In June, in partnership with Flatley’s construction, the PE Department took our Gaelic football team on a trip to Dublin, Ireland.
We landed in Dublin on the same weekend that all the Swifties had flocked to the capital! We had a few first-time flyers who were relieved to land, and we went straight to Croke Park [4th largest stadium in Europe]. On arrival to Croke Park we were greeted at the door and taken to one of the boxes for lunch. We had a few visitors in the box including the Stadium Director and the President of the Gaelic Athletic Association - Jarlath Burns!
The pupils were quick to get up and shake hands with him and began asking him questions. He then sat down and asked to join us for lunch, the boys enjoyed listening to his stories and he mentioned what a respectful group of boys they were – I couldn’t agree more! The boys were extremely well mannered, and the PE Department were incredibly proud to have them representing our school on such an exciting trip!
Just as the boys had recovered from flying, we went on a skyline tour of the stadium! 17 storeys high, located in the heart of the city, the thrilling rooftop walkway is the highest viewing platform in Dublin. The pupils learnt about the history of Ireland whilst taking in the panoramic views of Irelands vibrant capital from the mountains to the sea. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, everyone put a harness on and walked across a platform that was suspended over the Croke Park pitch. We continued with a tour inside the stadium which included the dressing rooms and pitch side. The pupils fully immersed themself into Irish culture.
The following day we made the most of the all-inclusive breakfast buffet before heading off on a walking tour of Dublin and of course, in true Irish style, the heavens opened! But that did not stop our tour guide and we continued through the streets of Dublin…in ponchos! We finished our tour at Croke Park where we had been invited to watch the All-Ireland Quarter Finals. No words can describe the atmosphere at the match – the boys loved it and were genuinely inspired by the talent and skill on display. Everyone returned to London with unforgettable memories of their time in Ireland.
