Bride Rovers Notes (29th Aug)
- Aug 29,2026
BRIDE ROVERS GAA NOTES.
FOUR HURLING GAMES- A WIN, A DRAW,TWO DEFEATS.
On what was a truly hectic weekend for hurling in the Club w played four adult hurling championship matches and hosted two more. Our Senior and Junior B teams lost their games by nine point margins. The Junior A side won by 11 and after a thrilling draw the Junior D XV remain unbeaten. We hosted an East Cork JAHC game and a SAHC tie as well. Bon Voyage to Jason Mannix as he returns to his Irish Army Post with the United Nations. Reports on the under 14 and minor games can be read in the Juvenile notes. Our Lotto Jackpot on Tuesday was €4000. This coming weekend is like ‘the calm before the storm’ a quiet weekend on the playing fields before the defining matches in all Grades in early September.
CORK PREMIER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP. St Finbarr’s 3 21 Bride Rovers 1 18. At a sunny Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday evening we crossed the camans with St Finbarr’s in Round 2 of the SAHC. Both teams had come different paths to his fixture. We had a nine point win over Newcestown while the Barrs lost by eight to Midleton. A victory for us would ensure progression in the Championship while a defeat for the Togher side would have ended their interest in the competition. Those that saw the Barrs first game knew they would never be as poor again -and they weren’t. We struck two early points per Paddy and Louie Roche as the Barrs hit three wides in a row. It was level on 0 2 each after seven minutes. Even at this early stage it was obvious that the Barrs knew their season was on the line and they hurled ferociously. In the 11th minute the sliotar came back off the upright and Cuningham goaled. In fairness our lads roared back int o the contest with three-in-a- row white flags from Adam(free) , Ronan and Davy Barry to leave it 1 4 to 0 6. The Barrs went two ahead but Adam from a free brought it back to a one score game. Our defence was under massive pressure but Eoin and Cillian were leading by example. Points were swopped as Cormac Barry made it Rovers 0 9 to St. Finbarr’s 1 7. Then disaster struck for us in the 21s minute as Adam took a heavy tumble and had to be helped off with an obviously very serious ankle injury – Conor O Riordan came on. Worse followed two minutes later when the Barrs got a second goal. It was really an uphill battle now -Kieran and Paddy brought our half time tally to 11 points to the Barrs 2 12. Cormac had the first point of the second half. We missed a few chances and the Barrs stretched their lead to out 8 points. Seeing the game slip away the Rovers roared back into the battle. Four points in a row from Cormac, Ronan, Cillian and Kieran saw the gap down to just four points. We seemed to get control in key areas. We missed a chance to make it three which would have set up a mighty last ten minutes but the Barrs hit a third goal which was a huge blow. Cormac O Sullivan and Conor Barry came on in the second half. The lads battled on and Cillian Tobin got a great goal. Defeat then by nine points. Huge disappointment but still great pride. Premier Senior Hurling is a big step up and it’s bound to be a learning process for our young side. Injuries to Adam and Cillian are a serious blow in the preparation for our third Group game v Midleton on next Sunday week. Team; C Hogan; D Cashman, E Roche, J Ahern; K Kearney, C Tobin, C Hazelwood; R O’Connell, C Barry; C Ryan, B Roche, P O’Flynn; D Barry, A Walsh, L Roche.
Subs; C O’Riordan for A Walsh (22, inj), C O’Sullivan for D Barry (32), C Barry for L Roche (59). Scorers; C Barry 0-5 (0-3 f, 0-1 65), C Tobin 1-1, P O’Flynn 0-3 (0-1 f), K Kearney, A Walsh (2), R O'Connell 0-2 each, D Barry, B Roche, L Roche 0-1 each. Thanks to all the supporters who travelled in such numbers to Cork on Saturday. Injuries to Adam and Cillian Tobin are big setbacks so wish them both all the best. Most of the lads were down at the match on Sunday. Yes they were disappointed but determined to go again in two weeks time.
EAST CORK JUNIOR A HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP. Our junior A hurlers travelled to Glenville on Thursday evening to take on Sars in the second round of the East Cork championship. Both sides had lost their first game, so a win was critical for both sides. The first half was a tight and evenly contested match with both sides going point from point and the game was level 9 times during the first half and neither team ever managed to go further than a single point in the lead.
Matthew Kenny opened the scoring for us and our next 3 scores came from placed balls as Adam was reliable as always. Damien, Jack (2) and Eddie all got on the score-board as well and Adam got his 4th for the half shortly before the break as we went in at half time trailing by 1 on a score of 9 points to 10.
We had the slight aid of the wind for the second half, Sars got the opening score of the second half to go two ahead but the lads then got on a roll and points from Eddie, Cillian, Adam (2) and Matthew saw us into a three-point lead 14 points to 11 and crucially our backs had really gotten on top and seemed to be coming out with every ball.
Eddie got the opening goal of the game in the 45th minute and when Cillian added another point, we enjoyed a 6-point lead. Further points from Cillian and two from Matthew kept the score board ticking over and Damien Buckleygot our second goal with a curling shot to give us a commanding lead 2-18 t 0 14.
There was still time for Adam Hynes to get on the score-board and Matthew got his 5th to see us out winners on a final score line of 2-20 to 15 points.
Our 3rd group game takes place again in Glenville when we take on Carrigtwohill on Thursday the 3rd of September at 8pm. In effect this will be straight knock-out game.
Team & Scorers: B Hogan, K Cotter, O Roche, T O’Sullivan, D Fitzgerald, L Collins, A Hynes (0-1), G O’Connell, A Hayes (0-6), C Barry (0-3), O Kielty, D Buckley (1-1), M Kenny (0-5), E Cashman (1-2), Jack Mannix (0-2) Subs B Knox, Jason Mannix.
WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO. The Lotto Results for Tuesday the 18th of August -the 4 Numbers drawn were 16, 18, 23 & 27 and there was No Jackpot Winner. Congrats also to our lucky dip €30 cash winners Patrick Hogan, Bartlemy, Gemma Johnson Ballyreidy, Frances O’Riordan, Caherduggan, Batt O’Connell, Clykeel and Michael Collins, Coolnakilla
This week's jackpot on Tuesday August 25th was €4,000. If your ticket has expired, we would appreciate if you would enter again via Bride Rovers GAA Lotto
This week's jackpot on Tuesday August 25th was €4,000. If your ticket has expired, we would appreciate if you would enter again via Bride Rovers GAA Lotto
REBELS BOUNTY WINNER. On last Tuesday night the Rebels Bounty Draw took place before the County Board meeting. Well done to Mike Liddane on winning a €1000 prize.
EST CORK JUNIOR B HURLING. Our Junior B hurlers travelled to Cobh on Sunday morning for their second-round game against Aghada and conditions could not have been any better for hurling in what was a lovely morning.
As the saying goes goals win game and Aghada certainly took, their chances well which was the big difference between the teams. Aghada had started the better and enjoyed a 1-3 to 1 point lead at the 10-minute mark with Ryan getting our opening score. We settled into the game and points from Jamie, Frank (2), Liam and Ryan had had the margin back to 2 by the 20 minute on a score of 1-5 to 6 points. Ryan and Frank got the next two points to have the sides level approaching the break but Aghada finished the half strongly to get 3 unanswered points to go in at the break leading 1-8 to 8 points.
The first 10 minutes of the second half both sides went score for score and 2 points each from Tom and Frank was keeping the margin at 3 points. When William got his first point there was only 4 between the sides 1-14 to 13 points at the 45th minute mark. Aghada however broke through for their second goal to extend the lead to 7. The lads didn’t give up and two more points from Jamie and William looked like we might be able to make a come back but a 3rd goal for Aghada killed off any chances of that as they extended their lead to 3-14 to 15 points. Liam and William added two more points but with time nearly up Aghada got their 4th goal of the game. There was still time for a consolation goal at our end when Seamus finished to the back of the net, but Aghada won out deserved winners on a score line of 4-17 to 1-17.
Our final group game in the Junior B is fixed for Sunday the 6th of September where we take on Killeagh in Dungourney. Team & Scorers: R O’Riordan, E O’Connor, J Mannix, R Barry, J O’Sullivan, A Buckley, C O’Sullivan, L Harrington, J Walsh (0-2), T Macak (0-2), R O’Callaghan (0-3), F O’Flynn (0-5), S Dowling, L Forde (0-2), S Ahern (1-0) Sub W Finnegan (03) it was great to see William Finnegan back in the Green, White and Gold after injury.
EAST CORK JUNIOR D HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP. Bride Rovers and Fr. O'Neills served up a thrilling and hard-fought encounter in Round 2 of the East Cork Junior D Hurling Championship on Sunday evening, with nothing separating the sides at the final whistle after an absorbing contest played before a large crowd in glorious sunshine at Pynes Pitch. Fr. O'Neills flew out of the blocks and dominated the opening exchanges. Bride Rovers weathered the early storm and gradually worked their way into the game after the opening ten minutes, beginning to find their rhythm and keeping the scoreboard ticking over. The Rovers' defence was particularly impressive throughout the first half, with the entire backline standing firm under sustained pressure and laying the foundations for the team's growing confidence. Despite gaining a foothold, Fr. O'Neills struck for a crucial goal just before the break to take a 1-7 to 0-5 lead into half-time. The second half developed into a real championship battle and produced some of the most entertaining hurling seen this year. Michael "Twiggy" Collins was introduced at half time, while Stephen Pratt had already entered the action after twenty minutes following a heavy challenge on Jack Collins. With every player digging deep, Bride Rovers mounted an impressive comeback and moved into the lead midway through the second half. Barry Collins and Jason Pratt were outstanding as the game opened up, producing influential displays at centre back and centre forward respectively. Veteran goalkeeper Denis Fitzgerald also played a starring role, pulling off a number of exceptional saves and also converting two long-range frees that lifted both the team and the large Bride Rovers support. Just when it appeared that Bride Rovers had seized control, Fr. O'Neills hit back strongly and re-established momentum, opening up a six-point advantage with around ten minutes remaining. The commitment, determination and resilience shown by the Rovers throughout the closing stages epitomised everything that is good about championship hurling. Superb scores kept the comeback alive, none more so than a wonderful point from corner-back Jake Tobin, who ventured forward to split the posts and keep his side firmly in contention. Following a number of injury stoppages for Fr. O'Neills, the referee added approximately ten minutes of additional time. Bride Rovers made full use of every second. First came a classic poacher's goal from Michael "Twiggy" Collins. Then, with the final puck of the game, Craig O'Callaghan stepped up to convert a high-pressure free and secure a deserved draw for the Rovers.
While there were strong individual performances throughout the field, this result was built on a complete team effort. From Denis Fitzgerald in goal to the full-forward line, every player contributed immensely, while all five substitutes made valuable impacts when introduced. Darragh O'Farrell and Gary Quirke, both of whom lined out at minor level earlier in the week, produced tireless displays and covered huge amounts of ground throughout the contest. The midfield pairing of Nicky and Ciaran delivered outstanding performances, working relentlessly from first whistle to last. Jacob Powell was very sharp getting 2 points and unlucky for a goal with Shane O’Flynn producing some lovely touches in the first half to setup crucial scores. The physical edge expected of championship hurling was never far away. The Collins brothers, Jack Kearney and Darragh O'Sullivan won't be on any Christmas Card list for Fr O'Neills following some questionable tackles and altercations which set the tone for the evening. Darragh Kielty, Jamie and Alan all made important contributions, when called upon.
In the end, a draw was a fair reflection of a contest that swung dramatically from one side to the other. Bride Rovers: Denis Fitzgerald, Jake Tobin, Brian Collins, Jack Kearney, Barry Collins, Jason Pratt, Gary Quirke, Ciaran O'Dowd, Nicky Kelleher, Jack Collins, Darragh O'Sullivan, Craig O'Callaghan, Darragh O'Farrell, Shane O'Flynn, Jacob Powell.
Subs Used: Stephen Pratt, Michael Collins, Darragh Kielty, Jamie Buckley, Alan Barry. Rest of Panel: Kevin McNamara, Sean O’Brien, Danny Kelleher, Eoghan O’Sullivan, Jack Lynch. Injured: Terry Broderick, Tomas Kearney.
BIG GAMES. We hosted two important championship ties over the weekend. On Friday night a good crowd attended the East Cork JAHC tie between St Itas and Carrignavar. Then on Sunday afternoon we had a huge crowd for the Castlelyons v Watergrasshill game in the SAHC -probably one of the biggest attendances ever in our pitch. In total we had 48 Club members on duty on Sunday. Thanks to everyone for helping out. We have Fermoy v Erins Own on Saturday September 5th , a game that’ll attract a big crowd.
SAFE TRAVELLING JASON. All in Bride Rovers wish Jason Mannix a bon voyage as he returns to his United Nations Duty with the Irish Army. During his short break Jason played in two championship games with the Club.
CAR BOOT SALE. The next Car Boot sale will be on Sunday September 13th. Thanks to those who help regularly, new helpers are always wanted. Even if you can give an hour -anytime from 7am on that Sunday morning it would be of great assistance.
CLUBZAP. For latest Club news and fixtures just check Bride Rovers Club zap.
FIXTURES
Thurs Sept 3rdJAHC v Carrigtwohill in Glenville 7.30pm
Sat. Sept
Sun Sept 6th PSHC v Midleton in Caherlag 4 pm
Sun Sept 6th JBHC v Killeagh in Dungourney 7.30pm
Monday Sept 7th JDHC v Midleton in Park South, Midleton at 7.30pm
Sat Sept 12th JBFC v Cobh in Carrignavar 5pm.
HOW WE’RE FIXED NOW. Well things are a bit clearer before all the Round 3 Games. In Senior Hurling we need to beat Midleton by more than 5 points to progress in the Championship. In Junior A Hurling – it’s simple enough- our game v Carrigtwohill is a straight knock-out, winners go through and the defeated team go out. In Junior B Hurling a win over Killeagh would see us on 3 points and if Youghal beat Aghada we’d be 2nd in the Group and progress. In Junior D Hurling if we beat Midleton we’re through but if we lose to Midleton Dungourney or Midleton could overtake us. In Junior B Football we have to beat Cobh to progress.
BRIDE ROVERS GAA JUVENILE NOTES.
MINORS WIN-MIXED RESULTS FOR UNDER 14’ HURLERS.
Bride Rovers Defeat Lisgoold to Advance in Minor Hurling Championship
In a thriller in Páirc na Bríde last Wednesday night our minor hurlers have advanced to the semi final of the division 1 hurling championship. On a grand evening for hurling the game was played before a big crowd. With the wind at their backs, Lisgoold led for most of the first half thanks to two first half goals. Points from Shane O'Dowd, Matthew Kenny and Míchael Walsh, combined with a Shane O'Dowd goal saw us draw level 1-12 to 2-9 going into the break. The second half remained tight with both sides holding the lead at various stages, with two more Lisgoold goals giving them the advantage going into the final quarter. A Finn O'Driscoll goal, along with points from Cathal Barry, Míchael Walsh, Jamie Walsh, Matthew Kenny and Shane O'Dowd as well as strong defending from our backline saw us close out the game 2-26 to 4-14
Team: C. Somers, M. Hynes, D. Fitzgerald, D. Walsh, J. Walsh (0-1), C. Barry (0-2), D. Hurley, O. Harris (0-1), G. Quirke, F. O'Driscoll (1-2), D. O'Farrell, M. Kenny (0-5), S. O'Dowd (1-11), D. Costigan, M. Walsh (0-4)
REBEL OG Under14 Premier 2 Hurling Championship Quarter-Final
Bride Rovers 4-15 (27) Inniscarra 3-9 (18)
Rovers booked their place in the semi-final of the Under 14 Premier 2 Hurling Championship with an impressive nine-point victory over Inniscarra, winning 4-15 to 3-9 after a very competitive quarter-final.
Rovers made the brighter start and, after Inniscarra opened the scoring, Tommy Conway got Rovers off the mark with a point from play after four minutes. Just over a minute later came the first major breakthrough when Adam Hackett found the net to put Rovers firmly on the front foot.
Inniscarra continued to battle and picked off scores of their own, but Rovers kept the scoreboard moving. Conor Healy converted a free before Hackett added a free and another point from play as Rovers began to establish control.
A decisive spell midway through the first half then put real daylight between the sides. Tiarnán Lyons struck for a goal in the 23rd minute and, little more than a minute later, Jack Fitzgerald followed with another goal. Hackett quickly added a point from play as Rovers turned a competitive opening into a commanding advantage.
Inniscarra responded with a goal, but Rovers finished the half strongly. Healy added another free before finding the net himself in the 31st minute. That sent Rovers into the interval with a substantial 4-6 to 1-4 lead.
Inniscarra were always likely to respond after the break and they did exactly that. An early goal reduced the deficit and they continued to put the Rovers defence under pressure. However, Rovers showed good composure and kept adding points whenever Inniscarra threatened to build momentum.
Healy landed a fine point from play before converting two more frees. Hackett also struck from play, keeping the scoreboard ticking over during an important period of the game. Inniscarra's second goal of the half brought them closer and ensured Rovers had plenty of work still to do. But the response was strong. Jack Fitzgerald added a point from a 45, Healy converted another free and Hackett added a free of his own. With the game moving into its closing stages, Tiarnán Lyons came forward to score his second point of the afternoon from play. Adam Hackett then finished the Rovers scoring with a free in injury time.
Inniscarra never stopped battling and finished with 3-9, but Rovers had done the damage with their four first-half goals and backed that up with nine second-half points to secure an excellent 4-15 to 3-9 victory.
It was a strong championship performance, particularly the first-half scoring burst, while the second half required the team to withstand Inniscarra's comeback and keep the scoreboard moving without adding another goal.
Bride Rovers: Noah Collins, Scott Lynch, Darragh Feeney, Cameron Hoare, Luke Fitzgerald, Alex McCarthy, Denis Skillington, Tommy Conway (0-1), Jack Fitzgerald (1-1), Matthew Finn, Adam Hackett (1-6), Tiarnán Lyons (1-1), Eoghan Croke, Conor Healy (1-6), Dara Murphy, James O'Leary, Patrick O'Regan, Oisín Dorgan.
REBEL OG UNDER 14 HURLING DIV. 4. Bride Rovers Under14s produced a tremendous second-half fightback but were edged out by an injury time goal by Ballincollig in a thrilling Division 4 Hurling Championship encounter, 4-9 to 2-14. Ballincollig made the perfect start, finding the net after just 90 seconds. Rovers settled into the game, however, with Cian Barry proving extremely reliable from placed balls. He converted three frees in the opening 12 minutes to keep Rovers well in touch.
The game remained competitive through the middle stages of the half, with Barry continuing to punish Ballincollig indiscipline. Two further frees brought Rovers' tally to five points, but a difficult spell approaching half-time changed the complexion of the contest. Ballincollig struck for two goals in quick succession in the 24th and 25th minutes. Barry responded with another free before the interval, but Rovers went into the break trailing 3-3 to 0-6, leaving themselves six points to make up in the second half.
What followed was an excellent response from Rovers.
Patrick O'Regan got the comeback underway with a point from play inside the opening minute of the second half. Barry added another free before Liam Ryan struck from play. Barry continued to convert the opportunities presented to him, while Liam Harrington also got on the scoresheet from play.
The crucial breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute when substitute Robbie Scanlon found the Ballincollig net. Suddenly the gap had been significantly reduced and Rovers had all the momentum.
Barry added another free, but the comeback moved up another gear when Scanlon struck for his second goal just four minutes after his first. Having trailed by six points at half-time, Rovers had transformed the contest and put themselves right back in contention.
Another Barry free in the 25th minute kept the pressure firmly on Ballincollig. The closing stages were tense, with Ballincollig managing to edge themselves ahead again through a couple of points.
Rovers continued to push right to the finish, but there was to be one final twist. Deep into additional time Ballincollig struck for their fourth goal, a score which ultimately proved decisive. At the final whistle there was just one point between the teams, Ballincollig 4-9 to Bride Rovers 2-14.
While the result was a disappointing one, the character shown by the Rovers players was a huge positive. Six points down at half-time and without a goal on the scoreboard, they responded with 2-8 in the second half and pushed the game right to the wire. Robbie Scanlon's two goals provided the spark, while Cian Barry's accuracy from frees was a major feature throughout.
Bride Rovers: Joey Allen, Conor Dorgan, James O'Leary, Seán O'Dowd, Kayden Freeman, Oisín Dorgan, Harry Fitzpatrick, Ryan Hogan, Patrick O'Regan (0-1), Jack Gubbins, Liam Harrington (0-1), Jack Barry, Harry Fitzgerald, Cian Barry (0-11, frees), Jack O'Donovan. Subs: Liam Ryan (0-1), Robbie Scanlon (2-0).
Full-time: Ballincollig 4-9 (21), Bride Rovers 2-14 (20).
That is it for the hurling championship for Team 2 for this year but Team 1 roll onto the SF where we are awaiting one from Courceys, Bishopstown or Ballincollig.
BRIDE ROVERS GAA JUVENILE NOTES.
MINORS WIN-MIXED RESULTS FOR UNDER 14’ HURLERS.
Bride Rovers Defeat Lisgoold to Advance in Minor Hurling Championship
In a thriller in Páirc na Bríde last Wednesday night our minor hurlers have advanced to the semi final of the division 1 hurling championship. On a grand evening for hurling the game was played before a big crowd. With the wind at their backs, Lisgoold led for most of the first half thanks to two first half goals. Points from Shane O'Dowd, Matthew Kenny and Míchael Walsh, combined with a Shane O'Dowd goal saw us draw level 1-12 to 2-9 going into the break. The second half remained tight with both sides holding the lead at various stages, with two more Lisgoold goals giving them the advantage going into the final quarter. A Finn O'Driscoll goal, along with points from Cathal Barry, Míchael Walsh, Jamie Walsh, Matthew Kenny and Shane O'Dowd as well as strong defending from our backline saw us close out the game 2-26 to 4-14
Team: C. Somers, M. Hynes, D. Fitzgerald, D. Walsh, J. Walsh (0-1), C. Barry (0-2), D. Hurley, O. Harris (0-1), G. Quirke, F. O'Driscoll (1-2), D. O'Farrell, M. Kenny (0-5), S. O'Dowd (1-11), D. Costigan, M. Walsh (0-4)
REBEL OG Under14 Premier 2 Hurling Championship Quarter-Final
Bride Rovers 4-15 (27) Inniscarra 3-9 (18)
Rovers booked their place in the semi-final of the Under 14 Premier 2 Hurling Championship with an impressive nine-point victory over Inniscarra, winning 4-15 to 3-9 after a very competitive quarter-final.
Rovers made the brighter start and, after Inniscarra opened the scoring, Tommy Conway got Rovers off the mark with a point from play after four minutes. Just over a minute later came the first major breakthrough when Adam Hackett found the net to put Rovers firmly on the front foot.
Inniscarra continued to battle and picked off scores of their own, but Rovers kept the scoreboard moving. Conor Healy converted a free before Hackett added a free and another point from play as Rovers began to establish control.
A decisive spell midway through the first half then put real daylight between the sides. Tiarnán Lyons struck for a goal in the 23rd minute and, little more than a minute later, Jack Fitzgerald followed with another goal. Hackett quickly added a point from play as Rovers turned a competitive opening into a commanding advantage.
Inniscarra responded with a goal, but Rovers finished the half strongly. Healy added another free before finding the net himself in the 31st minute. That sent Rovers into the interval with a substantial 4-6 to 1-4 lead.
Inniscarra were always likely to respond after the break and they did exactly that. An early goal reduced the deficit and they continued to put the Rovers defence under pressure. However, Rovers showed good composure and kept adding points whenever Inniscarra threatened to build momentum.
Healy landed a fine point from play before converting two more frees. Hackett also struck from play, keeping the scoreboard ticking over during an important period of the game. Inniscarra's second goal of the half brought them closer and ensured Rovers had plenty of work still to do. But the response was strong. Jack Fitzgerald added a point from a 45, Healy converted another free and Hackett added a free of his own. With the game moving into its closing stages, Tiarnán Lyons came forward to score his second point of the afternoon from play. Adam Hackett then finished the Rovers scoring with a free in injury time.
Inniscarra never stopped battling and finished with 3-9, but Rovers had done the damage with their four first-half goals and backed that up with nine second-half points to secure an excellent 4-15 to 3-9 victory.
It was a strong championship performance, particularly the first-half scoring burst, while the second half required the team to withstand Inniscarra's comeback and keep the scoreboard moving without adding another goal.
Bride Rovers: Noah Collins, Scott Lynch, Darragh Feeney, Cameron Hoare, Luke Fitzgerald, Alex McCarthy, Denis Skillington, Tommy Conway (0-1), Jack Fitzgerald (1-1), Matthew Finn, Adam Hackett (1-6), Tiarnán Lyons (1-1), Eoghan Croke, Conor Healy (1-6), Dara Murphy, James O'Leary, Patrick O'Regan, Oisín Dorgan.
REBEL OG UNDER 14 HURLING DIV. 4. Bride Rovers Under14s produced a tremendous second-half fightback but were edged out by an injury time goal by Ballincollig in a thrilling Division 4 Hurling Championship encounter, 4-9 to 2-14. Ballincollig made the perfect start, finding the net after just 90 seconds. Rovers settled into the game, however, with Cian Barry proving extremely reliable from placed balls. He converted three frees in the opening 12 minutes to keep Rovers well in touch.
The game remained competitive through the middle stages of the half, with Barry continuing to punish Ballincollig indiscipline. Two further frees brought Rovers' tally to five points, but a difficult spell approaching half-time changed the complexion of the contest. Ballincollig struck for two goals in quick succession in the 24th and 25th minutes. Barry responded with another free before the interval, but Rovers went into the break trailing 3-3 to 0-6, leaving themselves six points to make up in the second half.
What followed was an excellent response from Rovers.
Patrick O'Regan got the comeback underway with a point from play inside the opening minute of the second half. Barry added another free before Liam Ryan struck from play. Barry continued to convert the opportunities presented to him, while Liam Harrington also got on the scoresheet from play.
The crucial breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute when substitute Robbie Scanlon found the Ballincollig net. Suddenly the gap had been significantly reduced and Rovers had all the momentum.
Barry added another free, but the comeback moved up another gear when Scanlon struck for his second goal just four minutes after his first. Having trailed by six points at half-time, Rovers had transformed the contest and put themselves right back in contention.
Another Barry free in the 25th minute kept the pressure firmly on Ballincollig. The closing stages were tense, with Ballincollig managing to edge themselves ahead again through a couple of points.
Rovers continued to push right to the finish, but there was to be one final twist. Deep into additional time Ballincollig struck for their fourth goal, a score which ultimately proved decisive. At the final whistle there was just one point between the teams, Ballincollig 4-9 to Bride Rovers 2-14.
While the result was a disappointing one, the character shown by the Rovers players was a huge positive. Six points down at half-time and without a goal on the scoreboard, they responded with 2-8 in the second half and pushed the game right to the wire. Robbie Scanlon's two goals provided the spark, while Cian Barry's accuracy from frees was a major feature throughout.
Bride Rovers: Joey Allen, Conor Dorgan, James O'Leary, Seán O'Dowd, Kayden Freeman, Oisín Dorgan, Harry Fitzpatrick, Ryan Hogan, Patrick O'Regan (0-1), Jack Gubbins, Liam Harrington (0-1), Jack Barry, Harry Fitzgerald, Cian Barry (0-11, frees), Jack O'Donovan. Subs: Liam Ryan (0-1), Robbie Scanlon (2-0).
Full-time: Ballincollig 4-9 (21), Bride Rovers 2-14 (20).
That is it for the hurling championship for Team 2 for this year but Team 1 roll onto the SF where we are awaiting one from Courceys, Bishopstown or Ballincollig.
SPONSORS; The Bride Rovers GAA Club sponsors are Fermoy Print & Design, Rathcormac Tyres, Gerard Gubbins Construction and Veolia -please support our sponsors whenever you can.
