Club Notes... - 2023-01-06 18:10:00
Happy New Year..
In the words of the late, great John Lennon ‘Another year over, a new one just begun’. So here we are in the first week of January 2023, all of 95 years since the founding of the Bride Rovers GAA club back in 1928. As we look forward to a New Year and a new playing season we reflect on times past as well. Over the next two weeks we might have a look back at how things were 25, 50, 75 and 100 years ago in terms of Gaelic games in our parish. This weekend the twelve Days of Christmas come to an end and so as we sally forth we wish all readers a Happy and Peaceful New Year. A huge ‘thank you’ to all our members, players, supporters, sponsors and friends for all the magnificent support you have given us over the years- long may it continue.
LOTTO.
Our first ever Lotto Draw took place on March 6th 1996 so it’s going with twenty six years now, a great tribute to our Lotto Committee and those who purchase weekly, monthly and yearly tickets. The Lotto Results for the last draw of 2022 on 28th of December 2022 are as follows. The 4 Numbers drawn were 5, 19, 24 & 28 and there was No Winner. Congrats to our lucky dip €30 cash winners who were Brendan & Martina, Ballyreidy, the family of John O’Connell, Watergrasshill, Michael O’Mahony, Killinawillin, Tommy O’Flynn, Rathcormac, Mary Quinn, Castlelyons. The Lotto Jackpot for the first Draw of 2023 on Tuesday January 2nd was an incredible €5,800. John O Connell RIP -a man who always had a ticket in the Rovers Lotto was the late John O Connell , Ballylegan, Watergrasshill. John was born at The Croppy Boy farm on the northside of Cork City and from his ancestral home he took the name ‘Croppy’ by which he was widely known. A proud St Vincent’s Clubman by birth John never forgot his roots and up until the end he was great supporter and benefactor of Vincent’s. Even in death he proudly wore the Green and White Shirt and Tie of his beloved Club. On marrying Marie Wall John came to live in Watergrasshill and was involved in every facet of community life there -his grandson Brendan Lehane is a St Colmans and Hill hurler. The Croppy was a great help to hundreds of people who needed a helping hand -the extent of his generosity will probably never be known. His farming activities extended to Bartlemy and he was a generous and willing supporter of our Club Lotto and many other fundraisers in the parish. We extend our sympathy to his wife and family, may he Rest in Peace.
CLUB 100 OPEN.
There are 180 local families and individuals who have joined the Club 100 scheme since it commenced in 2017. It is essentially a membership package which includes entries to the Bride Rovers weekly lotto and the Rebel Bounty monthly draws. While the gold package may be attractive (and represents good value) for families, the silver or bronze package may be attractive to players or individual members who wish to spread payments across the calendar year. A brochure is available and feel free to contact club treasurer Aiden Dorgan on 085 7124312 or, indeed, any club officer if you wish to join the scheme.
ST. STEPHEN’S DAY 5K A MIGHTY SUCCESS.
The Juvenile Club’s Annual 5K Run on the morning of St Stephen’s Day was a brilliant event. On a dry December Day there was a great turnout of young and old, runners, walkers and joggers. For some it was competitive and for others just a lovely social event in the open air. Thanks to Damian and Alan who did the organising of this year’s 5K. James McCarthy was the men’s winner, under 18, Mícháel Walsh and under 12- Henry Bagnall. Oonagh Tuohy was the first lady home with Rachael Walsh first at under 18 and the under12- category went to Louise Finn. Thanks to everyone who took part or volunteered with the stewarding arrangements -it was an event enjoyed by one and all.
COUNTY BOARD.
Activities at administrative level in Rebel Cork get underway on Tuesday January 17th when the first County Board meeting for 2023 is being held.
DENIS BARRY RIP
The week before Christmas our community was saddened to learn of the Death of Denis Barry, publican, of Bartlemy Cross. Though hospitalised with 13 years, as a result of a horse-riding accident, Denis’ death still came as a terrible blow to his family, friends and a huge array of contacts. From a family steeped in the GAA and community activism Denis’ grandfather Patsy Barry NT was a great writer and player and supporter of the parish teams in the 18887- 1891 period. When Bride Rovers was formed in 1928 it was Dan Barry NT, an uncle of Denis who was appointed as first Chairman and Dan’s brother Billy was the man who penned our Club anthem ‘Bride Rovers Abu’. Denis’ mother Alice gave fields for playing pitches in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Denis himself was a proud supporter of Bride Rovers and we had many a good night at the Cross after Club Victories in the 1960’s and again in 1998 and 2003. Our third ever Lotto Club Draw was held at Denis Barry’s on Tuesday March 19th 1996 and as long as the Public House remained open it was on the Lotto rota. As a sportsman Denis ‘s first love was horse- hunting, racing, breeding and training but he took immense pleasure in the successes of the Bride Rovers Club. We extend our sympathy to Kathleen, Triona, Denis, Fiachra, Marion, Moss and Dan. May Denis rest in peace.
ST COLMANS IN ACTION.
Best wishes to the St Colman’s Senior Hurling team who are in action next week. On Wednesday January 11th they face Thurles CXBS in the quarter final of the Harty Cup Competition. Thurles won their three Group games and finished as Group Winners and will provide tough opposition as all Tipperary teams do. Best of luck lads.
WELL DONE JAMES.
In the closing weeks of last season we forgot to mention the feat of Ballyea on once again wining the Clare Senior Hurling Club Championship. They followed that up with a win over Cork champions St Finbarr’s to qualify for the Munster Final. Here they lost to Waterford’s Ballygunner. Captain of the team in their great 2022 Campaign was James Murphy who gave a season playing with us a few years back. Well done James and well done to all your Clubmates on their success.
25 YEARS AGO. 
In January of 1998 we were hopeful of a good run again in the East Cork Junior A Grade Hurling Championship with Tom Mulcahy as Team Trainer. Having lost the 1997 Final to Castlelyons and seeing them go on to win the County Title we certainly had cause for optimism. That 1997 Final was our first since the draw and replay in 1973 when losing the second day to Erin’s Own. The 1998 Junior Campaign started with a late July tie v Cloyne’s second string. We led by just two points, 7 to 5 at half time but pulled away in the second half for a 21 points to 5 win. Next up were Carrignavar, a team that that often troubled us. Carrig led by 1 4 to 0 4 at half time having played with a gale. They scored just 1 point in the second half and we won by 2 16 to 1 5 -our goals came from Terry Roderick and Richie Cahill. A local derby semi final against the Hill was played in Caherlag. Sean Ryan’s goal helped us to an early 1 2 to 0 0 lead but the Hill fought back. We led by 1 3 to 0 2 at half time but with just 12 minutes left in the game it was all quare at 1 5 each. After six scoreless minutes batt McHugh, Jerome O Driscoll and Mike Hogan scored three points -we won by 1 8 to 1 5 so back in the Final again Cobh was the venue for the East Cork Final against Dungourney – a repeat of the 1972 Decider. Since 1973 I’ve missed only a handful of Senior All Ireland Finals and those few I’ve missed I’ve seen on the telly. 1998 is one exception! While Galway were beating Kildare in the All Ireland Football Final Bride Rovers recaptured the Jamesy Kelleher Cup for the first time since 1969.Early points from Terry, Mike and team captain Donal Ryan saw us settle well but after 15 minutes Dungourney were a goal ahead, 1 3 to 0 3. We responded well scoring 1 4 without reply -the goal from Jerome, to led 1 7 to 1 3 at half time. Though Dungourney had two points from frees early in the second half we soon got on top. The white flags were waving as our forwards were on song. A goal from Terry was a huge boost. When Padraig Murphy hit over his third point we were up 2 12 to 1 5 with just six minutes left. As we urged the lads on Dungourney did score 1 1 but Jerome had the final point to leave us winners by 2 13 to 2 6. The scenes in Cobh as our own Gerard Lane presented the Cup to Donal Ryan will never be forgotten. Over the next few days we celebrated as never before as the ’Famine Was Over’ . People recalled 1968 and 1969 when Courcey Rovers and Kanturk ended our ambitions to win the County. The 1998 Co JHC Draw meant we had a bye into the semi final, meeting Balinascarthy or Dromina. They drew in their first round game with the West Cork side winning the replay. Our semi final v Ballinascarthy went ahead in Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturdasy October the 10th. Early in the second half our chance of a County Final appearance seemed only a dream. We wer behind by 1 8 to 0 4 at the break and went down 1 9 to 0 4 two minutes after the resumption. An eight point deficit looked daunting but as our song says ‘when hot grew that fight those hearts grew more eager’. That second half against Ballinascarthy showed us what a super team, a great bunch of players, we had. Point by point we got back into the match. Batt, Jerome, Mike and James all hit points to reduce the margin to 4. A super ball from Walshie from defence found James Murphy and hi perfect pass to Jerome saw the net rattled -game on! The last ten minutes were incredible as we levelled, Bal went ahead and we levelled again. Their free taker Colman Murphy struck a point and they were up 1 13 to 1 12. Padraig Murphy levelled before batt McHugh split the posts for the winner – 1 14 to 1 13 and we were in The County Final. It was mid November before the County Final was played and Fr Seanie had returned to Mission work in Africa but in reality he was with us and with the player’s every step of the way. Though we led Freemount by 3 points to 1 early on the Duhallow side were ahead by 0 7 to 0 5 at the break. The second half, in tough conditions, was thrill a minute stuff. A Sean Ryan goal really brought us into the game. With ten minutes to go we were still a point down, Mike Hogan levelled and then Terry finished a Richie Cahill centre to the net -up 2 8 to 11 points now and the Rovers fans cheering could nearly be heard in Africa. We won by 2 10 to 0 13 after an enthralling game. Before this year of 2023 is out we will remember and celebrate this victory
50 YEARS AGO.
At the Club AGM on Dec 28th 1972 Pat O Connor was appointed as Juvenile Secretary. In January 1973 Fr. Ml Madden CC, David John Barry, Dave Ryan, John Arnold and Gus O Driscoll were added to new Club Juvenile Committee. Just a month later the Club was devastated with the unexpected death of Dave Ryan. A native of Kilworth, Dave had come working to Bartlemy and had married Eily Hankard in Bartlemy village. He got very involved with Bride Rovers and often took eight, nine or ten youngsters to under 14 or under 16 games -he was a legend! We hope to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Dave’s death next month. NOTE; If anyone has any pictures of Dave please contact me at 087 9538077
FITUPS.
Before matches begin keep four dates in the Diary -Fridays January 13th, 20th and 27th and the first Friday of February. On each of these nights the Blackwater Fit Up Festival will be based in Bartlemy Hall. Four great Drama Productions will be staged and all support would be most welcome.
FIXTURES
The GAA ‘s Master Fixtures Plan was recently published with all the games Programmes for 2023 outlined. Personally I’m not a fan of the Split Season. I do concede that from a players point of view it’s great to know well in advance when important games are on. That’s a very fair point but having no Club Championship games in May, June or July -especially no hurling games upsets me greatly -I’ll get back to that point in the future. Anyway with the Championship Groups being drawn at County Convention in December our fixtures are now known. We play our first Senior Championship game for 2023 in August so that’s seven months ‘notice’.! Our three SAHC Group games are as follows; Friday August 4th at 8pm: Bride Rovers v Na Piarsaigh in Riverstown. Saturday Aug 12 at 7.30pm: Bride Rovers v Killeagh in Midleton. Saturday Sept 2nd at 7pm: Bride Rovers v Inniscarra in Riverstown.
MUNSTER MINOR & UNDER 20 FIXTURES.
The Provincial Championships ain Minor (u 17) and under Hurling will commence in March this year with the Munster Minor Hurling Final fixed for May 9th. The Munster under 20 hurling Final is on May 17th. In Minor Hurling Cork play Waterford in Cork on March 28th and Tipperary in Cork on April 4th. They then have two ’away’ games v Clare on April 18th and a week later v Limerick. In under 20 Hurling Cork meet Waterford on March 29th (home), Tipperary on April 5th (home) and then two ‘away’ games v Clare on April 19th and Limerick on April 26th.
CLUB EXECUTIVE MEETING.
The first Club Executive Meeting for 2023 is on next Monday night January the 9th.
SYMPATHY.
The Bride Rovers Club extends sympathy to the O Shea family, Ashfield Place on the death of Pat and also to the O Driscoll family, Dromboy, Carrignavar on the death of Dermot , a great Carrig GAA man.
BRIDE ROVERS CLUB SPONSORS are; Rathcormac Tyres
Fermoy Print & Design
Veolia
