Club meeting
The monthly club executive meeting takes place this Thursday, 28th April, at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.
Football
Their fourth win on the bounce sees Aodh Ruadh extending their winning run at the start of the season and go clear at the top of the division three table. They lead Naomh Colmcille by 1-8 to 1-2 at half-time with the benefit of a strong following breeze. Ballyshannon edged the second half too, to run out 1-13 to 1-6 victors. Conor Patton had an excellent game in the middle of the park with Niall Harley also soldiering hard too. Niall Murray at wing back and Colm Kelly worked like demons, as did Paddy Gillespie in the first half and Pauric Patton in the second. Up front David Dolan was a bit special with Johnny Gethins and Seamus Kane offering great outlets. A word too for Sticky Ward whose game sense, especially in the final quarter, played a big part in the win. We have a full report from the game up on aodhruadh.org and will have pictures over the course of the week.
A date for your diary. The senior footballers will be hosting a fund-raising quiz in Seán Óg’s on Friday, 6th May. All support would be greatly appreciated.
The reserve game against Newtowncunningham was postponed.
Aodh Ruadh’s next assignment will be the trip to Crampsey Park to take on Urris on Saturday, 30th April. The reserve game throws in at 5.30pm, followed by the seniors at 7pm.
Aodh Ruadh minors booked their place in the regional league semi-finals with a gutsy 2-14 to 1-9 victory over Four Masters in Tirchonaill Park on Monday evening. The Ernesiders faced into a considerable breeze in the first half and fielded minus the talents of Shane McGrath and Oisin Rooney. Nevertheless they set about their business with a will, and after registering the first two points of the game they never looked back. Ballyshannon reached the break three points to the good with a fine goal from Conall Sweeny helping them on their way. Dylan Gallagher had the green flag flying again in the second 30 with a lovely effort as the lads pushed on to secure a hard earned victory against tough opponents. Aodh Ruadh showed great desire and attitude for this clash right across the pitch. The man of the match award was a toss-up between two superb performances. Ronan McMullin, put in a stupendous shift of tenacious never-say-die football in a roving commission, while Nathan Boyle produced a vintage display of acrobatic fielding which was gilded with eight immaculate dead balls, many from on or around the 45 metre mark and into the stiff breeze. Conall Sweeny proved an effective foil to Boyle in midfield while Cáelán Drummond was a great threat up front. The regional semi-final will take place this Wednesday with venue, time and opposition yet to be determined.
The under 14s recorded two good wins over the past week. They were away to Ardara last Friday evening. On a cold and windy evening, the game was tight with both teams working hard for possession. Ballyshannon played against the wind in the first half, but went in at half-time leading 4-5 to 3-4. In the second half the game opened up a little and Ardara hit a purple patch scoring two goals. Our lads steadied themselves and a hit a further 2-3. Best displays in the defence were Matt Gillespie in goals, excellent again, Calum Doherty-Craig, Daire Gallagher and Eugene Doherty worked their socks off. Senan Rooney scored 2-3 from midfield and up front Jake Foley bagged 2-1, supported well by Shane Brady and Harry Howarth. Monday evening saw the team record a convincing 7-10 to 5-6 victory over Saint Naul’s to move top of the division one table. Aodh Ruadh led by 3-6 to 0-2 at half time and the bench was emptied in the second half with a number of players making good cases for starting places in future fixtures. Once again Matt Gillespie excelled between the posts, producing some superb stops, while in defence Marty McGarrigle gave one of his best displays of the season. Senan Rooney was unmarkable in midfield while up front Cian Rooney and Colm McGloin were on fire. Next up for the under 14s is the visit of Ardara to Father Tierney Park on Friday, throw in at 6.30pm. Training continues on Wednesday at 4.30pm.
The under 12s travel to MacCumhaill Park on Wednesday 27th April for a challenge match against a strong MacCumhaill side. Thanks to the large numbers playing under 12 football in both clubs we will be fielding three teams to play at the same time, with games throwing in at 6.45pm. Players are asked to meet at the park at 5.20pm and bring €3 for the bus. We expect to be home about 8.45pm. We have committed to fielding 30 players and so ask that all parents notify in advance if their child is available to travel for this trip. We have games on Wednesdays from now on with the league beginning on Wednesday 4th May with an away game to Ardara at 7pm. We are hoping for good numbers of travelling supporters for the boys and parents who are available to drive to this game. Please let Alan or Kerry know how many players you can bring. Under 12 training continues on Mondays and Fridays from 5.15pm to 6.30pm, in Páirc Aoidh Ruadh.
Under 10, under 8 and under 6 training continues as usual this Friday from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Páirc Aoidh Ruadh.
There will be a Bord na nÓg meeting on Wednesday, 27th April, at 8.30pm. All committee members are asked to attend.
Ladies
Realt Ruadh had a free weekend, but are playing their next game in Bundoran this Sunday at 11am against Saint Naul’s. Good luck to the girls in that one. Also best of luck to Sarah Patton and the Donegal team in the division two final in Parnell Park on Saturday. Throw in is at 5.30pm with this game the curtain raiser for the division one decider between Cork and Mayo.
The under 14 girls travel to take Glenfin on Tuesday, 26th April. Players leave the park at 5.10pm and we would greatly appreciate if any parents who plan to drive could help with transport for players. Training continues on Thursday at 5.45pm.
Under 12 training continues this Thursday from 6pm to 7pm. We are due to get the competitive season underway next Tuesday against Kilcar. Further details across the course of the week
The under 8s and under 10s will have their last indoor training session this Wednesday and will be moving outdoors to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh (Munday’s) on Monday 9th May from 6-7pm.
This year’s Duck Race will take place on Saturday 28th May at 3pm. So mark the date in your calendar as it’s always an entertaining afternoon.
Ladies are due to cover the lotto at Centra on Saturday 7th May. Up until now it has always been management and senior players helping out. Now we are looking for parents to help out by taking a slot. So we are asking parents of under 12 and under 14 girls to help. The times are as follows:
10am-11.30am – Under 12 parent
11.30am-1pm – Under 14 parent
1pm-2.30pm – Under 12 parent
2.30pm-4pm – Under 14 parent
Could you please let either the manager of your child’s team or Karol Foley or Sarah Patton know if you can help.
Hurling
On Tuesday of last week the minors travelled to Letterkenny to take on Letterkenny Gaels. It was a competitive contest between two evenly matched teams. For whatever reason Aodh Ruadh were very nervous and never really got going in this game. Despite not playing well the lads managed to claim a draw, the sides finishing 2-8 apiece. The lads deserve great credit for ensuring we are fielding for all our games with such a young panel. They have a difficult game this Thursday in Father Tierney Park against an exceptional Buncrana team who are the current Ulster Minor Shield champions.
On Thursday our under 14s got back to winning ways at home to Letterkenny Gaels. With sickness and injuries we only had 12 players available, but these 12 were a credit to the club with their work rate on the night. They ran out convincing winners over the Letterkenny lads. They have no game this week.
On Friday night the Donegal minor hurlers won the Ulster minor shield with a convincing 3-14 to 3-9 win over Tyrone in Celtic Park, Derry. They now go into the Ulster minor championship where they are up against Armagh. We were delighted to have three lads on the panel. Brian Mc Henry was corner back and did well, holding his man scoreless. Stephen Anderson got through an amount of work in midfield and got a lovely point in the second half. Meanwhile Conall Sweeny was an unused sub. It’s great for the club to have the three lads on the squad and playing hurling at this level.
Next Monday sees us host the annual Alan Ryan / Seamus Grimes tournament. This year it is being held for under 14s. The tournament has been going since 1998 to honour two former great Aodh Ruadh hurlers and their families. Again this year clubs from far and wide are coming to the tournament with the following clubs confirming their participation: Tuam (Galway), Easkey (Sligo), Na Magha (Derry), Naomh Eoin (Sligo), Keady (Armagh), Drumcliffe (Sligo), Buncrana (Donegal) and ourselves. Play gets underway at 10.30am and all are welcome for what is sure to be a great day of hurling.
We are holding our annual Cash for Clothes Collection for the month of April. All unwanted clothing, shoes, handbags and belts will be gratefully accepted. For any information in relation to this fund-raiser please contact Denis Daly 0863269550, Tara Keenaghan 0863331903, John Rooney 0862587793 or John Larkin 0861076883.
Recreational football
Recreational football is back in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this Saturday at 6.30pm for the warm up with the game getting going at 7pm. It’s excellent value at just €3 for the session. For more information text or call Alan on 0868052816.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week’s €400 bingo jackpot was won by Mary McMahon, Donegal Road. There was no winner of the snowball prize, so it now stands at €400 on 46 numbers or less. It’s Big Bingo time again with the April big bingo this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre, with a massive €3,000 prize fund including the €1,000 jackpot game. Books priced at €15/€8, or get the book and a half deal for €20.
Old Times
Ballyshannon Drama Society presents the Harold Pinter play, Old Times, in the Abbey Centre on Saturday, April 30th. This is a gala night presentation by the All-Ireland finalists and will be preceded by music, wine and finger food. Curtain up at 8.15pm, admission is €15.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €4,200. The winning numbers drawn were 4, 9, 10, 13, 14 and 18. In the lucky dip €20 went to Una Bonner, Assaroe View; Martin Rodgers, Saint Benildus Avenue; James Monaghan, Main Street, Pettigo; Louise Foy, Coolcholly; and Ronan Matthews. Next draw is on Sunday in Dicey Reilly’s with a Jackpot of €4,300 on Sunday at 8.30pm.
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra Saturday is: SENIOR FOOTBALLERS.
Ten years ago…
The u-14s had mixed fortunes in Féile Peil na nÓg in Donegal town last Saturday. Some soft goals cost the team against Bundoran as they were pipped by a few points. However they powered back with renewed determination against Four Masters in the next and earned a well deserved win. The day’s exertions told against Killybegs though, and Aodh Ruadh did not progress further. There were a number of encouraging displays throughout the tournament: Peter Boyle was excellent at full forward as was Luke Toland at half forward. Patrick Meehan gave a very robust display at full back and Cillian Doyle also showed strongly.
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 27th Apr
