U21 Hurlers in a Final or Two !!
When is an East Cork Hurling Final more than just a Final? Well that’s a strange one allright but when a Divisional Final becomes a County Final as well -then it’s an unusual one sure enough. First things first ; on Sunday next December 15th the Bride Rovers under 21 hurlers contest the 2024 A grade championship Final against Midleton the new Fr O Neill’s pitch at Aghavine, Ballymacoda at 11.30 am. We’ve already had three games in this competition. We had a great ‘home’ win against Sars in the first round. A walkover from Killeagh put us into the semi final against Erins Own. On a wet and windy Sunday in Dungourney we played out a drawn game. Early in extra time an Erins Own player got injured- thankfully he’s fully recovered now, but on the day an ambulance had to come so the game was abandoned. Fog caused the re-fixture to be postponed in Glenville. Eventually Erins Own came to Pynes field and we scored a good win to reach the Final. Meanwhile on the other side of the Competition in East Cork Midleton were nominated to represent Imokilly in the County. They duly beat Newcestown in the semi Final and were to play St Finbarrs in the County Final last weekend but Storm Darragh scuppered those plans. So last night, Wednesday December 11th that Midleton v St Finbarrs game was scheduled to go ahead. If the Barrs won then we play Midleton on Sunday next for the East Cork Cup. On the other hand if Midleton won last night our game on Sunday will be a double-header -both an East Cork and County Final decider. So that’s the story so far. Injuries to a couple of our players are disappointing but look it’s great to have got good quality hurling games at this time of year. Our lads have prepared well under Daniel, Jamie and Jason and no doubt they will give of their very best against a powerful Midleton team. Go for it lads. (Update Thursday morning, Midleton defeated the Barrs last night after extra time so next Sunday's game is indeed a 'Doubler' with both East Cork and County Cups for the winners)
WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO DRAW. The Lotto Results for Tuesday the 3rd of December were as follows- Numbers drawn were 1, 10, 13 & 26 - No Winner. Congrats to our lucky dip €30 cash winners:Bill Fitz, Fermoy, Eamon Walsh, c/o Online Lotto, John O’Flynn, Corrin, Pat O’Connor, Corrin, Elayne McCarthy, c/o Online Lotto. The Jackpot for this Tuesday December 10th was a mighty €8,200. Tickets are just €2 each and can be bought from Club member, in local businesses or online. If your ticket has expired we would appreciate if you would enter again via https://bit.ly/BrideRoversweeklyfundraiser BEST WISHES. What a weekend it’s for East Cork Hurling. As well as our Aghavine Sunday Fixture three East Cork Clubs are flying the Imokilly flag proudly at All Ireland Club Semi Final level. Sars, Watergrasshill and Russell Rovers are all in action as they attempt to qualify for January 2025 Croke Park Club Final dates -and It wont be a shock to see the triple being achieved by our neighbours over the weekend. Russell Rovers are first into action on Saturday,. They face Ballinascreen (Derry) at 1 o clock in The Downs GAA Club grounds in Co Westmeath. On Sunday in Pairc Tailteann Watergrasshill face North Antrim Club Cathaoir na Ri (Carey Faughs) in Pairc Tailteann at 1 o clock. Half an hour later at St Conleths Park, Newbridge Sars face Derry champions Slaughtneill. All in Bride Rovers Club extend the very best wishes to all three East Cork teams on their history making quests.
CENTENARY BOOKS A few weeks ago in Garryvoe the GAA President Jarlath Burns officially launched the East Cork GAA Board centenary Book. Also founded in 1924 was the Avondhu Board. They celebrated in Mallow last Friday where Gaelic Games writer Michael Foley was the guest speaker as the Avondhu book was launched. Booth books are now on sale and would make great presents at Christmas for GAA fans.
IRISH ROVERS. Closer to home another book was recently launched ‘The Irish Rovers’ Journey’ Last May four vintage tractor enthusiasts led by Tom Fitzgerald of Kildinan drove their tractors from John o Groats in Scotland to Lands End in England as a charity fundraiser. The book tells the story of the trip and is on sale at SPAR Rathcormac or contact Tom.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEAN.
I know I join with all Bride Rovers people, at home and abroad, young and old, in extending Birthday Greetings to Sean Murphy who has an 80th th birthday this week. During the late 1960’s, the 1970’s and into the 1980’s Sean was one of the most dedicated, stylish and loyal players of the Bride Rovers GAA Club. At hurling and football he gave sterling service to our Club. Though living in Castlemartyr Sean was always one of the first in the pitch for training and games.
€5 FOR JUVENILES. A pity to see a long standing policy of the GAA being thrown out. Down the years all National League games in both hurling and football allowed all juveniles free admission. This was seen as huge incentive for Gaelic games at a promotional level and encouraged youngsters to go to matches. Now all juveniles will have to pre-purchase a €5 ticket for each League game.
JOIN BRIDE ROVERS CLUB 100.
Perhaps you are looking for a ‘GAA present for a GAA person’ this year Readon ; A few years back as we began planning for our Club’s centenary in 2028 the Club 100 concept was put in place. With projected spending of close to one Million Euro in the coming years the need for several ‘finance streams’ is vital. The Club 100 is a method whereby supporters and benefactors of the Club can commit to financially helping the Bride Rovers GAA Club. All finance raised has gone into major Club developments in recent years. Now with massive 3 pitch Development project in Ballybrowney well under way we will need huge funds over the next decade. There are three levels of Club 100 membership; Gold, Siver and Bronze. The Gold membership costs €480 annually and for this on gets 2 Annual Club Lotto tickets plus,2 Rebel Bounty Draw Tickets and family Membership of the Club.
The Silver costs €360 and give 2 Lotto and 1 Rebel Bounty and Membership for 1 adult and 1 child or 2 children)
The Bronze option comes in at €240 and brings 1Annual Club Lotto ticket plus, 1 Rebel Bounty and individual Membership. Many people make a ‘New Year’s Resolution’ at this time of year- why not consider joining our Club 100.? Full details from any Club Officer. At the end of each year the Bride Rovers Club holds a special draw confined the Club 100 members with substantial prizes.
WELL DONE JOSH. Congrats to the Aherns of Monanig Bartlemy on a great horse racing success last Sunday. At the Clonmult Point to Point meeting held in Boulta, Ballynoe Josh rode Trooper Carton to win the 5 year old adjacent Hunt Maiden race. Trooper carton is trained and owned by Garrett. Well done lads.
SYMPATHY. The Bride Roers Club extends sympathy to Denis Cany of Tramore on the death recently of his brother Chris of Cahir, Ballineen. Denis played with the Rovers when living in Rathcormac while working locally as an Insurance Agent in the late 1960’s.
FIXTURE. Sunday December 15th at Aghavine (Fr O Neill’s new pitch) at 11.30 East Cork/County under 21 A Grade Hurling Championship Final Bride Rovers v Midleton.
BRIDE ROVERS CLUB SPONSORS are; Rathcormac Tyres, Fermoy Print & Design, Gerard Gubbins Construction and Veolia