Bride Rovers

Great Hurling Double in GAA Fest Week..

A week of Wonderful Cul camp activity followed by big hurling games on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday -what a week of glorious action. It was eight days of non-stop action with great results. Our Senior and Junior Hurling sides both opened their Round Robin campaigns with winds and at the weekend we hosted two County Board Fixtures in Pairc na Bride. It was really hectic but mighty! Our Seniors defeated Na Piarsaigh by 1 14 to 0 10 at a wet and blustery Riverstown on Friday night. Then on the bank Holiday Monday afternoon the Junior A team had a great win over Sarsfields on a scoreline of 1 17 to 0 16. Sandwiched in between those two games we hosted two Championship games on Saturday and Sunday.

SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP. Bride Rovers 1 14 Na Piarsaigh 0 10.

It was a dark and wet evening in Riverstown on Friday as the lights were turned on for an 8pm throw-in. When the County Championship Fixture List was drawn up in April it was decided that any Friday night games played at venues with lights would have an 8pm start under the light to facilitate patrons travelling from work etc. In front of a huge crowd who had to withstand constant drizzle and then heavy rain this was a very tight and cagey game. Coming up to half time we briefly had a four point lead but for most of the game the margin was only two or three points. With Conor Hazlewood and Denis Cashman and Denis Cashman making their Senior Championship debut our lineout was far different from last years semi final defeat to eventual champions Fr O Neills. A long range free from William Finnegan and one from play from Brian Roche gave us a nice start. The City side got a point back before Ronan O Connell and Conleith Ryan made it 0 4 to 0 1 with 13 minutes gone. Na Piarsaigh’s half back line were very strong gaining possession and running-they had plenty possession but their shooting was off target. We pushed our lead out to 4, 0 8 to 0 4 with less than five minutes til half time, scores coming from William, Brian Roche and Cillian Tobin. In those few minutes the Piarsaighs hit over two points and William pointed another free to leave us 9 to 6 in front at the break. Considering the difficult conditions it was a nice lead for us. Our backs were playing well and the forward line always looked dangerous but we were fortunate that the City side had so many bad wides. They started the second half with a point from Keith Buckley straight from the restart. William Finnegan’s accuracy from placed balls was vital as he sent over seven. It was nip and tuck all through the second half. We held a three point lead thrice but the Piarsaigh’s kept tipping away bringing it down to two -a very dangerous lead in hurling. Denis Cashman made two great interceptions when goals looked on for the City team. With less than eight minutes left the margin was down to two once more. Then a great delivery in from Cillian was finished to the net by Daniel Dooley and we were five points up. Daniel added another point before William sent over a free to leave us winners by a margin of 7 points, 1 14 to 0 10. A great win on a difficult night for hurling. With three game to play in the Group winning the first game is mighty -it guarantees nothing really but takes the immediate pressure off because with another game next week the team know they have two more chances to make the play-offs. Well done lad and well done to Liam, Pat, Noel ad all the backroom team. There’s little rest however as next Saturday night we take on old rivals Killeagh in Midleton at 7. Killleagh, like ourselves, had a great win on Friday night defeating last years PIHC champions Inniscarra by 4 13 to 1 14.

Team & Scorers v Na Piarsaigh; C. Hogan,TO Sullivan, D. Cashman, C. Hazlewood, K.Krearney, E. Roche, SO Connor, B.Roche, 0 2, J.Mannix, C.Ryan 0 1, R. O Connell 0 2, D. Dooley 1 1, C. Tobin 0 1, W. Finnegan 0 7, J. Ahern, P O Flynn.

EAST CORK JUNIOR A HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP. Bride Rovers 1 17 Sarsfields 0 16.

We travelled to Watergrasshill to play Sars on Monday afternoon in our opening Junior A hurling championship match. After winning the Junior B last year this was our first time back playing Junior A in several years. The pitch was in fine condition but both teams took a while to get used to the conditions with a strong breeze blowing across the pitch.

Sars got the opening point of the game after four minutes and it took us a while to get on the score board before Cian O Connor got our opening score after 9 minutes. We were hurling well and starting finding our range getting the next three points in a row with two from Conor and a lovely score from Louie giving us a lead of 4 points to 1 after thirteen minutes. The game had a great pace to it and both teams were evenly matched and both sides went score for score for the 10 minutes. Points from Conor Barry (2), Michael Collins and Louie maintained our 3-point lead. We finished the half very well and 3 more points just before the break from Conor, Eddie Cashman and Louie left us in a good position leading 11 points to 6 at half time. The five point margin was a fair reflection as our forwards got some great scores.

Sars started the second period the brighter and got the first two points of the half, Cian got one back for us but 3 more on the bounce for Sars saw the team's level 12 points apiece on the 40-minute mark. Conor restored our lead again with another pointed free but Sars drew level again when they responded with a pointed free. Eddie and Conor got two great scores to give us a 2-point lead with 15 minutes remaining. Sars responded again and score 3 of the next 4 points to leave the sides level 16 points apiece with normal time nearly up. The decisive goal of the game finally arrived in the 29^th minute when DJ managed to double on a ball after a long range free from Shaun Knox dropped into the box. Conor extended our lead with another point and we nearly had a second goal when Sars cleared off the line from an effort from Shane. With five minutes of injury time added Sars never gave up but our defence stayed solid like they had been all day to get our championship of to a winning start.

Team & Scorers S Knox, L Collins, M Liddane, J Connor, A Buckley, L Forde, A Hynes, F Collins, C Barry (0-9, (6fs)), DJ Cahill (1-0), C O'Connor (0-2), M Collins (0-1), S Ahern, L Roche (0-3), E Cashman (0-2), Subs J Pratt, D Buckley, S Walsh.Our second group game against St. Itas is fixed for next Sunday the 13^th at 7pm in Cloyne .There are just three teams in the Group so each game is vital.

WHAT A CUL CAMP IT WAS.

Another Cúl Camp has come and gone and over 200 children and 65 coaches can now rest up after over 15 hours of activities all last week.

With coaches taking holidays, moving holidays, rescheduling work and meetings and much more; the Camp saw a host of different coaching styles, methodologies, different voices and activities that all compliment the children's ability to play GAA. From tag rugby to ultimate Frisbee to Olympic handball to dodgeball, the 200 kids all experienced a variety of activities during the week. Monday saw a visit of the James Nolan Cup as club members Ronan O'Connell and Cillian Tobin visited each group with the All Ireland Under 20 hurling Cup. On Friday, the victorious league winning Und16 Bride Rovers ladies team visited the girls at camp and the girls were given an opportunity to both lift the cup and get some autographs.

On Friday, there was a great buzz around the pitch as there were some mixed age group matches plus the mixed team relays, obstacle course races and tug of war before all the kids went home with an ice cream to reward them for their efforts during the week.

Our thanks to all those who gave of their time during the week to spend time on the pitch with the kids. Our thanks also to Fermoy Print, Jump Juice Bars and Denis Ahern Hurleys. Thank you also to Jerome O'Driscoll, Emma Roddis, Tríona Lyons and Paddy Croke for all their work before, during and after Cul Camp. Thanks to all the parents who cooperated greatly with the camp all week The reaction of all concerned on Friday afternoon was just wonderful.

UNDER 11 REPORT

The under 11s have had a busy week. With 29 of our panel taking part in the Cúl Camp, they have been going at full tilt all week. 11 of our panel played for the under 12 second team on Monday night against Douglas and put in a spectacular performance despite already doing three hours of camp that day. The under 12s drew against a strong Douglas side who had all players on the under 12 age.

On Thursday afternoon -after Cul Camp, 25 of our lads travelled to Páirc Uí Chaoimh to play a football blitz against Scartaglen and Ardfert from Kerry and Clonmel Óg from Tipperary. We started the first game against Scartaglen well and continued this good form to win the game. The Ardfert game was a tougher game and with scores going in at both ends, it ended up a draw, with Ardfert getting a few late goals. The third game against Clonmel Óg was nip and tuck also but a good start allowed us to come out on top against a good side. The games were followed by a dressing room tour from Cork senior footballer Conor Corbett from Clyda Rovers.

Training resumes on Monday night with hurling in the large astro at 730. Football training on Wednesday night at 6pm in Pynes in preparation for the visit of Naas GAA to Páirc na Bride on next

UNDER 13 HURLING.

Our under 13 boys played Glen Rovers on Thursday evening in Pynes. This was our third game in the summer phase of the Hurling league and after a tough hours hurling we have three wins which is a great return, especially as its holiday season. The lads settled in quickly and put together some fine scores with every line working extremely hard in attack and defence. At half time the score was 3-4 to 1-3. Scores were harder to come by in the second half. The game got a lot more physical, but credit to the lads who kept their heads and still put together some fine scoring movements Full-time Bride Rovers 4-8 Glen Rovers 2-3. It’s back to football this week with a home game v's Killeagh in Pynes on Friday at 7

Saturday at 2.30pm.

FUNDRAISING;

Metal and old batteries will still be collected by Club Members. Ring 087 9538077 to make arrangements. Another collection is planned for next week.

HUGE WEEKEND IN PITCH.

Thanks to all who helped the Club host the two County Board games over the weekend. Saw Saturday night saw a massive crowd for the drawn SHC game between Charleville and Fr O Neill’s. It was fine crowd also on Sunday for another drawn match Kilworth v Watergrasshill in the PIHC. Next Sunday afternoon we host Castlelyons v Dungourney in another local derby PIHC tie.

WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO.

The Lotto Result for the first draw in the month of August on last Tuesday, August 1^st, were as follows; the four Numbers drawn were 2, 4, 7 & 24 and there was no Winner. Congrats also to our lucky dip €30 cash winners: Pascal Ryan c/o Online Lotto, Declan Kearney, Saleen, Anita Hogan, Dubin, Anthony Cahill, Gracelands and Niamh Barry, Castlelyons. Tickets cost just €2 each and can be bought in local businesses, from Club members and online. Lotto Tickets are also on Sale on Saturday mornings in the pitch and when we are hosting County and East Cork games and at the monthly Car Boot sales. The Bride Rovers Club are always looking for extra Lotto sellers so if you would like to take a book of ten tickets each week just contact any Club Officer.

CAR BOOT SALE.

Sunday next August 13^th is Car Boot Sale day so any volunteers for even an hour or two please contact Billy, Richie, Mossy or Tom.

SYMPATHY.

The Club extends sympathy to the Greene and Hazelwood families on the death of Norah Green nee Hazlewood and also to the Ahern family of Monanig, Bartlemy on the death in England of Garrett Ahern.

FIXTURES;