Munster win for u15 Hurlers..

 ' There won't be a cow milked in Bartlemy tonight' -well that's what I was thinking last Saturday evening in the Mallow GAA Complex around six o clock ! Back in 1992 Marty Morrissey uttered those words in relation to the cows in Clare when the Banner footballers defeated Kerry in the Munster Final. We'd be normally milking around half five but not on Saturday last, no 'twas closer to nine o clock ! Our under 15 hurlers were taking part in a Munster Council Super 10's competition -ten a side hurling. Talk about a lucky break, well the very fact that we were in Mallow at all was just that. Various qualifying blitzes were held in Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Clare a few weeks back with the different winners going forward to Mallow for the Finals. Unfortunately on the Saturday we were to take part several of our players were involved with Cork squads so we were unable to participate. Kevin O Callaghan one of the Rebel Og Games Development Officers knew of our problem. In fairness Kevin arranged a further qualifying game for our lads. So on Wednesday night last in the Astro Pitch at Pairc Ui Chaoimh we met Ahane Gaels, a two-club combination from the Carbery Division. We won this game well and so set off for Mallow on Saturday afternoon.

12 Teams

In total there were 12 under 15 teams in Mallow with panels of 12 players, ten playing and two inter change subs. There were four groups of three teams and Ballygunner (Waterford) and Ballyea (Clare) were in our group. The winners of the four groups would contest the semi finals. The sliotar was thrown in for the first games at to clock and it was close to seven o clock before the action was completed -and what action we had! The first game in our group was between the Clare and Waterford sides with Ballygunner getting on top and winning on a scoreline of Ballygunner 3 6 Ballyea 1 7. We were next into action against the Waterford city team. It was very close and tight game. Deep into injury time in the second half we led by a point bur Ballygunner levelled with a point from a late, late free. Final score;  Bride Rovers 1 7 Ballygunner 1 7. After a ten minute break we were back in action against the Clare boys. We thought that our task to become group winners was to beat Ballyea by more than 5 points, the margin Ballygunner had beaten them by in the first game but it wasn't that simple! The Rules of the Tournament were based on score-difference, which meant we had to win the game, but couldn't concede more than 1 7, the score Ballyea got. So if we won by twenty or twenty five points and conceded more than 1 7 we were gone! The lads got off to a mighty start with two early goals. Ballyea hit over three points but we were still up by eight at half time. In the end we won by 5 6 to 0 5. The boys were now through to the semi final. With a few games a bit late starting and some needing extra time prospects of being home early to Bartlemy faded- but what harm says I, the cows will wait. In the semi final we were up against Clare side Inagh/Kilnamona, a very strong physical team. In a gripping game we led at half time on a scoreline of Bride Rovers 2 3 Inagh/Kilnamona 0 5. When the Clare side got a goal in the second half we were under pressure but responded with great points to win on a scoreline of Bride Rovers 2 10 Inagh/Kilnamona 1 8. Ryan O Callaghan made two outstanding goal-line saves in this game. Meanwhile the second semi-final, an All Limerick tie, between Doon and Kilmallock was a draw and went to extra time. Kilmallock won by a goal to set up a Cork v Limerick final. After the extra time it was decided to give Kilmallock a little break before the Final. All day our band of supporters in the Stand gave mighty vocal backing to the boys. So heading for six o clock Bride Rovers and Kilmallock took the field for the Final. After a long, tiring day both teams were flat out but produced some outstanding hurling. Adam Walsh twice gave great passes to Adam Hayes who goaled on each occasion to help us to a 2 5 to 0 2 half time lead. Kilmallock brought the margin down to just three points but Adam Hayes completed  a great hat trick and we won by 3 9 to 2 6. A feature of the semi final and final was terrific defending where our backs held their ground. On several occasions they forced the opposition into over holding and conceding frees.

Overall it was brilliant day's hurling well organised by the Munster Council and the Mallow GAA Club. Joe Reddington, on behalf of the Munster Council, presented our lads with a set of gear bags and we will also receive a set of mobile goal-posts. Well done to all the players and mentors and supporters. I finished milking by moonlight at ten o clock.

TEAM PANEL; A. Walsh, N. Kelleher, D. Cashman, L. Collins, C O Sullivan, C. Barry, C. Hazlewood, D. Barry, R O Callaghan, R. O Connell, A Hayes, J. Ahern.

UNDER 9 HURLING

Our u9's were away for a hurling match v's Mallow on Saturday morning in the Town Park in Mallow . We played 2 great games and our boys played excellently in both games. We finished up the morning singing Happy Birthday to our great coach Donncha. Panel for Saturday ; Nathan, Sean H, David, Sam, Liam, Bobby, Cormac, Elliot, Fionn C, Matius, Fionn L, Jack, Aiden, Cathal M, Conor, Cody, Cathal O'B, Shane, Sean F and Zack. Next match is Football away to Glenville on Saturday 22nd.

UNDER 12 FOOTBALL...

We played St Finbarrs on Friday night 14th June at home main pitch
In the first half our lads weren't at the races at all and couldn't put passes together to save their lives. We looked tired and we were missing 2 key players and as a result we were well behind at half time.
We came out fighting in second half and dominated possession and got a few points but great goal keeping by Finbarrs denied us numerous goal chances we needed to try and make a game of it too little too late unfortunately losing 0-5 to 2-10

UNDER 12 HURLING.
We were invited to play in an u12 hurling tournament in Lismore. We played St Finbarrs (again !!) Carrigtwohill and the host Club Lismore
We lost against Finbarrs again, beat Carrigtwohill and lost to Lismore . It was a busy weekend with little success but that's how it goes and it's great to be playing plenty games, that what the lads want.
We have a Rebel Og U12 hurling  league match against Shandrum away on Wednesday night at 7:15.

UNDER 7's.

Hurling training this Wednesday from 6.30 to 715.

We are invited to the Under 7 Hurling Monster Blitz in Pairc Ui Chaoimh on this Sunday (23rd) from 12 to 1pm. It's great for these young players to get a chance to play Cork GAA Headquarters.

UNDER 6 HURLERS/FOOTBALLERS GO INTO ACTION.

After 19 training sessions, our Under 6 team are fully prepared for their first blitz this Saturday in Glenville playing both hurling and football. It starts at 9:30 but please be there for 9:15 if possible. For many of the kids it’s their first ever game and the excitement is huge. With 30+ kids training every Wednesday (6:30 – 7:15) and Saturday mornings (10-11) the future is bright for the Rovers! Many of these players are from new families in our Parish and we welcome and celebrate these fine young hurlers and footballers.

JUNIOR HURLING.

East Cork JHL Div 2 v Cobh, Pairc na Bride Sat June 15th.

With 29 players togging out, our junior B hurlers won their first league game of the year at home in a hard fought match against Cobh 0:19 to 3:08 in the main pitch. On a beautiful evening for hurling, captain Jack Kearney won the toss and opted to play with the wind. The first half was fiery at times but Bride Rovers kept their discipline giving away just 5 frees in the whole half. With Conor Barry on fire from both play and frees we went in at half time winning 0:14 to 1:7. Playing against the wind in the 2^nd half, the team displayed huge work rate and commitment. Cobh scored 2 late goals but we held out for a 2 point win. The 29 who togged out with 19 seeing game time were: Dylan Browne, Jack Connor, Donnacha Carr, Jack Kearney, Barry Collins, Mike Liddane, Cian Hogan, Damien Buckley, Griffin O'Sullivan, Stephen Pratt, Brian Collins, Conor Barry, Shane Flynn, Colm Howard, Colm Power, Ciaran O Grady, Craig O'Callaghan, Damien Healy, Ian O' Donoghue, John O'Sullivan, Liam O'Leary, Matthew Quinn, Seamie Farrell, Seamus Ahern, Tom Murray, Matthew Quinn, Alan O'Keeffe, Dave Burke & James Murphy. The full list of Junior B & C games for the next month before championship starts are:

 CLUB LOTTO.

The Jackpot for Tuesday June11th was €20,000. The four numbers drawn were 3, 18, 21, 32 and there was no winner. €30 each to Pa O'Driscoll, Conal Curran, Barry Hazelwood, Nigel Murphy, Mary Hogan. The Jackpot for last Tuesday June 18th was €20,000. Tickets for the Weekly Lotto cost just €2 each and can be purchased from Club members and in local business outlets. Tickets can also be purchased online at locallotto.ie

We are very grateful to each and everyone who regularly supports the Weekly Lotto as the funds raised are vital for the day to day running of the Club. An Annual Lotto Ticket can also be purchased for €90.

FIXTURES ; Thurs 20/6 Co HL Div 1 v Newtownshandrum, home at 7.30, East Cork  Div 3 JHL V Midleton in Pynes at 7.30

Sat 22/6  under 9 football v Glenville.away,Under 6 H & F Blitz in Glenville at 9.30.

Sun 23/6 Under 7 Hurling Blitz, Pairc Ui Chaoimh 12 noon

Co P1 Minor HL V Blackrock, away, 12 noon, Co HL Div 1 v Ballyhea, home, 2 oclock.

Tues 25/6 East Cork JHL 2 v Carrignavar in Carrig 8pm

Wed 26/6 Rebel OgP1 Under 15 H L V Glen Rovers away, 7.30pm

Thurs 27/7 East Cork JHL 3 v Russell Rovers away,8pm.

HURLING MUSINGS.

At Mick Regans funeral in Bartlemy I met two great hurling men, Billy'Bob' Regan and Ciarain O Donovan. Now living in Kildare after decades in Australia, Billy aged 91 recalled hurling in the 1940's and 50's the same as if 'twas yesterday. He was a gifted player as were his late brothers Paddy and Mossy. Coincidentally also living in Co. Kildare is Ciarain O Donovan from Ballinakilla in Bartlemy. A sweet hurler with many fine Bride Rovers teams he is still hurling with Celbridge at the age of 47. Ciarain has won 7 Kildare Co Senior Hurling titles with his adopted Club. As well as playing he is also very involved in Club Administration. The spirit of the Rovers is everywhere.

BRIDE ROVERS CLUB SPONSORS are;

                                         Rathcormac Tyres

                                         Fermoy Print & Design

                                         Veolia.