It is coming to the end of my first semester in Letterkenny, five months since landing in Ireland. It wasn’t too long ago where I was sitting up in Belfast very eager to start my journey as a Victory Scholar. I had just landed the opportunity to head back to school for my masters and was going to be able to continue to play the game that I had been playing ever since I was a “wee” (A term I learned as the Irish love to describe everything and anything) guy. I couldn’t be more thrilled!
Letterkenny is situated about 2 hours from Belfast and is the largest town in the County of Donegal. Located in the middle of the northwest corner of Ireland, it has been my home for the past several months. In that time, I have been able to build countless memories, lifelong friends and gain some amazing experiences.
There have been many cherished moments that have definitely made a lasting impact. Whether it be the many people and families embracing me into Letterkenny community, coaching various camps, local teams and school visits. Partaking in countless trips travelling throughout Ireland, assisting at the Belfast Hall of Fame Classic, reconnecting with scholars and competing in the National and College leagues. All of which have added to a great time here in Ireland. I am looking forward to seeing what the next few months have in store.
This actually isn’t my first-time exploring Ireland. This isn’t even my first-time experiencing basketball in Ireland. After graduating college in 2016, I got the chance to spent nine months coaching and playing basketball for the Titans Basketball club in Galway. So, I was sort of accustomed to life in Ireland and had an idea of the lay of the land for the most part. Saying that, things are mighty different and a whole new world up here in Donegal, especially with the way they speak. In every conversation, you’ll be sure to get a like or a responding “aye” at the end of a statement. Several of my teammates are from Derry, they speak their own language when they are all together. Only taking me 5 months to be able to pick up on what they are saying.
Several of our other teammates have even got me and my teammate Spencer saying, “It will be grand”, “sorted”, “cheers” and “no bother”. All in which, I don’t think either of us has ever used in our lives prior to coming over to Ireland. That’s what makes this a great experience though, getting brought into a community and be able to get back on the court while being able to compete with a new group of guys. Hoping that some of our teammates and the kids we coach can pick up some of our “weird” or “different” terminology and sayings.
Getting a chance to return back to Ireland, meet some amazing people, learn, grow and inspire is something that I will take with me for the rest of my life. As the end of the term approaches and the new year begins, I am looking forward to continuing training, coaching, travelling and a little bit more of the Irish craic. I think it’s something that I’m more than well-equipped to handle!
