Report: Deirdre McSharry (Hockey team, 4th year 05)

This was the last morning in the hotel and so it was a little hectic. After our breakfast, we all loaded onto the coach, suitcases and all and set off for Brisbane Grammar School where both teams would have a training session. It was a beautiful day and we all worked up a sweat training in the hot sunshine. Unfortunately it was at this training session that three members of the hockey team picked up injuries - Clodagh, Claire and Rachael. We finished shortly after but took full advantage of the schools facilities by going for a swim in the 10 lane 25 metre swimming pool.

After a quick shower we took the coach to Mount Cootha lookout where we got panoramic views of Brisbane city, views which really made us all stand back and hold our breath. Many photographs later, the group left Mt. Cootha and were dropped off and Indooroopilly Shoppingtown, the second largest shopping mall in Queensland. With three levels spreading over five blocks we all obviously welcomed this opportunity to shop till we dropped. The time spent here had certainly taken our minds off the fact that our next stop was at Forest Lake College for the hockey team and New Farm Park for the Soccer team.

We were on our way to meet the families who were opening their homes to us for the next 6 nights and my god were we nervous. The hockey team were first off at Forest Lake College. The family I stayed with was made up of Mum, Barbara - Dad, Bill - 14 year old daughter, Fiona and 18 year old son, James. They made me feel very welcome in their house which was a traditional Queenslander about 25 minutes from Forest Lake College.

My 2005 Australian Tour Highlight

Definitely the singing by the hockey team. We sang during every occasion including on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, on the bus, on the Jet Boat, in the hotels and any given chance really.

View of Brisbane from
Mount Cootha

One of the billeting families who put up with us!