CLG Aontroim |
Antrim GAA
The official website of
the GAA in Antrim
Antrim GAA
The official website of
the GAA in Antrim
Hi I'm Kathryn Donnelly and I am writing to tell you about my experiences In the Cumann na mBunscol mini sevens. I played for St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s Primary school in Ballycastle. Well, I’ll start with the indoor camogie. It was a fantastic day of fun and camogie at Cross and Passion College. We were in Group A. We won our group and then went on through to win the tournament. It was absolutely brilliant!!! I was overwhelmed with our victory. We did our school proud! We then went on to try and win the Antrim title. We did so with great style and skill. We beat Bunscoil Phobail Feirste in the final. The team were a good side but us P+B girls weren’t to be outdone. As we headed outdoors our first competition was in Glenariffe. Once again we weren't to be defeated. Orlaith McAlinden received player of the tournament and captained our team to North Antrim glory. Nickey Brennan made his first appearance as G.A.A President at the North Antrim Mini sevens . He presented us with our awards.
We then headed on to Casement with the boys from our school who also won their hurling tournament to hunt for All County Glory. We left the school with all our colours. Flags, headbands and all our supporters! The two supporters buses filled up the Casement stand. They made some noise when we were on the pitch! We went into the changing room. Mrs. McGouran talked tactics. But i didn't take a lot in because I was so nervous and yet focussed on the game. We went out and played like winners. It was tight and hard but we battled on and on. I got hit on the finger. It was sore but I played on. I helped my team to Antrim glory - that means the world to me. I came off. Mrs. McGouran was there to hug and say well done girls you did this school proud.
We went on to the trials to play in Croke Park. We were divided into counties. I played for Kilkenny in midfield. It was fun and enjoyable. We didn't know who would get picked. It was nearly the end of June - time to say goodbye to the Cumann na mBunscol tournaments and my primary school, but Mrs. McGouran came in all smiles with Mr. Conlon following in behind. They said girls the time has finally come and here’s the envelope with the news. So we opened up. I was so nervous inside. They called out two names: Kathryn Donnelly and Orlaith McAlinden. My face lit up. I was so shocked, yet sad for those who didn't make it. I got an envelope that said, "Congratulations you have been chosen to play on All-Ireland Sunday".
It was the 1st of September the day I went down. I left my house with mammy, daddy and Fergus. We drove down to Dublin and went to our hotel. The day had finally come. It was 9:30am and we headed for the hall where Nickey Brennan the President of the GAA awaited us and all the others who were selected. We were put into county teams. Orlaith and I played for Cork. We went over to Croke Park. The atmosphere was unreal. I was so nervous I couldn't even think straight. I went out there with 84,000 people watching me. I played my best on the field. I came off the field excited, breathless and tired. The day it was amazing.
I loved it. I'd just love to do it again. The long journey back up brought on another day - starting Cross and Passion College - no Cumann na mBunscol competitions anymore!
Well done to Kathryn and thanks for sending us such a great article. A Saffron Óg prize is on the way!
