Barcelona Trip 2026
Barcelona Trip 2026
Barcelona Trip 2026
We had heard tales of the 2010 lads European adventures in 2025 so we decided to put the blinkers on and get working on what we would need to bring the 2011 batch over to Spain for Easter 2026.
Barcelona Trip 2026
We set up a group to work out which dates to opt for, which competition to play in, where to stay and most importantly, how much money will it cost.
After lots of research, we decided to go for the Mare Nostrum Cup which was being held in Barcelona over the Easter weekend. We opted to use a dedicated sports travel company to arrange our flights, transfers, and accommodation.
As there are 2 2011 teams, all players and parents were invited but, in the end, our travelling party consisted of twenty-seven, made up of fifteen players, five coaches and seven parents & siblings. Then the fundraising began. Bag packing in Dunnes Stores Charlestown started the ball rolling. Another round of bag packing in SuperValu Finglas added to the pot and dozens of spot the balls brought in more much needed funds.
Then we gambled on Troy Parrott getting us to the World Cup as we raffled 2 Premium Level tickets for the play off. Sales were great but unfortunately, the prize ended up not being the hottest tickets in town, instead it was for a meaningless friendly with North Macedonia!!
Added to all this as the suppliers and businesses being asked to help send the Diggers to Spain, which was hugely effective.
Finally, as the departure date loomed, we had a final meeting with all the travelling party to remind all of their responsibilities as they represent Glasnevin FC in Europe.
We met in Dublin Airport at 15.00 for our flight to Reus, all raring to go. Flight was on time, our transfer brought to our accommodation in Cambrils, and we bunked down for the night ahead of our first game in the competition. We were drawn in Group C with Pro Elite, an English academy team and 2 Spanish teams, Trintxerpe KE and FUE Cornella. Tough day at the office against Pro Elite was followed by a controversial 1-1 draw with Trintxerpe KE.
Our final group game ended in defeat to FUE Cornella but we still qualified to play against another Spanish side, CD Sanse in the Conciliacion Cup Final.
The boys were in great spirits as we headed off on the bus to the venue and, after an epic battle, the boys edged the game 3-2, roared on by the best supporters that any team could have had.
The trophy was ours, but the biggest prize of the weekend was the opportunity for the boys to get to bond with each other. It was also great to get the know the parents who travelled with us.
A hugely successful trip and we would highly recommend it for the next GFC teams thinking of heading off on adventures overseas!
