Football
Aodh Ruadh showed absolutely no mercy as they ripped Cloughaneely asunder in a one-sided clash on Sunday in Father Tierney Park. It was 3-14 to 0-2 in favour of the homesters at the break and James O’Donnell’s men didn’t appreciably take their foot off the gas in the second half. They rattled in 3-10 over the course of the second 30, and while Cloughaneely did register a half dozen points there was never any prospect of them making a game of things. The final score was 6-24 to 0-8 in a facile victory which maintains Aodh Ruadh’s 100 percent start to the season with four wins on the spin. Few Ballyshannon players could say they were seriously challenged in their one on one battles. However David Dolan was in truly imperious form in midfield with Philip Patton also a real contender for the man of the match honours with a tally of 1-8 and a host of assists. Elsewhere, Seamus Kane, Nathan Boyle and Conor Patton also stood out. We have pictures and a full report from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The reserves had a strong squad available for their match at Father Tierney Park on Friday evening. But despite taking a commanding six point lead in at the interval, the second half was to be a nail-bitter to the end as Aodh Ruadh eventually scraped through with a narrow hard fought 1-8 to 2-4 victory over Cloughaneely. The Ernesiders lead by 1-5 to 0-2 at half-time thanks to a goal from Oisin Rooney. However the visitors fought back well and it was all square as game headed into added time. With time running out Aodh Ruadh mounted a brilliant sweeping move which was clinically finished off to seal just the second win from five in this campaign for Ballyshannon. There was great energy from the half back line of Eddie Lynch, Ronan Drummond and Paddy Gillespie, whilst David Finnerty worked tirelessly throughout. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The league programme continues on Sunday with Aodh Ruadh at home once more. This time Killybegs are the guests in Father Tierney Park. The reserves get us going at 1.30pm and they are followed by the seniors at 3pm. It’s great to have the big names back making their way to Ballyshannon, and the results the lads are racking up show they aren’t out of place in this company. Come on up and enjoy some really top quality football.
Aodh Ruadh minors were unlucky not to get the better of table toppers Naomh Conaill in a rollercoaster of a game in Father Tierney Park last Wednesday. Ballyshannon held the edge for much of the second half, but Glenties rallied well to secure a 4-11 to 3-11 which saw them finish the league on five wins from five. Aodh Ruadh could count themselves unlucky to come out on the wrong side of the result with Sean Taylor, playing out the field, making a number of telling interventions. Mark Gallagher was excellent in nets and made a number of quality stops while Adam Clarke was perceptive and tigerish at corner back. Further out the pitch Conal Sweeny worked hard and Shane Dorrian was as dangerous as ever, but Ballyshannon will know they didn’t always make the right decisions when they went on the offensive. Next up for the minors is the championship which will commence after the leaving cert.
The under 16s entertain Naomh Ultan at Father Tierney Park this Wednesday at 7pm. All players are to be at the park for 6pm.
The under 14s played Glenswilly on Monday evening in a challenge match and enjoyed a victory after a good competitive game. The under 14s competitive season gets under way next May Bank Holiday Monday with two sides in action. The division 1 lads face Dungloe in Father Tierney Park, while the division 2 side take on Bundoran in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, times to be confirmed. The second week of the Bakery Cup saw wins for Matt Gillespie’s team record their second win as they got the better of Kyle Murray’s side, who had also been victorious in the opening week. The other game of the day saw Colm McGloin and Corey Ryan’s side defeat Cian Rooney and Shane Duffy’s men to earn their first win of their Bakery Cup campaign. The competition goes into hiatus now for a period with the onus moving to league games. Under 14 training continues on Fridays at 5.45pm.
Aodh Ruadh’s under 12 Division 1 team played an understrength Dungloe team on Friday and won easily enough. Best wishes to Dungloe player Luke who broke his arm in an unfortunate accident. The reserve team included a number of under 10 players who coped well with the step up in grade. The Division 2 team travelled to Bundoran and came out on the losing side of what was a good game of football. Next week sees significant challenges for both teams as the Division 2 team play Naomh Columba and the Division 1 team are away to Naomh Conaill, both of whom are off to a good start in their league campaigns. Fixtures times are still to be confirmed. With no Bakery Cup games this week training will be back to the usual time of 5pm to 6.15pm on Wednesday.
Under 10s are playing Derrygonnelly this Friday in Derrygonnelly. We are meeting at the park and departing at 5.30pm. Parents are asked to assist with transport.
Under 6 and under 8 training continues this Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The under 8 session will run from 6pm to 7pm. The under 6 session is slightly shorter, running from 6pm to 6.45pm. Parents are asked to please collect children promptly at the end of the session.
Ladies
A young Realt Ruadh ladies side travelled to Mountcharles on Sunday. They contested well in the first half going in trailing by 1-2 to 1-6 against a strong home side. Saint Naul’s upped the ante in the second half to run out 3-13 to 1-4 winners. Nevertheless the Red Stars played to the very end with Anna Rafferty and Hannah Doherty really rising to the challenge and Cliodhna Kerr doing well in her role as a repurposed full forward while Natasha Gormley impressed between the sticks. The Realt Ruadh team was Natasha Gormley; Lauren Moore, Sarah Gallagher, Bronagh Kelly; Hannah Doherty, Shelley Loughlin, Orlaith Gallagher; Meagan McGee, Briana Maher; Mary Flora Scott, Roisín McGloin, Anna Rafferty; Sarah Daly, Danika Doherty, Cliodhna Kerr. Subs: Maura Travers, Áine Gillespie, Aimee McCafferty, Cáit Gillespie and Dearbhla O’Moore. Realt Ruadh’s next assignment is a challenge match in Grange this Tuesday, 25th April at 7pm. The girls are then scheduled to face Moville away in the league this Friday.
The under 14s will be taking on Saint Eunan’s in Letterkenny this Saturday, 29th April. Best of luck to the under 14 Coláiste Cholmcille girls in their Ulster quarter-final this Tuesday morning in Irvinestown.
The under 12 training continues on Tuesday and Thursdays from 5pm to 6pm.
Girls under 8 and under 10 training continues in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Mondays from 6.15pm to 7.15pm.
Hurling
The senior hurlers return to Donegal League action this Friday, 28th April when they host MacCumhaill’s in Father Tierney Park at 7pm.
The minors played Buncrana in Father Tierney Park on the same evening, although the lads lost, it was their best performance of the season against a very strong Inishowen outfit. We led at half-time 3-9 to 2-6 but we ran out of steam in the second half against a physically stronger team. The lads never gave up and a great game finished in a victory for the Buncrana men 6-15 to 4-12. We face another tough game this Tuesday away to Dungloe.
On Saturday four of our under 12s had a great day at the Ulster Activity Day in Croke Park. The lads had a great day getting a tour of the stadium and getting to play games on the hallowed turf of Croke Park. The four lads were Cian McKenna, Mickey Doogan, Tommy Winters and Kenzie Lee Ayres. Hopefully this will be the first of many appearances for them in Croke Park.
On Sunday our under 6s, under 8s and under 10s travelled to a blitz in MacCumhaill Park hosted by MacCumhaill’s. The lads did well in all games against MacCumhaill’s and Saint Eunan’s. We created a little bit of history on Sunday by fielding an under 6 hurling team for the first time ever. Many thanks to MacCumhaill’s for the great hospitality after the blitz and thanks to the parents for driving the lads to the blitz and for giving great support to all the teams.
The under 14s made the long trip to Buncrana on Thursday last and suffered their first defeat of the season. The All-County Féile took place in the Centre of Excellence in Convoy on Sunday. Unfortunately the lads never performed on the day and did not qualify for National Féile. The lads still have league and championship to play for and they now see they need to up their work rate if they are to be successful in these competitions. Thanks to the parents who drove the squad to Convoy.
This weekend sees a lot of inter-county action for Donegal underage squads. First up on Friday evening the minors are up against Monaghan in the Ulster Shield semi-final. Stephen Anderson, Conal Sweeny and Brian McHenry are all part of this squad. On Saturday there are Ulster blitzes taking place in Owenbeg and Garvaghey. The under 14s are playing in Owenbeg and Shane Duffy is part of this squad. The under 15s and under 16s are in action in Garvaghey. Senan Rooney is on the under 15 squad, while Adam Rami is on the under 16 panel. We wish all the lads well and congratulate them all on making these squads.
Training as normal on Sunday.
Cash for Clothes
Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee are running their annual cash for clothes recycling campaign for the month of April. This is a great chance to get rid of any unwanted clothes, shoes, belts, bed linen, towels and help us raise some much needed funds for promotion and development of underage hurling in the club. For any information regarding this campaign or to arrange collection of clothes contact any of the following Lorraine Duffy 087-6874393, Denis Daly 086-3269550, Sabrina Brosnan 087-9287965 or John Rooney 086-2587793.
Rory’s Stories
Congratulations to Packie McGrath and everyone who helped stage a brilliant night of comedy at the Bridgend last Saturday. We had Rory’s Stories topping the bill and he had them rolling in the aisles. All apart from Paul Kane who declined the opportunity to spar with Rory, leaving Cookie O’Halloran to step into the breach, which he did to his customary devastating effect. Rory was great value, but all the acts left the guests gasping for breath on a great evening of craic and entertainment.
Pitch Bookings
As we are in the high season for usage timely booking with Peter Conlon is essential. Where games are cancelled they must also be notified so that another club team can be facilitated. We have added pressure as we are taking Naomh Bríd home games for now in the adult grades due to their re-building of their own pitch. We are also taking Erne Gaels this Sunday 30th April at 1pm against Ederney.
Bingo
Last week’s €400 bingo jackpot was won by Ann Gallagher of Erne Street, Ballyshannon. The last person standing on their feet for the stand-up game was Bernie O’Shea of Belleek, scooping the €135 pot. There was no winner of the spring snowball, so it climbs to €825 on 50 numbers or less. It’s big bingo time again, with the April Big Bingo taking place this Friday 28th at 9pm at the Abbey Centre. There’ll be a massive prize fund of €3,500, including the €1,000 jackpot game, so come along to have your chance to win. Books priced at €15 for full book, €8 for half book, or get the book and a half special deal for €20 – see you there.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €2,500. The winning numbers drawn were 4, 6, 7, 11, 14 and 16. In the lucky dip €20 went to Pat Gruddy, c/o Pat’s Bar; Breege Loughlin, Moy Road; John Faherty, Portnason; Paul Gillespie, Kildoney; and Mattie Maguire, Ballyshannon Garda Station. Next draw is in the Bridgend Bar with a jackpot of €2,600 on Sunday at 8.30pm. Tickets are now available in the following outlets: Seán Óg’s, The Market House, Dicey Reilly’s, The Limit, Pat’s Bar, The Bridgend, Owen Roe’s, Fin McCool’s, The Lantern, McGinley’s, Pearse O’Neill’s, McCosker’s Centra and Kernan’s Spar and at the weekly and weekly bingo in the Abbey Centre. If not in, you can’t win!
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra on Saturday is: SENIOR HURLERS.
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