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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.
Holloway Surprise KKG in Sunset Duel
London Ladies Football League 04th June 2008
Holloway 3:09 Kingdom Kerry Gaels 3:06
Holloway Gaels met Kingdom Kerry Gaels in the London league on a balmy evening on the 04th June last in Greenford. Up until this point in their history Holloway had never beaten a Senior Club in a 15-a- side competition and so the scene was set for an engaging and competitive league tie.
It was the Holloway girls that started the stronger, winning the majority of possession around the centre third of the field. Karen Doyle at midfield used her height to win valuable ball and she connected well with Cathy Collins and Anne-Marie Dargan who were making strong attacking runs on each wing. However, amid tight marking and constant hassling from the physical KKG defence, Holloway managed only to convert their dominance into one point on the scoreboard.
Roisin McEvoy from KKG began to influence the play and instigated waves of attack on the busy Holloway defence. Two balls arching over the head of the otherwise robust Holloway goalkeeper Rosie Cusack and into the net left Holloway trailing for most of the first half.
Holloway got points back through Aisling Clifford and the impressive Elaine O’Rourke, while the combined strength of Nicky Fitzgerald and Claire McMenamin thwarted attack after KKG attack in defence.
Anne-Marie Dargan poached a great goal with about 25 minutes on the clock - and as the sun set on the first half and over the Greenford pitch the score was 2:05 to 1:04 in favour of KKG.
The pace was equally frantic in the second half and it was KKG who seemed to have the edge once again. With Holloway enclosed in their own half of the field for long periods by the rampant and skilful KKG attack, it was up to the tenacity of Helen Hagan and Beverly Williams to keep Holloway in the game. This they did, and the superb effort of the entire Holloway defence limited KKG’s scoring to a goal and a point for the entire second half. Wing back Jenny Reape even found energy to embark on a great solo run up the field, kicking a fine point at the end.
Holloway’s use of the kick-out and retention of possession needed to improve if they were to salvage anything from the contest and as Rosie Cusack and the lively Helen Sammon began to link neatly as the second half progressed, the momentum passed to Holloway.
By now the committed mid-field pairing of Aideen Kennedy and Zoe Carr were showing their superior fitness to break ball and supply the forwards. Now it was the forwards turn to show their strength and late in the game the menacing Laura Lahiff struck home for a goal to level the score and lift the spirit of the attack.
With time running out it looked as if Holloway had left it too late.
But, spurred on by the brilliant support from the Holloway sideline they summoned their collective energy to finish in style. One such move saw the ball fed from the wing backs and through the mid-field in typical Holloway fashion to set up Ciara Holland, who hammered home an emphatic shot to the back of the net to win the game.
This was a physical effort from two good teams and the appetite for victory was strong enough on both sides to ensure that never was there a lull in the energy or the action.
As the captain Ciara Holland pointed out, Holloway made hard work of it at times but got there in the end, due in no small way to the tireless work of our backs and goalie. There were strong performances in each area of the field, with standout displays from Anne-Marie Dargan, Ciara Holland, Nicky Fitzgerald, Claire McMenamin and Helen Sammon.
The Holloway girls will learn from this game and manager Gavin Hattie will know that there is plenty room to improve their cohesion and fitness. The spirit and the appetite of the club are high, as is the potential to achieve success this season.
Costa mayhem
Holloway Gaels travelled to Marbella on the south coast of Spain to take part in a gaelic football tournament hosted by the local Costa Gaels GAA club in October. Sun, sea, sand …… and gaelic football. Weekends away don’t get much better than this. The 26 degree sunshine was a welcome change from the miserable London weather. The team hotel was a couple of minutes walk from the famous beaches of the Costa del Sol and the whole weekend was very well organised by the host club. Despite not taking home any silverware, the team partied like they were celebrating an All Ireland win. Speaking of All Irelands, the end of tournament function had the Kerry legend, Ger O’Keefe, as guest of honour. Over the weekend Rita had everyone in stitches with her unique ‘Ritaness’ (she is possibly the funniest girl alive – along with Holland of course), Aisling lost her voice from laughing and spent the time looking for Plan DD, Cathy remembers about 3 hours of the weekend (11am -2pm Sat), Nat entertained us with stories of her Christian soccer team and her Scottish dancing lessons taught by a Chinese man, Beverley and Ciara just watched documentaries all weekend and Gav ensured nobody in Room 101 got any sleep.
We’ve been invited back next year. Last weekend in Oct. An absolutely brilliant weekend. Stick it in the diaries.
Click here for photos.
Holloway lose out in thrilling British club final
John Mitchells Liverpool 1-12 Holloway Gaels 1-8
Holloway got beaten by 4 points in the British final by a superb Liverpool team. The match took place in Birmingham on Sat 29th Oct and it was the first time Holloway had made it to the final of this competition.
The first half was a relatively even affair though Liverpool converted their chances better and led by 4 points at the interval. The opening period of the second half was dominated by Liverpool who put 5 scores on the board without reply from Holloway to stretch their lead to 1-11 to 0-5. The positional change of Holloway’s Rosie Cusack from full back to midfield turned the game around. Holloway’s never-say-die attitude shone through and the girls staged an amazing comeback in the last 15 minutes. Wave upon wave of attacks rained down on the Liverpool defence. Three points from Ciara Hollland and Anne-Marie Dargan and a great goal from the ever-threatning, Aisling Clifford, saw Holloway come within 3 points of the Liverpudlians. Unfortunately for the north London girls, the comeback was just a little too late and Liverpool sealed their fate with a final point in the last minute of the game to win by 4.
All credit must go to a superb Liverpool side who were deserved victors on the day.
Australian-born Rosie Cusack was the best player on the field and was inspirational in the last quarter of the game. Bev Williams made a remarkable recovery from a quad injury two weeks previous, to shine at corner back. Cathy Collins played a captain's role while up front Aisling Clifford commanded the edge of the square and posed all sorts of problems for the Liverpool defence.
They say with GAA finals, you have to lose one to win one. Holloway will be back with a vengeance next season with their sights firmly set on that British title
Holloway Gaels 3-3 Taras 3-4
Junior cup – Round 1
A gutsy Holloway team lost by narrowest of margins to Tara’s in the opening round of the Cup competition. Last minute scheduling of this fixture meant Holloway were missing a large number of players and fielded with only 13 players. Despite the numerical disadvantage Holloway led by 4 points at half time Towards the end of the second half Holloway started to show signs of tiring and last minute goal from Tara’s gave them a one-point victory. Superb performances from Bev and Tor in the full back line, captain on the night, Helen Sammon who played full game with an injured ankle, Clare McMenamin who had to float between wing back and wing forward, Nuala Hayes who cleaned up on the kick outs and contributed to two of our goals and finally definite goal of the season from Denise Cassidy who carried the ball 90 yards, beating about 8 Tara players before blasting home a cracking shot.
Holloway Gaels 2-18 V Sons of Erin 0-2
Holloway Gaels ladies secured a place in the British championship semi-final with an emphatic win over Northampton-based Sons of Erin on Thursday 5th July.
Holloway raced to an early lead with some fine scores from Ciara O’Malley, Aisling Clifford and Michelle Kersley. The first half was a one-sided affair with Sons of Erin failing to register on the scoreboard while Holloway notched up 1-10.
Sons of Erin gathered some momentum in the second half thanks to the some great running play from midfielder Cheryl Thompson and this culminated in a couple of points. Sadly for Sons of Erin these were to be their only scores of the match and Holloway finished up as resounding winners with a final scoreline of 2-18 to 0-2.
It was an impressive team performance from Holloway with all 6 forwards putting their name on the scoreboard. Aedin Kennedy was superb at midfield while centre back Zoe Carr put in a player of the match performance. Thompson and centre forward, Nic Genders were best for Sons of Erin.
Holloway Gaels are the only London team to qualify for the British championship semi-finals which take place on 2 September. They are likely to meet one of the Birmingham teams in the pen-ultimate stage.
Holloway Gaels V Round Towers
Holloway Gaels Ladies travelled to Mithan on Sunday 10th of June to take on Round Towers in the Junior Provincial competition. Despite a competitive and very close finish Holloway returned to north London with a one point victory.
This victory was a reflection on commitment of all 24 players who travelled on the day. Management were faced with making tactical changes based on training commitments. Tor Begg made her debut at half back and with sheer determination played superbly.
Towers took the lead with a point from Therese Mc Guire at full forward. Ciara Holland followed with a skilful point to put Holloway on the scoring map. On the playing field the Holloway ladies dominant position for the majority of the first half.
Two further points came from Cathy Collins and Michelle Keley which gave Holloway a deserving break. Huge efforts from Towers corner forward and midfielder Sharon Murphy scoring a point a piece put Towers back in the match.
Moments later Holland found her self in her dominating position and hit home a goal taken her tally at half time to 2-6.
Before the half time whistle Towers defeated the Holloway full back line by hitting home a goal leaving the scored at 2-4 to 2-7 in Holloway’s favour.
The opening score of the second half came from Holloway, with improved fitness levels and a change of personal at midfield Holloway looked the more confident team. Midfielders Aideen Kennedy and Helen Hagan was the core of match play
Supporting play came from Cathy Collins, Rachel Lane and Michelle Keley.
Towers remained focused throughout the second half and look opportunities as they arose. Moment to go midfielder Kelly- Ann launched a high ball into the Holloway defence, a mis- understanding among the defenders was the delight for Towers leaving one a point between the teams.
As excitement rose for Towers, Holloway held position until the final whistle. Final score 3-9 to Holloway Gaels, 4-5 to Round Towers.
Holloway Gaels 1-6 Round Towers 0-3
Holloway Gaels recorded their first win for the season with a well earned 6 point victory over rivals Round Towers on Saturday 5th May.
The match which was part of Round Towers GAA club's 75 anniversary took place at Ruislip. The Holloway girls were keen to make amends for the defeat they suffered at the hands of Round Towers in last year's championship final. Manager Gav Hattie was forced into making some positional changes to the team as many players were away for the bank holiday w/end and these changes worked a treat. Yvonne Tevlin and Helen Sammon who normally play on the half forward line were outstanding at full and wing back respectively.
Ciara Holland opened the scoring for Holloway and took a lead which Holloway didn’t relinquish for the rest of the game.
The girls showed a marked improvement in fitness since their opening game of the season on 22 April which bears testament to the big effort being put into training at the moment. And despite 4 of the starting team having played a county game a few hours earlier, all the girls battled until the very end.
An injured Catherine Maloney kept a clean sheet in goals. Yvonne Tevlin was a revelation at full back and was unstoppable as she stormed out from the full back line time and time again. Newcomers Niamh O'Sullivan and Amy Gambrill did very well in defence and kept their players scoreless. Aedin Kennedy ran tirelessly at midfield while up front Ciara Holland, Cathy Collins and Nuala Hayes were Holloway's biggest threats.
Captain Cathy Collins accepted a perpetual trophy which the Round Towers club very generously had produced to commemorate the occasion. A meal was put on by the host club and most of the girls stayed partying in Ruislip for the evening, celebrating he first piece of silverware for the 2007 season.
Big thanks to Kelly Ann Hanley and the Round Towers club for a inviting us to participate in their club's anniversary celebration and for the excellent organisation on the day.
Irish Post Article
British Championship First Round, Sunday 22nd April:
John Mitchels 2-13 Holloway Gaels 2-6
JOHN MITCHELS Ladies secured a seven-point victory over Holloway Gaels on Sunday to complete an excellent day for the club.
Goals in each half for full-forward Shauna McGirr and midfielder Fiona McGee ultimately proved the difference in a game that see-sawed for long periods.
Mitchels took an early advantage through a Helen Rogers' effort before the Gaels responded with a curling strike from corner forward Ciara Holland.
The back-and-forth nature of the opening half kept both sides in contention exemplified as two points from Debra McDavid for Mitchels were quickly cancelled out by two scores from Yvonne Tevlin for the Gaels.
Mitchels upped the ante however as a strong solo run from McDavid sent McGur through to net at the second time of asking.
Incredibly Holloway matched their opponent's effort a minute later as Holland found herself all alone to roll the ball past Allie Bates.
Corner-forward Katie McBride was denied by some resolute Gaels defending before a swift counter attack from Ciara O'Malley was ably denied by Bates leaving the sides deadlocked at the break.
Holloway Gaels took the lead early in the secondhalf as Holland took her personal tally to five with an excellent over. Mitchels response was typically swift as McGirr lobbed in another point. She then sent her side into the lead by rounding off a swift break down the right-wing.
Two further points from McDavid gave Mitchels the advantage but once more they were pegged back by Tevlin and Holland. The home side were playing a deep pressing game in order to hem in their opponents which brought its reward as the clocked ticked on.
A foul in the square gave Mitchels the chance to extend their lead to five points, however McDavid opted for the security of a point.
Moments later McGee lobbed a speculative strike over Bridget Browne to take Mitchels into a six-point advantage.
The lead ultimately proved too much for Holloway to pull back despite scoring a penalty of their own late on from the boot of Holland. A skilful point from Amanda Treanor was the pick of three further scores from Mitchels as they rounded off an impressive display in front of goal.
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