So NUIM Barnhall under 11s have starred in an excellent 'An Haka' video for a Lidl competition. Also featuring the local GAA club and primary school, the video was shot at the Wonderful Barn, a local Victorian folly and landmark. With lines "Can we win? Is féidir linn" and "This ball can be for all", the lyrics are certainly more inclusive and comprehensible than the original All Blacks effort.
The video then features an array of local luminaries, such as members of the fire brigade, Barnhall's latest international Marty 'just waiting for a mate' Moore, ex-international Trevor Brennan, some jersey-clad priests, and Desmond Guinness, the brewery scion who owns nearby Leixlip Castle and Castletown House. Nigel Owens, who kindly refereed the boys in their game against Wicklow, makes an appearance too.
This is very well made, adorable and a credit to all involved, but we can only hope to the jersey-clad St Patrick that choreographed pre-match battle cries forever remain the preserve of primary school players on this island.
