Bride Rovers G.A.A. Clib Noters For The Week

Minors Win County League Title.

For the first time since 1992 Bride Rovers have won a Cork County Minor League Title. At Pairc na Bride on Sunday morning last we overcame Setanta by a two point margin. This was a fantastic win for this group of players who’ve put in a huge effort all year. In 2008 we reached the 12 a side Co. Championship Final but were defeated by West Cork Side St. Fachtnas. We had high hopes in this particular competition again this year but having played a draw v Cobh and losing to Sars by a point in the first two games of the League/Championship Round Robin series we were devastated when ‘the goalposts were moved’ and we were informed that we were out of the Championship as no second series of games were to be played. Our players were devastated. It only increased their dissapointment when Cobh romped through the County to win the Championship Title. In fairness to the lads they then put their mind to the County League Title and on Sunday last they got a fitting reward.

Our opponents Setanta are a combination of Dripsey and Ballinora Clubs. During the week when the County Minor Board were unable to get a Neutral venue they tossed and we were lucky to get home venue.

With the change in the weather ground conditions were fine in Rathcormac last Sunday morning when Nemo Rangers ref Kevin Murphy threw in the sliotar. Our small panel was further depleted with the unavoidable absence of Richard Foley and Adrian Buckley –Richard was out of the country on a School Tour and Adrians grandmother died on the morning of the game.

The Mid Cork side started the brightest with two early points. Our opening score came in the eight minute when Jason Mannix pointed a free. With Jason Pratt dominating our defence we had plenty of possession up front but the Setanta backline were on top as well. Midway through the half Setanta got a fortuitous goal and two more points gave them a commanding 1 4 to 0 1 lead. We weren’t being outplayed but simply weren’t converting our chances. Twice in the closing stages of the half Jason Mannix was going through but was pulled down. From one of these situations Daniel Lane scored a point from the resultant free. This was in the 25^th minute and left the half time score at Setanta 1 4 Bride Rovers 0 2. It was noticeable in the opening half that both defences were well on top. John Kearney, Micheál Howard and William O Leary were called upon several times to save dangerous situations. Daniel Lane was working very hard and Eoin Murphy and Ryan O Connor were constantly running very well. Up front Jason, James, Ger and Fergus were trying very hard but we just never seemed to be able to finish off many good moves. While we were 5 point in arrears at the break there was no panic. We knew that we were winning as much ball as Setanta but just needed to take our chances in front of goal.

We started the second half in mighty fashion. Within ten minutes of the restart we’d scored 2 3 as we really took the game by the scruff of the neck. Jason Mannix finally got the space and goaled. Almost immediately sub Stephen O Leary, who made a huge impact, had our second goal. We were now winning everything at midfield and the scores kept coming. From a free Daniel Lane made it 2 3 to I 4 in our favour. Stephen O Leary had a point after great work from Gerard Healy and Eoin Murphy. Jason Mannix made it 2 5 to 1 4, what a change around in a few minutes! Jason Pratt had to off for treatment for a hand injury and Barry Collins came to play his part. Setanta weren’t finished however and attacked strongly but our defence was very strong. For the middle ten minutes of the half play went from one end to the other with no scores added. Setanta then added two points to narrow our lead to 2, 2 5 to 1 6. We then hit a purple patch with two points from Daniel Lane(free and 65) at either side of a beauty from Stephen O Leary. That meant we were up by 2 8 to 1 6 with less than five minutes left. Sensing they were in with a chance the Muskerry Champions came forward with attack after attack. They pointed two frees to leave just a goal between the sides. Our defence were heroic “when hot grew that fight those hearts grew more eager” is a line from the Bride Rovers Song and how true it was last Sunday. From the very last attack Setanta scored a point. From the puckout by brave goalie Maurice Dooley the final whistle went. A great game and a great win for a lovely bunch of players. Great credit to all the players on the panel – though small in numbers they were big in heart when it mattered most.

This team have put a lot of disappointments behind them and Sunday’s win was well earned. After the game Martin O Brien PRO of the Cork County Minor Board presented the County Cup to Captain William O Leary. William thanked all the players and backroom staff especially Team Trainer Denis Ahern and Paudie Collins, Tom Kearney and Liam Cahill. He said losing last years Final was very hard to take and winning this Co League was some compensation. William then called for three cheers for Setanta. Team and Scorers; Maurice Dooley, John Kearney, Micheal Howard, William O Leary Captain, Jason Pratt, Ryan O Connor, Daniel Lane, Gerard Healy, Fergus Collins, Eoin Murphy, Jason Mannix, |James O Sullivan. Subs Stephen O Leary, Barry Collins, Damien Buckley

Stephen O Leary 1 2

Jason Mannix 1 2

Daniel Lane 0 4.

On Friday night as the players finished up training for the year they made a presentation to Team Trainer Denis Ahern as a gesture of thanks for all the work he has put in with the Minors over many years. Thanks to Brendan O driscoll and Gerard lane who helped out with the running of the game on Sunday. Thanks also to Joe Delaney who gave assistance to the team during the year.

Annual General Meeting.

Our AGM was held on Thursday night Dec 10^th with a fine attendance. We have a new Chairman for 2010 in Mike Carey who takes over from Kathleen Johnson. Nichola, Terry and James are still in their positions as Secretary, vice Chairman and Treasurer. Next weeks Avondhu will carry a full report on the AGM.

The Barrs again!

For the fourth time in five years we will meet St Finbarrs in the first round of the Cork SHC. When the draws were made at Co Convention on Saturday night at Pairc ui Chaoimh we were drawn against the Togher side once again. A tough draw but then again at this level there are no ‘soft’ draws. With Cork playing Tipp in the Munster SHC on May 31^st it will be the following week at the earliest before this game is played.

Club Shop.

For all enquiries for Club Gear from the Shop for Christmas please ring 086 3807784 or 086 1540902.

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Bride Rovers G.A.A. Clib Noters For The Week