A Mayo hurling club's Odyssey: Delayed flights, 12 hours on the sea and more

DELAYED flights and a diverted boat landing were some of the major concerns for the Tooreen team and entourage ahead of their Connacht semi-final against St Gabriel’s in Ruislip on Saturday.

Weather conditions in England and Wales led to the two flights from Knock to Luton and Stansted being delayed as well as an evening flight from Shannon to Stansted carrying the Limerick and Galway-based panel members. The afternoon flight from Knock was delayed for over three hours.

Serious problems were also encountered by Colin Coyne (driver) and Pat Ganley who were taking the Tooreen ‘kit van’ of Michael Lynskey with all the gear to Ruislip.

The original crossing from Dublin to Holyhead was planned for Friday afternoon but they got a call from the company asking them if possible to make a 4am crossing on Thursday night/Friday morning because of prevailing weather conditions.

On arrival at Holyhead, the boat was unable to dock at the port, and despite making a few short manoeuvres off the Welsh coastline, it was eventually diverted down the coast to Fishguard where it docked at 4pm eight hours behind schedule.

Tired and exhausted, Colin and Pat still made the journey from Fishguard to their hotel in Luton where they arrived around 9pm to the delight of the panel and supporters.

Adrian Hession from the Tooreen club, who kept listeners to Midwest Radio fully informed with regular updates from Ruislip, admitted there was a fear that all the mishaps in relation to getting to London could impact the performance of the team.

“They even had to play in white jerseys with a streak of grey but they turned in a class display and the game was done and dusted even at half time. After so much going wrong in the lead up, everything went right on the day.

“Oisin Greally was outstanding and there were excellent performances as well from David Kenny, Conal Hession, Stephen Coyne, Joe Boyle, Michael Morley and Fergal and Shane Boland.

“Look, the whole team played well and it was a special day for them all and for all who made the long trip to support the lads. All the entourage travelled back to Shannon where buses were waiting to bring them to the car park at Knock Airport. It was a good day’s work and they all slept in their own beds on Saturday night.”

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