Young Mayo footballers get Croke Park experience
Members of the Charlestown Under 11s who played in Croke Park recently.
The Charlestown Sarsfields Under 11 team had the thrill of a lifetime recently when they took part in the Connacht Go Games Day held in Croke Park recently. They played games against Loughrea (Galway), Allen Gaels Leitrim) and St Brendan’s (Roscommon) and did themselves and the club proud and played some sizzling football on the sacred turf that is Croke Park and hinted that this may well not be their last time to step on the lush sod!
They were treated royally and enjoyed the experience of running out under the tunnel which was followed by a visit to the dressing rooms where they got the opportunity to see at first hand where the Mayo and Kerry teams togged out in the recent All-Ireland final.
It was a momentous day for these Sarsfields youngsters with a tour of the Croke Park Museum topping off a trip to remember with the experience likely to stay in their minds and memories for many a long year. It’s trips such as this that inspire young players to emulate Sarsfields own hero Paul Towey who is now the proud holder of a Celtic Cross having played his part in Mayo’s wonderful All-Ireland victory over Kerry only two short weeks ago.
Paul’s exploits are sure to inspire a whole new generation of Sarsfields stars to attempt to follow in his footsteps as just like he was inspired to do the same by the likes of Aidan Higgins, Thomas Parsons, David Tiernan and John Casey when he was making his way as a youngster up through the grades in the Sarsfields colours. His, and Mayo’s success have done wonders for the game and clubs, as numbers are sure to swell at every club's underage academy as Charlestown looks to unearth the next Paul Towey or two and with a view to propelling them to further success at underage and senior level.
Special mention to the coaches who accompanied the team on their trip with Dara McMeel, Daragh Redmond and Colm Maye doing a terrific job in the organisation and planning of the day with everything working out to a tee. These men are putting in place the best practice when it comes to coaching and skill development and the Charlestown club is in good hands with this trio at the helm of the underage academy.
