Bride Rovers look back on a year to remember

A memorable year was recalled in style as Bride Rovers GAA Club held a celebratory dinner to mark the 2025 Co-op SuperStores SAHC victory.

Last Saturday night, the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island was the centre of operations for the Rathcormac/Bartlemy club as players, management, club officers and supporters came together in force for an evening that captured the pride and emotion of a truly historic season.

Having been senior from 2003-19, the Rovers were placed in the new second tier after the restructuring of the county championships for 2020.

Always contending, they had some near misses and agonising disappointments but 2025 was the year of green, white and gold.

After opening their campaign with wins over Blarney and Courcey Rovers, a loss to Watergrasshill was a setback but did not stop them advancing to the knockout stages, where Inniscarra and then Carrigtwohill were seen off to set up the most local of derbies in the final against Castlelyons.

The sides could not be separated in their first meeting and in the replay on November 1, it looked like Castlelyons had made a decisive burst when they moved six points ahead in the second half. Back the Rovers came, though, and a 2-15 to 2-14 win was capped with David Barry’s late clinching point.

The year was relived as master of ceremonies Patrick Croke guided the evening’s programme, which featured speeches, presentations, and reflections on a campaign defined by resilience, belief and exceptional teamwork. The atmosphere was one of immense pride as players and mentors looked back on the journey that brought the coveted title home.

With promotion now secured, Bride Rovers turn their attention to competing at the top tier of Cork hurling in 2026. Confidence is high within the camp as preparations begin for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Speaking at the celebration, 2025 manager Brian Murphy expressed the team’s gratitude to supporters, sponsor, and the wider community for their unwavering backing throughout the season.

Bride Rovers’ 2025 senior A championship title stands as one of the club’s most memorable achievements – and one that promises to inspire future success.