Oh, WHAT A  NIGHT!

 Well we had waited and waited for twenty two years to win a County Title so when it came we celebrated like never before. That was on the very first day of November last year. In truth the celebrations went on unabated  since and with Christmas and the New Year included it was just magic. Last Saturday night was the culmination of the 2025 season when we gathered to present the County Championship and League medals. What a gathering it was on a magnificent night. Close on 400 came to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island. The doors opened  officially at 5.30 but long before that, earlier in the afternoon,  players, their families and supporters from Bartlemy, Rathcormac and Kildinan were arriving. Before Christmas when a subcommittee was set up to organise a Victory Function for the County Champions Michelle Barry and her team were on the ball immediately. They decided on a ‘Black Tie’ occasion and their plans came to fruition on Saturday evening. Truly it was classy affair -a night of sheer joy, celebration and thanks to a wonderful group of players.  In the foyer of the Hotel the sense of excitement and happiness was palpable. Shortly after 6.30pm the huge crowd were seated. Our MC for the night, Paddy Croke, opened the formalities by welcoming everyone on such a historic night for Bride Rovers as we entered our 98th year.  Paddy then introduced Club Chairman James Bermingham who spoke of the immense pride and oy our Senior A Hurling team brought us in 2025.  Next we had presentations  to our  Intercounty Players and to Daniel Lane by  Club President Pat O’Connor and James who also made a very special presentation to Michelle Barr. We are very proud of Bride Rovers Cork  Intercounty Management personnel – Barry Hazelwood, Richie Cahill -under age hurling squads and Vincy Cronin Minor Football selector for 2026. Our young  Football Representatives of Cork – Finn O’Driscoll, Micheal Walsh & Oliver Harris and Under16 and Minor Hurling Representatives with Cork – Jack Mannix, Cormac Barry and Cathal Barry. Also getting awards were  under16/Minor/winners of the Celtic Challenge Cup Minor – Matthew Kenny – Celtic Challenge , Minor – Denis Fitzgerald – Munster Championship Winners. The Cork under 20 hurlers was Denis Csahman. We wish Cathal Barry every success with Cork Minors this year. Cork County Board – We congratulate Daniel Lane on his new role with Cork County Board as Operations Manager. As a club we extend congratulations to Daniel and look forward to working with him. It is great to have a Bride Rovers rep. on the inside! Next our  Cork Senior Hurlers Cillian Tobin and  Brian & Eoin Roche – All Ireland Runners Up, National League Champs and Munster Championship Winners.  Presentations were made to all these players and of course we wish Brian Roche a speedy recovery from his foot injury.  At this stage Archdeacon Neilius O Donnell said Grace before Meals and the nourishment began. After the Starter Club Chairman made presentations to the Senior Hurling team Management and Backroom team led by Brian Murphy and Stephen Glasgow. Avril Geary Chairperson of the East Cork Board co-presented these mementoes. Brian Murphy the man who guided our hurlers to the County win replied on behalf of Management. He thanked all the players, the Club Officers and executive, sponsors and supporters for the magnificent effort last year. He praised the very special ‘band of brothers’ our players, who were a very close-knit group. Our next  speaker was Avril Geary – Chairperson of East Cork Board. Avril spoke of the 1975 Junior B hurling Final between Bride Rovers and her club  St. Ita’s and the meeting of the  two clubs again 50 years later in last years East Cork Junior A Semi final. She praised the Club for the work being done on the playing fields and in developing facilities for future generations. After the delicious beef or salmon Pat Horgan  Chairman of Cork County Board spoke. He praised the Club  for the brilliant win last year and presented the League and Championship  medals to the County Champions.  The players came up in groups of 3 to huge ovations. The  Senior players then made presentations to their team management.  After Grace after meals  Rosario  made a very special presentation to Fr. O’Donnell for promotion to Archdeacon after over 30 years clerical duty in Rathcormac we are thrilled to have him part of our team.  As a finale we had an emotional rendition of our Club Anthem ‘Bride rovers Abu’. Thanks  to Michelle, James, Rosarie and all their organising group for the efficient and orderly manner in which they managed the night. After that we danced the night away to the Ken Hendrick’s Band.  The DJ started at midnight after a brief break for the Tayto sandwiches! Thanks to Ray in SPAR for sponsoring all the ingredients  Next morning it was like Breakfast at home -we had the Hotel booked out!  During the function we had a free raffle on the entry tickets with brilliant prizes. The winners were as follows;

 

Thanks to all our sponsors for their generosity. In conclusion it can be said that it was just an absolutely wonderful occasion -a night of pride for the Bride rovers GAA Club.

WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO.

The Lotto Results for Tuesday the 10th of February . The 4 Numbers drawn were  7, 9, 10 & 31 and there was No Winner. Congrats to our lucky dip €30 cash winners John Hurley, Wheatfields,  Brendan & Tina, Ballyreidy, Michael Collins, Coolnakilla, Vincent Murphy, Scartbarry and J.E.L.A Barry, Knocknaboola. This  week's jackpot on Tuesday February 17th was an incredible €5,600. If your ticket has expired, we would appreciate if you would enter again via Bride Rovers GAA Lotto

 

EAST CORK JFL DIV 3Good win for Junior Footballers in league opener against Carrig na bhFear. Our junior footballers got of to a winning start in their league against last Friday night under the brilliant light at Pynes. Carrig na BhFear hit the ground running with three quick points, but our lads began to settle into the game. Liam Collins, at centre back, held a deep role which allowed Luke Harrington and Adam Hynes to attack well up the wings. Our full forward line, especially Ed Cashman, were holding onto some great ball and Conor O'Riordan got two first half goals - a cracking strike low to the corner, and a tap in after the Carrig keeper saved well from Cormac Barry. Our defence held strong as the half progressed, with Ben Hogan in goal, Jordan at full back and Frank covering back to help out and help prevent the concession of a major score. We finished out the half with Conor completing his hat-trick of goals and Cormac Barry adding a great point. We led 3.04 to 0.07 at the break. Carrig na bhFeár repeated their early half flurry with three points. However, we kept out composure, with Conor shooting a monster 2 point free, followed by a Seamus Aherne point. Fresh legs were introduced, with Rudi Gharib kicking two great goals to end the contest. Final score 5 7  to 0  13 Well done to everyone on the night. Our next game is on Friday 27th Feb against Midleton, again in Pynes Field.

Team: Ben Hogan, Ciarán O'Dowd, Jordan Mannix, Nicky Kelleher, Luke Harrington, Liam Collins, Adam Hynes, Darragh O'Sullivan, John O'Sullivan, Ryan O'Callaghan, Cormac Barry, Frank O'Flynn, Ed Cashman, Conor O'Riordan, Seamus Aherne. Subs: Oran Kielty, Rudi Gharib, Mattie Kenny, Cian Hogan, Jacob Powell, Shane Prendergast, Jacob Powell, Mike Manley, Eoghan O'Sullivan, Darragh O'Farrell, William Finnegan, Ronan O'Riordan

   SENIOR HURLING. On next Sunday our Senior hurlers welcome Tipperary side Cashel King Cormac’s to Pynes for a challenge game at 12 noon.

 SCOR. Well done to Orla Arnold who won the Scealiocht section at the East Cork Scor in Lisgoold last Sunday. Well done also to all those who took part in Scor na bPaisti.

NEXT CAR BOOT SALE. The first Car Boot Sale for 2026 will take place on Sunday March 1st. Help is always needed on the day on Saturday morning Jan 31st. Items for the Parish Stall are always wanted. If you can give an hour or two contact Mossy, Tom or any Committee member.

 

TABLE QUIZ. On Monday night in the Hut Bar, Watergrasshill we had two teams in a very worthy fundraising Table Quiz. ‘Janey’s Boys’ team of Mike Carey, Pa and Brendan O Driscoll and Shane O Connor finished 3rd and also won the Wipe Out Round.  ‘Bride Rovers Abu’ team of Tom Mulcahy, John and Mary Arnold and Robert Barry also competed well.

 

BARTLEMY BINGO. On this coming Friday night (Fri 20th Feb), Family Bingo will take centre stage at Bartlemy Hall. With doors opening at 7.30pm, the first call will be at 8pm sharp. One book for €10 or 2 books or a double book for €15.Doors open at 7.30pm

Raffle on the night. Tuck shop open.

 

SYMPATHY.  The Bride Rovers Club extends sympathy to the Barry family Mondaniel, the Gubbins family Hollyhill and the Barry family of Moulane on their recent bereavements.

 

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.