BRIDE ROVERS GAA CLUB NOTES..

UNDER 21’s MUST PLAY IT AGAIN.

  As Storm Bert subsided a little on Sunday last our under 21 hurlers made their way to Jamesy Kelleher Memorial Park in Dungourney to play the East Cork semi final. Erins Own had defeated Carrigtwohill in a quarter final game and so provided the opposition. Despite the very heavy rain over the weekend, the pitch was playable and a sizable crowd were in attendance. In the first half, we certainly had our backs to the wall. We faced the breeze and the heavy conditions meant the contest was more physical and dogged than free flowing. Erin's Own seemed to settle much better and were up 11 points to 4 at the short whistle. Adam Walsh was our scorer-in-chief during this half, converting three frees with strong showings from Eldon O'Connor and Liam Collins in defence.To overcome the seven-point deficit, it was clear that much more fight and effort was needed in the second half. And our lads did not disappoint. Davey Barry, Cormac O'Sullivan and Cormac Barry (introduced after half time) provided stronger protection to our backs. This improved team performance created the platform for Cillian Tobin and the hard-working Adam Walsh to eek out the vital scores. The determined effort saw the Rovers storm back into the game and reduce the deficit to 3 points as the clock reached 60 minutes. We were on top and had a number of point opportunities that sailed just wide. Just as it seemed Erins Own would seal the win, Adam Walsh showed persistence in winning a loose ball on the 20-metre line and finding Ed Cashman who made no mistake from 13 metres. The late goal meant extra time would be played, which was just reward for our resilient and never-say-die second half effort. However, the contest was halted due to a serious lower back injury to an Erins Own midfielder just 3 minutes into the extra period. The player was not moved due to the nature of the injury, and an ambulance was called. This meant that referee Anthony O'Regan, after consulting both sides, called a halt to proceedings to ensure the safety of the player. Best wishes to the Erins Own player who we hope makes a full and fast recovery, and indeed we wish the best to our own Conor Hazelwood, who picked up a knee injury during the second half. Thanks to Diane Murphy of Rathcormac First Responders for supporting the Erins Own mentors as the ambulance support was awaited. Both sides will play again under lights on tonight  Thursday night in Glenville at 7.30pm. A place in the East Cork Final, as well as the opportunity to be nominated to represent Imokilly in the county campaign is at stake in this game. We wish the players and management the very best on Thursday. Panel: Ronan O Riordan, Ciaran Cotter, Denis Cashman, Eldon O Connor, Josh Ahern, Conor Hazelwood, Liam Collins, David Barry, Cormac O Sullivan, Ronan O Connell, Cillian Barry, Edmond Cashman, Adam Walsh, Louis Roche, Cillian Tobin, Ben Knox, Cormac Barry, Adam Hayes, Ryan O Callaghan, Adam Hynes, Frank O Flynn, Cillian O Sullivan, Oran Kielty, Ciaran O Dowd. Management: Jason Pratt, Daniel Dooley, Jamie Peters, Mark O'Connell 

WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO.

The Lotto Results for Tuesday19th of November the four Numbers drawn  were 2, 13, 30, & 31  and there was No Winner. Congrats to our lucky dip €30 cash winners: Olivia Murphy, Scarthbarry, Catherine O’Flynn, c/o Online Lotto, Sean O’Brien, Shanowen, Anne Cronin, pitch sales, Aidan O’Mahony, Fermoy. This  week's jackpot  on Tuesday November 26th was an incredible €7,800. Christmas time is coming so think about a present of a yearly Bride Rovers Lotto Ticket for just €90

AGM REPORT.

Last week’s AGM report from Runai Ml Carey was a superb 40 page production. In a very comprehensive document the Runai dealt with all aspects of the activities of Bride Rovers GAA club in 2024, ninety six years after the Club was founded.  In his Conclusion he wrote;  It is my privilege to present my third secretary’s report, and I wish to thank all who have contributed to the report in the last fortnight, and all who supported me in the role during 2024. I thank everyone who gives time to the club – players, mentors, officers, committee members, sponsors, and supporters. There are many talented individuals contributing to the club - some in ways that are not always visible to the eye - but all which hold huge impact. In the context where our membership numbers and facilities are expanding, I ask you to remain involved and contribute, especially through team management roles, officer roles and through the committees. The development of our new playing fields in Pynes is exciting given the numbers of boys and girls playing at underage and the increasing number of adult teams we can potentially field. We can reap the rewards of this significant investment as both facilities are hives of activity throughout the year. Having a sand-based pitch, due to be floodlit across the next 12-18 months will be a phenomenal asset for our club. I applaud the development subcommittee of their work in advancing this, and for the wider club and sponsors for supporting the development financially. Football nationally has seen a review committee, and potential new rules adopted. While the status of football generally in East Cork has struggled, our club are currently at a very low ebb. Despite the efforts of management this year, player interest and commitment to football were generally low. The decision to field a second championship team last year proved inappropriate in the absence of any league football or our club entering U21 championship. I hope that 2025 will see a new dawn and I recommend entering U21 and league football. With the football talent and interest coming through in underage, there is an onus on our players to take reins here and ensure an effort is made to move away from Junior B championship and Division 2 league. In the last few years, significant efforts have been made continually promote ‘respect’ as a cornerstone of our club culture. It must inform strongly how we interact internally within our club and in our dealing with other clubs, referees, and officials. Everyone needs to ensure we are representing the club with integrity, in an appropriate and decent manner. I urge our club to strongly continue these efforts. In the context of the 2027 having been set as the proposed date for integration between the three Gaelic games organisations - The Camogie Association, the GAA and the LGFA -, I believe that the structures in place in our two clubs currently (Club 100 membership scheme, fundraising, shared facilities, etc.) stand us in good stead as this process evolves. As a focus for early 2025, I would echo our PRO John Arnold’s call for a shared and enhanced means of communication with our members and beyond. This would potentially involve a subcommittee to explore the use of a phone-based club application to support communication. But that’s for 2025!! I wish to place on record my sincere thanks to Pa and Aiden and all the officers for their contributions to this club this year, and I wish the incoming officers as well as mentors and players the very best in the coming year. Go raibh míle mhaith agaibh,  Michael Carey Runai.

UNDER 15’s IN COUNTY FINAL.

Our under 15 football team are in the Premier 2 County Championship Final next Saturday against a strong Youghal side.  It might be the month of November before this competition got going but our lads have had some good results in recent weeks. The highlight was the extra time semi final win over Ballinora which earned us a County Final spot. Youghal are regarded as a very strong side so our lads will need to be at the top of their form in this Final. Te venue is Bishopstown and the time is one o Clock on Saturday November the 30th. Go for it lads.

 DIARY DATES.

Thursday November 28th under 21 hurling semifinal re-fixture  v Erins Own, in Glenville at 7.30pm.

Thursday November 28th Pakie O Callaghan in Bartlemy Hall ‘Stories of Eamonn Kelly ’8pm.

Saturday November 30th Special GAA Congress in Croke Park -New Football Rules etc

Saturday November 30th under 15 Football Premier 2 County Final Bride Rovers v Youghal in Bishopstown.at 1 0 clock.

Tuesday December 3rd, Cork GAA 2025 Championship Draws, Pairc Ui Chaoimh

Thursday December 5th East Cork Scor AGM, Lisgoold.

 Tuesday December 10th Cork GAA Annual Convention.

BEST WISHES ALL AROUND. Well it’s Munster Club Championship season and three East Cork sides are in  Provincial Final this weekend.    On Saturday Russell Rovers face Killrossanty of Waterford in the JHC Final in Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday afternoon. Then on Saturday evening Watergrasshill hurlers travel to Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds to play Cashel King Cormac’s in the Intermediate Final- all in Bride Rovers wish our neighbours the very best of luck as they aim for a January 2025 date in Croke Park. Sunday then sees Sars meet the mighty Ballygunner of Waterford in the Senior Final -what odds on a Cork Triple? Go for it Rebels.

CAR BOOT SALE.

Next Sunday December the 1st is Car Boot sale Day so if you have an hour or two please contact Billy, Richie, Tom or Mossy and a suitable time can be arranged.

 EAST CORK CENTENARY BOOK.

Copies of the Imokilly 2010-2024 History Book  are now available at €40 per copy and can be ordered from Club Officers.

 

BRIDE ROVERS CLUB SPONSORS are; Rathcormac Tyres             

                                                                      Fermoy Print & Design             

                                                                    Gerard Gubbins Construction and Veolia