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Holloway beat reigning county champions to reach league final!
October 24, 2009 --
Holloway Gaels 03 – 10
Fr Murphys 01 – 00
It seemed a foregone conclusion. The odds were simply stacked against Holloway Gaels. To be drawn against the newly crowned 3-in-a-row London County champions, Fr. Murphy’s, in the league semi-final seemed a cruel but just end to a maiden year as a senior team. Holloway Gaels had made progress in 2009. Of that there was no doubt. But this proud team knew that to merit a place at the top table of London Ladies GAA, the club could not be satisfied with simply making up the numbers.
Something then, must have clicked neatly into place on a misty October morning in the calm fields of Greenford. A collective urge to see out the season on a high perhaps? Or simply a stubbornness to rectify a season-long frustration where the potential of this group of talented women was never fully realised?
To put this match in context – Fr Murphys had trounced Holloway Gaels in 2007 and 2008; with Holloway managing 2 points and 3 points in respective matches. The odds were overcome in breathtaking style. Whatever the motivation, the result was an astounding marker in the history of the Gaels. 3 goals and 10 points scored by Holloway. One goal scored by Fr Murphy’s.
Holloway started at speed and had a goal and 4 points in the referee’s book before Fr. Murphy’s could adjust to the pace and to the appetite of their opponents. By the time the first half came to a close all of the Holloway forwards had scored and more unbelievably Fr Murphy’s were scoreless. The Holloway defence are always a ravenous, lupine force. As a unit, they work tirelessly and up until today were the heroes of this team week in week out. The forwards had enough of that statistic today and put together move after move to slice open the Fr Murphy’s defence and show that they are a talented force. It seemed that the 15 players became a team at last.
The second half started more slowly. Holloway could never have been expected to sustain their superiority for 100% of the time. Midway through the half Fr Murphy’s enjoyed a period of dominant play resulting in their only score of the game - a goal from close quarters. Holloway found some latent energy and finished the matched on a high. They added on a further goal and a couple of points to close out the game completely. A ruthless but exhilarating performance from the Holloway girls.
Holloway will remind themselves that nothing has been won yet. A contest against Kingdom Kerry Gaels awaits in the league final. Holloway will want to finish the job now. Nobody can doubt their determination – all they need is one last great performance and 2009 can be heralded as one of the greatest years for the club.
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Training time change
October 4, 2009 --
Wednesday night training has been changed to the earlier time of 6.30pm SHARP! We will continue to use the same space in Finsbury Park, NOT the Athletic Track. Training will be on Saturday, as usual, at 11am. Our important league match against Tara is fixed for Sat 17th at Greenford.
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ANN DUNNING INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT - 19TH SEPT 2009
The venue was an uncharacteristically balmy Tir Chonaill Gaels GAA grounds in Greenford where Holloway Gaels launched the Ann Dunning Ladies Gaelic Football Invitational Tournament on the 19th September 2009.
Named in honour of the late Ann Dunning, a founding member of the Holloway Gaels Ladies GAA club, the tournament aimed to deliver competitive, high intensity contests for the four invitees - Holloway Gaels LGFC, Fulham Irish LGFC, Kingdom Kerry Gaels (KKG) and Connolly’s of Edinburgh. The result was a thrilling set of matches between evenly matched competitors at the peak of the football season.
Despite the many competitions open to British Ladies teams, it is often the case that the players are left frustrated by the lack of meaningful contests in the central period of the GAA season. As a result, matches on the day were played at a high tempo, all teams keen to spend the energy built up by weeks of summer training. Conditions were ideal for fast, flowing football and the pitches were prepared to a high standard by the Tir Chonaill Gaels staff.
The shield final was fierily contested by Fulham Irish and a Connolly’s side that ably modelled skill and prowess that belied the long journey they endured to travel to the tournament. Indeed, it was Connolly’s that started the brighter – leading well at half time. Fulham showed spirit and experience in the second half however, scoring three goals without reply to overtake their opponents and set up a lead that Connolly’s were unable to recover.
Old rivals Holloway Gaels and KKG contested the Cup final. Holloway managed to keep KKG scoreless, a remarkable feat in itself given the class and skill of the KKG girls. A feature of this match was the relentless pace of the game, the humid conditions draining the ebbing energy of both teams. Some fine scores were recorded and Holloway were deserved and delighted inauguralwinners of the Ann Dunning Memorial Cup.
Afterwards the Chairperson of the Holloway Gaels Club, Ciara Holland, made the presentations to the victorious teams; and thanked the referees, the participants, the Tir Chonaill Gaels club and the Edinburgh team who travelled from Scotland and Ireland to represent their club on the day.
Afterwards, the teams retreated to the Drum & Monkey pub in Junction Road in Archway where food and drink were generously provided by the proprietor and Holloway Gaels sponsor Niall O’Connor. Music on the night was a mix of the traditional and the atypical – Holland and her eclectic band of troubadours entertaining the large crowd late into the night.
The success of the tournament and the positive feedback from players and supporters pleased the organisers and it is hoped that the Ann Dunning Invitational will now become an annual event, held in the spirit of keen competition and camaraderie, to promote Ladies Gaelic Football in Britain.
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August Update
August 12, 2009 --
Training to continue on Wednesday nights only until September 2nd.
Joe Fryday 9-a-side tournament Saturday 15th August at Greenford - any available players to be there for 11am. Contact Helen Hagan for more info.
Committee meeting immediately after training on Wed 2nd Sept.
Championship game against Liverpool John Mitchells on 12th September in Birmingham.
Holloway Gaels invitational tournment Saturday 19th September in Greenford, with partying to follow in the Drum and Monkey. More details soon - the craic should be 90!
And finally...
...congrats to ex-Holloway members Bridget and Zoe for making it to the top of Kilimanjaro alive - well done girls!
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Holloway Fundraiser
Click here to download poster
May 3, 2009 --
Keep your diaries free for our first fundraiser of the year in the Drum and Monkey on Saturday 16th May, 7.30pm till late.
ACTIVITIES ON THE NIGHT:
UNVEILING OF BRAND NEW HOLLOWAY KIT, LIVE MUSIC, AUCTION OF VINTAGE HOLLOWAY JERSEYS MODELLED BY THE CREAM OF CURRENT HOLLOWAY STARS,RAFFLE FOR SPOT PRIZES, AUCTION OF KERRY JERSEY SIGNED BY PAST AND PRESENT KERRY FOOTBALLING STARS including MAURICE FITZ, DENIS DWYER, MICK O CONNELL , DARREN O SULLIVAN (Current National League winning captain), JACK O CONNOR etc.
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Holloway win Provincial 9-a-side Shield
Click here for match report.
May 3, 2009 --
Holloway impressed in Birmingham to win the shield at the Provincial 9-a-side competition this weekend.
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League 2nd Round 25th April 2009
Click here for match report
Holloway 9-25 Claddagh Gaels 0-00
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Mary Feehan Cup Semi-Final 19th April 2009
Click here for match report
Holloway 1-03 Tara 1-09
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Holloway Hit the Headlines!
April 16, 2009 --
Thanks to Tor for sorting out a great article by Ian Cooper in this week's Islington Gazette - with an inspirational contribution from manager Paul!
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Training Update
April 15, 2009 --
Training will now take place on both Monday and Wednesday nights in Finsbury Park at 6.30pm (and Saturday mornings at 11am if we don't have a match). Go to 'Directions' section of website for a map.
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Update
March 24, 2009 --
As usual, indoor training will be at Rotherfield Primary School on Wednesday night - arriving at 7.15pm to start at 7.30. Ring Ciara if you have any trouble finding it 07716753663.
Rotherfield Primary School
We are hoping to organise a challenge game for this weekend - watch this space.
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Training
March 2, 2009 --
To prepare us for the new season, training will take place on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Our first session will be Wednesday 4th March and will take place at Rotherfield Primary School, Rotherfield Street, N1 3EE (link below). Can everyone please ensure that they are there for 7.15 to start at 7.30 prompt. This will be a 1hr fitness session with the first one being taken by Aedin. As this will be taking place indoors, please ensure that your wear trainers and not football boots! If anyone has problems with finding the school, please contact Ciara on 07716 753663. Click here for directions.
Sunday training will start on 8th March at Finsbury Park at 11.30 prompt. For those who do not know where we train there will be a handhold outside the Twelve Pins pub at 11.15. This pub is located right next to the park and the link below shows where the Twelve Pins is located.
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AGM
February 7, 2009 --
The club held a well attended and productive AGM on 1st February 2009 at the London Irish Centre in Camden.
Incoming Committee
Honorary President – Ann-Marie Dargan
Chairperson - Ciara Holland
Vice Chairperson - Hilary Young
Secretary - Beverley Williams
Assistant Secretary - Julie Gannon
Treasurer - Aisling Clifford
Assistant Treasurer - Cliona Kennedy
Public Relations Officer - Aedin Kennedy
Assistant PRO - Elaine O’Rourke
Culture & Language Officer - Angela Gordon
Youth Development Officer - Nicky Fitzgerald
Team Manager - Paul Maher
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Santa Run
December 8, 2008 --
Well done to everyone who completed the 6k Santa Run in Battersea Park on Saturday. Almost 2000 santas is quite a sight! There are a few photos up on Holloway Gaels' Facebook site, and one might get some up here as well some time in the next year. Message from Helen below:
All details of the charity are on www.thejoannabrowntrust.org and the section 'Sponsorship & Donations' under the 'Get involved' tab has all the relevant info. We haven't been able to set up a justgiving page yet (the charity is still being registered for gift aid) but there are a couple of ways that you can collect sponsorship money:
1. use the attached form to collect donations individually. You can then give the money and details to me and I will pay them in to the Trust bank account; or
2. ask people to make donations directly to the Trust, either by bank transfer or by sending a cheque to the address shown on the website.
I know there are loads of demands on people for money at this time of the year, so no pressure to do this or to feel like you have to raise a particular amount. However, I know for sure that any money you do raise will be much appreciated and put to good use.
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Victory for the Underdogs
December 8, 2008 --
Congrats to Rosie Cusack for a fine display in goals while helping London defeat the Underdogs team at Sunbury on Saturday evening. Holloway is very proud of you!
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Holloway End-Of-Season Bash
Gem restaurant on Upper Street proved to be the perfect venue for Holloway's Christmas do and awards night. Great food and an unlimited supply of wine, together with the usual banter and a few world class speeches made for a great night. Well done to all the very deserving prize-winners, and another huge thank you to club stalwart Ann-Marie Dargan who is retiring to concentrate on her climbing career.
Player of the Year - Aisling Clifford
Best Newcomer - Nicky Fitzgerald
Most Improved Player - Nat Lumsden
Club Person of the Year - Jenny Smyth
London Ladies Junior Football Championship 2008
HOLLOWAY GAELS REMAIN JUNIOR CHAMPIONS OF LONDON
Holloway Gaels 1-09 Fulham Irish 2-04
It’s been a long and challenging season for the Gaels of Holloway and they finally have some silverware as a reward for their efforts. The defending champions emerged as victors again in the London Ladies Junior Football Final at Ruislip on 18th October. Holloway came up against a strong challenge in the form of Fulham Irish, but the greater experience of the North London based girls was the difference between the two teams on the day.
Though not technically attractive, the game was tense and exciting from the throw in and was played in conditions that were near perfect. Fulham began the game in aggressive style and immediately employed the simple but effective ploy of withdrawing two of their forwards to the back line to smother the Holloway attackers. The sparsely populated Holloway defence was left exposed and Fulham had a goal and a point on the score board before the Holloway girls had time to even consider an adjustment to the Fulham tactics.
Holloway weren’t to remain scoreless for long and soon registered points from Elaine O’Rourke and Captain Ciara Holland. For long periods of the first half the not unsubstantial crowd of supporters were kept entertained by free flowing, end to end passages of traditional catch and kick football which was spoiled only by the high amount of possession that each team conceded. The teams were so evenly matched that few present would have believed that this was the same Fulham team that Holloway dispatched with ease less than four months ago. Fulham certainly showed the greater desire to improve since the summer and credit must go to their coaching staff and to all the girls involved for applying themselves so well to preparing for this match. Holloway went to the half time team talk bruised, shaken and two points down.
The second half’s frenzied opening minutes mirrored the opening exchanges of the first half, this time with Holloway scoring a goal and a point in swift succession. The goal was a neatly worked move initiated on the right of mid field by Helen Hagan. The ball was worked through the static Fulham defence and eventually made its way to the beating heart of the Holloway club Anne-Marie Dargan. The number 10 collected the ball at the edge of the square and deftly tapped it into the net to nudge Holloway ahead for the first time. Holloway then settled in to a healthy pattern of possession football and seemed to have the extra yard on the Fulham girls all over the field at this point.
But this game was never going to be predictable and Fulham’s rather fortuitous goal two thirds of the way through the second half revitalised the match. Each ball was contested tigerishly and possession was vital in these closing stages. Fulham had an opportunity for a goal in the final ten minutes but in the end the ball went harmlessly wide to the collective relief of the Holloway squad. This was a cup that Holloway were never going to let go of easily and they dug deep to break down Fulham attacks and take scores at the other end. Points from Aisling Clifford and the reliable Ciara Holland gave them a three point lead again with minutes remaining. An attack in the dying moments from Fulham promised a goal but delivered only a point and the cup was on its way to North London.
Fulham will be disappointed with this loss but will most certainly be the junior team to beat in London next year. Holloway must now look to bigger challenges and be brave enough to join the Senior ranks in 2009.
The girls of Holloway are an eclectic and spirited bunch and victory is generated by so much more than the fifteen that take the field on match day. The seemingly endless nights of running in Finsbury Park may be forgotten when the cup is spilling over with alcopops on its journey around an Upper Street bar, but Holloway Gaels will not ignore the commitment and energy of all the club members that contributed so much to the successful defence of the London Junior Championship.
Holloway Gaels Beaten in Provincial Final
Saturday 04th October 2008
The ladies of Holloway travelled to Birmingham on Saturday last to face their 2007 adversaries John Mitchells Liverpool in the eagerly anticipated Junior Ladies Provincial Final.
Holloway had trained keenly all year with the aim of exorcising the niggling preoccupation with last year’s final loss to bring the cup home to North London. Alas, it was not to be. They were met with a skilful and fluid Liverpool unit who, save for a brief spell at the top of the second half, dominated the play.
From the start the play was manipulated by the strong wind that blew relentlessly straight up the pitch and governed the flight of the ball. It was with the help of this gale that Liverpool accelerated to an early lead – one that Holloway were never able to recoup.
The Holloway backs, as usual, put in a committed effort and Nicky Fitzgerald showed character and grit from the outset to lead the defence both vocally and physically. An injury to All-Ireland hero Beverly Williams after 10 minutes was a severe blow, but substitute Laura Lahif hit the ground running when she came on and never stopped chasing for the remainder of the game.
Despite all efforts, Holloway trailed well behind as the half-time whistle blew.
The second half brought a renewed spirit to a reshuffled Holloway attack. The Gaels finally had the opportunity to exhibit the skill and flair that brought them to this final and they scored five points without reply. Well taken efforts from Helen Hagan and Ciara Holland spurred the team to produce some excellent football, the highlight being two magnificent points from centre back Aedin Kennedy from 40 yards out.
However, the contest ended as it had begun with John Mitchells regaining control and holding possession to frustrate Holloway and stifle any attempt to overhaul the significant lead.
There were many positives to take away from the game - most notably the sublime natural skills of Angela Gordon and Aileen Brady – two names that will surely feature prominently in the London GAA scene in 2009. Nobody will deny that it was a physical game with plenty of the girls nursing bruises and sprains– none more so than Cathy ‘kit-kat’ Collins who broke her fingers in the first half of the match but continued until the final whistle (and well into the wee hours of the morning!!) without a whimper of complaint.
The support and encouragement from the sideline was uplifting but the disappointment in the whole squad as John Mitchells were presented with the silverware was difficult to bear.
Holloway cannot afford to grieve for long, as they will need to prepare well to overcome the growing momentum of the Fulham Irish Ladies in the County Junior Final on 18th October.
Holloway Girls Reach Final of Jo Fryday Tournament - 16th August 2008
The ladies of Holloway reached the final in the Jo Fryday 7-a-side tournament at Greenford on Saturday last. This was the second successive final that Holloway have reached in 7-a-side competition in this 2008 season. At Easter their opponents were Parnells in a match played in hail, wind and mud. The conditions were far more conducive to quality football this time round, but the result was the same – with Parnells emerging as the winners in a tough and competitive contest.
On the day Holloway showed great commitment and spirit – winning three out of the four qualifying matches to reach the final. The matches were physical and intense with little time to rest or nurse the many bruises during the 15 minute games. It was noticeable that Holloway’s improved fitness levels contributed to their skilful and committed performances. The results will give a boost to the squad in the lead up to the Provincial and County Semi-finals in September.
Representing Holloway on the day were Julie Gannon, Nuala Hayes, Michelle Kerley, Aisling Clifford, Rosie Cusack, Annie Finnegan, Helen Sammon, Jenny Smith and Tor Begg. Gavin Hattie was his usual motivating self – divided between coaching and umpiring duties - as well as topping up his sun-burn in the process.
Well done to Julie Gannon who made her debut in the Holloway jersey – who made her mark by scoring a goal in the final against Parnells.
Tara Junior's held scoreless!!!
Well done to everyone yesterday. 1-5 to 0-0 win. What a result with so many players unavaialble (final tally on that was 21!!).
Jenny kept a clean a sheet in goals and had to pull off some fine saves when we were under pressure in second half. Helen Hagan was a great captain for the day (Holland - you're fired) and was excellent at centre back. Annie Finnegan cooly hit over a great second half point and Hilary's goal was the match clincher (even though Karen claimed it later in the Faltering).
Cathy Collins, Lisa McDonagh and Laura, all forwards, showed their versatlity by all having great games in the backs. Nicky was solid as ever at full back. Mary Anne covered loads of ground at corner back and stayed with her marker who played very deep. Tor was unstoppable aside from two very dangerous tackles on her which flattened her but she was back up in no time. Karen Doyle's last game for us was one of her best performances to date and she left her marker for dead time and time again. Nuala and Michelle fed great ball into the full forward line where our target woman, Yvonne, cleaned up at full forward. Introduction of Angela Mayo was a turning point in the game and her runs at centre forward caused all sorts of problems for Tara's defence.
All in all a superbly spirited performance from Holloway.
Big thanks to goal hero Hilary for cancelling her w/end away to spend the day at Greenford , to Michelle who changed work shifts and to Angela for missing post teaching practice celebrations (and to anyone else who had to change plans). And also to Lisa Keane and Ciara for coming along to ensure we had enough players.
Sucessful week!
Last week proved to be a productive one in the Holloway camp with victories over both KKG and Fulham Irish. Read our star reporter's recount of the KKG game here - Holloway's first ever victory over a senior team in a 15-a-side game.
Tara Match
Please make a note in your diary that we are playing Tara Seniors on Saturday 28th June. The game is at 4pm in Greenford. If you are not available to play, please let either Anne-Marie or Gav know as soon as possible.
Finfit
On Thursday 19th June, Holloway Gaels are taking part in the 'FinFit' event that is taking place in Finsbury Park. This is a festival aiming to get young people from the area into sport and will also involve other groups that use the park to train and play their games. Holloway will be playing a exhibition game at about 7pm followed by a coaching session. We will need loads of volunteers to take part so please let Bev know if you are able to attend on this day.
Training
Outdoor training has fully resumed to our Finsbury Park home - Mondays and Wednesdays at 7.30pm. We train at the Seven Sisters Road side of the athletics track in the area beside the set of rugby posts. If you are unsure of where to go, call Anne-Marie beforehand on 07773 637603 or Ciara on 077 1675 3663.
Winning streak continues!
Great result on April 13th in 1st round of British club championship against 2006 champions - John Mitchells Birmingham. We came from 2 points down with 15 minutes to go, to win by 13 points. 3 second half goals from Aisling finished off a decent Birmingham side. Player of the match performance from Yvonne Tevlin at wing forward. Claire Nugent came out of retirement to stand in goals (!), Jenny Smyth scored a couple of great points, Rosie Cusack had a stormer at midfield despite just coming back from an ankle injury and Elaine O'Rourke did really well in her debut at corner forward. Job well done ladies (and Gav). Bring on Liverpool!
TCG 7-a-side Mud Wrestling
Holloway displayed tremendous fighting spirit to get to the final of the Tir Chonaill Gaels 7-a-side competition on Easter weekend, notching up a first ever win over Parnells in the process. In possibly the worst conditions imaginable, the Gaels lost out to a strong Tara side. To any newcomers...gaelic football is usually much more enjoyable! Cheers to Kenneally's Paul for spending the day cheering us on from the sideline, and to the girls who stepped in at the last minute to re-organise the competition.
First win!
Great start to the season with a convincing win over Tara at Colindale on Sunday 9th March. Congrats to Valentina and Rachel on a super performance in their first ever game of gaelic football, and to Mary-Ann on her first in 10 years (but sure when you're from Tyrone, ye never lose it). A deadly debut display in a Holloway jersey from Angela, Angela and Aileen - and the rest of the team didn't do too badly either! Let's hope we've set the tone for the year...
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