January 28th, 2016 | Uncategorized
After coaching the U18 Old Leighlin team to a 40-point victory this past Sunday, I got to spend some time in the small town. First stop was the small cathedral, built on the site of what was once one of the foremost monastic houses in Leinster (according to Wikipedia). The quaint grounds were beautiful for walking around.
Then my hosts, the Dooley family, invited me over for a delicious dinner at their home. I loved playing with their adorable kitten and being in the familiar setting of a family home. The hilarious sibling banter had me laughing and thinking of my own brother and sisters. On our drive back to Carlow, I got to see one of the many weirs of the River Barrow and an old center of hydropower on the water.
I’m so thankful for this family in particular, who have made me feel so welcome in this community. From them I come to learn all the things about Ireland that I can’t read in a book – about its culture of hospitality, about what exactly are TY and leaving certs, and about how gosh darn delicious homemade crumble is. Experiences like this make me feel like I am not just studying, playing, and coaching abroad – I am living abroad.
Victory Scholar: Lillian McCabe
Present University: IT Carlow
US League: Atlantic 10
Club/Community Partner: ITC Basketball
Alma Mater: Davidson College
Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland
