Man Utd Trip – April 2009

St. Louis Students Visit Old Trafford and Anfield

The students of St. Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel recently embarked on their annual trip to England to watch a Premiership soccer match. In conjunction with Ulsterbus Educational Tours, the students would travel by Irish Ferries from Dublin to Holyhead and experience two nights in a hotel to facilitate their attendance at a top flight match. The most popular choice of venue in the planning stage again proved to be the ‘Theatre of Dreams’- Old Trafford, home of the current European and World Club Champions, Manchester United.

A party of 44 students, accompanied by 5 teachers, led by Mr. McVeigh and Mrs. Lynch, set out for the Manchester United game against Premiership rivals Aston Villa. The St. Louis party could not have chosen a more thrilling game as the ‘Reds’ eventually ran out 3-2 winners. They even got two Ronaldo goals to savour.

However, the game was but one event in a fantastic weekend adventure. The group also spent time shopping at the Cheshire Oaks Retail Park and the Trafford Centre and watched the recent blockbuster animation ‘Monsters v Aliens (3-D)’ at the cinema. The St. Louis party also spent a morning at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, which proved to be a big hit with the students who thoroughly enjoyed the hands on, interactive nature of the Museum.

An unexpected addition to the itinerary was the visit to Anfield for a ground and Museum tour. Due to the Champions League game v Porto, Old Trafford could not be accessed for a ground a museum tour. However, Ulsterbus Educational Tours quickly rearranged a tour of rivals Liverpool F.C.

The trip proved to be a resounding success, with the students gaining a vast array of new experiences, many of which will provide lifelong memories.