ISSC 30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The Famous Five in Vancouver...
By CAITRIONA CARTY, NIAMH HOGAN, BRID LEAHY, MARTHA MACKEY, BRID NI CHONCHUIR
On June 24 five Irish girls arrived in Vancouver with no jobs, nowhere to live, and not knowing a soul. Three months later, we can say without a doubt that we've had the summer of a lifetime, thanks largely to the Vancouver Irish Sporting and Social Club.
CAITRIONA CARTY,
NIAMH HOGAN, BRID LEAHY,
MARTHA MACKEY, and
BRID NI CHONCHUIR.
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Originally we were attracted to Vancouver by the lure of the Pacific Ocean, sun and surfers. However, as we discovered, all great plans don’t materialize – surfing was replaced by soloing, the board was swapped for a ball, and John Hendry Park became our Pacific Ocean!
Following a few phone calls, and a wander around Trout Lake, the ISSC gang was located. Tuesday and Friday nights were booked for Gaelic training, and our social scene was set for the summer. Arriving at our first training laden down with our humble Zellers furniture (ie. air matresses and beach chairs!) evoked a bit of sympathy, and the donations of pots and pans came pouring in.
Our football skills were now called upon in return and the White Rock tournament certainly proved to be one of the highlights of our visit. The ladies competition consisted of four well-matched teams making our path to the tough and challenging final.
Although no silverware was brought home by Vancouver Harps, much more than that was achieved – a group who had known each other for just a few weeks, some even taking up the sport for the first time, played as a team and the bonds of friendship were strengthened. It goes without saying that the intensity and passion shown on the pitch were equaled by the antics displayed in the post match festivities! Despite empty threats that all help would be cut off once our football services had been rendered at the tournament, the kindness continued into the fall. The countless taxi services, furniture removal, roof over our heads and most of all the craic and the friendship extended by all ISSC members made the summer one which will forever remain in our memories.
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