School, Hurling and St. Patrick's

So a lot has happened school wise, we've been doing a lot of traveling around and doing all sorts of different activities which is very cool, and is something I would never do at Miramonte. This is because Transition year (the grade I'm in) is basically a year to take a break in between 3rd year and 5th year, the two toughest grades, and TY (transition year) is optional. We do a lot of charity events and do activities that teach us about different careers and such and also just to have fun! For instance, we went to a cinema to learn about road safety (boring!) but after, we went to a place called Leisure Max where there was bowling, sumo wrestling, rock climbing, hover archery, a big play set, a thing where you are strapped to a bungee and run as far as you can and then fly back, and giant hamster balls that you climb into and run around into each other! We do have homework and tests, though, just not as much. Next week we will be going to a Chocolate Factory, then the week after that, Dublin, and after that, horse back riding.

On Saturday, my cousin and I hurled. Lily hurled first and I thought I would too, but I hurled about an hour after her.  It really took a lot out of me and I was sore for days. I think I should start eating a little better and that might help. Just thought I'd add that in!

Later on Saturday, we went to the Celtic Weave, and no that does not mean we watched people weave the Celtic knot for two hours. Instead we listened and watched the New Ross world champion bag pipe band play as well as other groups including three sister who played the guitar, fiddle, and an Irish drum which was so cool and amazing that they were able to do that.

On Monday, Patty's day, we put green milk in our cereal and tea (which was a little more gross than expected). Then we went out side and irish danced in the garden, however I believe mine was more of a skip and jump, to be honest. Then we tasted our treats that Lil and I had spent 3 hours making the night before for this very special day- cupcakes, peppermint creams, and green rice krispy treats. We decided that all three were not as great as we'd hoped but decided that no one would be cruel enough to tell us, so we brought some to Aunt Carol's boyfriend, Dara, and to Aunt Annette's house for the big party. At the party, there were probably about 20 of us there, enjoying a traditional Irish breakfast with rashers (bacon), spuds (potatoes), sausages, tomatoes, eggs, beans, toast, and pudding (I really have no clue how to describe it, but it is not anything like the dessert). We all were trying on these crazy wigs and hats and laughing about it to each other. Then at one o'clock, Lil and I went (with our cool matching glasses) to line up for the parade! We were going to be in the parade for the camogie team. We waited for about 30 minutes until the parade started. We marched all around New Ross, waving to people, chanting our team's cheer, and having a great time. Then after we were done, we watched the rest of the parade which was filled with people painted in green and wearing big hats and lots and lots of old cars and tractors. After that, we went back to Aunt Annette's where I became a play set for the younger kids, and I also sent my mom a (fake) drunken text and picture to which she promptly replied "Haha very funny...guards are on their way." oops! 

Okay back to the hurling thing, I know a lot of you reading this are probably thinking of some thing more gross than what it really was about! Hurling is a sport that is played here that is similar to lacrosse but much more difficult. It is considered the fastest game on grass and instead of having a net to hold the ball and pick it up, all you have is a stick with a flat end, much like a hockey stick. To run with the ball, you have to balance it on the end and to pick it up, you have to kind of scoop it up...and there's a lot of running!! I actually play Camogie, the girls' version of hurling, and to be honest, I like that name better!! (see link for video)

Aoife

Irish Breakfast (those circular looking things in the corner is black and white pudding)

Here's a link to a video of a hurling match:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgEMvRrOCRI

 a hurl and ball (sliotar)