Feile Fever by Joe O'Brien Page B

canvas in case it rains, and you could set out tables and chairs and so on. Ithink that would sort that problem out for you!’
    Mick nearly jumped out of his chair. He turned to Maurice Clarke. Maurice nodded, with a smile as big as a Cheshire cat.
    ‘Ah! Larry. That’ll be great!’ said Mick.
    ‘I don’t know about permits or whatever you might need to erect them in the park,’ said Larry.
    ‘I’ll take care of that,’ said Maurice.
    ‘Will your friend throw the sandwiches and teas in, as well?’ laughed Dolores Darcy.
    Larry shook his head. He wasn’t sure whether Dolores was actually being serious or not.
    ‘Ah, well! That’s that, girls,’ said Dolores. ‘Don’t make any plans for going out next Friday night. It looks like we’ll be making the sambos for this Féile.’
    Everyone laughed.
    That was that! Everyone agreed to help out now that Larry had solved the one and only obstacle that stood in their way.
    Larry the hero! thought Mick. He was very proud of his brother.
    * * *
    As the school hall emptied out, Mick noticed Todd walking over towards him with a woman.
    ‘Coach!’ said Todd. ‘This is my mum, Sarah.’
    That name sent Mick’s mind wandering. Danny’s mother had also been called Sarah.
    ‘Pleased to meet you, Mick,’ said Sarah. She had an Irish accent, with a hint of Australian to it.
    ‘Sarah! Yes! Nice to meet you too,’ said Mick – his voice trembling slightly.
    ‘I just wanted to thank you for having Todd on your football team.’
    ‘Not at all,’ said Mick. ‘We’re thrilled to have him.’
    Danny walked over.
    ‘Da, Mr Dunstan wants to know if anyone wants tea?’
    ‘In a second, Danny. I’m just talking to Todd’s mam.’
    ‘Hi Danny,’ smiled Sarah. ‘Todd’s been telling me all about you.’
    Mick could see Principal Dunstan anxiously waving over to him.
    ‘I’m sorry, Sarah,’ apologised Mick after the interruption, ‘Would you like a cup of tea?’
    ‘Sorry Mick. We have to go. My aunt is at home on her own.’
    ‘Well, it was very nice to meet you. I’ll see you again some time.’
    ‘That’d be nice,’ smiled Sarah.
    Mick went over to where Mr Dunstan was serving tea. He turned around to wave goodbye to Todd and Sarah, but they were already gone out the door.

Chapter Nine
‘An AFL Coach?’
    I t was Saturday 16 May and there was just one week left before Littlestown Crokes were to co-host the county Féile.
    There was no game on that day, but Mick had arranged for all his players to meet up for an hour’s training, just to keep them sharp. After warm-ups and a few exercises with Jimmy, Mick set up a smaller pitch on the Little Croker and split the boys into two teams to play a half-hour friendly match – fifteen minutes each half. That was the length of a match in the Féile and Mick thought this would be a great opportunity to get a look at Todd’s progress.
    â€˜That’s superb, Todd. You’re getting it now,’ praised Mick as he watched the game.
    Todd had come on really well. All Danny’s hard work with him was paying off. It was obvious to Mick and everyone else that Todd was a talented footy player and that he was gelling into the sport of GAA very quickly.
    â€˜Call them in, Jimmy,’ yelled Mick.
    Jimmy was acting as referee, which gave Mick a chance to concentrate on his players. The boys ran over and crowded around, listening attentively to Mick.
    â€˜Right, boys. Well done. I don’t have to remind yiz that the Féile kicks off next Saturday –’
    â€˜Do you think we can win it, coach?’ asked Liam Darcy.
    â€˜Of course,’ answered Mick.
    â€˜But we’re not doing that well in the league.’
    â€˜Look, boys,’ said Mick. ‘If you believe you can win it, then I believe you can win it. Whatever teams we’re playing in the first round, at least we’re playing them here on our own turf. That’s a great advantage. Isn’t that