Clapham, 20th February, 5.25pm
It was AGM time again for Croydon Camogie Club (1 day and 5 minutes earlier than last year's for the record!), at a new venue of the Bread and Roses, Clapham (nice find B, I think we will be returning, that beer garden caught my eye.....).
So only 25 minutes late starting, and it was Rita who got things off to a flyer, rattling through her Chairperson's address. I'd summarise it as follows:
But she finished with a rallying cry, so motivating that I felt like playing a match there and then, and I was only on soft drinks, so it was all down to Rita, good woman. If we win anything this year Rita, I'll single out that moment as a defining one of the year!
Then it was over to one of the young ones, Sarah and her secretary's report. Nice report Sarah, I recognise some of those expressions, kid, but I forgive ya! Included congrats to the married (Mairead) and engaged (Clarkie and Little Mel), and a welcome to the new girls, 2 of whom were brave enough to attend the AGM....sure hope they come back!
Over to Sharon, and good to see we have a few quid in the kitty....hmmmm....must put some thought into trips away.... Some bright spark (!) proposes a new "social" membership fee....just trying to collar some of the recent retirees....Collier and Treasaigh be warned!
Then on to the serious business. Dunphy is elected senior captain (that's the two kids graduated to captaincy now, how proud I am), and "oul" reliable Sharon, who's as enthusiastic as ever, is elected vice-captain. Good stuff.
The officers....Rita's the only nomination for Chair....at least we know she wants it, since she didn't nominate anyone else herself. Deadly, job done. We have a contest for vice-chair, always a good sign, and Jenni is elected. Secretary is Bridget (club this year, co next year maybe B?!), and her assistant is Sarah. Thanks for last year Sarah, I know it's a tough job! Oh but B, you'll be grand! Treasurer is Sharon again, and a clear message, no money, no gear! PRO is Clare (just thought I'd save ya a job here Clare, though maybe not the report you had in mind...), and then there's some chat about a new role of Development Officer. Sinead O'D is keen but a Southend commute is a problem. We're about to leave it vacant....and then.... out of the blue, the wannabe Rose herself pipes up, Alison will give it a go! Good for you Alison, I think you'll be great at it, and best of luck in the London Rose contest.....and the Brighton half-marathon.....and the London Marathon....no stopping you girl! General committee members....nice one Rita, sure just ask everyone there, the more foot soldiers you have, the better. Fordie, Sinead O'D and Elaine are it (with more of ye to be asked at a later date.....don't anyone get smug!).
Neil's on board again for 2010, though unsure of what commitment he can give. But great to have him. Training will be this week, as long as we can share the lights.
Bríd announces her retirement.....is that the mistake some of us made....we never actually said, "don't text or call me"....respect, Bríd. Thanks for the memories! Especially the psycho moment in Holly Lane.....classic!
AOB...."can we talk about the Boston Sevens?", says Alison. Someone mentions Birmingham tournament, which clashes with a county fixture - girls should go to one or the other, guilt free, as long as they go to one of them. Someone mentions the Tara Sevens.....yes, we'll be playing. "Can we talk about the Boston Sevens?", says Alison again. You after a trip abroad Ali?! Miami....is that October? Dubai....February 2011? Right, pattern emerging....they want to go somewhere....one for the new committee to address. A return trip to Kilanena? Yes, of course (but don't forget the Boston Sevens.....).
A club reunion? Yep, sounds like a plan. We're 25 years on the go next year says Mary Mac, sounds like a decent excuse.
That's alot of ideas, on our first get-together. It could be a good year.... Right, wrap it up, 6.45 and time for a drink.
Collier?! No, really, Collier, is that you?! Wonders will never cease.... Would you be a selector this year? Not if it's raining says Fordie....
Ann, "the new girl", sticks around, to suss us out. Quiet enough to start. Then Fordie starts to worry about staying off the drink if there's a club session in the Ramble before Easter.....Ann pipes up "I like the sound of this club!". Ha! She's one of us! And that took less than 4 hours. Welcome! Fordie buys her a drink....
That's where I left them.....drinking away....and sensible me headed home. I am getting old.....
Saturday 17th October, Emerald GAA Grounds, Ruislip
Croydon 2-05 V Bros Pearses 2-00
The Senior League saw Croydon and Bros Pearses level on points in second place with a play off necessary to determine who would face Tara in the final. Despite both teams fielding under strength teams, onlookers were not disappointed by a gritty performance from both sides with a spirited second half fight back from Croydon moving them one step closer to gaining the London Senior League title. The 5 point margin may have looked comfortable for Croydon but it was anything but with the game hanging in the balance till the end.
From the off, the game was thrilling and tense as each team vied for dominance. Croydon opened the scoring with a well taken point by Aisling Touhy from 30 yards out. This was soon following up by a further point from Rita O’Mahoney. The south siders had settled well and seemed to control the play with centre back, Elaine Dunphy, standing firm in the back line; a further point from the forward line increased their lead. There was never enough of a margin for Croydon to sit back and after some up front tussles in the Pearses forward line saw them breach the Croydon defence with a goal from Frances O’Neill. The scene was now set for a battle and Pearses having found some form continue to pile on the pressure with Sinead McMahon making some fine runs through the centre of the field. Despite the efforts of the Croydon backline Pearses again found the net through their full forward, Darniece.
The second half was as entertaining as the first as both teams battled hard with Croydon exerting pressure up front resulting in a quick point to close the gap on the leaders. The fear of losing was apparent for both teams and on more than one occasion Brian Corry had to calm proceedings. Tempers continued to spill with Croydon earning themselves a penalty as an illegal tackle was made on Aisling Touhy; however an opportunity missed as a fantastic save was made by Pearses goalkeeper. Realising their error, Croydon dug deep and following a team move between Kelly, Hehir and McNeela they found the top corner of the net with an expertly taken shot. Pearses rallied and play saw them move the ball to their hungry forwards with Croydons goalie, Sarah Allen having to put her body on line to pull off some magnificent saves. A great team effort from the women in black as their defence cleared their lines feeding some good ball to their upfront partners who added a further goal and point before the final whistle.
Croydon’s unity and strength won out in the end and the stage is thus set for Senior League Final between Croydon and Tara which no doubt will make for a thrilling encounter, the date of which is yet to be set pending the outcome Tara’s quest in the All Ireland Club championship campaign.
Croydon: S Allen, J McGivney, S O’Donoghue, B Halloran, M Agnew, E Dunphy, C Curtain, S McNeela, M Hoare, A Kelly, A Touhy, R O’Mahoney, B Hehir, E Jones & M Barry Subs: S Allis
Sunday 20 June 2009, Poulter Park, Mitcham
Croydon 15-17 V John Mitchells 0-0
Croydon continued on their winning streak in the Junior League with a convincing win over John Mitchells in Poutler Park on Sunday with a resounding score line of 15-17 to no score. This was always set to be a hard fixture for the Warwickshire ladies who only fielded a nine player squad.
Croydon were dominant from the start and opened the scoring soon after the throw in with a close range strike from half forward Aodhnait Connors. This was quickly followed by a goal and point from Captain Bridget Hehir. Most of the first half action was up front for the home side as they controlled the play and continued to clock up the scores with some excellent taken goals by Mel Hoare(2) and Mary MacArthur(3). The visitors did not let their heads drop as they battled hard to clear their lines. However their efforts were unsuccessful as Croydon defence held strong with some excellent clearances by Claire Lenihan and Mairead Agenew who linked up well with Hehir who was instrumental in increasing the home side score line. There was some excellent team play by the Croydon midfielders Sinead Allis, Rita O’Mahoney and Allison Kelly with their forward line to increase their lead before the half time whistle.
The second half opened with a changed Mitchells side who made a number of tactical moves in a bid to break the steadfast Croydon backline. The visitors were intent in their mission and their added vigour and enthusiasm meant Croydon’s wing backs, Jenni McGivney and Brid Halloran had to hold firm in defence. Croydon soon regained their first half momentum with Bridget Hehir rattling the visitors net for the first score of the second half. Mitchells struggled on their puck outs as Mel Hoare cleaned up converting her chances to increase her personal tally of the day. Croydon made a number of changes bringing some of their defenders into the fray up front. With 10 minutes remaining the Warwickshire side dug deeper in a final bid to get on the scoreboard. But midfield runners Allis and Kelly were quick to tackle their advances and fed the ball to newly insitu forwards Claire McCarthy and Claire Lenihan who got their names on the scoreboard with some stylish scores. A brave performance by John Mitchells on a day when Croydon were on top form and seemed to be able to score from all angles.
Croydon:, C McCarthy(0-2), M Agnew, B Halloran(1-0), C Lenihan(2-1), J McGivney, S Allis, R. O’Mahoney(0-1), A Kelly, M Hoare(5-0), B Hehir(2-13), A Connors(1-0), M McArthur(4-0)
Saturday 20th June 2009 Tír Chonaill Park, Greenford
Fr. Murphy's 2.05 V Croydon 1.04
The final and all important group ranking round of the London Senior Camogie Championship took place in Greenford on Saturday evening. Unusual in itself to have an evening throw in, the teams were unperturbed in their mission to secure an all important victory. The fixture proved to be demanding from the outset with each score being hard fought. However, Murphy’s set the precedent as they opened the scoring to run out eventual winners.
From the outset the game was tense and competitive. Croydon settled well and had some excellent passages of play in the midfield area but despite this superb teamwork they were unable to convert their opportunities as their shots failed to hit the mark. After some ten minutes of blistering hurling it was eventually the home team who got their name on the score board first with a pointed free from Grainne Hunter. Croydon hit back strongly as they gritted their teeth in determination as Aishling Touhy scored from a 45. With nothing separating the teams, each one-on-one pairing fought for possession putting in some hard tackles; Sinead O’Donoughe and Grainne Hunter of Croydon and Murphys respectively, being fine examples of this. Croydon’s defence was steadfast and they cleared their lines well with Maria Clarke & Sarah Allen putting in some hard running in the centre of the field. Murphy’s could only manage a further point before Mary Cahill blew the half time whistle.
The second half was equally entertaining as the first as each team vied for dominance. Again Murphy’s hit the target first scoring a point and goal in quick succession. Croydon, having made some tactical changes took their time to find momentum but eventually, Liz Jones beating her opposite number Bronagh McLernon, got the visitors their first score of the second half. The home team retaliated in fine fashion adding further scores to widen the gap. An earlier strategic move saw Anne Marie O’Dwyer move to full forward position and when presented with what seemed an impossible angle on goal saw her beat goalie, Mel Hogan to get the visitors back into contention. Croydon’s spirits were lifted as they piled on the pressure with Murphy’s conceding a number of frees; Aishling Touhy converted one of these from close range. Sadly for the visitors, time was not on their side for a come-back as victory went to Murphy’s with a final scoreline of 2.05 to 1.04.
A highly entertaining game and with semi final pairings now decided; the title of London Senior Camogie Champions remains wide open with the knock out stages being held on the 4th July.
Croydon: K Collins, J McGivney, AM O’Dwyer, S O’Donoughe, S Keatley, E Dunphy, M Tierney, M Clarke, S Allen, R O’Mahoney, L Jones, A Touhy, B Hehir, C Lenihan, C McCarthy. Subs: R Harvey (for C McCarthy) K Forde (for M Tierney), A Kelly
Saturday 6th June 2009 Poulter Park, Mitcham
Croydon 2.06 V Bros Pearses 1.05
The second round of the London Camogie Championship saw Croydon overcome Bros Pearses with an outstanding comeback in the second half to secure an important victory.
From the outset the game was tense and competitive with many hard fought battles in the centre of the pitch. Croydon opened the scoring with a well taken point by Lizzie Jones, quickly followed up with a further point by Rita O’Mahoney. Pearses came fighting back, securing their own puck out and passing the ball to corner forward Aoife O'Connell who rattled the Croydon net. Some excellent play followed with many hard fought contests around the middle of the field. Pearses continued to apply the pressure with Sue Deasy, in particular, making trouble for the Croydon backline. Their efforts were rewarded and a further 3 points were added to their tally before the whistle blew at half time.
The second half commenced with a much changed Croydon side, tactical moves saw full back Anne Marie O’Dwyer move to full forward with Sarah Allen taking up the full back position. These switches proved their worth for Croydon as they closed the gap on the leaders with Lizzie Jones getting her second score of the day as she put the ball past goalie, Therese Doyle. Pearses defense battled hard to break through the Croydon midfield but the home team stood their ground with stoic performances by Maria Clarke and Aisling Touhy. Sharon McNeela leveled the scoring with a converted free from the 40 yard line. This lifted Croydon’s spirits and was the turning point of the game as Croydon took the lead with a point from Bridget Hehir. The visitors continued their efforts but were unable to stop the Croydon forward line from clocking up some fine scores with 2 points from Anne Marie O’Dwyer and an excellent goal from Sharon McNeela. Pearses’ heads didn’t drop as they made a tactical switch and brought Sue Deasy to centre forward where she fought hard and was rewarded with a converted free. The end was drawing near and both sides showed their determination with Croydon’s Elaine Dunphy and Pearses’ Trish Nihill epitomising the character of both teams but ultimately Croydon triumphed on the day and ran out winners with a final score line of 2.06 to 1.05.
Croydon: K Collins, J McGivney, A M O’Dwyer, B Hehir, S O’Donoghue, E Dunphy, S Allen, S McNeela, M Clarke, M Tierney, S Keatley, A Touhy, R O’Mahoney, L Jones, B McAdam Subs M Hoare
Saturday 9 May 2009, Tir Chonaill Park, Greenford
Tara 3-11 V Croydon 0-5
Croydon commenced their Senior Championship campaign against Tara in Greenford on Saturday. Tara began the game in blistering form with a well taken goal from Denise Gilligan and closely followed up with a point. Croydon responded with a quickly taken puck-out to the middle of the field which was secured by Aishling Touhy and converted in stylish fashion to get Croydon on the scoreboard. Some excellent play followed with many battles around the centre of the field between Marie Clarke and Meabh Brennan of Croydon and Tara respectively. Croydon battled hard but failed to capitalise on their opportunities up front as Tara continued to dominate the score line.
The second half resumed in the same vein with Tara continuing to pressurise the Croydon backline. An excellent up-front pairing of Bid Grennan and Denise Gilligan saw the points clock up for Tara. Croydon could only respond with two pointed frees from Sharon McNeela as many other chances failed to reach the mark from their forward line. Tara’s defence was solid through-out with an excellent performance by Ann Gleeson in particular. Tara ran out convincing winners of the day as they made their intentions clear on gaining the title this year.
Croydon: C McCarthy, J McGivney, S Allen, M Power, S McNeela, E Dunphy, S O’Donoughe, M Mullhall, M Clarke, A Tuohy, S Keatley, L Jones, M Tierney, B Hehir, C Lenihan, Subs M Dillion
Saturday 25 April 2009, Tír Chonaill Park, Greenford
Croydon 1-06 V Bros Pearses 2-03
Games between these teams are always closely fought out to the end and the senior game on Saturday did not disappoint. A highly entertaining 60 mins of camogie was enjoyed by the spectators as the game could have gone either way right up to the point when Darren Howlin blew the final whistle.
Bros. Pearse had the better start with full forward Sue Deasy scoring two well taken goals beating Croydon keeper Anne-Marie O Dwyer. Croydon responded well, gradually taking advantage of the slight hill, with a goal from Michelle Mulhall, playing her second game of the day. Points from Aishling Touhy saw the teams head for half time with a scoreline of 2-01 to 1-02.
Again, Bros. Pearse made the better start with two well taken points shortly into the second half, but were unable to keep up that momentum. Croydon made some changes and managed to come within a point of the leaders with 10 minutes to go. The Pearses back line came under enormous pressure and did extremely well to maintain the lead. Croydon had some frustrating wides with a number of shots just failing to reach the target. Finally a point from Sharon McNeela on the stroke of full time ended the game in a draw.
Croydon: AM O Dywer, C Curtin, L Jones, M Power, M Dillon, E Dunphy, M Faloona, S Allen, S McNeela, A Tuohy, S Keatley, M Mulhall, R O Mahoney, B Hehir, M Hoare
Saturday 25 April 2009, Tír Chonaill Park, Greenford
Croydon 5-5 V Bros Pearse 0-0
Croydon Juniors continued their winning streak with a convincing win over Bros Pearse in the Junior League. Greenford provided the venue for the first game of a double header between the two clubs on Saturday 25th April.
The first half got underway with fiercely contested battles throughout the field. Croydon began the scoring, accruing 2 goals and 1 point from Eimear Hoare, Mel Hoare and Bridget Hehir. Croydon back line held strong withstanding goal attempts from Bros. Pearse's full forward Therese Doyle.
Croydon dominated the second half with the pairing of Mel Hoare and Bridget Hehir linking up well to continue the scoring. Despite the best efforts of the Pearses goalie, Martha O'Neill, and full back, Mary Cahill, Croydon ultimately proved too strong.
Croydon: M McArthur, M Faloona, B Halloran, C Curtin, J McGivney, M Mulhall, M Power, R O Mahoney, B Hehir, M Hoare, A Connors, E Hoare.
Saturday 4 April 2009, Páirc na hÉireann, Birmingham
John Mitchels 1-0 V Croydon 1-8
Croydon got off to a positive start in the Junior Championship with a convincing win over newly formed John Mitchells of Warwickshire with a scoreline of 1-08 to 1-00.
Nine Croydon players travelled to Pairc na hEireann in Birmingham on Saturday 4th April for their opening Championship fixture. The game began with many hard fought battles around the centre of the field. It was clear from the outset that both teams were determined to win.
After a tight opening 10 mins, it was Croydon who struck first with Captain Bridget Hehir scoring a well taken point from play. Croydon continued to dominate with a further point from Michelle Tierney and a goal by Bridget Hehir from the 30 metre line increasing Croydon’s lead going into half time.
John Mitchell’s had the better start to the second half with a quick goal from Sarah Fulham following a great team effort. Croydon responded well with a point from Clare Lenihan. John Mitchells tried to make their numerical advantage count and at times Croydon struggled to cover the ground. Full back for John Mitchells, Denise Brough made some fantastic clearances but ultimately, the visitors proved too strong running out 8 point winners.
Croydon: M McArthur, C Curtin, B Halloran, J McGivney, S Allis, M Tierney, B Hehir, C Lenihan, A Connors.
John Mitchels: K McLaughlin, D Gannon, N Lynch, D Brough, E Hickey, A Quin, M Cunnife, K Donelley, S Fulham, H Healy, S Rice, K Frost, S Crehan, S Conlon.