Yanks a lot!

SIXTEEN student athletes and staff from the University of Central Florida (UCF) recently put the finishing touches to a special community project in Lourdes Community Hall, Sean McDermott Street.

The team

‘touched down’ in Dublin to participate in a week long mission in advance of the Croke Park Classic American Football match which takes place this Saturday, August 30 when UCF play Penn State University at GAA headquarters in their opening game of the season.

The students worked with Habitat for Humanity Ireland, Croke Park staff and members of the local community to help renovate the community hall as part of the Croke Park Classic Community Project. The students are part of the university’s

‘Knights Without Borders’ programme which gives an opportunity to the students, staff and administrators to journey on international service-learning trips. The trips provide cross-cultural experiences and develop a sense of world unity for all involved.

Cork student Leonie Hamel, who is on a rowing scholarship in UCF, needed no introduction to Dublin as she joined her fellow

‘Knights’ who were all enjoying their first visit to Ireland.

“The work we are doing not only helps the look and the condition of the building, but the community,

? said Leonie.

Cody Castillo, UCF cross country and track athlete, said:

“They are all very grateful and that makes this trip all worth it.

?

Madeline Schroeder, UCF softball player, said she heard personal stories about previous

‘Knights Without Borders’ trips from her peers.

“I listened to how much of an eye-opening experience it is, wondering how exactly it will affect me and what kind of relationships I will form,

? she said.

“We got to see some of the dance academy’s students. It was so cute and really awesome to finally see the children who dance in the hall.

“It makes all this work we’re doing worth it.

?

Alan Gallagher, Croke Park Head of Operations, spoke about Lourdes Hall’s importance to the local community as he thanked the students for their work.

“The Croke Park Classic Community Project is the culmination of months of planning and fundraising and we are delighted it has been such a success,

? said Mr Gallagher.

“Croke Park through the stadium’s community fund have been supporting the local community groups that use Lourdes Community Hall since 2009.

“This has been a great experience for our staff to work alongside the student athletes of UCF and Habitat for Humanity Ireland and the local community to make such a difference to a very important community space.

“UCF

‘Knights Without Borders’ are to be commended for their work and the difference they have made in Sean McDermott Street will last for years to come.

?

Vinnie Cunningham, executive director at Habitat for Humanity Ireland, said they were delighted to be involved in the project.

“Projects like this are important,

? said Mr Cunningham.

“They show what can be achieved through the power of partnership, when individuals work together for the benefit of a community. It’s wonderful to see a group all the way from Orlando, Florida, making such an impact here in Dublin.

“From fundraising and preparing for the trip beforehand to rolling up their sleeves once they arrived in Dublin, the UCF team have been incredibly motivated to make a difference here – and the results speak for themselves.

?

Mr Cunningham said it was a pleasure to work with the

‘Knights Without Borders’ team and the local community to make the project a reality.

“A huge thank you to everyone involved,

? he added.

Local resident Christy Fagan, who also runs the Sean McDermott Street Tae Kwon Do Club from Lourdes Hall, said the local community uses the hall every day.

“Young and old come here to participate in fitness classes, dance classes and Tae-Kwon Do,

? said Mr Fagan.

“It’s a very important amenity for the local community and we have struggled with limited resources over the past few years.

“To see the new lease of life the UCF students have brought to this hall, it’s incredible. They have transformed the hall for the community and we are very excited to see the final result.

“It has been great for everyone from the neighbourhood who has met the students and worked with them and we want to thank them, Croke Park and Habitat for Humanity Ireland.

?