BRIDE ROVERS GAA CLUB NOTES.

COME ON GIRLS!

Well it’s October and as busy as ever on the playing fields! Between playing and hosting games last weekend we were involved in no less than ten different matches -isn’t it great altogether. Looking back, our under 13’s won a mighty County League Final. The Minor Hurlers were involved in a classic East Final against Youghal which ended in a draw. The Lotto Jackpot reached €5000. This coming weekend we will have our Junior A and Junior B hurling teams in East Cork Championship action. It is a huge week for our Ladies Football as they contest the County Intermediate Final on Sunday next. We may well have the Minor replay also -just confirmed for Tonight Thursday Oct 1st

 ‘Go For It Girls’

It’s like last year again with the flags and signs up around the parish. The Green, White and Gold colours are fluttering proudly to support our girls in their County Final where they meet our East Cork rivals Inch Rovers. The girls had great games in their Round Robin section before taking on Midleton in the County Semi final. Played before a huge crowd in Pairc na Bride this was an amazing contest. The game seemed lost a few times but showing might heart a late, late equaliser sent the game to extra time.  We were up three points in the second ten minutes, then it was two, then just a single point but we held out far a mighty win. With a good blend of young and experienced players the team are thrilled to be back in a County Final aagain. Inch Rovers area hugely experienced side so twill take a huge effort on Sunday to capture the Title. The Final is fixed for the MTU Grounds- (formerly CIT) in Bishopstown with a 4 o clock throw-in. Gor for it girls, the parish is behind ye so give it everything.

REBEL OG UNDER 13 LEAGUE Final

What a final! Bride Rovers Under 13 boys produced a fantastic display of character, determination and attacking hurling to overcome a very strong Ibane Gaels (Barryroe/Argideen Rangers) in a thrilling and sporting Hurling 2A Cup Final.

From the very first whistle, it was clear that this was going to be a game full of excitement. Ibane Gaels came flying out of the blocks and raced into a commanding lead. After Dara Murphy had opened the scoring for Bride Rovers inside the first minute, Ibane Gaels responded with two quick goals and followed them with a series of points. By the 14th minute, a shell-shocked Bride Rovers found themselves 12 points behind, trailing 0-2 to 3-5. It would have been easy for heads to drop, but this team showed tremendous resilience. They simply kept working, kept competing and gradually began to turn the game around. Daniel Fitzgerald struck a crucial goal in the 15th minute, followed shortly afterwards by a point from Dara. Then, in the 19th minute, Tiarnán Lyons soloed through their defence and buried the ball to the back of the net to bring Bride Rovers right back into contention. Further points from Dara, Darragh Feeney with a monster effort from centre back, and Tiarnán reduced the deficit even further.

By half-time, after a brilliant fightback, Bride Rovers had turned a 12-point deficit into just a two-point game, with the scoreboard reading 2-7 to 3-6 to Ibane Gaels. The turnaround was a huge testament to the attitude and character of the players. Ibane Gaels again started the second half strongly, adding two early points to restore some breathing room. But Bride Rovers were not going to be denied. The defensive work was outstanding throughout, with Harry Fitzpatrick dropping back into the sweeper role at a crucial stage and helping to provide the stability that allowed the rest of the team to attack with confidence. And attack they did. Tiarnán added another point from a free near the sideline, follow by another point from play from Dara before Liam Ryan fired a fantastic goal to put Bride Rovers ahead for the first time. Ibane Gaels responded within a minute with a goal of their own, but there was now a real belief running through the Bride Rovers team. From the next attack, Dara Murphy who was tormenting the Ibane Gaels defence struck a crucial goal to put Bride Rovers back in front. A long-range point from Joey Allen, followed by another from Tiarnán, stretched the lead. With the final entering its closing stages, Bride Rovers continued to press. Dara added another point before Joey Allen found the net with a goal to put some daylight between the sides. Tiarnán added another point from a free, and Daniel finished off another excellent team performance with a late point. When the final whistle eventually came, the scoreboard showed Bride Rovers 5-15, Ibane Gaels 4-8.

From being 12 points down early in the first half to lifting the cup at the end, this was a performance built on character, teamwork, resilience and belief. All 21 players played and contributed their part, and the way the team stuck together when the game looked to be going against them was particularly impressive. A huge congratulations to all the players on a fantastic achievement. The commitment shown throughout the game, and indeed throughout the campaign, was rewarded with a thoroughly deserved Cup Final victory. A special word of thanks must also go to the coaches, whose work, preparation and encouragement throughout the year has helped develop this group into such a determined and united team. We would also like to sincerely thank Denis Aherne and all the groundsmen for having the pitch in fantastic condition for the final. The playing surface was superb and provided the perfect setting for what was a wonderful game of hurling. Thank you also to all the stewards and volunteers who helped make the day run so smoothly, and to referee John O'Brien for taking charge of the final. A brilliant day for Bride Rovers, a brilliant performance from the team, and a cup was accepted by our outstanding captain Darragh Feeney followed by John Arnold leading the team with a rousing rendition of Bride Rovers Abú. Hopefully the first of many!

Squad: Aaron Murphy; Cian Barry; Daniel Fitzgerald; Dara Murphy; Darragh Feeney (Captain); Elliott Fitzgerald (Vice-Captain); Eoin Burke; Fionn Purcell; Harry Fitzpatrick; Hugh Clerkin; Jack Gubbins; Joey Allen; Killian Donegan; Liam Harrington; Liam Ryan; Logan Ryan; Luke Buckley; Oisin Barry-Sheehan; Robbie Scanlan; Theo Skillington; Tiarnán Lyons

The team are also in the football final playing St Nicks in Rathcormac main pitch next Sunday morning at 10am where hopefully we will do the double. Last Sunday saw a triple-decker of under 13 Finals in Pynes. In the other two fixtures Fermoy beat St Colmcilles and Lee Gaels beat Na Piarsaigh.

EAST REGION REBEL OG MINOR HURLING FINAL.

After a mighty game of hurling in Glenville last Sunday it was honours even, 1 14 apiece, at the end of the Rebel Og Minor A Hurling Final.  Going into the game without  the injured duo of Oliver Harris and Garry Quirke we knew we were really up against it.  Having lead by 5 points  1 12 to 1 7 after the third quarter we looked to be in a great position. Then Youghal scored six points in a row to go into a 1 13 to 1 12 lead. With only four minutes left we levelled. A dramatic finish then as Mattie Kenny sent over a brilliant point from out on the sideline -it looked like the winning score but a quick puckout from the Youghal keeper was collected at midfield and sent over the bar for the equaliser. What a game and what a finish! The first half was close and tight. Michael Walsh scored our opening point and  with Shane O Dowd in great shooting form we led by two.  Youghal levelled and went two ahead. We gained parity at 5 each. Then the seasiders scored 1 1 to go 1 6 to 0 5 up. Our lads responded well and three white flags left just a point in the difference at the break 1 6 to  0 8.  Shane levelled matters on the restart. Our back got to grips with their opponents and we literally tore into the game. A goal from Luke Murphy was the vital score and  soon we were 1 12 to 1 7 ahead and looking good. Back came Youghal however and in the end we nearly snatched it but a replay was needed. Well done lads on a superb display. The bad news of course is the serious injury to Finn O Driscoll which will also sideline him.

Starting team  C. Somers, T. Cronin, M. Hynes, D. Walsh, D. Hurley, D. Fitzgerald, C. Barry, J. Walsh, F. O'Driscoll, S. O'Dowd, M. Kenny, M. Walsh, D. O'Farrell, L. Murphy, F. Lynch.

Subs: C. Scanlon for F. O'Driscoll, C. O'Donovan for D. O'Farrell, B. Sweeney for T. Cronin 

Scorers:

Luke Murphy - 1 goal

Denis Fitzgerald 0  1  (free) ,Mattie  Kenny 0 2 ,Finn  0 1,,Darragh O F 0  1pt,Michael W. 0 1

Cathal Barry – 0  1, Shane O D. 0  5, Fionn Lynch 0  1 p.

REPLAY.  News just through that the replay will be in the Fr. O Neill’s pitch at Aghavine (Ballymacoda) on tonight Thursday October 1st, under lights, at 8pm. With Oliver, Gary and Finn all missing through injury we face a mammoth task in this replay. It’s up to the rest of the panel to produce the best hurling they can- go for it lads.

WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO. The Lotto Results for Tuesday 22nd of September -the 4 Numbers drawn were 7, 17, 25 & 31 – and there was No Winner of the 4,800 Jackpot.
Congrats to our lucky dip €30 cash winners; Sylvia Walsh, Mondaniel, Ava & Clodagh Barry, Scarthbarry, Orla Cronin, Rathcormac, Jane O’Driscoll, Rathcormac and Martina Carey, Monanig. This  week's jackpot on Tuesday Sept 29th was €5,000.
If your ticket has expired, we would appreciate if you would enter again via
Bride Rovers GAA Lotto

   REBEL OG fe 14 PREMIER 2 HL.

Bride Rovers 3-6 (15), Courcey Rovers 2-10 (16) Rovers' U14 hurlers came agonisingly close to pulling off a brilliant comeback on Thursday evening, eventually losing out to Courceys by the narrowest of margins in their Premier 2 League semi-final. Courceys started the stronger and had a point on the board inside the opening minute before striking for their first goal shortly afterwards. Courceys added two more scores to go 1-3 to 0-0 up after 12 mins. Tommy Conway got Rovers up and running with a point, but Courceys continued to keep the scoreboard moving and added a second goal midway through the half to put Courceys 2-5 to 0-1 up.  Rovers gradually began to settle into the game. Dara Murphy and Alex McCarthy both raised white flags before Eoghan Croke struck a vital goal late in the half. That score gave Rovers a real lift going into the break, although Courceys still held a six-point advantage at half-time, 2-6 to 1-3. Rovers came out with renewed purpose after the restart. Adam Hackett converted a free inside the opening minute before Alex McCarthy added his second point of the evening. Courceys responded with scores of their own and continued to make Rovers work for everything. As the second half progressed, however, Rovers began to build some real momentum. Jack Fitzgerald knocked over a point as the lads continued to chip away at the deficit.The game then changed dramatically in the closing stages. Jack Gubbins was introduced from the bench and made an immediate impact, finding the net within seconds of coming on. Suddenly Rovers had Courceys under serious pressure and were within 4 points. The lads kept pushing right to the end and were rewarded again when Jack Fitzgerald struck Rovers' third goal. What had looked like a comfortable Courceys advantage earlier in the half was now down to the bare minimum. Rovers went searching for the score that would bring the game level, but the clock eventually beat them. Courceys held on for a 2-10 to 3-6 victory, with just a single point separating the sides at the final whistle. It was a tough result to take, particularly after the way the lads finished the game. Six points down at half-time and with plenty of work to do during the second half, they never stopped. The final quarter showed the character in this group and they came within inches of completing a superb comeback. Team: Noah Collins, Scott Lynch, Darragh Feeney,  Cameron Hoare,  Denis Skillington, Jack Fitzgerald (1-1),  Matthew Finn,  Tommy Conway (0-1),  Alex McCarthy (0-2, C),  Ryan Hogan,  Adam Hackett (0-1),  Tiarnán Lyons,  Eoghan Croke (1-0),  Dara Murphy (0-1), Patrick O'Regan,  Liam Harrington,  James O'Leary,  Jack Gubbins (1-0)

TERESA WALSH MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT.

This weekend, we host the annual Teresa Walsh Tournament. It is 10 years since Teresa passed away and for the 10th anniversary, we return to the blitz format of previous years. This Sunday, October 4th at 12 midday, we welcome Lisgoold, Castlelyons,  Ballycastle Gaels and Whitechurch to Pynes for this year’s Tournament.

HUGE HURLING WEEKEND.

Our Junior hurlers contest two East Cork semi finals this weekend  at B Grade and A grade level.  First into the fray are our second junior team, who contest the B grade semi against Castlelyons. This game is fixed for Saturday 3rd Oct at 2.30pm in Lisgoold. This game unfortunately overlaps with our Intermediate Ladies football in MTU at 4.00pm. We drew with Youghal, lost to Aghada, beat Killeagh and then overcame Lisgoold in the quarter final. Our third team against the second XV of Castlelyons is a big ask but the lads have been brilliant so far so best of luck. Then, on Sunday October 4th at 5pm in Castlelyons, our first junior team take on Carrig na bhFeár in the A grade semi final. We topped the group to qualify for the semi-final. This will be Carrig’s first team so a huge challenge faces our lads so hurl like man and good luck.
Best wishes to all involved, and it would be great to have a huge and vocal Rovers support at both these local games.  Just in case we weren’t  getting enough good hurling games we are down to play Killeagh in the u 21 HC on next Tuesday night October 6th in Pynes at 8pm.

FIXTURES; Thurs 1/10 Minor Hurling Final replay v Youghal in Aghavine at 8pm.

Sat Oct 3rd East Cork JBHC semi final v Castlelyons at 2.30 in Lisgoold

Co Final Ladies IFC  Bride Rovers v Inch Rovers in MTU at 4 pm

Sunday Oct 4th under 13 FL Final v St Nicks, Rathcormac at 10 am

Teresa Walsh Memorial Under 14 hurling Tournament at 12 noon

East Cork Junior A HC semi final v Carrignavar in Castleyons at 5 o clock

Tues. Oct.6th East Cork u 21 AHC v Killeagh in Pynes 8pm

CONDOLENCES. We extend our deepest condolences to the Ryan family of Mondaniel on the death of Breda.  Breda and her late husband John were two outstanding community people. In every aspect of parish life they were involved as workers, supporters and benefactors. The Bride Rovers GAA Club has benefitted hugely from the involvement of four generations of the family and their legacy will go on and on. May Breda rest in peace.

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.