GAA PRESIDENT DOES THE HONOURS.
The rain that fell on last Friday evening in no way diminished the sense of occasion that surrounded Pairc na Bride in Rathcormac. In what truly was a historic occasion for the Club the GAA President Christy Cooney was the special guest of honour for the official opening of our new Hurling Alley and Astra Turf area.
The pitch and grounds were a hive of activity all week as preparations were underway to ensure everything went smoothly on the night. We thought the weather might look favourably on us but by Friday afternoon the heavy showers started to arrive. In reality the rain made no difference. By five o clock it was grand to see so many young boys and girls from under 8 and upwards arrive at the grounds. Soon a series of mini games and skills displays were underway. I can remember thirty years ago we’d be struggling to have fifteen or twenty players in the Club under the age of fourteen It’s so different nowadays and that is why we need to provide new and better facilities. At 6.45 the GAA President and his wife Anne arrived. Earlier in the day the President had taken part in a sod-turning ceremony in the Wexford. A few years ago the Wexford County Board purchased an 80-acre farm near Ferns. This is to be developed into a Centre of Excellence with all weather playing pitches and full gym facilities.
Concelebrated Mass got underway shortly after 7pm. Fr. Seanie Barry who was ordained in 1971 was joined by Fr. Neilus O Donnell PP, Fr. Liam Ryan retired PP and Fr. Fachtna O Driscoll SMA – all of whom played with Bride Rovers. It was a beautiful Mass of celebration and remembrance. In his Homily Fr. Seanie recalled his first game with Bride Rovers, in Ballyhooley in 1965. Back then he said no one could even contemplate that we might one day compete at Senior Level against the Glen, the Barrs and the Rockies. He recalled the early days and paid tribute to all who played with and worked for the Club over the years. Amongst those present was Co. Board Chairman Gerry O Sullivan, former Chairman Mick Dolan, Co. Board Devp. Officer Diarmuid Gowen and the Chairman and Secretary of the East Cork Board Ml. O Brien and Tracey Kennedy. Club members did the readings and Prayers of the Faithful. Our two recent County Winning Captains Emma O Keeffe and Shane Walsh brought up the Gifts at the Offertory.
After the conclusion of Mass two presentations took place. Club President Pat O Connor presented Fr. Seanie with a framed set of photos to mark his forty years of Priesthood. Club Chairman James Bermingham presented Christy Cooney with a special souvenir Hurley crafted by Denis Ahern. The Hurley was produced especially for the occasion and was suitably inscribed.
It was out of doors after that for the Official Opening Ceremony. First to speak was Club Chairman James Bermingham. He spoke of the special pride, which all members have in the Club. He thanked all those who voluntarily gave of their time over the bad winter and spring to build the Wall and Alley. He paid special thanks to the Rathcormac Parish Development Council who generously grant-aided the project and without whose assistance the development would not have been possible.
Gerry O Sullivan, Chairman of the cork County Board then addressed the gathering. He said it was great to see clubs continually upgrading and improving their facilities. He said that the voluntary ethos of the GAA was vital and he paid tribute to all who have worked for the Bride Rovers Club down the decades since 1928.
The GAA President Christy Cooney then spoke. He said it was a cause of immense joy and pride for him, as an East Cork man, to be present at this ceremony. He said that since he became GAA President in 2009 he has travelled the four corners of Ireland and beyond to see the fantastic work being done in every GAA Club. He recalled his own playing days with Youghal and some epic clashes with Bride Rovers. Speaking to the large crowd of young players present he exhorted them to play Gaelic games and respect those who trained and coached them at all levels.
He then unveiled the Official Plaque marking this special night in the History of Bride Rovers GAA Club. Cutting the Green, White and Gold ribbon he declared the New Hurling Alley and Astra Turf arena open. Fr. Seanie Barry then blessed the amenity and once more exhibitions of hurling and Gaelic football resumed.
It was back into the Clubroom then for refreshments and remininiscing. Members of the Fermoy Comhaltas provided musical entertainment for all present and they added greatly to the evening. A Special 40th Anniversary in the Club Colours was brought out for Fr. Seanie. It was a lovely and suitable finale to a superb occasion.
Thanks to each and every one who helped with the grounds preparation, with baking and with the catering on the night. Special thanks to all the under age coaches and the young players and their parents who were such an integral part of the night. A special word of thanks to Liam Barry and his staff at Fermoy Print for the beautiful bookmark which was produced for the occasion. Our Club Sponsors Conversation Piece/Rathcormac Inn and Rathcormac Tyres deserve a special mention for their ongoing support. All sections of the club including the Juvenile Club and Ladies Club played major parts in the success of the event and we thank each and every person who helped in any way.
MINORS OUT.
Our Minor Footballers made their exit from the County Championship on Sunday night last.
At wet and windy Belgooley we were simply overwhelmed by Slieverue on a scoreline of 6 15 to 0 4. In fairness to our lads they tried hard and kept up the effort until the end. On the previous Thursday night under lights in Ballynoe we lost to St. Catherines in a Co MFL game by 1 12 to 1 4. Full details of both game next week.
GIRLS MARCH ON.
At Watergrasshill on Saturday evening our Intermediate Ladies Football team reached the Munster semi-final. They had a great one point win over Tipperary champions Moyle Rovers. On October 1st they will meet Shannon Rangers of Clare. Well done also to the girls u 12 team who defeated valley Rovers in the Co s/f on Sunday, they will meet passage in the Final.
CLUB EXECUTIVE.
The next Club Executive Meeting is on Monday next September 19th at 9pm in the Clubrooms
BEST OF LUCK.
Best of luck to the Castlelyons Premier 1 Minor Hurling team who meet Blackrock in the County Final on next Sunday evening in Pairc Ui Rinn.
SCRAP.
We are still collecting Scrap Metals of all types for the Club Development fund. People may just have small quantities of unwanted metal but it all adds up. All donations of scrap are welcome, just contact Club Officers for details.
SPONSOR.
