Football
Aodh Ruadh got the points in a blustery Páirc Aoidh Ruadh, but only after weathering a second half storm from the visitors. The final score of 2-11 to 2-10 was built primarily on a dominant first 30 minutes, Newtown putting the hosts to the pin of their collar in the second half. Aodh Ruadh had strong defensive performances from Eamonn McGrath, Cookie O’Halloran and Nathan Boyle. Damian Cleary was excellent at midfield while up front Barry Mulligan oozed class and Ronan Drummond’s work ethic exemplified a committed Ballyshannon display. David McGurrin caused huge damage in the first half and in general the Aodh Ruadh attack linked up very fluently. Another plus for the hosts was the quality of subs coming on, Pauric Patton and David Dolan being especially welcome introductions. We have a full match report with pictures to follow from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
Naomh Colmcille were unable to field a reserve team and so Aodh Ruadh were awarded the points.
Aodh Ruadh now aim to extend their winning run to six games as they travel to Downings this Saturday. The senior game throws in at 7.30pm and is preceded by the reserves at 6pm.
The under 14s will hope Monday night marked a turning point in their season as they recorded a convincing victory over Saint Naul’s. Ryan McDonald kept a clean sheet, thanks in large part to a solid defence that limited the Mountcharles men chances to get any kind of momentum going. With centre half back Adam Clarke absent, the number six jersey was worn by Eugene Doherty and he played a blinder turning over ball after ball in the Saint Naul’s attack. Harry Howarth’s well taken goal in the first half was a result of some great combination play and Aodh Ruadh led 1-5 to 0-4 at half time. With a soft breeze favouring them in the second half Aodh Ruadh brushed aside Saint Naul’s, who are better than they showed in Father Tierney Park. Shane Gillespie put in a great shift and scored two goals in the second half bringing his total for the night to 2-6. Eoin Doherty contributed 1-2 while Mark McGlynn and Senan Rooney also got on the score sheet. The workload for the night was shared evenly throughout the team; tackling strongly, maintaining possession and moving the ball well all over the field. Training this Wednesday at 6.30pm.
The under 8s hosted a blitz last Saturday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh with sides from Four Masters, Naomh Conaill and Naomh Bríd also taking part. Conditions were less than ideal with high winds and some rain putting a dampener on things. Still, it was good to see many of our players getting their first game of the season under their belt. Hopefully the next day out conditions will be more clement. The parents / guardians played a blinder upstairs in the Aras where there was a super spread of food put on for the ravenous masses. Thanks also to our match official’s on the day, especially Barry Travers, Sylvester Maguire and Bord na nÓg chairman David O’Donnell. We will have pictures from the blitz up on aodhruadh.org later in the week.
Training continues this Friday for the under 8s and under 6s from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh play Saint Eunan’s in the Ulster Táin league in Father Tierney Park this Sunday 14th June. Throw-in time has not yet finalised been finalised. This is a rare opportunity to see our senior hurlers on home turf, so come out and give them a big Ballyshannon backing.
On Thursday last our under 14s qualified for the under 14 B championship final, defeating Setanta in the semi-final in Father Tierney Park. It was our best performance of the year as every one of the 15 lads gave their all for the cause. The lads have put in a great effort all year and were determined to make this final. They put in a convincing performance and ran out comfortable winners 4-9 to 1-2. At the start of the season it looked like we wouldn’t be able to field at this age group. We only had eight players at our first session. Huge work by the players and management saw our panel rise to 17. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. Injuries hit us hard, but we stuck at it and on Thursday evening we got our reward. The lads are up against a very strong Dungloe / Gaoth Dobhair amalgamation in the final this Thursday which will be played in O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny. Throw in 6.30pm. We wish them well.
On Saturday our under 12s had their first outing of the season as they travelled to the Tyrone Centre of Excellence in Garvaghey to take part in a Tyrone blitz. They were in a group with Naomh Colmcille, Éire Óg Carrickmore and Saint Enda’s, Omagh. The lads performed very well winning two games and losing narrowly to Saint Enda’s. It was a great experience for the lads and very good preparation for their league which starts on 25th June. Many thanks to the parents who drove the lads to Garvaghey, your support is much appreciated.
On Sunday morning in bright sunshine Páirc Aodh Ruadh was a hive of activity as we hosted a blitz for under 8s and under 10s. We had 33 under 8s and fielded four teams and competed against Saint Joseph’s Ederney and Four Masters. All our teams did very well and all the players got loads of game time. At under 10 we hosted Erne Gaels and Four Masters. The under 10s won all three of their games. After the games we all adjourned to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh for some welcome refreshments. Thanks to all the ladies for the food and their help in the kitchen.
Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee are delighted to announce Loughlin Heating and Plumbing as the sponsors of our under 8 team. At the blitz on Sunday morning Kevin Loughlin representing the company presented a new set of jerseys for the lads to Juvenile Hurling chairman John Rooney. We are very grateful for this sponsorship which is much appreciated, it is very encouraging to see a local business put their money where their mouth is and show their support for the efforts of this very enthusiastic panel of players.
Training every Sunday at 12 noon for all underage groups. For any information required in relation to underage hurling please contact John Rooney 086-2587793.
Ladies
Under 14 training continues on Tuesdays and Thursday from 6pm to 7pm. We are still awaiting the championship draw to decide the next set of fixtures.
The under 12 girls have been busy in the past week with two fixtures. The first was last Wednesday when they faced Drumcliffe / Rosses Point at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Then on Sunday morning they travelled to Tir Chonaill park where they took on Four Masters. The Shamettes put in a great display in both games to record convincing victories.
Under 12, under 10 and under 8 training continues on Mondays from 6pm to 7pm.
Cash for Clothes
Juvenile Hurling Committee are having our annual clothes recycling campaign for the month of June. We are looking for all used clothes, shoes, handbags, bed linen, etc. For any information in relation to this recycling campaign please contact John Rooney 086-2587793, Tara Keenaghan 086-3331903 or Fionnula Gillespie 087-6668634.
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
The winner of last week’s €400 jackpot was Mary Kerrigan of Ballyshannon. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm in the Abbey Centre. The summer snowball is now €350 on 49 numbers or less. Plus we still have our spot prize on 42 to be won!
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €6,000. The winning numbers drawn were 2, 4, 13, 15, 16 and 18. In the lucky dip €20 went to: Molly Kerrigan, Cashelard; Jim Mullaney, Dunmuckrim; Selina McGrath, Erndedale Heights; Sharon Reynolds, Woodlands; and Eamon Doherty, Erne Dale Heights.. Next draw in McGinley’s Hotel with a Jackpot of €6,100 on Sunday at 8.30pm.
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra this Saturday is: JUVENILE HURLERS.
By Sinéad Breen Donegal PRO Tue 9th Jun
