Club News

November 8, 2018

On last Friday night we celebrated the 80^th Anniversary of the founding of the club with a concelebrated mass and social afterwards in the Rathcormac Inn. Fr Neilus O’Donnell P.P., Fr Joe Rohan C.C. and Fr Liam Ryan, Mondaniel were the celebrants of the mass. The theme of the mass was of reflection and thanks for those who had the foresight to form a parish GAA club 80 years ago. Nicola Barry, Club Runaí, read the lesson with the responses and the hymns were beautifully sung by the Rathcormac Folk Group. The Prayers of the Faithful were read by Tom Mulcahy, Caroline Broderick, Jerome O’Driscoll, Ann Forde, Mossy O’Sullivan and Daniel Lane. The Offertory Procession was led by William Finnegan who brought up a green, white and gold Bride Rovers Jersey. Joe Barry brought a hurley, while Lisa Foley brought a football. Club President Pat O’Connor brought a 1930 East Cork Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship medal; this was the first championship won by the new club. Paddy Mannix then brought three books, which contain much club history; the first was Ned Daly’s record of club games from 1929 – 1936, also club minute books from 1951-1955 and from 1964-1969. Former Club secretary Tony Walsh and former Club Treasurer Tommy Barry brought the bread and wine to the altar. In his homily Fr O’Donnell spoke of the important role which the club has played in the life of the parish over the last eight decades. He paid tribute to the people who made the decision to form the Bride Rovers GAA Club. After communion Club Chairperson, Kathleen Johnson read the Hurler’s Prayer.

Though 2008 was a historic year for the club at senior level, contesting the Cork Co. Senior Hurling Championship Final, our only medals were won by our minor hurlers. They were presented with their medals in the Rathcormac Inn. Presentations were also made to Tom Kearney, Denis Ahern, Liam Cahill and John Arnold who were the selectors on the minor team. Far away from his native place, Pat Noel O’Connor also had historic victories in the Special Olympics Games, winning 3 medals and he was also the recipient of a special presentation. At the County Convention last December history was made when the first ever Bride Rovers Club member was elected to an officership of the Cork County Board. Gerard Lane has been one of the top GAA administrators in the Imokilly Division over the last 20 years and it was a great honour for him to be elected as Public Relations Officer of the Co. Board. Club President Pat O’Connor made a presentation to Gerard. Club Treasurer James Bermingham presented a bouquet of flowers to the outgoing treasurer Annette Walsh. Thanks to the management and staff of the Rathcormac Inn for putting their facilities at our disposal and for the lovely food provided. A special work of thanks to our own club members who helped with the catering. A slide show of club photographs came in for much positive comment, thanks to Donal Arnold and Mike Carey for setting it up on the night.