The recent untimely death of Tara Lane deeply affected everyone at Moorefield Camogie club. Tara's skill , determination and strength saw her represent both club and county with distinction. She was a natural leader, both on and off the playing field and her unique ability to inspire those around her while she literaly took charge of a game marked her out as a truly special player. How many times we all remember the oposition pressing hard when suddenly Tara's yellow helmet appeared to break up the attack and deliver her trademark long clearance to put us on the attack again. Tara Captained Moorefield to Feile success at U14 level in 2004 and led the team to the county championship later the same year. She was delighted to be selected in 2003 and 2004 for the Kildare Camogie panel with Kildare retaining their Leinster Championship in 2003. Tara won an U16 championship with Moorefield in 2005, the year she literally ran away with the club player of the year award. Captaining a team from full back is neither a role or field postion know for facilitating shrinking violets, a fact been illustrated by her often heard contention that "shin guards were a sign of weakness." Playing let handed meant she was rarely blocked down and on more than one occasion she would mischievously question whether right handed players were suitable defenders at all. Tara inspired incredible loyalty in those playing with her but it is noteworthy that the other member of her "fab five", Aimee, Nicola, Sheena and Siobhan all played defence with her and were devoted to her. Tara continued to play for as long as her physical strength would allow and then became an impassioned and highly vocal supporter of "her team" from the sideline. She was a selector on our minor team that progressed to the final last year and also assisted with the Junior team. Last September on a miserable evening in Moorefield she talked her way onto the pitch for the the last few minutes against St Laurences. Later she cheerfully announced to horrified mentors that she wasn't supposed to play under any circumstances. Tara simply wanted to wear her beloved Moorefield jersey for what she undoubtly knew would be her last time. While Tara led by example on the field nothing inspired us all more than her incredible bravery and resolute dignity in the face of her illness. To Tom, Caroline, Fiona and Conal we extend our heartfelt sympathies but also our gratitude for giving us the opportunity to know the wonderful, inspiring character that was Tara who had left her indelible mark on the club. That trademark cheeky smile from underneath the yellow helmet burns forever in all our hearts. There will be no number 3 jersey on the field this year for Moorefield but Tara's influence and inspiration will simply be everywhere. - courtesy of the Leinster Leader, February 28th 2008 Tweet

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