AGM – A great success

Bride Rovers Ladies Football & Camogie Club AGM held last Friday night in Bartlemy was a great success in front of a fine attendance.

Chairman Liam Barry welcomed all before secretary Meeks Carr presented her excellent report which covered all the activities of the club during the year. Each team secretary read their reports on their team activities for 2017.

Valerie Culloty presented her PRO report with special thanks to The Avondhu for the publication of our weekly notes and also our club website www.briderovers.ie.

Next up was the Treasurers report, Eleanor Quirke gave a detailed accout of our income & expenditure for the year with a profit to show at the end of the year.

Chairman Liam Barry addressed the meeting, thanked all the officers & team secretaries for their reports. He went on to thank all the players, parents, trainers, coaches, secretaries who manage their teams so well during the year. He thanked also those who helped with fundraising, clothes collections and both the Adult & Juvenile club for their help and co-operation.

Election of Officers 2018

President: Jane O’Driscoll

Vice-President: Rita Kelleher, Tom Cotter

Chairman: Pat Culloty

Vice-Chairman: Liam Barry

Secretary: Meeks Carr

Assistant Secretary: Ann Marie O’Donovan

Treasurer: Eleanor Quirke

Assistant Treasurer: Trish Murphy

Registrar: Shirley Johnson

P.R.O: Valerie Culloty

East Cork Delegates: Valerie Culloty, Eleanor Quirke

Cork Delegates: Kathleen Kearney, Grace Kearney & Pat Culloty

Child Protection Officer: Clodagh Bermingham

Camogie Secretary: Meeks Carr

Camogie Delegates: Mossie O Sullivan (Adult Board)

Aidan Hayes (Juvenile Board)

U8 Football by Anne-Marie O’Donnovan
The season kicked off with a healthy squad of 30 players and canvassing within the local schools of Bartlemy and Rathcormac helped the recruitment campaign where our numbers grew steadily to 53 registered players. We also had a few players who came along to try it out as well over the season which we eagerly encouraged. Training for U8 girls commenced from Easter Monday onwards on the outdoor astro starting at 6.30pm and we wrapped up our season by the first week of October. Our average number at training ranged from 30-35 players a night so the coaches had their hands full to ensure drills and games were managed well to accommodate the large numbers and varying abilities.
A special word of thanks to our very committed panel of coaches who turned up dutifully to patiently coach our younger and newer players the basic drills, who created a fun atmosphere to learn a team sport and who actively encouraged our budding talent to do their best. They generously devoted their time also to attending matches and blitzes during the week and weekends so a big thank you to Maria Barry, Anne Marie O’Donovan, Anna Marie Barry, Sinead Cotter, Jennifer Cahill, Adam Noctor, Jerome O’Driscoll and Pat Culloty. I would also like to thank many of the parents who gave a helping hand at matches in carrying the gear, washing jerseys, pumping balls and moving goalposts!
We played 5 matches in the East Cork Ladies Football League over the course of the season both at home and away. Our group consisted of Midleton, St Colemans, Mayfield, Na Piarsaigh and Lisgoold. Matches were extremely well attended and the coaches made every effort to give all players a turn on the pitch especially when we had on average a squad of 22 eager players and the home matches were always nearly maxed out as sell-out events. We played mainly in Pat Pynes pitch and the astro pitch. Many thanks must go to Emma Barry, for refereeing our matches. We also played 3 blitzes in Killeagh, Cloyne and Passage West. There was a great fun atmosphere on blitz days with players and parents relaxing in between matches having their picnics and chats on the side line. In addition, we also arranged 3 friendly games against Glanworth, Ballyhooly and Erin’s Own.

U10 Ladies Football by Pat Culloty

The 2017 season was another very enjoyable and successful one. The players were very committed and enthusiastic and regular participation in the training resulted in some top performances on the field.

Our early league games were difficult as many of our players were beginners and we consequently lost ground in the race to qualify for the U10 playoffs. However, by the end of the year, our panel had grown much stronger and I consider that we reached U10B standard in East Cork at least.

This year, we played the following teams in U10 ladies football:

Glanmire, Fermoy, Donoughmore, Carrigtwohill, St Nicks, Erins Own, Inch Rovers, Glanworth, Youghal, Rockban, Lisgoold, Douglas, Kildorrery, Watergrasshill & Passage West

In addition we also partook in the following:

Passage West Blitz, Munster U10 Blitz & East Cork U10 Blitz

Credit is due to all the parents who took time out to bring the girls to training and matches, and we look forward to resumption of activity in 2018. Big thanks to Bride Rovers GAA without whose invaluable support we would not be able to function.

Thanks also to the officers of the ladies club who do so much to keep the club running.

Finally, thanks to the following for their invaluable contribution with the group during the year:

Emma O’Regan, Alan Barry & Martin Carr

Also Denise, Noelle, Eileen, Mags, Marie, Maria, Gina, Orla, Caitriona, Cara, Natasha and Tina who regularly gave a helping hand. Apologies to whomever I have inevitably left off the list â¹

U12 Football and Camogie by Corina Broderick

We began our year training in February, with a consistent turnout of 25 to 30 girls each week. This showed great commitment from players, trainers and parents alike, which paid dividends throughout the year.

U12 East Cork League

We played 9 games.

Won 6 - St.Colmans, Cloyne, Glanmire B, Carrigtwohill, Aghada, Mayfield.

Lost 2 - Inch & Midleton. Drew 1 – Fermoy.

We went forward to play Midleton in the East Cork C league final in lisgoold in August. After beating us well in a league game during the year the girls showed great courage and tenacity to win a very tight game on a score line of 0-6 to 1-01. This win then enabled us to qualify for the quarter final of the County.

Road to County ‘C’ Final

Our quarter final game was against Kilshannig in Rathcormac. We had played them a few times in challenge games and they always seemed to have the upper hand but this time victory was ours 7-07 to 2-02. We then played Rosscarberry in the semi-final and beat them 3-08 to 2-09. Then, what a County final we had, in Ballinora pitch on Saturday September 30th. Naomh Aban struck first with a point from a free and Ava Barry also converted our first free. For the next 10 minutes the ball swung from end to end with Lily scoring a lovely point to put us up. We continued to apply pressure and one moment of magic from Sarah Buckley who caught the ball on the 45, turned her marker and buried the ball in the net secured our first goal. With Lily & Ciara working tirelessly from mid field passing the ball to Ruby, who gave a beautiful kick pass to Ava who made a great run, delivered a lovely pass to Sarah and found herself all alone with the goalkeeper to secure her second goal. We finished at half time 2-3 to 0-2.

Straight from the kick off our backs Rachel, Nikki & Oonagh were very strong and relentless in keeping the Naomh Aban forwards at bay. While Mollie and Abbie O C were working tirelessly to create scores. Even though we were playing with the wind we found it difficult to break away. For 20 min of the second half we were under immense pressure, but our half backs Aoife Mc, Abbie H and Cliona dealt with everything that was thrown at them. Naomh Aban fought back 2-4 to 1-4 but a great save from Ella B & Ellen our goalie prevented another goal chance. Following that super save we went down the field and got 2 more points. With time nearly up, tensions were rising both on the field and on the side line and Naomh Aban got 2 more points which left only a goal in the difference. With great work from our introduced Subs Emily & Mai and some magnificent team work we managed to win out by a goal. Final score 2-06 to 1-06.

U12 East Cork B Championship

Drawn against Glanmire in the East Cork “B” Championship Semi-final on October 10^th. After a nail biting encounter with scores going from end to end and the light fading fast we were lucky to get a draw against this very strong team. Score 2-10 to 3-07. The replay was played the following Friday at home, again it was end to end and very tight but this ‘never say die’ attitude that our girls seem to have, carried them to victory.

Sore 1-06 to 1-03. This win qualified us for our 3^rd final of the season, against Midleton. The match was fixed for Midleton on November 11^th. Our girls got off to a slow start and were behind 1-02 to 0-01 after 10 minutes, but with a few tactical positional changes and the girls settling we went into half time behind 1-03 to 0-05. Some awakening words at half time saw the girls come out fighting from the offset, scoring 1-02 without reply. We continued to tack on the points eventually winning 1-11 to 2-05 and the title of Triple Champions for 2017!

I would like to thank the Parents, the trainers and the ladies club for all their help and support. A special word of thanks must go to Niall and Eileen for all their help at training and matches throughout the season. Finally, we must commend the players for all their commitment and dedication throughout the year, they truly are a very special bunch of girls.

U12 Camogie

We played 5 games in the League, Won 2 & Lost 3. We didn’t qualify for the final stages of the championship. Even though we had 3 losses they were narrow defeats and the girls benefitted greatly from the competition.

U13 Summer League

We beat Sars and a much fancied Dungourney to qualify for the final against Castlemartyr in Castlelyons. We were real underdogs for this game, but a combination of this years and last years u12s champions and their tenacity and unwillingness to give up, we gave Castlemartyr a real shock. We were leading by 2 points with additional time already having been played when Castlemartyr struck a goal to win by a point. This was a hard fought game and anyone’s to win, but unfortunately was not helped by the poor standard of refereeing which led to many high challenges and unnecessary and potentially dangerous injuries. The wellbeing of the children, despite many protestations from the sideline, did not seem to be a priority of the referee and this is a source of concern to us as mentors. Well done to the girls they did themselves and their Club proud.

U14 Football and Camogie by Allie Murray

The U14 ladies football team had a relatively successful year. In the East Cork League, they won all four of their first round matches against Carrigtwohill, Mayfield, Cloyne and Glanmire B. This qualified them for the league semi final against Rockban who, unfortunately, were too strong for Bride Rovers despite their best efforts. Our team then progressed to a D league final against Mayfield, who on this encounter beat us by a margin of just two points.

Their standing in the East Cork League allowed Bride Rovers to progress to the County D Championship. Unfortunately, they were pitted against Douglas who were at a vastly higher level and it was really no contest for our ladies.

The last competitive game in U14 football was against Cobh in the East Cork Championship. That was a cracking game where Bride Rovers pulled back an eight point deficit to come within four points of Cobh before the final whistle. Cobh management afterwards paid tribute to our ladies' spirited performance and great team work.

In the East Cork Camogie League, the players were less successful, winning only one of their four games. This was against Watergrasshill. However, many of this team only started playing camogie in the last couple of years and they certainly improved with every game. They beat St. Vincents in the first round of the championship and bowed out to Rockban in the next round.

On behalf of the U14 panel, I would like to thank trainers Aidan Hayes and Terry Broderick for their huge commitment throughout the year.

U16/Minor Football and Camogie by Trina O’Sullivan

Football

This year as team management was the same for both U16 and Minor teams, and both teams consisted of mostly the same players, it was decided it would be better if the Minor and U16 teams trained together for 2017. We began training in early February and to say it was a long season was an understatement, with the girls only finishing last Sunday.

We began playing football first and both teams excelled at everything they were asked to do. The U16's got to their County Semi-Final against Douglas in football which ended up going to a replay with Douglas getting the upper hand. They then continued on and won the East Cork Final beating Rockban and also winning the Football League.

Our Minor footballers didn't have a great year, but this didn't dampen their spirits and they ended up entering the football plate competition to beat Rockban in the Final.

Camogie

In U16 Camogie we could not fulfil our games due to many different reasons but the girls still never gave up fighting.

Our Minor Camogie girls surprised everyone by getting all the way to the Minor County Semi-Final, beating St Catherines twice (as it went to replay), Ballinhassig, Aghada before unfortunately losing out to Aghabullogue.

It has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of this team this year they are an amazing bunch of young ladies with huge hearts and more talent than they even know. I would like to wish both teams the best for the coming year. The future of the club is bright with this bunch in its wings.

U21 Football by Liam Barry

Bride Rovers reached the final of the U21 B Final after a great run in the championship. After a gripping contest in Kilmichael against Bantry, the Rovers were unfortunate to lose out by 2 points following a high scoring game that finished 5-12 to 4-13.

The Rovers had shown great form in this championship accounting for Carrigaline in Round 1. Played in Carrigaline the Rovers scored an impressive 4-14 on their way to victory.

In the County semi-final v Rosscarbery, the Rovers got off to a great start leading at the interval by 3-04 to 0-02, Rosscarbery reduced our lead to 5 points but we finished the stronger and won by 4-09 to 1-09.

As I mentioned already we were unlucky in the final, the team shown great determination to come from 3 goals down to nearly snatching a victory. Well done to all involved.

Junior Football by Liam Barry

Much like our U21’s it was a case of “What could have been” or “If only”…

Having qualified for the County Semi-Final v Tadhg MacCarthaigh’s we made the trip to Newcestown at the end of September to take on the girls from the west. With conditions not ideal for football both teams played their hearts out. Having had the majority of possession in the opening half we failed to convert our chances and trailed at half time 1-06 to 0-03.

In the second half the Rovers went on a goal blitz, scoring 4 goals to nearly secure their place in the county final but a dubious free awarded to Tadhg MacCarthaighs in the last minute was heartbreak for our girls who lost out by a point. Tadhg MacCarthaigh defeated St peters in the County Final by a point.

The junior team had a good run of games this year, in the league we had wins over Mallow, Passage West and Dripsey while we lost to Erins Own, Banteer, St. Peters & Carrigaline.

In the Junior C Championship we had a great win over Banteer in the opening round in what can only be described as a rough and tumble affair. This game certainly ebbed and flowed, we were down 5 points after 5 minutes yet were up 2 by half time. Second half and Banteer took control to lead by 4 with 10 minutes left but a superb comeback saw the Rovers win by a point.

Senior Football by Liam Barry

2017 was a disappointing year for our senior football team.

In the league we were defeated by Mourneabbey, Inch Rovers & St. Vals while we recorded good wins over Fermoy.

In the championship we got off to a great start with wins over Fermoy & Eire Og while the game v Bantry did not get played. We were through to the quarter final of the A Championship v Inch but were heavily defeated.

As a result we were back in the Senior B Championship v Fermoy. Played in Ballyhooly on All-Ireland Final Sunday, it was a case of one of those days when nothing went right for us and as a result lost the game.

In the East Cork Championship we lost out to Inch Rovers.

Thank you to all the girls for their efforts in my 3 years involved and also to Pa O’Driscoll & John O’Dowd.

Junior Camogie

Junior Camogie team were defeated by Ballyhea & Na Piarsaigh in the Camogie championship and received a walkover from Banteer.

Gaelic For Mothers and Others
Thanks to Irene Hogan who once again resurrected the infamous Bride Rovers G4M&O who finished their season on a high while competing at half time in the exhibition games at the Ladies Football All Ireland Finals day in Croke Park on Sunday last.

The team was chosen to play at half time of the Senior final which in itself was a great honor. Ballymun Kickhams of Dublin were the opposition and were a tough opposition. However the ladies settled well and savored the battle. As it is a non-competitive initiative scores weren't kept but it was obvious the rebel representatives were the better team for the duration and the video evidence proves same! The ladies were in their element as they marched onto the pitch from the tunnel egged on by their large group of loyal supporters.

While the game was only 10minutes long it was the overall experience that will live long in the memory for this group. No doubt many stories will be told for years to come of the day we played in Croke Park!

History was created not only for the ladies but also for the LGFA and female sports events in general
as the attendance reached record figures of 46,286. This figure was 12k up on last year’s attendance and while we knew we would draw a crowd this figure went beyond our expectations! Dreams do come true and fulfilling a lifetime goal were just some of the sentiments felt by the Mammy's at the end of the day. The 2017 season is brought to a close with the 2018 season holding lots of promise for more games and social events. There is even talk of doing some indoor training for the winter so watch this space for further details of this.

Well done to all involved in this magnificent achievement. Thanks again to the club, supporters, Ben Hogan, Liam Barry and all at Fermoy Print and design and TVM for the video footage of the game. This would not have been possible without all the help and support along the way and it is really appreciated by eveyone.

Summer Camp

Our summer camp was a huge success this year with 108 girls taking part. Thanks to Valerie Culloty, Jen Cahill, Trish O’Sullivan and all the coaches for looking after our future stars.

Special guest on the day was Cork footballer Orla Finn.

Bride Rovers GAA

A big thank you must be paid to the Senior Men’s Club, for the ongoing use of the pitches and facilities. The Bride Rovers Club grounds continue to grow and improve, with the most recent work being no exception.

It is quickly expanding into a facility that stands well amongst its fellow clubs, and is a place in which I’m sure we all take a great deal of pride. We look forward to being a part of, and supporting its future growth.

The Adult club will be launching a fundraising initiative in the new year and it is important that we all get behind this so that the club can continue to improve the facilities for our players and their futures.

Inter County Players / College & Schools Teams

We are once again extremely proud to be so well represented by our players on the County Panels.

Grace Kearney Senior Football, Jennifer Barry Senior and Intermediate Camogie, Grace Culloty and Sarah Murphy in Minor Football, Katie Quirke and Sarah Murphy U16 Football and
Shauna Hayes U14 Camogie.

It is an ever growing list of fantastic talent and representatives of the club, and wonderful role models for the younger generation. Well done girls!

Congratulations to Laura Quirke who won the Lynch Cup for 3rd Level College Ladies Football with Waterford I.T. In Westport defeating Dublin I.T. on a score line of 1-17 to 2-09.

Well done also to all our players who are competing with their schools in both football and camogie.

Congrats to Niamh Barry & Loreto Clonmel on their Munster success.

Sponsorship

A huge thank-you to all our sponsors, SPAR Rathcormac & Barrys Bar, for their generous sponsorship throughout the year, their on-going support is invaluable to the club and greatly appreciated.

We have also been very fortunate this year to receive several generous donations with new sponsors coming on board and would like to pass on our thanks for those.

Fundraising

We once again held a number of successful fundraisers throughout the 2017. Included in these were the annual bag-pack and street collections, as well as the very reliable clothes collection.

The annual Road Race is growing into a big addition for the Ladies Club, special mention must be given to Liam Barry, Betty Cahill, Shelly McAteer & Pat Murphy who invest a great deal of time and effort to ensure its success. Also special thanks to the Max runners for all their help.

Thanks to our sponsors Jump Juice Bars, TVM, Sika (Terry Broderick), Tolkiem, Shelly Mac’s Max Fitness & Fermoy Print & Design

The club also started a tuck shop, which is a developing concept, but has started on the right foot and will hopefully continue to contribute to the club in years to come

I would like to thank all volunteers who keep these essential fundraising events ticking over, particularly Pat Culloty and Catherine Murphy for the facilitating the monthly clothes collections.

Scór

Well done to the girls who participated in the East Cork Scór final in Watergrasshill in the Leiriú competition. Special thanks to all our competitors who took part in Scór this year and to the Teachers of Scoil Bhríde who helped prepare them.

Sympathy

Our Sympathy goes out to anyone within the club who has lost loved ones throughout the year.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, I would like to thank the club, fellow Officers Eleanor, Shirley, Val, Pat, Catherine and Mossie whose ongoing support and guidance I have fallen back on many times this year. Also to the Team Secretaries who continue to operate like the well-oiled machines they are!

It has been a truly enlightening experience, being on this “side of the wire” within the club, and seeing the tireless and often unrealized work that goes into running a successful club. I consider myself very fortunate to have come into the role with such competent and supportive officers around me,

Lastly I’m sure I speak on behalf of everybody here tonight and involved in the club that the endless work of Liam Barry has to be commended. I think we can all agree he quietly goes well beyond his job description in every task he undertakes….of which seem to be many! His appointment without a doubt bought a fresh lease of life and professionalism to the club.

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