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Martin
Slevin attemps to field the ball against New York |
Boys
across the pond
Can't
sleep, butterflies in the stomach and anticipations of an amazing
trip. After dragging ourselves out of bed to be at Bishop Challoner
school for 7:30 we'd said our goodbyes given our moms a hug and
were finally on the motorway heading on a trip that for some,
if not most, was going to be a once in a lifetime experience.
The plane landed at 5 o'clock New York time and we went through
customs. After customs we all packed onto the coach for the final
two hours of travelling. We eventually pulled up to our final
destination, Pennsylvania Hotel and were booked into “Bubba Gump's” in
the evening.
With some free time some of us visited Times Square however most
of the squad members went straight to sleep that night ready
for the real adventure to begin!
'Eight
Bells' and its breakfast
Most
of the squad emerge from their beds for breakfast. Excitement
was still in the air as we headed down to Battery Park on the
subway. Once there we grabbed a hotdog and headed to the “Statue
of Liberty Cruise”.
A present from the people of France she stood proud on top of
her podium. Again we had a good wander around the island and
a few of the lads found past relatives who had signed up to become
American citizens. Before we were sent off to eat there was one
more place Eddie (our coach leader) wanted to show us on our
already packed first day, Ground Zero.
In 2001, 9/11 a travesty hit America in the centre of its most
famous city. Two of the most famous buildings in the world and
thousands of brave people fell under the destruction of terrorism.
As we approached what is now called 'Ground Zero', the site of
the World Trade Centre a really indescribable mood fell upon
all who passed, not just our group. Eddie told us stories that
occurred that day and the lads listened intently. If you ever
visit Manhattan take some time out to visit ground zero and get
a feel of the mixed emotions felt by most who do venture there,
emotions of pain, sorrow but mostly of unity and hope.
The day went on and we all went our separate ways to grab some
lunch in preparation for our first game. It took the best part
of an hour to arrive at Gaelic Park but spirits where high. The
facilities we pulled up to were brilliant.
The warm up was difficult with all the stiff legs from the long
bus journey and miles of walking that day.
The game began slowly and 15 minutes in, the floodlights went
out. We were down by one or two points. However as soon as the
lights were back on we got into the flow of things and pulled
in front just before half time.
Second half kicks off and we're on top. I put the team ahead
with two quick succession goals and Chris Hayden adds to the
tally. We're cruising!
However in true American underdog style, they managed to claw
back some points and finish the game with only two points in
it. A well worked victory. Afterwards we enjoyed a buffet meal
with the host team in a traditional Irish Pub about half an hour's
journey away from 'Gaelic Park.
For the evening we have free time once again around Times Square,
which many off us used as the first of many shopping trips.
The next day after another lovely buffet breakfast and we depart
on our tour of New York City.
Our guide took us to central park, John Lennon's memorial, The
Rockefeller centre, Donald Trump towers and finished off with
the Empire State building. It was completed in 1931 and was the
largest building in the world. It was an awe-inspiring view from
the observation desk and Martin Slevin's song and dance at the
top kept us all entertained - a true Broadway Star.
After dinner at Planet Hollywood we made our way to Madison Square
Gardens for the New York Knicks v. the New Jersey Nets. The NBA
is the best in the world, an awesome experience!
On Saturday we met at Madison Square Gardens for a behind the
scenes guided tour. Our tour guide was lovely and it was fantastic
to see the operational aspects of one of the world's most famous
sporting venues. After the tour most of the lads ventured off
down 5th avenue to spend, spend, spend.
Then we headed through the bustling streets down to Madison Square
gardens for our first Ice Hockey game. The New York Rangers v.
Toronto Maple leafs. Toronto won and the game was thoroughly
enjoyed by all.
Day
5
On
the fifth day of our trip, we assembled for our 2nd fixture of
the tour. It was a close match again, against the same New York
team with a final comeback in the closing minutes but we cruised
most of the game. At the ground we enjoyed a meal with the club
and presentations to both teams were made.
In relation to the games itself, Liam Scanlon produced two excellent
saves while there were fine performances at midfield from Martin
Slevin and Declan Harkin. Other stand out displays came from
Daniel Dineen and Daniel Barney in the back line and Richard
Smith proved a handful up front.
We left New York having made good memories and we headed for
Boston by coach, on which some practical jokes were made, it
was a great advertisement for Colgate toothpaste!
On the way to Boston we visited the NBA hall of Fame, shot some
hoops and learnt a bit about the NBA and its history before arriving
at the Midtown Hotel, Boston, in the early evening.
Welcome
to Boston
From
first impressions it didn't look like much but the inside was
lovely and a recurring theme in Boston was friendly staff.
On our first day in Boston we played the last game of the tour
against New England Youth League.
On this occasion the opposition proved to be not as strong as
in the previous two games although there were fine performances
on the day from Ryan Corrigan, Doughie Sweeney and Matthew Challoner.
Again we enjoyed a buffet lunch and some presentations to both
clubs until we finally went back to the hotel for a good nights
sleep.
The next day we visited “Old Ironsides” a famous sailing
vessel docked in Boston harbour and went to the aquarium before finishing
the day with dinner at 'The Cheers' (where everybody knows your name)
restaurant.
That evening some of us sixth formers went to Salem
the witch hunter's town, which is apparently the place
to be for Halloween and it didn't let us down!
Goodbye
America
We
spent our final day doing a duck tour of Boston which was extremely
enjoyable as we all got to drive the vehicle in the water.
Our final meal on American soil was at the Hard Rock café and
afterwards we watched the Boston Bruins (Ice Hockey) in action against
the Buffalo Sabres', which was a thoroughly enjoyable match in a
stadium just as impressive as Madison Square Garden.
We then experienced a breath taking tour of probably
one of the smallest yet most famous grounds in Boston,
Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. The tour was
packed as the Boston Red Sox won the World Series the
day we arrived in Boston.
At 6 o'clock that evening, the beginning of the end began as
we boarded the plane for our overnight flight back to Heathrow.
Most of us if not all, arrived back at Bishop Challoner School
on Saturday the 3rd of November having an action packed trip
of a lifetime. |
