Bride Rovers GAA Club notes and news round-up.

Hurlers Spirited Replay Victory.

On Saturday week last, July 16th, our team, management and supporters had mixed feelings leaving the Riverstown after the drawn game with Bishopstown. There was a sense of relief that we had notched four late points to get a draw in the game and take it to extra time. There was also a hint of disappointment that once we went four points ahead we should have gone on and won the game. All those thoughts were banished in brilliant fashion on our third visit this year to Riverstown on Sunday afternoon last. We produced a fine display of hurling in the second half when it mattered most -the second half and two goals helped gain a five point replay win.

The four point margin figured largely in the drawn game and it was the same on Sunday as the City side stormed ahead from the start. White flags from Ronan Conway, Pa Cronin Thomas Murray and Eoghan McCarthy gave Town a tonic start and the had their 0 4 to nil lead in place after just thirteen minutes. Slowly our lads came to grips with the pace of the game and a pointed free from Barry Johnson settled nerves. Two super scores from David Burke and one for Bishopstown from Michael Power left us behind by 0 5 to 0 3 after twenty minutes. By this stage it was obvious that our defence and midfield were getting on top and the supply of ball to the Town forward line was drying up. In the 24th minute Colm O Keeffe was hauled down in the square – penalty. Barry’s shot was saved but he pointed the resultant 65. Pa Cronin and Barry Johnson had a point apiece before the short whistle to leave the half time score Bishopstown 0 6 Bride Rovers 0  5. Considering the early four point defecit we were in a good position at the break. Pa Cronin doubled the Bishopstown lead early in the second half, 0 7 to 05. Two great scores from Daniel Dooley brought the teams level at 7 point each in the 35th minute. In the next five minutes the game swung in our way dramatically. A good cross from David Burke was met by Jason Mannix and he hit the net to give us the lead for the first time. Better was to come when four minutes later a free from Barry broke to Daniel Dooley and we were up by six points. The Rovers supporters were in good voice now as the team surged forward. Sean Ryan scored a fine point to put us five ahead  2  8 to 0  7 with ten minutes left. Bishopstown did fight back but their four late points were answered by a pair from Barry Johnson to leave us winners by 2  10 to  0  11. This was a great display from each and every one of the 18 players involved and those urging them from the sideline. The win has a two-fold reward, we are back in the 2011 Senior Hurling Championship and also ensure Senior Status for the Club in the 2012 season.

Team and scorers against Bishopstown; Denis Fitzgerald, Aidan Collins, Brendan Walsh, Shane Kearney, Brian Murphy, Barry Murphy(Capt), Liam Forde, Mike Kearney, Barry Johnson(0 5,0 2f,0 -2 65) Michael Collins, David Burke (0  2), Padraig Murphy, Colm O Keeffe, Sean Ryan (0 1), Daniel Dooley (1  2). Subs Jason Mannix (1  0), Jerome O Driscoll and Brendan O Driscoll.

We are back in action again for the third weekend in a row when we meet Blackrock in Round 4 of the Co SHC. This game is fixed for this coming Saturday July 3oth in Pairc Ui Chaoimh at 5.30. This is another huge challenge for us. We will be on the road for three weekends in a row whereas the Rockies will be fresh from their Round 1 win over Douglas. For us the challenge is to be able to peak again after the sense of relief last Sunday. It would be easy to feel that our season is safe as we will be Senior next year again. Instead we have to approach this game as if it were our biggest test ever. Go for it lads. 

Minor Hurling Championship.

It’s going to be a busy Championship weekend for the Club because as well as the Senior game we also have  a first round game in the Coiste na nOg Minor Hurling championship. We are down to play Donoughmore and as it’s a home and away arrangement we drew the short straw and must travel to Donoughmore on this Friday night July 29th. The game has a 7.30 start and we wish the team all the very best.