The Joy of Being Irish - 2-4-1's Ancestral Roots!

Early this morning, Hall Counselor/Coach and 2-4-1 Sports Director, Steve Boyle shared the following about his Irish upbringing and how it influenced his and his families life as an educator and coach.

My parents hail from Ireland. My father is from County Donegal and my mom from County Leitrem - and I was lucky enough to marry a great woman named Kerry - yes named after a county in Ireland!   While my parents undoubtedly never heard of baseball, basketball or soccer (called football rightfully so over there) before they left for America, they nonetheless raised my 5 brothers and 2 sisters as competitors and as athletes.  My father, now in his late 70s, nearly scored his age in a golf match last year (shot a 74 as a 76 year old).  But, I have this great image of childhood when my dad would send me and my brothers literally across the road from our 4-acre yard.   He would toss the ball up and one handed - much the way an old-time Irish hurling player would swing - he'd send baseballs towering in the air for all of 325 feet on every effort.  He'd mix it up with us in a 3 v 3 soccer game, or, traveling on every possession, he'd turn a half court basketball match into a bit of a rugby scrum.  My mom on the other hand would never admit it, but she loved to win. One of my favorite stories is when she threw holy water at the television during the 1980 USA vs. Russia Olympic Hockey game.  To this day, she's convinced that gave them the edge (and I'm not arguing with her!).  My mom also taught me about endurance.  When I was 5, she'd ask me to walk with her up and down our long driveway 10 times each day. Then we ventured out onto the road - talking the entire time.  Eventually our walks turned to jogs, and my jogs turned into a life-long love of running and of feeling fit. But most of all, my Irish parents reminded us that games were meant to be fun.  

      My two sisters were introduced to Irish Dance at a young age and both went on to become champions who regularly competed in the World Championships in Ireland. They now own and direct an incredibly successful Irish-Dance school in the Washington D.C. area (www.BoyleSchool.com).  In fact, they run an Irish-Dance camp in the summer that they modeled after our 2-4-1Sports Academy.  This past weekend, a fantastic article was published about their school. While you can read the whole article here, the last line is a quote from my sister that I think sums up what my parents tried to instill in us.  When talking about success, she responded, "We maintain the joy while still being able to reach a high level."

On Saturday, along with a great man in Jim Flaherty as the town-marshall, I had the incredible honor of leading the West Hartford contingency in the Hartford St. Patrick's Day parade.  As Jim would also attest, it was a real tribute to our parents and our Irish ancestry. But, what strikes me the most is the quote from my sister as I think about the importance of our roles as teachers and coaches. I am moved by how much my own parents impact the kids I work with each day. My new mantra will be - "Maintain the joy - but reach for a high level".  Mom and Dad - you raised us well.  Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

Steve Boyle, 2-4-1 Sports Director

"Life's 2 Short 4 Just 1 Sport™"