On Wednesday 6th April last Rapparees/Starlights Social Initiative Mens Group had their inaugural Outing and to say that it was a success would be an understatement. It was one of those rare unforgettably perfect days that remain a treasured memory forever.

Beginning with a visit to Croke Park for the Museum/Stadium Tour and topped off with lunch in a Corporate Box overlooking the hallowed sod. Greeted on arrival by Sean Kilbride (National Co-ordinator of the Social Initiative Project) and treated to the whole experience of pitch, museum, stands, dressingrooms, executive suites, warm up areas and even a run through the famous tunnel with the roar of the crowd reaching a crescendo as we emerged on to the pitch. The magnificence of the Stadium, equal to any in Europe, and the attention to detail and professionalism of the Staff filled us with a pride for our own Organisation and what it has achieved.

Aras an Uachtaran was our next port of call where  initially we were instructed  on  the formalities in the elegant drawing room – she was to be addressed as President when we introduced ourselves after which we would take tea with her and she would then take her leave of us to attend to another appointment. The 8th President of Ireland entered the room and threw protocol and formalities to the wind saying – `Ah the Wexford people are here and brought the sunshine with them today`.

 Now Queens may come and Presidents may go but there is no other country in the world I`ll wager where the Head of State laughs and talks casually as she passes around teacakes to the Plebs!  Where else but Ireland and who else but Mary McAleese. Our Group of men marvelled at the way she put them all at ease and spoke to them with the respect of an old friend. We had travelled expectantly looking forward to meeting the most prestigious person in the land and instead she made us feel special and important. Such is the nature of our President as she joked with the group saying that she would be retired like them soon and had they any tips for her. 

When it was time to go we left with reluctance, no-one wanting our day in the sun to end but like all good things………..! We returned home tired but happy with tales to tell and memories to brighten darker days in the future.

Our mens group meets every Tuesday morning at 11am in Bellefield GAA Complex and on the last Friday of every month from 8.30pm onwards. All are welcome to attend.