After the exploits in Croke park on Sunday last it's the real championship that takes centre stage next weekend as the Cork County Senior Hurling games are fixed for Saturday and Sunday. We are in action on Sunday afternoon when we take on Midleton in Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Both teams have come to this game by contrasting routes. Back in early June we took on Carrigtwohill in the first round and after a very uninspiring first half we stormed into the game in the second half but lost by 0 19 to 1 13. Earlier that evening Midleton had defeated Douglas on a scoreline of 1 17 to 1 13. At the end of June then we went to Pairc Ui Chaoimh to do battle with Ballinhassig in Round Two. In recent years we'd lost our first two Championship games so this year a big effort was made to get back on track as quickly as possible. On Sunday June 30th we had a very good win over the Ballinhassig, winning by 1 14 to 0 11. The downside of that great win however were the very serious injuries to Brian Murphy and Aidan Collins which have sidelined both players since then.
Midleton have been installed as second favourites to win the Cork County Championship this year -Sars are favourites to win their fourth County in six years, and the Magpies are undoubtedly a very strong side. They have in their ranks ten players with Inter County experience with Cork teams and have had great success at Premier Minor and u21 level over the last five years. Since our elevation to Senior Ranks we have Midleton three times in the Cork County Championship. In 2004 in just our second game at Senior we lost to Midleton in Ballynoe. In 2007 we defeated Midleton in Pairc Ui Chaoimh and repeated the feat in Ballynoe the following year. In recent years we have had mixed fortunes in the Senior Championship culminating in our win over Cloyne in last years relegation decider. If we had a full strength team facing into Sunday's encounter we would be in a much stronger position but we have to cope with the situation as we find it. Earlier in the year in the Co. SHL Midleton taught us a hurling lesson. They are a team full of pace and our lads will need to be on top form to stay in contention in this game. Our League results have been very mixed but we know well that good displays in the League count for nothing when it comes to Championship action. Our lack of scoring the chances we create has been a major stumbling block and on Sunday we will need to convert every opportunity we get. Apart from the injuries training has gone well but as we know it's all down to the performance on the day. This is a game we are capable of winning but only if we turn in a huge performance from all the team. Go for it lads, come on the Rovers everytime.

Our game is timed for 2.30 0n Sunday with the Erins Own v Glen Rovers tie at 4.15.

 Weekly Club Lotto.

Last week's draw took place in The Rathcormac Inn on Tuesday August 6th for a jackpot of €6,600. The four numbers drawn were 8/10/11 & 26 and there was no jackpot winner.

The winners of the five €30 'Lucky Dips' were;

.Pauline O'Connor, Fermoy
.Kathleen Howard, Rathcormac
.Denis Ahern, Rathcormac
.The Buckley Family, Glenagoul
.Kathleen O'Driscoll, Dublin.

This week's draw took place in O'Coileán's Bar on Tuesday August 13th. for a jackpot of €6,800.

Tickets for the Weekly Draw can be purchased from Bride Rovers GAA Club members or in local Business Outlets at a cost of just €2 each. Your support for the lotto is deeply appreciated.

 Cork in All Irl Final.

Few would have predicted it at the start of the year and fewer still after Clare relegated Cork to Division 1B but the Cork Senior Hurling team have confounded all the critics by qualifying for the 2013 All Ireland Senior Hurling Final. Having taken on the role of giant-slayers against Kilkenny Cork gave a mighty display in Croke park last Sunday to qualify for the September 8th Final. The serious injury he received in the County Championship prevented Brian Murphy from taking part but it was great to see him involved with the panel. Well Jimmy Barry Murphy certainly has the Midas touch. In 1999 he had a panel of players most of whom had won u21 and Intermediate All Irelands but this year it's a different situation completely and great credit is due to Jimmy and his backroom team. Roll on Limerick or Clare for September the 8th.

 Twitter and Website.

So many people at home and abroad are now very hi-tech when it comes to keeping in touch with the activities of the Bride Rovers Club. The online editions of newspapers are growing in popularity. Meanwhile you can follow the Club on twitter at twitter@ BrideRoversGAA or on our own website at www.briderovers.ie

Any news items or general items of interest are very welcome for inclusion.

 Club Shop.

Well 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 want to place an order just ring 086 3807784 or 086 1540902 to purchase all the above items.

The Club wish to acknowledge the generous sponsorship of the Rathcormac Tyre Centre, O Coileáns Bar and Veolia Environmental Services.