Football
Aodh Ruadh enjoyed a comprehensive 1-6 to 4-14 win over Naomh Bríd in Ballintra on Saturday afternoon. The result sees Aodh Ruadh go clear at the top of the division three table, although the other main promotion contenders all have games in hand. Peter Boyle’s shot stopping was fully tested and not found wanting, while Damien Cleary and Ciron Whoriskey defended with verve. Pauric Patton didn’t look out of place in his first outing in a senior jersey and in the middle of the pitch Ronan McGurrin and Kerry Ryan both gave combative displays. The half forward line was the engine room of this win, with the creativity of Anthony Boyle, David McGurrin and Ronan Drummond just too much for Naomh Bríd to deal with. Up front David Dolan was a terror with Jamie McDonald and Diarmaid McInerney exploiting opportunities ruthlessly. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
Aodh Ruadh reserves sustained their first defeat of the season with a 3-11 to 4-4 loss in Páirc Naomh Bríd. The Ballintra Laghey men were clearly up for this one and set about their work with gusto in the first half, and had a goal and a point on the board within minutes, punishing a very flat start by Aodh Ruadh. They hit another goal just before half time to lead at the break 2-6 to 1-3. To have closed to within four points of Naomh Bríd by the finish, despite what was a below par performance from the Ernesiders was good going in itself. There weren’t too many stand out performances on this occasion, but the work of Sticky Ward gave the visitors a lifeline, creating bother for Ballintra any time he got on the ball. Cookie O’Halloran got on a lot of ball in the second half and dealt well with a lot of physical treatment. We have an extended match report and pictures from the game, the joint efforts of Cathal Maguire and Brian Drummond up on aodhruadh.org.
Aodh Ruadh are on a break next week with the Rory Gallagher festival. The next scheduled ACFL division three action is away against Burt the following Saturday, 7th June.
Congratulations to the Donegal minors who completed the first part of a double over Derry on Sunday afternoon with a 1-10 to 0-8 victory. Well done to Niall Harley and Colm Kelly and also to team mentor Mick McGrath.
Saturday last seen a great display of football with teams from Donegal, Leitrim and Fermanagh taking part in the annual Sean Slevin under 14 memorial tournament. After some very close encounters at the group stages it was the hosts, Aodh Ruadh, and Saint Mary’s from Carrick-on-Shannon who contested the final. In what was absolutely perfect conditions for football Aodh Ruadh took an early lead knocking up 1-1 before Saint Mary’s made any reply. A very strong Carrick team dug deep and managed to draw level just before the stroke of half-time. Saint Mary’s started strongest in the second half pulling two point ahead but a Michael McKenna goal gave Aodh Ruadh the advantage again midway through the second half. Saint Mary’s scored another few points but a beautiful Evan McTernan goal in the dying minutes sealed the win for Aodh Ruadh by the narrowest of margins leaving the score Aodh Ruadh 3-2 Saint Mary’s 1-7. Thanks to all the parents who helped out on the day with catering making sure that everyone was well fed. Thanks to Raymond Granaghan who helped keep things running on time and to Shane Toolan and David Hoey, our referees for the day. We have a large gallery of pictures from the tournament up on aodhruadh.org. The under 14s are back in championship action this Wednesday at home to Naomh Columba with a 7pm throw in. A good showing of support for the lads would be greatly appreciated.
The under 12s hosted Glencar Manorhamilton last Wednesday in Father Tierney Park with a lot of good performances from the Aodh Ruadh players over the course of the two games.
The under 10s take on Saint Naul’s in Father Tierney Park this Tuesday. Players to be at the park for 6.15pm with the first games throwing in at 6.45pm. Training as usual on Saturday at 11am.
Well done to our under 8 players who took part in a blitz in Ballintra last Saturday. They showed great progression across the four games. We have a team shot of the players up on the Aodh Ruadh Facebook page. Representing Aodh Ruadh on the day were Killian Bradshaw, Eoin Cassidy, Ben Daly, Eoin Doogan, Liam Doogan, Sadhbh Hughes, Tom Holland, Donagh Kelly, Micheál Keown, Cian McDonald, Hugh Óg Maguire, James Monaghan, Tom Murphy, Ted O’Donnell, Cillian Slevin and James Ward. Under 8 training continues this Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 6.30pm.
Under 6 training continues this Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 6.30pm.
Ladies
Good luck to our senior team who travel to Carndonagh this Tuesday evening to play in All-county division 2, 13-a-side league, with a throw-in at 7.30pm.
Our under 14s played Naomh Conaill last Friday in the second round of the league. Naomh Conaill notched up a good number of early scores in the first half. Despite a great come-back by Aodh Ruadh in the second half the Glenties side came away with the win. This is the first game our girls have conceded. Next up for them is a home game against Termon, details of which will be confirmed shortly. The final game in round two will be an away match against Gaoth Dobhair. We have some pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
Next Saturday, June 7th, the under 12s are hosting the first of this year’s blitzes. We will have Bundoran, Four Masters, Saint Naul’s and Killybegs coming and the games are due to start at 11am. Again we will need parents to help out, in this case with the catering for the event with a lot of players due to be on the premises. Please let the coaches know if you have an hour or more to offer to help with the organisation of what should be a great day.
The under 8s and under 10s are travelling to Grange this Saturday, 31st May, for some mini-games. The fun begins at 1pm and we are looking for parents to help out with the transport. Please let the coaches know if you intend to travel and can offer lifts.
Finally, if you still have to pay your ladies membership the time is NOW. Contact your team manager. No fee = no insurance cover = no game.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh confined MacCumhaill’s to a solitary point from open play in a comfortable 2-10 to 0-4 Ulster Táin Hurling League division three victory on Sunday evening. That win pushes Aodh Ruadh up to fifth in the table. Defensively Shane McNulty stood out, while Ciaran Kilgannon and Paul Hughes had a stranglehold around the middle of the pitch and up front the half forward line of Chris Kilgannon, Conor Gilmartin and Conor McNeely were exceptional. Chris Kilgannon also top scored with a haul of 1-4. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The under 14s suffered a heavy and demoralising defeat on Thursday last against Buncrana in the league semi-final in Scarvey. The lads never got to grips with the pace of the game and offered very little challenge to a strong Buncrana team. We only had the bare 15 for this game and credit to those who travelled and tried their best. It’s been a tough league campaign for this panel, but great credit is due to the lads who stuck with it when other players withdrew from the panel.
Best of luck to Eddie Lynch, Ciaran Rami, Eugene Drummond, Oisín Roper, Brendan Gillespie, Oisín Rooney and Dónal Sweeny who are on the Donegal minor panel who play Derry this Saturday in Celtic Park in the Ulster Minor Championship.
Underage training continues on Sunday at 12 noon all welcome especially beginners.
Cash for Clothes
Cash for Clothes for the month of June the Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee are having their annual Cash for Clothes fund-raising collection. We’re collecting unwanted clothing in good condition, shoes, belts and handbags, we’re also collecting blankets, sheets, curtains once they’re bagged separately. This is a good chance to clean out your wardrobes and help us raise funds for the promotion and development of underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh. Contact any of the following who will arrange collection of your unwanted clothing etc Tara Keenaghan 086-3331903, Fionnuala Gillespie 087-6668634 and John Rooney 086-2587793.
Fantasy race for Sam
Top of the pile this week is Gerry Gallagher and his team Belleek Boys on 58 points. His team (Tyrone-10, Galway-10 and O’Hare-6) has placed him in first place this week. In second place is Philip Patton and his team, County Colours, on 50 points, with his younger brother John Patton Jr another point adrift in third with his team, Yes Patsy. Another Gerry Gallagher and his team Ardara Forever are in fourth place on 45 points with Darren Cox and his team of Ernie Gaels rounding out the top five on 44 points. With the Patton brothers fighting it out at the top, its Rebecca Patton and her team of Legal Eagles that occupy last place along with Aiden Givens and his team, Whiskey Is Best. Both of them have yet to score a solitary point. As always the leader board and the complete entry list is available on aodhruadh.org, The Bridgend Bar, Ballybookies and Owen Roes Bar. Anyone who has yet to pay for their entry is urged to do so as soon as possible.
Bingo
The winner of the €400 jackpot was Kathleen Flanagan (again!) from Belleek. This Friday is the May Big Bingo, with a prize fund of almost €2,900, with a €1,000 jackpot game. Books are €15 for a full book, €8 for a half, or buy your book and a half for €20. The Game 5 summer snowball continues to grow, and now stands at €280 on 49 numbers or less.
LottoThere was no winner of the €9,100 Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot last Sunday. The numbers drawn were 1, 7, 9, 12, 13 and 15. In the lucky dip €20 each went to: Sheila Killalea, Assaroe View, Mary Butler, Erne Dale Heights; Teresa Herron, Bishop Street; Margaret Travers, c/o Pat’s Bar; and Gerry Sheerin, Tullaghan. Next draw is in The Mall Bar on Monday at 8.30pm. The jackpot is €9,200 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: JUVENILE HURLERS.
The lotto team for Kernan’s Spar this Saturday is: SENIOR HURLERS.
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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
Thu 29th May
