TY History Croke Park Tour
On Thursday 1st October, Mr Brennan, Ms Scally and Ms Cawley accompanied our Transition Year students to Dublin for our annual, highly anticipated History Department Tour!
Whilst it was an early departure at 7.30am, students were ready to head off for the day. After a quick pit-stop at Ballinalack on the way up for some much-needed refreshments, we headed towards our first destination: the hallowed ground of Croke Park!
This year was particularly filled with excitement, joy and total admiration as we knew that when we got into the dressing rooms of Croke Park, the jerseys of the winning All-Ireland Men’s and Women’s Teams from Hurling to Camogie and, of course, Gaelic football would be displayed. It is fair to say that absolutely everyone, staff included – especially Ms Scally, could barely contain their excitement on the bus on the way up, knowing that the Green and Red of the Mayo jersey would be proudly and rightly displayed for all to see, just in case anyone forgot who were crowned GAA All-Ireland Champions of 2026!!
After arriving at Croke Park and getting group pictures under the watchful eye of Michael Cusack, our tour of Croke Park began. Groups were split into two and guided through the history of the place, the dressing rooms, the warm-up areas, the tunnels under the seats where the buses would arrive and informative videos from past players. Students were then led out within touching distance of the hallowed ground! Most were awestruck knowing that the determined Mayo team had only just run out on this grass a few months ago, having not won in 75 years and later returned through that very tunnel as heroes! If I sing the praises of Mayo anymore, it might get me in trouble, so I will leave it at that!
We got a chance to experience the vast, pristine and impressive stadium and how the grounds are maintained regularly. A chance to lift the replica Sam Maguire (not as good as the real one a month ago!) was also another highlight before being taken up to the heights of the Hogan Stand. The tour guides for each explained the history and significance along the way and were so helpful throughout the day. It was an incredible experience that everyone enjoyed. Additionally, we were lucky to spot two medals from St. Nathy’s in the Croke Park Museum – I am sure they won’t be the last ones!
The final stop was to The Liffey Valley Shopping Centre for some food and shopping! Back on the buses and after some great song choices (everything from Sam Fender, The Saw Doctors and even a 90s Dance Classic from Robert Miles – some great and respectable song and artist choices!) and singing on the way down, we arrived back home at 6.00pm just under 11hrs after we departed that morning! It’s fair to say our coach was much heavier on the way home, with all the luggage compartment taken up with a sea of bags from the many shops in Liffey Valley!
The students behaved impeccably throughout the day. Their conduct and manners to all those involved were exceptional, and they did themselves and St. Nathy’s College proud.
A fantastic, educational and fun day of bonding was had by all!
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