So here we go again…sitting here in my room in Swansea university campus and tomorrow morning I’ll be representing Ireland at my fourth international Touch tournament. First up at 10.40 am, I’ll earn my 21st cap against the hosts Wales in the Senior Mixed category. The usual mix of nerves, excitement, doing your head in worrying about little injuries that another time would barely enter your head, you care so much about this that you don’t want anything to get in your way… and then it’s back to feeling excitement again.
All the preparation is done. The, by now traditional, ridiculous haircut change.
Before
After
Hair changed, expression stayed the same for some reason.
The night-before-tournament ‘carbing-up’ with some pasta… beautifully cooked using the wonderful cooking facilities in my room.
I then used that kettle to make a cup of tea by the way.
We’ve had the opening ceremony walking in to the Irish national anthem.
And we got to watch some of the Under 18s in action against England. (More video footage tomorrow.)
So that’s it for now. I’m off to lie on a foam roller for half an hour and put myself through a final bit of pain before tomorrow.
If I look back at my 20 caps, there are a lot more losses than wins. Ah tomorrow, and tomorrow, tomorrow… can we change that?
See you around this time tomorrow night to find out.
Ian
Euros 2014 Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/European-Touch-Championships-2014/709053699157833?ref=stream
Ireland Senior Mixed Fixture List:
MALLEYMAN 
WOW! You didn’t shown us your hairstyle yesterday. Looks eerily!)
Good luck!