Football
Home comforts continue for Aodh Ruadh, with last Saturday seeing another victory for the Ernesiders as they went clear at the top of the ACFL division three table. Urris were down some players, a car having broken down on the long trip from Inishowen, however they didn’t let that unduly hamper them as they went in leading by a point at half time, 0-7 to 1-5. Aodh Ruadh settled to their task at the start of the second half and were four points clear with ten minutes to go when the visitors were awarded a penalty. Dean Kelly’s spot kick came back off the crossbar and the Aodh Ruadh defence were alert and cleared the danger rapidly. After getting off the hook Ballyshannon powered it out to the final whistle, winning on a score line of 0-18 to 1-9, ten points of the home tally coming from the boot of David McGurrin. Ronan Matthews was another man worthy of mention, having fielded in both the reserve and senior games. We hope to have a full match report to go with the gallery of pictures currently live on aodhruadh.org by Tuesday evening.
Aodh Ruadh reserve’s blistering start to the season continues. They dispatched a determined Urris side with a second half goal blitz, Anthony Coughlin bagging himself his second successive hat-trick of the season. Ballyshannon eased themselves into the game, going in leading by 1-7 to 0-3 at the break before turning on the turbo in the second half and hitting the visitors with a power-packed performance of scoring in the third quarter that left the ultimate result in no doubt, Aodh Ruadh 4-13 Urris 1-9 the final scoreline. We have a full match report, team sheet and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
Round six of ACFL division three sees Aodh Ruadh travel to Killygordon for the traditionally tough encounter with Red Hugh’s this Saturday. The reserve game throws in at 6pm with the seniors following at 7.30pm.
Well done to the Donegal minors on winning the Ulster league with a 1-15 to 2-7 win over Tyrone in Brewster park on Saturday. Special congratulations to the Aodh Ruadh representatives on the squad, captain Niall Harley and Colm Kelly. Bundoran’s Jamie Brennan who lined out at full forward also hurls with Aodh Ruadh too. Ulster league form has been a good predictor of championship prospects so an important result as the summer beckons.
The Aodh Ruadh minors had a useful challenge against Melvin Gaels on Wednesday evening in Father Tierney Park. Ballyshannon were well on top for much of the game, leading by 2-11 to 2-3 at the 45 minute mark, but Melvin Gaels rallied in the final quarter to put a more even complexion on the final scoreline. There were some fine passages of play from the Ballyshannon men with Oisín Roper, Philip Patton, Cookie O’Halloran and Kevin Warnock – on a roving commission for this one – all impressing. There are a few pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The under 16 footballers have continued to impress in their pre-season preparations. They had a good win over Melvin Gaels last Friday in unseasonably cool conditions, the shots from that game can be seen in the aodhruadh.org Image Gallery. The conditions were slightly more temperate on Monday evening when they enjoyed a comprehensive win against Killybegs. We’ll have pictures from the clash with Fishermen up on Tuesday evening.
Aodh Ruadh under 14s took a 13 point win from Ardara on Monday evening to book their place in the Southern Regional semi-finals this Saturday. The Ernesiders were slow to get to the pace of the game, but despite hitting seven first half wides they gradually got on top of things, Dylan Gallagher striking a goal to send them in leading by 1-6 to 1-7 at the break. In the second half Ballyshannon stepped it up a gear. Evan McTernan was key in the half forward line creating some great play with Dylan Gallagher also executing some great scores. His partner in the midfield Michael McKenna provided a great platform, fielding some marvelous ball. Ardara struggled with the pace and intelligence of that Aodh Ruadh attack, in particular Odhran McGarrigle, who bagged a hat-trick of goals and JC McGarrigle whose running into space and jinking runs saw him finish with a fantastic a goal and a point. However, possibly the man of the match was Mark Gallagher between the posts who was absolutely brilliant in this 6-13 to 3-9 win. The regional semi-final will see Aodh Ruadh play Killybegs on Saturday. Time is expected to be noon, but both that and the venue are awaiting confirmation. Check out Aodh Ruadh CLG on Facebook for Tara Keenaghan’s team shot of the lads after their win.
Under 12 training takes place on Saturday morning from 10.45am to 12 noon and Wednesday evening from 6.15pm to 7.30pm. May we also remind parents that children should be collected promptly after training.
The under 10s hosted Erne Gaels on Saturday morning for two well contested games with everyone getting plenty of ball. Aodh Ruadh edged the senior game by two points with Ryan Keenaghan, Eoghan Kelly and Darragh Dolan all putting in good shifts. Congratulations to the medal winners our second skills competition. Overall placings 1. Eoghan Kelly, 2. Jack Gallagher, 3. Ryan Daly, 4. Shane Delahunty, 5. Daniel Breen Brosnan. Most improved 1. Oisín Daly, 2. Drew Ryan, 3. Shane McGloin. Remember, the scores are benchmarks to improve upon, not rest upon. Training continues this week, Wednesday 6.30pm and Saturday 11pm.
Under 8 and under 6 training continues in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this Friday from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
The monthly Bord na nÓg meeting will take place on Wednesday, 30th April in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8pm. All members of are asked to attend.
Ladies
The weather has been great and the ladies are all busy training and playing games. Our seniors had a good start to their league campaign with a win against a robust Gaoth Dobhair outfit last Thursday, 4-11 to 3-3 was the final score in that one. Ronan Matthews has a great gallery of shots from the game up on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page. Training for seniors, minors and under 16s is on Tuesday and Thursday this week at 7pm.
The under 14s played Bundoran in Gaelic Park last Tuesday and put in another strong performance, coming away the victors with every player on the panel making a contribution. They play their first home game this evening, Tuesday, against Saint Naul’s at 6.30pm.
Next week the under 8s, 10s and 12s will train at 6pm on Tuesday instead of on the Bank Holiday Monday.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh’s Ulster league division three clash with Derrynoose was postponed with Donegal down to take on Roscommon in the Nicky Rackard cup at the same time. In that game Chris Kilgannon and Paul Sheridan played the full 70 with Kilgannon impressing around the middle before being shifted up front and Sheridan mopping up from wing back. Despite their efforts Donegal came out on the wrong side of a one point defeat on a tricky Athleague pitch. Aodh Ruadh now face a break in their Ulster league programme until the conclusion of the Nicky Rackard. Training continues as normal on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Last Thursday night O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny hosted one of the best hurling matches seen there in years as Aodh Ruadh and Saint Eunan’s did battle in the minor league. It was a great game where both teams gave it their all throughout. The attitude and commitment of both teams was a credit to both clubs. There was never more than a puc of a ball between them for most of the game, Aodh Ruadh leading 0-8 to 0-6 at half time. The Ray Durack coached Letterkenny team never gave up and fought for every ball. The second half was a mirror image of the first as Aodh Ruadh held off the strong Eunan’s men. Aodh Ruadh led the game throughout and dug deep in the last 10 minutes to hold on for a great victory on a 0-17 to 0-11 score line. Every man played their part in this win and it was pleasing that when some of the more established players didn’t perform as they could, others stood up to mark. It was a great advertisement for hurling and a credit to both clubs. The minors have a bye this week.
The under 14s played Buncrana last Thursday in the Centre of Excellence in Convoy. This was always going to be a difficult assignment as this is a very strong Buncrana team. Our lads battled to the best of their ability, but they suffered a heavy defeat against the Inishowen men. Thanks to the parents who drove the lads to the game.
The under 12s are due to take part in a blitz in Manorhamilton this Sunday.
The growth in underage hurling and the hard work being put in was reflected last Sunday morning at the Centre of Excellence in Convoy as the first of the All-County blitzes at under 8 and under 10 took place. We fielded three teams at under 8 with most of the players representing Aodh Ruadh for the first time, all doing very well and enjoying the experience. We had one under 10 team who did very well winning all their games. It was a great days hurling and very encouraging that we had 36 players under 10 lining out for the club. After over two hours of hurling all the lads enjoyed the picnic afterwards. Many thanks to all the parents who drove to Convoy and supported the lads so enthusiastically. Already the lads are looking forward to the next blitz on the 18th May.
This Bank holiday Monday we host our annual Alan Ryan/Seamus Grimes tournament to honour two of our former club men and their families, this tournament started in 1998 and has grown from strength to strength over the years and now attracts some of the leading clubs in Ulster and Connacht. Taking part in this year’s tournament are Ballycastle (Antrim), Cushendall (Antrim), Keady (Armagh), Four Roads (Roscommon), Padraig Pearse’s (Roscommon), Tooreen (Mayo), holders Ballinascreen (Derry) and host club Aodh Ruadh. It is a reflection of the standing of this tournament that teams of this standard are willing to take part in it. There have been some great battles in this tournament over the years and this year’s one promises to be another great day’s hurling. The action gets underway at 11am with presentation and refreshments taking place afterwards at approximately 4pm.
We nearly have all the cards returned from the Hurlathon and should be in a position to have a final figure next week which will be in excess of €5,000, thanks to all who supported this event. Many thanks to the Recreational Footballers who donated €250 to the Hurlathon this is much appreciated.
We wish under 10 coach Orlaith Gillespie a speedy recovery from a hand injury which she received playing camogie for Donegal in Derry last Saturday.
Donegal under 16s are taking part in a blitz in Garvaghey, Tyrone this Saturday with Tyrone and Louth we expect a number of Aodh Ruadh players to feature for Donegal.
Training as normal this Sunday at 12 noon, all welcome especially newcomers at under 8 and 10.
Fantasy Race For Sam
Entry forms for the third annual Fantasy Race For Sam are now available in The Bridgend, Owen Roe’s, Seán Óg’s and Ballybookies as well as from any committee member. The winner will pocket €500, with the entrant in last place receiving €100. The rules are as follows. All entrants names and monies to be in by Friday 16th May. The draw for teams and players will take place on Saturday 17th May. Each entrant will get a team from each province. Each entrant will get a forward from each province. All games including the qualifiers will be included. The Mayo v New York takes place on 4th May so any entrant who gets either Mayo or their forward will have the points added to their score. New York are not included on the player or team list. All entrants teams and players will be randomly selected. Entry costs €20 per entry. You can enter as often as you like. The scoring works like this. Your team get 10 points for a win and five points for a draw. In the event of extra time in a match, the scoring will reflect the result at the end of extra time and not 70 minutes. Your player gets a point for every point scored. Goal counts as three points. Your team gets a bonus of 10 points for winning their provincial title. Your team gets a bonus of 10 points for winning the All-Ireland final. In the event of joint winners/losers prizes will be shared. The committee’s decision is final. The updated league table will be available on aodhruadh.org every Tuesday.
Club hoodiesThis Saturday will be the last opportunity to get an Aodh Ruadh hoodie before we close on this order. We will be upstairs in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh – the main building in Father Tierney Park – from 12.30pm to 3pm on Saturday afternoon. We will have the last few hoodies still waiting for collection, as well as our sizing samples on hand to try on. There are no plans to get a third order so don’t miss your chance this time around. The order will be placed on May Bank Holiday Monday so we’ll still be taking orders up to then, but Saturday represents a last chance to try before you buy.
Quiz for kitThere is a quiz in Owen Roe’s on Thursday, 8th May to assist with the purchase of equipment and gear for the Aodh Ruadh Schools Coaching Scheme. Club coaches are attending all schools in the Ballyshannon catchment weekly coaching the skills of football and hurling to the youth of the area. Parents and supporters are urged to come along to Owen Roe’s and show their support.
Scór SinsearWell done to our quiz team of PJ Buggy, Sylvester Maguire, Paddy Kelly and Peter Campbell who finished in the top half of the table of 32 competitors in the All-Ireland finals of Scór Sinsear Trath na gCeist. In a tough contest in Castlebar the honours ultimately went to Kerry.
Aodh Ruadh BingoThe €800 jackpot at last Friday’s bingo was shared by Ann Gallagher of Kiltyclogher and Roisín Lee of Ballyshannon.
Next Friday sees the introduction of the summer snowball. Game five will have a €200 snowball prize, going up by €20 per week until the snowball won! Bingo as usual in the Abbey Centre this Friday at 9pm. Full books €10, Half books €5.
The Gingerbread LadyBallyshannon Drama Society present a last chance to see the award winning play, The Gingerbread Lady, in the Abbey Arts Centre before its performance in the RTE All-Ireland Finals in Athlone on May 2nd. Sponsored by the Ballyshannon Town Council and The Sandhouse Hotel, these performance of Neil Simon’s play take place on Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th April. Curtain goes up at 8pm on Tuesday night with tickets to that performance priced at €12. The performance on Wednesday evening will be preceded by a pre-show reception and buffet at 7.30pm with curtain up at 8.30pm. Ticket’s for Wednesday’s Special Gala Performance are priced at €20.
LottoThere was no winner of the €8,700 Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot last Sunday. The numbers drawn were 11, 12, 13, 14, 16 and 17. In the lucky dip €20 each went to: Thomas Gallagher, Rathmore; Chris Kelly, Tubber, Cashelard; Chrissie Roper, Erne Dale Heights; Gerry McIntyre, Assaroe View and Monica and Pat Quinn, Saint Benildus Avenue. Next draw is in Dicey Reilly’s on Monday at 8.30pm. The jackpot is €8,800 so get out there and buy your ticket; if you’re not in, you can’t win!
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra this Saturday is: LADIES.
The lotto team for Kernan’s Spar this Saturday is: SENIOR FOOTBALLERS.
You can receive the club notes by e-mail every Tuesday morning. To subscribe, enter your details on the website, www.aodhruadh.org, or e-mail your request to info@aodhruadh.org.
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This is the weekly e-mail newsletter from Aodh Ruadh GAA Club. If you have received it in error, please contact us at info@aodhruadh.org.
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By Sinéad Breen Donegal PRO
Tue 29th Apr
