Community
- Friday June 26th, 2009 @ 14:42
COMMUNITY VISIT TO MOUNTJOY
Saints' defender David Partridge visited the inmates of Mountjoy Prison last week as part of the clubs' ongoing programme of community visits.
Over thirty inmates attended a talk with Dave and listened with interest as he relayed how he grew up in East London making the youth team at West Ham alongside the likes of Terry, Lampard and Cole - how he went on to play most of his career in Scotland under Terry Butcher - how he declared to play for Wales, making 8 or 9 International appearances and finally - how he now finds himself playing for St Pat's in the League of Ireland and living in Inchicore.
Dave received plenty of questions on his career and some good natured slagging as one Pats' fan present reckoned:
"Parto, you've a good head but not much of a first touch".
The Saints defender also talked about the serious side of football – the fine line between the ones that make it at the highest level and the ones that miss out.
As well as the Joe Coles there are plenty of talented players who end up dropping out of football for one reason or another.
"Football has been very good to me, it's meant I've always been able to provide for my family but I won't be able to retire or anything like that, at some stage" he joked. I'll have to go out and get a proper job!"
After the talk the inmates had a chance to show off their soccer skills with the St Pats' inflatable challenge with the chance to win one or two Saints' jerseys.
At the end of the session there were handshakes all round and genuine thanks given to Dave and the club staff for taking the time to visit the prison.
With the help of Pats' kitman Jim Lawlor, Dave made sure that a signed Pats' jersey was given to Mountjoy Education Officer Josephine Rice specially for the Saints' fan who didn't think much of his first touch!.
St Pat's next home match is the Dublin derby against Shamrock Rovers on Saturday 4th July at 8.00pm at Richmond Park.
