Bride Rovers

Seniors win, Jackpot goes to Tipp...

It might be just early September but it feels like summer with the heatwave and the continental weather we’re having. On the GAA front things are really hotting up as club championships are in full swing. For over a century the first Sunday in September meant thoughts turned to Croke Park for the Hurling Final but that’s long gone and the 2023 Final is 11 months away. Still, we must salute our brave own Senior Hurlers who emerged winners against Ballymartle for the third year in a row. With two wins and a draw from our three Round Robin group games we emerged as top of our Group but unbeaten Fr O Neills and Fermoy took the two semi final spots on 6 Points each and we are in the quarter final. On Tuesday last our outstanding Lotto Jackpot of €23,200 was won by a proud Tipperary man with local connections. This coming Friday our Minor Hurlers are in the Rebel Og quarter Final.

SENIOR HURLING. Bride Rovers 0 21 Ballymartle 1 13.

Two years ago in Ballincollig we beat Ballymartle in the championship. Last year it was in Riverstown we crossed camans with the South East side. Last Saturday evening it was back once more to the Sarsfields HQ for our third meeting in a row with the men from Riverstick. On a smashing evening for hurling a huge crowd gathered in Riverstown for the game. With a win and a draw we were nearly certain of a knockout place whilst Ballymartle having lost two games were fighting to steer clear of the Relegation zone. Anyone foolish enough to think we’d have an easy win was in for a surprise. While we were never behind in the contest after the first two minutes our opponents drew level a few times. In fairness to our lads when the going got tough after Ballymartle levelled early in the second half they responded well with some fine points. The game opened with the Carrigdhoun side getting the opening score. Adam Walsh from a free and Ronan O Connell put us into the lead after three minutes. After great defensive work Paddy O Flynn provided a lovely pass to Brian Roche who raised the white flag. Ballymartle pointed before young Ronan O Connell hit a super point from distance to put us 4/2 ahead. Even early on it was obvious that this was going to be a very tough and hard fought game as Ballymartle brought a physical edge to the match. It was 4 points apiece in the 18^th minute before Adam put us ahead gain and it was 0 5 to 0 5 a minute later. Our defence was under constant bombardment but held out well. A free from Adam was pointed before Brian collected a pass from Paddy and put us two ahead . Coming towards the end of a stop/go first half two pointed frees from Adam Walsh gave us a 9 points to 7 lead at the break. It was a half where we seemed well on top at midfield and up front but we couldn’t put ‘daylight’ between ourselves and the Bally boys. In a second half that lasted nearly 39 minutes we had to dig deep to get a result. Early white flags from a long Paddy O Flynn free and a beauty rom Brian Roche answered one for Ballymartle to leave us 11 to 8 ahead after ten minutes. Then came the games only goal which saw the South East side snap up a mistake in our defence, scores level 1 8 to 0 11 and it was game on. Roared on by a huge following Ballymartle sought to go ahead. In fairness our lads responded well. A great effort from Cillian Tobin was waved wide by uncertain umpires and the ref agreed but a vigilant lines-man insisted the white flag go up. Four more points came as we really tore into the game. Brian added two from play and Adam struck a par from frees to see us lead by five points. We were in control but when reduced to fourteen Ballymartle kept coming at us. Led by team Captain Paddy O Flynn we were up by 16 points to 1 8 with six minutes left. In actual fact this turned out to be 14 minutes in a marathon 75 minute game. It was score for score then towards the end. The Ballymartle lads added five further points but we did tea me. Paddy sent over a monster free followed by a lovely score from Brian. Sub Michael Collins raised a white flag before Cilian Tobin, from play, and Adam from a free wrapped up our scoring and gave us 21 points to 1 13 for Ballymartle. It was tough, hard game of hurling and the win gives us a quarter final spot next weekend. Team & Scorers; Cian Hogan, Tadhg O Sullivan, Shane Walsh, Jason Pratt , Paddy O Flynn Captain 0 2, Eoin Roche, Shane O Connor, Kieran Kearney , Daniel Dooley, Cian O Connor, Ronan O Connell 0 26, Adam Walsh 0 7 , 4 frees, Cillian Tobin 0 2 J Brian Roche 0 6, Conleith Ryan, Wm. Finnegan, Josh Ahern, Ml Collins 0 1. Well done lads on a brave display. Though we topped our Group it was unbeaten Fr O Neill’s and Fermoy on 6 Points each who qualify for the Semis. We now meet Cloyne in the Quarter Final. This game has been fixed for Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Saturday week September 10^th at 5 o clock, with Ballyhea v Courcey Rovers to follow at 7pm.

SECOND WIN FOR JUNIORS.

Our Junior B Hurlers played their 2nd group game against Sarsfield last Tuesday. It was a game which started slowly and both teams took time to get going. Eddie got the opening point after eight minutes but Sars responded quickly with a point. Things improved slightly with Shaun getting the next wo points. We had a plenty possession but scores were proving elusive, DJ added another score on the 26th minute before a free from Damien and another point from DJ left us leading on a score of 6 points to 1 at half time.

We started the second half better and points from DJ (2), Eddie (2), Shaun and Damien saw us leading by 12 points to 2 after 15 minutes. Damien then finished off a fine team goal soon after before Sars added their 3rd point. Liam Forde worked his way up the pitch to get a point at the 20-minute mark of the second half which would turn out to be our last score with Sars added 1 more point leaving the final score 1-14 to 0-4 pts. Our final group game against Midleton is still to be fixed. Panel B Hogan, L Collins, A Buckley, J Conor, S Ahern, L Forde (0-1), O Roche, C Hazelwood, F Collins, DJ Cahill (0-5), J Pratt, D Buckley (1-2, (2f)), J O'Keeffe, E Cashman (0-3), S Knox (0-3), Subs; N Kelleher, A Hayes, J O'Sullivan, J Kearney, B Collins.

BEST WISHES JOHN.

We extend best wishes from everyone in the Club to John Pratt for a full recovery from his recent accident.

BACK TO THE BOOKS.

Well for many it’s this week and then over the next few weeks all those in full time education will be back at their desks. Keep learning and don’t forget to keep hurling and footballing too.

SHC GAME IN PITCH.

Thanks to all who helped out with the fine crowd last Sunday at the Erins Own v Bishopstown game.

UNDER 11s in TOURNAMENT ACTION.

This past week the under11s were invited to a hurling tournament in Glenville . It was organised by Willie O Leary of Watergrasshill GAA. We arrived for 9 am and our 2 teams played against Carrigtwohill, Valley Rovers & Bishopstown GAA . It was a pleasure to watch the players showcase their skills. We had Liam Carr scoring some outstanding points , Ollie Scanlon and Denis Skillington were a strong defensive wall in the back line . Thomas Hegarty, Padraig Barry, Ciarán Mohally battled strongly throughout their matches . Senan Delaney, Kai Roddis and David Ahern displayed a work rate that was faultless. Unfortunately it wasn’t our day and we did not progress to the semis. The atmosphere overall was just brilliant and the day was extremely well organised with the emphasis on fun. We would like to thank our hosts for a super day.

UNDER 10’s HOME AND AWAY.

The U10s hosted Lisgoold and Ballyhooly last Saturday in three football games. This was an excellent exercise for our lads as in most games, the opposition had a player more, and in some games, two extra players. This forced our lads to work harder and to put in a hugely admirable effort. The recent training was seen throughout with support runners, good support play and excellent passing on view throughout all games. This was excellent preparation for next weekend where we take part in the Celbridge (Co. Kildare) tournament of Football. It’s an early start next Saturday as we leave the main pitch at 6.45am for what should be a great day. It’s a great occasion for our young players to get to travel to play Clubs from other Counties and Provinces. Training: Monday night hurling 7.30 to 8.15 on the large astro. Wednesday night football 6 to 7pm.

UNDER 6’s IN ACTION.

On Friday night, Bride Rovers under6’s played Kiltha Og in a hurling blitz. Pyne’s field was the venue for a great evening of fun and enjoyment.. The improvement from these lads over the last few months has been exceptional. With the new school year upon us, best of luck to our lads who are starting back in senior infants and to the lads who are making the big step up to junior infants. Training continues every Wednesday night 18:30 and Saturday mornings 09:45 small Astro.

JUNIOR HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 4.

We travelled to Midleton for our final divison 4 league game on Monday night for what was a lovely evening for Hurling. Midleton started brightly and had a 1-3 to 1 point lead after 15 minutes with our point coming from Alan Barry. A goal from Shane brought us back into the game and points from Dave (3), John and Craig saw us leading 1-6 to 1-4 after 25 minutes. Midleton finished the half better and got a 2^nd goal to leave them leading by 2 points at half time 2-7 to 1-8

Midleton got the opening point of the 2^nd half but a point from Alan and a goal from Cian saw us into the lead 2-9 to 2-8. We then hit a purple patch and points from Craig (4), Dave (3), Shane and one from Cian saw us leading 2-18 to 2-11 with 5 minutes remaining. Credit to Midleton though who finished very strongly and 2 quick goals brought them back into the game. A point from a 65 from Dave left us ahead by 2-20 to 4-13 with normal time up but Midleton went down the other end to get another goal in added time to win by two.

Squad; M O'Connell, L O'Flynn, T Kearney, B Lahive, B Collins, M Liddane, J O'Sullivan, J Kearney, A Barry (0-2), J Tobin, D Burke (0-9 (3f)(2 65s)), P O'Driscoll, J Buckley (0-1), S O'Flynn (1-1), C O'Callaghan (0-6), C Howard (1-1), D Ryan, D Kelleher. Well done on a fine display lads. Our Junior C Hurling Championship campaign will be starting shortly. We have 3 Group games in the JCHC v St Catherines, Russell Rovers and carrignavar.

REBEL OG MINOR HURLING.
Our Minor Hurlers are back in Premier2 County Quarter Final action on this coming Friday night when it’s Bride Rovers v Aghada In Pairc Ui Chinneide in Killeagh at 8-15, under lights.
The Entrance Fee is €5.

BALINHASSIG TRIP TO TIPP...

On Monday night we hosted the Ballinhassig GAA Club on their Trip To Tipp Fundraiser. Recalling bygone days of yore when Hurling fans from all over Munster walked and cycled to big games in Thurles members of the Ballinhassig Club embarked on an epic Walk to Thurles calling at GAA clubs along the way. They were n Sarsfields on Sunday with us on Monday and then onto Glanworth and they play to end up in Moyne Templetouhy Club this weekend. Fundrasing for anew Clubhouse they are raffling a new Car in a huge community effort. We welcomed the walkers and other Club members on Monday when the Ballinhassig under 10 camogie panel played our under 10s in a series of games. Memories of epic match journeys and great games down the years were videod and will be seen on social media in the days to come. A commemorative plaque was presented by the Ballinhassig Club to our Chairman Gerard Lane at the end of the evening. For full details of how to support the Ballinhassig Club go to ballinhassigtriptotipp.com As part of the venture Cork and Tipp will play an under 16 ladies Football game on September 3^rd -next Saturday in Moyne Templetouhy and three Bride Rovers players Nikita Parle, Sarah Bermingham and Katelyn Roddis will be involved with Cork.

JACKPOT GONE TO TIPP.

Well after months of palpable excitement each Tuesday night the Bride Rovers GAA club Lotto Jackpot was won on last Tuesday night August 23^rd. Standing at a record high of €23,2000 the four numbers drawn were 3, 8, 13 and 30 and when the checking was done one ticket was raised aloft with those four very lucky numbers. The Jackpot has gone to Killenaule Co. Tipperary and the winner is Seamus Healy brother of Damien who has hurled with distinction with Killenaule and with Bride Rovers and of course Seamus’ nephews and nieces also currently play with us. Congratulations to Seamus and well done on a great win..
Our €30 spot prize winners last Tuesday night were,
Riona Caplice, Rathcormac, Michele Walsh, Mitchelstown, Jerry Cashman, Lisgoold, Eleanor Curtayne, Ballybrowney and Joe Barry, Kill St. Anne.
Our New Jackpot restarted this week at €10,000 and was up for grabs on Tuesday night last August 29^th. If your ticket has expired we would appreciate if you would enter again via https://bit.ly/BrideRoversweeklyfundraiser Thank you again for all your support.