Hockey players from Mayo, Cork and Clare gather to raise money to help our Hockey brother Fabian of Clare Badgers.
On the 20th February, a team of fresh faced juniors (alongside some not so fresh faced seniors) travelled down to Corofin, Co. Clare to take part in a hockey tournament to raise money for Clare Badgers own 12 year old junior player Fabian. Fabian is currently abroad receiving treatment for a malignant tumour and monies raised will go to his family in this challenging time, but the day was threatened by an all too common sight in Ireland...bad weather. But even with Storm Franklin boasting winds in excess of 110kmh and status orange weather warnings in place, we made our way down steadily in high spirits with the thought of not attending far from our minds.
The Day
The junior players arrived nervous and excited in Clare as they looked to take part in their first ever official games outside of Mayo, and it couldn't of been a better experience for them. Alongside competitive refereed games, they enjoyed great hospitality from the Clare team with Tea, Coffee, Cakes, Biscuits and Sandwiches in the viewing area, where they socialised and got to know other players from Clare and Cork as well as watch some hockey.
The team failed to get a win on their first outings as a team but progressed as the day went on taking learnings from each game as their confidence grew. Mayo took on Clare Badgers, Cork Wolfpack and a mixed team of Clare and Cork in a tournament format for junior players. The day also included two U10 games consisting of Badgers U10 players going against a mixed Wolfpack/Bulls U10 team, giving younger and new learn to play players a chance to gain some in game experience. The seniors would participate next with Mayo Bulls taking on Clare Badgers, Mayo would have the help of two Jokers from Longford (Longford Jokers of course) and see a number of players taking part in their first game of competitive hockey. The senior team much like the junior team is a 50/50 split of female and male players which was great to see on the day, in fact a strong female presence was observed throughout the day across all teams which was fantastic to see, showcasing inline hockey as a sport with no barriers. The day ended with a strong finish in the juniors last game where Mayo had the smallest goal difference of the day and the Seniors seen us out with the seniors showing to juniors sportmanship and the spirit of the game in a fun filled mixed scrimmage.
Conclusion
So to recap; experienced gained, new friends made, money raised for a member of our hockey family, we got to spend time together as a team as well as meet other teams and build relationships outside of Mayo, a great day was had by all our members who can't wait to get back out there as a team.
We can't thank Clare Badgers enough for organising the event and inviting us, Inline Hockey Ireland for sanctioning it, a big thanks to all the referees and volunteers on the day of course as well as the family and members who arranged food, tea and coffee, a massive well done.
Update via Clare Badgers Facebook
(www.facebook.com/inlinehockeyclare/)
Update on Fabian. (18th March)
As you can see from the photo Fabian has received his gift of Clare Badgers jersey/Get Well card signed by all that attended the fundraiser Fabian is also very proud of his gold medal.
Currently Fabian is at home, feeling a little better and to his family joy Fabian has a little more energy. Next week Fabian starts his 4th session of Chemotheraphy so we would like to wish him well during his treatment. Feel free to send messages of support to Fabian and his family on this post