Tara Camogie – A Year in Review
Tara Camogie – A Year in Review
February 23, 2010
Tara Camogie – A Year in Review - By Colette Fahy
From winning the junior and senior double in London to a heartbreaking defeat in the All Ireland club quarter finals, 2009 was a year of major highs and crushing lows for Tara Camogie Club. Determined to capitalise on their 2008 success and go one better after winning the junior double, Tara recruited two new coaches Paul Walsh and Brian Mansfield along with a host of new players including Kilkenny stalwart Angela Kenneally, attacking New Zealander Rosie Sutcliffe and defensive duo Nollaig Barron (Tipperary) and Danika Harrison (Clare). Adding these to a team that already included Joanne Hamilton (Antrim), Catherine Higgins (Derry), Meabh Brennan (Cork), and London All Stars 2006/2007, Bid Grennan (Kilkenny), 2007/2008, Ann Gleeson (Tipperary) and 2008, Denise Gilligan (Galway), it was clear that Tara meant business Tara kicked off their season with a trip to the Erin go Bragh tournament in Birmingham last March. Boasting two teams; the more experienced A team who lost the final to local rivals Fr Murphy’s and a B team comprising both regular junior players and some new faces, who all gained some valuable match practice, it was a solid start to a fixture filled year. The annual Tara Camogie Sevens Tournament was up next in April. Tara fielded one senior team and showing how they had rebuilt their squad through extensive recruitment, two junior teams. Junior A brought home the first trophy of the year with a well deserved victory over Birmingham’s John Mitchells, junior B showed how the new players had improved since the Birmingham tournament but still had a way to go while the seniors had a disappointing second final defeat to Fr Murphy’s. Tara seniors eventually got their revenge on Fr Murphy’s with an impressive championship semi final win in July. Australian Rosie Cusack who had spent the previous three weeks recovering from swine flu came out and played a stormer in the sweltering heat. Captain Denise Gilligan’s sharp shooting skills were evident on the day, including a stunning goal from a midfield free. Highlights of the final against Brothers Pearse include Rosie Sutcliffe’s goal minutes into the match, Nollaig Barron in defense containing the threat of Emma Linnane and the battle in midfield between Meabh Brennan and Bronwyn Keeshan. The win ensured that Tara would represent London in Ireland for the first time in 14 years. Tara juniors made it a championship double with their emphatic win over Fr Murphy’s. Boasting quality all over the pitch, they easily outclassed a weak Murphy’s team. Senior captain Denise Gilligan and junior captain Grace Hamilton led by example all year, rallying their troops with some impressive on the pitch performances. With the seniors busy preparing for a trip to Ireland (stepping up both training and recruitment, bringing in the talents of Offaly county player Anne Digan and Kilkenny county player Helen Murphy) and the chance to play in an all Ireland quarter final, there was still some business to be taken care of at home where league matches continued. After breezing through their league fixtures it was a shock when what could have been a glorious adventure in Ireland ended in heartbreak. A number of factors contributed to a crushing defeat by Four Roads of Roscommon including the loss of vital players Meabh Brennan and Sheila Fernandes, the more physical style of camogie in Ireland and the torrential rain but ultimately the Tara team was not strong enough. There were some highlights on the day however with strong individual performances from Anne Digan in the first half and Angela Kenneally and Helen Murphy in the second half. Bid Grennan also stood out, running at the Four Roads defense and winning frees for the Tara team. Valuable lessons were learned and it is with this defeat in mind that Tara Camogie Club is focusing on the 2010 season.There was some consolation when Tara beat Croydon in both senior and junior league finals to make it a double double in 2009. Player of the year awards were handed out at the annual Tara social and congratulations must go to the defensive trio of Ann Gleeson, Senior Player of the Year for the second year running, Nollaig Barron, Junior Player of the Year and Susanna Gill, Most Improved Player. Tommy McConnon deservedly received the Club Person of the Year award, a small thank you for all his years of service to the club. More awards for Tara players at the London Camogie 21st anniversary celebrations in February with Bid Grennan and Ann Gleeson from the current senior squad being honoured. Training has only just begun for the 2010 season and Tara players are already making their mark on the London camogie scene. County trainer Sean Quinn has called up 10 players with Ann Gleeson, Angela Kenneally, Helen Murphy, Bid Grennan, Anne Digan, Denise Gilligan, Joanne Hamilton, Meabh Brennan, Danika Harrison and Rosie Cusack proving themselves to be the cream of the Tara crop. Tara Camogie Club would like to thank our sponsors Getjar, The Shawl South Harrow, Charlie Jacobs, Heneghan Construction, Spanish Arch and Cara Personnel for their continued support this year. Thanks also to Adrian and TCG for the use of their facilities throughout the season. The annual Tara Camogie Sevens Tournament, increasing in size and prestige every year will take place in TCG Greenford on Saturday 10 April 2010. Details can be found on the Tara website www.camogie.co.uk Training takes place every Monday at 7.30pm. For more information contact Sheila Fernandes on 07771957341 or 020 8561 3544. Players of all levels welcome.