European Gallery - Aug. 19
Photos by Bo Rottenborn and Ramona Wilcox.
Aug. 20, 2006
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Senior Irackli Akhvlediani - who was invaluable in helping the team get around in Vienna - about to consume a traditional Austrian breakfast. Main differences from the American version include an abundance of meat and cheese as bagel toppings.
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The Akhvledianis were outstanding hosts during the team's stay in Vienna. Among the highlights for the staff - (middle, from left) Ramona Wilcox, head coach Bob Bayliss, and Pat Bayliss - was lunch at their workplace, the United Nations! Vienna is one of the most-important UN sites in the world, and its five-building campus is considerably larger than the UN headquarters in New York.
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On the team's final night in Vienna, Irackli Akhvlediani took them to sample the most-authentic schnitzel in Vienna, at the Figlmuller restaurant. The portions were huge - with the schnitzel hanging off the edges of the plate when it was served. Enjoying a taste of Austria here are (from left) Santiago Montoya, Brett Helgeson, Ryan Keckley, and Sheeva Parbhu.
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In addition to the nine Irish players, five staff members enjoyed all of the sights of the European tour. Shown here at the Creperie restaurant in Vienna are (from left) sports information director Bo Rottenborn, head coach Bob Bayliss, Pat Bayliss, deputy director of athletics Stan Wilcox, and Ramona Wilcox.
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On Wednesday, the team flew north to Dublin - where senior Barry King and his family would take over as the new hosts and tour guides. The group checked into the quaint Harcourt Hotel (lobby shown here), just south of St. Stephen's Green Park in downtown Dublin.
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One indescribable experience lined up by the Kings was the opportunity for the team to take in an international friendly soccer match between Ireland and The Netherlands on Wednesday evening. On the walk to Lansdowne Road (where it and all top-level "football" matches in Ireland take place), (from left) Ryan Keckley, Stephen Bass, and Brandon Pierpont purchased Irish scarves from street vendors - notice the familiar leprechaun logo on Brandon's!
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Here the team poses upon arrival at the soccer game, which would feature a sold-out crowd. Unfortunately, the home side - struck by several recent injuries - struggled in a 4-0 loss to The Netherlands, ranked sixth in the FIFA world rankings.
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After practicing in the afternoon, the team was invited to the King residence. The group was treated to an outstanding meal, great fellowship, and a wonderful all-around time that also featured a ping pong tournament - won by senior team captain Stephen Bass (bottom middle).
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On Friday, the Irish returned to the courts, playing another exhibition match on a foreign surface - this time on synthetic grass at the Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club against some of the top players in Ireland. Here the squads pose before the action commences. The Irish (of Notre Dame) prevailed 9-2 in an unconventional format and were then treated to an incredible meal at the club.
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Senior Irishman Barry King looked at home on the grass - his natural surface - and cruised to a pair of victories in doubles. He is a member of the Fitzwilliam Club by virtue of having been the 18-and-under national champion of Ireland before enrolling at Notre Dame.
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Senior Ryan Keckley found the grass courts of Dublin more friendly to his serve-and-volley style than the red clay of Vienna on which he played last week.
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Sophomore Santiago Montoya - who grew up playing on red clay in Colombia - was forced to adjust to the quick grass surface at Fitzwilliam.
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