Bride Rovers Notes (12th Feb)
- Feb 12,2026
BRIDE ROVERS GAA NOTES.
COUNTY CHAMPIONS CELEBRATE.
By this Saturday night, February the 14th, a total of 106 days will have passed since we won the 2025 County Cork Senior A Hurling Championship Final. That was back on Saturday November the 1st, exactly 144 years to the day since the GAA was founded. Truly it’s a date and a game that will never be forgotten. We won the County Junior Hurling Final in 1998, the Intermediate Title in 2003 and lost the Senior Final by a point in 2008. They were all just brilliant, memorable and historic occasions but our latest win probably surpassed them all for drama. Having beaten Carrig in the semi final the County Final ‘saga’ went on for three weeks before that magnificent November evening in Pairc Ui Chaoimh. After a 14 points each drawn decider the replay the following Saturday was just amazing. With 53 minutes gone things looked bleak. James Kearney (great, grandson of Jim Fenton, born in Raheen, Kildinan in October 1890) struck a great point for Castlelyons and we were six down, 2 14 to 1 11- the clock said seven minutes left. At this stage in the drawn game we were four up so now we were battling for survival. Back in 1930 Billy Barry wrote ‘when hot grew that fight those hearts grew more eager’, well lads, down the years we often saw great Rover’s fightbacks but what happened in the last few minutes that Saturday will never be forgotten. Jason Mannix came on to steady the ship. We probably could have had two points but understandably went for goals. Jamie Peters raised a vita white flag. Brian Roche was pulled down and Adam pointed. From the far sideline Paddy O Flynn crossed the sliotar towards the square and in a flash or split-second it was in the back of the net. Did Adam Walsh touch it? In came the ref as shouts of ‘square goal’ went up -but quickly the green flag was waving. We were back in business but still a point down as the hour was up. Four extra minutes signalled so we had two hundred and forty seconds to do or die. Castlelyons attacked but Denis Cashman won it, sent to Cian who passed it out to Cillian Tobin. He opened his shoulders and sent the sliotar downfield where it sailed over the bar -we were level, unbelievable stuff! Castlelyons attacked and we had to defend once more - again Cillian launched the sliotar down between two Castlelyons backs and Davy Barry. Davy gathered the ball, swivelled to make room and then sent that beautiful, gorgeous yellow sliotar sailing between the posts and we were a point ahead. Up goes the sliotar to the corner where we got a sideline, seconds to go now, Cillian sent it along the line where a crowd of players were on top of it. Mark Maher threw it in, we cleared, Paddy O Flynn coogled it down in the corner but it squirmed over the line. Castlelyons took the line ball and then we heard that sound we hadn’t heard since the last Sunday of October 2003, the final whistle and Bride Rovers County Champions! We hear of fairytales and dreams coming true and that Saturday night was such an occasion. Since the Cork Championships were revamped a few years back we were in the Senior A Grade. For four years in a row we were defeated in the semi final -we all know what happened in 2023. Then in the Spring of 2024 as our lads headed off for a day out they were all so lucky to escape unscathed after a bus accident. All these things helped forge that bond, that spirit we saw all year and especially over the last few weeks of the autumn. On September the 6th as we left Ballynoe after our Third Group game maybe some doubted the lads but they knuckled down again and they got their reward. We had 32 players togged out and each and every one of them deserve credit. What can we say about Brian Murphy and Stephen Glasgow? With the help of Alan, Frank, Stephen, Barry, Devon, Darren, Catherine, Declan Kielty, Fergus, Jason, Gearoid and Adam they guided and moulded this team to win the County.
Cork Senior A Hurling Winners, 2025; C Hogan; D Cashman, E Roche, C Tobin; J Ahern, C Hazelwood, S O’Connor; J Peters, C O’Sullivan; P O’Flynn, B Roche, A Walsh; K Kearney, C Ryan, D Barry.
Subs; R O’Connell for Kearney (40), J Mannix for O’Sullivan (54).
Scorers; A Walsh 1-7 (0-6 f), P O’Flynn 1-1, D Barry 0-2, J Peters, C Tobin, S O’Connor, B Roche, C O’Sullivan. Great credit to Castlelyons for two wonderful sporting games. The outpouring of emotion and joy after the game was amazing- all the years of ‘near misses’ were forgotten and eventually Co Vice Chairman Noel O Callaghan presented the Cup to Cian and Conleith. Conleith gave a superb speech in which he covered every aspect of a famous win. Then we had ‘Bride Rovers forever, Bride Rovers Abu’ In fairness to the Stadium Stewards they left the fans on the field for ages to savour a special occasion. It started to rain and we were singing in the rain! It was ack to Rathcormac then and after Mass a victory gathering. Truly the celebrations haven’t stopped since! On Next Saturday evening close on 400 will gather in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island for a special celebration. The medals will be presented and memories relived, stories told and homage paid to a very special bunch of lads. It promises to be a truly gala night. Doors open at 5.30 and the Bell for the meal will sound at 6.15 sharp for a 6.30 start. Bride Rovers Abu!
WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO.
The Lotto Results for Tuesday the 3rd of February were as follows; numbers drawn 8, 12, 19 & 21 and there was No Winner of the €5,200 Jackpot. Congrats to our lucky dip €30 cash winners Jack Mohally, Shanowen , Paul Healy, Ballynonty, Thurles, Richard O Regan, Terramount
Niamh Barry, Castlelyons and Margaret Drinan, Rathcormac. This week's jackpot on Tuesday February the 10th was an incredible €5,400.
If your ticket has expired, we would appreciate it if you would enter again via
Bride Rovers GAA Lotto
CAR BOOTERS CELEBRATE. A social evening was held last Thursday for the team of volunteers who make the monthly Car Boot Sale run so smoothly.
Food and refreshments were served in Bride Rovers GAA clubhouse. Organising Committee Chairperson Billy Finnegan thanked all those who support traders early in the morning, who help with parking, who help at the gate. He acknowledged Bride Rovers GAA for their support and Lotto sales, as well as Bartlemy Hall Committee who run the Tea/Coffee stall.
He paid special mention to the team who organise the parish stall so well each month. A very enjoyable evening was had by all. The next Boot Sale is on Sunday march the 1st. New helpers are always sought -even if you can give just an hour or two, it would be mighty. Alternatively you might be able to help the previous day -on the Saturday morning, with the preparation of the Field for the Sale. Please just contact any Committee member if you want to lend a hand.
Our under 14 and under 16 panels have just finished their month-long muscular strength and endurance programme. This was run in DM Fitness in Fermoy, and special thanks to Deirdre Morrison for her expert guidance.
Dressing room doorways will be widened in the coming months to allow our muscle-clad U14s and U16s to enter!
Well done to all on these preparations for the year ahead. Pre-season work is very important to prevent possible injury, as well to continue to develop in terms of performance. Well done to the lads who finished the programme today with a mini Hyrox session. ‘Thank you’ to Deirdre for leading the lads so well across the last month.
CLUB SUMMIT.
The innovative GAA Club summit took place in Croke Park on Saturday next. With long Queues before the doors opened at 9 o clock it proved to be a fantastic and positive event in GAA HQ. The Summit was aimed at Club members and officers and provided information on all aspects of GAA Clubs including Grants, Administration and changes coming in the future. Opened by Jarlath Burns the Summit featured panel discussions, open forums and a multiplicity of Stands. Our Club representatives were very impressed by the event.
BRIDE ROVERS COACHING SESSION & SEMINAR
Where? Bride Rovers Main Pitch
When? 12:00pm on February 21st The Bride Rovers Club are hosting a coaching session and seminar with Tommy Dunne -All-Ireland winning coach, former Hurler of the Year, and one of the top coaches in the game. All coaches attending will: Observe a live training session and take part in a Q&A session afterwards in the meeting room. This event is open to all Bride Rovers coaches
(Juvenile, Senior & Ladies clubs) Please contact our Premier club coaching officers Damien Healy 086 031 7942 or Donncha Carr 086 310 5055 for further detail and/or to book a place.
DRAMA IN BARTLEMY. Bartlemy hall Committee wish to thank all those who supported the Blackwater Fit ups on Wed Feb 4th and Wed Feb 11th.
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’ was 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 nearly completed we will need huge funds over the next decade to build dressing-rooms , toilets etc. There are 3 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 including a pair of Pairc UI Chaoimh Premium tickets for a year.
CLUB EXECUTIVE MEETING. The second Club Executive meeting for 2026 took lace on Monday night last 9th Feb. Chairman James Bermingham was in the Chair with Assistant Secretary Colette Hgan acting as Runai and Treasurer Brian Collins also at the top table. Reports from the Juvenile, Ladies, One Club, Finance, Development and Grounds Sub Committees were delivered as well as East Cork and County Board reports. Fixtures, the playing pitches, energy costs, funding requests and the Social on Saturday night were all discussed. The Club will celebrate it’s Centenary in 2028 so it was agreed to form a Centenary Committee to start preparations for this important anniversary. John Arnold, James Bermingham, Pa O Driscoll, Gerard Lane, Betty Cahill and Richie Regan were appointed with others to be added as required. Get well wishes were extended to our great friend Jack Russell. The East Cork Board are introducing a 13 a side Junior D Hurling Championship for 2026. We have entered a team, this will be our fourth adult hurling team.
SYMPATHY’ Votes of sympathy were passed to the Walsh, Noonan, Hazlewood, Cotter/ Canning families, Canning, Kielty and Barry families.
FIXTURE; Friday Feb 13th JFL Div 3 v Carrignavar in Pynes at 7.30pm, Monday 16th JH practise v Ballyhooley, Pynes at 8pm, Sunday Feb 22nd SH v Cashel King Cormacs in Pynes
.
SPONSORS; The Bride Rovers GAA Club sponsors are Fermoy Print & Design, Rathcormac Tyres, Gerard Gubbins Construction and Veoila -please support our sponsors whenever you can.
