Well done to all involved in last Saturday nights Victory Social

See below the media report from Echo Live
https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-41795666.html

See also reflections from Club PRO John Arnold on the night of celebration

Oh, What a Night!

Well, we had waited and waited for twenty two years to win a County Title so when it came we celebrated like never before. The final was was on the very first day of November last year. In truth the celebrations went on unabated since and with Christmas and the New Year included it was just magic. Last Saturday night was the culmination of the 2025 season when we gathered to present the County Championship and League medals. What a gathering it was on a magnificent night. Close on 400 came to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island. The doors opened officially at 5.30pm but long before that, earlier in the afternoon, the players, their families and supporters from Bartlemy, Rathcormac and Kildinan were arriving. 

Before Christmas, when a subcommittee was set up to organise a Victory Function for the County Champions, Michelle Barry and her team were on the ball immediately. They decided on a ‘Black Tie’ occasion and their plans came to fruition on Saturday evening last. Truly it was classy affair - a night of sheer joy, celebration and thanks to a wonderful group of players.  In the foyer of the Hotel the sense of excitement and happiness was palpable. Shortly after 6.30pm the huge crowd were seated. 

Our MC for the night, Paddy Croke, opened the formalities by welcoming everyone on such a historic night for Bride Rovers as we entered our 98th year.  Paddy then introduced Club Chairman James Bermingham who spoke of the immense pride and oy our Senior A Hurling team brought us in 2025.  Next we had presentations  to our  Intercounty Players and to Daniel Lane by  Club President Pat O’Connor and James who also made a very special presentation to Michelle Barry. 

We are very proud of Bride Rovers Cork of our intercounty representation below

We wish Cathal Barry every success with Cork Minors this year. Cork County Board while we congratulate Daniel Lane on his new role with Cork County Board as Operations Manager. As a club we extend congratulations to Daniel and look forward to working with him. It is great to have a Bride Rovers rep. on the inside! 

Next our Cork Senior Hurlers Brian & Eoin Roche – (All Ireland Finalists, National League Champs and Munster Championship Winners) were acknowledged.  Presentations were made to all these players and of course we wish Brian Roche a speedy recovery from his foot injury.  At this stage, Archdeacon Neilius O'Donnell said Grace before Meals and the nourishment began. 

After the Starter, Club Chairman made presentations to the Senior Hurling team Management and Backroom team led by Brian Murphy and Stephen Glasgow. Avril Geary Chairperson of the East Cork Board co-presented these mementoes. Brian Murphy the man who guided our hurlers to the County win replied on behalf of Management. He thanked all the players, the Club Officers and executive, sponsors and supporters for the magnificent effort last year. He praised the very special ‘band of brothers’ our players, who were a very close-knit group. Our next  speaker was Avril Geary – Chairperson of East Cork Board. Avril spoke of the 1975 Junior B hurling Final between Bride Rovers and her club  St. Ita’s and the meeting of the  two clubs again 50 years later in last years East Cork Junior A Semi final. She praised the Club for the work being done on the playing fields and in developing facilities for future generations. 

After the delicious beef or salmon Pat Horgan  Chairman of Cork County Board spoke. He praised the Club  for the brilliant win last year and presented the League and Championship  medals to the County Champions.  The players came up in groups of 3 to huge ovations. The  Senior players then made presentations to their team management.  

After Grace after meals  Rosario  made a very special presentation to Fr. O’Donnell for promotion to Archdeacon after over 30 years clerical duty in Rathcormac we are thrilled to have him part of our team.  As a finale we had an emotional rendition of our Club Anthem ‘Bride rovers Abu’. 

Thanks  to Michelle, James, Rosarie and all their organising group for the efficient and orderly manner in which they managed the night. After that we danced the night away to the Ken Hendrick’s Band.  The DJ started at midnight after a brief break for the Tayto sandwiches! Thanks to Ray in SPAR for sponsoring all the ingredients  Next morning it was like Breakfast at home -we had the Hotel booked out!  

During the function we had a free raffle on the entry tickets with brilliant prizes. The winners were as follows;

 

Thanks to all our sponsors for their generosity. In conclusion it can be said that it was just an absolutely wonderful occasion -a night of pride for the Bride Rovers GAA Club.