Let the good times roll...

London Ladies are the Junior All-Ireland champions for 2008 beating Derry convincingly in Croke Park on Sunday. Tara Ladies had 5 players on Sunday's final panel - Bree White, Sue Harding, Gemma Taylor, Linda Lodge and Anne Murphy. The girls put in an amazing performance on Sunday and left no doubt that they wanted nothing less than a win. Taras manager, Johnny Wilson is also the London Ladies manager and Tara Ladies have been firm supporters, and in particular Nicole Borzatti, Maz McNamee and Nuala McLaughlin organising fundraising for the team for this almighty achievement.

See below for just one of the reports from Monday's Irish Independent on the performance on Sunday of our very own Linda Lodge:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/lodge-steals-the-show-in-exiles-rout-1484893.html

Lodge steals the show in Exiles rout

London 5-05 Derry 1-11

Saturday 12th July saw the Tara Junior team play their second round of the Junior Championship against last year’s victors the Holloway Gaels.  Unfortunately, despite a relatively evenly fought out contest, Tara Juniors were unlucky on a number of scores and were defeated by a good Holloway performance 1-4 to 0-0.  Those on the side line, and also the referee, commented on how competitive the game was to watch and that the score did not reflect how even the contest was.  It was a great step forward for the Tara Junior team in their first year in the competition and they now know they are not too far away from the defending champions.

Sunday morning was an early call for the under 12 girls.  Accompanied by Grainne O’Sullivan and Maz McNamee, they managed a clean sweep in the under 12 blitz against Parnell-Tara’s (a conjoined team due to lack of numbers on Parnell’s part) and Tir Chonaill Gaels.  This was a fantastic achievement for the girls as they were by far the youngest of the squads, but showed size is definitely not everything.  Well done Ladies!!!!

The highlight of the weekend saw the Tara Ladies Senior team meet Fr. Murphy’s late on Sunday afternoon.  It was a scorching evening and the girls were equally fired up.  Playing for the first time in their new kit, sponsored by Flynn’s of West Ealing, it truly was a battle to the final whistle.

The first ten minutes of the game saw the ball float around the mid-field area with neither team able to advance through the defensive lines of the opposition.  It was agonizing to watch, but eventually Sinead Daly and Natalie O’Connor forced their way through Tara’s defence to put a point over the bar. 

Karen Togher regained possession from the kick-out and, supported by Bree White, she carried the ball up to the full-forward line and the amazing duo managed to construct a scoring opportunity and successfully brought the teams level. 

Fr. Murphy’s upped the pace but Tara’s matched them and, after about 20 minutes of the first half, Sue Harding & Gemma Taylor of Taras scored a couple of well taken points.  Murphys gained the lead again with a penalty conversion unfortunately conceded by Taras where at half time saw the Taras down by 2 points.

During the break, Johnny Wilson rallied the Taras girls and a new set of tactics were given to the players which breathed fresh life into the team.  They marched out onto the field and the first score was a goal, nicely delivered by Sue Harding, putting them ahead for the first time in the game.  With Linda Lodge moved into full-forward, the girls worked the ball into her nicely and she too notched another point.  With fantastic support from Lorraine Moran, a few more points were knocked across the Murphy’s crossbar by Linda and Bree White. With 20 minutes to go, Fr. Murphy’s began the comeback battle when Taras went one player down for a sin-bin offence, but it was the 2nd goal from Gemma Taylor for Taras that sealed the fate of this Championship clash between last years finalists and saw Taras reverse the result defiantly.  The score from the referee on the final whistle was 2.9 to 1.10; Tara Ladies victorious in the first championship round. 

Players: Zara Clarke, Jenny Reape, Nuala McLaughlin, Zelma Power, Jenna Ralph, Anne Murphy, Marie Joyce, Karen Togher, Bree White, Nicole Borzatti, Laura McDonagh, Gemma Taylor, Sue Harding, Linda Lodge, Lorraine Moran. 

Substitutes used: Geraldine Leonard

Player of the match:  Zelma Power (for serious work rate throughout the game)

Keep an eye on the picture gallery for more great Tara's photos in our new playing gear.

Congratulations to the senior team who defeated Heston Gaels in the Murphy Cup final on Saturday last. The cup was graciously accepted by Chris Donnellan who thanked the players, manager and coaches for the hard work they have put in so far this year. This effort needs to be sustained with the championship beginning in two weeks time.

It is also worth noting that the team was well supported last Saturday. The support was appreciated and we hope to see you all back for the first round of the championship in two weeks!Thanks also to Ciara Redican, manager of Kerrigans in Mill Hill for providing food after the game.
 
Well done to Ollie Coffey on becoming captain of the London Junior team for their provincial semi final against Gloustershire. 

Training continues at Northolt Tuesdays and Thursdays 7.30. Those unable to attend for whatever reason are to ring manager Joe Harte on 07958306195. Anyone needing directions can either refer to the club website or ring Joe.
 
Anyone interested in getting involved with Tara can email the club info@taragfc.co.uk, check out the website www.taragfc.co.uk, or ring one of the following:
Sean Faughran (07850307058) or Andy Redican (07800930388).

Saturday meant an early start for all the girls involved in the Provincial 9-a-side competition.  Up with the larks, Tara Ladies met in Murph's for a quick spot of tea and toast, sure poor Zelma hadn't a bite before she left Isleworth.  

With a squad of 17 Tara ladies travelled to Birmingham, and it was tough to decide who would play on the day.  Team selected and about 10 minutes to warm up the Tara's took on the Emerald Gaels, and in the first half it was clear the girls had not settled into the game, a motivating talk from Nuala at half time, seen the ladies march out confident, and within in the first few minutes McDonagh was knocking the points over the bar.  Zelma moved up to full forward and with great support play they won their first game of the tournament. 

Strong play from Karen Togher, Bree White and Zelma Power kept an enthusiastic Tara team in contention throughout with only one defeat before vying for a place in the final of the cup competition.  In their fight for a place in the cup final another tense game against John Mitchells gave witness to end to end football with small leads being regularly swapped and with keeper Zara Clarke making some dramatic saves,  it was a fortunate John Mitchells that pipped Tara past the winning line, however a place in the Shield competition beckoned.

Unwilling to go home empty handed Tara took on Emerald Gaels again in the shield final a game where caution took hold for long periods, regular raids by both squads were greeted by strong defense with only the occasional exchange of points breaking the deadlock.  At half time, exhausted from the heat and the previous five matches Tara Ladies knew they would have to give it their all to bring the shield back to London.  Zara Clarke again, forcing her way down the field with the support of Bree White and Marie Joyce.  The girls put every effort into the last 4 minutes to ensure the plate was travelling back to London.  A late goal relieved the siege for Tara who won the game with a score of 1.03 to 0.03

'Super Taras... Who are we?' was the call as the girls celebrated their second trophy of the season so far, in Flynn's West Ealing. 

A special thanks to everyone involved on Saturday, particularly to Anne Murphy and Sarah Mc Laughlin for driving. 

Players:  Zara Clarke, Anne Murphy, Marie Joyce, Karen Togher, Bree White, Laura McDonagh, Zelma Power, Liz Gray, Sue Harding, Jenna Ralph, Nicole Borzatti & Sarah Mc Laughlin

Management: Nuala McLaughlin & Maz McNamee

Honorary Emerald Gaels:  Louise Moran, Gemma Taylor & Gemma Murphy

The Tara Minors held a very successful Under 10 blitz on Saturday 26th April in their new facilities at John Billam Sports Ground, Woodcock Hill, HA3 0PQ.  There were three Go Games pitches in operations during the day. Six Under 10 teams competed on the A pitch and five teams on the B pitch. A girl’s tournament was held on the C pitch.  All the tournaments were very competitive and very enjoyable to watch.  The Tara Minors were able to field an A, B and C team for the Under 10 matches. Tara also fielded three girls teams who played each other in the very enjoyable girls matches. The Tara team managers John McSheffrey, Daniel Gallagher-Henry, Pat Mahon, Gemma Tracey and Grainne O’Sullivan were very pleased with the performances of all our teams and would like to congratulate both parents and players. 

During the day Tara Under 14 also played against a very strong Dulwich Harps team on the main pitch.  Congratulations to Dulwich on a very good victory played in a very sporting manner.

The Club would like to thank all visiting clubs for attending, and participating in some very enjoyable matches played in a sporting atmosphere.  Due to the cooperation of all the day kicked off on time and finished on time.

The Tara’s have a very successful  Gaelic  Football coaching programme in five local schools:-  Our lady of Grace, St Joseph’s Hendon, St Joseph’s Belmont, St Bernadette’s and St Robert Southwell. The Club would like to thank all our schools for their commitment and willingness to integrate Gaelic Football into their schools time-table.

The Club would like to thank the many people that helped make the day run smoothly and in particular the EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE led by Alison Gartlan, Tina Tracey and Brenda Harte. They and their helpers ran the tuck shop and canteen and made sure all the participants were fed and watered. We were also very grateful to Lucia and Thomas Doyle for stepping in at very short notice to referee on the day, and to John McSheffrey, Daniel Gallagher, Tommy Kilkenny and James O’Sullivan who arrived early to put up posts and mark out pitches.

Minor club contact details are on this page also.

TARA MINOR GAELIC FOOTBALL CLUB

Established 1967

BOYS/GIRLS INTERESTED IN PLAYING GAELIC FOOTBALL

 4 YEARS TO 18 YEARS

TRAINING FRIDAYS at 6.30 pm to 8 pm (earlier time of 6pm until summer time)

STARTING: FRIDAY 4^TH APRIL

VENUE : John Billam Sports Ground.

Woodcock Hill London HA3OPQ

Contact Details:-

CLUB SECRETARY:          Grainne O’Sullivan            Tel: 0208 866 4616 Mobile: 0774 865 1798

                                                                                                Email: grainneosullivan1@hotmail.com

AGE GROUP CONTACTS

SCHOOLS COACH:            Grainne O’Sullivan            Tel: 0208 866 4616    Mobile: 0774 865 1798

UNDER 8:                                Alison Gartland                   Tel: 0208 205 9799    Mobile: 0795 0255962

UNDER 10:                              Brenda Harte                       Tel: 0208 205 9095  Mobile: 0751 5366942

UNDER 12:                              Grainne O’Sullivan            Tel: 0208 866 4616    Mobile: 0774 865 1798

UNDER 14:                              Tommy Kilkenny                Tel: 0208 830 6163    Mobile: 07976 503910

UNDER 16 - 18:                      James O'Sullivan                Tel: 0208 866 4616    Mobile: 0773 098 5022

OTHER CONTACTS

PRESIDENT:                        Pronnsais Redican              Tel: 0208 452 9262 Mobile: 0793 929 6570

The Tara Minor’s  held a very successful AGM on Thursday 7^th February at The Claddagh Ring Hendon, with the following officers elected:

PRESIDENT    Proinnsais Redican

LIFE-PRESIDENT    Jim Moore

CHAIRPERSON    James O’Sullivan

VICE-CHAIRPERSON    Peter Gartlan

SECRETARY    Grainne O’Sullivan

ASSISTANT – SECRETARY   Tina Tracey

TREASURER    Brenda Harte

ASSISTANT –TREASURER    Mary Gallagher

PRO  Julia Naughton

COUNTY BOARD DELEGATES

Proinnsais Redican  John Cunniffe  Tommy Kilkenny,  Joe Harte,  Brenda Harte,  Daniel Gallagher-Henry,  Michael Naughton,  Peter Gartlan,  Alison Gartlan.

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE – Chairperson -  Alison Gartlan

Mary Gallagher, Julia Naughton, Tina Tracey,  Brenda Harte and Grainne O’Sullivan.

James thanked Sean Faughnan for all his hard work over the past three years.  Sean stepped down as Chair due to his commitments as Tara Men’s Senior Chairperson and as Provincial Delegate.

James welcomed the new committee on board and looked forward to a successful season.

The Board have a full itinerary planned for the year and we will be involved in planning the Tara Club’s 75^th anniversary celebrations’.

Training for all age groups will commence in March.  Anyone wishing to join the club please call:

James O’Sullivan 077309 85022 / 0208866 4616

Grainne O’Sullivan 07748651798 / 0208866 4616

Brenda Harte 07515366942 / 0208205 9095

Tara GFC are very happy to welcome baby Cara Ellen O'Brien as our newest recruit.

Born on 14th April 2008 weighing  6lbs 4.5ozs  to our very own Catriona O'Brien and proud dad.

Catriona tells us that Cara Ellen is growing stronger every day and will be great at football as she has strong legs. Tara's would like to wish the new family all the best for the future and look forward to seeing Cara Ellen on the sidelines soon where she is sure to be mobbed by the Tara Ladies.

Tara got off to a winning start winning their two opening Murphy Cup games. On Sunday 13th April the team beat St Joes 0-16 to 0-07 and Sunday 20th April the team beat North London Shamrocks 2-18 to 1-08. Some of the new members showed great form and combined well with the established heads in securing the wins. It was also good to see support out this early in the year.

All senior players please be advised that training has now switched back to Northolt Tuesdays and Thursdays 7.30. Those unable to attend for whatever reason are to ring manager Joe Harte on 07958306195. Anyone needing directions can either refer to the club website or ring Joe.

At the time of writing it is not known if there is a fixture scheduled for next weekend. Details of any fixture will be published on the website as soon as its known.

Anyone interested in getting involved with Tara can email the club info@taragfc.co.uk, check out the website www.taragfc.co.uk, or ring one of the following:
Sean Faughran (07850307058), Andy Redican (07800930388) or Chris Donnellan (07972308841).

On Easter weekend as part of the Tara GFC, London headed back to Ireland to play pre-season friendlies against Milltown and Dunmore selects and meet with some old friends.  On the Saturday Tara played a well attended game against Mick Murphy’s home club Milltown. Tara played against a strong wind in the first half and despite winning a large share of possession went in trailing 0-07 to 1-03. Tara failed to assert themselves as expected in the second half and despite some well taken scores by Captain Chris Donnellean early in the second half went dou wn on a scoreline of 1-12 to 1-08. Notable performers on the day included David Feeley, Ollie Coffey and Darren Gallagher. On the Sunday Tara comfortably defeated a Dunmore select.

With the football out of the way it was time to make the presentations and catch up with some former members who had made the jounrney to form various parts of Ireland. The vast array of past members included Martin Lennnon who travelled over from from Athlone, former Tara manager Ollie Lynch Meath and Vivian Callaghan.

Pronsais Redican presented Milltown with a plaque to commereate the trip and there was no better man than Dunmore native Chris Donnelan to present the McHales with a plaque.

As well as the host clubs and those named above club would like to thank the following sponsors:

Gerry Boots (EU Commericals) the club’s main sponsor for 2008.

O’Neill and Brennan who sponsored wind cheaters and Bags in advance of the trip.

Sean Faughran (Streetcare) for kindly sponsoring polo tops for the team.

Easter Saturday was a hectic day by all accounts in West London, and that was only the weather, and to be fair anyone who turned to play in those conditions deserved a medal.  Unfortunately on Saturday there could only be one winner.  Tara Ladies turned out, along with Parnell's, Round Towers, Halloway Gaels and Kingdom Kerry Gaels to contest the Annual Ladies 9-a-side tournament at TCG Greenford.  Each team with put forward strong panels of players, and it was hard to tell who the winner would be from the onset. 

In the first round Tara's played Round Towers, and in the wind and rain.  With Debuts for Tara's from Sinead Togher! scoring to bring the Tara's to lead well at half time.  Playing against the wind in the second half, made it a little more challenging for the Tara's and Round towers made some excellent scores against them.  Both teams competed to the best of their ability, but Tara's came out the victors. 

This brought them to meet Holloway in the final.  As they warmed up the Tara's knew they had to work hard and concentrate to beat the Holloway who fought bravely against the Parnell's to reach the final.  They came out on the field and from the first throw it, the game was fought admirably.  Tara's captain, Anne Murphy, leading her team by example, she contested every ball for her team.  Well supported by Karen Togher they held the mid field and moved the play forward at every opportunity. 

Marie Joyce (player of the Tournament) made fantastic scores on behalf of the Tara's, points and goals from all angles.  All the girls playing to their strengths saw them walk away from the final winners against Holloway.  Although the score line seen a Tara's walk over, both teams agreed that this was not a true reflection of the efforts put in by Holloway. 

Players: Zara Clarke, Jenny Reape, Jenna Ralph, Anne Murphy (C), Karen Togher, Marie Joyce, Gemma Taylor, Zelma Power, Nuala McLaughlin, Sinead Togher, Marion McNamee, Sarah Couter. 

Easter Weekend Trip Details

Friday 21st March - Monday 24th March

Please see below for full details of the Tara Men's trip to Ireland.

Friday 21st March 2008

Flight FR225 Ryanair Stansted - Dublin

Flight Time 3.45pm

All players and Mentors travelling to be at check-in at 1.45pm No Later

We will be collected by coach at Dublin Airport on our arrival and will be then brought down to McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris Co. Mayo. Estimated time of arrival at hotel 8pm-8.30pm.

Saturday 22nd March 2008

Game versus Milltown GFC
Time (To be confirmed, hopefully 2pm - 3pm)

We will be guests of Milltown GFC after the game

Sunday 23rd March 2008

Game versus Dunmore McHales GFC

Time (To be confirmed, hopefully 2pm - 3pm)

 We will be guests of Dunmore MCHales GFC after the game

Monday 24th March 2008

Travel back to London.

We will be collected by coach at McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris and will be brought up to Dublin Airport.
Estimated time of departure hotel 12pm

Flight FR244 Ryanair  Dublin - Stansted

Flight Time 4.50pm

 DO NOT FORGET PASSPORT FOR PHOTO ID AT AIRPORT

We are holding this event at The Claddagh Ring, Hendon, NW4 4EA TEL NO. 020 8203 2600.   We will be meeting at 7.00 pm for 7.30pm start.  Please come and support your gaelic club.  We will be electing a new board and organising events for this year.  We would really welcome some new faces and would value your opinions and support.  Anyone wishing to volunteer help with any aspect of the club will be very welcome.  Please forward any motions or nominations by Wednesday 5th February. 

OUTGOING BOARD

Chairperson - Sean Faughnan

Vice-Chairperson – Peter Gartlan

Secretary - Grainne O’Sullivan

Assistant Secretary – Tina Tracey

Treasurer - Brenda Harte

Assistant Treasurer – Mary Gallagher


NEW PLAYERS

New players are always welcome. Age range from 5 to 18 years. We have an under 7’s group with a high trainer to player ratio, the emphasis is on fun and learning skills. The Club has grown in numbers, we are in a position to have A , B and C teams for some age groups. As a Club, we strongly believe in providing training courses for all our trainers and board members. Last year we ran a First Aid Course that 16 members attended and in the past two years 25 members have successfully completed the Foundation Coaching Course. 

Tara Ladies GFC
Pre-Season Training

Training on a floodlight astro-turf pitch will begin on Wednesday 16th January 2008.  And continue once a week on Wednesdays until Easter when we will go back twice a week to our normal grounds.

Time: 7.45pm – 9pm

Vale Farm Sports Centre
Watford Road
North Wembley
Middlesex
HA0 3HG

How to get there:
BY TRAIN:
Sudbury Town (Piccadilly Line) (8 mins walk)
North Wembley (Bakerloo Line & Silverlink) (15 mins walk)
Sudbury & Harrow Road (British Rail from Marylebone) (5 mins walk)

BUS ROUTES: 18, 92, 182 & 245
PARKING: Spaces available for 150 cars

There are changing rooms and toilets on site.
Any problems please call Nuala on 07906985926

Ever dreamed of having your own slave?

Now’s your chance!

Slave Auction

Saturday 8th September

Doors Open: 8.30pm

@ The Claddagh Ring, Hendon

You’ll certainly get your moneys worth.

Proceeds go towards Tara Ladies G.F.C.

Tickets £5 entry
(including entry to nightclub after)

Fill in Contact form for more details.