Galway - Connacht vs Gloucester Rugby

A rather sad morning when our players had to say goodbye to their host families, growing attached so easily to these wonderful people.  We were extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to experience two nights with such warm and welcoming families.  A big thank you to Athlone Hockey Club and Buccaneers Rugby club for all their organising and warm hospitality.  We truly felt right at home.

Another bus trip to Galway for the Connacht vs Gloucester game.  This is an European Challenge cup quarter final which for the locals is a very important and vital game.  The stadium was packed to capacity (8100 spectators).  The atmosphere was incredible and to witness a game of this magnitude was truly special.  

We even got a mention at half time on the big screen...celebrities we are...

Ruan Ackermann who plays for Gloucester (ex Lions player) spotted us and our South African flag in the crowd and came over for some pictures.  Needless to say Ruan will now have many more followers, most of whom will be girls from St Henry's...

Instead of a shirt, Ruan Ackermann gave Nathan Robinson his game strapping... I don't know if that is awesome or weird.  I'll leave that up to you...

From the rugby we made our way to Limerick where we booked into the Castletroy Hotel.  A beautiful hotel across from the University of Limerick.  The kids had some time to enjoy the indoor pool and gym at the hotel whilst some of us went for a nice walk to the University of Limerick with Anthony, our tour guide.  Here are some pics of the really impressive University:

We then had a delicious dinner at the hotel when we realised that the Toulon Rugby team was staying in the same hotel as ourselves.  They were playing Munster the same afternoon.  Mr Hiron managed to get some of the South African players from Toulon to come join us for a chat and some photos after dinner.  This was another major treat for our kids and even for some of the staff.

In the following photos you will see players like Juandre Kruger, Marcel Van Der Merwe and Duane Vermeulen.  These guys were such good sports!  Again these poor guys Instagram following must have hit new heights after tonight.

Tomorrow we will we up early to get to Mass at Ennis Cathedral first and then off for a full day excursion at the Cliffs of Moher and Burren National Park.  Looking forward to a day of sightseeing! Lots of love to everyone back home!  I think some of us might have lost our hearts in Ireland already, especially hearing the Irish National Anthem being played at the rugby.  But don't worry we will back, too late to change our tickets now...