Pre-season team-building trip to Ardnabannon

On arrival dorms were allocated, unpacking completed and activities started. We began with the Wacky Races. This was a lengthy series of races between randomly selected teams. The competitive edge was evident from the start although Sam provided great entertainment throughout!! The hyper mob then headed in for hot chocolate and toast in the vain hope that this would induce sleep at some point before dawn! It didn’t do what it says on the tin.

In spite of the slightly reduced hours of sleep the group were up and at it at 7.30a.m. for an early morning jog with Lynn. It was at this point that the sprinters and throwers identified themselves. Cries of, ‘We don’t do long runs,’ and ‘Can we stop now?’ echoed around the grounds. ( I will not name names but you know who you are!!!! ) Nonetheless the session was completed and we headed for breakfast.

We then split with one group canoeing while the other went bouldering. Both groups did really well although the squeals and screams of the canoeists were heard at the top of Donard and the kamikaze boulderers impressed with giant leaps off the Bloody Bridge!

After a hearty lunch back at base it was off trekking in the Mournes. The mountain leaders were genuinely impressed with the fitness levels of our group and, in spite of the protestations, all made it to the Mourne wall in record time with Patrick leading the charge.

Back at base we had a quick game of football before tea. Natalie put in a hefty challenge on Jonathon which would not have looked out of place in a Premier League game. We hear he has just about recovered! We were glad she was wearing her Ugs and not real boots. Then after a hearty meal we prepared for the ‘World Cup.’

Again the group were put into teams and had to compete against each other in football, hockey and Tug o’ war. There were some seriously competitive matches, a few dodgy umpiring decisions and a lot of fun. It looked very much like a New Zealand win but their lightweight team were no match for might of the Spaniards in the tug o’ war event and Spain won overall by a point. Kathryn tried to keep her Dutch team in it but fell away in the end as did Chile. Northern Ireland, as ever, won the prize for the most enthusiastic team!

After a monster supper of hot chocolate and mountains of toast it was off to bed. Rose slept well. ( 1 out of 30 isn’t too bad really!!! )

Payback for the leaders came the following morning when all were roused again for an early morning session. The latecomers, of which there were several, had to do a bit extra as a penalty! Once fed they were suited and booted for the reverse activity from yesterday. The canoeists powered down Castlewellan Lake and the boulderers squealed their way up the Bloody Bridge river.

We completed our visit with a superb lunch and then back home. The group were fantastic and a real credit to the club and their families. They entered wholeheartedly into all activities and were always supportive and encouraging of each other. Well done.