Bruree GAA Awards Night
On Saturday night last the club celebrated its annual awards night in a packed Hotel Bar. Brendan Hogan Bruree GAA Chairman started the proceedings with the celebration of the 1994 Senior Hurling and Intermediate Football teams.
In 1994, the Bruree Senior Hurling panel treated their supporters to some of the most exciting and nerve-wracking games they had seen in a long time. This was the year of replays in the county championship, with Bruree drawing both the County semi-final and the county final. After defeating Bruff in the opening rounds play offs, Bruree had only a point to spare over South Liberties in the quarter final. Bruree trailed by 0-2 to 1-7 at half time but a goal from Mike Mullane just seconds into the second half signalled a Bruree revival. Point from Seamus O’Connell, Pat Cullinane and Stephen McDonagh levelled the game. An injury time point from Paul Sexton gave Bruree the narrow victory. Ahane were the semi-final opponents and Bruree were lucky to draw at 0-11 each the first day out. Level at 0-7 each at half time, the game ebbed and flowed in the second half with both sides having chances to sneak a win. The replay was the following Sunday and Bruree were taking no prisoners. Bruree got into the game right from the throw in and an opening minute goal from mike Sexton set the trend. Bruree led by two points at the break but had extended that to five early in the second half. A goal from Mike Mullane eighteen minutes into the second half made Bruree’s lead more secure, though a late Ahane goal caused a little fluttering of Bruree hearts. Bruree won out 2-13 to 1-9 with scores coming from Mike Sexton, Mike Mullane, Seamus O’Connell, Stephen McDonagh, Pat Cullinane, Andrew O’Shea and Edward Potter. Old rivals Kilmallock, were the county final opposition and a great game was in prospect. Instead of just one great game the teams provided two hours of tense, exciting and close hurling. The first meeting at the Gaelic Grounds was a classic game of two halves, with each side dominating for a half hour. Bruree were 0-9 to 1-2 to the good at the break but lost their lead to a five-point spree from Kilmallock in the opening ten minutes of the second half. Parity was restored by Seamus O’Connell but Kilmallock again took control and looked like winning on a 0-12 to 1-12 score line. A last minute 65” from Peter Finn was directed to the Kilmallock net by Pat Cullinane off Mike Mullane’s hurley to let Bruree live to fight another day. The replay served us up another great game, with, once again, both sides dominating for half hours. Bruree again led at half time by seven points. A ten-minute purple patch in which they scored 2-2 saw Kilmallock take the lead and they ran out winners on a 2-9 to 1-8 score line.
While Bruree’s Senior Hurlers were performing heroics, it was the footballers who were collecting the silverware. The first title to come their way was the county Intermediate Football League title, compliments of a 1-10 to 1-3 victory over Athea in the final. In that year’s championship, a 1-13 to 1-3 win over Castlemahon in the semi final at Ballingarry set up another meeting with Glin, whom Bruree had beaten in the previous year’s semi-final. The game was fixed for Newcastle West on Sunday the, November 13th and it was Bruree who coped better with the atrocious conditions, winning 3-8 to 1-7. Bruree GAA were awarded the club of the year in 1994 and we thought it was fitting to remember the footballers, hurlers and mentors from our adult teams in recognition who all played a huge part.
Junior B
In 2019, our Junior B Hurlers had a successful year winning a South Junior B Championship Final against Garryspillane GAA in Hospital back in September. This was the first silverware won by the juniors since winning the South Championship back in 2015. They were unlucky to lose out to Tournafulla GAA in a County Semi Final by a single point. Well done to all the players our 4 selectors for 2019 Eamon Sexton (Trainer), Mike Mullane, Noel Brosnan & Jamie Lyons for all their hard work. the juniors played a massive 27 games (16-challenge games/3 league/8 championship) this season between late April and October, which is unheard of for a Junior B team.The panel of players were presented with there medals by there trainer Eamonn Sexton.
PANEL
John O’Brien, John Lynch, Dessie Lenihan, Morgan Lyons, John Deady, Emmett Morrissey, T.J Mullane, Brian Sexton, Eamon Lyons, Aaron Fitzgerald, Gearoid McCarthy, Ronan O’Halloran, Jack Potter, Michael Brouder, David Deady, Michael Mullane, Conor O’Brien, Shane Fnnucane, David Sexton, David Broderick, Andrew Sexton, Tommy O’Brien, Brendan Hogan, Seamus Lyons, David O’Connell, Ciaran Sexton, Johnathon Fitzpatrick, William Hogan,Shaun Riordan.
Hurler of the Year
The 2019 hurler of the year is man who is now well settled in Bruree’s first team and has contributed to Bruree successes on the field of play from his days at underage level to the present day. Renowned as a forward, this is a man who at a young age had more interest in Football and whose father mentioned to a club officer that it may be worth having a chat with him!!! That officer said give it time and since then that young lad has developed into a man who is more than well equipped to handle himself on the hurling field. Nippy, skilful and determined he has made himself a regular on the Premier Intermediate team and he is a player that Bruree will look to drive the clubs return to senior level this year. The Bruree GAA Hurler of the Year for 2019 isTommy Cronolly. Tommy was presented the hurler of the year by club treasurer John O'Halloran.
Footballer of the Year
Our Footballer of the Year 2019 is a man who has a passion for football.  Well renowned on the hurling field he can also hold his own with the best exponents of Gaelic football. A man whose aptitude and flair on the football field was obvious from an early age. He is a footballer noted for his endless, endless energy. A quiet man who lets his football do the talking, he can always be relied upon to give a solid performance, He has the ability to inspire his team mates with his dedication and work rate. He is another young man that Bruree will look to drive the club’s fortunes on the football field for the coming year in the Junior A championship The Bruree GAA Footballer of the Year 2019 is Brian Sexton. Brian was presented the footballer of the year by club secretary David Deady.
Personality of The Year
Last year the personality of the year to a man whose family name is synonymous with Bruree GAA but for this year’s winner it is not the case. This man was reared in the south of the county, but he has come to make Bruree his home. He became involved, and is still involved, in the Juvenile side of the club. A GAA club is built around the people who work in the background and this man’s love of being involved is evident for all to see with the endless hours he puts into being an officer and coach within the club. He is always there, always willing to help and works tirelessly to promote and enhance our club and does so in a very quiet manner. Most people are unaware of all the work that this person does but being secretary in any club is one of the most difficult. This person is a precious asset to our club and this reward is a small acknowledgement of the club’s thanks. The Bruree GAA Personality of the Year for 2019 is Owen Tobin.Owen was presented the thophy by Maura McMahon.
Hall of Fame
Each year, the club recognises the long-term work that an individual has put into the club and enrols them into our Hall of Fame. This year we want to recognise someone who has given so much to this club This man is such an ideal candidate for the award it is almost impossible to get it all in writing. He has has given a lifelong commitment and time to the club as a player, supporter, fundraiser, coach, manager, various officer roles, the list can go on and on. Anything that anyone in the club has done this man has probably done it before.  This person is a do-er and has always done what he felt was best for this club and continues to do so to this day. His contribution to this club over the years is up there with the best. He may not have countless county medals, but more importantly he has the respect of countless friends and admirers within our club. He is an outstanding Bruree GAA man, who takes immense pride in the club’s achievements, and who is never found wanting when there is a job to be done. He is one of the most popular men in our club and a man who a lot in the club turn to for advice. Bruree GAA is very happy and proud to recognise and pay tribute to his role through many many years. Long may it continue. Our Hall of Fame award 2019 goes to Noel Brosnan. Noel was present the Hall Of Fame By club chairman Brendan Hogan.
The club would like to thank everyone involved with Bruree GAA. Also to Siobhan in the hotel bar for hosting our fantastic night.
