When the notification text was sent that the Ballyboden St Endas U-12 camogie team had been drawn to play in Camán to Croker the response was immediate.
The excitement levels were high across the team and mentors in anticipation of the big day.
The team had an early start on Tuesday the 7th of July as we met in the clubhouse at 8.20am. A convoy of cars headed across the city, destination Croke Park, for a festival of camogie involving 65 clubs from all over Leinster. After parking in the Davin End we made our way to the back of the Cusack Stand where we were guided into the dressing rooms. The distinctive sound of football boots as the team transversed the dressing room sent chills up spines. Before departing the dressing rooms we took a quick a team photograph.
We were then shown onto the plush pitch and had a quick warm-up and puck around before our first match. A detailed plan was put in place to ensure all 19 girls got equal playing time on the pitch. We played three 12 minute games in all against Kilcock of Kildare, St Cillians of Offaly and Kiltale of Meath winning all 3 and giving all our girls experience of playing in GAA headquarters. Well done to all the girls who performed and behaved excellently on the day. Thanks to Joan Feehan and Jean Gargan for organizing the event and to fellow mentors Danny O Connell, Ger Delaney and Dave Quinlivan who helped out greatly on the day. Thanks to our referee Cora Ryan for coming along with the girls on the day.
And finally thanks also to the drivers and supporters who turned up to encourage the team and to Ian Horan for the great photos on what was an occasion they will never forget. Hopefully our girls will go on to grace the hallowed ground again in the future.