Football
A 3-11 to 0-13 win over Downings in Páirc na nDunaibh took Aodh Ruadh top of the division three table for the first time this season. Aodh Ruadh played into a stiff breeze in the first half but a Barry Mulligan goal ensured the sides turned over at the break level 1-3 to 0-6. Aodh Ruadh dominated the third quarter, outscoring Downings 1-3 to 0-1 in that period. Ballyshannon men finished strongly with a goal from Michael ‘Sticky’ Ward, and points from Diarmaid McInerney. Calum ‘Cookie’ O’Halloran did very well on Downings star man Lorcan Connor. Johnny Gallagher was brilliant in defence and caused problems all day for Downings with his attacking runs, Damien Cleary dominated midfield, and the forwards as a whole worked tirelessly for the 60 minutes, and took their chances well. We have pictures and an extended match report from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The reserves also got the better of Downings, coming away with a 1-13 to 0-10 victory. Downings were a very determined and competitive outfit and favoured a physical game. However the Ernesiders dealt with that well and emerged with a six point win. Eugene Drummond and Ryan Patton were excellent in defence. While in a game that went from end to end Oisin Roper really emptied the tank for Aodh Ruadh. Elsewhere Seamus Kane did well in his first game back after a number of years away. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
Aodh Ruadh are now looking to take their winning run to seven games as they travel to tackle Buncrana this Saturday. The senior game throws in at 7.30pm and is preceded by the reserves at 6pm.
The under 14s wrapped up their league programme with a win over Four Masters. The exchanges were nip and tuck in the first 30 minutes, but an excellent Odhran McGarrigle goal before the interval sent the hosts in leading 2-4 to 1-4. The second half was a more expansive affair and Aodh Ruadh’s eye for goal got them across the line for an 8-6 to 2-13 victory. Best for Ballyshannon across the 60 minutes were Mark McGlynn and Odhran McGarrigle who showed great appetite for the battle and used the ball intelligently while Cian Barden really shone at full back. The second half saw Senan Rooney come to life and he banged in four goals to stretch Aodh Ruadh into the lead. Tiernan Flood Dolan was also among the goals in the second half, flourishing when moved around the centre of the pitch. Eoin Doherty also worked hard as ever, while Mark Gettins consistently drove well out of defence. It has been a tough campaign, but much progress has been made along the way and sights are set on making a real go of the championship. There is a special training session this Wednesday at 6.30pm, so a full attendance is requested.
Aodh Ruadh’s planned under 10 blitz in Pettigo for Saturday did not materialise, so Naomh Bríd and Bundoran agreed to convene in Father Tierney Park for a rescheduled blitz. It was a great morning’s football with the Ballyshannon lads giving an excellent account of themselves, many having come on in leaps and bounds in the past year. Massive credit to the parents and guardians who produced once again produced a great spread of grub at short notice. Thanks also to the referees on the day. We have pictures from the blitz live on aodhruadh.org.
Our second under 8 blitz of the year takes place this Saturday in Donegal Town. The games get under way at 11am. As many parents / guardians as possible should come along to ensure we have lifts for all the players. We will be leaving the park at 10am.
Training continues this Friday for the under 8s and under 6s from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh took the Donegal derby bragging rights in the Ulster Táin League with a 2-13 to 2-5 victory over Saint Eunan’s in Father Tierney Park on Sunday morning. The hosts were slow out of the blocks but Aodh Ruadh went in leading at half time on a scoreline of 2-7 to 0-3. Aodh Ruadh took the foot off the pedal near the end and allowed Saint Eunan’s in for two late goals to leave the final score 2-13 to 2-5. This win lifts Aodh Ruadh to third in the table and four points behinds the leaders, with four games remaining. This was a good overall team performance with Ciaran Rami, Stephen Sheerin in defence, Eddie Lynch and Ciaran Kilgannon in midfield and Conor McNeely and Christopher Kilgannon putting in very good performances. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The under 14s came up against a very strong amalgamation of Dungloe / Gaoth Dobhair in the B Championship final on Thursday last in O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny. As was so often the case this season we had no sub and just had 14 players, but credit to the lads they gave their all in this game. We actually opened the scoring, but a brace of goals for the Gaeltacht men early in the first half left us chasing the game. Try as hard as we could we couldn’t match the fitness and physicality of the Dungloe / Gaoth Dobhair lads. We trailed at half time 2-6 to 1-1, but the exertions of the first half took their toll in the second half as Dungloe / Gaoth Dobhair ran out convincing winners 5-12 to 1-3. At our first training session this year we had eight players. The lads deserve great credit for getting together a panel of 17 players. A lot of work was put in by the players and management and we did very well fielding for every game and making this final. Hopefully the lads enjoyed the season and realise the amount of work they have to put into their game on and off the field to improve and make the step up to under 16 level. Thanks to the players and their parents for their support all season.
The under 12s travelled to Irvinestown on Monday evening to take part in a blitz organised by the Fermanagh Hurling Board. A squad of nine made the trip and performed very well winning both their games against Saint Joseph’s and Erne Gaels. Their hard work in training stood to them in these games which should prove useful as they continue their preparations for the beginning of the league on 25th June with a home game against Four Masters.
The second all county blitz for under 8s and under 10s takes place in the Centre of Excellence in Convoy this Sunday. Details will be circulated during the week.
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.
The under 12 girls are away to Killybegs this Wednesday at 7pm. Please note that we will need parents / guardians to assist with transport to this game.
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.
Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative
Applications are being invited for the Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative. This is a GAA programme designed to develop leadership qualities in youngsters, using the late Dermot Earley as a role model. Earley played at the highest level with Roscommon and rose to Chief of Staff in the army. The programme is targeted at 15-18 year old males and females. On completion graduates will get a certificate accredited by NUIG. Those interested can apply or can be nominated. The programme consists of two modules that of 15 hours each. At the end there is a community action project where participants use the skills they have acquired to affect the community in a positive manner. The first two modules are mainly activities and discussion. Sessions will be split between Aodh Ruadh and Four Masters. For further information read more on the GAA website at the link below.
http://www.gaa.ie/community/community-development/dermot-early-youth-leadership-initiative/
Abbey Centre Bingo
The winner of last week’s €400 jackpot was Marian Deakon of Belleek. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm in the Abbey Centre. The summer snowball is now €375 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 €6,100. The winning numbers drawn were 6, 7, 8, 9, 13 and 15. In the lucky dip €20 went to: Mary Egan, Bundoran Road; Marion Matthews, Erne Dale Heights; Megan and Marty Kane, East Port; Rita McGullion, Belleek; and Daithi Breen, Woodlands. Next draw in The Bridgend with a Jackpot of €6,200 on Monday at 8.30pm.
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra this Saturday is: SENIOR HURLERS.
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.
By Sinéad Breen Donegal PRO Wed 17th Jun
