From Albert to the Mansion House
Mansion House Reception for 13.8 Cup Winners
There are some days in football that remind you just how special a community club can be. This week was one of them.
Fresh from their brilliant cup-winning season, the U13 boys received an invitation that doesn't come around every day — a visit to the Mansion House as guests of Dublin's Lord Mayor, Ray McAdam.
Now, the original invitation may have been for the U13.8 Boys.
But this is Glasnevin FC.
So naturally, before anyone knew what was happening, most of the U13 age group had arrived, accompanied by a sizeable delegation of mammies, daddies, siblings and what appeared to be several unofficial advisors. Pure Diggers stuff.
The evening itself was fantastic. The Mansion House looked magnificent, the welcome was warm and the boys represented the club brilliantly.
For approximately seven minutes.
Then somebody discovered there were mini burgers.
At that point, any remaining sense of order disappeared entirely.
I've seen fewer bodies attacking a loose ball in a six-yard box.
Thankfully everyone survived.
The evening began in proper style too, with U13.9's own Tom leading the group into the Mansion House playing his solo drum. It's not every day a football club arrives at the Lord Mayor's residence with its own entrance music, but then again, it's not every day you're dealing with Glasnevin FC.
Chris Kiernan led the speeches, thanking Lord Mayor McAdam for welcoming the club and for his support of the Diggers. The Lord Mayor was then presented with some treasured Glasnevin FC gear and we now fully expect to see him standing behind a goal in Albert College Park at some point next season offering tactical advice and questioning throw-in decisions.
Chris also somehow found himself leading a rendition of Happy Birthday for Councillor Gayle Ralph, who has been a tremendous supporter of the club over the past year. Rumours that Chris may be available for weddings, confirmations, and corporate functions remain unconfirmed, although his performance was warmly received.
Most importantly, the evening was a fitting recognition of a tremendous achievement by the U13.8 Boys and their coaching team. Winning a cup is special. Being recognised in the Mansion House for doing so is something the players and their families will remember for a very long time.
And because this particular group apparently doesn't believe in doing things by halves, they finished the week by going out and winning the league as well.
Cup winners.
League champions.
Guests of the Lord Mayor.
Not a bad week's work altogether.
Congratulations once again to all the players, coaches and families involved.
A brilliant achievement.
A brilliant evening.
And another proud chapter in the story of Glasnevin FC.
