[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdQ7-EQ7Q0g[/embedyt]
Santa arrived in style to Roscrea RFC minis training on Sunday December 13th. This year has seen a lot of disruption and the players have dealt with the various guidelines and restrictions brilliantly, so it was fitting that with the year drawing to an end, they were able to take a very positive memory home with them.
With all age groups from boys and girls u6 to u12s training, there were over 200 players and coaches in attendance with each group in their separate training area. The club Covid officers Serena, Vytenis, Moya, Natashia and Gillian were on hand to direct everyone in a safe and orderly fashion. At about 30 minutes into training, the faint sound of rotors could be heard in the distance, then slowly the Helicopter came into view. The players immediately realised what was happening and the excitement was irresistible. Santa landed on the Senior pitch with John Butler expertly setting the Helicopter down after his long journey from the north pole. Santa climbed out aided by his helpers, head elf Declan Maloney and Keith Wallace. Santa wore a mask, as although he had already received the vaccine, he wanted to set a good example for the players and coaches in attendance.
Santa was in flying form, obviously very excited about Christmas this year and immediately went about saying hello to some of the younger children in attendance. The first group he visited were the Boys u6 and u7s, who were training in the top half of the senior pitch. The players met santa with a super rendition of Jingle bells. Father Christmas asked the boys if they had been good this year, to which he received confirmation from all present that they had. Because they were all so good and had trained so hard all year, he decided that they all deserved a special selection box which were presented by Serena, Natasha and Club president Terry Farrelly.
Santa said good bye to the Boys u7s and made his way across the field to meet the girls u8s and u10 who were in fine form singing Christmas songs and dancing to keep warm. Girls coaches Ciara Maher, Peter Roe and Mark Kenneally were on hand to introduce Santa to the girls, who proceeded to ask him some very interesting and some quite challenging questions regarding the elves in the workshops compliance with wearing masks, Santa allayed any fears that they had and confirmed that the elves were indeed completely covid compliant, much to the relief of one u8s player.
Santa presented the girls with a selection box before stopping to have a chat with some of the u12s Girls who answered his questions with great enthusiasm.
Santa made his way to the next section were the Boys u8s were waiting patiently with their coach Ray Nagle who was sporting a very fetching Christmas ensemble. The players welcomed santa with a few songs and answered his questions with super enthusiasm. Santa told them that they were so good that they would all get a selection box, which they accepted without reservation.
Next up, Santa crossed into the main minis training area to meet with some very excited Boys u9s who were enjoying the mucky conditions and revelling in the occasion on the day. Head coach Shane Mulrooney welcomed Santa and the boys joined for a photo after being presented with their selection boxes.
The boys u10s were next to meet Santa, head coach Ed Brophy welcomed father Christmas with his own unique rendition of “Santa claus is coming to town” much to the amusement of the players and Santa. The boys confirmed that they had indeed been good all year and looked forward to having their Christmas letters wishlists delivered.
The Boys u11s were last to meet Santa and their excitement was equaled by coaches Denis Delaney and Padraig Hayes who were in jovial form. Santa presented the players with a selection box and posed for a photo with the coaches and club president.
The Club President Terry Farrelly would like to thank everyone who helped to make the day a memorable one for the players. John Butler for once again providing the flying spectacle and delivering father Christmas. Declan Maloney, Serena Brady, Vytenis Miciuta and Gillian Pearsons and helpers for organising the special occasion. Tommy Murphy for yet another captivating performance. The Senior players, Ger Stone, Enda Maher and Paul Mc Namara for their help on the day.
Special thanks should also go to Pearson international and particularly the owners Lloyd and Dave Pearson who facilitated the presentation of hats and scarves to the boys u9s, u10s, u11s, u12s and u15s/u16s. They have also come on board as sponsors of the clubs covid officers donating protective all weather safety gear.
The Pearsons International crew Joe King and Lee Cooper presenting Club President Terry Farrelly and the Roscrea RFC covid officers with their high vis protective gear.
Roscrea RFC club covid officer Serena Cooper Brady presenting Santa with a gift voucher donated by Milltown Garden Centre, which is Santa’s favourite Garden Centre.
