Whilst there was camogie played in UK in the late 1950's, it wasn't until December 1985 when Maggie Cronin, with the help of Brian Pote Hunt of the Greater London Authority, set up London Irish that the new regime of camogie started in London. Next up was Croydon with Mary Noonan as the Secretary, followed by Tara and then Newham Gaels, which was Etty Kelly's (current Camogie Board Britain President) club. Erin Go Bragh, Birmingham were already in existence.

Tara Camogie Club, set up 1986 by Carmel & Majella O' Neill - sisters from Thomastown in Kilkenny, who were living in Locket Road Harrow at that time.

Over the clubs 30 years, like many other sports teams there has been some great wins coupled with devastating losses. With the victories came the delirious celebrations that sometimes lasted for days, of course with the defeats came crushing heartbreak and inevitable disappointment, but almost always these were valuable lessons and it often fuelled an even bigger hunger for success.

Below is a look back through the history of Tara Camogie Club.

1986-1996

Whilst formed in 1986 Tara didn't actually play their first game 'til 1987 which was against Newham Gaels. Not a bad start to the first year in winning the Senior League.

In 1988 Tara retained the Senior League and won the Richmond, Harrow & Watford Irish Festivals. Tara had already established a strong presence on the London Camogie County Board which included Majella O'Neill as Chair and Carmel O'Neill as Assistant Secretary. It didn't take London long to get organised as by July 1988 the Kildare camogie team, All Ireland Junior Champions, played London in a challenge match at the London Irish Festival. Would imagine too the Mary Noonan had a hand in that also. These Irish Festivals were quite popular in the late 80's and early 90's and Tara won quite a few.

The London Board grasped opportunities quickly and had a county Team competing in the All Ireland Junior Championship quarter finals v Limerick by '88.

Ann Hehir was Tara's player of the year and nobody could have imagined that 23 years later her daughter, Helen, would help crush Tara's dreams of an All Ireland title when she played for Inagh Kilnamona, Clare in the All Ireland junior club final against Tara in 2011, and scored a goal. There is a whole story on how Inagh got fired up for that game, involving a bit of flaking into an old Tara gear bag - unconfirmed however!

In 1989 Tara laid their hands on their very first Senior Championship title, beating London Irish, and also retained the Senior League trophy that year.
1990 was the local Tara President, Tommy McConnon's first year with Tara. Brenda Daffy captained as they went on to win a second Senior Championship, a year which also saw them retain the Senior League for the fourth year in a row.

Tara became the first club ever to represent London in the Kilmacud 7s tournament in Ireland. They reached the last eight but got knocked out in quarter final by Dublin champions Marino, who were the eventual runners up. "They came, they saw and nearly conquered" as was the newspaper article about Tara's trip. Cork's Glen Rovers won the competition and had 7 county players on that team - showing the calibre of players involved.

At the annual Erin go Bragh Womens Festival, Glenamaddy (Galway) were the eventual winners of the 2-day camogie festival, having beaten St Marys of Antrim in the Final. The visitors had 7 Galway county players on the squad & Maureen Fahy was awarded Player of the Tournament, with Theresa Rafferty & Margaret Greally being close contenders. Their encounter with Tara ended 3-8 to 3-1. Maggie Greally later moved to Birmingham to study and joined Erin go Bragh. In '92 she headed south, joined Tara and quickly became a Tara & London legend.

In 1991 it was a hat trick of trick of Senior Championship titles, beating London Irish 3-8 v 0-6 in the final captained by Caroline Carmody. After canvassing at Congress the wish was granted and '91 was the first time a London team competed in the All Ireland Club Championship. As champions, Tara had the honour of being the first British camogie team to participate in the All Ireland competition playing against the Connaught Champions, Mullagh of Galway. This was Senior Club championship and that Mullagh team had the likes of Imelda Hobbins and Pamela Nevin in the lineup (these girls went on to win All-Irelands with Galway and of course with our very own Denise Gilligan). It was two goals from Emer Hardiman that ruined Tara's day as Mullagh won 2-6 to 0-4. Mullagh went on to beat Glen Rovers in the semi- final and Eglish of Tyrone in the final.

Tara travelled to the Kilmacud 7s again this year where Breda Kelly won 'Player of the Tournament' Award. Tara reached the Quarter Finals, bringing Buffers Alley (Wexford) into extra time.

Tara's fundraising ideas hit a peak with the Bucket collections around Cricklewood and the Club Calendar being a big hit.
Newly formed Pearses won the Junior Championship v Erin go Bragh in 91.

In 1992 Tara won the Irish Post-Aer Lingus Sports Award and became the first club to win both Junior and Senior titles; the Senior Captain was Mary Gilligan and the Junior captain was Ann McEnery.

So fierce was the rivalry between Tara and London Irish who met again in the Championship final in September 1992 that Phyllis Breslin (a well-known referee who later went on to be Camogie President) was booked to travel over and "take charge of what is expected to be fast and frenetic encounter". The rain pelted down, with London Irish ahead 5 points at half time, but Tara took the spoils 3-2 to 2-3.

Next up was the All Ireland Quarter Final, and Tara had a home fixture at Bannister, Harrow v Rathnure of Wexford. On a "mud bath pitch" Rathnure won 1-5 v 1-2. Despite being a defeat, this was overall a very positive result for the Tara girls, considering Rathnure won the All Ireland Senior Club Final just 3 years later in 1995. Geraldine Codd, Lisa Doyle and Nora Carthy starred. Maggie Greally, who had recently joined from Erin go Bragh starred for Tara.
The Tara Junior winning team included Michelle Adair who had spells with Tara over the 3 decades.

Tara did the 5 in a row in 1993, which wouldn't be matched until 2002 by Pearses. Tara have since broken this record, with 7 consecutive wins.

London Irish grounded Tara's celebrations to a halt in 1994 by winning the Senior Championship. However, Tara were back on the leaderboard in '95 with Senior Championship & Senior League wins.

1996-2006

Tara celebrated their 10th Anniversary in 1996 with a Tournament held at Bannister Sports Stadium, Harrow. It was well attended by Irish teams with Rossa Antrim, Birr Offaly, Cushendall Antrim, Toomevara Tipperary, Brian Dillons Cork, Banagher Derry (with Denise Stevenson, former player in the team) & Naomh Eanna Monaghan. The British teams included London Irish, Erin go Bragh, Islington Irish and Brothers Pearse. The Mayor of Cork sent a letter of congratulations to Tara CC. Camogie President Bella O'Loughlin also attended. Toomevara won the Senior Cup whilst Birr won the Plate.

1996 was when Tara's longest standing member Sheila Fernandes joined the club. Sheila has worked tirelessly for 20 years on and off the pitch and is the current Treasurer for Tara and Camogie Board Britain and was honoured by Croke Park in 2012 by winning a "Volunteer of The Year Award".

London Irish won back the Championship after another tight affair 1-7 v 1-5. However, Tara came back and beat them in the Pat Higgins tournament in Parnells shortly after.

By 1997 the majority of the Tara's had returned home and we were only fielding a Junior team, reaching the Junior Championship final but lost to Pearses.

Travelled to Kilmacud 7s. Lost of Loughlinbridge, Carlow, drew with O Donovan Rossa and beat Castleblaney. Cork beat Galway in the All-Ireland camogie final and Denise Gilligan scored a goal for Galway that day.

London Irish retained their Senior title again in 1997 with Brothers Pearse winning the Junior Championship.

In 1998 Fr Murphys claimed the Junior Championship and Pearses the Senior by beating London Irish. Pearses then dominated for the next five years. Tara had regarded down to Intermediate and won that Championship by defeating Green Isles.

Tara had a few quiet years around the late 90's and early 2000s which saw Brothers Pearse dominate in the Senior competitions, and Croydon in the Junior competitions. While there was no silverware taken home by Tara, there was still trojan work being done by players and board members within Tara CC. With the help of Sheila Fernandes, Tara were the first club in London to have a website. While some people at this time may not have seen the importance of a website at the time, Sheila was ahead of her time and understood just how instrumental it would be in future recruitment for the club. Denise Stevenson negotiated Tara's move to Tir Chonaill Gaels grounds in Greenford 2000 which is still their training ground today.

2003 and Tara just had a junior team, reached the Championship final but lost to Croydon. Tommy McConnon then convinced Richie Barnes to train Tara and his first silverware came shortly after with victory over Erin go Bragh in the Junior League Final, picking up their first piece of silverware in four years. With Croydon winning the Senior Championship it was their most successful year winning both Junior and Senior titles.

The Centenary Year of Camogie in 2004 and Tara were starting to find their stride again winning both Junior Championship and league titles, they beat Croydon in the championship final on a score line of Tara 5-08 to Croydon 1-01

2005 and Tara opted to field both Junior and Senior teams hereon. The introduction of Martin Harrell as coach mid-way through the year was beneficial to both squads in fitness and skill. Martin was fitness trainer for London County team & had stints over the years with the county hurlers. He majored at scoring from sidelines. Senior team were unlucky in a number of games, losing by a couple of scores and just needed an extra spark turn narrow loses into victories.

Tara took a trip to Broadford, Co Clare to play a friendly game against President Carmel Dillon's new club. Broadford had just won the Intermediate Camogie Championship and the challenge game against Tara was most enjoyable and competitive. One of Tara's London born players Kate Brennan had an opportunity to play a match on Irish soil for the first time and it was a good excuse for past Tara players, members and mentors to get together and re-live their many achievements of the 80's-90's. Tara's Eimear O'Connor of Cashel represented London in the Poc Fada competition in Cooley Mountains.
2006-2012

Tara celebrated their 20th Anniversary in 2006, and hosted a 7's tournament which was attended by 6 Junior teams and 7 Senior teams, including 5 Irish teams. The Senior Cup was won by Holycross whilst the Senior Plate was won by a Croydon/Fr Murphy combination team. The Junior Cup was won by Green Isles and the Plate headed to Glasgow with Tir Chonaill Harps narrowly defeating our own Tara juniors. Brothers Pearse were back on top form winning both Senior Championship and League.

It didn't take long to confirm that the 2007 Open Day in 2007 was a fantastic success. That was our first meeting with Aussie Rosie Cusack. Not only did she win the Junior Player of the Year in her first year her name was soon one of the first on the senior team sheet as she controlled the midfield area alongside Meabh Brennan. Rosie has played in Croke Park & won an All Ireland medal with London ladies in 2008. She was some athlete. In June '07 another Tara/Cashel girl Maree O'Dwyer representated London in the M Donnelly All-Ireland Poc Fada Final on Annaverna Mountain Ravensdale County Louth
Having been longing for many years, 2008 is where Tara got their taste for victory again by winning both Junior Championship and League titles.

2009 was the start of what was to become and an unbelievable 7 years for Tara where they would make many records. From winning the Junior and Senior double in London to a heart breaking defeat in the All Ireland Club Quarter Finals, 2009 was a year of major highs and crushing lows for 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. After a very long wait, Tara won their first Senior title since 1995 beating Brothers Pearse in Ruislip on a score line of 2-6 v 0-7. Tara went on to win won both Junior & Senior Championship and League Titles that year, which they had last done in 1992 and repeated in 2014. Brother Pearses are the only other team in Britain to have done this, in 1999. This year was Tara's first taste of All-Ireland Club Championship camogie since the 90's and a trip to Four Roads, Roscommon. This would be Tara's first loss out of three to Four Roads in four years. "Taras Road to Nowhere" as was the headline in a local paper.

In 2010 the Tara Crew travelled to the Kilmacud 7s. Tara won the first game, drew the second and were seen off by Geraldines (runners-up) in the 3rd, apart from the actual Camogie results; a great trip was had! In the same year Bid Grennan lifted the Senior Championship as Tara beat Fr Murphys to retain the London Senior Camogie Championship for a 2nd year in a row. Four Roads travelled to Ruislip and it was the same outcome; knocking Tara out of the All Ireland Junior quarter final for a second time in two years.

Tara made history in 2011, on their 25th anniversary, by being the first London camogie team ever to reach an All Ireland final. On the domestic front Tara were crowned London Senior Camogie Champions for the 3rd year in a row having beaten Croydon 1-13 to 0-3 in Ruislip. They had already been crowned Senior League winners earlier in the year.

Tara booked their place in the All Ireland Junior Club semi-final by beating Ruairi Og of Cushendall 2-09 v 0-11 away in Antrim. Next up Leinster Champions, Myshall of Carlow travelled to Ruislip where Tara captain, Denise Gilligan was the scoring star notching up a tally of 1-06. Meabh Brennan pounced for an injury time goal and sealed the win for Tara on a score line of 2-06 to 0-6 and sparking delirious celebrations. This win proved to be one of Tara's greatest moments in their 30 year history. Myshall actually went on to win the All-Ireland 2012 and 2013.

On Sunday 27th November 2011 history was made in Ashbourne, County Meath as the first Camogie team from London reached an All-Ireland Junior Club final as Tara, under the guidance of Gordon Ambrose (Galway) & Christy O Gara they took on Inagh Kilnamona Camogie Club of Clare. Tara were the quicker off the mark and scored almost immediately. Following a four player move, the sliotar ended up with Cushendall native, Grace Hamilton who put the ball in the back of the net to get Tara off to a dream start. The halftime score was 1-02 to 1-0 in Inagh's favour but it was still all to play for. Tara were competing until midway through the second half when the ref gave a soft free which resulted in an Inagh score. Thereafter Inagh took control. A late goal and point from Tara captain, Denise Gilligan wasn't enough for the Londoners to catch up and the final score was 5-04 to 2-04. Helen Hehir, daughter of Ann Hehir, scored a goal that day.

In 2012 under the guidance Brian Mansfield, Tara were crowned Senior County Champions for a fourth year in a row at as they held off a spirited challenge from Croydon Camogie in Ruislip in September. Captain, Niamh Keating (Limerick) lifted the cup on a score line of 1-5 to 1-1.

In September Tara booked a place in the All -Ireland semi-final by beating Crosserlough (Cavan) in the quarter final in Ruislip on a scoreline of 1-11 to 0-4. The game nearly never went ahead as conditions were far from perfect and the pitch extremely wet. Crosserlough wouldn't be able to afford a return visit so the decision was made to play the game. Past Tara player Michelle Flemming was playing with her "home" club, Crosserlough on the day. The wet conditions didn't seem to bother Tara's Stacey Coen (Galway) who scored 7 points & Joanne Hamilton scored 1-1.

Tara then travelled to Roscommon to play the All Ireland Semi final where they were knocked out by Four Roads (Roscommon) on a scoreline of 2-08 v 1-05. Four Roads got beaten by Myshall of Carlow in the All-Ireland Final by a goal.

2013-2016

Tara started 2013 off with a successful run at various tournament; they won the cup at the Birmingham tournament in spring that year, the Senior and Junior Cups at the Tara 7aside tournament at Easter but in July, they won the first ever International Gathering tournament.

The Camogie Gathering 'Lets Play Ball & Have a Ball' threw in on Thursday, July 25th 2013 in Na Fianna CLG with a welcome reception for all travelling and home based teams as well as invited guests. 'Lets Play Ball & Have a Ball' was organised in conjunction with Dublin Camogie Board and was a three day event to celebrate the Gathering 2013. Toronto Camogie Club, Croydon Camogie Club, Tara Camogie Club, Fullen Gaels (Manchester) and a North American representative team, made up of players from Seattle and Washington DC joined with Tara Camogie Club. Dublin Camogie Clubs, Na Fianna, Ballyboden St. Endas, St. Vincent's, Trinity Gaels and St. Brigid's took part in the festivities and provided the international teams with a good opportunity to play 'home' teams and improve their own game. Some of the Tara ladies saw their dreams of playing in Croke Park become a reality with the semi finals being played there. The Tara girls came up against their old rivals Croydon in the final where it was a ferocious battle but Tara managed to come out on top to win the Gathering Cup.

Under the guidance of Tomas Lally (Galway), Tara won their 5th consecutive Senior title in October of that year. They were up against Fullen Gaels of Manchester, with the game finishing on a score line of 4-13 to 0-7. Bridget "Bid" Grennan who had a remarkable game at full back won player of the match. This was Bid's last county title with the Tara girls as she moved back to Ireland in December that year. Bid first put on a Tara jersey in 2006 and did so much for club in the 7 years she was involved. In that 7 years, she won many titles including 5 Senior Championships and three All Stars as well as Tara Player of the Year in 2006 and 2008. Not only was she one of Tara's greatest players of all time but her dedication off the pitch is one of the reasons Tara are the successful club they are today, such dedication including stints as Tara Chairperson in 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2013.

After Tara's great win in the Senior Championship final that year, they travelled to Birmingham a week later to meet Fullen Gaels once again in the Senior League Final which they won.

In October it was off to Scariff Ogonnelloe for the All Ireland Junior Quarter Final. A wet and windy day was only to become more miserable for the Londoners when they were beaten on a scoreline of 0-8 0-4 on a day that made scoring very difficult for both teams. It was a long journey back to London that night after hopes of All Ireland glory were shattered for a 5th year in a row.

2014 was Tara's most successful year and they broke many records, including being the most successful club in British Camogie history, by winning all titles in Britain that year at both a Junior and Senior grade, as well as winning their 6th consecutive Senior Championship title against Croydon winning 3-8 to 0-7. Tara Captain Caroline Kelly (Galway) also picked up the Player of the Match award.

After a five-year wait Tara got their hands on the Junior Championship Cup. They were up against John Mitchells of Birmingham, who wanted to re-live the victory they had in 2012. Normal time wasn't enough to decide the winner, only after an intense extra time, Tara emerged victorious on a final scoreline of 3-12 to 1-13. Emer Kelly (Wexford) lifted the cup for the Tara girls. Emer had lifted the shield earlier in the year when they won the Junior League against Croydon for the first time in 4 years. Tara Seniors also retained their League title that year as well as the Birmingham tournament and their own Tara 7s tournament too.

With some great success in 2014 also came great heartbreak for the girls in blue and white as they were beaten in Ruislip by Munster champions Clanmaurice (Kerry). Beaten in their own backyard, by a last minute goal following a silly free, meant another early exit at 2-13 to 3-07.

Tara also started both girls & boys under age sessions in 2014 which have continued since. Tara legend, Ann Gleeson's daughter Ellie participates, she is kept busy with her own training as well as being the adult team's mascot!! 2014 saw the introduction of Alan Smyth (Galway) as the team's manager and still is now in 2016, with coach Tom Healey on board since 2015.

As well as a new management team in 2014, Tara were blessed to have a new additional mascot too - Aoife Tighe. Being daughter of Tara great, Niamh Keating and Tara supporter and Junior coach on numerous occasions, Tom Tighe, Tara are hopeful, with that Limerick and Wexford blood, she will be togging for Tara herself one day

There were many changes in 2015 including the London Camogie Board being reincorporated to Camogie Board Britain to reflect the number of clubs from Lancashire and Warwickshire. In the hope of more match time for all players, 2015 saw a new structure to the competitions format which consisted of an amalgamation of the junior and senior teams in what was to be called a "Spring League".

Tara Juniors were beaten in the Junior Championship final by newly formed Liverpool team, Wolfe Tones. This was a fantastic achievement for Wolfe Tones in their first year and they have been a great addition to camogie in Britain.

Tara Camogie won a 7th consecutive Senior Championship title after beating newly formed amalgamated side Shire Gaels 3-10 to 1-4, who were made up of players from Liverpool Wolfe Tonnes, Fullen Gaels, John Mitchells & Erin go Bragh. Tara captain Roisin O'Grady (Dublin) was the first person ever to lift the new All Britain Cup. There were three players that were on the panel for all 7 finals; Joanne Hamilton (Antrim), Denise Gilligan (Galway) and Sheila Fernandes (Galway). Tara travelled to Kildare to represent Britain in the All Ireland Junior Quarter Final against Johnstownbridge. Unfortunately Tara were beaten by a very strong Johnstownbridge, who went on to win the All Ireland convincingly.

2015 saw Tara hold their 9th Camogie 7s tournament. 9 teams competed on the day, comprising 4 junior and 5 senior teams. We had 2 visiting teams from Ireland - Portobello of Dublin and St Dominic's from Roscommon. This was Portobello's third year attending, with St Dominics (Roscommon) making their debut. The UK teams comprised of Croydon, Fr Murphy and hosts Tara joining the Irish visitors in the Senior competition, and Erin Go Bragh, Green Isles, Croydon and Tara competed in the Junior. Tara Junior's won their 3rd consecutive Tara tournament, beating Green Isles in the final after extra time. Tara Seniors bet Portobello in the Senior Cup final and the cup was lifted by captain Roisin O'Grady. St Dominics, who were the first team from Roscommon to travel to the Tara 7's, beat Fr Murphys in the Senior Plate. Tara's Fiona Morrissey and Anna Nyhan picked up Senior and Junior 'Player of the Tournament' awards. Irish TV also paid the tournament a visit and there was a documentary on the Irish TV channel with all the highlights of the day and interviews with numerous people in attendance on the day.

Tara beat John Mitchells in the Birmingham tournament final in Erin Go Bragh this year where Angela Kennelly picked up Player of the Tournament. This would be the last time Angela would tog out in the blue and white as she made the decision to move back to Kilkenny after a very successful 8 years with Tara Camogie Club. She was a serious loss to the club both on and off the field having been an integral member of the Tara committee as well as the London Camogie board.
2016 has already started off as a great year for the Tara girls. They won the Birmingham tournament beating Croydon in the final. The excitement of the 30th anniversary is very evident in the club and everyone has pulled together for preparation for the Tara 7s on April 30th. Bunclody (Wexford), Brocagh (Tyrone) and Broadford (Clare) all travel over from Ireland to take part, as well as teams from all over Britain. There will be many old faces present from over the years including our founders Majella and Carmel.

The last 30 years of Tara Camogie Club has seen some unbelievable triumphs as well as some devastating losses and there is no doubt the next 30 years will not be any different. There has been many people responsible for the successful running of Tara Camogie Club over the last 30 years, too many to thank
individually. If you have ever been involved at any stage in the club just know that your involvement has helped enrich many lives over the last 30 years, and has helped make many long lasting friendships and much cherished memories. Here's to the next 30…

Keep an eye on our progress over the next 30 years:

Website: www.camogie.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraCamogieClubLondon/

Twitter:https://twitter.com/Tara_Camogie_UK Tel: 0777 1957 341

Also check out our story history too: https://taracamogielondon.smugmug.com/

If you would like to submit any piece of history from Tara or a picture, please email [email protected]

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