Kilbride have just returned from a very successful trip to Edinburgh, Scotland. Over 30 lads made the trip, the focal point being a match against local team Dunedin Connollys who have Kilbride man Richard Bruton in their ranks.

After an early flight on Friday morning, the lads settled in Edinburgh in a quiet bar to plan visits to the local museums and art galleries. Alas this did not materialise, but a good day was had anyway. Pubs frequented included Rutlands, Ryans, Mulligans, Three Sisters and Espionage.

Saturday was match day, but after a heavy night before, the performance was not what it might have been. Kilbride were beaten by their Scottish counterparts, who moved the ball well and should have put more scores on the board. The match was played in glorious conditions at Portabello Rugby Club grounds. Kilbride were aided by a strong breeze but found it hard to move the ball quickly against their more fresh opponents. John Bruton's goal was the only highlight for the men in green and red. The second half gave Dunedin the wind and the initiative, which they duly took against a tiring Kilbride team. Even the introduction of the Gooch Feirtear and temporarily a 16th man ( PO'Neill ) failed to spark Kilbride into action and Dunedin closed out the game.

Saturday night started in Ryans and continued in various venues. One highlight was the "mosh pit" in the Black Bull pub where the Kilbride lads gave a rousing performance. The night ended in the residents bar in the hotel, with John Coyne falling asleep in the bar and paying the price.

After a great weekend, everybody made their way home on Sunday, tired but all safe and sound. The weekend was a huge success, with no bad behaviour ( not much anyway ), lots of good craic and great bonding between the 30+ lads who all got on very well and were a credit to the club.

Here are some of the highlights :

The Kilbride team which took to the field against Dunedin Connollys in Edinburgh, 08/10/05:

From left to right ( back : Craig Sheridan, Ollie Nolan, David Barron, Neil Gooch Feirtear, Conor Rennicks, Paddy O'Neill, Andy Rennicks, Emmett Farrell, Pat McDonagh, Cormac Holland, Robert McGrady, Kevin Quinn, Niall Farrelly, ) ( front : Finbarr Clarke, Brian White, John Bruton, Neil Keoghan, John Coyne, David Harford, Kevin Mulligan, Robert Bruton, Jeff Sheridan, Eddie Gallagher.)

"you can take away our drink, but you can never take away our freedom" - P O'Neill who could not resist running onto the pitch as a 16th man in the second half.

Cormac Holland and John Coyne

Conor Rennicks attempts a "David Beggy" solo which he just about gets away with under the watchful eye of Emmet Farrell.

Conor Rennicks makes a big effort to block a kick watched by Robert Bruton and John Coyne.

Robert Bruton in nightclub mode shows off some of his moves.

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