Senior Hurlers Lose Out.
At Pairc Uí Chaoimh last Saturday evening our senior hurling team bowed out of the 2012 Cork SHC. It was a terrible defeat as we seemed to be well in control of the game but faded out completely in the last twenty minutes. Blackrock scored just a single point from play in the first half as we led by five points at the break. We knew the Rockies would come out fighting in the second half. That’s just what happened and within a few minutes the scores were level. Then we steadied down once more and reeled off four good points from play and seemed to have weathered the storm. After that we scored no more. It wasn’t that Blackrock overwhelmed us. With eight minutes of normal time to go we were still up by two and it wasn’t until into additional time that we fell three points behind.
Four years ago we lost the County Final to Sars by a point and we were devastated but on that day we played brilliantly against a very good team. On Saturday last however we fell far short of what it takes to win a senior championship game. On the day Blackrock wanted it more and won on a scoreline of 2 11 to 0 14.
With full back Brendan Walsh out injured our defence was rearranged but seemed to cope well in the early stages. The opening quarter was even enough with Barry Johnson getting two points from frees before Daniel Dooley had our first score from play. As the game went on our half back line began to dominate and our forwards were getting a good supply of ball up front. Two great scores from Michael Collins edged us 0 5 to 0 4 in front after twenty minutes. From then until half time we really took over. We were winning in all areas as Blackrock struggled big time. Barry pointed a 65 and almost immediately Daniel Dooley had his second white flag. Further points from Michael Collins and Jason Mannix saw us lead by 0 9 to 0 4 at the break. We were full value for our five point lead, perhaps we could have been further ahead but then we hit just three wides in the first half. There was no wind advantage for either team. As we had expected the city side attacked from the restart and had a point from the throw in. A goal followed soon after and from being in complete control we had a serious challenge on our hands. Barry hit over a free but Blackrock drew level at 1 7 to our ten points. We came right back into the contest and hit over four points in quick sucession from Jerome O Driscoll (2), Sean Ryan and Barry to lead by 0 14 to 1 7. This was in the 44th minute. A five minute stoppage followed an injury to Brian Murphy. After this we just completely lost our shape all over the field. We conceded a second goal in the 53rd minute and this score put Blackrock in the lead for the first time. There was a further twelve minutes to go but we failed to register any further score while Blackrock go two more points to win by 2 11 to 0 14. This was a galling defeat. We played much better against Erins Own and Na Piarsaigh but now we have lost three championship games by margins of one, three and three points. If one is clearly beaten by a far superior team there’s no excuse but this was a game we had won – twice, and yet lost. It was heartbreaking for the players involved who have put in a huge effort all year.
Team & Scorers:D. Fitzgerald, A. Collins, B. Murphy, S. Kearney, M. Kearney, B. Murphy, L.Forde, J. Pratt, B. Johnson Capt (0 5, 0 4 frees, 0 1 65) M. Collins (0 3), J 0 Driscoll (0 2), P. Murphy, J. Mannix (0 1), D. Dooley (0 2), S. Ryan (0 1).
Subs C. O Keeffe, D. Burke, S. Boyce, P. Walsh.
Well we are out of the 2012 County Championship now, the first year in 6 that we haven’t reached the quarter finals. We must now face Cloyne in a Relegation battle to decide which club will remain in the Senior Grade in 2013 and who will go down to the Premier Intermediate Grade. No date is yet fixed for this game. Cloyne were due to play Fermoy in the Intermediate F C. Ship this weekend but that game is gone off until Sept 1st. If Cloyne progress in the IFC our game will go back but if Cloyne lose to Fermoy or Cill na Martra the relegation game will be fixed within a few weeks. It will be a strange few weeks coming up as we have never been in this situation before. A few years back we were lucky to beat Delaneys above in Caherlag and of course last year it took us two games to see off Bishopstown. We’ve had some great games and performances in the Senior Championship over the last nine years. Now it’s down to one game to decide our fate for the future.
Weekly Club Lotto.
This week’s draw took place in The Central Bar, Rathcormac for a jackpot of €5,200.
There was no jackpot winner.
The winners of this week’s five €30 ‘Lucky Dips’ were;
• Felicity Hanrahan c/o Laya Healthcare
• Tom Barry, Rathcormac
• May Barry c/o Liam Cahill
• Dave Kenneally, Ashfield Place
• Kay Collins, Mondaniel.
Next week’s draw takes place in The Rathcormac Inn for a jackpot of €5,400
The Club wishes to thank all those who week in , week out support the Lotto. Your ongoing assistance in these tough financial times is greatly appreciated. Every €2 sold is very valuable income for our Cub. We have further ambitious Development Plans but nowadays all spending is completely dependent on raising finance. The various ways you can support the Lotto are as follows;
1 Purchase a ticket each week from Club Members or in local Business outlets and ask friends and family members to do the same.
2 Buy Tickets online at Locallotto.ie
3 Purchase a yearly ticket, available at a reduced rate of €90
4 Sell a book or a half book of Lotto tickets every week. The club is always anxious to get new Lotto sellers- ‘many hands make light work’, if you are interested in helping the Bride Rovers Club by buying or selling the weekly Lotto Tickets please contact any Club officer or member.
‘Pride in your Place’.
Rathcormac Parish Community was entered in the national Pride in your Place competition by Cork Co. Council. This is a competition to judge the actions being taken by communities around the country to help themselves. On Friday last a judging panel visited the parish. A video presentation was shown in the Hall followed by an exhibition by the various clubs and associations in the parish. The GAA Club were delighted to be part of this initiative. The judging panel were very impressed by what they saw and heard during their visit.
Car Boot Sale.
Thanks to all Club members who helped out with the car Boot Sale last Sunday. The next Car Boot sale is on Sunday September the 16th.
Minor Football.
We are away to Donoughmore in the Coo Minor Football League on this Saturday coming, August 25th. The game is timed for 7 so we meet at the Rathcormac Inn at 5.45. The Championship Semi Final is fixed for Tuesday Sept the 4th.
Months Mind Mass.
The Months Mind Mass for former player and Club Secretary Tony Walsh is on in Bartlemy Church on this Friday night August 24th at 8pm.
Best of Luck to Cork.
We wish the Cork Footballers all the best in their All Ireland semi final clash with Donegal on Sunday in Croke Park. The Ulster side are a much improved team over the last two years and will not be easy to defeat. Gerard and Daniel Lane are both involved with the Cork Backroom team and we hope the team will be successful. It is great to hear that a large crowd from the Club is going to Dublin for the game. Safe travelling to one and all. Best wishes also to our girls involved with the Cork Senior Ladies team on Saturday in their championship game.
Club Website.
The Bride Rovers GAA Club website www.briderovers.ie is proving popular at home and abroad. If you have any ideas for improving the website or suggestions for additions please contact us.
The Bride Rovers GAA Club main sponsor is The Rathcormac Inn/Conversation Piece.
