It was Australian Day in Springfield

Thursday was another special day in Springfield when a party of 35 Aussie Rules footballers, the Wanderers Australia, their parents, family members and team officials visited. The group included players from Western Australia (Perth), Victoria and New South Wales. Springfield was the fourth football stop on the tour. Matches were also played against Lucan Sarsfields, Monaleen (Limerick) in The Dome against Monilea-Abbey (Galway), before the group played two matches against our Under-18 and Under-16 footballers. The final game on the tour was scheduled against Skerries Harps before the travelling party moved on to London and Paris.

Two excellent and interesting games of football were played in Springfield. The Australian Rules ball was used for two quarters and the Gaelic ball in two. It was noticeable how quickly the Aussie boys moved the ball forward and it must be said that both teams adopted well to the oval and round ball. It was also interesting to see the Aussie Rules tackle on display and how effective it was in preventing over carrying and encouraging the player in possession to move the ball without over elaboration.

The Clubhouse provided a welcome respite from the bitterly cold weather for the touring party who departed from Australia with the temperature reaching a gentle 35⁰ C. when the football was all over.