Well like Westport, the journey to Athlone began with a long trek accross the country, but this time it wasn't in a lang train. We were all surprised to see Paddy standing beside a 00-D Mercedes and a smile slowly edged it's way across my face, 'not such a bad idea this driving lark' I thought to myself. 'My cars over here' paddy said, he led us to a mint condition 94-D Volkswagon Polo. In this Polo were myself, Joanne, Conor, Donna and Paddy (the driver). The rest of the group took the train and arrived about half an hour after the car people. we all stayed in the lap of luxury thanks to Joanne and some very pleasant relatives. The house we were in was about a half an hour away from the town so it was handy enough if we needed to do any shopping. The Friday consisted of a fun night out in one of the wonderful nightclubs and then we returned to the house for an early night.
Saturday consisted of attending the Senior Competitions which was what the weekend was all about (I swear we didn't just go down there for the socialising). The Competitions began at one and continued until five and the Templeogue Unit were given the task of providing the stewarts for the day. I was on the stewarts crew directing the teams to each area of the exams and then retrieving the next crew to do the same thing.Paddy got the job as time keeper for the international competitions, Donna was steward for the junior competitions, Joanne and Claire where patients (and can I commend them on doing an excellent job). Saturday was similar to Friday night, we went out and had another night on the town, it was all in all a fun day for everyone.
Sunday morning will be quickly forgotten by most people there for reasons I'm not going to elaborate on for obvious legal reasons, bbut we eventually made our way back to the 94-D Polo and somehow managed to get home in under four and a half hours when the trip over there took two and a half at most! When we finally got home we dispersed and I think every one of us went home to bed for some well deserved rest. I think I speak for everyone when I say I hope that next years competitions are held there aswell!
Rob Collins. |
