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The team outside Blarney Castle. |
Our last blog is from recent graduate Sean Lowry from the Class of '12. We felt it appropriate to have one of the newest alums cap off the trip with a few overall thoughts.
Leaving Ireland brought bitter-sweet emotions to the Stonehill basketball family. The good news: everyone made it through airport customs, we had a fantastic trip, we beat all of our opponents, and we have no more Irish breakfasts. The bad news: my fellow seniors and I no longer have an opportunity to play basketball for this great program.
Some favorite highlights of the trip among the teams included a visit to the 700+ feet vertical drops at the Cliffs of Moher, visiting the Blarney Castle, the history of the Titanic tour in Cobh, jumping off 20 foot high dives into the Atlantic (I'm proud to say I was the first one to brave it...and my roommate Chris Kraus never jumped in), Guinness and Jameson factory tours, a visit to Croke Park (Europe's 4th largest stadium), and beef stew at a great rural pub named McGanns. However, when we step back to think about our experience, the best part was an opportunity to be with our best friends for ten days and play basketball together. All of us would like to thank Stonehill and our generous supporters for that opportunity.
For many of us, returning to school involves a quick turnaround of events. Personally, I start work Monday in Times Square for Thomson Reuters where I will be joining their investment management team. Patrick Lee begins work as well this week as the newest member of the Stonehill basketball staff. Andre Tongo continues to work out as he prepares to play overseas in the fall. The returning players have a mixed batch of internships, classes, camps to coach and of course a full schedule of workouts.
I can't think of a better way to cap off my basketball career. Winning an NE-10 championship, playing in the Final Four and touring Ireland were memorable moments for all of us. The Irish would say that we've definitely had great craic.
Cheers,
Sean