Ireland Tour 2008 - Information and Registration

Dates: January 9 – January 20, 2008

Sorry info has been so slow coming, but I was waiting on schedule info from some of the clubs we will be playing.  Additionally, the Ulster men's rugby match we'll be attending (the weekend of Jan. 11/12/13) is not yet decided, so we still have not fixed an exact schedule.

However, rather than keep you waiting, I thought I'd release what I could.

If you haven't gotten your passport yet, do it today and probably pay for fast service.  The WORST feeling in the world is not having your passport as the trip gets nearer!  Actually, even worse is not being able to go because your passport didn't show up in time!!

First of all, some dates to remember.

November 1 -- the final installment is due for the tour.

December 27 -- all raffle tickets need to be sold and the money and ticket stubs to Megan.  If you're a player and haven't gotten tickets, please get them from Megan and start selling.  If you're a parent or friend and can sell a pack of tickets, please contact me and I will arrange to send them to you.  If you have items for a bucket raffle, please contact me and I'll arrange to pick them up.

December 29 -- Raffle Drawing at 5PM at Paddy's Pub
( http://www.paddyspub.net/ )
2339 N. Murray Ave., Milwaukee , Wisconsin (One block north of North Avenue) (414) 223-3496

Tour Info:

We will fly out of Chicago on January 9, at 6PM .  I'm working on a charter bus that will take us to O'Hare.  As I'd not budgeted that, we may have to split the cost, but figure no more than $50 roundtrip.  (Economy parking at O'Hare is around $10 a day, so driving there is a big expense).

We arrive in Dublin around 8AM on January 10.  Don't panic!!  The time difference is six hours so you will only be on the plane for around eight hours.  By the way, the weight limit is 70 pounds, so those of you who are already packing take note!

Now here's where things are a little fuzzy, so ignore this if you want to wait until all the details are set! 

If the Ulster match is Friday, we will take a charter bus to Belfast , stay there until Saturday morning, then go to Armagh for a match with the Armagh women, and then return to Belfast Monday morning.

If the Ulster match is Saturday or Sunday, we will take the charter to Armagh , play the Armagh women on Friday, stay for the Armagh men's match on Saturday, and return to Belfast on Sunday.

Ok, back on track now!  We'll return to Belfast and use that as our base for the next couple of days.  We'll be busy during that time, though, as we hope to...

• Travel to Derry and Giant's Causeway for a day of sightseeing and maybe meet up with some ruggers.
• Hike and sightsee around the Ards peninsula and the Mourne Mountains
• Play Carrickfergus, a Belfast area women's club
• Play the Ulster Women’s selectside/developmental side
• Attend a training session with a professional men's club
• Sightsee around Belfast
• Meet some of the Ulster Supporters Club and Front Row Union !

About the Republic of Ireland:

Ireland is no longer the poor country portrayed in so many movies; it currently has the fastest growing economy in Europe and is experiencing a heavy wave of immigration, as people travel to Ireland for jobs from Eastern European countries, most notably, Poland. The Irish culture still can be found though, as can the beautiful Irish countryside and plenty of "craic" (pronounced "crack"; which means "fun" as only college students can understand it). Dublin is truly as cosmopolitan city, rich in history and entertainment.

About Northern Ireland:

A place of great history and culture, Northern Ireland has had an unfortunate history of political turmoil and violence. Fortunately, the benefits of a good economy and political settlements have brought peace to Northern Ireland. Political feelings might still run hot, but they are now discussed in debates rather than with bombs. Belfast and Derry, once sites for demonstrations and army patrols, are now destinations for tourism, entertainment, and shopping. Belfast is currently hosting the U-19 men's world cup, Armagh is the spiritual center of Ireland's Catholic and Anglican churches with two beautiful cathedrals, and Derry is the only existing walled city remaining in Europe.

Who can come?

Players and coaches will get first priority. After that, we'll open the tour up to alumni, other players from Midwest clubs, family, and friends.

1. Get your passport if you don't have one already. Passport photos at most Kinkos and applications are available at any post office.
2. Come up with some fundraisers! The best trip is one that other people pay for!!
3. Get involved in student government. It's the best way to insure that we get funding and facilities.

Thank you for your interst in participating in the UW-Milwaukee Women's Rugby Ireland Tour. We believe this is an exciting opportunity to broaden our team experience, and we are happy to provide you with this opportunity.

To proceed with your registration, please select your affiliation with UW-Milwaukee Women's RFC.

Please select your affiliation:
		UW-Milwaukee Club Member
		UW-Milwaukee Women's Alumni
		Interested High School Athlete
		Friend or Family of a Club Member
		Open Registration (Interested Players from other clubs)

If you're not automatically redirected to the registration forms, please use the links below: