| Clean Sweep for Tara as they collect all London camogie silverware in 2009.
Senior League Final 2009
Sunday 22 November 2009 - Mitcham, Surrey
Tara 10-22 v Croydon 0-0
The Kilkenny trio of Helen Murphy, Bid Grennan and Angela Kenneally combined in the first ten minutes to send Tara on the way to their fourth London title and a clean sweep of trophies for the club. A great year for Tara, winning the Junior League & Championship and the Senior League and Championship, equalling Pearses record from 1999 when they took a clean sweep of London camogie titles.
Driving rain for the first ten minutes made for harsh conditions for the majority of the first half. However this did not deter these Tara ladies. Murphy opened the scoring with a well taken point after just two minutes. Grennan opened her account with another fine point and Murphy got the first goal of the day with a well worked move from Captain Denise Gilligan which Murphy finished to the net. The conditions were miserable but the rain soon abated and players had to contend with a strong biting wind. There were some great moves and none better than a ball gathered by Grennan in mid field, sent down the line to Joanne Hamilton, who passed to Murphy in space, Murphy placed a perfect ball into Gilligan who expertly finished to the net, giving the Croydon gaol keeper no chance. Tara’s half back line were on top of every ball as they came in, expertly led by Ann Gleeson at centre half back. Tara’s defence were under pressure for the closing stage of the first half. With the conditions not allowing for anyone to get clean posession and clear the sliotar into space, two throw inn’s resulted and eventually Tara came up the field with the ball, Kenneally in possession, a pass into Gilligan who made no mistake in finishing to the net. Murphy tagged on another goal before half time making it 5-7 to no score at half time. Surely no way back for Croydon at this stage.
Tara started the second half as they finished the first. A succession of points from Grennan, Murphy, Kenneally and Gilligan and the game was over as a contest. Sarah Allen as always battled hard for Croydon and made some great clearances out of defence to ease the pressure. Kenneally and Grennan in mid-field expertly read the game and won any ball that came near them. Croydon’s Aisling Toohy who was starved of possession up front for Croydon had to come deep into her own defence to help out. Brigid Hehir and Claire Lenihane should also get a mention for Croydon. However Tara were too strong all over the field. Their cleverness in finding eachother with hand passes and flicks was a joy to watch. There trip to Ireland for the club championship stood them in good sted for the League Final. However there was a lot to prove for the Tara girls, after their All-Ireland Quarter Final defeat at the hands of Four Roads. With the 2009 season finishing it has definitely been Tara’s year and they finished with a fantastic display in the League Final. The final score 10-22 to no score.
Scorers: Denise Gilligan 4-7 (0-1 free), Helen Murphy 2-6, Bid Grennan 0-5 (0-1 free), Angela Kenneally 0-4, Joanne Hamilton, Karen Curtin-Landy
Team: Rosie Cusack, Cat Higgins, Orla Maguire, Colette Fahy, Ann Dignan, Ann Gleeson, Danika Harison, Bıd Grennan, Angela Kenneally, Grace Hamilton, Helen Murphy, Joanne Hamilton, Kathleen Noone, Denise Gilligan, Christina Nash for Orla Maguire, Louise Clarke for Colette Fahy. Breege Doherty for Kathleen Noone.
Tara Seniors lift the Championship Cup after a long wait
London Camogie Senior Championship Final
Sunday 19 July - Emerald Grounds, Ruislip
Tara 2-6 v 0-7 Pearses.
After a long wait Tara lifted the Senior Championship Cup at London GAA Headquarters with a final score of 2-6 to 0-7 points against Pearses.
Tara took advantage of the wind in the first half and after 10 minutes were a goal up when Rosie Sutcliffe pounced on a block down by the Peares goalie. Joanne Hamilton also found the back of the net and with some sharp shooting from Denise Gilligan, Tara went in well ahead at half time 2-5 to 0-2.
The second half both sides were guilty of wides and Tara were only able to split the posts once but some hearty defending ensured Tara lifted the cup. Great performances throughout but Nollaig Barron, Catherine Higgins, Rosie Cusack, Ann Gleeson, Angela Kennelly, Meabh Brennan, Bid Grennan and the scorers performed magnificantly.
Tara took their first Senior title since 1995, bringing their total number of Senior titles level with Brother's Pearse. Pearses were the opposition on the day and with Taras blistering start and second half battle the ladies in blue and white finally took the cup home after the long wait.
Tara got off to a dream start when a ball hit towards goal by Bid Grennan was saved brilliantly by Therese Dwyer in the Pearses goal. The sliotar however fell into the path of Kiwi Rosie Cusack who volleyed the sliotar to the back of the net.
Captain Denise Gilligan added on a point and after only five minutes of play Tara were cruising. Great work in the middle of the park by Meabh Brennan, saw her come away with pocession when it looked as if she shouldn't. Brennan found Gilligan in space and another point for Tara resulted. Trish Nihill in the centre of the field for Pearses tried to rally her troops with some good ball into the Pearses forward line. The Tara defense led by Ann Gleeson were up to the battle however. Pearses hard work finally paid and a free was given n favour of the ladies in green and red which Sinead MacMahon expertly converted. . Angela Kenneally was battling hard in the middle of the field for Tara and took a point after a great solo run. Kenneally combined with Gilligan again a few minutes later, and went for goal. Doyle was again on hand to make a fine save. Tara continued to pile on the pressure and a 45 resulted, converted by Gilligan. After 17 minutes Tara looked in control 1-4 to 0-1, playing with a strong wind. Pearse were doing their utmost to curtail Tara upfront and Tara's defense were holding strong. Gleeson ever present and Emma Linnanne was not getting anything soft from Nollaig Barron.
Joanne Hamilton up front for Tara was having her best game of the year so far and what a day to perform. She gathered the sliotar on the 45 yard line, turned and struck for a point. The sliotar dropped just under the bar and into the back of the net, decieving Doyle. At the other end and it was Pearses time to test Grace Hamilton in goal for Tara. Hamilton was up to the mark and expertly saved. A sideline for Tara expertly take by Grennan resulted in a 45 which was again converted by Gilligan. Kenneally then had another goal chance but struck wide. 2-5 to 0-2 at half time and Tara had made the most of the strong wind.
With the wind at their backs Pearses had a battle on their hands. They needed a good start however it was Tara again who got off to a great start with a point taken by Gilligan after just a few minutes. However that proved to be Tara's last score of the game as Pearse pilled on the pressure. Trish Nihill & Bronwan Keeshan were working hard and winning alot of possession around the middle of the field. Tara's defense were under alot of pressure but coping well. Rosie Cusack & Barron really came into their own and time after time came storming out of defence with the ball. Pearses pressure paid off with a free converted by MacMahon and a point by No.17. Goals win games however and Pearses never got close to troubling Hamilton in goal. They will wry their wides however with alot of scoring chances being sent to either side of the post. Nihill converted another point to leave the score at 2-6 to 0-7 and that was how it ended. A game of two halves as a result of the wind and Tara made the most of their chances and never looked like relinguishing their lead in the second half.
Scorers: Joanne Hamilton (1-0), Rosie Sutcliffe (1-0), Denise Gilligan (0-4 (2F)), Angela Kenneally (0-1)
Tara just too strong for Murphys and head to the Senior Championship Final
Saturday 4 July 2009
Tara 3-7 v 1-5 Murphys
Tara took on Fr Murphy’s for a repeat of last years Senior Championship Semi Final in a sun kissed Ruislip on Saturday afternoon. Tara got off to a shaky start in the opening 10 minutes. With the majority of the procession nerves seemed to be getting the better of the girls in blue and white. Bid Grennan hit the post, Gilligan missed a 45 and two goal chances went awry. Gilligan converted the first score of the game from a 45. Credit must go to Mel Hogan in goal for Fr Murphy’s who made some fantastic saves in the first 10 minutes. Murphy’s were off the hook and started to get into the game. They won a free which was converted by Grainne Hunter. Hogan made another great save when Jess Greene found herself in open space following a Gilligan pass. The ball went out for a 45 and was converted by Grennan. Tara conceded another free and Hunter duly converted to make it a drawn game for the 2nd time. Murphy’s were finding their form at this stage and Emma Taylor converted a well worked point by the Murphy’s forwards. This was followed by another point by Hannah Noone for Murphy’s. She was through on goal and kicked the ball, Grace Hamilton in goal made a fantastic save but the ball diverted over the bar. 0-4 to 0-2 to Fr Murphy’s at the mid way stage. Murphy’s were on fire at this stage and Sinead Kirke gathered the ball on the 30, headed for goal and hand passed the ball to the net, 1-4 to 0-2 in Murphy’s favour. Tara continued to clock up the wides with another missed opportunity by Grennan from a free. Finally Tara hit the net when Angela Kenneally made a great run through the defence. Her attempt at goal was saved by Hogan but the rebound was sent to the net by Gilligan. Brenda Kerr converted another great point for Fr Murphy’s however this turned out to be Fr Murphy’s last score of the game. Tara then won a lot of procession and seemed to be getting back on top of Fr Murphy’s but just could not convert the scores. Celine O’Connor had another goal chance for Tara but again a missed opportunity. Half time score 1-5 to 1-2 in favour of the reigning champions. The teams were evenly matched at this point by the Murphy’s were taking their scores.
Tara management made a crucial change at half time moving Grennan out to mid-field to team up with Meabh Brennan. This proved to be a great pairing and they dominated procession from the throw in at half time. Grennan gathered the ball at mid-field and send it into Gilligan who converted a point. Gilligan pointed a free for Tara a few minutes later and Tara finally seemed to be finding rhythm up front. However Fr Murphy’s never die attitude won them a 21 year free. Hunter went for goal but it was saved by Rosie Cusack and Tara breathed a sigh of relief. Grennan gathered another ball in mid-field and sent it into the full forward line. Gilligan was on hand again and netted for the second time, 2-4 to 1-5 to Tara. Some great build up play between Kenneally and Grennan resulted in another point, converted by Joanne Hamilton. Hamilton and Gilligan teamed together for another point, converted by Gilligan. Tara were in control of the game at this point and were doing all the hurling. Fr Murphy’s won a free which was dropped into the square. Sinead Kirke found the net but was deemed to be in the square by the umpires. A free out to Tara and it was their chance for a goal attempt. Rosie Sutcliffe was on hand for Tara but hit the sliotar wide. Kenneally converted a great score for Tara after gathering a ball on the 45, created space and sent the ball over the bar; 2-7 to 1-5 to Tara and Murphy’s still hadn’t scored in the second half. However they had two chances to take points but both were sent wide. Tara won a free in mid field. Gilligan sent it goal bound and it dropped into the net. 3-7 to 1-5 and Tara then went into defensive mode for the remaining 5 minutes. They held out and in the end were just too strong for Fr Murphy’s. A convincing win for Tara after a shaky start.
Mr Murphy’s best were Liz Moore, Eimear O’Higgins and Bronagh McLearnon in defence. Claire Towey mid-field and up front Emma Taylor and Grainne Hunter. Best for Tara in defence was Ann Gleeson, Rosie Cusack and Sheila Fernandes. Grennan dominated when she was moved to mid field. Gilligan, Hamilton, Greene and Kenneally did the damage up front for Tara. However Meabh Brennan at mid-field for Tara had a fantastic game throughout the 60 minutes and worked tirelessly in defence and attach for Tara.
Tara continue their winning run in the Senior Championship
Senior Championship
Saturday 30 May 2009
Tara 2-8 v 3-3 Murphys
Tara continued their winning streak with another win over Fr Murphy’s in a very hot and sunny Greenford on Saturday. Tara who have already beaten Croydon and have only one remaining game before the semi finals looked a bit shaky at times against County Champions 2008.
The game got off to a slow start with both teams finding the mid day heat hard to contend with. Tara got the first score of the day from a ball gathered by Grennan out around the 45. A great low ball was fed into Denise Gilligan who got her first point of the day. Fr Murhpy’s replied with a well taken point from Grainne Hunter. Nothing between the teams at this stage and both battling hard against the elements, everyone taking on alot of water. Meabh Brennan was having a fine game in mid-field for Tara and in defence Cath Higgins was covering well. However Murphy’s defence were holding Tara’s forwards well at this early stage of the game. A great battle was going on between two of London’s finest at full back Eimear O’Higgins and full forward Gilligan. Great work rate from the Tara forwards Rosie Sutcliffe and Kathleen Noone found Noone on the edge of the square with the ball in hand, a rasper of a shot which had beaten Mel Hogan rattled of the corss bar and Muphys were let of the hook.
Injuries to Grennan and Joanne Hamilton slowed the game down mid way through the second half. Grennan moved to corner forward, with Hamilton going to the centre, Tara found their good form. Grennan found the net after the ball broke behind the defence and she was first to react. This was followed swiftly by another fine point by Grennan and Tara looked the be getting the upper hand on Murphy’s. Before the half time whistle Hunter tagged on another point for Murphy’s and Angela Kenneally pointed for Tara making the half time score 1-3 to 0-2 to Tara. With only two pucks of the ball between the teams it was bound the be a closely fought second half.
Murphy’s were never going to die in this game and they fought right to the wire. Kenneally in mid field for Tara was working very hard and winning alot of ball. Celine O’Connor came into the game for Tara in the second half and fed. Stale made for the first few minutes and then Grennan found the net for the second time, when she found herself in a very similar position to the first, ball breaking behind the defence and she was on hand to get her second. 2-3 to 0-2 and Murphy’s had alot of work to do.
Hunter was having another fine game for Murphy’s and was sending alot of ball into the Murphy’s forward line. Tara were finding it tough going to deal with the pressure from Murphy’s and they buckled under pressure when Sue Harding goaled for Murphy’s. Gilligan and Kenneally both converted points for Tara but Murphy’s hit back again with another goal from Sinead Kirke who gathered the ball on the 30 yard line and found herself in open space. She headed goal bound with only one thing on her mind and she got it with a hand pass to the net, Grace Hamilton in goal for Tara could only watch. Claire Ahern who came on at half time for Tara was winning alot of ball and causing problems for the Murphy’s defence. She won herself a free after been taken down and Gilligan duly converted. Hamilton got her first point of the day following some more good work by the Tara forward line. In defence for Fr Murphy’s Higgins was instrumental in ever Tara breakdown. Murphy’s netted again and there was only two points between the team but Murphy’s ran out of time and Tara took the spoils on a final score of 2-8 to 3-3
Tara scorers: Bid Grennan 2-2, Denise Gilligan 0-4, Angela Kenneally 0-2, Joanne Hamilton 0-1
Murphy’s scorers: 0-2, Sinead Kirke 1-0, Sue Harding 1-0, Brenda Kerr 0-1
Tara Team: Grace Hamilton, Orla Maguire, Nollaig Barron, Catherine Higgins, Sheila Fernandes, Ann Gleeson, Danika Harrison, Angels Kenneally, Meabh Brennan, Joanne Hamilton, Bid Grennan, Celine O’Connor, Kathleen Noone, Denise Gilligan, Rosie Sutcliffe, Subs: Claire Ahern for Kathleen Noone, Nicola Robinson for Orla Magure.
  
Photos courtesy of Huw Thomas
Senior Chanpionship
10 May 2009 - Tir Chonaill Park
Tara 3-11 v 0-6 Croydon
The London Senior Camogie Championship got off to a start in the sunshine in Greenford at the weekend. Tara took on Croydon. With Tara having the favourites tag going into the game there was pressure on the girls in blue. However they got off to a flying start. Denise Gilligan who was in fine form, gathered the sliotar on the 21 rounded full back Sarah Allen and hit a shot goal wards. The ball ended in the back of the net. This was closely followed by another point from Gilligan. Tara were dominant in the early stages of the game. However Croydon did not drop their heads and hit back with 2 fantastic points from Aisling Tuohy & Sue Keatley. Tara were on top in mid field with Angela Kenneally and Brennan sending in a lot of ball into the Tara forwards. Bid Grennan who worked tirelessly at centre forward scored got her first point of the day from 40 yards out. A few minutes later Grennan found herself in space on the 21 and was clear for goal but blasted the ball over the bar for her second point of the day. In defence Tara were holding firm with Nollaig Barron strong in full back. Grace Hamilton in her debut between the sticks made some great saves following relentless pressure from Croydon in the first half. Tuohy and Sharon McNeela were keeping Croydon in the game winning a lot of ball. Half time score 2-3 to 0-2 and Croydon were left with an uphill battle in the second half.
Croydon pilled on the pressure from the throw in. Ann Gleeson was consistent as ever in the middle of defence for Tara and with Rosie Cusack and Sheila Fernandes on either side of her Croydon were finding it hard to break through the Tara defence. Up front for Tara Kenneally tagged on 3 points in the second half. Some great inter link play up front for Tara. Grennan got another fine point from 30 yards out. Croydon conceded a number of frees in defence and Gilligan was on hand to convert them for Tara. Mid way through the second half Croydon clocked up some fine points from out the field with McNeela instrumental in many of these. Gilligan let fly on a loose ball around the Croydon goal and got her hat-trick of goals. Tara ran out comfortable winners in the end 3-11 to 0-6. A break for 3 weeks for the Senior Team before another encounter with Fr Murphy’s.
Tara: Grace Hamilton, Christina Nash, Nollaig Barron, Cat Higgins, Rosie Cusack, Ann Gleeson, Sheila Fernandes, Meabh Brennan, Angela Kenneally, Celine O’Connor, Bid Grennan, Cat Dwyer, Rosie Sutcliffe, Denise Gilligan, Joanne Hamilton
Scorers: Denise Gilligan 3-4 (0-3 F), Bid Grennan 0-3, Angela Kenneally (0-3), Joanne Hamilton (0-1)
Senior League
26 April 2009
Tara 5-7 v 3-3 Murphys
Down to business and Tara on top
The London Senior Camogie League got off to start in Greenford at the weekend with Tara taking on Fr Murphy’s for the third time this season. An under strength Fr Murphy’s team meant that they could only field 12 players. Tara who were also under strength due to injuries and people away, had the strength in depth in their squad to field a strong team. Tara were always going to have the upper hand with 3 players to spare and they started sprightly. Bid Grennan was doing most of the damage up front and got her name on the score board after just a few minutes with a nicely taken point. Great work from Meabh Brennan in midfield along with Grace Hamilton put constant pressure on the Fr Murphy’s backline. Grainne Hunter for Fr Murphy’s battled strongly but was too far out the field to do any real damage. Grennan tagged on another two points followed by a point from Kathleen Noone. Hunter got Fr Murphy’s on the score sheet with a point from a free. With Ann Gleeson in fine form in the back line Fr Murphy’s attacks were snuffed out early. Tara pilled on the pressure and in a 10 minute spell hit the net 3 times, twice by Celine O’Connor from close range and Grennan’s attempted point dropped just short and into the Fr Murphy’s net, leaving stand in goalie Liz McGrath with no chance. Danika Harrison was outstanding for Tara in defence in her first outing in the London competition. Half time score 3-5 to 0-1 and Fr Murphy’s dominance over Tara looked as if it was coming to an end.
The second half was a different story however. Fr Murphy’s came out fighting as always. Bronagh McLernon was cleaning up a lot of ball in the back line and setting up attack after attack for Fr Murphy’s. Brenda Kerr came into the game more in midfield and her work paid off when she hit the net. Hunter scored two great points from out the field. Tara however had just too much in the tank and never really looked like loosing the game. Niamh Keane hit the net once again for Murphy’s but Tara went up the field and did the same. Noone was on hand this time to hit the net following some great build up play by Leah Horan and Rosie Sutcliffe. Harrison was moved to midfield and controlled this area. Grennan pointed again and let a bullet from 21 yards which ended in the net, finishing with a personnel tally of 2-5. Final score 5-7 to 3-3. When these two teams meet later on in the season it will be a different story with both teams fielding full strength teams. Points to Tara however on this occasion.
Tara: Jacqui Thornton, Christina Nash, Orla Maguire, Nicole Jill Robinson, Danika Harrison, Ann Gleeson, Louise Clarke, Meabh Brennan, Grace Hamilton, Celine O’Connor, Bid Grennan, Karen Curtin-Landy, Leah Horan, Rosie Sutcliffe, Kathleen Noone, Breege Doherty, Tracey Wills, Kate Barrett, Isabel Borchert. Subs: Tracey Wills for Karen Curtin-Landy, Leah Horan for Louise Clarke, Breege Doherty for Grace Hamilton, Isabel Borchert for Leah Horan. Scorers: Bid Grennan 2-5, Kathleen Noone (1-1), Meabh Brennan (0-1), Celine O’Connor (2-0)
Fr Murphy’s: Liz McGrath, Tina Quinn, Bronagh McLernon, Sinead Kirk, Ruth Foley, Niamh Keane, Grainne Hunter, Claire Towey, Brenda Kerr, Emma Taylor, Hannah Noonan, Jade O’Neill. Scorers: Grainne Hunter 0-3 (0-1 free), Brenda Kerr (1-0), Niamh Keane (2-0) |
