Trad Music, Croker, and the Wee County

Hello Irish Life Experience Families and Friends. Just a quick recap with some lovely pictures of our ILE'ers! Aren't they gorgeous kids? Last night, Angie's brother, Tom, came to visit us with his traditional Irish band from Belfast. We were treated with magnificent tunes of jigs, hornpipes, and reels. Music from banjos, buzukis, bodhrans, guitars, whistles and uilleann pipes echoed throughout the halls of King's Hospital. There was plenty of toe-tapping and it was music to our ears. Tom and his friends introduced the students to each of the various unfamiliar instruments, before accompanying them to a few 3's and 7's they had learned in dance class. Our two spectacular Irish dancers, Hannah and Scarlett, performed a few routines at the end of the sessiun. As much as the students didn't want the music to end, Tom and his band bid adieu. Later, students watched In the Name of the Father with Daniel Day-Lewis, since it's significant with the ILE visiting Kilmainham Gaol tomorrow. It was a fantastic evening! Today, students had a lie-in and a relaxing morning. This afternoon we went to Croke Park for the Leinster Gaelic Football Finals of Louth vs. Meath. Louth has not won a Leinster Final since 1957 and Meath was the expected winner, so all of the students decided to cheer for the underdogs. Many painted their faces Louth's county colors of red and white and donned matching headbands. The atmosphere was surreal with 50,000+ supporters. There was so much energy and excitement amongst the crowds. While Louth is known as the "Wee County," they were mighty and put up a strong battle against Meath. It was close throughout the game. In the second half, Louth was up by one with a minute to spare and we thought it was a done deal. A referee then allowed a last second illegal Meath goal which allowed them to defeat Louth 1-13 to 1-11. Even though the ILE students were disappointed with the outcome of the game, they said it was one of the best experiences they have had thus far. "I enjoyed watching the game after learning how to play it in Waterford," said Scarlett. "I'm so sad Louth lost. However, I still had an incredible time," said Paddy. Now back at King's Hospital, the ILE'ers just went into the theatre to watch the World Cup Finals of Netherlands vs. Spain. The groups seems to be split on whom to cheer for tonight. Regardless, it should be an exciting match. There is so much buzz right now. We are off on a tour tomorrow to Kilmainham Gaol and the students will then have free time in Dublin. A lot of them are looking forward shopping galore on Grafton Street and in Temple Bar. More to come, but Oiche Mhaith-Good Night..., for now!

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