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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2003-12-10, Page 161 1S -T121 MUSSON LXPO$1TOR, 0ECIIta1IER 10, 2003 Sports St. Columban soccer team challenged teams in Ireland By Sara Campbell Expositor Staff Whether they travelled to find their descendants, end their soccer careers or just to have fun, St. Columban Men's Senior Soccer team made a trip to Ireland a memorable experience. Eighteen members, ages 19 to 39, of the St. Columban Men's Senior Soccer team, also known as the "Shamrocks", travelled to Ireland on Nov. 5 for a week's stay and to challenge two of the country's soccer teams. "We've talked about going to Ireland for a couple of years. Many players thought it would be a good way to end their soccer career. It will be something none of us will ever forget," said Brian Melady, a Seaforth-area resident and member of the team. He said although the Shamrocks name has been around since 1989 and are members of the Western Ontario Soccer League, many of the players have been together ever since minor soccer, more than 20 years ago. Melady said he began organizing the trip in May, receiving contacts of teams in Ireland through the Shamrocks' sponsor Hurley's Celtic Inn in Seaforth. "The majority of our fundraising for the trip was done by Hurley. I don't think we would have been able to go if it wasn't for them," said Melady. He added that money was raised through Hurley's grand opening, midnight madness and a draw for a trip for two to Ireland and the players raised $15,000 in total. Melady said he tried to organize a tournament between several teams in Ireland yet only three teams could play and one game was cancelled due to poor weather. "I tried to set up for a tournament but I had some difficulty. This was their off season for soccer because they only play in the summer where we play all through the fall," he said. Melady said the team arrived in Dublin, Ireland, where they watched a pro soccer match between Dublin Bohemians and Waterford, which ended in a tie score. "Soccer in Ireland is quite similar to soccer here except the Irish are rougher at soccer than most Europeans," said Melady. "The Irish take soccer very seriously. Their playing fields are very well kept and just to play soccer can cost several $100." The Shamrocks played their first game at the Athletic Union League Complex in Dublin against the Hot Press, owned by a magazine company, and were defeated 2-1. "I think if we had them on our own field we would have played better, given them a run for their money," he said, adding the Hot Press team hopes to make a trip to Ontario to play the Shamrocks on their own field. After their game in Dublin and sightseeing, Melady said the team travelled to Kilkenny, visiting a brewery, pub and a castle. He said they then moved on to Cork were they visited the Blarney Castle and kissed the Blamey Stone. The team arrived in Limerick to play their second match against the University of Limerick on the university soccer field but lost 5-1. "That loss wasn't much of a surprise. It was a university team and they hold two national titles," said Melady. Despite the team's losses, Melady said they enjoyed the hospitality of the Irish, the different sightseeing and a chance for many of the players to see where their ancestors came from. "I think if any of us went back again we would take the time to trace our family roots and bring our families with us to go sightseeing," he said. "It was just a really enjoyable experience. It didn't matter whether we won or lost, it was all for fun. We made many new friendships and we're glad that we had the opportunity to go to Ireland as a team." Vicka '1as The St. Columban Men's Soccer team recently returned from a trip to Ireland to take at the country's teams. (Above) the team posed for a photo before their first game atthe Athletic Union League Complex in Dublin, Ireland. Back row, left to right, is: Jason Dietz, Sean Melody, Dave Murray, Jason Schoonderwoerd, Wayne Ryan, Mike Smale, Steve Ryan, Mark Muir, Mike Seiler and John Jordan. Front: Tim McClure, Jim O'Reilly, Brian Melody, Gerard O'Reilly, Kevin Meidinger, Jeff Murray, Terry Sloan and Kevin Murray. Vanastra hosts Kids Day camp From Page 15 The program is an opportunity for both parents and their children to brush up on their skating skills. Limited space is also available and to register call the community centre at 887-6621. At the Vanastra Recreation Centre, on Dec. 22 - 24 and Dec. 29 - 31 parents can take advantage of the Kids Day Camp. "We will be doing something similar to the 12 days of Christmas. Each day we will be doing a different activity," said Heather Dunbar, assistant facility manager. "One day we hope to skating, another day we will be swimming and each day we will be cooking and playing some sort of indoor or outdoor game." The camp will also include arts and crafts, winter games, public swim and one hour of strokes and skill. Dunbar said the camp is for children ages 5 to 12, and they will be split into the appropriate age group. The cost is $15 per day or register for five days and get the sixth day free. To register call 482-3544. Daily public swimming will also be held at the Vanastra Recreation Centre from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m Public skating will also be held throughout the Christmas break at the arena and for dates and time contact the local arena. uc ion nc. Santa brings us a New Truckload Every Week Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 12-4 Bayfield Rd. Clinton 482-9364 McTaggart Wettlaufer INSURANCE BROKERS INC. 'AUTO 'HOME 'FARM •TRAVEL 'COMMERCIAL •LIFE INSURANCE BROKERS: Paul Wettlaufer Anette McTaggart Amy Siemon Ken Hutchison Bill Siemon Vicki Siemon Ontario Rd. 348-9150 Mitchell 1-800-581-0183 Municipality of Huron East APPOINTMENTS The Municipality of Huron East is accepting applications from interested citizens of Huron East to serve on the following Boards and Committees: • Seaforth & District Community Centres Committee • Brussels Morris .Grey Community Centre Committee • Vanastra Recreation Centre Committee • Business Growth & Economic Development Committee • Brussels Medical -Dental Centre - Board of Management • Brussels Cemetery Board • Seaforth Community Trust Committee • Brussels Community Trust Committee For additional information concerning responsibilities, etc. please contact the Municipal Office. Applications, clearly marked, outlining background and interest in the position should be addressed to the undersigned prior to December 23rd, 2003 at 12:00 noon. Mayor Joe Seili Clerk -Administrator J.R. McLachlan Municipality of Huron East 72 Main Street South, PO Box 610, Seaforth, Ontario. NOK 1 WO 519-527-0160 war Your FJIM Ood Markets Store Has a New Name ODLAND New Name... Same Staff & Service Vatues3,Friday, D„ 12, 2003 TURKEYS Frozen, Grade A All Sizes Available DEL MONTE VEGETABLES Selected Varieties 341 - 398 m1 1 00 CHARMIN BATHROOM TISSUE 24s or DOUBLE ROLL 12 s or BOUNTY JUMBO TOWELS 6 Rolls 9 BIG G CHEERIOS Selected Varieties 375 - 425 g a. 1 $ M CLEMENTINE ORANGES Product of Spain or Morocco or CHINESE MANDARINS Product of China 5 Ib. Box 99 KRAFT CRACKER BARREL CHEESE Selected Varieties 600 g 99 Old Cheddar 5.99 SWANSON DINNERS Selected Varieties 284 - 345 g FRESH CHICKEN BREASTS 99 Ib. 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