In nearly perfect conditions in Greenford on Saturday, Tara and Croydon met to battle it out for the title of All Britain Senior Champions 2016. With both clubs celebrating their 30th anniversaries, it seemed fitting that these two should do battle under the watchful eye of referee Eddie Naughton and his officials. With Tara going for their 8th title in as many years, and Croydon looking for their first since 2005, it was fair to say the West Londoners went in as favourites. However, it was Croydon who started the sharper, instantly winning the ball from the throw in and popping it up to the corner to try and find danger woman and captain Angela Kerr. It was Esther Power in full forward however who broke onto the ball, slotting over the first point of the day.

With Tara looking uncharacteristically shaky, it was Croydon who seized upon this nervousness - Una McGouran controlled the middle of the field, and with balls being driven into the Croydon full forward line, a goal soon followed by Denise Sinclair. With heads down, Tara had to dig deep before they found themselves in even more trouble. Sarah McNicholl showed her composure and exactly why she was named 'Player of the Game' by acting as a wall in the half back line, driving endless ball forward to the Tara half forward line.  Sarah McGovern for Croydon, who was unlucky herself not to be named player of the game, did likewise though for Croydon, clearing any ball that dropped into the Tara half forward line from keeper Denise Gilligan,  and keeping the lively Fiona Morrissey quiet for the first quarter.

However, Tara started to move into a higher gear as the half continued and the nerves settled.  Claire Ryan pounced on the ball, and with the goal in her sight drove the ball past Croydon keeper Aisleen Sheehan, a goal that was quickly followed up by a point from corner forward Anna Nyhan. This was beginning to look more like the Tara of old, and the speedy Maria Ryan soon followed up with another goal.  Claire Ryan, ruthless with her free taking pointed her first point with not long left on the clock in the first half. Although it may have looked like it was starting to swing in Tara's favour, McGouran soon pointed a lovely point from play for Croydon to show that they still meant business.  With Maria Ryan scoring a fine point before the break, it ended at half time 2-3 to 1-2 in favour of Tara.

The second half start went Tara's way, with Lucy Hawkes and Caoimhe Staunton working tirelessly in the middle of the field and driving countless ball forward to Emma Hogan and Orlaith Jennings in the full forward line. The Tara forwards always looked that bit sharper on the day when on the ball, and started to show their class in the second half. With Morrissey causing all sorts of problems to the Croydon defence, herself and M Ryan scored two quick points in succession to put some daylight between the teams. Claire Ryan netted 1-1 in the course of a few minutes to ensure that the West Londoners were firmly in the driving seat. Anna Nyhan drove over her second of the day before C Ryan slotted over again.

Despite the fact Croydon only scored a point in the second half, coming from a Caoilinn Ní Néil free, it was not for want of trying.  Averil Glynn battled hard all day for the girls in black and white. The talented Ní Néil also worked tirelessly all day down the left wing, and was unlucky not to be rewarded for her talents,  only for the superb defending of Joanne Hamilton she may have pointed some more scores. The crowd at Greenford were treated to some ferocious battles on the left wing between the lively pair and Angela Kerr and Joni Traynor in the corner, but with Tara full back Clare Killeen in terrific form in the second half, the scores did not come for the South Londoners.  With Emer Kelly clearing from the right hand corner, and Tara Captain Helen Murphy starting to command, there was no way through for Croydon.

Tara coach Alan Smyth brought on some fresh legs to ensure Tara did not let their lead slip, and with midfielder Staunton moved to the forwards, she too found her name on the scoreboard with a lovely point from play. Another excellent Claire Ryan free ended the game, and the West Londoners finished the day on an impressive final score of 3-11 to Croydon's 1-3.

Presenting the cup to Tara Captain Helen Murphy, and Player of the Game to Tara half back Sarah McNicholl,  Britain Life President, Etty Kelly, spoke highly at the end of the game about both teams, the spirit shown during the game and the fine display of camogie. Special mention must go to some incredible personal stats - Joanne Hamilton, Denise Gilligan and Sheila Fernandes all collected their 8th Senior County title with Tara, with captain Helen Murphy collecting her 7th. Tara now go forward to represent Britain in the All Ireland Junior Quarter Final v Johnstownbridge of Kildare on Sunday 30th October in Greenford (time TBC). 

Special thanks to referee E Naughton and his officials, all those at Tir Chonaill Gaels for the facilities, and Camogie Board Britain for their endless work.

 

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