The match was rearranged at short notice to take place in Mitcham so the Croydon girls had the benefit of home advantage. It was a very cold, crisp day and the supporters were frozen on the sideline but Tara were well up for the game and had their mind clearly focussed on taking the double, having won the championship earlier in the summer.

The ball was thrown in and the game was off to a cracking start with every ball being fought for. Tara opened the scores early on and succeeded in putting away 3 goals in quick succession. Only a few minutes into the game Tara’s Lisa Sherry got injured was replaced by Sinead Collins who did a good job out on the wing. Tara were captained by Ann Gleeson who had a busy summer representing the London County team and the extra training showed, she led by example, exhibiting her skill and speed and managed on many occasions to raise the ball despite being surrounded by 3 of the opposition at any one time. She was rewarded by a personal tally of 4 points

The passing and team work were excellent on the day and Tara utilised their strengths to the full. Full forward Ger Curtin managed to score 2 goals in the first half and had a tough game against the full back, Lisa Maguire. Elaine Kelly scored a super goal from out the field rattling the back of the net. Rosie Naughton was unstoppable in the first half and massed a personal tally of 2 goals and 4 points and Croydon found it difficult to mark her.

When the whistle went for half time Tara were well up on scores, 5 goals and 4 points in total, however the half time talk was one of caution to point out this match was not over yet and knew that Croydon would not give up that easily. The first half was mainly won and lost in the mid field and forward line and the back line were not too busy, that all changed in the second half of the game.

There was not much hanging around between the two halves as it was too cold and the ref threw the ball in to get the game going again. The momentum for Tara did not seem to flow in the second half and the Croydon girls fought back hard. All credit goes to the girls in black and white as they never gave up despite the large score line. Tara found it difficult to score with our forwards being tightly marked. Croydon were given a boost early on when they scored their first point of the game which was followed shortly afterwards by a goal which worried the Tara players who knew this was not going to be an easy second half. All credit must go to the back line of Tara who fought all the way to the final whistle. Sheila had an excellent game at centre back, Michelle Adair dazzled everyone with her skill and determination and ball winning skills, Amie Curtin had a great game against the most skilful forward for Croydon, Marie McGrath, who scored their point but never stopped fighting and cleared the ball. Full back Emma Fitzgerald who was carrying an injury throughout the game battled on and made a number of crucial tackles. Kate Brennan in the goal played a stormer only letting one goal in and blocked the ball and swept it out to the wings a number of times.

Our woman of the match award must go to Ann Gleeson, whose endless work rate and excellent coverage of the pitch helped keep Croydon at bay.

It has been an excellent season for Tara with two pieces of silverware to show for their efforts and having won the championship have been promoted to the senior league so are looking forward to 2005.

Tara Captain Ann Glesson accepted the League Shield from London Camogie President Etty Kelly and Ann thanked the management team of Tommy McConnon & Coach Richard Barnes, who have trained the girls throughout the year and to all the girls themselves for their hard work and efforts. She also praised Tir Chonaill Park for their support and facilities and to Cara Personnel for sponsoring the new team kit.

Kate Brennan, Emma Fitzgerald, Amie Curtin, Michelle Adair , Sheila Fernandes, Ann Gleeson, Lisa Sherry, Susanne Behan, Sinead Collins, Elaine Kelly, Rosie Naughton, Catherine Dwyer, Ger Curtin. Coleen Ryan, Sandy Jones, Julie Curtin, Stephanie Jordon, Orla McCormack, Sarah Maken, Jenny Black, Nonie Dodwell, Kelly Campbell, Ciara O’Shea, Roisin Commane.

If you would like to join Tara Camogie Club then please contact 020 8561 3544 or do contact us.

Camogie All-Stars Dinner Dance. Saturday 30^th October 2004 at Ruislip.

Congratulations to Ann Gleeson on picking up an All-Star on Saturday night. Elaine Kelly and Rosie Naughton were also nominated but the competition was tough.

Everyone had a great night and thanks to Beano and Cathal for organising the first ever camogie All-Stars. Dignitaries on the night included Camogie President Miriam Callaghan and Mick O’Dwyer.

Nervous moments for Tara : Sunday 17 October 2004

Erin go Bragh 1-1 v Tara 0-4 League. See Match Reports

International Camogie Tournament

Good luck to Ann Gleeson who is travelling to Ireland to participate in the Centenary Tournament as part of the London squad. Also travelling is Jenny Back who is part of the Scottish Shinty team also playing this weekend.

Tara 3-5 v 0-4 Croydon League. See Match Reports Tara 15-6 v 0-2 Erin go Bragh League 5 September 2004. See Match Report

Tara Crowned Champions. Junior Championship 25 July 2004 - Tara 4-6 v 2-1 Pearses

Tara Secure Place in Championship Final after a comprehensive win in the Championship Semi-Final over defending champions Croydon on Sunday 4 July with a final scoreline of 10-10 to 1-01

London County Centenary Tournament 22 May 2004

Tara Camogie Club competed in the Camogie Centenary 7-a-side Tournament, held at Tir Chonaill Park, Greenford on Saturday 22 May 2004. Tara,who normally play in the Junior competitions were strong enough to field both a Junior and a Senior Team. SEE CENTENARY & PHOTO PAGES

London County Camogie Team

The London County Camogie team, made up of players from all Clubs in London played Derry in the Ulster Championship on Saturday 15 May at Ruislip. Unfortunately the game didnt go to plan for the London girls eventually losing 0-5 to 2-14. The game was more competitive than the score line shows with London holding their own and even controlling the game in spurts.

For London Ann Gleeson, playing in midfield, stood out in the first half and when Roisin O'Neill switched and joined her in the second half they were an effective and hard working duo. The forward line in the first half did have their share of the ball but couldnt make it count, although they had quieter spells in the second half.

The girls looked well in their new kit, sponsored by HMV and the game was watched by a great crowd on a glorious day.

Tara were represented by Ann Gleeson (who in my opinion was Londons lady of the match); Elaine Kelly (forward) and Catherine Dwyer.

The Traveller Returns

Tara welcome back the legend Emma Fitzgerald who has spent a year plus travelling all over the place. She's gone all sophisticated now in that she going to the Opera as opposed to watching a camogie match!! She can still clear the ball though so all is forgiven.

Croydon 3-2 v 5-8 Tara Sunday 25 April 2004 Championship- Tara Win - see match reports

Race Night - Thursday 15 April 2004 - The Shanakee, Ealing Broadway

Our Race Night at the Shanakee on Thursday 15 April was a huge success thanks to the regulars and landlord Bill Joyce. Lisa was on form on the mike using a mixture of insults and sympathy votes to get the money rolling in. The punters still had money at the end of the night and bought loads of raffle tickets - Susanne implying it was £1 for Coleen to strip was a huge factor.

The Daily Dazzler owned by Ivan the Russian won the Auction Race, having also previously won a raffle prize he was on a roll. Amongst the raffle winners were Mark McLoughlin, whom Lisa told on no uncertain terms had a skin head and big ears, won Moet Champagne; Catherine Dwyer won the camera and Elaines dreamboy Declan won the leather wallet and welcomes all donations to fill it up.

Nonie Dodwell sponsored and awarded Ger Curtin with the Player of the Year 2003 trophy.

Many thanks to our Sponsors for the night.

• The Shanakee, Ealing Broadway. Prop. Bill Joyce.
• Cosgar Contracts "Designers in Demolition" . Specialising in Demolition, Strip-Out, Structural Alterations & Enabling Works. Contact Denis Costello 07980 84615
• Allied Irish Bank, 62 The Mall, Ealing W5. Contact Pat Montgomery 020 8579 5157
• RathmoreRyan Aviation Training Ltd, Dangerous Goods Transportation Advisors. Contact John Ryan on 020 8579 6725
• Tir Chonaill Gaels G.A.A. Club, Sports & Social Club, Berkeley Avenue, Greenford UB6 0NZ. Big Screens & Function Room Contact Adrian on 020 8864 3494
• Kodak EXPRESS Photoservice, 39 The Broadway, London W5 2NP Tel: 020 8566 3985

And another one to tie the knot

Instead of lining out for Tara last Sunday, Susanne Behan travelled to Stockholm to celebrate her birthday and Evan proposed. She agreed - good job I suppose as he had everything booked, a confident man and good organisational skills. What more could she want.

Pearses v Tara League Sunday 21 March 2004 - see match reports

St Patricks Day Parade, London - Sunday 12 March 2004

So off a few of the Tara Girls go for a trip to the Parade (thanks Ken Livingstone) and who do we see hogging the front of the stage, looking up Dermot O Leary's trouser leg, but the Croydon girls. See Photo Page.

Birmingham Camogie Centenary Tournament 2004

We had an absolutely fantastic time at Birmingham for the CENTENARY Page.

More Congratulations

To Elaine Kelly and Declan Connolly who got engaged Valentines Weekend in Barcelona. So sweet.

Congratulations Mags & Bryan

So did you wonder why Mags has not attended training these last couple of weeks. She's normally the first out and must have been running out of acceptable excuses but she has come clean with the news that she's expecting her first in August. Good luck to ye both and I'm sure the girls are already compiling the baby sitting rota.

Tara Fixtures 2004

These fixtures have only been confirmed up to end April, but are not expected to change much, if at all.

Tir Chonaill Gaels G.A.A. Club

Sports & Social Club, Berkeley Avenue, Greenford UB6 0NZ (Tel: 020 8864 3494)

All Sporting Events Shown Live on Big Screens

Function Room available for Hire

Contact Adrian on 020 8864 3494

Referee Coaching Courses, Ruislip - Saturday 7 February 2004

A Camogie Referees' Course was held at Ruislip on Saturday 7 Saturday. Una Kearney from Armagh travelled over to present the course which was well attended by Tara, Croydon and Pearses.

Ann Gleeson, Nonie Dodwell & Sheila attended on behalf of Tara. Nonie & Ann will compile notes, rules etc and Tara will have their own Rules Workshop. Remember - A Refs job is never easy so go easy on us.

Nonie Makes it into Welsh Ice Hockey Squad

Congratulations to our very own Nonie Dodwell who was selected for Team Wales Ice Hockey Squad again as Assistant Captain. They bet the England Northern Conference Selects 3-0 on 1st February and will now take on Scotland on 10 April. What will happen if they take on the Irish Hockey team? We may have to disallow her from taking part. www.teamwalesicehockey.co.uk

Tara Committee 2004

The following members were elected at our AGM which took place at Tir Chonaill Park on 21 October 2003.