Seniors just fall short....

Last Sunday night at Páirc Naomh Caitriona, Ballynoe, our Senior hurlers went down to the 2011 County Champions Carrigtwohill after a gripping contest played out in front of a very large attendance,on a beautiful evening for hurling.

Having had a poor league campaign to date, we went into this contest as outsiders and during the opening thirty minutes, it looked as if the bookies had got this one right. Carrigtwohill opened brightly and raced into a three-point lead before we got our first score in the fifteenth minute, a Jason point Pratt point from play. Carrig's forwards were razor sharp, and in a ten minute spell, they scored six points from all angles and looked to be heading for an easy victory. We struggled to get into the game, and looked in real trouble at the short whistle when we were down twelve points to four, our scores coming from Daniel Dooley, Barry Johnson and Pratt.

The second half began with our lads determined to put in a big effort, and we were not disappointed as two opening points reduced the deficit and it was clear that we had got to grips with the Carrig boys, showing a general improvement all over the field. Our backs and in particular, Aidan Collins and Shane Kearney, now dominated their direct opponents and with Barry and Brian Murphy also to the fore, a plentiful supply of ball to the forward line was creating chances. A number of converted frees resulted in the lead being whittled down, with Barry Johnson unerring from frees and from play. However, a goal was needed to make this contest a real one, and when it did come it was worth waiting for.Michael Kearney, who had an excellent game, collected a ball in the air from Denny Fitzgerald's puck out, soloed from midfield to the edge of the square and planted the ball in the back of the net. Game on now, and we needed the next few points, but it was Carrigtwohill who got the next two and Niall McCarthy's introduction at the edge of the square was a trump card for them. Despite shooting three wides in a row, he added two fine points to extend the lead. However, we continued to carry the game to the Carrig lads, and substitute Cian O'Connor added a nice point to leave just three between the sides with five minutes remaining.
It was a gripping encounter at this stage, with the huge Bride Rovers following urging them on, but despite some close shaves in the Carrigtwohill full-back line, they held out for a three-point victory to move into Round 4, while we must negotiate a tricky Round Two encounter with last year's Premier Intermediate Champions, Ballinhassig, on the last weekend in June.
Round two pairings are Courcey Rovers v Killeagh, Ballinhassig v Bride Rovers, Ballymartle v Erin's Own and Douglas v St. Finbarr's

Team: Denny Fitzgerald, Aidan Collins, Brendan Walsh, Shane Kearney, Barry Murphy, Brian Murphy, Pat Walsh, Jason Pratt (0.1), Michael Kearney (1 gl), Sean Ryan, Brendan O Driscoll, Terry Broderick, Padraig Murphy, Daniel Dooley( 0.1), Barry Johnson 0.10,(6 frees). Subs used Jason Mannix, Kieran Collins, Jerome O Driscoll and Cian O Connor (0.1)

More pictures from the game can be seen on the club website (action gallery) www.briderovers.ie

Weekly Club Lotto
This week's draw took place in OCoileáns Bar for a jackpot of €4,600.
There was no jackpot winner.

The winners of this week's five €30 'Lucky Dips’
Pat Mannix Bartlemy
Buckley Family Glenagoul
John Bargary Fermoy
Mellisa Power Mondaniel
Deirdre Broderick Monanig

Match at Pairc na Bríde
Last Sunday we hosted the Intermediate hurling Championship game Watergrasshill V Kilworth and our thanks to all who helped out during the week and on the day to ensure the ground was in excellent shape. Well done to Watergrasshill who got their year off to great start with a well-deserved win over Kilworth.Well done also to Castlelyons and Fermoy who had first round victories.

Booking the pitches
It's all systems go at present. Between games and training both pitches are very busy. A reminder to all Team mentors to book activities in the two pitches through the Grounds Officer John Murphy.

Astro-Turf available to Hire;
The Astro-turf pitch at Bride Rovers is available for hire by contacting James Bermingham on 086 8350741. Pitch is suitable for 5 a side teams and costs €50 per hour with lights. A reminder to all those who have pre-booked the facility, if for some reason your group cannot take up their allocated time slot please let Club Officers know immediately.

Club Shop.

The 2013 playing season is in full swing and the value is as good as ever at the Bride Rovers Club Shop. We have a huge range of Stock just in. Jerseys, togs, Socks, Hoodies, Training Shorts, Track Suits, Training Tops, Gear Bags, Polo Shirts, Bottle Green Wind-Sheeters, Green Half Zip Hoodies, Rain Jackets, Beanie Hats and Medal Boards are all available. Be seen to support your club with the club colours and club gear. If you wish to place an order just ring 086 3807784 or 086 1540902 to purchase all the above items.

Website /Twitter

The club website has continued to attract new visitors and has had hits in the region of 4,000 per month; Twitter continues to grow with almost 400 followers now receiving updates on club news and events, so please pass on the details to all your own contacts.
You can now follow us on twitter @ BrideRoversGAA and www.briderovers.ie

Exams
We wish all our exam students the very best of luck over the next three weeks in the state exams, and hope to have them back playing again at the end of June.