Castlebar Celtic

Haley with her football club.  The Castlebar Celtic are part of the National Women's Soccer League in Ireland.  Haley worked hard to make the team and they are a great bunch of women.  They have done very well, and competed in the Umbro Cup final in Aviva Stadium in Dublin.  It was a wonderful time.  They lost the game in overtime,  but it was a fantastic opportunity for the team.  Steve and Zach and I enjoyed a stay in Dublin to watch the game, and then a long drive to Castlebar for a party at the Clubhouse!  We spent the night in Castlebar and drove home the next morning.

There are people who dedicate massive amounts of time and energy in support of the club and Steve and I have enjoyed getting to know them.  The coach is Adrian Carberry and he is a remarkable person.  We have found that the drive to Castlebar for practice isn't so bad (1-1/2 hours) given the great people we get to meet, the quality of the training, and the opportunities it provides.  Also, Haley really enjoys being part of this club. 

For the games, they do follow regular FIFA rules.  Thus, if a player is taken out of a game, that player is out for the  remainder of the game.  There is no switching players out for a rest and then putting them back in. 

Last Saturday they had a game in Cork.  Haley played almost the entire second half at Right Full-Back.  She started a play that ended with a shot on goal, and another one that ended with a goal!  She played very well and they ended up winning 5 to 0!  The drive to Cork is 3 hours and 45 minutes.  Long haul, but so worth it!

Up Castlebar Celtic!!