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Volume 1 (1999/2000)
Issue
1 (March 1999)
Issue
2 (Nov. 1999)
Issue 3 (Dec. 1999)
Issue 4 (Feb. 2000)
Issue 5 (March 2000)
Issue 6 (April 2000)
Issue
7 (May 2000)
Volume 2 (2000/2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2000)
Issue 2 (Oct. 2000)
Issue 3 (Jan. 2001)
Issue 4 (March 2001)
Issue 5 (April 2001)
Issue 6 (May 2001)
Volume 3 (2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2001)
Issue 2 (Nov. 2001)
Categories
Sport: 1
2 3
Lifestyles: 1 2
3
Commentary: 1 2
3
Review: 1 2
3
Writing: 1 2
3
Event: 1 2
3
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Pamela Farrell
Presentation, Ballyphehane
We were very excited to have been invited to perform at
this year's European gymfest held in Gran Canaria. Training started right
away with our coach/trainer, Carolyn O' Brien, working out the movements
for our routine. We trained three nights a week and spent hour after hour
practising until we had the routine nearly perfect. We trained at two
different venues, An Carraig health and leisure club and Chimere, a gym
club. Our group was to consist of eight gymnasts: Pamela and Amanda Farrell,
Emer and Aine Dempsey, Pamela Dillen, Brid Cronin, Amy Keating and Chloe
Hegarty.
As we were representing Ireland, we needed to have the proper
clothing and equipment. Our gym club went to local companies looking for
sponsorship. They were very generous in their response and we were able
to purchase new tracksuits, gear bags, t-shirts and other sports accessories
and we looked impressive in our new gear. Our performing outfits were
a black leotard and a green wrap around skirt (which were made by my mum
Breda Farrell).
When the day came to depart everyone was very excited and, as we gathered
in the airport terminal, other passengers were asking who we were and
where we were going. We were all dressed in matching tracksuits and really
looked impressive. When our Spanish stewardess asked us who we were representing
we were proud to say 'Ireland'.
When we arrived in Gran Canaria the people were very friendly
and we performed in the open air at the plazza shopping centre. Afterwards
we were given little tokens like perfume, frisbees, porcelin ornaments
and lollipops.
We were very excited on the Monday night when we arrived
at the arena and were totally amazed at the size of the floor area. We
met a group from Dublin and we stayed and watched while they performed.
They were very good and we gave them a loud cheer. It was then our turn
to do our practice routine. When we left the floor the locals gave us
a loud applause. One of the producers of the fest told us we were good
and gave us an invitation to appear next May at another festival in Athens,
Greece.
Tuesday night was our first official appearance and it was
in Las Palmas which was about an hour and a half by bus from our apartments.
When we got there we were told we would be recorded live on Spanish TV
which made us more nervous. However, we put on a good performance and
the response of the audience indicated that they enjoyed it too. The followmg
day strangers would come up to us congratulating us on our preformance
the previous night. This made us feel good. We also made the Spanish news
and sports.
Wednesday was a rest day, but Thursday was our big night.
As we lined up behind our national flags ready to march in we were very
nervous. When we entered the hall with the Irish flag we got a great reception.
Even the Dublin team who were not performing that night were there to
cheer us on. The feeling was unbelievable. Then to make us more nervous
we were told we would be performing first. We went on and everyone thought
it was our best routine yet. Even our coach/trainer Carolyn said it was
the best she had seen us performing! After we changed we watched all the
other groups doing their routines and they were very impressive and enjoyable
to watch. It really was an experience to remember.
We were sad to be leaving when the week was over but as
we headed home we were pleased with what we had achieved. To represent
your country is a great feeling. Two weeks after we arrived back home
we were invited to do our display for the once world famous gymnast, Olga
Corbett. She was very appreciative for the time we took to entertain her.
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