In May 2009, (Tanya Breen) & Co. bring the U-14 Girls to the Basinus Trophy in Bensheim, Germany

Getting Under Way
We all woke up bright and early as we had to meet at 3.45am in the clubhouse. Everyone was really excited.

We all piled on the coach and went to set off, until Tanya realises she has no passport with her!

She went home and couldn't find it so she told us to go without her and she would follow us if she found it. At the airport and still no Tanya! We had her suitcase so we had to leave it in left luggage!

Interesting Airport Activities - Terminal Dancing and Aerial Musical Chairs
We all went down to the terminal where we all started to dance the Hoedown Throwdown. Everyone gave us a big clap after we danced. It was so early in the morning but we were all so hyper and excited. Ger and Marie Therese took charge as we had no Tanya. So they helped us; made sure we had everything etc.

We all got on the plane but our seats were a bit all over the place at first but we managed to swap around and sit together.

Getting to Bensheim
We were there before we knew it. We collected our baggage and then went outside to see if our coach was there. The hotel was fab, just across the road from the pitches.

There was a brilliant swimming pool close by to which we were able to walk, so we first went there. Tanya arrived that night just before the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony was when all the teams paraded around the grounds. We were the loudest team there so everyone knew us after that day!

Competition Begins
On the first day (Friday, May 22) our match was kicking off at 8.30 in the morning! Owen was our manager for the tournament.

We had three matches that day and we finished second in our group so we had another match later on. We all had to put a lot of sun cream on and Laura definitely made sure we put loads on.

And Adventures - Good & Bad
Ger and Marie Therese found this amazing artificial lake where we all went to to relax. When we came back we had found out that three pairs of boots had been stolen! Carisa's, Kelsi's and Millie's!

We played the match and after we went back to the hotel.

Second Day of Games & Trophies
The next day we had another three matches. We all played really well and finished fourth in the whole girls' tournament.

That night we had the presentation and got our trophy for coming fourth, we also got the Fair Play award which was another trophy.

We have some pictures with our trophies as you can see. You may see the trophies in the clubhouse trophy cabinet.

Interesting Nocturnal Activities
When we came back to the hotel, Owen, Declan and Paul had all gone off to the pub!

That night we all went back and just messed about, in and out of each others rooms and singing 'Halo' in Resa's and Carisa's room!

The Final Day
Then on Sunday it was our last day in Germany, so we went to a theme park called Holiday Park. It was an amazing theme park! With roller-coasters, water rides and other exciting things!

Going Home
After that, we all went to the airport; most of us fell asleep on the bus because we were so tired!

On our way home in the plane, Kellie was quizzing us all because the next day most of us had summer exams! Except for Millie, Emily and Kelsi who were still in primary school.

We all had a brill time and everyone enjoyed themselves but we didn't want it all to end.

Wrapping Up
I would like to say thanks and I'm sure everyone else would like to say thanks to Tanya, Owen, Ger, Laura, Marie Therese, Declan and Paul for being the adults on the trip.

Especially to Tanya for being an amazing coach/manager this season, and in Germany. Even if you arrived a bit later than the rest of us - we will always hold that against you!

The travelling squad was Kelly, Anna, Jen, Jessica, Emily, Rachel, Millie, Resa, Carisa, Shannon, Kelsi and Aoife.

A truly great experience for all.


Kel and Kelsi: All in Cabo gear!


Our team with the Cabo flag


Póg mo thón! Does this say it all?


Anna, Rachel and Kelly