August 30th, 2014 | Uncategorized
It was a sad occasion as we Republic of Ireland scholars had to separate from the Ulster scholars – the Ulster scholars were to stay in Belfast as we roadtripped down to Dublin and Clonmel to work basketball camps in different communities. But before we left, we all hiked to the top of Cave Hill Mountain together, and that is an experience I will never forget.
The first day of camp in Dublin was great as we worked and met the kids at the Kubs Basketball Club. At the end of the first night, we were welcomed into the homes of host families in the Dublin community. My and Jess’s host family welcomed us with open arms, and we learned a lot about the Irish culture from the family and their teenage daughter, Katie. Katie told us a lot about Irish slang words (we tried to take notes) and more about the summer camp she attended in Galway for 3 weeks. The entire 3 weeks she stayed there and learned/only spoke the original Irish language. At the end of the 3 weeks, she and the other hundreds of campers made a music video singing in the Irish language – which received over 2 million views on Youtube in the FIRST WEEK!
The second day of camp at the Kubs facility was a little easier as many of the same kids took part once again. As the weather was nicer, we were also able to make use of the outdoor basketball courts and blacktops to spread out and have more room. I was mainly with the younger group at the camp, and learned a few phrases in the original Irish language thanks to my girls Heidi and Laura.
“Is mishe Kelsey = My name is Kelsey”
Look out for my next blog as I head to the University of Limerick!
