BRIDE ROVERS GAA NOTES.

HURLING LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, FOOTBALLERS WIN, CORK FOR LIAM.

To paraphrase the great Van Morrisson ‘There’ll be Weekends Like This’, well last Friday and Saturday were truly days that we’ll talk about in years to come, I suppose ‘two outta three aint bad’ and that was our tally with three major fixtures for the Rovers Club. The Minor footballers were thwarted in their bid for a League Double when losing out to Carrigtwohill in their final but the Junior B footballers and Senior Hurlers had superb wins. For the hurlers, well we won the County Intermediate Championship and League Double in 2003 but twenty two years is a mighty long time to wait so this was a truly extra, historic win.  The Rebel Fever is mounting all over the parish and the County as all look forward to Sunday in Croke Park. With the fine weather we’ve had the hay is truly saved and as for ’Tipp bate’- well, Pat Ryan’s men have done the job twice already in 2025 so here’s hoping; but no one said it would be easy !

 

JUNIOR FOOTBALLERS OFF TO A WINNING START.

The last championship game for our first football team (late Sept 2024) saw a bare 15 players tog out as we lost our Junior A status with a heavy relegation-final loss to Youghal, having not played league football earlier in the year. Since then, it has been well discussed at club executive level about the low ebb we are at with regard adult football in the club. This is despite the fact we won the East Cork Junior A Grade title in 2021 and having a plethora of players currently involved in Cork underage football squads.

Since the start of the year, the club has regrouped, and huge hunger was shown amongst our minor players when they competed in the early-year under 21 championship. They have been a key part of our group of 31 players who have played in the EC league. Despite poor results in the league, it has given a chance to many players to experience first team football, and the performances have improved greatly as the year progressed. But still, football is the squeezed middle, with many established club players not making themselves available for league or championship to date. This is not helped with the congested fixture schedule in the coming weeks ahead.

It was in this context that we took to the sun-drenched field last Friday in Ballinacurra to take on Fr O’Neill’s in the first round of the Junior B championship. The first half was a tight affair, and despite gaining and maintaining good possession, we were not converting our chances into scores. However, all across the park from Ciarán O’Dowd and Jake Tobin at corner-back, to Ryan O’Callaghan and Frank O’Flynn at corner forward, we were showing eagerness to challenge for and win possession.

 

At the short whistle, the sides were level at 1  4 apiece. Our scores came via a long-range effort from team captain Darragh O’Sullivan, a well worked point finished by his brother Cillian, as well as 1  2 from the industrious Seamus Ahern at centre forward. It was clear that we had a strong base but needed to be more clinical in attack, and aggressive and committed in defence.

Our second half effort was led by the commanding Ben Hogan in goal, Jordan Mannix at 3, Adam Hynes at 6, John O’Sullivan in the middle of the park, and then Ronan O’Riordan on the edge of the square. We began to win more breaks off the kickouts and the pressure applied by vice captain Liam Collins and Łukasz Harrington – saw us gain the upper hand. Tom Murray and Cillian O’S scored points in the early stages of the half, and we had the benefit of introducing a number of fresh and incisive players as Fr. O’Neills began to wilt in the heat. Subs and minor players Cormac Barry and Conor O’Riordan shared 2.06 between them in the last 15 minutes, with Eldon O’Connor, Jacob Powell and Nicky Kelleher all seeing action as we ran out winners on a scoreline of 3.12 to 1.5. This was a richly deserved win for a developing team.

On Saturday, panel members Cormac B, Conor O’R, and Ronan Barry contested a Minor football league win but lost out to a strong Carrigtwohill side.

Well done to the team and management who secured our club's first adult championship win of the year, and we next play on the weekend of the 23rd August against St. Catherine’s.

Team: Ben Hogan, Ciarán O Dowd, Jordan Mannix, Jake Tobin, Luke Harrington, Adam Hynes, Liam Collins, Darragh O'Sullivan (0.01), John O'Sullivan, Tom Murray (0.01), Seamus Ahern (1.02), Cillian O'Sullivan (0.03), Ryan O'Callaghan, Ronan O'Riordan, Frank O'Flynn. Subs: Conor O Riordan (0.03), Cormac Barry (2.02), Jacob Powell, Eldon O'Connor, Nicky Kelleher. Panel: Eoghan O'Sullivan, Gearoid Gubbins, Mike Manley, Murat Abdullah, Rami Gharib, Ronan Barry. Absent: William Finnegan, Ryan Cahill, Jamie Buckley.

 

ROVERS RULE IN RIVERSTOWN.

It mightn’t have gone to penalties last Saturday night in Pairc Tadhg Mac Carthaig in Riverstown but, by God, the game had everything else. On an absolutely wonderful occasion for Bride Rovers our senior hurlers bridged a 22 year gap  by capturing the REDFM Cork County Senior Hurling League, Division 3, Title with a hard-fought win over a game Newcestown. Back in 1932 Billy Barry penned the song ‘Bride Rovers Abu’ -originally he meant it as a poem but when set to the musical air of ‘Teddy O Neill’it soon became our Club Anthem. ‘When hot grew that fight those hearts grew more eager’ is surely a perfect description of what unfolded in the pitch by the Glashaboy River named after Cork’s greatest dual star. When we met Newcestown earlier in the League we led from start to finish -almost, before they equalised with a late, late point. That was an  exciting match but only in the ha’penny place in comparison to last Saturday’s epic duel.  We were dealt a pre-match blow when an ankle injury kept Paddy O Flynn out of the team with Eoin Roche coming in. We started well with Ronan O Connell points and one between from Louie.  The men in red and yellow then had a great spell adding 1 6 to  which an Adam Walsh point was our only answer.  By the 11th minute we were in arrears by 0  4 to 1 8. In fairness to the lads there was no panic.  Our forwards began to win more ball and Newcestown fouled and Adam raised the white flags. A peach of a score came from Shane O Connor after an assist from Jason Mannix.  The backs tightened up and Davy and Cormac won more of the midfield duels. It ended all square at the break, our ten points to their 1 7.  It was the same tit for tat, hard physical hurling after half time on a sweltering evening. Just a point behind, 1 10 to 0  12 when Newcestown scored a goal to go four up. It was then that our lads really tore into the match with massive effort. White flags from Conor(2) and Louie brought us back into contention.  At this stage our defence really stood up repelling attacks time and again and coming out with the sliotar. With the hour gone we were two points down and the final whistle was due. Credit the bravery of our team- they won two frees and Adam obliged to level the game. By now Newcestown were reduced to 14 men but it didn’t deter them them. Extra time started and in a flash we were 4 points down after aa rapid 1 1 from the men in green and red.  Bravery was needed now and we had plenty of it and fought  back to level terms at the break- even after 30, 60 and 70 minutes-what a game! A great point from Daniel Dooley, one from Conor and a goal from Louie and another from Adam saw us power ahead n the last few minutes to win a massive game by 1 29 to  3  16- whew what a contest. No point in singling out any players -the eighteen that participated all played their part in bringing a Senior Trophy to the Club.

Scorers for Bride Rovers: A Walsh 0-13 (0-9 f), C Barry 0-6, L Roche 1-2, C Ryan, D Barry, R O’Connell 0-2 each, S O’Connor, D Dooley 0-1 each.

BRIDE ROVERS: C Hogan; D Cashman, J Peters, E Roche; C Hazelwood, C Tobin, S O’Connor; C O’Sullivan, D Barry; C Ryan, C Barry, A Walsh; J Mannix, R O’Connell, L Roche.  Subs: K Cotter for Roche (half-time), K Kearney for D Barry (44-47, temporary), Kearney for Mannix (48), D Dooley for Tobin (half-time in extra time. When the excitement settled down- just a little, a proud Daniel Lane, on behalf of the County Board, presented the Cup to a delighted Conleith Ryan. Conleith  thanked the players, supporters and team management for the parts played by so many in this great win. It was wonderful game and a brilliant win, well done and thanks lads. Next up in a few weeks is the first Championship game v Blarney in Pairc UI Rinn.

ALL IRELAND SUNDAY.

I don’t recall the 1954 to 1966 Liam McCarthy Cup hurling ‘famine’ which extended for that 12 year period but for County so dominant in the 40’s and 50’s it must have seemed woeful. Nowadays the last win in 2005 is truly a generation ago. Hopefully on Sunday next in Croke Park Cork can bridge that gap. That great Cork/Tipp tradition/rivalry has it’s roots in 1741 in our parish. It’s fitting and brilliant that Brian and Eoin Roche have been involved with this Cork team in modern times. Everyone in the Club and Parish are behind them and the Cork team and  will be urging them on in every way.

WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO. The Lotto Results for Tuesday the 8th of July – The four numbers drawn were 1, 16, 27 & 29 and there was No Jackpot Winner.  Congrats to our lucky dip €30 cash winners; Mick Kenny, Ashfield Place, Caitriona Ryan, Mondaniel, Finbarr Morrisson, Fermoy, Niamh Johnson, Bartlemy and Breda Lynch , Dungourney

Tickets for the weekly daw, each Tuesday night, are just €2 and can be both locally from Club members, in local business outlets and online. Again thanks for your support.

SYMPATHY. WE extend deepest sympathy to Cork Manager Pat Ryan on the death of is aunt Tess McCarthy (nee Gleeson).

 

SPONSORS. The Bride Rovers GAA Club sponsors are Fermoy  Print & Design, Rathcormac Tyres, Gerd Gubbins Construction and Veoila -please support our sponsors when you can.

BRIDE ROVERS GAA JUVENILE NOTES.COME ON CORK.  We wish Brian and Eoin Roche and all their Cork colleagues all the very best next Sunday as they attempt to win the Senior All Ireland Urling Final for the first time since 2005. The Final against Tipperary should be a great occasion so safe travelling to all those lucky enough to have secured Tickets

UNDER 14 HURLING League Match Report

Bride Rovers vs Killeagh

Date: Friday, 4th July

Venue: Páirc na Bríde

Final Score: Bride Rovers 2-5 | Killeagh 4-17

On Friday evening, we welcomed Killeagh to Páirc na Bríde for our final match of the league campaign. The game was played in warm, dry conditions and got off to a fast-paced and physical start. With some positional switches and a few players trying out new roles, we used this match as an opportunity to test combinations and give valuable game time across the squad. However, it quickly became clear that Killeagh arrived with determination and a point to prove, having recently lost out to us in the championship. Their intent was visible from the throw-in, and they set the tempo early on with some sharp scores and strong defending.

 

Despite the pressure, our lads showed great heart and patches of good play throughout the match. We managed two well-taken goals and added some fine points, but ultimately struggled to match Killeagh’s consistency over the four quarters. Their ability to win the breaking ball and convert their chances made the difference in the end.

Squad on the Night:

Ciarán, Alex, Cillian, Tommy, Seán, Ollie, Cathal Q, Liam, Pádraig, David, Henry, Conor C, James O’R, Jack O’D, Harry, Jack F, Conor H, James O’L.

There are plenty of positives to take from the performance, and also a few clear areas to work on as we prepare for the upcoming championship final. The spirit, effort, and commitment from the lads can’t be questioned, and with a strong week of training ahead, we’ll be ready to bounce back stronger.

Onwards and upwards.! On Friday 11th continuing to our preparations for the coming weeks we used the opportunity of a gap in fixtures to play Youghal in a very competitive challenge match which again gave us some valuable exposure to a strong team and learned quickly how to compete.

 

MINOR FL LEAGUE FINAL.

On Saturday afternoon we travelled to Mayfield for the Rebel Og County Minor Football Final. On the day Carrigtwohill proved too strong winning by 4 11 to 2 7- full report next week.

UNDER 13’S BUSY. Last weekend fixtures for hurling games for both for both Team 1 and Team 2.  Team 2 travelled to Douglas on Friday night to play Douglas 3 in what was a very tight match from start to finish. Douglas took the lead after 2 mins with a point from their full forward who was a big threat throughout despite being marshalled very well. Theo Byrd got a reply for Rovers in the 7th minute. The backs were on top for both sides for much of the half but Rovers struck the first goal through a fine bat from Theo Byrd who scored despite many defenders around him. Douglas responded with a point. In the 26th minute, both sides raised a green flag as Dara Murphy scored a superb individual goal for Rovers with the Douglas full forward responding in kind from the next attack.The two same players were at it again leading up to half time when Dara got a fine point and immediately the Douglas full forward got his second goal to leave it all square at half time at 2-2 apiece.

The second half was full of grit and determination from both sides but very few scores. Douglas got a quick point from the throw in and it took 15 minutes until the next score when Theo pointed from close range. Theo pointed again a minute late to put Rovers back in front but Douglas scored a goal against the run of play just before the water break to put Douglas two up. It would remain at this score. Rovers were full of battle and dominated territory but the ball just wouldn't go over or go in to get them back into the game. A lot of positives to take all round with excellent performances and effort from all. Final score: Douglas 3 3-3 Bride     Rovers 2 2-4

 

 Fitzgerald got a point straight from the throw in. Youghal replied with a pointed free after 2 mins but Eoghan Croke responded with a point at the other end. Jack Fitzgerald scored two in two minutes to put Rovers up 0-4 to 0-1. Youghal would go on to score the next five points, fo  ur from frees to put them two up before Tommy Conway responded for Rovers. Youghal again would score five in a row before half time to leave it 0-11 to 0-6 in favour of Youghal at the break.   Youghal started the second half with a point but Jack Fitzgerald scored a brilliant individual goal to bring Rovers back to within 3 points. Youghal responded on 12 mins with a goal of their own to go 6 up but Jack responded with two points to put 4 in it again before the water break. Youghal added another score but Jack responded with three frees to leave 2 points in it. Youghal had a man sent off with 8 minutes to go after a late pull  on Noah Collins. Youghal scored a goal against the run of play to put 5 in it again but Jack would again score two points to put 3 in it again.Conor Healy scored a free to put two in it again but Youghal would again score against the run of play to put five in it at the end. Final Score: Bride Rovers 2-11 Youghal 3-13