Football
Peter Gallagher and James O’Donnell’s men continued their faultless start to the season with a hard earned 2-11 to 1-11 victory over a pugnacious Letterkenny Gaels side in testing conditions at Father Tierney Park. A pulsating first half ended with the hosts holding a two points lead, 2-6 to 1-7. The second half ebbed and flowed, but Aodh Ruadh got the better of it to confirm their sixth successive win of the league campaign. Callum O’Halloran was outstanding at corner back, while Michael Ward also made some telling interventions. Again the half back line distinguished itself, Johnny Gethins, Colm Kelly and Niall Harley getting through a heap of work. Seamus Kane took two class scores and was a great option all through. David Dolan continued his mightily impressive early season form with another heavy haul of points, while Sticky Ward was ever the calming influence, picking the right options. We have a full report from the game up on aodhruadh.org with pictures over the course of the week.
The reserves recorded an impressive win over Letterkenny Gaels. They started at a high tempo and maintained that to the break where they went in leading on a scoreline of 0-8 to 0-2. The second half was more evenly fought, but a goal from the excellent Cáelán Drummond saw Ballyshannon finish 1-13 to 0-9 victors. We will have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org over the course of the week.
Attention turns to the championship next Saturday, 14th May, when the reserves and seniors travel to take on Cloughaneely in the first round of the group stages. The reserves go off at 6pm with the seniors throwing in at 7.30pm. The other teams in Group B are Naomh Colmcille and Naomh Ultan.
Aodh Ruadh under 14s made the long trip to Dungloe on Monday evening and came back with a draw on a scoreline of 3-9 to 4-6 which ensured Ballyshannon topped division 1 after the round robin stages. Aodh Ruadh had the better of the first half to go in at the interval leading by 2-5 to 1-5. However the hosts came out all guns blazing in the second half and it took a wonderstrike of a goal from Frankie McGinley to ensure that Aodh Ruadh topped the table. Also among the goals was Senan Rooney with a brace which capped another fine outing at midfield from the Corker man. There were decent defensive showings from Kyle Murray and Eugene Doherty, while up front Colm McGloin continued his fine attacking form. That result sets up a rematch in the league semi-final which will take place on either Friday or Saturday, with Dungloe travelling to Ballyshannon for that fixture. Training continues on Wednesday at 4.30pm.
The under 12s had a good start to the league on Monday with an away win against Ardara. Each league fixture features senior and reserve matches and they were two great games where 25 players in all represented the club. The reserve match was a great contest with James Gallagher in midfield and the two Cians – McKenna and Hunter – showing very well. Ardara finished stronger in the second half and the reserves lost by five points. The seniors on the other hand were on top from the beginning with Ryan Daly getting off to a blistering start from corner forward. Our defence was on top throughout with Darragh Flood Dolan commanding at full back. Aaron Neilan controlled midfield and the link up play from defence to attack was a joy to behold. Aaron Cullen pulled off one magnificent save in the second half and his skill in kick outs were the starting point for our best scores. Cian McKenna who swapped nets for full forward when he came on as a sub bagged three goals in a second half where Aodh Ruadh just had a bit too much for Ardara on the night. Many thanks to the green and white army who travelled in big numbers to support the boys, to the Ardara club for their hospitality and Pat Walsh for refereeing. The under 12s will be entertaining Four Masters this Wednesday in Father Tierney Park. Players to be up at the park by 6.30pm with the game throwing in at 7pm. Training continues as usual every Monday and Friday from 5.15pm to 6.30pm.
The under 10s have their first blitz of the year this Saturday in Mountcharles. The games get under way at 11am with Aodh Ruadh playing teams from Saint Naul’s, Four Masters and Bundoran. All players to be at the venue for 10.30am. We are gathering at the park at 9.15am to arrange lifts for players whose parents / guardians can’t travel. We will be leaving the park at 9.30am sharp.
Huge thanks to Naomh Bríd for hosting our under 8s at their blitz last Saturday, our your footballers loved getting into action for the first time this season. Huge thanks also to Southern Board fixtures secretary Paul Martin who arranged for us to take part in Ballintra at short notice. Despite the cold and the wet the lads and lass all gave great accounts of themselves and played some lovely football. Lining out for Aodh Ruadh on the day were Garreth Brennan, Patrick Clarke, Manus Conlon, Sam Davitt, Joey Daly, Finn Doogan, Callum Dorrian, Antóin Duffy, Eoghan Gallagher, Joseph Gibbions, Tomás Keown, Ethan Kerrigan, Finn Hartin, Sean Maguire, Eoghan McCadden, Oisin McCadden, Shaun McGarrigle, Ethan McGowan, Sean O’Neill, Éabha Rogers, Max Roper, Dáthaí Sheerin, Corey Sheridan and MJ Ward.
Under 10, under 8 and under 6 training continues as usual this Friday from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Páirc Aoidh Ruadh.
Ladies
The Realt Ruadh senior team are away to Glenties this Sunday at 12pm. Best of luck to the girls.
Congratulations to the Donegal ladies, and our representative on the panel, Sarah Patton, on capturing the NFL division two title last Saturday with a 3-17 to 0-13 victory over Westmeath.
Aodh Ruadh under 14 girls put in a fantastic team display last Wednesday evening against a strong Glenties side, to remain unbeaten in the league. Aodh Ruadh were straight out of the blocks and within a few minutes were two points up thanks to Bridín Maguire and Sarah Jane Keon. Glenties began to get their hands on the ball, however they found it very difficult to break down a strong Aodh Ruadh defence who played as a unit and forced the Glenties forwards to shoot from distance. Aodh Ruadh continued to chip away at the score board and led 0-0 to 0-7 at half time. The lead would have been much greater only for a number of fantastic saves from the Glenties keeper. The Ernesiders continued to push ahead and got the first score of the second half before Glenties enjoyed their best period of the game. A high ball into the Aodh Ruadh box somehow ended up in the net for the hosts only score. Aodh Ruadh continued to push forward, adding another five points without response. Áine Hill was again rock solid in goals, the entire defence gave nothing away and Caoimhe Keon and Ella Clancy covered very blade of grass on the pitch. The forward line continually troubled the Glenties defence and took their scores well. Overall a fantastic team performance.
The under 12 girls have their first fixture of the season this week. They play Saint Naul’s this Wednesday at 6.15pm in Mountcharles. We will be meeting at the park at 5pm to arrange lifts for players whose parents / guardians can’t travel and leaving the park at 5.15pm.
Under 8 and under 10 training continues at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh (Munday’s) on Mondays 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.
Hurling
The under 14s made the long trip to Gaoth Dobhair on Thursday night to take on the amalgamated Dungloe / Gaoth Dobhair team. It was a tough battle from start to finish. The effects of the long trip were shown early on as the Gaeltacht lads struck for three early goals. Midway through the half we slowly got into the game and finished the half strongly only finding ourselves three points down at half time. With the aid of a strong breeze we were well on top, but found scores hard to come by. A strong finish saw us come out on top on a 7-9 to 6-6 scoreline. We are away to Four Masters this Thursday.
Our young minor team’s difficult season continued on Thursday with a home game against Burt. It was a tough low scoring game with very little between the teams. Burt’s ability to hit the net was the difference between the teams, and they ran out worthy winners 3-3 to 0-7. This very young team deserve great credit for fielding for all games this season, unfortunately a number of players didn’t make themselves this season resulting in us struggling to field in all games. The lads have shown great commitment this season. We have our final league game this Thursday another difficult trip to Letterkenny to take on Saint Eunan’s.
The first under 8 and under 10 blitz of the season takes place on Sunday week, May 22nd in Convoy. The lads are really looking forward to the blitz. We will have full details at training this Sunday.
Our clothes collection to raise funds for underage hurling comes to an end on Saturday 21st May, thanks to all who have supported this fund-raiser so far. All unwanted clothes – except duvets and pillows – shoes, belts and handbags welcome.
Lá na gClub
Aodh Ruadh marked Lá na gClub on Sunday 8th May at Father Tierney Park. Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band lead a procession to the park where club chairman Gerard Ferguson addressed the assembly before club president Owen Roe O’Neill raised the flag. That was followed by a reading of the 1916 proclamation, stirringly orated by Sylvester Maguire. We have pictures from the ceremony up on aodhruadh.org
Inter-county minor challenge
On Tuesday May 10th there is an inter-county minor challenge in Father Tierney Park between Donegal and Sligo. As both teams are preparing for their respective Championship encounters this should be an entertaining game. Throw-in is at 7pm.
Let’s play darts
On Friday May 27th Seán Óg’s will host a darts exhibition with Jelle Klaasen. The proceeds will go towards extensive surface repair works required at Father Tierney Park. Tickets priced €5 are available via adult team managers and from key club personnel. Contact Tom Daly, David McLoone or Conal Gallagher for information or tickets for this important club fund-raiser.
Maintenance and development works on club premises
Towards the end of this week we expect to commence substantial surface repair works at Father Tierney Park. The park will be unavailable for the duration of the works. Down-time will be kept to a minimum, but weather will be a factor. Keep in contact with with Peter Conlon in relation to the possible impact on coaching, training and games. During May repair and maintenance will also be undertaken on both playing fields at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. No significant impact on activity is anticipated. The first phase of refurbishment works at Aras Aoidh Ruaidh will also commence later this week. Construction work on the new hurling / rebound wall at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh is entering its final phase and this new facility will soon be available for use by individual players and club coaches. It will be a resource for hurling, football and handball skills development.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Congratulations to Packie Boyle on winning the spring snowball prize of €425, checking on just 40 numbers. The €400 jackpot prize was won by Caroline Murphy of Donegal town. Bingo as usual at 9pm this Friday at the Abbey Centre. Books priced at just €10.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €4,400. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 3, 6, 15, 17 and 18. In the lucky dip €20 went to Carmel Gillespie, c/o P O’Neill; PJ Buggy, The Abbey; Noeleen O’Brien; Margaret McCauley, Mulleek; and Packie McGrath, Cashelard. Next draw is on Sunday in The Bridgend Bar with a Jackpot of €4,500 on Sunday at 8.30pm.
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra Saturday is: JUVENILE HURLERS.
Ten years ago…
On Friday, a small piece of history was created when the club fielded an under 10 hurling team for the first time. They played a successful challenge game against Four Masters in Tir Conail Park. The team was Dylan Newell, Rossa McCosker, Thomas Gillespie, Eugene Drummond, Christopher Kilpatrick, Colm Kelly, Brian Ward, Jamie Brennan, Oisin Roper, Patrick Cassidy, Oisin Rooney, Ronan Storey, Ronan McMullin, Brendan Gillespie, Darie Doyle. Subs, Conor Gilmartin and Rory Cullen. Manager was John Rooney and his mentors were Ciaran Kilgannon, Brian Fox and Stewart Doyle.
- 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.
