DOUBLE HISTORY WEEKEND.    The first weekend of December it might have been but last Saturday and Sunday were two mighty days for the Bride Rovers Club. In reality history was made twice on the playing fields.  A first ever County Championship Title at under 15 level and then our first ever championship game played on the sand-based pitch at Pynes in Ballybrowney.  The plan was that games would be played here next year but circumstances alter cases so Sunday Dec 1st 2024 will  go into the next History Book alongside Saturday June the 4th 1983 -when we played the first game in Pairc na Bride. It was a great hurling weekend all around with Munster Titles for Sars, Watergrasshill and Russell Rovers. Our Lotto Jackpot has reached €8000.

 

 

Bride Rovers 1 4 Youghal 0 2.

History was made on Saturday November 31st when our under15 footballers won the first ever Premier grade football championship for the club. On a wet and desperately windy 4G pitch in Bishopstown we faced off against our fellow East Cork club Youghal. We qualified for the final having beaten Na Piarsaigh and Ballinora in previous rounds - with both of those gams going to extra time. This ensured that our lads were battle hardened for the conditions.

While the scoreline suggested a tight and defensive minded game in reality it was an open game of football played in terrible conditions which made accuracy and team-play extremely important.

Youghal started the brighter dominating the first 15 minutes of the game but this was not reflected on the scoreboard. Youghal had the first score of the game, a pointed free after about 10 minutes. This was cancelled out by a pointed free from Finn. The Seasiders then scored a point from play which turned out to be their final score with another free from Finn cancelling that effort. Following a fine flowing move involving Cathal, Michael, Tadhg and Jeff,  Cathal scored from play which moved us into the lead for the first time 0 3 to 0 2.

We started to dominate with all players on top and this culminated in Finn scoring a point from play. Finn then hit the crossbar which could have lobbed the keeper and we'd no one close enough to goals to capitalise.

The half time score was 4 points to 2. Having taken over for the last 10 minutes of this half this was a genuine reflection of the game, though a two point led having played with the breeze wasn’t huge.

In the second half we were against the breeze but started well. Mark and Michael were on top at midfield with Finn controlling the game from centre forward and Cathal producing overlapping runs from centre back. One of the runs led to an over-load of Rovers attackers with Michael receiving a ball over the top and burying the ball in the bottom corner for a brilliant goal.

For the remainder of the half we dominated with Dominiks in goals being called upon more for kick-outs than saves. In fairness to Youghal they found the wind more frustrating than us and this led to some balls being dragged wide when on a calm day these may have been closer.

Ciaran was fouled for a penalty with 10 to go but Finn saw his shot saved by the keeper. We worked our way into good shooting positions but the wind held up shot after shot! Our full back line of Oliver (captain), Dylan and Nathan showed great tenacity and composure throughout which created a very secure base. Our half back line of Sam, Cathal and Bobby dominated and sent our midfielders Michael & Mark forward time after time. Jeff and Luke kept the half backs extremely busy by playing wide and attacking the space. Ciaran started centre forward but found his niche at full forward! Finn led the line and kept possession, always finding the spare man. Tadhg and Cody kept probing and dropping deep to assist the midfield especially against the wind. 

Nathan, Dazzler, Evan, Fionn Collins and Calum all came on and helped seal the win. 

This winning panel was a combination of both the under14 and under15 team with 41 players named. During the 3 games 26 players saw game time so this was a total squad win especially with the 2 previous games going to extra time.

 Our Coaches were Brendan Walsh, Vincent Cronin, Batt O'Connell, Richie Cahill, Jerome O'Driscoll and Rian Somers. After the excitement post final whistle died down a little  Michael O Mahony , Rebel Og, presented the cup to a delighted Oliver Harris  who suitably replied.

Post game we all met up in the Clubroom in Pairc na Brie for Fitzys and pizza! Thanks to all the parents who helped out and also for contributing to the training jerseys we got for the occasion. We had some sponsorship from Eamon Fitzgerald of Barrys Bar and a local business who wish to remain anonymous....thanks to Bill O'Flynn for the quick design and ultra quick turnaround. 

Next year will be an important year for the lads as they have had 3 years playing in "non-priority" ages along with missing tournaments etc during Covid. They could have turned away from sport but stayed with it and are now getting their rewards.  These lads have been together since under 7 level back in 2016.

Panel; Dominiks Vikstrems, Bobby Sweeney , Mark Hynes, Nathan Cronin, Sam Kearney, Cathal Barry, Ciaran O Donovan, Finn O Driscoll,  Cody Scanlan, Tadhg Cronin, Michael Walsh, Jeff O Connell, Dylan Keating, Oliver Harris Team captain, Darragh Costigan, Nathan Cahill, Euan O Grady, Evan Quaine, Darren Kearney, Donagh Hurley, Luke Murphy, Fionn Collins, Calum Somers, Fionn Lynch, Shane McCarthy, Ethan Lees, Daniel Gubbins, Sean Finn, Conn Nagle, Cormac Lyons, Conor Geaney, Zack Morrissey,  Cathal Murphy, Jack O Donovan, Evan Crowley, Shane Drinan,  Daniel Dorgan,  Luke Kelleher, Alex Kulyk.

 EAST CORK UNDER 21 HURLING.

 

It was a case of ‘third time lucky’ with eventual success for Bride Rovers on the third attempt at Playing this under21 East Cork Semi Final. 

Both teams played a drawn game which went to extra time on a very wet Sunday, November the 24th, in Dungourney with the game being abandoned due to a serious injury to an Erins Own player.  We also lost Conor Hazelwood to injury that day, so for the second attempt both teams were togged out and on the pitch again on the Thursday the 28th in Glenville but the game was again abandoned due to a White-Out of Fog. For the Third attempt the match was fixed for last Sunday the 1st of December in our New Sand Based Pitch in Pynes at 2pm. This marked a historic moment for Bride Rovers GAA as the First Adult Championship Match on the New Grounds. The Fully Drained and Sand Based Pitch that the Club and its members have invested so heavily in played like a carpet and the new Car Park was full up with the large crowd in attendance.  Special thanks to Denis Ahern, Pa O Driscoll and the Grounds Committee for having it ready. In such fantastic condition.

Erins Own won the coin toss and chose to play against the breeze that was crossing the field just as another shower of rain started, the first few exchanges were tough and the first point was registered for the visitors, Rover scored next and  Adam added a few more white flags from frees. Cillian Barry went higher in the air and caught a great ball from a puck out from our goalie Ronan O Riordan and off loaded to the running Ronan O Connell who registered our only score from play in the first half. The visitors were playing good hurling -faster and more physical all through the field and scored another 5 unanswered points to have a substantial  half time lead of 11 points to 4.

We just weren’t playing or moving well and seemed to be down in confidence individually and collectively so half time gave Jason Pratt, Daniel Dooley & Jamie Peters a chance to settle the lads, re organise and change the position of a few  players. The changes and talk worked.

The second half was even more furious with great play and spirit being shown from both sides. Our defensive line of Eldon O Connor , Denis Cashman and Ciaran Cotter had to work really hard on every ball, with Liam Collins, Cormac O Sullivan and Adam Hynes in the half- back line giving it their all with some great defending.  We were starting to win some more individual battles and dirty ball and great credit to the young hardworking Cormac Barry at centre field who delivered for his side and the same for Cillian Tobin.  That strong hurling was really giving us a more stable platform and we started turning those chances into scores. Rovers were improving in most areas and were earning frees in good scoreable positions of the field. At this stage we were against the wind and playing Adam Walsh and Edmund Cashman (Captain) as an inside forward line and Ronan O Connell out the field. With Louie Roche, David Barry and Cillian Barry on the half forward line we were improving and scoring with good points from play and two great goals from Adam Walsh gave  us a huge boost and Adam was unerring from his frees too. The score was level a few times in the last 10 minutes due to a goal from Erins Own but with the contribution from the  three Subs Ryan O Callaghan, Cillian O Sullivan and Ben Knox we out scored our opponents. Our Keeper Ronan O Riordan made a few great saves during the game and was heroic in the end as the opposition tried very hard for another green flag to stay in the game. 

Because of our better second half performance we out-scored ErinsOwn 2-11 to 1-4 and held out to win the Semi Final on a Score line of Bride Rovers 2-15 Erin’s own 1-15.

With 18 players used on the day we had only 1 player on the age, 5 under 20 and the rest under 19 years including 3 minors, so really well done to all the team panel & management. We are now looking forward to the East Cork Final v Midelton on the 15th. Scorers. Adam Walsh 2-9. Cillian Tobin 0 -2, Cormac Barry 0 -1, Ronan O Connell0  -1, Cillian Barry0 -1

LOTTO

JACKPOT AT €8000.; The Lotto Result: 26th of November - Numbers drawn were 3, 4, 22 & 24 - No Winner. Congrats to our lucky dip €30 cash winners:Joanne Murphy, c/o Online lotto, Michael Birmingham, Knockanaig, Mike Liddane, Kildinan, Greg Ahern, Bartlemy, Denise O’Sullivan, Pairc An Oir.  This week's jackpot on Tuesday December 3rd  was incredible €8,000..

JOIN BRIDE ROVERS CLUB 100.

A few years back as we began planning for our Club’s centenary in 2028 the Club 100 concept was put in place.  With projected spending of close to  One Million Euro in the coming years the need for several ‘finance streams’ is vital. The Club 100 is  a method whereby supporters and benefactors of the Club can commit to financially helping the Bride Rovers GAA Club. All finance raised has gone into major Club developments in recent years. Now with massive 3 pitch Development project in Ballybrowney well under way we will need huge funds over the next decade. There are three levels of Club 100 membership; Gold, Siver and Bronze. The Gold membership costs €480 annually and for this on gets 2 Annual Club Lotto tickets plus,2 Rebel Bounty Draw Tickets and family Membership of the Club.

The Silver costs €360 and give 2 Lotto and 1 Rebel Bounty and Membership for 1 adult and 1 child or 2 children)

The Bronze option comes in at €240 and brings 1Annual Club Lotto ticket plus, 1 Rebel Bounty and individual Membership. Many people make a ‘New Year’s Resolution’ at this time of year- why not consider joining our Club 100.? Full details from any Club Officer.  At the end of each year the Bride Rovers Club holds a special draw confined the Club 100 members with substantial prizes.

 GREAT RESULTS ALL ROUND.

Congrats and well done to our neighbours Watergrasshill on their Munster Final Victory over  Cashel King Cormacs in Limerick on Saturday night. They face Ulster opponents in the All Ireland semi final in two weeks and will be favourites to make a January Final Date in Croke Park. It’s the same with Sars a and Russell Rovers winning provincial titles -well done to all concerned.

 

 CAR BOOT SALE. Thanks to all who helped with the Car Boot Sale on Sunday last and throughout the year.

 

 DRAWS NEXT WEEK.

Originally the plan was to have the 2025 County Draws made on last Tuesday night Dec 3rd but now they will be made at the County Convention next Tuesday night December the 10th in Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

CONGRATS

Congratulations to Fr Neilus O Donnell our retired PP who was recently promoted to the position of Archdeacon of the Cloyne Diocese. It might be an honorary position but it is well deserved for a great priest who has served the Church so well down the years. Congrats and well deserved from all in ride Rovers.

SYMPATHY.

We extend our deepest sympathy to John Leetch and family Castlelyons on the death of his wife Frances who had very strong family links with Rathcormac

 

BRIDE ROVERS CLUB SPONSORS are; Rathcormac Tyres, Fermoy Print & Design, Gerard Gubbins Construction and Veoli.