Under 12 Hurling - an epic trip to Croke Park

On Friday 6th April, the Ahane U12 hurlers, a 27 strong troop departed Mackey Park for the hallowed turf of GAA headquarters in Croke Park to participate in the 2018 Littlewoods Ireland GAA Go Games. Over the course of the games, 4,000 children from clubs all over the country took part in the games with Ahane were proudly representing Limerick on the day.

The troop had an action packed day indeed from start to finish. The eager entourage departed by bus from Mackey Park at 6am with the traditional “flag wave” on a dark, wet and dreary morning. Despite the early start and inclement weather conditions, spirits were high and the craic was mighty. A shout-out on national radio to wish the boys luck on their venture set the tone for the day which was excitement and anticipation!  

Over the course of the day, the boys played in three great matches against St. Saviours GAA Waterford, Silvermines GAA Tipperary and Ballygiblin GAA Cork. The pace was fast and furious throughout each game with the boys displaying some awesome skills, mighty teamwork and fierce determination.

After some unique photo opportunities with the magnificient backdrop of the pitch and stadium, the boys were privileged with a tour of the stadium and the GAA Museum. The boys walked in the footsteps of legends and visited the team dressing rooms and walked the steps of the Hogan Stand where those coveted cups are held aloft each September - the stuff of dreams! During the museum tour the boys were truly immersed in the spine-tingling and unique story of Gaelic games from ancient times to the present day. The museum not only celebrates the history of Ireland’s national games, it also vividly brings to life how the GAA has contributed to our cultural, social and sporting heritage.  Featured exhibitions at the museum included the original Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy Cups, the rousing Hall of Fame, and a whole floor dedicated to the games as they are today.

After a busy day at headquarters the Ahane troop were homeward bound by early afternoon and no trip home from Dublin would be complete without a stop off at the Barack Obama Plaza for some well-deserved refreshments!

This was without doubt a wonderful and unique occasion for Ahane GAA club and is something the boys and the mentors will remember and treasure for years to come. Ahane GAA Club would like to congratulate the players and their mentors who represented our club and county so gallantly on this momentous occasion.

Áthain abú!