The sport of Hurling is an amateur sport and when women play the game it's called Camogie. Hurling used to be played with up to hundreds per side between villages in ancient times. It is now limited to 15.
Hurling is played using a stick (hurl) and a ball (sliotar). The bas (bottom) of the hurl should not exceed 13 cm in width. The hurl is made of ash wood and the sliotar which weighs 90-110 grams should be 21cm in circumference.
There are fifteen players per team, 1 goalkeeper, 6 defenders, 2 midfielders, and 6 forwards. 5 substitutions are allowed per match.
Controlling the game are 1 referee, 2 linesmen, and 4 goal umpires.
Matches consist of two 30-minute halves.
The goals are shaped like an "H". A point is scored if the ball goes over the crossbar and a goal, worth 3 points, is scored if the ball passes under the crossbar.
A player may:
(a) strike the sliotar on the ground or in the air with the hurl
(b) lift the sliotar off the ground with the hurl;
(c) after gaining possession of the sliotar, carry the sliotar, either balancing it or hopping it, on the hurl, and take the sliotar from the hurl into her hand a second time to play it away from her;
(d) catch the sliotar with one hand;
(e) strike or hand-pass the sliotar with one hand;
(f) turn while holding the sliotar;
(g) take four steps while holding the sliotar;
(h) kick the sliotar.
Tara Camogie Club was formed in 1986 by the Kilkenny sisters, Carmel & Majella O Neill. Both have since returned to Ireland but return to London annually to check up on the Clubs activities.
There are 6 Clubs affiliated to the London County Camogie Board (including a Birmingham Club), making up 9 teams. The London County Board are in turn affiliated to Cumman Camogaiochta na nGael in Dublin (Camogie Headquarters).
Our members are from all walks of life eg students, professionals, nurses, IT and housewives and range from 16 to 40 years of age. We encourage all members to play an active role in the Club. This year we had 6 UK born players involved in our squad, only 2 of which had Irish roots. Although these girls weren't raised with the hurl in the hand, knew little of the Irish culture, they are as enthuastic as others and enjoy the complete package as much.
No previous experience or really high level of fitness is required as this will be built up and learnt during training sessions.
This year Camogie celebrates its Centenary and the game has been played in the UK on and off since 1904, where records show that Glasgow were the first to field a camogie team outside of Ireland. It is likely that the game was being played in many parts of Britain but as records are scarce the first recorded camogie club in London was 1910. West London were represented by the Ethna Carbery Camogie Club who played games at Wormwood Scrubs grounds.
Tara are the 2003 Junior League Champions and Runners-Up of the Championship 2003 and this lively team welcomes all players regardless of their fitness or ability. Training takes place at Tir Chonaill Park, Berkeley Avenue, Greenford on Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm and is easily reached by tube. Lifts can be arranged from surrounding stations. Matches are usually on Sundays throughout the summer.
Equipment of hurls and helmets (advisable) are available through the Club but bring your own shin guards and football boots.
