A Weekend of Intensive Rugby Training in London

We knew it wouldn't be easy even before we left. But without the gallant efforts of Rudi Breakwell Bos and Bob O'Shea this trip would never have happened.

These guy's train more often than we do, a lot more often. They are lucky enough to live in a good catchment area with one another, whereas we are scattered to the four corners of Ireland, leaving it a lot more difficult to arrange dates and venues, some of us travel up to 150 miles just to get to training. This on the other hand shows how dedicated we are to develop and pursue the game.

Our English counterparts however, took this on board and went easy on us, trashing us none the less. But their patience, training and all round general help was greatly appreciated. Bob and Rudi were at the helm to steer us through the choppy waters on the rules and regulations of wheelchair rugby. Our training centred around fitness training, tactics and set plays, which were followed through on our part, greatly improving our game and boosting our confidence.

The London group were kind enough to invite us out on the Saturday night, (minors and all!). Upon our arrival at the Liten Tree pub and discotech we discovered, to our delight, that all drinks were only £1.01 each. The eagle had landed, Elvis had left the building, the Irish had arrived!

Initially conversations were sensible and constructive until the 12th round, after that conversations were chancy, animated and our hearing had gone. We pushed, free-wheeled and zig-zagged our way back to the Travel Lodge, stopping off at McDonald's en route. No wonder the English are so fit, having to travel so far to the pub!

Of course Sunday was a different matter. We should have been at Mass and suffered pangs of guilt about this (!). As a result we didn't perform as well as we might have. The tables were turned, Bob and his band of brave boys had turned, they trashed us yet again.........

We learned a lot in those three days, took notes, made diagrams, logged game plans and acquired a bleep test tape - in fact this was the highlight of our coach's trip as she hasn't stopped playing it since. Upon our return we tackled the game in a whole new light. We were invigorated, ready and rarin' to go. What can I say, genius does what it must, talent does what it can!

In closing, the Gaelic Warriors would like to thank most sincerely all those who were involved in the organising of the event, and the hospitality afforded to us on our recent trip.