We assembled at the Athlone Town Stadium for 9.30am. We loaded enough food onto the bus to feed a small army. When Aaron decided to join us we had a group photo taken and then off to Limerick in great spirits and with great hopes.
Ciaran P was the first man to make his mark on the competition. He made the mark somewhere between Cloghan and Borrisokane!
As we get nearer Limerick the bus got quiter. A little nerves and a little apprehension. That soon disappeared as we found our accommodation and were allocated our rooms. The rooms are grand but only the quickest managed to get a double bed. Then off to lunch. Great nosh! Then we went to have a look at where we were going to play this evening. The pitch is a bit sandy but fine. Can’t wait for it to start now.
We then went back to the houses for a brief team meeting. Each player was presented with their own jersey with their name on the back. Class! I’m beginning to understand now what all the talk about the Kennedy Cup is about. Does this get better?
We then had to rest up and the coaches then made pasta and chicken for us at about 4.30. Then we togged out and had our team meeting. Clive has us going now.
We then went to watch the second half of a match although it was hard to concentrate on it. We were happier when we started our warm up. The time flew to the start of the game. It was great to see so many there to support us.
At last we were off and playing.
What a lousy feeling! We felt we could and should have won. We had loads of chances but only took one. Darra put us one up six minutes into the second half. But Cavan just would not give up and they scored an equaliser six minutes from time. We were gutted. Clive said we had done our best and not to be disappointed.but it was hard not to be. The other game also finished in a draw so it is still in our hands and there is much to still play for. We will get up and go again tomorrow.
We went for grub and back to the house and early to bed. A big day tomorrow. |