Birthday Cakes & Big Dreams

It's 6am and I'm listening to the sounds of Ireland's call.  No, sadly I'm not off in a different time zone, following the exploits of the Irish rugby team.  It's just a regular morning in the Quirke/Joyce household, where my 7 year old is obsessed with all things oval. For his recent birthday he asked for a cake with Sean O’Brien’s face on it.  I like to think I’m semi talented in the cake making department but recreating that masterpiece would definitely have been a step too far for me, so we managed to reach a compromise and I made him a cake in the shape of a jersey with the words “Little Tullow Tank” written on it, in a nod to the man himself.

Last year’s Rugby World Cup did a lot to inspire him but mainly his passion is being fueled by the fantastic work being done at Tullow RFC, where he plays Under 9's.  Each Sunday morning, rain, hail or shine, (mostly rain) scores of family’s flock to the Black Gates where the coaches and helpers give so generously of their time.  This is my sons third year with the club and his confidence, understanding of the rules of the game and skill levels, grow weekly.  My sister plays with Tullow ladies and I love the sport myself, so it’s a real joy to cheer him on from the sidelines as he commits to tackles, encourages his team mates and takes pride in carrying the ball over the try line.

It certainly helps to have an international player of Sean O’Brien’s calibre take such an active interest in the club.  He’s commitment and involvement are second to none, from helping out with training sessions to presenting end of year awards to the underage teams.  Children need hero’s.  They need them to aspire to.  Writer Peggy Noonan suggests that young people are moved and inspired by greatness. Heroes, just by being, communicate the idea that you can turn your life into something great.  For a lot of local children, Sean certainly meets the criteria and with the country on the verge of an obesity epidemic, there has never been a more pressing need for sports people such has himself, to lead by example. 

One in four Irish children are obese. Four out of five don’t meet the Government’s physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes a day.  In my baby and toddler classes, we promote strength, flexibility, balance and relaxation, helping to lay the foundations for a healthy lifestyle from an early age. There’s a sport and a club for everyone.  Simple things like helping our children walk or cycle to school are great first steps in getting us all moving.  As parents, we are the first place our children turn to for direction and guidance. We are their first hero and so it’s really important that we model positive behaviours, especially around health and well-being.

My son says he’ll play rugby for Ireland. The more I watch his determination, the more I reckon he might just be right.

Visit us at www.thebabyroom.ie for more information on our classes.