Bruff Notes from the Vale Star.

These notes come courtesy of the Vale Star Newspaper

BRUFF
PITCH AND PUTT     CLUB
The second round of the Winter League took place on Sunday last at the Charleville course. There was a good turnout of players and some good scores were returned. Prize winners on Sunday were: senior, Mikie Curtin, Charleville; intermediate, Frank Patterson, Parteen; Junior, Pat Herbert, Charleville.
The third round of the competition takes place at Bruff on Sunday next. Cards from 8.30a.m. to 10a.m. All are welcome.

IRISH BLOOD     TRANSFUSION     SERVICE
The Irish Blood Trans-fusion Service will be holding a blood donation clinic in the Pastoral Resource Centre, Kilmallock on Monday February 11th and Tuesday February 12th from 6p.m. to 9p.m. Please donate.

RUGBY
Senior team
win in Clifden
The senior team made it ten successive wins in the All Ireland Third Division with a 21-16 win over Connemara Blacks at Monastery Road on Saturday.
Bruff were on top all through the first half and were unlucky not to have the win bonus point in the bag at the break. Eoin Cahill, Mike Carroll and Brendan Deady all had fine first half tries with Brian Cahill converting all three to two penalties for the home side by outhalf  T. Nathan.
Early in the second half Mike Carroll suffered a leg injury which held up play for a long period which seemed to distract the team resulting in a poor second half.
A yellow card also didn’t help and the Blacks upped their game resulting in a try by P. O’Toole with T. Nathan putting over the conversion and adding a third penalty to leave the score only 21-16 to Bruff with twenty minutes to go.
The last quarter was a most difficult time for Bruff who were forced to defend for long periods before the referee blew the final whistle to the relief of the large Bruff support.
Bruff senior team: Brendan Deady, Paul O’Brien, John Malone, Eoin Cahill, Finbarr Hogan, Brian Cahill, Tony Cahill, Ger Luby, John Stephen Shine, Mike Carroll, Dermot Murnane, Alan Bourke, Gearóid Ryan, Cathal O’Regan captain, David Horan. Subs: Garry Leonard, John Hogan, Liam Herlihy, John Moore, Pierce Breen.

Supporters bus to Newtownards
A supporters’ bus is being arranged for the Bruff v Ards AIL match in Newtownards on Saturday February 16th. People wishing to travel should book their place immediately with Mike O’Connor 061/382388 or with any committee member.
It is important not to leave the date of booking to the last week as it’s impossible to plan the size of the bus if people do not book on time.
Tickets forIreland v Italy
All tickets for the Ireland v Italy match in Croke Park next Saturday have been distributed and no further tickets are now available.

Tickets for
Ireland v Scotland
Tickets for the Ireland v Scotland Six Nations match at Croke Park on February 23rd should be ordered as soon as possible 087/1386244 using text or voice. Please give name, address, membership number and telephone number.
If demand exceeds supply a draw will be held on Monday February 11th. All requests for tickets must be made before this date.
A list of the membership numbers of those who have been successful in the draw will appear on the club website www.bruffrfc.com on the Tuesday night after the draw. Times and dates for the collection of tickets will also appear on the website.

Two play for Ireland
Two players who com-menced their rugby careers at Bruff RFC will represent Ireland in Dublin over the weekend.
John Hayes will, as usual, be in action for Ireland on Saturday in Croke Park, while on Friday night Stephen Keogh will line out with the Ireland A team against England.

Junior 2 team most unlucky
The junior 2 team were most unlucky to make their exit from the Munster Junior Cup at Kilbally-owen on Sunday after playing a storming second half.
In the first half Bruff failed to make an impression and looked like they would be defeated by a cricket score after Shannon ran in three tries by Colm McMahon, Mark Touhy and Dermot Sheridan to which Shane Mulally added two conversions.
John Malone put over a penalty for Bruff to leave the half time score 19-3 in Shannon’s favour.
In the second half Bruff were a transformed team and pinned the visitors inside their 22 for long periods but failed to breach the defence until near the end when James Ryan touched down in the corner which went converted.
Bruff never let up until the final whistle when the scoreboard showed Shannon on top of a 19-8 scoreline.
Bruff Junior 2 Team: Stephen Foster, John Hogan, Keith Laffan, Barry Laffan, Maurice O’Connell, Brian Crofton, Barry Heffernan, Danny Keogh, Niall McCarthy, Brian O’Connor, John Moore, Marcus Mulvihill captain, John Malone, Peter Clarke, Ronan Kirby. Subs: Mossy O’Donnell, Richard Flanagan, John Hayes, Tommy Carroll, James Ryan.

Bruff Junior 2…………20
Shannon…………………19
On Saturday the junior 2 team gave a great performance to defeat Shannon 20-19 in a friendly at Kilballyowen Park.
Rugby trivia – on a prayer
Father Tom Gavin of London Irish became the first and indeed last Catholic priest to play for Ireland when he was capped in the centre against France at Lansdowne Road on January 29th 1949, a Sunday incidentally, and earned a second cap two weeks later against England at the same venue. Gavin then 26 was dropped for Ireland’s next game against Scotland and was never capped again.

Matches under lights
Would all underage and adult team coaches please note that the main pitch is now available to play matches under the new floodlight system subject to the pitch being declared playable.
It is hoped to arrange fixtures for every underage team under floodlights over the next few weeks.

Defibrillator acquired
A defibrillator has been acquired by the club and will be installed in the near future.
Volunteers are required to train in its use and at least one person from each of the clubs 19 teams are expected to volunteer to train. Please contact John O’Grady 061/382795.

Twilight tag rugby
Please note that the twilight tag rugby spring league commences its six weeks run on Thursday April 17th and not in May as stated last week. Bookings and information from Gráinne O’Keeffe 087/9312817.

Fixtures
Thursday: Senior and Junior 1 training at 7p.m.
Friday: U20 and Junior 2 training at 7p.m.
Saturday: Senior team v Malone RFC, Belfast at 2.30p.m. (AIB All Ireland Cup).
U20s v Garryowen at Dooradoyle at 2.30p.m.
Sunday: Junior 1 fixture to be arranged.
U18s v Richmond at Kilballyowen at 12.30p.m. (final North Munster League match)
U16s v Ennis at Kilballyowen at 11.30a.m. (League).
U14s v Ennis at Lees Road at 12 noon.
U13s v Shannon at Coonagh at 11.30a.m.
U9 Blitz at Kilballyowen at 10.30a.m. (Bruff, Ballyhoura, St. Senans, Ennis).
U8 blitz at Kilballyowen at 10.30a.m.
Usual Sunday morning training for other mini rugby teams from 11.30a.m. to 12.45p.m. Tea/coffee and a read of the Sunday papers available for waiting parents.

TERRY’S CHILDREN’S RESCUE CENTRE AND  ORPHANAGE,     KENYA, AFRICA
Imelda O ‘Riordan and Pauline Dore would like to thank all who helped or supported them in any way with their recent fundraising for Street Children’s Project Kenya. The centre cares for orphans and vulnerable children many of whom suffer with Aids /HIV virus. Imelda and Pauline travel to Africa on the 7th February to work with orphans from Nairobi slums. The children will be taken from the orphanage to Tanzania for a break from their harsh conditions. Both women have collected €3,000 for the charity and if anyone would like to contribute please contact Imelda on 0863628060 Ballyvolane, Bruff or Pauline Dore Kilmallock.

Scoil Dean Cussen
Application forms for September, can be got from the school secretary. For further information tel: 061382568.
Please insert this date in your diary: January 31st at 8p.m. in Scoil Dean Cussen School Hall. David Coleman Child Psychologist will give a talk on parenting primary school children. Admission €5.
A sum of money was found on the school grounds recently, please contact Tom Bulfin principal at the above contact number.

Church Gate Collection
Collection in aid of Christy Clarke Benefit on Saturday and Sunday, 2nd 3rd February. Suffering from Huntington’s Disease, and is awaiting treatment abroad in February, costing €18,000. Every success to Ann O’Shea and her friends, Dromin, in this fundraising venture.

CARD RESULTS HELD IN THE CONVENT    RECENTLY
Winners: Pat O’Riordan and Mike Joe Quirke. Second : Peggy Farrell and Josephine O’ Leary. Danno Murnane and Mary Sheehy. John and Jim Foley. Ann Ryan and Mary Casey. Tommy O’Brien and Catherine Winters. Alice Buke and Mick Maume. Table Prize: Ted and Lucy Hynes. Mary O’Neill and Bridie O’Donnell. Jimmy Cranley and Mike O’Leary. Raffle: €50 Ted Hynes. €25 Teresa Hayes. €12 to each of the following: Josephine O’Leary. Mary Casey. Kathleen Barry. Congratulations to all the above winners.

DO THIS IN MEMORY
The First Communicants of Scoil Dean Cussen and their parents were present in very good numbers at the 11a.m. Mass on Sunday last January 27th as they continue their preparation for First Holy Communion. The readings were done by Mary O’Malley/Sweeney, Ballinlee, mother of Timothy. Susan Farrell, Tullybrackey, mother of Linda read the prayers of the faithful. Cian Moloney and his mam, Martina, Camass, brought the gifts of bread and wine to the Altar at the offertory.

PARTY TIME
A very enjoyable Christmas Party for the Not-So-Young of Bruff Grange/Meanus hosted by the Social Services Group was held in Bulgaden Castle on Sunday 27th January. The meal was delicious and the excellent musical entertainment supplied by Stephen Connery kept many on their feet ’till 6.30p.m. Thanks to all concerned in this organisation.

CAMOGIE CLUB
Bruff Camogie Club would like to wish the best of luck to the Under 16 1/2 School team from Ard Scoil Mhuire Bruff. The Girls are playing Bantry next Saturday February 2nd in the Munster Final. The match is fixed for 1p.m. and due to be played in Bruff pitch, (weather permitting). Well done to the girls on reaching this final and best of luck to you all.

BRUFF UNITED     GIRLS
After a few weeks of bad weather our U16s were back in action again on Sunday last this time we entertained Charleville, and at the end of a good game of football we came out the stronger of the two winning on a scoreline of 5-0. It was end to end stuff in the first half with both teams going close. We got off the mark on the half hour with a well taken goal by Aisling Enright that goal separated the sides up to half time. The second half was a totally different game with Bruff dominating this match. Further goals from Aisling Enright, Susanna O’Leary and a brace from captain Cliona O’Rourke was enough to seal a very comfortable win. Fiona Cahill was excellent and our back four never looked in serious trouble. Mary O’Callaghan and Aisling were dominant in midfield. Susanne and Breda Hogan were always dangerous in attack. We would like to wish the girls the best of luck in the Munster Camogie Final on Saturday next. Best of luck to the U13s indoor soccer team who are playing the county semi final on Saturday next also in Foynes, kick off 10a.m.

Girls U12A v Charleville, Under a clear blue sky the Bruff girls raced into an early lead from a corner by Maura Quinlan, a perfect chip into the box that was finished to the net by Aoife Browne. The game had some great play from both sides. Another chip, but this time it was into the Bruff net and Charleville were awarded another goal. Both teams pushed forward but it was Charleville who held out for a good win. A great team performance by all.

Bruff U12s B
v Charleville
Two evenly matched team who put in a great effort to thrill the spectators. The game flowed from end to end with both defences in control. Bruff lead 1-0 at half time in the second half up and Zoe Ryan made it 2-0. With the last kick of the game Charleville made it 2-1. Well done to all involved.

BEGINNERS      DIGITAL     PHOTOGRAPHY     CLASSES
If you got a digital camera for Christmas and do not know how to use it, well this course may be the one for you. It will be run for 6 weeks on 5th February  from 7p.m. – 9p.m. in Ard Scoil Mhuire, Bruff.  You will by then know how to use the camera and print off your own photo from the computer. Please note limited places available. For further information please contact John at 0862016255.

YOUTH CLUB
Bruff Youth Club resumes 6th February at 8p.m. – 9.30p.m. We would like to wish the U16s camogie team the best of luck in the Munster Final on Saturday. Well done to all involved for getting this far, it’s a great achievement for both player and mentors.

GAA
At our AGM which was held last November, chairman Brian Finn, spoke about the need for everyone to play their part in helping to reduce the club’s financial position. As a club we have a facility to be proud of thanks to the dedication of our members and to all those who contributed. That said, the club needs your continued support. An executive committee who have been meeting on a weekly basis for a number of years and who continue to do so are now more driven than ever and have come up with a number of initiatives to help the club, but it will take the people within our parish and beyond to show their support to make them a success. One area that everyone can get involved in, is the Limerick Dev-elopment Draw. There are fantastic prizes to be won on a monthly basis and last year almost one thousand euro was won by members who signed up through our club. For just eight euro per month you have the opportunity of winning a car,holidays and cash prizes but more importantly you are also helping the club as half of your monthly contribution goes back into the club. To sign up please contact any committee mem-ber,club officer or call 087-9381835. Please note that the first Limerick Development draw takes place very soon so please enroll as soon as possible.
Club membership is now due for renewal and new members are also welcome. The annual fee is €30 for adults and €10 for students and OAP’s, please contact Ger Browne who is club membership secretary or any club officer. Bruff GAA Club this year, as part of a new fundraising initiative, are offering long term 15 year membership of the club. For details of this offer contact any officer or committee member before the closing date of February 15th. Our club is delighted to announce that 2007 All-Ireland finalists, Limerick, will take on the Galway senior county champions, Portumna, in a challenge match this Sunday in our field at 1pm. This will be Limerick’s last game before the start of the National Leagues, so it should be a very competitive match and a must see for all Limerick GAA fans.

These notes come courtesy of the Vale Star Newspaper