The Avondhu

Great hurling wins

We might be heading for the end of September but from a playing point of view on the GAA fields it’s just ‘all systems go’.

Last weekend saw some great games, victories, drama and tension too when Jason Pratt got injured during our senior game on Saturday. Our minor hurlers, senior and junior hurlers all came out on top in their championship ties. Our U12 hurlers qualified for their league final and won the U12 football league.

We have another hectic weekend of tournament, championship and league action coming up and throw in the car boot sale as well. Sport is sport and it’s great, but the most important thing to emerge from last weekend is, that having received a serious injury last Saturday, Jason Pratt is recovering well and we wish all the very best.

GREAT HURLING Bride Rovers 2-25 Blackrock 2-5

The sun was blazing like midsummer when our minor hurlers took on Blackrock at their home ground in Church Road at one o’clock last Saturday.

This was our third group game having lost to St Finbarrs and beaten Na Piarsaigh. A win would qualify us for the semi-final, whereas it wasn’t so simple for the Rockies. Talking to one of their mentors before the game he told me to have any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages they would have to win by at least 12 points.

From the throw in our lads hurled with purpose and skill. The forwards started immediately with great scores - in total we had nine different scorers. With a goal in the first half from Cillian Tobin and a green flag from Adam Walsh in the second period we never looked like losing this game. Cillian and Adam also added points, with further white flags from Adam Hayes, Nicky Kelleher, Louis Roche, Ben Knox, David Barry, Kieran Cotter and Josh Ahern. The lads put on a top class performance with crisp hurling and great defensive work. They never slacked off and kept up the pressure right until the final whistle. Well done lads and well done to the team mentors.

We will meet Ballincollig in one semi-final while the Glen meet St Finbarrs in the second semi. Our game against Ballincollig will be played in Rathcormac on Saturday week at 2pm with Glen/Barrs game the same day.

Panel: Ronan O’Riordan, Cormac O’Sullivan, Liam Collins, Eldon O’Connor, Kieran Cotter, Conor Hazelwood, Denis Cashman, Adam Hynes, Cillian Tobin, David Barry, Nicky Kelleher, Josh Ahern, Louis Roche, Ronan O’Connell, Adam Walsh, Adam Hayes, Frank O’Flynn, Kamsoo Oobi, Cillian Barry, Oran Kielty, Darragh Kielty, Ciaran O’Dowd, Ben Knox and Cameron Swalbe O’Sullivan.

Bride Rovers 1-9 Ballymartle 0-11

It was off to Riverstown then for the 4 o’clock start in the senior hurling game. The day had changed with dark clouds gathering and squibs of rain spitting down.

It was great to see such a huge Rovers following pouring in to the Sars ground for the game. We scored 1-25 against Ballyhea while Ballymartle clocked up 4-16 against Mallow, so a high scoring game was expected.

In actual fact it was the very opposite. Kieran Kearney was not fully recovered from his hand injury so Ryan Prendergast joined up with Cian O’Connor at midfield.

The game proved to be a very tight contest with the defences really on top for both sides. We led early on by 3 points to 1 after scores from Conor Barry 0-2 from frees at either side of a Brian Roche score. Ballymartle levelled before Cian put us one ahead but the South East men went 0-5 to 0-4 ahead at the first water break.

We restarted with a huge point from Paddy O’Flynn to narrow the gap. Two white flags from Daniel Dooley and a Conor free made it 0-7 to 0-7 at half time. Ballymartle had gone a point ahead when Jason got injured. Paying at fullback Jason had gone down in the square as several players battled for possession. Play stopped to attend to Jason and as with any head injury every precaution has to be taken.

Medical assistance was called for and an ambulance contacted. Thanks to all who helped while we waited for the ambulance to arrive. To sustained applause from all the players and spectators, Jason was transferred to CUH for treatment.

By the time the game resumed the rain had come and with darkness imminent the floodlights were turned on. A reflection of the defensive nature of the game was the fact that just six scores came in the match after it resumed.

When play resumed we had plenty of possession but three wides and two into the goalie’s hand took the sting out of our attack. With their first attack Ballymartle scored to lead by 0-9 to 0-7, but Darren McCarthy (free) restored their two point lead. Some sterling work from Tadhg O’Sullivan and Eoin Roche stopped the next attack. Conor from a free made it a one point game, 0-9 to 0-8. Then came a vital score. Gaining possession out on the right wing Brian Roche went on a mazy solo run, was fouled but ref Mark Maher allowed the ‘advantage’ and Brian score a brilliant goal to give us the lead.

Within seconds McCarthy from his sixth free tied up the scores again, 1-8 to 0-11. A great point from Brian put us up by one at the second water break.

Both sides had chances in those last hectic minutes, but no score was registered. Ballymartle had a free at the end to level the game. The sliotar fell short and Cian Hogan collected it as the final whistle went. The injury to Jason overshadowed the match, but it’s good to report he’s making great progress and we wish him the very best.

Two wins from two games so far with Mallow to come on October 10th. Thanks to all who helped in any way when Jason got injured - all our own backroom team and those of Ballymartle too and the members of the Sarsfields GAA Club.

Team and scorers: C Hogan, T O’Sullivan, J Pratt, Jordan Mannix, P O’Flynn 0-1, E Roche 0-1, S O’Connor 0-1, R Prendergast (captain), C O’Connor, M. Collins, J Mannix, Wm Finnegan, C Barry 0-4, B Roche 1-3, D Dooley 0-1, S Walsh, DJ Cahill.

JUNIORS’ GET SECOND WIN Bride Rovers 3-13 Midleton 0-21

On Sunday evening our junior hurlers made the short journey to Páirc an tAthair Peadar O Laoighaire in Caislean Uí Liathain to take on Midleton in game 2 of the junior B grade Round Robin series.

In a very exciting game we came out winners by a single point. The first half was very close, we led by 0-4 to 0-1 after just six minutes with Damian Buckley, Shaunie Knox (0-2 frees) and Jesse O’Keeffe all raising white flags. Three more white flags from Jesse and a beauty from Thomas Macak had us ahead by 0-8 to 0-7 at the break.

Ben Hogan marshalled his defence very well and with Liam Forde flying at centre back Mike Liddane and John O’Sullivan played very well. The last line of defence, Seamus, Adrian and Jack were very tight.

The second half was a score-fest as we added 3 5 and the magpies hit over 15 points. We stretched our lead to 1-11 to 0-9 thanks to a goal from Thomas and points from Shaunie (free) and a brace from Jacob Powell. Then Midleton rattled off six points in a row to take the lead 0-16 to 1-11. Our lads responded well and goals from Jesse (15th min) and Shane O’Flynn (24th min) saw us up 3-11 to 0-16 in a very exciting second half.

Damian and Jacob added two more to give us a tally of 3-13 but the Black and Whites weren’t finished. They scored four points but we hung on for a 1 point win, 3-13 to 0-21. A good win after a fine game. John Buckley played a fine game and Oisín was as tough as nails with Cian, Jack and Jamie also playing their part.

Team and scorers; B Hogan, S Ahern, A Buckley, J Connor, J O’Sullivan 0 1, L Forde (capt), M Liddane, O Roche, D Buckley 0-2, J Powell 0-3, J Buckley, T Macak 1-1, S Knox 0-3, S O’Flynn 1-0, J O’Keeffe 1-3, C Howard, J Kearney, J Buckley.

Our third group game is fixed for October 2nd v Sarsfields.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL

Our attention turns to the East Cork football championship this weekend. We face Lisgoold in the semi-final in Dungourney at 3 o’clock on Sunday next.

With a defeat to Midleton in the first Round Robin game we then defeated Erin’s Own and Fr O’Neills to qualify for the quarter-final. In Castlelyons we got the better of Carrigtwohill and so reached the semi-final for the first time in many years. Lisgoold are a very good footballing team and will enter the game as favourites. Go for it lads.

JERARD KENNY TOURNAMENT

Twenty years ago, young Jerard Kenny from Ashfield Place in Rathcormac died in an accident. Jerard was a great young hurler with our club, having been on our first U12 County winning side.

In his memory his parents Margaret and Mike put up a trophy. It’s been played for down the years at different age groups, sometimes in a blitz and on other occasions as a straight knock out tournament. On this coming Friday night, September 24 our U11 hurlers will meet Cappoquin in the tournament final. The match will throw in at 6.30pm in the juvenile field.

U12s WIN LEAGUE Bride Rovers 4-5 Milford 0-5

Bride Rovers U12 green team travelled to Kildorrery on Sunday morning last for the North Cork division 2 league final against Milford. We’d beaten Milford easily earlier in the year so they were a highly motivated side.

Milford opened the scoring with a point and the Rovers were quick to respond with two of their own. The first half was very tight and scores scarce. The crucial Rovers’ score in the opening half came from the boot of Finn with a well taken goal and the Rovers leading by 1-02 to 0-04 at the break. Having won all their games very easily this was a real challenge for our lads and they responded mightily.

In the 8th minute came the turning point when Oliver saved a certain Milford goal. It gave the Rovers a huge lift, the ball was worked up the pitch where Finn received a fast pass from Bobby to slot home his second goal. From there on it was all the Rovers with further goals from Michael and Mark helping us to a 4-05 to 0-07 win.

Overall this was a mighty team performance with every player making a contribution to the result. The large Rovers following in attendance made their way onto the pitch for the trophy presentation to Finn who was accompanied by the team’s number one mascot Rian Sommers. A parade through the villages of Rathcormac and Bartlemy followed with horns blaring and flags being waved to celebrate this great win by the boys.

Panel - Oliver Harris, Callum Sommers, Donagh Hurley, Nathan Cahill, Ciaran Donovan, Cathal Barry, Dylan Keating, Finn O’Driscoll (capt) (2-02), Tadhg Cronin, Danny Walsh, Micheal Walsh (1-02), Mark Hynes (1-0), Darragh Costigan, Robert Sweeney (0-01), Darren Kearney, Euan O’Grady, Daniel Gubbins, Evan Quaine, Jeff O’Connell, Shane McCarthy, Conn Nagle, Cian Cashman and John Noonan.

U12 HURLING LEAGUE Bride Rovers 4-12 Castlelyons 4-6

It was back in action for many of the team on Monday night in the U12 HL semi v Castlelyons. As Castlelyons had won their section of the league, this gave them home advantage. The match started in daylight and finished under the floodlights on a fabulous autumn evening with a well prepared pitch.

Castlelyons roared into the game with 2 fast goals. This was a setback for the Rovers but they settled into their stride and with the backs battling hard to win key possession, there was plenty of supply into the forwards where the boys started to take their points. We recovered well to lead at half-time by 1-08 to 2-03 with the Rovers goal coming from Michael.

The second half saw the lads take control with early goals from Bobby and Darren and another late in the game from Mark giving the lads a superb win by 4-12 to 4-07. This was a fantastic game of hurling played between two very skilful and well drilled teams with plenty of good hooks and blocks to balance some lovely stick work by both sets of players.

The team on Monday: Ciaran Donovan, Sebastian Byrd, Oliver Harris, Danny Walsh, Donagh Hurley, Cathal Barry, Callum Sommers, Finn O’Driscoll, Tadhg Cronin, John Noonan, Micheal Walsh, Mark Hynes, Euan O’Grady, Robert Sweeney, Darren Kearney, Dylan Keating, Evan Quaine and Daniel Gubbins.

The Rovers head into the weekend where they will meet Glen Rovers in the league final which is fixed for 4.15 in Mayfield on Saturday 25th. The boys will know that they will have to be at their best to overturn the league result which saw the Glen win comfortably in Rathcormac. Win or lose these lads have been simply fantastic all this season.

CAR BOOT SALE

Next Sunday is Rathcormac Car Boot Sale day so anyone that can volunteer for an hour or two please contact Billy Finnegan or Mossy O’Sullivan. Items for the parish stall will be accepted on Saturday morning at 10.30.

U8s ON THE ROAD

Our U8s travelled to Glenville for a blitz involving the home club and including Whitechurch and White’s Cross. Our players were fantastic and showed amazing skill.

It’s great to see some of them really improve during the year and we can see the efforts they are making on their own to improve and not just in training. At U8 level the results and scores don’t really matter, it’s all about having fun and learning the skills of Gaelic games.

Players on the day: Killian Donegan, Kayden Freeman, Joey Allen, Dara Murphy, Luke Buckley, Eoin Burke, Jamie Kearney, Oisín Barry-Sheehan, Luke Hogan, Logan Ryan, Fionn Purcell, Theo Skillington, Niamh Finn, Harry Fitzpatrick and John Keating along with fantastic guest appearances from David Fitzpatrick and Emma Burke who helped us with numbers.

Well done to all involved and thanks to the Glenville Club for organising a great occasion.

U9 BOYS

The U9 boys have a busy few weeks coming up on the games front. We welcome Newtownshandrum this Saturday which will be our first meeting with the North Cork club. Games start at 10am on the main pitch. Next week sees the visit of Midleton, again in hurling and again will give a good idea of where we are in our development. We can’t wait to get on the pitch for these games.

U13s IN SEMI-FINAL

Our U13 hurlers face Kilshannig in the Rebel Óg league semi-final on Saturday. The game is in Rathcormac at 12 noon.

CONDOLENCES

Deepest sympathy to the family of Michael Magner of Castletownroche, brother of Willie who is groundsman in Castletown. Also to the family of Mary Daly of Clarecastle, Co Clare. In her 92nd year Mary was mother of former Clare captain and now GAA writer and pundit, Anthony.

FIXTURES

Friday, September 24 Jerard Kenny Memorial Tournament, U11 hurling, Bride Rovers v Cappoquin at 6.30 in juvenile field. Saturday, September 25th Rebel Óg U13 hurling semi-final v Kilshannig, main pitch at 12 noon. Rebel Óg U12 hurling league final v Glen Rovers in Mayfield at 4.15. Sunday, September 26 junior A grade football championship semi-final v Lisgoold in Dungourney at 3 o’clock. East Cork junior C grade hurling championship (round robin) v St Catherines in Ballynoe at 7pm under lights.

Saturday, October 2 Teresa Walsh Memorial Hurling Tournament in Páirc na Bride commencing at 10.30 with three guest teams and Bride Rovers. County Premier 1 Minor Hurling Championship Bride Rovers v Ballincollig in Páirc na Bride, Rathcormac at 2 o’clock. East Cork Junior BHC v Sarsfields at 5pm, venue to be confirmed. Sunday, October 10th Senior Hurling Championship v Mallow in Castletownroche.

LOTTO

Numbers drawn Tuesday night, September 14 were 12, 14 21 and 27 - there was no winner. The winners of €30 each were Jason Mannix, Batty Hogan, Ml Walsh Carrignavar, Conna Syndicate c/o SPAR and Jim O’Connor Bartlemy. Jackpot for Tuesday, September 14th was €20,000.

SPORT

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2021-09-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

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The Avondhu (Ireland)