The 2002 Trevor Marmalade International Rules Tour of Ireland

Thanks to family back in Australia, I managed get the details of this tour. The reason for the tour (besides seeing Ireland, drinking and fun), was to see Australia play in two International Rules games in Dublin at Croke Park. International Rules is a hybrid game between Australian Rules Football and Gaelic Football, played in alternate countries at the end of each season.

I didnt take many photos, I was simply too busy having a good time. So sometimes I took alot, othertimes I didnt take any, but I hope to expand on these as I get in contact with people from the tour, and perhaps put up some of their photos. When this happens I will update the list below.

Sat 12th October: I endure the 1.5 hour tube ride to Heathrow to meet the tour on the London-Dublin flight. As Im walking towards the departure gate I notice a tired figure hunched over some crutches. It was Trevor, the host of the tour, and he didn't look too comfortable. After our flight to Dublin we settle in at the Burlington Hotel with some opening night drinks that go on quite a bit longer than expected.

Sun 13th October: We all take time to get going, but we board the bus for the game, with our Australian scarves and beanies provided by Haydn, our tour organiser. Australia come back from 38-19 at half time to win, 65-58. An amazing effort and great fun in front of 40,000 Irish supporters. After dinner, we head off to the Q bar, where the players are having drinks. Again another late night drinking, and dancing badly.

Mon 14th October: On the way to Galway we stop at Clonmacnoise, a monastic settlement founded in 545AD. We get to Galway, and surprisingly we head into town for more drinks at the Kings Head pub. 4 of us head off in search of more night life, and we find some that keeps us occupied until the small hours of the morning.

Tues 15th October: Visiting Spiddal, Clifden and Kylemore Abbey were all part of todays tour. Excellent scenary, punctuated by sunny but cold weather. Surprisingly having an early night, I head off to bed shortly after dinner.

Wed 16th October: Through the Burren Country, a rocky limestone landscape. (visiting Aillwee Caves along the way) We then stop at the Cliffs of Moher, a fantastic site reminding me of the Great Ocean road in many ways. Stay at a wonderful hotel called the Killarney Plaza (in Killarney), but have an easy night after watching the England and Ireland soccer games.

Thur 17th October: The Ring of Kerry. Feeling slightly ill and tired, I took this day off the relax at the hotel (two other people had the same idea). After dinner, and one of the worst Irish music experiences ever, we spend the night in a Comedy Club turned night club until about 3am. Some of our tour are targetted by the second comedian to amusing effect, but suprisingly most of the club is filled by Australians.

Fri 18th October: Went to Blarney Castle, home of the famous stone. An extremely picturesque little castle in scenic grounds. We stay at the Ard Ri Hotel in Waterford, and have a great night out, getting back to the hotel at 5:30am.

Sat 19th October: On our way to Dublin we visit the Irish national stud. Home of Vintage Crop, the 1993 Melbourne Cup winner and many other high price studs. Back to the Burlington Hotel, easily our best hotel as it has a great bar of its own, excellent foyer/drinks area, and a nightclub down the side lane. After much drinking and a visit to the closest nightclub, I ended up back at the hotel in the foyer drinking red wine with an Irish speech and language therapist named Martina until 4:30am.

Sun 20th October: Had some lunch in Dublin, and then headed off to the game. It was pouring with rain, freezing cold, but the Aussies did it again after being 18 points down at 3 quarter time to draw the game 42-42 and take the series on aggregate, in front of 70,000 fans. Celebration drinks were had by all, but I went to bed relatively early, starting to feel quite a strong cold taking hold.

Mon 21st October: Lazy day. Went into Dublin shopping for a few hours, and bought the shirt of Dublins Gaelic football team. Had our last dinner together, and Trevor presented some awards on tour. We shall keep them to ourselves.

Tues 22nd October: Left Dublin, saying goodbye to friends I had made so easily on tour. Hope they are all well. (Ben, Haydn, Rod, Bronte, Jeff, Peter, Shaun, Matt, Trev and the gang)

I had a simply sensational time, meeting many fantastic people both on the tour, and the locals, and wouldn't hesitate to go back to Ireland at any time, for holidays or work.

 

Email: glen@icypole.net