The U12 girls set off on their annual trip, this time to Wexford, on Saturday for a day packed with fun, food and a little bit of sport. When the trip was planned for the last weekend in June, we thought that the numbers could be down with end of school year and holidays approaching, but as always, the dedication and camaraderie of this bunch of girls rose to the fore and 51 girls met up at the clubhouse bright and early at 8.30. These girls, many of whom started 6 years ago in the Academy have benefitted from the introduction of alternate weekends for Camogie and Football, in that 43 of the 51 are still dual players and so arrived with Helmets, Hurls, Gum shields, Shin guards, food, sun cream, raincoats etc. It was a full bus!

With on-board entertainment on the way consisting of sing songs and the traditional quiz, the journey flew by and we made it to St. Martins GAA club just outside Wexford town before 11. As expected, it being the sunny South East, the sun shone throughout as the girls started out with 3 football matches followed by 3 camogie matches.

Our girls fought hard showing great skills across both codes and were well able for the challenge of the girls from the Model County. There was also great sportsmanship on display from both teams with some of our girls slotting into St. Martin’s teams due to our higher numbers.

 

After the battle, comes the spoils and our girls were certainly spoiled afterwards with buns, cakes and drinks while the adults were able to discuss the outcome of the Brexit with the Wexford parents and coaches.

Then we gathered up our belongings and were waved off by our opposition as we headed for our next stop, the beach of Curracloe. The poor lifeguards, enjoying a quiet afternoon on the near empty beach, were shocked to see 50+ crazed 11/12 year old girls charge down to the water. The city-slickers, many of them still wearing their football socks, then ran as quick back out again as they realised that the water was not the temperature of their local swimming pool.

 

Then after some changing of outfits supervised by Aisling and Carol who were overworked for the day, we moved onto our final stop, McDonalds in Arklow. The girls good humour and sense of fun continued to shine through as they ate their meals on the wall outside (turns out McDonalds in Arklow isn’t that big!)

For the final stretch of the journey some slept, some still sang – the quiz prizes were awarded – turns out a team of mentors daughters won, Alice, Megan, Shauna and Google!!

The bus was met by all of the grateful parents and as the last girl was picked up, the mentors went in for some well earned refreshments.

Many thanks to all those who made the trip possible, in particular to Aisling and Carol for looking after the girls and thanks to our hosts St. Martins who are welcome back to Dublin for the return trip any time! Finally thanks to the girls who made the trip and who continue to represent the club in style.