GAA Family in mourning..

We write of games won and lost, contests we should have won and games where we were well beaten by better teams. All these are the lifeblood of GAA Clubs all over the Country and in far flung places across the globe. We worry about injuries and we speak of ‘heart breaking’ defeats and we celebrate wildly when our team secures a good victory. So it has been since 1884 when our great Association was founded in Thurles. All that history and joy and the ups and downs of every single Hurling and Football game were put into sharp perspective last weekend when we heard what had happened in famed Semple Stadium in Thurles town. The followers of the Clonoulty-Rossmore and Kilruane McDonaghs Senior Hurling teams travelled to the pitch named after Tom Semple for a County Championship game. During the game young Dillon Quirke from Clonoulty took ill and sadly died shortly after. We say the GAA is ‘like a family’ and we all know that in Ireland when there is a death in a family it effects not just the closest relations but the wider community too. A brilliant young hurler Dillon though only 24 was already a multi All Ireland winner. 

He lined out with his beloved Tipperary in several underage games in the last five years where Bride Rovers players wore the red and white of Cork. In 2018 he helped his native place, his own club Clonoulty-Rossmore to win the Dan Breen Cup for the County SHC in Tipperary, lining out with his kith and kin, relations neighbours and friends. His talent as a hurler was well recognised and having first played with the Tipperary Seniors last year he really settled into the Premier halfback line this year. The sudden death of Dillon is terrible blow to his parents Dan and Hazel and his two darling sisters Shauna and Kellie, his grandmother, uncles, aunts and other relatives and his GAA Club and the wider GAA Community at large. Dillon’s father Dan had a fast food business in Fermoy for several years and the Quirke and Fryday families are stalwarts in all aspects of community life in their parish. We in Bride Rovers send our deepest condolences to the Quirke family on the death of Dillon. The National flag flew at half mast at all GAA matches in Cork over the weekend and a minute’s silence was observed in memory of Dillon. May he rest in peace and may the support of the GAA family help the Quirke family at this time of immense sorrow.

Ding Dong Draw in Kildorrery.

After what seemed like a ‘stroll in the park’ at sun-splashed Midleton the previous Sunday it was another scorcher of a day last Sunday in Kildorrery when we met Ballyhea in Round 2 of the Senior A Hurling Championship. The weather might have been the same but that’s where the similarities ended! In Clonmult Memorial Park we scored at will against Carrigtwohill and the result was never in doubt after the first eight minutes. Last Sunday was a far different proposition and we were glad of the eight minutes added time where a late, late pointed free from Adam Walsh ensured we snatched a draw. In truth except for the first eight minutes we looked to be in serious trouble. A brace of points from Adam followed by a superb Cillian Tobin goal gave us a tonic start -just like the Carrig game. After that- and especially after they had a player red-carded the Ballyhea Magpies swooped with intent. They hurled with a ferocity and physicality which we should have well remembered from the Mallow encounter in 2019 when they beat us by two points.  Despite our dream start Ballyhea just took over and imposed their will on our lads. By the end of the quarter they were 2 5 to 1 3 ahead, both goals coming from their No 11, Pat O Callaghan. Points from William Finnegan from frees and Adam from play kept us in touch. With four minutes added  on in the first half we were just four points in arrears when Nathan Wall of Carrigaline blew the short whistle; 2 8 to  1  7 after thirty four minutes. In fairness to our lads they could have buckled under the pressure but they showed great determination and guts in the second half. Leading by example Team Captain Paddy O Flynn sent over a monster of a point. This was our best period of the game and we scored four points on the trot to leave our huge following in mighty voice as the sides were level 2 8 to 1 11. We missed two chances to go ahead. The North Cork men went ahead again and for the remainder of the second half -a long half, it was tit for tat as both teams struggled for supremacy. In energy sapping heat we battled hard against a very tough side. 

Credit to our side each time Ballyhea forged ahead we got back with vital scores. Our shooting left us down as we hit four wides in the last ten minutes but the spirit and determination displayed by our team was mighty. As the half hour was played out Ballyhea were still a point ahead but deep into injury time we levelled -three minutes injury time gone now and the game went on. In fairness to Nathan Wall there were at least five or six stoppages for injuries in that second half. Six minutes extra gone and Pat O Callaghan put over a free for Ballyhea and they sensed victory now. Cian Hogan pucked out a monster shot, right down into the D at the other side and we got possession -fouled - and a free in to tie up the match. By the time Adam Walsh lined up his shot we were heading for the ninth added minute! Adam slotted over a pressure point and the teams were level Ballyhea 2 14 Bride Rovers 1 17. Fair play lads, after the easy win over Carrig we were always going to find it hard to repeat that performance and remember Ballyhea had a great win over Ballymartle and in Riverstown last year we beat Ballymartle but only after an epic battle.  This draw means that at the least we are in the Quarter Final and still have a chance of a Semi Final slot. Team; Cian Hogan, Tadhg O Sullivan, Shane Walsh, Jordan Mannix , Paddy O Flynn Captain 0 1, Eoin Roche, Shane O Connor, Kieran Kearney 0 1, Cian O Connor 0 1, William Finnegan 0  5all frees, Ronan O Connell, Adam Walsh 0 7 , 4 frees, Cillian Tobin  1 2 Josh Ahern, Brian Roche, Michael Collins, Conleith Ryan.

What does it all mean? Well the great news is we have qualified for the knock out stages of the competition with a game to spare. The four teams in our Group are as follows after two game Bride Rovers 3 points (Win & a draw), Ballyhea 3 points(Win & a draw), Carrigtwohill 2 points (win) and Ballymartle no point. The Round 3 games are Bride Rovers v Ballymartle and Ballyhea v Carrigtwohill. If we win our last game we’ll have 5 points and if we lose we’ll have 3. If Carrig beat Ballyhea they’ll have 4 points whereas if Ballyhea beat Carrig they’ll have 5, Carrig 2 and we’ll have either 3 or 5 -Sounds complicated but it’ll all be sorted out the last week of August. Thanks to all the players and backroom team who are putting in a huge effort. In Midleton we had mighty support and ‘twas even bigger on Top Of The Hill last Sunday. Thanks also to the Host Club for the outstanding Match Day arrangements. Kildorrery had a superb win over Mayfield on Saturday evening in the Intermediate Hurling.

MINOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

On Friday last we travelled to Newtownshandrum to play Shandrum (Newtown/Dromina) in our second group game in the championship. Unfortunately we were minus quite a few regulars due to injury and it was always going to be an uphill task and so it proved.  

Newtown played a lovely brand of hurling  although our lads kept battling away Newtown ran out comfortable winners.  All is not lost though as a  win in our last game against Mallow in Rathcormac on Friday week August 19th will hopefully see us progress from the group.

Team on the night. Ronan, Eldon, Adam, Colin, Oran, Denis, Luke, Kieran, Cormac, Cillian, Louie, Darragh, Ryan, Frank, Conor, Gearoid, Ciaran and Cillian.

Out Injured were Ben, Cameron, Kamso, Jack and Cormac and we wish these lads all the very best for speedy recoveries.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL QUARTER FINAL.

Next Sunday at 4 o clock in Caherlag we contest the Quarter Final of the 2022 East Cork Junior A Grade Football Championship. We face Cobh in this fixture which will be a very tough encounter. In last year’s Final above in Carrignavar we had a great victory over Cobh but since then they’ve been going well. After an opening game loss to Cloyne our lads have defeated Aghada and Glenbower Rovers to secure a ‘last 8’ spot. At the time of writing the venue for the game had not been finalised but it will be publicised in the usual manner.  Go for it lads and best of luck. 

LOTTO JACKPOT AT €23,000.

Yes it’s true- is it the Biggest GAA Club Jackpot in Cork?? We’re not sure but it’s a mighty Jackpot and can be won for just €2. The Lotto Results for the first Tuesday in August were as follows, the four numbers drawn were 05, 23, 24 & 32  and there was No Winner. If you have been in the draw for a few weeks and your ticket has expired or you would like to purchase for the first time, please enter via http://bit.ly/BrideRoversLotto and we wish you the best of luck. Our Lucky Dip €30 winners last week were Orla Dorgan, Glenagoul, Raymond Hegarty, Shanowen, Aishling McGrath, Fermoy, Con, Cara & Grace McCormack, Shanowen

and Shane Reddy, c/o Online Lotto

UNDER 12’s BACK HURLING.

Our under 12 boys finished their programme of football league matches on Monday evening with a defeat to an extremely strong Cobh team. We had however done enough to qualify for the plate final in a few weeks time. Full details of this fixture are to be finalised.  Our focus switches to hurling now for a few weeks with 4 games remaining.  Our next game is on Monday night next August 15th, away to Shandrum at 7. Holidays have made it hard to get a settled team out each week but the lads have really worked hard as a squad to get results. Keep it going lads and well done to all the players and mentors.

UNDER 10 GO GAMES.

The U10s prepare this week for a return to Go Games this Saturday. The lads have spent the last two months improving their skills and have really made the most of the time by improving areas of their game such as movement, getting their head up when striking a ball and supporting the man in possession. The sessions in the large astro have really brought the lads on with their basic skills such as striking, catching and handpassing and we now look forward to resuming some games.

Fixtures: 

Saturday August 13th, 11am - Football away to Nemo Rangers 

Saturday August 20th, 10am - Hurling away to Blarney 

UNDER 6 HURLING & FOOTBALL.

It’s a joy to see so many young boys learning the skills of our Gaelic Games at  a very young age. They are really enjoying their skills sessions and not a care in the world about scores, results or winning -just having fun. Under 6 training continues Wednesday evenings 18:30 to 19:15 and Saturday mornings 09:45 to 10:30 in the small astro pitch. New players always welcome.

aining:Mondays, 7.30pm - Hurling in the large Astro. Wednesdays, 6pm - Football on the main pitch.

UNDER 19 FOOTBALL.

We are fixed to play St. Nicks in the County under 19 Football semi final on Wednesday next August 17th. The hurling semi final v Fr O Neills was mentioned for Sunday 21st but we are to play Sras in the JBHC that day so some rearranging will need to be done.

HOME ON HOLIDAYS.

Great to have Fr Facthna O Driscoll and Fr Seanie Barry both home on holidays at present and enjoying the games. Facthna is back from his first time on Mission work in Liberia whilst Fr Seanie is home from Kenya

GAMES IN THE PITCH.

WE had a big crowd last Friday night for the drawn game in the PIHC between Castlelyons and Watergrasshill, thanks to all who helped. On this Friday night August 12th we host Glanworth and Glenville in the Intermediate Football Championship and a large attendance is expected so if you can help be at the pitch at 6pm or shortly after that.

WESTLIFE.

WESTLIFE are in the Park this Friday and Saturday so to all attending we wish you a great night’s entertainment.

BEST OF LUCK TO OUR IRONMEN. 

Two of our club's most long-standing and outstanding players in both hurling and football, Terry Broderick and Georgie Johnson are undertaking the gruelling IRONMAN Cork on the 14th of August. This event involves a 3.8km sea swim in Youghal, followed by a 180km bike course around, up and down East Cork, and then a marathon-distance 42.2km run through and around Youghal. In doing the event, Terry seeks to raise funds for LauraLynn. Any support for this worthy cause would be greatly appreciated. The Link to Terry’s donation page in aid of LauraLynn charity - https://bit.ly/3BvhDkT For further Event Information https://www.ironman.com/im-ireland with detailed map https://www.ironman.com/im-ireland-course

Bridevale Road Race on Thursday week August 18th.

Bridevale Athletic Club are looking forward to welcoming runners back to Rathcormac for their annual 4 mile race, which takes place on Thursday 18th of August at 7.30pm. You can register via https://eventmaster.ie/event/E2W4C4EF74 

FIXTURES;

Fri August 12th Glanworth v Glenville in Pairc na Bride  in Co IFC

Sat August 13th under 10 Football, away to Nemo Rangers at 11

Sunday Aug 14th JAFC Quarter final Bride Rovers v Cobh in Caherlag at 4pm

Junior BFC  Glenville v Castlelyons in Pairc na Bride at 7pm

Mon Aug 15th under 12 hurling away to Shandrum.

Monday August 29th Under 19 Football v St Nicks  in Mayfield

Junior B hurling v Sars  Tuesday August 23rd venue tbc

BRIDE ROVERS CLUB SPONSORS are; Rathcormac Tyres

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