Sky Dive Fundraiser
This is the final week to make the Skydive fundraiser the success it should be. The 10 club members who will parachute through the skies onto an airfield in Longford on Saturday have made a great personal effort so far. It is up to the rest of us in the club to back them during the final days of the fund-raising efforts. The Skydive team is: Eugene Drummond, Tanya O’Shea, Rossa McCosker, Ciron Whoriskey, Leanne Curran, Conal Gallagher, David McLoone, Chris Kelly, Aiden Murray and Peter McKenna. If you can, please commit to their fund-raising effort by contacting them directly or indeed anyone involved in Aodh Ruadh. The funds raised will go directly towards completing the development of the club’s facilities at Páirc Aodh Ruadh where various sectors of the club had approached the Park / Development Committee to provide a small toilet block and a hurling-rebound wall. Completing the running track and fitness trail is also a priority. All of these works will be brought forward over the coming weeks. Where you can really help the fund-raisers is by attending the grand finale of this campaign – the Krazy Night which takes place in Dorrian’s Imperial Hotel on Saturday night. Doors open at 8.30pm. Tickets for the night are available from all of the team of ten skydivers or through any of the usual Aodh Ruadh club workers.
Football
Aodh Ruadh sustained a second defeat on the road on Saturday evening and once again the scoreline was 1-8 to 0-9. This time Naomh Colmcille were the victors with a goal four minutes into added time. Once again Aodh Ruadh controlled the game for long spells and went in at the break leading by 0-4 to 0-2. They continued to set the pace in the second half, although not as forcefully as they might have hoped given the following win. Still they were a point to the good when a Daniel Clarke denied Packie McGrath’s men what would have been two hard earned points. We have a full report with pictures to come from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The reserves were slightly more fortunate. Trailing by 2-1 to 0-9 at half-time they reeled the homesters back in over the course of the second half to gain a share of the spoils, 2-6 to 0-12 the scoreline in Newtowncunningham. We have a full match report with pictures to come from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
This weekend Aodh Ruadh are back on home turf and playing host to Downings. The reserve games throws in at 5pm, and is followed by the seniors at 6.30pm.
Aodh Ruadh minors had a good win last Wednesday against Four Masters with a scoreline of 3-13 to 1-12. Outstanding on the day was Oisín Rooney in the middle of the field along with Shane McGrath who covered a huge amount of ground over the course of the game. Daniel Warnock at wing back had his scoring boots on again with 1-2 to his credit. This win qualifies Ballyshannon for a shield final against Ardara on Wednesday evening with the venue and time yet to be decided.
Naomh Mhuire failed to field for the under 16 league game against Aodh Ruadh on Sunday and so have forfeited the points for the fixture. The next outing is against Four Masters on Wednesday 22nd in Tir Chonaill Park in the final round of the group stages. Throw in is 12 noon.
There was a good showing from the under 14s on Friday evening in the park where they hosted Naomh Bríd for a challenge. With it being 13-a-side it was pretty much two different sides for each half. Every man showed he is capable of doing a job. Our team this evening was Cian Barden, Shane Brady, Philip Cassidy, Adam Clarke, David Doherty, Eoin Doherty, Eugene Doherty, Daniel Dolan, Shane Duffy, Tiernan Flood Dolan, Mark Gettins, JJ Goan, Harry Howarth, Donagh Mac Gabhann, Jack McCaffrey, Ryan McDonald, Odhran McGarrigle, Mark McGlynn, Niall Monaghan and Adam Rami. We have some pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. Thanks also to Terence Kilpatrick of Naomh Bríd who officiated for us. The under 14s will have a challenge away against Belcoo on Wednesday at 7pm. As many parents as possible should come along to ensure we have lifts for all the players. We will be leaving the park at 5.30pm. The team’s first league fixture will be on Saturday, 25th April when they travel to take on Dungloe in the league. Throw-in time will be 12 noon.
Under 10 and under 12 training continues on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm and Mondays from 6pm to 7pm.
Outdoor training has resumed for the under 8s and under 6s and we have a great gallery of pictures on aodhruadh.org of our first week on the pitch. Training continues this Friday for the under 8s and under 6s from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh (Munday’s Field). Any new faces who want to join in the craic are more than welcome.
Hurling
The senior hurlers travelled to Strabane to play Na Seamróga in the Táin League on Sunday. The Ernesiders had a depleted squad due to injuries to several players. In the first half the Ballyshannon men played with the aid of a slight breeze and remained in contention throughout. Despite missing a lot of chances from the dead ball, they went in at half time three points down 0-8 to 0-5. Strabane got off to a good start in the second half and managed to get the upper hand after scoring a goal despite the best efforts of the Ballyshannon keeper Shane McNulty. Aodh Ruadh failed to find their rhythm and the final score in Strabane was Aodh Ruadh 0-9 Strabane Shamrocks 1-14. The next fixture for Aodh Ruadh is next Sunday against Louth outfit Saint Fechin’s with a 1pm throw-in.
Our under 14 hurlers had a busy week last week. On Tuesday they travelled to MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey to take on the home team. From the start of the game it was obvious that the Twin Towns lads were a much physically stronger outfit, but our lads put up a great show. The team have shown great commitment since the start of March, putting in a lot of hard work at training. On a very warm evening the lads gave it everything in a great game of hurling which saw MacCumhaill’s run out winners on a 3-10 to 2-4 scoreline. Thanks to all the parents who drove the lads to this game, your support is much appreciated. The lads were back in action on Thursday evening in Father Tierney Park against Carndonagh. Again they put in a great display, full of work and effort. We were well on top from the start and ran out convincing winners on a 5-12 to 2-3 score line. Hopefully this result will give the lads belief to push on for the rest of the league. We wish Senan Rooney well. Unfortunately he picked up a nasty hand injury late on in the game, we hope to see him back in action in the next few weeks. The under 14s play Four Masters in Donegal Town this Thursday.
On Thursday the minors made the long trip to Carndonagh to take on the home team. For a variety of reasons we only had 11 players, but the commitment these 11 lads showed on Thursday was a credit to them and something others could learn from. We set out from Father Tierney Park at 4.30pm and returned at 11pm. The dedication shown by these 11 lads is to be admired. They put in a great performance against a strong Carndonagh team who were really up for the challenge. At half time we led 0-6 to 1-2. The lads got well on top in the second half and they really played as a team and ran out convincing winners 1-13 to 2-3. It’s been a very difficult season for the minors for a variety of reasons, but this victory on Thursday night meant as much to us as any county title we won over the years. The lads face another very difficult game this Thursday at home to a strong Saint Eunan’s team, one thing is for sure our lads won’t be found wanting commitment wise anyway.
On Saturday last we held our ninth Annual Hurlathon, and again it was a great day of fun and craic for all the family. The action got under way just before 10am with the under 8s, none of whom were born when we had our first Hurlathon in 2007. From 10am to 10pm it was nonstop action, fun and craic. As the sliothar flew about the hall there was some great displays of skill from young and old, as the action played out on the court all day, all supporters were treated to a cuppa and some goodies in the kitchen. Thanks to all the parents who brought so much food to this year’s event. As always everyone was fed and watered throughout the day. Over 100 people took to the floor throughout the day. Over the years some great traditions have developed on Hurlathon day, none more so than the Mothers’ Match. This year saw the return to action of some former camogie greats in the form of Orla Winters and Andrea Gallagher and they showed they hadn’t lost the skills of our great game. They were joined by Carmel McCadden, Katrina Daly, Tara Keenaghan, Aisling McGrath and daughters Orlaith Gallagher and Roisín Daly, and two very brave goalies in the form of the McCadden twins, Oisin and Eoghan. After a titanic battle the bragging rights went to Tara, Katrina, Orla and young Orlaith. Well done to all the mothers who were great sports to take part. We then had another great battle where a Dads Army in the form of coaches Mike Lynch, Gregory Gallagher, Pauric Keenaghan, Peter Horan, Kenny McDonald and John Rooney took on a team of Young Guns laden down with county players Jamie Brennan, Ciaran Rami, Oisin Rooney, Brendan Gillespie, Stephen Connolly and Brian McHenry. Denis Daly took up the whistle to ref this game and despite some intimidation from the younger players he did a great job. The Young Guns took off at a great pace but forgot that it was marathon and not a sprint and Dads Army won out after a great battle 11-10. The night finished off with a replay of this game where the Young Guns got some small token of revenge winning by a goal, this brought us till after 10pm and the curtain came down on another great days hurling, fun and craic.
Thanks to all who helped on the day in the kitchen, and those who supplied food. Over the nine years we’ve had some great traditions none more so than Eleanor McCosker’s soup and Shannon’s Corner’s Sandwiches which went down a treat again this year. Thanks to Kernan’s Spar who again this year generously donated coffee, tea and milk for the day and William Doogan for all the drinks. Thanks to all the underage coaches who were present all day and kept the games moving. Coláiste Cholmcille have always been great supporters of this event and again we thank them and Sylvie Maguire for organising the use of the Mercy Hall, thanks also to Michael Donagher who again this year had everything sorted out in the hall for us. Annually this has been our main fund-raiser and allows us develop underage hurling in the club, but it’s also a very important day socially for all our young and not so young hurlers and their families. Thanks to all who took part in this event, those who sought sponsorship and those who sponsored the competitors your continued support is much appreciated. Check out Aodh Ruadh CLG for loads of pictures from Hurlathon 2015.
Training for all ages at 12 noon on Sunday.
Ladies
Well done to Sarah Patton who once again lined out for Donegal ladies in their 6-13 to 0-8 demolition of Westmeath. The ladies went unbeaten through NFL Division Two campaign.
Under 8 and under 10 girls football commenced on Monday 13th April in the Mercy Hall from 6-7pm. This will continue inside for another two weeks before going outside training to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. €2 per session. Under 8 training is for all girls born in 2007 and 2008; under 10 for those born in 2005 and 2006. If you have any queries please contact Gabrielle McGloin 0872902245; Louise Foy 0876388562; or Donna Meade 0866045094.
Many congratulations to ladies legend Naimh Gallagher on tying the knot over the weekend with Peadar McKeever.
De La Salle reunion and Tom Cullen Tribute
Running in tandem with our Come Dive With Me event, a De La Salle reunion and Tom Cullen tribute. A get together is planned for all former De La Salle staff and students on Saturday 18th April. A small memorial plaque will be presented to Tom Cullen’s family for his grave in Belleek Cemetery. The projected schedule for the day is as follows
4.45pm: Placing of plaque at Belleek Cemetery.
5.45pm-6pm: Food and refreshments in the Bridgend.
7pm-7.30pm: Discussion and reminiscences. Collection towards cost of memorial plaque and food.
9.30pm-10pm: Adjourn to Dorrian’s Hotel to support Aodh Ruadh Come Dive With Me fundraiser
Anyone with De La Salle photos or video is asked to forward it to Thomas Gallagher at twgallagher@eircom.net. He will accept emails, photos, newspaper clippings and these will be displayed in The Bridgend on 18th April.
Dancing in the Rock Hall
Céilí, Old Time, Barn Dance and Set Dancing in Dorrian’s Imperial Hotel Ballyshannon Saturday 25th April at 9pm. Music by the Assaroe Céilí Band with the proceeds in aid of Baby Rory’s Will To Walk. Set dancing music by Owen Maguire and Catherine Mulligan. Admission is €8 with supper served.
Club kit
We now have official club shorts available to order. They are O’Neill’s, so top quality kit. Kids sizes (24 and 26) cost €18, while adult sizes (28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38) cost €22. We’ll have samples available and images on aodhruadh.org. Contact Chris Kelly on 0868813553 to place your order. Our navy blue soft shell jackets are also back on sale. We now have three youth sizes available. Ages 7-8 priced €40; ages 9-10 priced €40; and ages 11-12 priced €45. All jackets will have the Aodh Ruadh and GAA crests, plus the child’s initials on the sleeve. We are also able to order Ladies soft shell jackets with pink Aodh Ruadh crest and GAA logo. We are also selling adult jackets. You can check out samples of the shorts and jacket on aodhruadh.org. For further details call Chris on 0868813553.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Theresa McAleer of Omagh won the €400 jackpot. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm in the Abbey Centre. Books priced at €10, or half books for €5.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €5,200. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 7, 9, 10, 13 and 14. In the lucky dip €20 went to: Mark McMenamin, Tullyhorky; Mary McGee, Roscor; M Gillen-Tawley, Cliffoney; Fidelma McKenna, East Port; and Dolores Treacy, Bundoran. Next draw in McGinley’s with a Jackpot of €5,300 on Sunday at 8.30pm.
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra this Saturday is: LADIES.
By Sinéad Breen Donegal PRO Tue 14th Apr
