Monday June 24^th 2024 will live long in the memory of 23 5^th class pupils from Ballyconnell NS, for this was the day when they got to play in Croke Park for the first time. Indeed, for many students, this was their first ever time in Croke Park. Imagine that, your first time in Croke Park and you get to play there!

This was all part of GAA Gaeilge Go Games, an event organised by Jamie Ó Tuama, Croke Park’s Oifigeach Gaeilge (Irish Officer). This event is aimed at Gaelscoileanna and scoileanna Gaeltachta. However, each year a select few English-medium schools are invited too. This was our lucky year! Although, it’s often said that you make your own luck. This year’s rang a 5 proved this. They have worked really hard at Gaeilge all year – eagerly speaking the language at every opportunity. This hard work ensured that they were capable of travelling to Croke Park and living their entire day through Irish which is what GAA Gaeilge Go Games requires!

Highlights of the day included a fantastic rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann, led by Limerick’s Aedín Ní Bhriain but ably backed up by Rang a 5 Bhaile Uí Chonaill; a very interesting ‘turas treoraithe’ (guided tour) of the stadium; and, of course, 3 games on the hallowed turf against Gaoth Dobhair (Dún na nGall), Gaelscoil na Rinne (Port Láirge) and, ahem… Ballyconnell NS (Gaelscoil Ard Mhacha decided to go home early!)

The uachtair reoite on the way home weren’t bad either!

Míle buíochas to Edel Butler for taking all of the photos below!