I’ve been living in Ireland for almost 4 months now and I still haven’t been able to impersonate an Irish accent. Within Ireland you have various accents from Cork to Donegal (my favourite) to Dublin. I thought I could get at least one down but I either come off as a posh Briton or an Aussie. Whenever my Irish friends put on an American accent, I sort of cringe thinking, is that how I really sound? But I am determined to get the accent down, because like I tell the kids I coach, you have to get uncomfortable to get comfortable.

I coach all the years at St.Marys secondary school in Galway three days a week. When I first got them back in September it was a little eye opening. I knew the first years (freshman) had little experience with the game but I didn’t think when I set them up for a scrimmage at the end of training that they would ask such questions as “is there offsides?” Or “so a free throw is like a penalty shot?”, and not know where the boundaries were on the court. But I knew I had some good athletes and kept reminding them I know you feel uncomfortable doing certain things but if you stick with it, it will become second nature (giving them an example by hitting 2 free throws with my eyes closed). Seeing the improvement they have made the past 3 months, really makes it all worthwhile and keeps me excited to come in and work with them everyday. Joe Coughlan, the head of the Titans, reminded me earlier today of how much of an impact I am having on the kids I coach. There was one boy who has learning difficulties and I haven’t treated him any different from the other kids and Joe was amazed at the progress he has made.

Now only if someone can help me make progress with this accent…

In any sport, there are always going to be up and downs, challenges, and adversities during the course of the season–but sometimes losing can teach you a lot more than winning a game. Last night the ITC Ladies National League Squad played against Killester’s Superleague Ladies. Before the game started we were a wee bit nervous since they are a higher league team then us and were the third best team in the country last year. After an amazing performance from everyone on the team, we ended up losing by 10pts. Even though we lost, we improved on a lot of things during the course of the game compared to last weekend. One thing we really needed to work on was communication as a team on the defensive end. This game we communicated much better as a team, which in return got us stops on the defensive end and allowed us to keep the game close. We also started to move the ball better on the offensive end and take good shoots. There is still a lot more that we need to work on individually and as a team, but overall everyone gave a phenomenal effort and most importantly no one gave up!

“So it is with life. Everything will not always go your way. There will be both losses and wins. If you give everything your best shot and learn the lessons along the way, you will come out a winner.”

I am sure that we all make goals in life… Long term goals… Short term goals, but how often do we set them, and how likely are we to reach them? I say all of this because that’s what Bryan and I have started to do with the Jr. Elks in coaching them. Who knew that setting goals and getting rewarded for it would give our girls the motivation to play hard? Who knew that the goals set for the girls would be the key to a #VICTORY? We set the goals for the girls to have a number of rebounds, steals, spacing on offense, to communicate on the court, and most importantly to have fun. Within the first half of the game the girls already completed 3 out of the 5 goals, and we were up by double digits. It was so great seeing the girls come in during time outs, saying, “Okay. How many rebounds, steals, etc. do we have? Who knew that doing this would be the key to preparing to win games? Well, we did win–47 to 21. Enjoy the weekend off Ladies! I will leave with a quote from Jim Rohn.

“Goals: There’s no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them. There’s no telling what you can do when you believe in them. There’s no telling what will happen when you act upon them.”
— Jim Rohn

My heart started racing when I received the text that my Mom, Grandmom, and two Aunts have arrived in Galway and were anxiously waiting in the hotel lobby for me.  The feeling was comparable to a kid on Christmas day, as I sprinted from my apartment through Eyre Square to meet my family.  It was so great to see everyone and honestly just refreshing to hear a familiar accent. Going to a restaurant and not being the only person that orders a glass of “wooder” was surprisingly comforting.  In addition to being greeted with the most heartfelt embrace from my mother, I was also given awesome gifts and tasty snacks from my family members in Philadelphia that couldn’t make the trip, as a reminder that I come from the one of the best cities in the world.  Some of the gifts included ranch dressing, assorted Hershey’s chocolate, Cliff bars, Snackpack pudding,  Phillies, 76ers, and Eagles gear, Bud Light, and last and obviously most importantly BUFFALO SAUCE!

I would have never thought at the age of 24 I would have a chance to play basketball again in front of my family and in another country no less.  Aside from showing my family around Ireland, I think I was most excited to play in front of them again and show them what I’ve been working for all summer and preseason.  I can’t describe the feeling and comfort I felt hearing my family cheer me on from the stands and hearing “All day Mic! “ and “Way to play Mic!” whenever I hit a shot.

Such a great experience to be able to explore this country where my ancestors are from as three generations of women took on Dublin, Salt Hill, the Cliffs of Moher, and every part of Galway city together.  On the girls final day here I took them through the popular Galway Market.  It was here that my family determined that I am a celebrity in this city. I was stopped on the street by over six different people from classmates, parents, and teammates that we saw in passing on Shop Street.  We then had lunch in a popular pub where I happen to know and coach the family that owns it.  We definitely were taken care of at the pub and had a lovely last meal together.  I had to inform my family unfortunately that I in fact was not a “rock star” that they had thought but actually the city of Galway is just THAT small.  It was proof that literally everyone knows everyone in Galway, even though the thought of them thinking I’m famous was pretty neat.

It was impossible to wipe the grin off my face for that entire week that my family was here. I feel so blessed to not only have a loving family that supports me, but also to have an opportunity to introduce them to my new family and friends here that continue to take care of me in Galway.  My people in Galway did an absolute amazing job of welcoming my family and making sure they felt right at home.  My family is very confident I am in good hands here. I just want to give a big thank you to everyone that showed my family a great time, you know who you are!!  I’m convinced that I’m one of the luckiest people in the world to have such caring people in my life. MUCH LOVE <3

#INSPIRE #VICTORY

Finally Home… Well my home away from home for the next 10 months at the University of Ulster in BELFAST!!! It has been another exciting week. This week I was on the mission of exploring Belfast, and that I did. But not before I took trip to the Giants Causeway, it was awesome. It was a great adventure and at times it felt like I was looking out over the top of the world.

Next adventure, was going into the city centre where I found those four letters that every girl dreams about, MALL!!!! Every girls hobby is shopping and that’s exactly what I did, shops like Top Shop & H&M the European styles all at my fingertips. It was amazing to see some of the same stores I shop at back home in the United States. Now to make the day even better… A seven-letter word… BURRITO! OMG! The burrito was so good that it reminded me of an American fast food place called Chipotle. This place called Boojum is pretty famous in Belfast, Dublin and Now Galway. Funny that it is nearly in all the places the Victory Scholars are. #BOOJUM #VICTORY.

After this great week, I still have more to do and don’t think my 3rd mission of getting to know Belfast can be marked as completed yet. After this great week, I still have more to see & visit in Belfast. I can’t wait. To be continued…

Have you ever heard of a budgie? Apparently that’s what we call parakeets on this side of the world. And what’s the most common thing to have with milk? Tea, naturally. Foods that start with a c? Chips and crisps…

We had a team dinner at Rebecca’s house tonight and in addition to great food and a cool bird, we played an intense game of Family Fortunes (the British version of Family Feud). Mai-Thy and I had to shift our answers to accommodate the cultural differences, and the results were hilarious. I actually eat cookies with milk and still struggle to differentiate between chips and crisps. After my team was winning 300+ to 0, we decided to share the love with the opposition. Much to Fiona’s dismay, they made a swift comeback with a few favorable rule adjustments and came back to WIN the game. Fair play, fair play.

Although I thought being around a team other than my Merrimack sisters would be weird, I couldn’t be luckier. These ladies are great hosts, tour guides, interpreters, teammates, drivers, advisors, stylists, friends and literally anything else I might need them to be. I’m obsessed. Can’t wait until our next team dinner! 

I know it’s been a while folks, but this last week has been tough. We received devastating news after practice on Tuesday that Lou’s boyfriend passed away. It was difficult going into practice because we knew he was in critical condition with brain haemorrhaging, but his death put a lot of things in perspective for all of us. I felt horrible for Lou because I genuinely admire her. She is a warm-hearted kind person with amazing athletic abilities, so seeing her have to deal with the love her life leaving this Earth was that much harder.

It is only right for me to dedicate this blog to Alan Feeley. He was 28 years old and accomplished so much within his lifetime. At one point the funeral was standing room only as hundreds of people gathered around to celebrate his life, support, and pray for the family. He was a son, brother, teacher, teammate, and friend to anyone who entered his life. Alan was very competitive and played with the Old Crescent RFC thirds team in Limerick, and also played football with Claremorris GAA club. He taught PE and geography and his popularity was shown as a bus of his students attended his funeral on Friday.

In an article in the Limerick Leader, the Principal of Scoil na Tríonóide Naofa, Eilis Casey, described Alan as, “A teacher who was very innovative and made PE so enjoyable for the girls. He was very popular. There was an ease and calmness about him.” Alan coached pupils to a Munster Gaelic football title last year. He also introduced spike ball to the school and brought them to two All-Ireland finals. During the funeral the priest reminded us all that “Lives should not be measured in years but the quality of memories left behind.”

All last week I was left to think about what I’ve been doing to be a better person and had to take into consideration the times I complained about the little things in life. Alan touched many lives from volunteering in Africa to skydiving with his younger brother. We also honored him just before our game on Saturday by pinning a black ribbon on the left side of our jerseys and having a moment of silence. Even though we lost, we have to stay strong as a team, continue to be positive, and support one another.

Alan will truly be missed and forever remembered, so rest in peace Alan Feeley, from the family at Sport Changes Life. 

Hello everyone! As the cold starts to kick in, and Christmas lights are beginning to shine bright in the dark weather, it’s starting to feel like one of my favorite times of the year!!  After a pretty tough week, we just finished a successful weekend trip to Dublin.  On Saturday night, we took on fellow scholar Katie and a very solid Meteors team.  This was one of the first games in awhile we’ve had almost a full squad, and it was nice to have Fionnuala and Mairead back out on the court!  We came out strong and ready to play, gaining a big early lead.  However, Meteors is a team that never gives in, and they proved that in our game.  They cut the lead in the second half, making it a close battle in the fourth quarter.  With some made free throws at the end of the game, we were able to pull out a great win in Dublin!  I’m really proud of our team for our perseverance and hard work, and really happy we were able to get this win.  I look forward to building on this victory as we take on another tough team this upcoming weekend at home.

After our game, some of us were able to stay in Dublin for the night.  We had a great night on the town.  The lights in Dublin were really shining, and it was hard not to smile as we took in this beautiful city.  I was able to see one of my good friends, Carolyn, from home who was here for the weekend! It was great seeing her and some of her BC friends who were enjoying a visit from their study abroad program in Rome.  It’s such a small world we live in.  It’s always nice to feel a touch of home when you’re this far away. 

On Sunday, Brit and I were invited to dinner at Susie’s cousin’s house in Dublin.  Dinner was served at 2pm! Yes, not lunch, but dinner.  It is custom to have your dinner at this time, and tea and wee sandwiches are served later in the afternoon.  The meal was amazing, keeping on track with my love of some homemade Irish meals!  One of the best parts about my experience so far is how welcoming every family we have been fortunate enough to meet has been to us, and I’m always so grateful for them allowing us into their home.  I would definitely say this was a successful trip to Dublin.  Very proud of my team, and looking forward to another week with SCL!

Katie and I decided to escape the hustle and bustle of Dublin’s city centre with a day tour around the mountains of Wicklow. We boarded the bus in the morning and were greeted by a wonderful tour guide who loved to use the word “itself.” Looking back, I wish we had tallied the number of times he used the word; it had to have been nearly a hundred. Despite his excessive use of pronouns, he was an extremely hospitable and knowledgeable tour guide.

We wound our way through the mountains just outside of Dublin making stops at the Glencree Center for Reconciliation, the Guinness Lake, Glendalough, and Avoca. While way up in the mountains, we passed over the bridge from the opening scenes of P.S. I Love You. I guess I am going to have to re-watch that movie now.

It was a gorgeous day and the scenery was absolutely breath-taking. Although pictures couldn’t really do it justice, Katie was able to capture some phenomenal snapshots of the day. It is great to know that such a peaceful and refreshing retreat is so close to the city. I definitely see myself taking friends and family out that way when they visit.

I am looking forward to another busy week full of training and coaching. Our U-17 girls have their first “friendly” (scrimmage) this week and we are excited to see everyone play. For now, I am off to training of my own with the Liffey Celtics.

I hope everyone back in the States had a wonderful Labor Day weekend! 

Oh and PS..Everyone at home I love you 🙂

As November flies by and the number of days until exams wanes, my stress levels are on the rise. I can hardly believe that this is my final week of lectures for the semester. Even harder to believe is that I am nearly half way to my master’s degree.

At times, it is easy for me to get caught up in the hectic balance of playing, coaching, and studying resulting in little awareness of things that are going on around me. So many things to do, so little time.

Luckily, last week, the City of Dublin lit up its Christmas lights on Grafton Street. I happened to stroll down it during my dinner break from lectures and absolutely fell in love with the decorations. It was a welcomed distraction, even if only for a few minutes, and genuinely brightened my day. (I know people in the States are probably shocked at the earliness of the lights, but reminder, Thanksgiving doesn’t happen here). It was a nice reminder to take a few seconds to stop and smell the proverbial roses. There are so many sources of joy if only we take a brief moment to appreciate them. That being said, it’s time for me to hit the books again. Exams will be here before I know it!

#INSPIRE #VICTORY

This could be a regular Monday thing for me. I have no class on Mondays, and as of now I do not have any practices or coaching on Mondays either. I kind of prefer this schedule to not having class on Fridays for a couple of reasons. First, I have extra time to wind down from the weekend. I’m not forced to abruptly stop all of my enjoyment of free time on Sunday evening and force myself back into school mode. Next, I enjoy starting the week off on my own accord. I can wake up when I please, enjoy the day, and actually feel productive without having to drag myself somewhere at a specific time. Obviously this means that Tuesday through Friday are a bit more intense, but that is completely okay. Today was a pretty ideal Monday. I woke up at a reasonable hour, took the bus downtown with Kelsey and some classmates, and simply walked around the city of Limerick for hours. We went from the buzzing city center, to some vacant back alleys, to a castle and some churches from back to 500 AD, and we even wandered through a cemetery or two. The spontaneity of it all attracted me deeply. Not knowing what was around the next street corner, not having a functioning iPhone to map my way around, but still having the confidence that I will find my way back to the bus stop…..that’s empowering. After getting completely lost for over an hour but convincing myself that I was okay, only to then stumble upon familiar territory was an unusually rewarding feeling. I guess I am a Monday person after all. Who knew?

Friday marked the halfway point for Movember 2013, where men across the globe grow moustaches through the month of November to raise awareness for men’s health. It’s a fun, albeit unflattering, way to spread an idea and raise some money for a cause not often at the top of people’s radars. It’s also incredibly easy to participate in, which made me think about the cost of doing good deeds.

Every once in a while watching the news or reading the paper we see examples of extraordinary acts done by ordinary people. Someone runs into a burning house to save a baby, or a driver pulls over on the highway to help someone out of a terrible car wreck. Things that go above and beyond what we would think of normal social duty. I think we can all agree that running into a burning building is more than anyone is expected to do for another person. That would be at the furthest point of altruism. All other ‘good deeds’ fall on a downwards gradient of cost under supreme acts of kindness like those are.

Participating in an event like Movember is all the way at the bottom of that gradient. Doesn’t cost any money. Doesn’t cost any time. The only “cost” is looking a litte goofy for a month, and I think (or would like to think) that most people are secure enough in themselves that at the  end of it, it isn’t such an issue. I’m not so idealistic that I think small gestures of kindness and generosity can change the world… but it can’t hurt. When there is an opportunity to do something good at low or no cost, you might as well do it. 

If you’re feeling generous head over to my Movember page and throw in a donation. If not then at the very least think about getting on board with the Movember crew next year.

http://ca.movember.com/mospace/3435757

Every Wednesday we have the opportunity to work with three different sets of young people. We go from primary school kids, to young teens, then on to older teenagers.  Not every group is easy but they are all fun to work with. They see all of the scholars as role models and sort of like celebrites. While in reality we are normal everyday people just trying to make a difference in their lives.

 In the morning as I walk into the primary school all I see is loads of smiles from the kids and all I hear is “Bryan is here!!” “Hey Bryan!!” “Are we doing basketball today?” etc. Its the same reaction when we see each other outside of the school. One day Brittney and I are walking through the mall Victoria Square and we hear a bunch kids yelling our name. Or grocery shopping in Tesco, they run and tell their parents who we are and how we coach in their school every week!

It is truly a humbling experience that me, Bryan Wilson, a kid from a small place Upper Marlboro, MD can have such an impact on these young people.

However this week was my last week at Acorn Primary School and the kids were very sad that I would not be coming back next Wednesday. As I left my last session, all the kids came up and hugged me and thanked me for everything. I let them know that we can still be friends, remember everything they learned and I will see them again soon!

Hey everyone! It’s been a crazy few weeks here! I had such a great time traveling to the south for the week working camps.  Our first stop was in Dublin, where we all did a home stay at different houses.  Everyone was so welcoming.  On our first day, we were fortunate enough to attend a National Semi-Final Hurling game at Croak Park! It was an amazing experience.  It’s always great learning a new sport, and seeing athletes play with so much heart and passion.  We also had the opportunity to explore Dublin, and I have to say the city is “brilliant.”  After taking a tour of the Irish Parliament building, I was able see some live Irish music for the first time.  For those who know me well will know how amazing of a time I had just sitting there taking it all in!  We finished out our last days together working a camp in Clonmel.  I also was able to make my first trip to the horse races!  Let’s just say I was no where near as lucky as Britt!  Throughout the week, we were able to meet some really special kids.  It was not until we left some of them with tears in their eyes as we said goodbye that I realized what an impact we had giving just a few days of our time to all of them.

After traveling to the south for the week, we were all sent to our own universities.  It was sad saying goodbye to the other six scholars, but I’m already excited for all of us to meet again in a few weeks! Good thing is that there are four other scholars here with me in Belfast, as well as the MaGuire family who have already had us over many times for some home cooked meals!  We are finally starting to get settled here on campus.  This weekend, we were able to explore the city for the first time.  There are so many great places to eat and shop.  We even found a burrito place that some argued was better than Chipotle.  Needless to say, we were all pretty excited about that.  We also made a trip to see Giant’s Causeway!  It was absolutely beautiful, yet absolutely terrifying at the same time!  Also, Brittney and I started practice with our team this week!  It was great meeting most of the girls and getting back on the court.  I’ve missed the competition, and looking forward to continuing to play.  Happy days!

Today was a great day. I have found myself semi-homesick this past week because I have a reading week—i.e. no lectures. After long hours in my room studying this that and the other thing, I have been pretty isolated. But today was enough to remind me just how much I love Ireland and how sport really does change lives.

After missing Kubs Thursday training last week for a Meteors table quiz (we didn’t win..), I was so excited to get back and see the girls! Along with a surprise visit from Gareth, I was greeted by huge hugs and smiles. After a long week, it was reassuring to know you are loved and cared about. The U12/U13s got new uniforms and were looking spiffy as ever, and Maria (one of the amazing mothers) made cakes (cupcakes) to celebrate our first win this past weekend!

Training with the U17s was hilarious. We worked really, really hard and managed to have so much fun doing so. The highlight of the night is a tie between Ailbhe and Hannah Ennis both wiping out during zig-zags and Hugh’s screeching.

Ailbhe and the rest of the Murphy clan (3 girls!) invited me to dinner at their house afterwards, which was a nice change from the normal routine! On the ride home, I listened to the familiar drama of sisters stealing clothes, which is all too familiar in the Ganser household. Lucy, who is in first year, made delicious spaghetti and meatballs. They are graded on a home ec practical, and this was great practice. We have confirmed our date for dinner next week, the girls cook and I do nails after.

Great end to a tough week, and look forward to battling the Ulster scholars this weekend!

Okay so I know it has been a while since I last blogged and I am sure you all are wondering what’s been going on with me.

First things first, I’ve been up late every night finishing up my first paper. Tea has been my best friend lately. See back home, I would only drink tea when it was really really cold (well yeah it has been a wee bit chilly here in Ireland recently) but I’ve needed tea to help me tackle my busy schedule!

Last week was the first of our community outreach ehoops sessions expansion and we are reaching more young people! We have a fresh group that I’m looking forward to working with.

Last but not least the week ended with a trip to Dunganon with the Junior Elks. The girls played great and met all the team goals that Coach Brittany and I set for the game! Not only did they reach the team goals, but they also came away with the #Victory !!!

Looking back at the last six weeks of St. James Primary School, we have all come a long way. When I say “we”, I’m talking about myself, Brittney, the kids, the faculty, etc. The first week we were there we didn’t know anybody and we were still getting acclimated to a new culture and new program. Reflecting on the relationships that started back on week 1 and now walking into the school as if we are a part of the St. James family is a great feeling. The kids were all pretty shy the first few weeks but as the weeks went on they started to get louder and louder and joke around more and more with us. A couple weeks ago, I was even given the nickname “Mr.Wavy” by a few of the P6 girls because of my hair. Every time I walk in the school now and hear “Mr. Wavy!” I know exactly what kids are calling my name. It’s just a great feeling looking back at the weeks and now seeing how comfortable everybody is with one another and how much fun everyone is having. It’s important to get that break away from your studies in school and I feel amazing knowing I could provide that break and the fun that they needed!

The faculty lounge also has gotten more talkative since we have been there. The beginning was more generic conversation, being polite to one another, but as the weeks go on everybody starts to know one another and talk about almost anything. They were even making fun of my accent the other week when I was there and that was pretty funny as well. Overall, I am looking forward to going to St. James this week but it is going to be a bitter sweet ending!

#INSPIRE #VICTORY

Before I left Limerick, I told my roommates I was off to Thurles and they looked at me in shock and asked, “Why?” They informed me that there wasn’t much to do in Thurles; but I was only going to get my hair braided, or at least that’s what I thought. After spending a few hours with the family they persuaded me to spend the weekend. I ended up going to a night vigil church service with the family and I was moved by the amount of energy and intensity radiating from such a small group. They could have praised and worshipped all night and I was truly amazed.

Elizabeth is an aspiring basketball player, I met her in Clonmel at the basketball camp and after the vigil her aunt asked, “Is this your friend?” Elizabeth replied, “That’s my big sister.” It’s amazing how a simple trip to Thurles for a hair appointment (with Elizabeth’s sister) led me to being surrounded by some great people. It also showed me how I could inspire someone without even knowing. Elizabeth was also invited to come to a practice at UL, so I will be looking after her and helping her improve her game. Her goal is to play in the US, something that I would like to see her achieve.

Elizabeth has four other siblings and they are all such strong individuals. They lost their father 6 years ago in a road accident and still find ways to help and encourage people through Christ Beloved Church. Their mom, Cecelia is the head pastor and on Sunday, at another church service, she announced that I would always be welcome in her home and that I was a blessing to her family.

I was lost for words and could only think about how Elizabeth walks 30 minutes to an outside basketball court just to work on her game. Basketball is truly an outlet for her, and her family literally does everything for their church. Spending the weekend with her family made me realize even more how important Sport Changes Life is to all the youth we impact across Ireland. I’m glad I found yet another place to call my home, away from home. Thank you Pastor Cecelia, Elizabeth, Dorcas, Peter, Beatrice and Elizabeth for a very special weekend!! 

Saturday afternoon after working the BNI academy, I got a lift with Gareth to the airport to pick up my family. My mother Stacey, my father Louis Jr., and my brother Louis III all came to visit my new home for the next 10 months.

I gave them a ‘wee’ bit of help of what to expect before they arrived in Belfast, like the random rain, great food, and great people. They were only here a week but they got to explore Giant’s Causeway, visit the Peace Wall, the Belfast Zoo, Victoria Square, and the Carrickfergus Castle. Of course I tagged along with them! I found the only FootLocker in Northern Ireland and talked to the manager about the Air Jordan shoe releases! Now I have one less thing to worry about, I can still get all the new shoes that come out!

Aside from finding the FootLocker, the first night and the last night were most memorable. Both nights we had dinner at the Maguires house. It was BRILLANT to have my family join in to meet and spend time with my new Irish family along with the other scholars here at UUJ.

Everyday Deirdre told my mom not to cry when she leaves to go back, but unforunately she couldn’t hold back tears as she left. I’ll be home soon Mom, just gotta change some lives in here Ireland first!

I just finished my first weekend of games in the New Ross Sparks pre-season tournament. On Saturday, we had three great wins. The first game was a little chaotic for me since I did not know what to expect. The way the game is played here is rather different from the way it is played over in the states. The games this weekend were very fast- paced and physical so it took me a little to get adjusted and a feel for the game. One thing that stood out to me is how physical the referees let the games get. It was little shocking at times and definitely was not expecting that. But as the tournament games went on I could see a huge improvement in my teammates and I as the games progress.

After the games on Saturday four of my teammates (Aisling, Megan, Hollie, and Seanagh) and I all got to stay at a guesthouse hotel. I have never stayed at a place like this before so that was another interesting experience. It was great craic and a great team bonding experience.

On Sunday, we played in the final and won. It was very exciting to win my first tournament and was happy to be out on the court again playing after being out for so long. Everyone gave a great effort this weekend and worked really hard.  I’m looking forward to getting better as a group and for our next game!

I also would like to thank Coach Kojack (Martin Conroy) and Pat Connaghan (Victory Scholar) for a fabulous job coaching this weekend!

What an eventful end of the week it has been! Wednesday night, I finally met the team I would be playing for, the Liffey Celtics, and took part in my first training session. It was the first time I had been on the court since our game against Yale 10-ish days earlier and needless to say, I was sore getting out of the bed the next day. Note to self: fewer Curly Whurlies, more running.

That being said, I couldn’t let some minor aches and pains slow me down, as Katie and I were to put on our first two-day camp at KUBS. About 20 or so kids who had yet to start back at school turned out to play a little basketball over the two days. The first day, I left Katie on her own to go meet some of the kids I would be working with in a local Irish Language school. What an experience that was! The kids were great and it was very cool to listen to them speak Gaelige among themselves and their múinteoir (Irish for ‘teacher’ although I did Google that, so it could be wrong). My brain has zero affinity for languages, so it is always cool for me to meet people, especially children, who are multilingual.

This morning we were invited to a workout with many of the fathers of the girls we coach at KUBS. We did a lifting circuit followed by about a half an hour of aerobics. Although I felt a bit ridiculous at times, it was a great workout and tons of fun. After that, we had the U-17s for a training session. The girls have made loads of progress in the short time that we have been working with them. Next week looks to be another eventful week with more training sessions and a few more school visits. We may even sneak in another aerobic workout!