By the time I write next week’s notes, our fate will be known in not one but two county finals, Senior B vs Donoughmore in ladies football and Junior B vs Glen Rovers in camogie. Well done from everyone in the club to both panels of players and their management teams for their achievements in reaching these finals and fingers crossed that we return with silverware.

 

Thursday, September 11^th

Bride Rovers 3-17   Eire Og 4-9

 

CIT was the venue on Thursday 11^th of September for the Senior B Semi-final versus Eire Og.  These sides have met regularly over the last few seasons and have always had tight and intense encounters.  This game proved no different as both did their level best to secure a place in the final against North Cork side Donoughmore.  The heart, grit and determination that have been the backbone of this group of players for so many years, again came to the fore and resulted in an immense victory on a score line of 3.17 to 4.9.  Eire Og came out better of the opening exchanges and took their chances well and opened up a six point lead after two well taken goals.  Through some excellent work by the engine of the team Eleanor Ahern and Jennifer Barry Rovers clawed back two points to go in at the break only four points adrift.  The half time break was very much centred around the opportunities coming the way of the forwards who were extremely well lead by Grace Kearney and Grace Culloty who notched up 3.6 between them and proved a constant headache for their markers.  Katie Kelleher moved the ball very well and chipped in with a well taken point from play as did Sinead Walsh who also added five points from placed balls in between her huge work rate and contribution.  Caitriona Vaughan pulled off her trademark point blank saves and ensured a high percentage of own kickouts were won.  Emma O Keeffe and Arlene O’ Callaghan read play extremely well and denied certain scores from the fast and pacey Eire Og front line.  Bridget Forde played a true captains role and lead from her centre back position in particular during the second half.  Shelly Mc played a blinder outwitting Eire Og’s main scoring threat on many occasions. Niamh Barry and Rachel O’ Callaghan soaked up the pressure in the half back line from the pacey attack and constructed many dynamic runs at the Eire Og rear guard.  Aoife Riordan showed football maturity beyond her years throughout both going forward and in defence.  Jennifer Cahill and Trish O Sullivan covered every blade of grass of the CIT field and used their possession wisely setting up some fine scores and helping the defence regain possession.  Karen Sheehan used her speed when introduced to set up one of the last scores of the game which resulted in a green flag being raised and the result being confirmed. 

This was an unbelievable performance from start to finish and one that was in the pipeline due to come for the last number of weeks.  Following some disappointing performances in earlier championship and practice games the girls showed the calibre of a side they are by dismissing a very strong Eire Og side in such a gallant manner.  All 29 players can take great credit from this victory as there has been many tough training sessions undergone by all and a constant push for places on the team helped ensure this fantastic display.  An 11 point turn around shows how they dominated the game in the second half and the tired and sore bodies at the long whistle were understandable.  The game was in the melting pot until the dying stages but a scoreline of 3.17 with 3.12 from play is a remarkable return and one that will give the side great encouragement as they face the Senior B County final which at the time of writing is fixed for Tuesday 16^th September (notes in next week’s edition).  While the 5 day turn around between the semi-final and the historic first senior final for the club is short it is full of excitement as the players and management try to go that final step.  All those in the Ladies Football circuit will understand the enormity of the task ahead as Donoughmore have a very strong tradition in the counties top tier of football.  They will definitely be formidable opponents but the challenge they pose is one that will be relished by this fantastic group of players.  We had great numbers as usual supporting the girls and are sure that will continue for the final which means an awful lot to the players as do the signs and bunting erected in the village so thanks to all our supporters and keep it going!

The Senior teams main sponsors are Spar Rathcormac and we thank them for their continued support throughout this season. 

Panel and Scorers: Caitriona Vaughan, Arlene O’ Callaghan Walsh, Shelly McAteer, Emma O’ Keffee, Niamh Barry, Trish O’ Sullivan, Bridget Forde, Aoife Riordan, Jennifer Cahill, Eleanor Ahern (0-4), Katie Kelleher (0-1), Grace Kearney (2-3), Jennifer Barry, Sinead Walsh (0-6),  Grace Culloty (1-3), Rachel O’ Callaghan,  Karen Sheehan, Aine Cashman, Imelda Dorgan, Meg Kelleher, Elaine Culloty, Evelyn Collins, Laura Pratt, Erin O’ Keeffe, Claire Murphy, Caroline Broderick, Maria Barry, Madison Parle.

 

 We have been drawn against Eire Og in the U16 county quarter final which has now been fixed for Friday, September 19^th. The winners will play the victors of the Aghada/Mallow clash.

 

Our East Cork B championship opponents will be near-neighbours Fermoy which is coming up soon. Training continues in preparation for that.

 

A great turnout and fantastic football played on a beautiful day from all 19 girls in Passage West on Sat 13th. We played 4 games against Youghal and Knocknagree. Winning 2 and playing the best football to date. Well done to all girls-Kate L, Abbie H, Michelle G, Abbie O C, Nicky P, Ruby B, Naoise Mc, Caoimhe G, Caoimhe B, Cliona E, Megan B, Suin O R, Ruby H, Rachel W, Ava B, Mollie O C, Lily M, Aoife Mc, Sarah B.

Thanks to Passage West for a great day.

 

Pictured: Bride Rovers U10s enjoying the Passage West Blitz on Saturday, September 13th.

 

 Glen Rovers will be our county final opponents on Sunday, September 21^st. Best of luck from everyone in the club to all the players and mentors who have put in a great effort this year and let’s hope they can take this final step.

 

 Saturday, September 13^th

 Ballinascarthy 0-7             Bride Rovers 3-7

 

Our Minor camogie county championship campaign got off to a great start away to Ballinascarthy last Saturday evening. Games against Banteer and Newcestown are coming up.

 

 Our Imokilly U15 Plate final will be held on Saturday, September 20^th against Youghal.

 

Bride Rovers GAA are holding a ‘Night at the Dogs’ on Friday, October 3^rd. Please support this fundraiser which is vital for the continued development of the club facilities which we all enjoy.

 

The next ‘First Friday’ clothes collection will be on Friday, October 3^rd, 7pm to 7:30pm at Rathcormac Hall.

 

Don’t forget you can stay in touch day to day with all the latest news on Twitter, @roversgaa,  and on Facebook.