Football
Aodh Ruadh delivered another stellar performance in Father Tierney Park as they saw off the challenge of Killybegs to make it five wins in five outings. The opening stages were even enough, but Ballyshannon assumed the ascendancy midway through the half and a 1-4 strike moving into the second quarter gave them a cushion they never looked like relinquishing. An exceptional team performance from the hosts, with Peter Boyle pulling off two exquisite fingertip saves to ensure the clean sheet as it finished 4-14 to 0-13. This win, combined with Naomh Columba’s draw against MacCumhaill’s, sent Aodh Ruadh clear at the top of the division two table. Jason Granaghan and Eamonn McGrath were excellent at half back while David Dolan was once again unmarkable in the middle of the pitch. Philip Patton pulled the strings with consummate acumen while Nathan Boyle and Seamus Kane were real fonts of creativity in the attack. Man of the match goes to Shane McGrath whose 3-3 haul was a testament to some nerveless finishing. We have pictures and a full report from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The reserves made light works of Killybegs in a one sided affair at Father Tierney Park on Sunday. A brace from Mickey McNeely and scores from Eddie Lynch, Dermot Slevin and Gary Carty saw the home team race into an early lead. An exchange of points followed as further scores from Lynch and McNeely along with Cáelán Drummonds and Rory Cullen’s first of the game made it 0-9 to 0-3 as the game passed the midpoint of the half. Carty, Lynch and Cullen all pointed again to leave Aodh Ruadh in a strong position of 0-12 to 0-4 at the interval. The Erne men completely dominated the second half as the small travelling squad tired, and incredibly Killybegs didn’t muster a single score in the entire second half. McNeely and Slevin added to their tally before Emmet Cheshire got his fist score. Aodh Ruadh welcomed Michael Lawless back to the fold after a spell away and he duly added a neat point to make to 0-16 to 0-4. A hat-trick of McNeely points followed, along with a Slevin brace and another from Cáelán Drummond. The icing on the cake came when Emmet Cheshire slotted past the hapless Killybegs keeper late on, before Eddie Lynch completed the scoring in added time, leaving it 1-23 to 0-4 at the long whistle. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
This Saturday championship takes centre stage as Aodh Ruadh begin their quest for that elusive first ever intermediate football title. It’s a trip to Moyle Park as we take on a Milford side plying their trade in division one. The reserves are first up at 5.30pm and they are followed by the seniors at 7pm. It promises to be an almighty battle, but it would be a brave man betting against the Ernesiders in their current free-scoring form.
The under 16s got their first win of the league campaign with a hard earned one point victory over Naomh Ultan at Father Tierney Park last Wednesday. Despite being comfortably ahead at the break, they were pushed all the way in the second half by a resilient Dunkineely outfit. However, Aodh Ruadh had just about enough damage done on the score board to weather a late rally by the visitors. Man of the match was Tiernan Flood-Dolan who did a marvellous job of stitching play together and turning over ball. Not far behind was Eugene Doherty who really rose to the challenge when moved to midfield. His partner there, Eoin Doherty was excellent also in a demanding roving role which saw him amass a tally of 1-6 as well as covering the pitch. Adam Clarke raided up for a collector’s item of a point to crown another good outing and his first as the team captain. Up front Shane Brady was superb for the Ernesiders, providing an excellent outlet and punishing every defensive slip by the visitors. Nathan Owens-Kelly also did well on his kick outs and is maturing between the sticks. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org now.
The division 2 under 14 team played Bundoran on Monday evening and recorded a 10-10 to 2-3 victory with quite a number of under 12s also seeing game time. Well done Gavin Timoney who accounted for five of the ten goals. Others to catch the eye included Conall Bradshaw, Daniel Breen Brosnan and Padraig Daly. The division 1 lads face Naomh Conaill in Glenties in their first outing this season on Friday, time to be confirmed. Under 14 training continues this Wednesday at 6.15pm.
The under 12 Division 1 team are away on Wednesday 3rd May to Glenties. Players going straight down should meet in Glenties at 6pm. If anyone needs help organising a lift down please let the management know. The Division 2 team have no game on Wednesday so it is training as normal from 5pm to 6.15pm. The next under 12 games will be on Monday 8th May. Both Division 1 and Division 2 teams will be playing against Four Masters. The Division 1 team will be at home while the Division 2 team will be heading for Donegal Town.
The under 10s had a busy weekend starting off in Derrygonnelly on Friday evening. They played two very competitive games, winning both. It was a shorter trip on Saturday morning, this time to our neighbours in Bundoran who were hosting a blitz with Killybegs also in attendance. The under 10s played four matches, winning all four. Despite communion commitments there was a great turn out players on both occasions with every player getting game time. Many thanks to the parents for all their help with transport. Training continues on Friday and Monday from 6.15pm to 7.15pm.
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
Realt Ruadh training continues this Wednesday and Friday at 7pm.
Donegal minors, having narrowly lost their previous two games against Monaghan and Armagh, finished on a high with a 1-12 to 0-7 win over Fermanagh. Well done to Aodh Ruadh’s representatives on the team Briana Maher, Shelley Laughlin, and Mary Flora Scott.
The Aodh Ruadh under 14s lost out to Saint Eunan’s last Saturday. It was tough outing for the Ernesiders with the tackling of the hosts preventing them from putting much together in the way of sustained possession. With the benefit of a stiff breeze Aodh Ruadh led by 2-3 to 2-0 at the break. Despite a magnificent defensive display in the second half Saint Eunan’s finally managed to edge in front an emerged 3-5 to 2-5 winners after a tough battle. Best for Aodh Ruadh was Grainne Maguire with good help from Ciara Caldwell in a hard-working defence. Around the centre Ella Clancy gave as good as she got in a very physical battle. Up front Sarah Jane Keon was immense, getting a well deserved goal, while Aoibheann McGarrigle also worked hard and grabbed a excellent goal. Under 14 training continues Tuesday at 5.45pm.
The under 12s play Killybegs on Tuesday 2nd May, all players are to be at the pitch in Fintra for 6pm.
Girls under 8 and under 10 training continues in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Mondays from 6.15pm to 7.15pm.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh enjoyed a 4-14 to 0-10 victory over MacCumhaill’s in an ill-tempered meeting at Father Tierney Park on Friday evening. This Friday Setanta are the guests in Father Tierney Park at 7pm in round five of the league.
Our minors made the long trip to Dungloe on Tuesday last and after a great battle with the home team came home with the two points. The strong wind made it a game of two halves, we had the advantage of the wind and built up a great lead going in at half time leading 1-11 to 0-3. The much bigger Dungloe team threw everything at us in the second half, but great credit to the 14 lads that made the trip, they fought for every ball and at the full time whistle we led 3-12 to 2-9. This was a great performance by this hard working team who had to make this long and difficult trip straight after school. Their commitment to the cause is much appreciated.
On Thursday our under 14s played Saint Eunan’s in Father Tierney Park. There was nothing between the teams throughout the game, and with both defences on top scores were at a premium. Two evenly matched teams couldn’t be separated over the hour leaving the full time result Aodh Ruadh 1-2 Saint Eunan’s 0-5. The under 14s are at home again this week to Burt on Thursday evening in Father Tierney Park.
Donegal minor hurlers had a huge victory over Monaghan in the Ulster Shield semi-final in Ballybofey on Friday night, 6-25 to 1-3. Stephen Anderson captained the team from the half forward line and helped himself to 0-8 over the hour from play and frees. Conal Sweeny also performed very well throughout the game. Unfortunately Brian McHenry missed out due to injury. They play Tyrone in the final this Friday.
Saturday saw a number of inter county blitzes taking place in Ulster. The under 14 development squad were in action in Owenbeg where they won their three games against Derry, Tyrone and Armagh. Our own Shane Duffy did very well in all the games. The Donegal under 16s were in action in Garvaghey and despite losing all their games to Derry, Armagh and Tyrone our representatives on the squad Adam Rami and Adam Clarke performed well in all the games.
Training as normal on Sunday.
Cash for Clothes
We’ve had a great response to our clothes collection and as a result we’re keeping it going for the month of May. Thanks to all who have donated clothes so far. 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.
Question time
Thanks to all who supported the recent Quiz Night organised by our Park development committee in Owen Roes which was very successful. The support of those who donated raffle prizes, entered teams and helped on the night is much appreciated. Special thanks to Sylvester Maguire who set the questions and was quiz master, some of our neighbouring GAA clubs who supported the night and the O’Neill family.
Good luck to Sylvester Maguire, Paddy Kelly and Eamon Martin Maguire and John Hughes who will represent the Donegal at the All-Ireland Scór Tráth na gCeist final in the Waterfront Hall, Belfast this Saturday.
A Funny Kind Of Day
Ballyshannon Drama Society presents John McIntyre’s hilarious comedy A Funny Kind Of Day at the Abbey Arts Centre. There will be showings at 8.30pm nightly on 23rd, 24th, 25th and 27th May. All tickets are €10 on opening night. For the remainder of the run tickets are priced €12 or €10 on concession. Group rates are available and tickets can be booked by calling 071-9851375.
Bingo
The April big bingo jackpot of €800 was won by Sarah Keaney. The stand-up prize of €180 was won by Gareth Brennan of Ballyshannon. There was no winner again of the snowball, so it rolls up to €850 on 51 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm, books priced just €10.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €2,600. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 2, 5, 7, 11 and 16. In the lucky dip €20 went to Kevin Burns, Garrison; James Waters, Grange; Ben and Mary Dorrian, College Street; Margaret Meehan, Belleek; and John Flaherty, Portnason. Next draw is in McGinley’s with a jackpot of €2,700 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: RESERVE FOOTBALLERS.
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