We headed inland to Athlone. Simon Rolleston plays rugby for the Buccaneer's Rugby club in Athlone. He used to be an apprentice with John in NZ so we decided to catch up with him. We watched him play a game against a Belfast team and they won so will get paid a bonus for the win.
Simon's grandmother was born in Donegal so he was able to get an Irish passport and has been playing semi-professional rugby here for 3 years now. As it was Halloween weekend the rugby club had a dress up party. It seems it is a festival that started in Ireland so they decorate the houses and the children go from door-to-door to get sweets from their neighbours.
Athlone is on a lake with weirs and locks.
Simon, and Hope dressed as Amy Whitehouse.
There are several players from NZ in Athlone and they all live in the same street as Simon with some from Samoa as well.
