Thursday 5 December 2013

Dermot's Back!

Today was like an early Christmas present for the rugby girls of St Mac Dara's as Dermot Gascoyne from Sky Sports Living for Sport came back in for another visit.  He was kind enough to bring along Eilish Byrne, another great Irish sporting hero and a bronze-medal winner from the London Paralympic games. We even got a go out of the medal!

We showed Dermot and Eilish our team motto; Friendship, Honour and Belief and the display we had been working on of these words.  He was chuffed!  It wasn't long though before he and Eilish had us taking part in some team games and challenges.  We had a bit of competition between us and equalled a few records, but most of all we had a lot of fun.  We took part in some great exercises that emphasised teamwork and encouraged communication between us.

Today with Dermot and Eilish wasn't just about having fun; it was also about pushing ourselves and doing our best as a team.  Part of what we've gained from the Sky Sports Living for Sport project has been an incredible team spirit and as Dermot pointed out teams don't just have fun together.  They work hard together too.  And boy did he make this team work hard, but as a team we* completed it and not a single player was left behind.  There was then a chance for us to sit down and have a chat and a catch-up with Dermot and fill him in on our work and progress.

We also had a surprise for Dermot; the girls had arranged to get a thank-you card and also an Irish rugby jersey for Dermot and made the presentation just at the end.  We're not sure if Lisa started to cry first, or if Dermot was the weak link, but it was a great moment.  Dermot has been a great friend to all of us in St Mac Dara's, but has also been a real inspiration and a hero to all of the girls.  He's made this team into a tight and strong team and helped forge a hugely strong bond between us all.  Thanks Dermot.  We'll see you again soon.

*by "we" I mean everyone except Ms Brady & Mr Culleton who stood at the side and chatted!

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Special Training this Thursday with Dermot Gascoyne

This Thursday's training session for the girls squad will be an extra-special one as Dermot Gascoyne from Sky Sport Living for Sport is coming in to see us again.  Dermot has very kindly offered to take a special fitness session this Thursday in the PE hall, so no need for boots and hopefully no need for gumshields!  Dermot is also bringing along Eilish Byrne, another great Irish athlete, and a bronze medal winner in equestrian at the 2012 London Paralympics.


See everyone on Thursday.