It was an early start for many of our parents, children and mentors on Saturday morning as they piled into their cars and headed off from Manchester and further afield (one family making the trip up from Cornwall – how about that for commitment!) to make their way to The Emerald Centre in Leicester where Naomh Padraig GAA would host some U9s’ and U13s’ Go Games and some challenge games for our U14/U16 Girls teams.

Despite the half term break, 40 children represented the Purple and Gold of St. Lawrence’s on a scorching day with throw in time for the first games at 11am.

Our Under 9s (ably assisted with a few Under 7 siblings) were able to field two teams and played Go Games against combined Leicester Naomh Padraig GAA and Northampton’s Sons of Erin GFC teams. The children played a number of games, showing off all the skills being learnt each week down at Turn Moss. We had many debutants on the day and all the children played their hearts out, with plenty of skill and determination on show. There were lots of smiles and new friendships blossoming everywhere. Massive thanks to Tom and Mick for getting the children organised and sorting the rolling subs; an unenviable task!

Our Under 13s brought a solid squad of 10 players and performed fantastically well against Naomh Padraig and Sons of Erin – Two closely contested games with one victory and one loss. They finished off with a 15 aside game where we teamed up with Naomh Padraig to play against the Northampton side. Once again, we had some debutants with three lads playing for the first time. Some fabulous scores and team work on display and plenty of camaraderie as well. A lovely bunch of lads giving their all for St. Lawrence’s. A big thanks to coaches Paul and Richard for getting them so well organised and putting on a great show.

Our Under 14s/Under 16s Girls brought 14 girls to Leicester and mixed it up with the Naomh Padraig’s girls to play two challenge matches. Once again, some fabulous fluent football on show with the younger girls benefitting and learning from playing with the older members of the squad. Well organised and drilled as always by Brendan.

All in all, a great day’s football. Not only will St Lawrence’s Youth teams benefit from this great experience but I know the teams from Leicester and Northampton will also be better for the experience. All games played in the right spirit and doing the GAA in Britain proud.

A massive thank you to all at Naomh Padraig for the fantastic hospitality and to both them and Sons of Erin for the great matches. Final thanks goes to our coaches, parents and of course the children for their continued support and enthusiasm, without which, days like yesterday would not be possible.

St. Lawrence’s Abu