English in Dublin's Blog

EID F.C. 4 Spartak Dynamo 2

2009-10-31T20:48:00.000-07:00

Spartak not much of a Dynamo after all as EID F.C. bag the points

Sitting in third place in the Leinster Senior League 3A, EID took to the pitch on their new home ground in Herbert Park D4 with a rapidly growing confidence. Despite having 5 or 6 injured players (including myself), we took the 3 points with relative ease.

With 2 wins and a draw from our first 3 games, and 2 games in hand over the teams above us, the lads were eager to take the 3 points.

The game started brightly with plenty of possession from both sides, until EID took charge of the ball. An early piledriver from midfielder and team captain Leo went just wide of the Spartak post.

The next chance saw our Moroccan striker Badr go on a mazy run down the left flank, beating 2 players before being taken down just outside the 18yard box. The resulting free kick from Badr was well taken, but unfortunately our lads failed to connect.

After a few more minutes of EID pressure, midfielder Felipe was taken down indide the 6yard box resulting in an EID peno. Up steps our lethal finisher Hygo to coolly slot the ball into the corner of the Spartak net. 1-0 to the lads!!

Another energetic run down the left from Badr (who must have slept well last night) and a sweet cross to Leo, who hits a shot on target but comfortable for the keeper in the end.

Another injured man to the list is Antonio, who has to come off with a calf strain. Solid first half display by Antonio until his injury, along with the rest of the EID defence. Replaced by Jackson just before the end of the first half, a man full of confidence after a goal in last week's game.

Team manager Anderson must be losing count of the casualties, but he knows he can rely on our team Physio "Magic Fingers Marcelo" to get the lads back in action soon.

Physio Marcelo, along with Manager Anderson and Coaches Nando and Bomfim have done a fine job so far this season to build a team that's getting better with every game. Our coaching staff at EID has gained the confidence and trust of the Bossman, Director of the school and Creator of the team, Denis O' Donoghue, who is with the lads every step of the way.

On with the game!! and the disappointment of Antonio's departure is swiftly followed by a stunning left foot crack from outside the 18yard box from Rodrigo, which hits the post and the back of the net, leaving the keeper wondering where these Brazilian lads get their swagger, (it's in the blood mate). 2-0 EID!!

Just into the second half and Hygo scrambles home goal number 3 after a mix up in the Spartak defence. 3-0 EID!!

Spartak suddenly spring to life and decide that this is not going to be a demoloition, after a few minutes of good pressure from them they manage to pull a goal back with a nice through ball from their left back, calmly put away by their big centre forward. 3-1

Our goalkeeper Danillo is then replaced by Eduardo after another solid performance from him, although he confessed to getting cold during the game, with very little to do all afternoon.

After a mighty performance from our midfield maestro Felipe, who ran the midfield along with Leo, he was rewarded with a goal from a well taken shot just outside the box. 4-1

Again Spartak refuse to lie down and burst forward with the energy that only the thought of an embarrassingly large defeat can give a team. They manage to get a free kick outside the 18yarder, which takes a wicked deflection and hits the back of the net to ensure that EID cannot switch off until the final whistle blows. 4-2

As the final wistle sounds on a nippy Saturday afternoon in Herbert park, I'm already rubbing my hands in excitement at the thought of the return of our injured lads. A good all round performance from the whole team gives us 10 points from 4 games and sets our sights on the top of the table.

Posted by: Jon Monaghan Saturday 3 October 2009 18:45

Eurolingua Students - Photo

2009-10-31T10:21:00.001-07:00

Some of our Eurolingua students from Spain enjoying some fresh air during the class break…

We hope to see you soon!

Thanks for your visit!

Tell delivers in Bray Aquathon 2009

2009-10-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

The boys of EID have set off again on the Irish Triathlon season with the customary ‘Bray Aquathon’ on the 17th June. Again, EID athlete Tell Coura came home in 3rd position in a very competetive field of 200 athletes. EID’s Marcus Maher did not complete the course due to hypothermia in his hands-he has just recently returned from competing in the Hawaii Ironman 70.3 and posting a great result of 6 hours despite a broken saddle and severe dehydration in 99 c heat. Tell came out of the water in 8th position and slowly started to eat up the field, a great first result for EID and next the aquathon in July. Tell hopes to win the complete series overall.

1st Darragh Halfpenny (Belpark)
2nd Colm Bolger (Pulse)
3rd Tell Coura (EID/Trinity College)

Breaking News

Marcus and Tell have joined up with Trinity College Dublin Triathlon team to compete in all races this year. This amalgamation between EID and Trinity gives Marcus and Tell a solid team base as they will be joining other great Irish athletes including Tim Dowling, Owen O’Dwyer, David Cahill, Anthony Lyons, Niall Mc Alinden, Sinead Roche and Luke Ferighey- watch this space for the boys in their new kit.

Chapter 04 - June Bank Holiday, Long weekend, long story…

2009-10-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

Bank holiday is the colloquial term for public holidays in Ireland, there being nine of them throughout the year, and they are always very welcome! On the first week of June we have the June Bank Holiday which was last week and happened to have a remarkable bright and sunny weather all weekend long. Today, I’ll throw a glance at the best moments of it. Them being Galway, Aran Island, The Gigs Place, Womans World Show and the Flora Mini Marathon.

A friend of mine always said the west of Ireland is the best, fair enough for a western to be saying that and who am I to contradict? I would say each corner of Ireland has its magic; it’s just a matter of finding our perfect match, somewhere that will make us feel at peace with ourselves. However, to be honest, I didn’t know I was missing so much not going westwards and I’ve yet to know why it took me so long go.

Last week, I was invited to take part in a complimentary overnight trip to Galway and the Aran Islands. On Thursday then, we set off to Galway on a journey that took less than 3 hours, non stop bus. Once in Galway, after checking in at the hostel, there was a dinner arranged at a restaurant located in the city centre.

At the dinner we met the rest of the crew for this special trip, twelve of us in total. It is always a pleasure and a surprise to get to know new people and to find out how people, coming from the most different backgrounds, can have so many things in common. Whether destiny or coincidence, I believe some people are meant to be part, at some stage, of ours life.

Anyhow, after the dinner, and being acquainted with each other, we strolled around the Volvo Ocean Race arena where some entertainment was being held. All the colours, boats, people, music, happiness enchanted and cheered us up. Our night ended at the modern-retro The Living Room.

The following day, we took the bus to Rossaveal and from there the ferry to Inis Mor, the largest of The Aran Islands. If you are brave enough to go on the top of the ferry, you will experience tiny little drops of sea and sun touching your face, and also enjoy the company of the seagulls flying along the boat, it’s priceless the sense of freedom you get up there.

As we got to the island we had the impression of being in a completely different country, as locals speak in Irish amongst themselves, even their accent is very unique. To go around the island you can either hire a bike or take one of those mini bus tours, in our case, we had a mini bus tour arranged for 12pm, Irish time… It’s worth saying that our tour guide made our day with his typical Irish humour and wit.

The island has a few hundred inhabitants; 4 schools, which offer Irish courses during the summer time where you share the company of an Irish family for 3 weeks; a financial district, basically an atm machine; three churches; two white little cottages, home of wee people, those who didn’t drink Guinness; stone defence walls, surrounding the island; one beach, Port Mhuirbigh, where you feel as if you were in the Caribbean, until you put your toes on the water; some seals sunbathing at the Seal Colony and probably waiting for some fish and fries, or sushi; only one grocery shop and 6 pubs, yeah that’s right and as you get to them there are stop traffic sings to remind you there is a pub ahead… pretty clever eh?!

Finally we arrived at Dun Aonghasa, a Circular Celtic Stone fort that dates back to 2000 B.C. Absolutely stunning. Lying down on the cliffs I felt as if I was on the edge of the world as nature always thrills me, renews and refreshes me. It’s a pity we didn’t have much time to spend neither on the island nor Galway, but we can always return.

Back to Dublin, my western friend took me to a pub for some live music, the tone was just the thing I needed after my trip to the west. Afterwards we went to grab a bite at one of the cosiest and friendliest place I’ve been to, The Gigs Place. This late restaurant first opened its tiny door 39 years ago to meet the needs of musicians and performers, and other entertainment business people, who would eagerly look for some food after their gigs. Needless to say that the premises open only during the wee hours. Once there, we were luck enough to sit just beside the Rat Pack and to the right we could see some of the Irish music stars such as Christy Moore, Bono, Sinead O’Connor…

The weekend wouldn’t be complete without a bit of exercise, which we had at the Flora Mini Marathon, a event for women only…

The Flora Mini Marathon is the largest of its kind in the world and this year, there were 40,374 women participating helping to raise funds to the various charities around Ireland. We chose to support the dspca, Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Rape Crises Centre.

One day before the marathon we indulged ourselves at the Womans World Show at the rds, where the organizers were handling the marathon kits. It was a great afternoon where we spoiled ourselves with a bit of make-up, fashion, fitness, food, wellbeing, everything to get ready and motivate us for what was to come…

On the day, before the kick off, we were so nervous wondering how long it would take us to finish the 10km, maybe 2 or 3 hours, or even if we would finish it at all… Surprisingly we ran it in much less time than expected. Each new km reached was a moment of bliss for us, at each of them there was some music around, either Irish, jazz, pop or college bands. And also along the way, there were people supporting the participants, giving their strength, believing that we all would be able to cross the final line and achieve our goals. And that’s what happened, we got our medals.

Well, simply a delightful weekend with the pleasant company of my new and old friends, joyful music, exquisite food, bright sunny weather, stunning surrounding, breathtaking landscapes… I cannot help being all Smiley Reilly…

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend when it comes…

Le grá, xx

Chapter 03 - Dublin Soul Festival

2009-10-31T10:18:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I wonder why some people come up with the idea that Ireland is a boring country, there being nothing to do. When it’s not a diversity problem, it’s the budget’s. Oh Christ! I could live an entire life and still not be able to attend all of Dublin’s events, not to mention Ireland’s. Even with a very limited budget, or no budget at all, you can have great craic in Ireland. If you have a look around, you’ll find that Ireland offers all sorts of free events, such as the Soul Picnic, the last of a series of events that took place in the Dublin Soul Festival held last week around the city.

Last Sunday, the sun shone brightly in Dublin, as people hit the grounds of the traditional Georgian Merrion Square to drown themselves in soul music. The organizers said they had ordered a good amount of sunshine, and whoever their supplier was, I was amazed by the excellence of their service. 22° C, no sign of clouds or rain, blue sky and a most adorable breeze to refresh us.

The atmosphere at the picnic couldn’t have been any better with the good vibrations brought about by Irish and foreign, young and old, family and group of friends, and last but not least, the musicians with their stunning performances. Bare feet seemed to be a consensus amongst all, whist lying on the grass having their picnic, chatting, singing, dancing, playing games, strolling around, walking their dogs or even sleeping. It was definitely a celebration of peace, unity and love.

For next year’s, besides the Soul Picnic, if you are at peace with your budget, try also the Soul Jam, Soul Music Trail, Soul Comedy and Soul Food, they are all part of the festival. I wish I could have gone to them as well, but I’m yet to tighten my belt, if you know what I mean…

Anyway, talking about festivals, people have been showing a very positive attitude towards the forecast for this Summer, as it’s been said we are going to have sun spells most of the time. So, fingers crossed and put on your sandals and sunglasses to hit all the upcoming festivals. However, in case there is some rain, don’t let this put you off! Nothing that some raingear wouldn’t handle… Coming up soon, the Street Performance World Championship on Merrion Square in Dublin and Fitzgerald Park in Cork, for free… uhuhu!! Fancy going?

Well, long weekend ahead, I hope you all have good plans for it. While you are reading this I’ll be discovering Aran Island and on Monday, my team is joining the Flora Mini Marathon, supporting DSPCA, Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the Rape Crisis Centre. Tell you more next Friday. Have a great bank holiday when it comes!

Le grá…

EID Football Teams - By Denis O’Donoghue

2009-10-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

Following on our great success last year, we have entered 2 school teams in the major competition of the year, The Ireland League of Nations.

The names of these 2 teams are EID All Blacks and EID Leinster. The names have a rugby feel to them because of the famous Kiwi All Blacks, the most respected team in world rugby, and because Leinster have just won the great European rugby competition, The Heineken Cup!! EID All Blacks are currently joint leaders with Slovakia in the league.

They are planning to do a version of the famous HAKA to scare the opposing teams and give themselves a competitive edge!! EID Leinster are mainly a new team and will need time to find their feet, but they are showing promise and will do well as the competition progresses.

A new departure this year is our sponsorship of a new Irish team, EID New Ireland. This is our way of putting something back into the local community and encouraging new Irish talent ( with the help of a few players from other countries ).

Overall, 2009 promises to be an exciting time for our school in a number of football competitions.

Denis O’Donoghue

Chapter 02 - Guinness Jazz Festival at a glance

2009-10-31T10:14:00.002-07:00

Before talking about my experience at the festival, it would probably be better if I say a few words first…

I’m a long way off from becoming a music expert, even less a jazz expert. All I can talk about are the happy memories back home, where my dad, being a music lover himself, spreads lyrics and melodies around the house. Music has always been around, from family and friends gathering together to big celebrations, we have always had the pleasure of good music and always had our dancing shoes on.

You can imagine my absolute surprise and delight when I found out that Ireland hosts one of the top jazz festivals in the world, the Guinness Jazz Festival in Cork. Over the four day period, hundreds of musicians from across the world perform the various jazz styles, in all sorts of venues and stages. Once in Cork, we decided to go to as many places as possible, not to miss a thing.

The Guinness Festival Club at the Gresham Metropole Hotel and the Imperial Hotel are two of the biggest venues of the event. They both run several performances in different rooms at the same time, day and night. Great fun was had in the hotels, but they were a bit packed. Besides, we should have found out about all the performances beforehand, so the nights at the hotels wouldn’t have turned out to be more about going from one room to another than listening to music itself.

In Kinsale, on the other hand, south of Cork city, I found myself very close to the jazz essence. After strolling around the town’s picturesque streets and visiting Charles Fort, its most famous historic site, we went for a pint at The Bulman Pub. What a lovely, cosy atmosphere in stunning surroundings. Music all around, adults and children dancing, singing and lifting the mood. What a glorious feeling! All those good memories back home came alive inside me…

The Guinness Jazz Festival is definitely a must-do in Ireland, but don’t forget to check out the programme before going, or else you won’t enjoy it fully. And if you have time, take a trip to Kinsale, you won’t regret.

I’m very much looking forward to this year’s! Hope to meet you all there…

Le grá…

Chapter 01 - Ireland & Me

2009-10-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

The other day I was trying to remember when my first real contact with Irish culture was. The farthest I could go back was to my first year of university, James Joyce being my first piece of Irish literature followed by Oscar Wilde, and then finding out that U2 were originally from Dublin. In my graduating year, I went to Italy to learn Italian and happened to have my first Paddy’s day there. It was a great experience! Needless to say everybody was drinking green beer.

At that time I had no idea that one day I would come to Ireland and fall in love with this absolutely stunning place. Only then did I find out that Irish beer was more likely to be a pint of the black stuff than the greenish half sized pint glass and no that did I realize that Ireland had much more to show than I thought.

Only a couple of days ago, while having dinner with an Irish friend of mine, did I understand why Irish people are famous for being great talkers and why you will never feel bored in their company. He made me laugh so much and I felt so at ease that when he asked me what made me like Ireland so much, I just couldn’t help talking and talking: the people, the music, the dance, the food, the green shades, the history, the folk, the literature, the culture, the poetry, the films, the theater, the pubs, the nightlife, the cities, the towns, the villages, the parishes, the sea, the coast, the lakes, the landscapes, the cuisine, the hurling, the Gaelic football and language, the Celtic mythology, the accent, the rugby, the weather, the festivals, the Summer, it being an easy place to get around and along in. Ireland is such a lively and friendly country that wherever you are, wherever you go, whoever you are with, people will always make you feel as if you were at home yourself.

Mind you, I haven’t been to many places around Ireland, but my friend reminded me that life is not about numbers, but about how well you live and enjoy it. And this is how my life has been in Ireland, a day-to-day pleasure.

Ireland & Me is a compilation of my life in Ireland and every Friday, from today, I’ll be bringing to you a new chapter of it. I hope I’ve gained some of the Irish wit and humor along the way to make my Ireland & Me a most enjoyable and pleasurable experience for you when you read about the day I witnessed how much potatoes they really eat; the Grand Slam day (Oh Lord! That was exciting!); the first laugh with Tommy Tiernan, Father Ted; the cutest little kids in ‘Give up all yer sins’; the simple Waking Ned Define, the Commitents; and much much more…

Next week I’ll bring you a bit of the Cork Jazz festival and the wonderful time I had in Kinsale.

Oh, and soon a brand new experience - swimming in the Irish Sea! That is going to be so much fun!! And cold!!! Oh gosh!

Hope you have a lovely weekend when it comes, let me know how it was.

Le Grá…

Ireland & Me - By Dani Gurgel

2009-10-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

‘Ireland is such a lively and friendly country that wherever you are, wherever you go, whoever you are with, people will always make you feel as if you were at home yourself. Mind you, I haven’t been to many places around Ireland, but my friend reminded me that life is not about numbers, but about how well you live and enjoy it. And this is how my life has been in Ireland, a day-to-day pleasure… I hope I’ve gained some of the Irish wit and humor along the way to make my Ireland & Me a most enjoyable and pleasurable experience for you.’
Dani Gurgel