Bride Rovers

'Tony Walsh' Cup Comes Home..

On Sunday morning last in glorious sunshine our seniors hurlers won the Tony Walsh Memorial Senior Hurling Tournament defeating a gallant Tallow side 2-14 to 0-15. Throughout the 60s 70s and 80s, tournaments such as this were regular and eagerly awaited events. To see this sort of occasion at Pairc Na Bride last Sunday created a great sense of excitement and the fine crowd in attendance were treated to a great game of hurling with some wonderful scores and performances from both sides. This was the third Tournament for this special Cup, they say third time lucky and so it was. The Cup has been to Waterford and Carlow and now rests by the Banks of the Bride. Tallow were the winners in 2015 followed by St Mullins of Carlow the following year and now the name Bride Rovers can be inscribed on the trophy. Sunday morning last produced sweltering heat with humidity at an all time high but we had a great game Cian O’Connor, a neighbour of the late Tony Walsh, opened the scoring for the Rovers which was followed by a pointed free from William Finnegan. Ryan Grey got Tallow’s first point and following a pointed free from Waterford Senior player Thomas Ryan, Ryan added his second to put Tallow in front 0-3 to 0-2. A wonderful brace of points from team captain Barry Johnson restored the Rovers lead. Ryan Grey’s third point followed by a Jake Neville point had Tallow in front again.

Rovers gained a significant advantage when in the space of 2 minutes scored 2 goals. The first goal came from Jason Mannix following great work by Éinne Ó hEochaidh who dispossessed the Tallow keeper and Jason duly slotted home. Moments later William Finnegan latched onto a breaking ball and buried it to the net to put Rovers 2-04 to 0-05 in front..

Tallow responded immediately with points from Darragh Buckley and Thomas Ryan. In the remaining minutes of the half scores were swapped by both sides, 5 points from the Rovers scored by Michael Collins, Barry Johnson, William Finnegan (2) & Daniel Dooley while Tallow got three from Thomas Ryan (2) and Ian Beecher. This left the half time score Bride Rovers 2-09 Tallow 0-10.

This was an excellent opening half in extremely warm conditions and credit to referee Joe Larkin of Ballinora, who had an excellent game for allowing a water break during the half.

On the resumption Tallow were first to score with a point from Thomas Ryan, Barry Johnson had a Rovers point shortly afterwards. While the scores were not coming as thick and as fast as the first half, the effort and intensity of the game never dropped off and this is a credit to both teams.Daniel Dooley scored an exquisite point to extend the Rovers lead. Thomas Ryan who was in sparkling form added 2 more points for Tallow. A William Finnegan point followed by a long range free from Barry Johnson extended the Rovers lead. Further points for Tallow from Thomas Ryan (free) and Kieran Geary reduced the deficit before Daniel Dooley completed the scoring for the Rovers.

Final score Bride Rovers 2-14 Tallow 0-15

Team & Scorers J. O’Driscoll, S. Kearney, B.Walsh, F. Collins, J.Pratt, B.Murphy, S. O’Connor, B.Johnson (0-5, 1F), D.Dooley (0-3), C. O’Connor (0-1), M.Collins (0-1), W.Finnegan (1-4, 2F), E. Ó hEochaidh, J.Mannix (1-0). Subs: T. O’Sullivan, R. Prendergast, C.Barry, D. Buckley, F.Hogan, M.Liddane, J.Connor, A. Buckley.

In the absence of our indisposed Chairman Richie O Regan the Vice-Chairman Gerard Lane took charge of the presentation. He welcomed Nora, Mike, Matty and Ann Marie Walsh and other family members and spoke glowingly of Tony. Tony, he said saw the Club grow from B grade to Senior and how fitting that in the 90th year of Bride Rovers a Cup in his memory was being presented to the captain of the Bride Rovers Senior Hurling team. The Tony Walsh cup was then presented to a proud Captain Barry Johnson who suitably replied and called for three cheers for Tallow. Thanks to everyone who helped with the catering on the day and made it such a wonderful occasion.

Next game for the Seniors is Senior Hurling League game v Carrigtwohill on Friday 3rd August at 7.30pm in Carrigtwohill.

Under 12s make it three in a row.

Bride Rovers U12 team were invited for the third year in a row to take part in the Jimmy Myles Donovan perpetual tournament in Araglen on Saturday 21st July 2018. This Tournament has been taking place for the last seven years. Jimmy was an outstanding hurler in his day and this tournament was set up in his honour by his brother John Donovan. Bride Rovers returned to take part having won this prestigious tournament for the last two years. The other three teams on the day were Kilara Og, Cappoquin and Skeheenarinky. it promised to be a tough days hurling and so it turned out in glorious heat. Bride Rovers faced Skeheenarinky in the first round wining 5-7 to 2-2, while Kilara Og played Cappoquin and beat them by one score. Cappoquin played and won against Skeheenarinky for third place this left Bride Rovers and Kilara Og to battle for first and second place in the tournament. The final turned into a huge battle and an outstanding display of hurling by both teams. The final score by no means reflected the great hurling match which took place between the two teams. Bride Rovers won by a score of 3-6 to Kilara Og 2-5. Bride Rovers team consisted on the day of only four under 12s Gearóid Gubbins (Captain) and Jack Keating in the backline, Ben Knox in right half back and Cameron Swalbe O'Sullivan centre forward. The rest of the team were aged 11 and under and were as follows, Conor O'Riordan goal, Jack Collins centre back, Ronan Barry left back, Cormac Barry and Tomas O'Riordan centre field, Cillian O'Sullivan left half forward, Shane O'Dowd right half forward, Jack Hynes and Gearóid O'Connell and Jamie Walsh in the full forward line. Mentors on the day William O'Riordan, Paddy Hynes, Ken O'Riordan and Mark O'Connell.

The U12 mentors, parents and Bride Rovers players would like to extend their sincere thanks to the organisers and mentors of the Kilara Og team for the well run tournament. A special thanks to Mike Hynes (chairman) and Liam Hynes for their hospitality on the day and to those who provided the refreshments for all the teams and parents on the day, which was greatly appreciated. We would also like to extend our best wishes to the Myles Donovan family.

UNDER 10's.

The U10s hurlers welcomed Ballyduff from Waterford for a challenge match last Wednesday in Pyne’s pitch. Although it was peak holiday season 22 boys were available to tog for the Rovers. Despite enduring warm conditions throughout the boys worked tirelessly and ultimately edged out a game Ballyduff side.

With 15 of the U10s involved in Cúl Camp this week there won’t be any training sessions. Next match is v Fermoy in hurling in Pyne’s pitch on Wednesday 01 August.

Cul camp

All this week the annual Cul Camp is running in the Pitch with 230 boys and girls taking part. Full details next week. We hope all the youngsters really enjoy the week and learn new skills and make great friends.

U21s defeat St Catherines

It was like a throwback to the 60's and 70's in Castlelyons last Friday night with memories of great junior hurling games between the Rovers and St Catherines when we met in the East Cork Under 21 HC. It's being played on a Round Robin style this year. St Catherines had already beaten Youghal. This was a great contest with our lads well on top early on but then St Catherines took control and led by 8 points to 5 in the 24th minute. We had scored some fine early point from Brian Roche 2, Jesse O Keefe and Conor Barry 2 from frees to lead by 5 to 4 after the first quarter. Four in a row including some huge frees from the Catherines keeper Eoin Davis changed the course of the match. Late first half points from Eoin Roche, Jesse and Conor put a better look on the scoreboard as we were just a point in arrears 0 9 to 0 8 at the break. With the sides level at 12 points a piece after fifteen minutes of the second half a great goal from Conor Barry put daylight between the sides. We added a further 5 points then to gain a 1 17 to 0 13 win. A great victory after a shaky first half, we must meet Youghal next to decide 1st and 2nd placings in the group. Team: Ben Hogan, Jack Connor, Shane Walsh, Ruairi O Sullivan, Matthew Quinn, Ryan Prendergast, Jake Tobin, Eoin Roche0 2, Shane O Connor, DJ Cahill, Paddy O Flynn, Conor Barry 1 9, Brian Roche 0 2 , Shane O Flynn, Jesse O Keeffe 0 4 . Subs; Dylan Browne, Cian Hogan.

REBEL OG U 13 FC.

Bride Rovers U13s bowed out of this years football championship last Friday night to a dominant Aghabullogue side, the lads were buoyed after two good performances in the previous round and travelled to Coachford in good heart, unfortunately we met a fine footballing side at the peak of their powers and no matter how hard all the lads tried and played we never managed to gain any traction in the game. Many thanks to all the supporting parents, our trainer and our panel. Match panel - F O'Flynn, E O'Connor, T O'Riordan, L Harrington, A Hynes, B Knox, C O'Sullivan, J Collins, J Keating, R O'Riordan, D Cashman, G Gubbins, R O'Callaghan, K Ryan, C Hogan, C O'Sullivan

WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO.

The four numbers drawn on Tuesday July the 17th were 2, 3,15 and 26 and there was no winner. This week's jackpot on Tuesday July the 24th was €20,000. The Prizes of €30 each went to €30 each to Ml Cashman, Laya,Tom Hegarty, Bartlemy,Jerry Cashman, Lisgoold, Mike Liddane and Tracey Radley, Shanowen.

Tickets for the Lotto are just €2 each and can be bought from Club members, in local business outlets and online at locallotto.ie Your ongoing support of the Lotto is really appreciated. The Income from the weekly Lotto is vital in helping with the day-to-day running of the Club.

Grange in Co Final. We wish neighbours Grange all the very best in the Co Junior B Football Final on Friday evening in Pairc Ui Rinn when they meet Ballinacurra in the Decider.

COME ON CORK.

There should be a huge crowd in Croke Park on Sunday for the All Munster All Ireland semi final between Cork and Limerick. Best wishes to Cork and safe travelling to all.