Michael Egan - Declan Kirby: GAA Star: European Dreams

Declan Kirby

GAA Star

European Dreams

Michael Egan

Gill Books

Contents

Chapter 1

Big News

I cant believe this is really happening! Declan said, walking around the room in excitement.

Will you relax? Daniel asked. If you keep spinning around like that, youre gonna burn a hole in my rug. Mum just bought that.

I know, sorry, Declan said, calming down. Its just its a lot to take in.

Why are you surprised? Daniel asked. Sam mentioned it in our last training session.

I know, but it still feels really weird. Ive been waiting for this for absolutely ages. Its crazy that were finally going!

Does Sams text say anything else? Daniel asked, making his way to his closet. If not, Im gonna start packing right now.

Were not going for a week, Daniel! And youre acting like Im the one whos overexcited.

Seriously, though. Did he mention anything else?

Declan looked down at his phone to double-check the message he had just received from their coach.

Lads, make sure your passports are in order. Check what is allowed and not allowed through security. Before you come to the airport, ensure you have your boarding passes ready and obviously DO NOT FORGET TO BRING

YOUR FOOTBALL GEAR!

I think were all sorted, Declan said. Another few days and well be playing at the GAA World Games in Madrid.

I know, Daniel said, suddenly taking on a more serious tone. It eh it should be great.

Whats wrong?

I just realised we have a problem.

Oh, really? What is it?

Well, most of the team should be fine in Madrid. But Im not sure how Stewy is gonna cope.

Declan hadnt a clue where Daniel was going with this. What do you mean?

You know what hes like, Dec, Daniel said, doing his best not to crack a smile. Its only June, and Stewys already got sunburnt. How is he gonna survive in Spain?

Ha! I thought you were actually serious for a second.

Daniel gave him a defensive look. I am serious. Stewy would get sunburnt if it was snowing. The second he steps off that plane, hes gonna melt!

Good point, Declan chuckled. Ill remind him to pack nothing but sun cream.

Boys, your dinners ready, their mother shouted from below.

Declan and Daniel made their way downstairs. As soon as they entered the dining room, they could see their sister, Louise, was already there, texting away.

I can hear you guys up there, you know, she pointed out. You two are giggling like kids!

Hey, you would be the same if you were heading to Spain, Declan said.

In the past, Louise would have made some smart comment like Im happy that Im getting away from you guys or words to that effect. But over the last couple of months, Louise didnt tease her brothers as much as she used to. Since shed seen them play together, shed grown to admire and respect their love for the game. I am gonna miss you guys, she said. The place wont be the same without you.

Here we go, their mother said, dishing pasta onto their plates. Plenty of carbohydrates to keep your energy levels up. Youll need as much energy as possible while youre away.

We know, Mum, Daniel said.

Speaking of which, Caoimhe and I cant wait for the trip, their mum said. I havent been to Spain since you were kids.

Were still kids, Louise pointed out.

Yeah, but littler kids.

She knows what you mean, Mum, Daniel pointed out. Louise is just being Louise.

We were lucky Sam needed a couple of volunteers, their mother continued. It wouldve been a big job for him to keep an eye on 20 boys all by himself.

Its great that youre coming, Mum, Declan said. So long as you dont embarrass us.

Why would I do a thing like that? Im just going to make sure everybody is safe and accounted for while enjoying the matches. Ive been reading all about it. Did you know that theres about 400 GAA clubs outside of Ireland?

Wait, really? Declan said. Thats crazy. I wonder how they got started up?

Im not sure. Quite a few people left Ireland years ago. They mightve got a bit lonely or homesick and set up a GAA club to meet other Irish people.

Yeah, well that idea seems to have worked pretty well.

Yes, it sure did. Theres even GAA clubs now in South Africa and Argentina!

Seriously? Thats amazing, Daniel said.

Why dont you know all this? Louise asked. Youre meant to be the football expert! Mum knows more than you do!

I only just read about it, dear, their mum said. Im still learning. Actually, I just found out that some children and adults are playing GAA, even though they dont have an Irish connection.

Thats so cool, Daniel said.

I know! Now, remember, boys. There is to be no lie-in this Saturday. Were heading to the clubhouse at 8 a.m. to make sure everyone and everything is accounted for. Then were off to the airport for an 11 a.m. take-off.

The first match is throwing in at 6 p.m., Daniel reminded Declan.

I know. Its mad how were arriving in a different country, and we have to play two matches on the same day.

With the time difference, it should be around 2 p.m. when we land, Daniel said. There will be an opening ceremony first, but we should still have plenty of time.

Where are we staying again? Declan asked.

The games are going to take place on a college campus in Madrid, and were staying in the dormitories. Theyre about a ten-minute walk away from the pitches.

Why dont you know this, Dec? Louise asked. You dont talk about anything except football and yet youre the only one who doesnt know whats going on.

Youre just jealous because youre not going, Declan teased.

Shut up! she said defensively. Well maybe a little.

Chapter 2

The Golden Oldies vs the Young Guns

The following day, Declan and Daniel headed to the Smithgreen pitch for their training session. Declan could tell by the way the other players were talking that they were all buzzing about the trip to Spain. As the Kirby brothers made their way towards the rest of the team, Stewy gave Declan a wave.

Hey, guys, Stewy said. Are you excited about going to Madrid?

Nah, not really, Declan joked. In fact, I think I might just hang back and let you guys head on.

Yeah right, Stewy said, pointing to Sam. Even Dad is over the moon. Not just about playing but about going to Spain. Weve never been there! Im trying to learn as much as possible about the place, you know? Like, the history and stuff. That reminds me, did you know you cant fold a newspaper there? And jeans are illegal?

Declan gave him an awkward look. Em thats definitely not true.

Wait, really? Stewy asked disappointedly.

Why would folding a newspaper be against the law? Daniel asked. How would the police stop people from doing that?

Well, thats what Dereck told me, Stewy said, getting defensive.

Declan couldnt help smiling. Pretty sure he was just having a laugh.

I shouldve known, Stewy said, turning red. He also said there are no Wednesdays in Spain. Shouldve known he was just messing.

Gather around, lads, Sam said, motioning to the group. Even though Sam always tried to keep his feelings to himself, Declan could see a slight smile on his face. Although he was doing his best to maintain his composure, Sam was clearly just as eager about heading off to Spain as anybody else.