Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Auckland - also titled, Blabbed about Mars Quaid
After a really nice day sampling the walks and wineries on Waheke Island (just off Auckland) we were fired up for the big match against the Aussies, a crucial game in our group. A roving reporter for Waheke Radio (think provincial, then think smaller) interviewed us to get the Irish perspective. He was a little disappointed with our English accents. But after four attempts he left satisfied with our slightly tipsy message for his listeners.
Waheke Island was a haven after a couple of days in Auckland, which we found to be a bit bland and uninspiring. We tramped some trails to a deserted cove and enjoyed our home made sandwiches on the beach before sampling a few local wines at two of the many vineyards on the island.
This was topped off by an epic win from Ireland over the Aussies. The atmosphere at Eden Park was electric with the Irish fans turning out in droves and the Kiwis also rallying to support us against the Aussies - their fiercest rivals.
This support continued after the match as the Irish and the locals partied together into the night. And then on into the morning! The celebrations began on the shuttle bus back to downtown, with Irish songs sung in full voice, much to the amusement of the driver. Paul played Irish tunes on his harmonica and everyone joined in. The two Australians dressed in kangaroo outfits took it surprisingly well (though needless to say they weren't bouncing off the walls - hee hee)!
The singing continued in a bar downtown, led by Mick, before we squeezed ourselves in to an Irish pub to dance the night away to a live band. Joss left the boys to it at 1am...they were next seen back at the van at around 4am!
We woke up with sore heads and cloudy recollections of the game. Once all the gaps were filled and after a hearty breakfast accompanied by much match analysis, we left Auckland. Next stop, the Bay of Islands!
Joss
- comments