St. Louis pupils head on the road to ‘Croker’

However, when you are only 12 or 13 years old, a visit to the home of the GAA is perhaps the next best thing. However, when your visit includes a top game, then it becomes extra special.

On Saturday, members of the St. Louis Ennis Cup team (Years 8 and 9) travelled to Croke Park to witness a clash of two of the top counties in Gaelic football Dublin and Kerry. This game is a fixture in the GAA calendar greatly anticipated by followers of the game. This fantastic National League game did not disappoint.

Under the bright floodlights Croke Park, this fixture provided an extra special atmosphere and the young wide-eyed St. Louis students were clearly impressed by the football on display. In a simply amazing first half display, Dublin raced into a commanding lead, clearly determined to show why they are the current All-Ireland champions.

With exceptional performances from Con O’Callaghan, Brian Fenton and Ciaran Kilkenny the ‘Dubs’ were out to set down a marker for all to see. The traditional kingpins of Gaelic football, Kerry, tried hard to get to grips with their Dublin opponents, with the talented Clifford brothers proving why they are spoken about with high esteem. However, the sheer power and huger shown by Dublin proved too much on the night and they emerged comfortable winners.

For the young St. Louis students, it was surely a night to remember. With smiles etched across all their young faces, they were clearly inspired by the spectacle before them.

However, this visit to Croke Park just kept giving as the students were pleased to meet former Armagh/ RTE pundit Aaron Kernan on the way to the match. Whilst at the stadium, former Dublin great, Alan Brogan, was on hand to say a big hello.

A great night in Dublin was had by all. A fantastic school trip organised by Mr McGlue and accompanied by Mr McAleenan, Mr Reilly, Ms McGivern and Mr Quigg.