Our last full day on tour had arrived. The forecast mid 30 degrees hadn’t materialised but instead we were treated once again to a spectacular lightning and rainstorm in the bus on the way into downtown Chicago. Thankfully the weather cleared as we arrived and our first stop was Soldier Field Stadium, the home ground of American Football team Chicago Bears. It was also the scene of the historic Irish rugby team victory against New Zealand last November. Our tour guide Dennis was very informative and he gave us a history of the stadium. It was rebuilt in 2003 but the original column structure was retained. To celebrate Ireland’s victory against the All Blacks we had our own rendition of Ireland’s Call to which there was a response of the Haka led by Lewis Finlay ably assisted by Zac Ward and Mr Gunson. It was interesting to note that the ground has sold out for the last 45 years and there is a waiting list for season tickets for 13 years. I thought only Coleraine FC could lay claim to ticket issues like this. Unfortunately we weren’t able to see inside the home locker room but did visit the away locker room. As in everything we have noticed in the USA the locker room was much bigger than anything we have seen back home.
A quick visit to the renowned "Bean" piece of art followed- some photos you can see below.
We then had a little free time in downtime Chicago where the staff and a few boys went to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch. Mr McKillen was quite touched when the waiting staff appeared with a small cheesecake singing Happy Birthday to him!! The John Hancock Tower was next on our schedule where we would have a go at the tourist attraction “The Tilt” where you stand facing a window 95 floors up and then being tilted out 30 degrees. This is not for the faint hearted and credit must go to the vast majority of the group who took on the challenge. There was only one member of the group who didn’t take “The Tilt” and he should remain nameless but this Sociology teacher is known for his fear of heights.
Afterwards it was on the bus back to Naperville for our last evening meal before gathering for the traditional end of tour awards which are summarised below.
Award recipients
Best singers- John Mahon and Ka-Ho Yim
Heartthrob award- Andrew McCoubrey
Best dancer- Lewis Canning
Top tourists- Hugo Finlay and Chris Scurfield
Team Hardman 1st XV- Euan Brown
Team Hardman 2nd XV- Reece Hagan
Strongmen of the team- Social Tourists as they were physically strong (water carriers) and emotionally strong
Entrepreneur of the Tour- Jonny Mason
Person most in the grass skirt- Michael McDowell
Best haircut- Jack Carlisle
Snitch of the Tour- Jack Martin
Most charged tourist- Paddy Browne
Hit of the Tour- Rory Horder
Hairdresser of the Tour- Matthew Dougherty
Top try scorers- Reece Hagan, Greg Hutley and Zac Ward with 4 tries
2nd XV Back of the Tour- Daniel Millington
2nd XV Forward of the Tour- Charlie Marshall
2nd XV Player of the Tour- Rory Horder
1st XV Back of the Tour- Robin Wilson
1st XV Forward of the Tour- Zac Ward
1st XV Player of the Tour- Lewis Finlay
Tomorrow we leave for the journey home but with the flight being at 2020 local time we plan to stop in a shopping mall for some last minute shopping.
A quick visit to the renowned "Bean" piece of art followed- some photos you can see below.
We then had a little free time in downtime Chicago where the staff and a few boys went to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch. Mr McKillen was quite touched when the waiting staff appeared with a small cheesecake singing Happy Birthday to him!! The John Hancock Tower was next on our schedule where we would have a go at the tourist attraction “The Tilt” where you stand facing a window 95 floors up and then being tilted out 30 degrees. This is not for the faint hearted and credit must go to the vast majority of the group who took on the challenge. There was only one member of the group who didn’t take “The Tilt” and he should remain nameless but this Sociology teacher is known for his fear of heights.
Afterwards it was on the bus back to Naperville for our last evening meal before gathering for the traditional end of tour awards which are summarised below.
Award recipients
Best singers- John Mahon and Ka-Ho Yim
Heartthrob award- Andrew McCoubrey
Best dancer- Lewis Canning
Top tourists- Hugo Finlay and Chris Scurfield
Team Hardman 1st XV- Euan Brown
Team Hardman 2nd XV- Reece Hagan
Strongmen of the team- Social Tourists as they were physically strong (water carriers) and emotionally strong
Entrepreneur of the Tour- Jonny Mason
Person most in the grass skirt- Michael McDowell
Best haircut- Jack Carlisle
Snitch of the Tour- Jack Martin
Most charged tourist- Paddy Browne
Hit of the Tour- Rory Horder
Hairdresser of the Tour- Matthew Dougherty
Top try scorers- Reece Hagan, Greg Hutley and Zac Ward with 4 tries
2nd XV Back of the Tour- Daniel Millington
2nd XV Forward of the Tour- Charlie Marshall
2nd XV Player of the Tour- Rory Horder
1st XV Back of the Tour- Robin Wilson
1st XV Forward of the Tour- Zac Ward
1st XV Player of the Tour- Lewis Finlay
Tomorrow we leave for the journey home but with the flight being at 2020 local time we plan to stop in a shopping mall for some last minute shopping.
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