Carlow contingent take in exciting Lions win in Melbourne

It was a weekend to remember for a number of hurlers and footballers from Carlow in Melbourne when they were at the second rugby game in the Lions versus Australia Test Series.

Michael O’Grady (Mount Leinster Rangers) and Ali Ruschitzko (Myshall) attended with two friends from Kildare while the Rangers contingent of Niall Canning, James Kelly, Ciaran Kavanagh and Dan Ryan were also present. Luke Roche and Jamie Doran from the Mount Leinster Rangers club are in Australia but they didn’t go to the game.

In a nail-biter, which went down to the very last play, where Ireland’s Hugo Keenan scoring the winning try, it was a day which will be savoured by everyone who had the good fortune to be in the attendance.

“GAA is our sport through and through but we’ve always loved watching the Rugby World Cup and the Six Nations back home,” said Ali.

“When we heard The Lions were touring Australia for the first time since 2013, we didn’t hesitate—we bought tickets straight away.” 

The decision proved to be a good one and the Carlow visitors who are now living and working Down Under loved every minute of it.

“The atmosphere was electric as the MCG Stadium was covered in a sea of red,” agreed Ali but she did throw in the improviser that “it doesn’t compare to Croker on All Ireland final day”.

“The try at the end was the highlight of the entire night,” agreed Ali who revealed that her boyfriend, Michael O’Grady, met Keenan and Finn Russell at pitch side at the end. It was a double reason to celebrate as it was Michael’s birthday on the Saturday.

Both Michael and Ali are working together on a solar farm in Victoria which is surely a completely different career experience for Ali who is a teacher back home.

Their love for the GAA, friends and family is never that far away from them but gathering together for such events as the Lions Test Series helps.

“We will always miss home but days like Saturday make it easier because we were surrounded by Irish people which reminded us there’s a bit of home everywhere,” said Ali who won All-Ireland camogie medals with Myshall and Carlow. There is always a yen to be back home when club games are in full swing like they are now.

“We are always in touch with family and friends about the championship at home. Although it is hard with the time difference whether it’s watching highlights in the morning or staying up late to watch games we will always stay connected to the GAA,” stated Ali.