when I found out that John Keenan was the referee, I was very happy. I went to David Moran Hurls and picked out a new hurl for the day. I made sure it had a red grip to represent my club, Glenealy.
On Sunday morning I was up early and in the Barbara Ward Community Centre I met my teammates for the day. Lads, from Offaly, Laois, Longford, Mayo and Limerick. We were brought over to Croke Park. We got a lovely meal and were kitted out. I was given the Kilkenny Jersey No. 2. It was so exciting! At this point, I couldn't eat, I just wanted to get out on the pitch.
We sat for the first half in our teams, I had great craic with the lads, shouting for Limerick. The atmosphere was electric and then best part, we walked out onto Croke Park and played on front of 82,000 people! What a great feeling and pitch was perfect, it felt so good, like carpet.
The rest of the day was brilliant too, the second half was fantastic, it was great to be there to see Limerick win their fourth All-Ireland final, they were class. Hard luck to Kilkenny.
Thanks to John Keenan for taking the time for a photo after the match.
I had such an amazing day and will have the memories forever. Thank you so much to Ms. Mulhall and all at St Joseph's NS, Glenealy, Cumann na mBunscol, INTO, the lovely ladies in the Barbara Ward Community Centre, Croke Park staff and stewards, Glenealy Hurling Club and Wicklow GAA.
By Simon Lynch, 5th Class, St. Joseph's NS, Glenealy, Co Wicklow.
