"How oft this great team by long odds got defeated, But still their hearts were not dimmed in the fray"

This was truly the case last Saturday when many defeats and heartbreaks were cast aside. We’ve won nothing yet, just qualified for the final but win, lose or draw this team has given us great entertainment all this long season. The day of the drawn game the wind was a major factor but not so much last Saturday. There was a breeze blowing upfield and this aided Youghal in the opening half.

Our lads were quickly into their stride with Mike Hogan opening with a point (Mike was the only player on the starting 15 who played in Ballynoe in June 1990 when Killeagh heavily defeated us in the J.A.H.C.) Captain Sean Ryan added a second before Youghal had their first point in the 10th minute. Even at this stage it was evident that our half back line of Brendan, Barry and James were well on top of their men, while Padraig and Brian were winning the midfield battle. Sean put us 0-3 to 0-1 ahead in the 14th minute. A John Grace point narrowed the gap.Then in the 16th minute Youghal broke through for a goal and against the run of play we were behind 1-2 to 0-3. John Paul Joyce lofted over a sideline puck and we were a goal behind. A further point from a free and we were 4 points down.

Our team overall just upped the pace when the need was greatest. A peach of a goal from Donal Ryan gave our huge following something to shout about. A pointed free from Barry Hazelwood followed by a similar score from play two minutes later restored our lead 1-5 to 1-4. Sean Ryan gave us a two point advantage with the half time whistle coming up. After going through a shaky period we had recovered well and got on top. It was 1-6 to 1-4 at the break.

Terry Broderick came on for the second half. Youghal sensing the game slipping away from them came storming into the game. Two points, from a free in the second minute and play in the 5th minute levelled the sides 1-6 apiece. Then Pat Cotter hit over a lead point. Denny, Niall, Aidan and Pat repelled several Youghal attacks before Jerome had his first point and we were 1-8 to 1-6 ahead. For five minutes then there was no score. We hit three wides. After a great run Terry had a goal shot saved. Sensing the game was there for the taking, we moved up a gear in all sections and the points started to come. Jerome, Terry, Barry and Sean increased our lead to six points 1-12 to 1-6 with just 6 minutes left.

Then a penalty forYoughal, up stepped Andrew Murphy – bullet saved by Denny Fitzgerald and cleared. A point from Pat Walsh and we knew we were on our way now. With 3 minutes to go Terry was in possession, ran, then spotted Pat Cotter in isolation across the field. His inch perfect pass was batted to the net by Pat and a county final place beckoned. Youghal had a point close to the end before Diarmaid Kirwan blew the final whistle.

The joy, the relief, the emotion was just unbelievable. For the first time since Sunday July 2nd 1933, Bride Rovers had qualified for the County Intermediate Hurling Championship Final. It would be unfair to single out any player for special praise, the 18 players who played and each and every member of the panel were crucial to this victory. The selectors, Liam, Anthony and Georgie and coach Jack Russell and all the back room team have also had a huge influence on this win.

The team got an unbelievable reception from our supporters after the game. It was great to see so many former players of Rovers teams from down the decades present at the game. Mobile phones were in action as the result was sent to Fr.Seanie in Nairobi and other Rovers all over the globe. As I wrote earlier we’ve nothing won yet but getting to this final is real progress in our 5th year at this level. A special word of praise for our vocal supporters, ‘twas great to see them all together in Ballynoe and hopefully ‘twill be the same on Sunday week in Pairc Úi Chaoimh for the final.

Inniscarra will be our final opponents. They had a thrilling 3-9 to 3-8 win over neighboursAghabullogue in the Park on Sunday last. They defeated us 3-9 to 1-12 in the second round in 2000 in Riverstown. They are a big strong side and will be very hard to beat.

A special word of thanks to the St Catherine’s Club for all the match arrangements on both days. As usual everything was in perfect order including the pitch, PA, Programme, parking and catering.

Training Fund

A County Final training fund has been set up to help defray some of the hugecosts involved over the next few weeks. Anyone who wishes to make a financial contribution can do so by contacting any club member. Everything will be appreciated.

Subs: T Broderick (0-2), P Cotter (1-1), B Johnson.