Tara travelled to Birmingham on Saturday for the annual Erin go Bragh Women's Festival. Now it is 31st year, Tara have been long time supporters of the tournament, and having narrowly missed out on the silverware last year, we hoping to go one step better this year.

 

Under the reign of Dan Egan the girls first faced a strong Fullen Gaels of Manchester. With Fullen Gaels opening the scoring and proving dangerous, Tara took a little while to find their feet. However, by the second half they soon settled into the game, and with some great scores from Eilish O'Neill and Fiona Morrissey they overcame Fullen Gaels. Next up was Fr Murphys of London, with Tara looking strong and running out winners. A tougher game from hosts Erin go Bragh followed. With some determined performances by the go Bragh girls, it was a low scoring but very tough game with Tara eventually taking the points.

 

The final two group were against Thomas Mc Curtains (London) and Tir Chonaill Harps (Glasgow). Having come up against Thomas McCurtains numerous times in 2017, a close game was expected. Mc Curtains battled hard but with Helen Murphy and Fiona Morrissey in flying form, Tara put together some great scores. Looking for a clean sweep, the girls took on a hearty Tir Chonaill Harps, but the experience of the Tara girls proved too much for the determined Glasgow side.

 

Finishing in top place, Tara faced a semi final against Fr Murphys. With the Tara girls really finding their feet, they proved too strong for their London rivals. With Polly Marmion and Megan McGuire causing havoc for the Murphy's defence, and Brid Keating and Joni Traynor working hard in defence, Tara ran out winners and booked their spot in the final, against last year's winners - Fullen Gaels.

 

Looking for revenge after their defeat against Fullen Gaels in the final last year, the Tara girls knew they would have a tough game on their hands. With Sarah Mc Nicholl commanding the Tara defence, quality ball was pushed forward and Tara took some great scores. Fullen Gaels fought hard, scoring some lovely points, but the Londoners ran out victorious and claimed the silverware. Sarah Mc Nicholl was awarded the Player of the Tournament award, with Helen Murphy winning the poc fada.

 

Special thanks for all at Erin go Bragh, especially Dennis Neenan for a great day of camogie, to all at Holly Lane for the use of the facilities and to the referees on the day.

 

Tara Team

Sarah McNicholl, Helen Murphy, Fiona Morrissey, Joni Traynor, Brid Keating, Polly Marmion, Eilish O'Neill and Megan Mc Guire. Coach - Dan Egan.

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