Cardiff youngsters are ready for big Irish test; GAELIC FOOTBALL.

THIS week is a historic occasion for the Gaelic Footballers of the Cardiff GAA Club.

The under-14 team is going to Ireland to take part in a tournament in County Wexford. As the team's coach Andy Tuite puts it: "This is a great opportunity for our team to pit their wits against some of the top teams in Ireland."

It will be very difficult for the Cardiff lads as they have been playing the game for just over a year.

But as Andy says: "The only way to improve and develop is to take on the best teams in Ireland who have grown up with the game."

The players are looking forward to the challenge and to experiencing the great hospitality that awaits them. The team is being hosted by the St John's Club in Wexford.

Tom Brookfield, 13, Corpus Christi, says: "I have only learnt to play Gaelic Football recently and am very excited at the thought of playing children in Ireland were the game comes from."

Joe Taylor, 13, Corpus Christi, added: "We will do our best for Cardiff and Wales."

The boys have been training twice a week for the last couple of months to prepare for the trip and it is hoped that all the hard effort will pay off next weekend.

Phil O'Connor, the local development officer for Gaelic Football, says the trip would not be possible without the sponsorship and help from Corpus Christi High School, Donal Looney of DAL Construction, The Tavistock Hotel, Andrew Cunningham Plant Hire and Stena Line.

Gaelic Football in Cardiff is on a high.

This month St Colmcilles first team won their fourth consecutive county championship, beating their bitter rivals, St Nicks, from Bristol, by a point.

New players are always welcome, for more information, please visit www.cardiffgaa.org.uk

CAPTION(S):

The Under-14s in their new kit