Prominent Members
| Fr. Edmond Barry P.P
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| Born in 1836 his maternal ancestors coming from Desert in Bartlemy he was appointed parish priest in 1885 and lived close to Kilshannig. He was slow to give his blessing to the idea of Gaelic games, but once he satisfied himself he was a major influence in the Bartlemy/Rathcormac teams in the 1880s.Club President in the 1880's he was the Chief organizer of the very successful Bartlemy Hurling and Rathcormac Football clubs. Well known Gaelic scholar,writer,researcher, archaeologist. He was an Ardent advocate of temperance. He Died on 22nd May 1900.and following Mass in Rathcormac he was shouldered all the way to Bartlemy and was buried in Bartlemy Church. |
| Con Murphy.
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| Con first hit the headlines playing for Bride Rovers and Fermoy Footballers where he won a County Senior Football Championship in 1945.Later that year he made his intercounty debut in the National League v Waterford .Con went on to play in the 1946 Championship winning an All ireland Senior medal,scoring two points in the final. In 1947 Con transferred to Sarsfields and played in the County Senior Final where St Finbarrs defeated them. Con won a National League in 1947 and this was his last appearance in the red of Cork. He moved to Dublin to study pharmacy and retired from hurling. However In 1951 he played for Civil Service v Dublin in a challenge game and impressed and he was asked by then President of the GAA Joe Stewart to play for Dublin in 1952. They beat Wexford in the Leinster final to qualify for the All irl Final v Cork which they lost. He played for Leinster in the 1953 Railway Cup and for Ireland against the Combined Universities. He moved to London in 1954 where he won a Senior Championship with Cuchulain's .He returned to play for Dublin again in 1955 when they lost to Kilkenny bringing the curtain down on the colourful career of Con Murphy Bride Rovers. Con returned to Cork and ran a chemist shop in Tallow. |
| Pat Lee |
| Pat Lee was one of seven children born to Michael Lee and his wife Mary O Connell of Bartlemy village.Young Pat Lee liked hurling and football. Fr Edmond Barry PP organised hurling and football teams in the parish. During that period the Bartlemy and Rathcormac teams were among the best in the County and Pat Lee was a star player. His prospects of becoming a fully-fledged National Teacher suffered a setback when a 'disagreement' arose between the young Monitor and the School principal Larry Flynn His good friend Fr. Barry helped Pat Lee to get employment with the Great Southern and Western Railway Company.. After a few years he was appointed Station Master in Ballybrophy in Co.Laois. He joined Kilcotton Hurling Club and the skills he had honed around the green fields of Bartlemy were soon put into action. A great organizer, apparently, Pat Lee soon took the Laois county hurling team under his tutelage along with famed Kilkenny hurler of the time 'Drug' Walsh and others they moulded the Midlanders into a formidable outfit. As Ballygeehan club were the County champions in 1914 Laois defeated Kilkenny and Dublin in Leinster to qualify for their second final in a row.Laois however benefited from the experience of the previous years final appearance and shocked the hurling world by winning on a scoreline of 6 2 to 4 1. There was no prouder man in Jones Road that day in October 1915 than Pat Lee .Pat died in 1956. Dick Ryan.
Richard (Dick) Ryan was born at Ballinterry on March 23rd 1914, his parents were James Ryan and Eugenie nee Arnold. From an early age his ability as a brilliant hurler was obvious. He was on the Bride Rovers Junior Hurling team when 16. By the time he was 18 he had won two East Cork Junior A Grade HC medals and an East Cork and County Minor medal as well.He actually captained the Bride Rovers Minor County winning team in 1932.He also played in the 1933 County Intermediate Final when Lough Rovers beat Bride Rovers. In that year he got a job in the Civil Service and was posted to Waterford. He joined the Erins Own Club in Waterford city. By 1934 he was on the Waterford Senior Hurling team and played with the Decies in the Munster Championship in 1934 and 1935. He was transferred to Cork,played with Blackrock and was picked on the Cork Senior Hurling team in 1937. Cork lost to Tipp by 4 3 to 3 5- Tipperary went on to win the All Ireland that year. In 1949 Dick Ryan was transferred to Donegal.He told me that he arrived in Donegal of a Wednesday and was on the Donegal Hurling team the following Sunday! Donegal participated in the Ulster Junior HC at that time. Dick was on the team that reached the 1950 Ulster Junior Hurling Final. The game was played in the Athletic Grounds, Armagh on Sunday July 30th but Antrim won well on a scoreline of 8.8 to 2.3.Dick had the honour of playing with three counties and maintained a great interest in the club and was in attendance in Pairc Ui Chaoimh in 1998 when Bride Rovers won the County Junior Hurling Championship. |
| David John Barry.
Founder member along with his brother Tom, David John as he was known, was totally immersed in club activities and it was he who proposed the name Bride Rovers at the first meeting in 1928. From that time until his death in 1975 he was one of the most active members.He attended East Cork Board meetings and was on the GPC.He was very involved in Juvenile affairs and his catch cry after Mass or at the school gate was “Tell em all".Whether as a board delegate or GPC member he fought the Rovers case and his wit and quick thinking at board meetings was very effective.At the time of his death attending a Juvenile game in Castlelyons on June 13th 1975,he was club Chairman.David John was buried in Rathcormac Cemetery on June 15th.Truly a father figure in the club and a contribution that will be hard to surpass Tom Barry (The Master)
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| A Founding Father of the club and a brother of David John he was elected clubs first Secretary in 1928,he was a leading figure in the formative years of the club and kept the club alive in troubled times.Tom Barry N.T. maintained his links with the Club all down through the years right up to his death in March 1985.Tom was involved at East Cork Board level both as Secretary and Chairman.He was honoured to be elected as the President of the Board as well which he held until the time of his passing.He was Cork Junior Hurling selector and Imokilly selector.During his time as selector, Cork captured two Junior All Ireland titles.Tom was headmaster in Rathcormac National School until his retirement in 1973,stayed involved in club affairs until his death in 1985 after almost 60 years of involvement.He was immensely proud to see his Son Seanie become a star player for club Division College and County.He did trojan work in the development of the club grounds and was a real driver of the project.from its purchase in 1977 to its completion in 1985.The club Rooms Aras de Barra are named in his honour.Tom died on March 7th 1985 which was a great pity,just a few months before the new club grounds were officially opened in June, by his good friend Con Murphy who was Chairman of the Cork County Board.He left a major legacy and his influence in the club can still be felt. |
| Billy Barry |
| | Born in 1907 in Mellifontstown Bartlemy,the son of Paddy Barry N.T.and Ciss Arnold, Willie (he preferred the name Liam himself and in later life was called Billy), was involved with the Bartlemy Hurling club from an early age. He played with the club in the 1920's and had bought a set of blue and white jerseys for the Bartlemy club at Elverys in Cork. He was one of those involved in the calling of the meeting in the Bandroom in Bartlemy, in the autumn of 1928, when his brother Dan was elected the first Chairman. He played Junior and Intermediate with the club and he represented the club at East Cork and County Board levels. Willie was working in Government buildings in Cork,over Roches Stores.,His greatest legacy to the Bride Rovers club came in 1932,and just before the East Cork final v Leeside he wrote the great club anthem "Bride Rovers Abu. Ned Hoskins
From the time the club was formed in 1928 and even before that time when Bartlemy and Rathcormac teams affiliated separately the name Hoskins or Heskin was to be found on teams and committees' Ned Hoskins Bluebell was on the Bartlemy team and was a member of the committee that gathered at the band room in Bartlemy in Dec 1928 to form Bride Rovers. The successful teams of the early 1930s had 3 Hoskins on it Ned Tom and Jim.Tom was a star player and played in Goals for Cork Minors in 1933.When the club was reformed in 1964 Ned Hoskins was elected its first Chairman.Ned's sons Eamonn and Pat followed their father’s footsteps in Bride Rovers, both were prominent club players Eamon part of the 1966 B Winning team and Pat was very involved in the Junior teams from 1968 right through to the early 1980s and was recognised as an excellent goalkeeper.Pat continued his involvement as an officer and was Chairman in the breakthrough year of 1998 as well as being a selector on that county winning team. Eamonn continues to support the club in many different ways. their sons also played with the club and now the grandchildren continue that tradition. All in all the name Hoskins has a long and valued history in the Bride Rovers Club. Collins Families Moulintoura
From the early days of Gaelic games being mentioned on the records and probably along with the Murphys from Raheen they have the longest involvement in the club.The Collins name from Moulintoura has been on various team lists right up to the present day. Though bordering on Ballyhooly parish it was with the Rathcormac and Bartlemy teams they played with, when the Bartlemy and Rathcormac teams led by Captain O'Connell and their neighbour Captain Patrick Murphy in Raheen were prominent in Gaelic games particularly in the East and North Cork areas. Four Collins members played regularly in the late 1930s and were members of the club committees as well. It’s probably fair to say no Rovers team has lined out without the name Collins on the team sheet.Patrick Collins (Father of Seamus and Paudie) was club president at the time of his death. Seamus and Paudie were members of the Rovers teams in the 70s and 80s and cousin Tomas Collins played with the club too.Paudie Captained the team to win the O Flynn Cup in 1988. More recently Aidan, Kieran, Enda ,Cormac ,Michael, Fergus, Brian and Barry Collins have been prominent on club teams continuing the proud and long involvement & tradition of the Collins families from Moulintoura |
| Pat O Connor |
Current Club President Pat O Connor has given trojan service to the club. Played at every level with the club up to Junior A, he was captain of the 1975 winning Junior B Team. Pat has immersed himself in the club from his early teens and was very prominent in the formation of the Juvenile club in the 70s and the trainer to many teams at that time. Following the death of David John Barry in 1975 he was elected Chairman of Bride Rovers for 1976 and over saw the Purchase and development of Pairc na Bride to its official opening in 1985.Stepping down as chairman at the AGM in 1985 he still remained very active in the club and no job was too big or small for Pat.Pat was a delegate to the East Cork Board for many years and also to the Juvenile Board .He has seen the club rise from Junior B to Senior and his elevation to President following the death of Patie Collins Moulintoura was recognition of his contribution to Bride Rovers it was well deserved,a role he carries out with distinction and is a guiding figure at club executive meetings to the present day Tony Walsh
Tony wasn't just a great Bride Rovers man.Like so many of his generation he immersed himself in a wide range of activities. While still a teenager he was Chairman of Bartlemy Macra na Feirme. The point-to-point races are held in Hightown and for many years Tony, along with his great friend Joe Browne held the position as Joint Clerks of the Scales. By the time Tony was a young teenager the early glory days of Bride Rovers had faded.Tony played juvenile, minor and junior with Watergrasshill. In December 1964 the Bride Rovers Club was reorganised once more. At the first meeting in Bartlemy Hall an interim five man Club Committee was formed to assist the new Officers. The Committee members included Tony who took over as Club Secretary.The club started off with a Junior B hurling team and Tony soon slotted in as corner back - a position where he won three East Cork medals, B grade in 1966, A grade in 1968 and 1969. In 1966 Tony was secretary and player Tony played for the Club until the early 1980's He was the traditional corner back, safe, reliable and ever present. His dual role as player and officer rested lightly on his shoulders - out of the first one hundred games the Rovers played in the 1965 -1967 period Tony lined out in 98 of them ! As a club officer he served as Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Registrar and Juvenile Secretary - for a total of twenty seven years. When his own playing career finished he became a selector and was involved with the JHL winning teams of 1981/82, the Minor Co League winning team of 1992 and the East cork JBHC winning team of 1993. When the Club pitch was purchased Tony was very involved in fund raising and in 1983 was on the sub-committee in charge of enclosing the pitch and erecting the wire, stakes and gates.It was beyond Tony's wildest dreams to see Bride Rovers Contest County Junior, Intermediate and Senior Finals. He was one of our most passionate and dedicated supporters. He never forgot the time when we started off, before Christmas in 1964 and he was so proud and happy to see the growth of the Club.Tony passed away in July 2012 Sean & Paudie Murphy
The Murphy name from Raheen in Kildinan has been linked to Gaelic games in the parish since they were first played in the late 1880s.Few families if any can claim to have such a long involvement. Patrick Murphy Raheen captained the Rathcormac County winning Football side of 1889. Paudie & Sean Murphy grandsons of Patrick and son of Jim who was a major figure in the club as a player and selector from the 1920s to being club President at the time of his death in July 1988.Both Sean & Paudie have been corner stones of the Bride Rovers club since its re formation in 1964.Sean & Paudie were the back bone of the Junior A winning side of 68 and 69.Paudie played on with the club until 1983 rendering almost 20 years playing.Paudie is always available to give a helping hand to any task that is asked of him. His interest in the underage activities of the club is unsurpassed and can be seen at almost any game anywhere the club is playing.Club Coaches regularly take on board his advice.Paudie continues to serve the club and is one of its three trustees. His four sons were on the County winning side of 2003 and both Barry and Brian represented Cork with Brian winning Senior All Ireland Titles in 2004 and 05. Paudie was elected a Vice president at the AGM in 2022 Sean played for Cork u21s in 1965 and Cork intermediate teams and the Imokilly Senior team without claiming any silverware.Sean won a Cork County Intermediate medal with Castletownroche in 1964.Regarded as one of the best hurlers in the division at that time.Sean even though living in the Castlemartyr area and after retiring from playing he coached the Bride Rovers team for many years.Seldom if ever misses a Club Championship game and a great supporter of all club fundraising activities.Sean & Paudie are regarded as being up with the best players to have ever worn the club Jerse and Bride Rovers run through their veins.Long may the Murphy name continue to serve the club. The O Driscoll Brothers.
Fachtna Brendan Gussie Gus,Fachtna & Brendan O Driscoll are synonymous with the club. Born in Main Street next door to Fr Seanie Barry they got involved from a young age in the club and were very much encouraged by their mother as their father passed away at a very young age. Fachtna and Gus joined the priesthood and went to Maynooth where they played a lot of hurling and won Fitzgibbon cup medals with the college.Brendan went to St Colman’s College Fermoy where he played Harty Cup. All three were part of the Bride Rovers teams in the 70s and 80s when the club had a many heartbreaks,losing finals in 1972 and '73 after a replay.The three O'Driscoll’s were key men in those teams and had few peers in the game at divisional level. Brendan was a power house full back who took no prisoners and his catching the ball in the air and powering out from the full back line lifted many of his colleagues. Gus and Fachtna were super forwards and were earmarked for special attention by all opposing teams, they had silken skills and were regularly the go the men in the forward line. While they achieved little enough success on the playing fields they were brilliant men for the club. Gus was a powerful free taker too and often billowed the net from a 21 yard free when half the opposition were in the goal line like he did in the 1972 semi Final v Aghada on two occasions .While priestly duties took Gus and Fachtna to the other side of the world they remained loyal to the club,regularly played when home on holidays.Fachtna was key member of the 1975 B Grade team who claimed the East Cork Championship. Brendan remains a constant presence in the club. He has been club Treasurer and Chairman, Imokilly selector, East Cork Board delegate for many years and Lotto Committee member along with his wife Janey. Brendan was elected a Vice president at the AGM in 2022 The O Driscoll brothers were very proud men when they saw the club rise through the ranks Junior B in 1993 to Senior in 2004 and Brendan’s sons Jerome Pa and Brennie were hugely involved in all these County Championship victories.All in all the O'Driscoll’s have and are making a major contribution to the club and long may that continue Miick Barry
Mick Barry Vice President has been involved with Bride Rovers since the late 1950s he was a major figure in putting the club on a solid footing along with his brother Tommy, when times were tough,getting players on the field and fundraising was difficult. He was instrumental in the club acquiring its grounds at Bridgelands West in 1977 from Donal Scannell and moved it on quickly getting it through committees & club meetings etc..As treasurer of the club Mick was the lead man in raising funds around that time and his contacts in the business world were invaluable. He was also a sponsor of the club through his own business, the Mace supermarket in the village at the time. The opening of Pairc na Bride in 1985 was a major milestone for the club and Mick was justifiably proud of this to see it all coming together after he being instrumental in acquiring the land in the first place. Mick looked after the club grounds for many years as the clubs Grounds Officer putting in many hours all on a voluntary basis.In 1998 Mick was very proud when the club won the Cork County JAHC with his sons Liam and Pat involved and his daughters Nicola and Michelle too.All the family have remained very involved in various capacities with Nicola and Liam holding senior positions in the club while Pat was Senior manager after he retired and remains involved in coaching and Michelle is also involved with the ladies club. Mick continues to support the club in many different ways and his family continue the proud involvement to this day. Mick was appointed a trustee and a Vice President of the club to recognise his contribution over many years and its safe to say that without his efforts in the lean years the club would not be in the position it is today. A huge influence on the club and a major contribution by Mick Barry. Mick passed away on Feb 3rd 2022 RIP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=putm-ByP6MY | |
| Tom Barry
Tom Barry Gneeves gave outstanding service to the club mainly as an administrator.From the moment the club was reformed in 1964 he played a very prominent role in its development. From 1969 to 1982 he held the position of club treasurer and this was a crucial time.Finance was hard to raise and it needed many different initiatives to raise the necessary money to keep the club going, Selling race cards at Bartlemy races, a threshing, a festival, a club draw etc. were only some of the ways the club raised the finance and Tom was to the forefront of this.He also combined this with his role as a selector in different teams.Tom became the first manager in the club when he stepped in to help out the Junior Footballers in 1981 when the club won its first football title in 92 years. He was immensely proud of that achievement. With the purchase and development of the grounds at Bridgelands Tom had left the club in a good position and stepped away from the position of treasurer which incidentally was filled by his brother Mick.Tom also attended East Cork & County Conventions on behalf of the club. He remained on as a loyal club man always available to help in whatever way he could.He rarely misses a club game,and was so proud to see the club move up the grades from Junior B to Senior.His appointment as a club Vice President was recognition of his many years’ service to his beloved Bride Rovers John Arnold
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| From 1972 at the age of 15, John Arnold has been ever present in the Rovers corner. Having played at various grades without much success, John was introduced to GAA administration by the late Dave Ryan of Bartlemy Village and David John Barry Rathcormac.Soon after he was attending East Cork Board meetings with his mentors ! John was elected club Sec from 1975 to 1980 and club Chairman 1987 to 1992 and is currently the club PRO.John was very involved in the development of Pairc na Bride to its official opening in 1985.He spent almost 15 years compiling the club history. The winning the County Junior Hurling Title in 1998 which John described as "beyond his wildest dreams" was the catalyst to publish Bride Rovers Abu in the spring of 1999.Winning the 2003 County Intermediate Title in 2003 was the inspiration for his second book, "Come Listen Awhile", an account of that famous journey to Senior ranks.John has immersed himself in all aspects of the club from Juvenile to Adult. John has led the Scor groups for many years achieving success at County and Provincial level. All major wins are finished of with John famously singing Bride Rovers Abu. John continues to serve as a Board Delegate and at the Annual General Meeting in 2012 forty years from his first AGM he was elected as a Vice President a fitting tribute for a life of dedication to the Rovers. |
| Seanie Barry |
| Won Harty and All-Ireland colleges titles in 1963.Played at right half forward on Cork minor team in 1963 having been sub-goalie in 1962.Won Fitzgibbon medals with U.C.C. in 1965 and '67.Won Munster and All-Ireland Intermediate hurling medals in 1965. In 1966 Seanie was on the Cork teams which won the u-21 and Senior All-Ireland Hurling titles. Ordained to the priesthood with the Kiltegan Fathers in 1971 and went on mission work to Africa. With Bride Rovers he won East Cork J.A.H.C.medals in 1968 and '69 as well as J.B.H.C. medals in 1966 and '75. Played with the club until 1985.Took over as Junior Hurling team coach in 1997.In 1998 he coached the team to East Cork success for the first time since 1969. The team then went on and brought further glory to the parish by winning the Cork County Junior Hurling championship for the first time. Fr Seanie missed the County final as he was on mission work in Africa. He later coached the Bride Rovers Intermediate team in 2000 and 2001.but he returned in 2003 to see the club capture the Intermediate title and reach the promised land of Senior Hurling. A gifted hurler,motivator and clubman he had the honour of having a complete chapter to himself in the club history aptly titled "The Greatest Rover of them All" at the AGM in Nov 2021 he was elected a Vice president of the club |
| Gerard Lane |
Played under-age, minor and some junior for the club with little success.Won East Cork M.H.C in 1979.Got involved in administration side of club as Juvenile Secretary from 1981 to 1989. Elected PRO ,Vice Chairman & Chairman of East Cork Juvenile Board which was revamped and developed during this time. Served as Vice-Chairman of East Cork Junior Board for two years before being elected as Chairman at the Board's convention in Bartlemy on December 3rd.1997 which he held for 10 years. His first official duty as Chairman was on the following Sunday in Lisgoold when he presented the East Cork U21 hurling trophy to Bride Rovers captain Donal Ryan, the start of many more to come during his term in the Chair,including the return of the East Cork Junior A Hurling cup on a famous day in Cobh in 1998.He stood down at Convention 2007 and was elected a Vice President of the East Cork Board.Gerard was elected PRO of the Cork County Board for 2009-2011, and was elected as its Vice Chairman for 2012-2014 and its Chairman 2014-2017 and in his final year was at the helm for the opening of the new Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Oct of the year. He served as the Board's Liaison Officer to the Cork Senior Football team in 2010 when Cork won the Sam Maguire for the first time since 1990.He was elected a Vice president of the Co Board and the Munster Council delegate in 2018.Gerard served as the clubs Cultural officer for a number of years its Vice Chairman for three years before his election as Chairman at the club AGM in Dec 2019. | |
| Tom Mulcahy |
| The outstanding Bride Rovers club hurler of the 1980's and early ‘90's.was also a very able administrator holding the positions of Chairman, Secretary, Field Development Officer,Registrar and Cultural officer,& served as a delegate to the East Cork Board for fifteen years.On the playing fields he won a M.H.C.medal in 1979,J.H.L.medals in 1981 and '82, and J.B.F.C. medal in 1981.In the 1988 O Flynn Cup final Tom scored 0-10 and his brother Denis 1-0 in a great 1-10 to 2-4 victory. Played Senior Hurling with the divisional team Imokilly for a number of years.Tom captained the J.B.Hurling team in 1993 when the B Grade double was won.Played until 1997.losing the East Cork JAH final to Castlelyons. In 1998 Tom stepped back from playing was a selector as well as trainer of the Junior Hurling team, which won the East Cork, and County Junior Hurling Titles.Tom participated in the various Scor Competitions and a key member of the grounds committee, coaches some of the ladies teams, was a Senior Hurling Selector, a member of the Lotto Committee as well as being a very valued member of the grounds committee and the club executive. |
| Denis Ahern
Since Denis first lined out with the clubs u12 side in the early 70s he has been involved in the club.Denis played at all grades at Juvenile and was on the East Cork Winning St Bartholomew's minor team of 79. He graduated to the u21 and Junior teams but at a time when the club was not featuring prominently.Denis was on the panels that brought the 1981 and 1982 league title and the the O Flynn cup in 1988. Denis was involved with the Junior B winning double team of 1993 and again in 1995.Denis continued his involvement when he retired from playing.He was a selector on the county winning Junior team of 1998 and has been very prominent in our underage section particularly our Minor teams right up to the present time.Denis acted as one of the clubs vice Chairmen for a long period in the 1980s and PRO for four years in the early 90s. In his capacity as a hurley maker he has been a generous sponsor of our teams.Denis the clubs joint grounds officer has also been a valued member of the club executive and is the main man in the upkeep of our grounds at Pairc na Bride.He has excelled in this role.He can be seen working away quietly and without fuss at any time of the day or night all on a voluntary basis.No Job too big,or too small for Denis and his commitment to the club knows no bounds. Liam Barry
Though young in years the involvement of Liam Barry in the club has been impressive to say the least.Born into a strong GAA house his Father Mick had been involved all his life and features here in this section. It was no little surprise to see Liam immerse himself in the club. From playing at all grades he was part of the 1992 Minor team that has been credited with kick-starting the club to prominence. Liam played for many years and played u21 and Junior for the club when he was member of the 1993 B grade double winning team and a sub on the 1998 Junior A winning team.Liam’s gra for administration was very obvious and his attention to detail was was very evident.Liam was club Secretary,Chairman and treasurer and excelled in those roles.His Wife Anne Marie from a strong GAA background in Skeenarinky also acted as club Secretary. Liam was also sought out as a mentor and was a selector on the 2003 Co Intermediate team and went on to manage the Senior team as well. Liam was a Cork Intermediate selector in 2004 when Brendan Walsh captained Cork to all Irl glory and was appointed a Cork U21 Selector under Midleton’s Ger Fitzgerald.Liam was Chairman of the Ladies club and a selector on their teams as well and was manager when they won the Senior B Title in 2015.On the sudden death of our club treasurer Dan Quill in 2018 Liam stepped into the role of club treasurer again As proprietor of a very successful business,Fermoy Print & Design Liam has been a very generous sponsor of the club.Liam is an outstanding club man who has made a major contribution to the well being of the club and hopefully many more years of involvement. Kathleen Johnson
Our very first Lady Chairperson,though not our first Lady Officer as Mary McHugh had held the position of treasurer in 2003 2004 & 2005. Kathleen Dwane from a very strong GAA family in Kildorrery,married into a strong GAA family too as the Johnsons from Ballyreidy were all great players with the club. Once her own family got involved Kathleen immersed herself in the Juvenile club and was Chairman and Sec of the club where young Barry was a major player. Following on from that, Kathleen became Treasurer Secretary and our first lady Chairperson. Her experience from holding a senior position in Bank of Ireland was put to good use and she excelled in all three positions and provided very strong leadership. Her time in office was a very successful one on the playing fields and her leadership in the Board room was rubbing off on the club. It was a proud Kathleen who saw our Senior Hurlers march to the County Senior Final in 2008 and her own son Barry a leading player on the team.It was indeed a historic time in the club as we had three ladies as officers,Kathleen Chairperson, Nicola Barry Secretary, and Annette Walsh as treasurer. Kathleen’s time as an officer was indeed as historic off the field as it was on it and as our first lady Chairperson she made a major contribution to the clubs wellbeing while in office and left office leaving the club in a very strong position. Tom Kearney
Tom Kearney has been involved in the club since he was a teenager, an outstanding club player in both codes from his underage days, but he excelled in football and was our top player in the code for many years.Tom played with the club well in to the 1990s. He was captain of the club when it captured its first East Cork Junior B Football title in 1981, beating Youghal in the final played in Midleton and the first Rovers man to captain a winning football team since Patsy Murphy 92 years earlier in 1889. Tom played on for many more years and was on the winning O'Flynn cup team of 1988 and the double winning B team of 1993, being the most senior player and provided much encouragement and leadership to the very young team. As well as playing Tom was also involved in the Juvenile club as an officer and a coach and has continued to the present day an involvement in administration of the club.Tom is a trojan worker for the club and his get up and go approach to anything that needs to be done is an inspiration to everyone.His sons John and Michael played with the club and Michael played in the County Senior Final in 2008 when Sars beat Bride Rovers by a point.He remains a very valuable member of the executive and is Mr Reliable when anything needs to be done around the club or indeed the parish.Its people like Tom Kearney has made the club what it is today. Tom was elected a Vice president of the club at the AGM in 2022 Brian Murphy |
| A glittering career for Brian began at college level where he won a Harty Cup and All Ireland with St Colmans College Fermoy A Cork Minor in 2000 yielded a Munster medal but Galway denied him the All Irl medal.Two unsuccessful years at U21 followed. Made his Senior debut in 2003 v Wexford in the National League and was selected on the Cork Intermediate team that claimed the Munster and All Ireland title after extra time in 2003.A Member of the 2003 championship squad that were defeated by Kilkenny in the All Irl Final .It was the summer of 2004 before Brain made his Championship debut.2004 proved to be a brilliant year claiming a Celtic Cross with a win over Kilkenny and & being voted young player of the year. 2005 saw a second All Irl medal when Galway were put to the sword,however 2006 attempt at three in a row was thwarted by Kilkenny but Brian picked up an All Star for his performances throughout the year. Brian temporarily withdrew from the Senior panel in 2009 before returning later in the Summer |
| The Murphy Brothers  Barry The second eldest of the four Murphy Brothers from Raheen,Barry is the club's most decorated player.Having played all the way from u12 with the club,he graduated to play Harty Cup Hurling with St Colmans in Fermoy, and on to adult level with the club. He played with the club in the historic double of 1993, when at the tender age of 17 he was showing the kind of promise that made him into arguably the best ever club player, going on to win Junior &,Intermediate County titles with the club and added a County Senior medal with Imokilly in 1997 as a sub and as wing back on the winning side against Blackrock in 1998. He captained Cork to win a Munster Intermediate title. Barry was the key player for Bride Rovers in its most successful era and his achievements will hardly be surpassed. He retired at the end of the 2015 season following a glorious career. Padraig. The third of the Murphy brothers played a major part in the clubs rise to prominence. Being central to the county winning Junior team of 1998 where his prowess as a forward merited special attention from all opponents and his contribution to that County Junior winning team of 1998 win cannot be overestimated. Settling in to play an equally important role for the 2003 Intermediate title. His place on the that starting 15 was never in doubt. Operating around the middle of the field/half forward line he was link player who caused endless problems for all opponents and his speed saw him pop up for many valuable scores in that golden era. James The eldest of the four was involved in all the successes too. Possessing lightning speed he was an invaluable player for the club. His strong running game made him a huge handful for any opposing team.James played in many positions from the backs to midfield to the forwards but regardless of his selected position he covered every blade of grass and Jack O' Shea like he could be found at either end of the field in seconds. A most valuable player he led by example and his no nonsense play provided the platform for his colleagues to perform at their best.A county Junior and Intermediate medal were just rewards for James who continued to serve at Junior level for many years after he retired from the Senior team . Sean & Donal Ryan
In the annals of the club two names will be referred to as long as Bride Rovers is remembered and only rightly so.Two Ryans from Mondaniel carved out a very special place in the history of Bride Rovers. From a family who had long connections with club they were captains when the club had its most important victories in 1998 and 2003. Donal the captain of the Junior A Hurling county team in 1998 when he led our team to victory with some outstanding displays from midfield and half forward, his leaping into the sky to fetch the sliothar was a joy to behold and his leadership was very evident all through a glorious year for the club. Sean a brilliant player anywhere in the forward line but especially at full forward was chosen as club captain in 2003.Sean led the team with some outstanding displays that saw him climb the steps in Pairc Ui Chaoimh to claim the Cork County Intermediate Hurling title when Inniscarra were defeated.The club went on to claim the Munster title in Kilmallock when Kilruane McDonaghs of Tipperary were defeated.A golden era for the club and the Ryan brothers can be justifiably proud of their involvement and will never be forgotten by those who witnessed this glorious era for the club and the contribution of Donal & Sean Grace Kearney
Starting out aged 12,a 5th class pupil at Presentation Primary School, Fermoy, Grace Kearney first entered the ladies’ football inter-county scene at Under 14 level. During her years in Loreto Fermoy, Grace won a Senior B Post Primary Schools All Ireland Title. Grace went on to win Munster and All Ireland titles at U16 level (2006) and at minor level where they achieved back-to-back Munster and All-Ireland titles in 2007 & 2008.Grace began her adult inter-county career playing at Senior B level and won two All-Irelands in two years. In 2010, Cork lost to Tyrone in the All-Ireland A quarter final where Grace played her part in the last 10 minutes. The following year, Grace earned her spot on the first 15 on All-Ireland final day in 2011 where they defeated Monaghan. 2011 Grace enjoyed great success at Intermediate club level winning the county & Munster Championship .2012 season Grace claimed her second Senior A All Ireland title. 2013 Grace left for the land down under but re-joined her Cork squad later that year to claim her 3rd All Ireland medal Bride Rovers won the Junior B camogie title the same year. 2015 Cork Senior ladies Grace and her teammates had achieved 5-in-a-row All-Irelands at Senior A level. Grace also enjoyed Senior B club success winning the Football County Final defeating Eire Og. Grace retired from Inter-county football in 2018. but has continued to be a leading player in the club. Grace’s mother Kathleen has also been highly influential in Grace’s inter county football journey and has been involved with intercounty teams for many year Brendan Walsh
Brendan Walsh was an outstanding member of the all conquering team in 2003 and played at Full Back. He had few peers in his day. He made the full back position his own and was rewarded with the captaincy of the Cork Intermediate team in 2004 who went on to claim all Ireland victory with Brendan Walsh collecting the Cup. Liam Barry was a Selector as Cork defeated Kilkenny in a replayed final on Sept 4th in Semple 1,16 to 1.10. Barry Johnson was a Sub. Brendan played on the Senior team and was full back on the team that played in the Senior Final in 2008 losing to Sarsfields by a single point. he continued to serve the club on the field of play and has been a valuable member of the underage club coaching teams where his Son Adam is playing a starring role. James Bermingham  Our most prominent referee to date James played at all levels with the club and was a senior panellist with the 2008 team that reached the county final. Long before that James was establishing himself as a referee of some note. He refereed extensively at underage level throughout East Cork and the county, before being promoted to the adult games in the division. James refereed both Junior finals in East Cork at A Level. James combined this with his role as club treasurer and club Chairman. James was promoted to the county panel and grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He quickly established himself particularly at football. He has the distinction of refereeing county Junior, Intermediate, Premier Intermediate (3), as well as three Senior Football finals,including the replayed final of 2017 on the historic day the new Pairc Ui Chaoimh was officially opened. James was promoted to the national panel and has refereed extensively at Munster level doing several finals in various grades. James has refereed many National League games and has been appointed to referee in the states and London by Croke Park.James continues to climb the referee ladder and represents the club on the national stage Eoin & Brian Roche
Though still in their formative years,the Roche brothers have already carved their name in the history of the club. The have been an integral part of our underage club winning many titles .They have been the backbone of the St Colmans College teams and were joint captains when they claimed the Dean Ryan Cup in 2016. They have been selected on Cork underage teams from u14 upwards.They were joint Captains of the Cork U17 team who claimed the All Ireland title in 2017 and then went on to play with Cork Minors (u18) losing out in the final to Galway by a few points. in 2018 Eoin & Brian were members of the Cork U21 Hurling team who won the Munster title but lost to Tipperary in All Ireland Final played in the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick.They were part of the team who won the Cork County Premier 2 Hurling title in 2018 and also on the U21 AHC side who claimed the Cork County championship .Eoin & Brian made their Cork debut when they came on as Subs v Kerry in the Munster Senior League in December 2019. All Ireland U20 Hurling medals followed in July 2021 when Cork defeated Dublin in the delayed 2020 final played in Nowlan Park. Brian was sselected as the TG Ceathar man of the match. Both players were called into the training panel for Cork Seniors in 2022 and Brian made his championship debut as a very late substitute v Waterford in Walsh Park. Brian and Eoin won Munster Senior League medal with Cork 2023. Brian was selected to start at midfield for Corks opening game in the Senior Championship for 2023 and was awarded man of the match by the Sunday Game Panel for his outstanding performance. Much more will be added here as the years roll by. Barry Johnson
Barry was well and truly one of the clubs outstanding performers in a golden spell for the club in the 2000s. First coming to prominence with Bartlemy School team at Blitzes and Sciath na Scol,it wasn’t long after that when he was showing promise at Juvenile level and was a key player in all grades up to Minor. Barry also starred with Colaiste an Chraoibhin Fermoy winning Munster Vocational Schools medals. Barry broke onto the all-conquering club Intermediate Hurling team of 2003 winning County and Munster medals as a 19-year-old. Barry continued to play Senior Hurling and Junior Football until 2018 when he moved to Ballyhooly where he now lives. Barry was also an accomplished Footballer winning East Cork JAFC medals in 2004 and 2007 and captained the club to win the 2014 East Cork JBFC. Barry was also an All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling winner when Cork captained by Brendan Walsh won the All Ireland in 2004. Barry has been involved with the Cork Development squads as a mentor and was on the Backroom team with the Cork All Winning Minor team of 2021. A great servant to the club who’s scoring exploits from frees where he was deadly accurate, and from play would have made him into one of the clubs leading scorers of all time for the club.
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