Football
Aodh Ruadh travelled to Glencolumcille on Sunday for what was marked down as their biggest game of the season to date. Naomh Columba and Aodh Ruadh have been setting the early pace in division two and an away win for Aodh Ruadh would be a priceless early season fillip towards the end of the first round of league games. The game started with a bit of probing from both sides. Colm Kelly, Jason Granaghan, Damian Cleary and Philip Patton all found the range with early points, before Aodh Ruadh mounted a determined charge for the front. That got under way when Philip Patton laced in a great ball to Shane McGrath who fed across the face of goal for Darren Drummond to palm home. Naomh Columba struck back with a point, to make it 0-3 to 1-4, but James O’Donnell’s men were beginning to ease away. Philip Patton raided for another point before a fisted score from Conor Patton. Then with another flowing, raking move, Aodh Ruadh cut through the Glencolumcille cover and hit the net with another palmed goal, this time it was Philip Patton applying the finish. Another point from the Dunmuckrim ace and one from Colm Kelly left the visitors well in command at the break, 2-8 to 0-4. The Ernesiders picked up where the left off in the first half, with points from Shane McGrath, Jason Granaghan and Philip Patton (2) moving them out of reach at 2-12 to 0-5. The sides swapped scores, with Johnny Gallagher splitting the posts for Ballyshannon, before Karl O’Brien was called upon to produce an outstanding stop down low to his right 11 minutes from time to put the tin hat on a day to forget for Naomh Columba. Eamonn McGrath got through on goal late on, but his shot went over the bar and when Colm Kelly fisted over it was to seal an impressive 2-15 to 0-9 win as Aodh Ruadh’s flawless start to the season continues. Just one point of the Ernesiders haul came from placed ball. Colm Kelly with his three points and Philip Patton with 1-6 lead the way both on the score board an in the manner of their play, while Jason Granaghan, Conor Patton and Karl O’Brien all played big roles in the win.
The reserves took a small squad to the Glen but made full use of a combination of youth and experience to win out 2-13 to 0-17 in a tight encounter on a breezy afternoon. Playing with the wind in the first half, the Erne men went in at the break 0-10 to 0-7 to leave it difficult to make a second half comeback. A massive 50 metre free from Diarmaid McInerney, a fine 45 from ‘keeper Karl O’Brien and long direct solo run from player manager Anthony Coughlin were the highlight scores of the half. Other first half points came from McInerney, Shane Dorrian and Dermot Slevin. An exchange of points opened the second half, before a delightful chipped effort from McInerney raised the green flag that Aodh Ruadh were always going to need to win this match. Further points from Gary Carty, McInerney, Dorrian and Martin Larkin kept the game on a knife edge as the visitors held a one point lead with 10 minutes to play. However, a late flurry from Naomh Columba saw that lead switch to the home side as the game entered the closing minutes. As the rain started falling, Marty Larkin’s point cum goal effort somehow crept past the unfortunate goalie who will be haunted by this game for some time to put Aodh Ruadh back in front and secure the two points. Some stellar performances throughout the team. Shane Dorrian spear-headed the attack, yet again Gary Carty had an immense game in the middle, whilst Cian McGloin, Eddie Lynch and Mickey McNeely worked tirelessly from half back all game. McInerney’s experience settled play when needed and got some crucial scores at critical times.
Our adult footballers take a well deserved break this weekend, with Ulster Championship taking precedence. We wish the senior and minor squads the very best in the provincial quarter-finals against Antrim, especially the Aodh Ruadh club men involved. The next round of club fixtures should be on Friday, 26th May, with Aodh Ruadh to travel to Termon.
Congratulations to the inimitable Val Murray who been appointed manager of the Donegal Masters team.
Last Friday saw the under 14s earn a good 3-6 to 4-10 away win against Saint Naul’s in division one. Meanwhile the division two fought hard against a physically stronger Naomh Columba side, but lost out by 1-6 to 3-15 in Father Tierney Park. Under 14 training continues this Friday at 5.45pm.
The division one side are back in action this Wednesday, 17th May when they take on Dungloe in Father Tierney Park. All players to be at the park for 6.45pm.
The under 12 Division 2 team lost on Monday evening to Kilcar. There was some good work, especially from Shane McGloin, Morgan McNamee and Tommy Clyne, but we will need to see improvement in taking our scoring chances for the next three games. Training continues on Friday from 5.45pm to 6.15pm with games on Friday 19th. The Division 1 side are at home against Saint Naul’s and the Division 2 side are away to Naomh Ultan in Dunkineely.
Last Tuesday saw the under 10s taking on Four Masters, with 31 players pulling on the Aodh Ruadh jersey. There were three games going with two games of 10-a-side and one of 11-a-side and all players playing the whole time. All the games were very competitive with only a few point separating the sides in each game. Next up for the under 10s is a game this Friday evening against Derrygonnelly. Players are to be on the pitch for 6.15pm with games getting underway at 6.30pm. Parents / guardian should note there is a blitz coming up on Saturday 27th May when we will be entertaining Bundoran, Saint Naul’s and Four Masters. Training continues on Friday and Monday from 6.15pm to 7.15pm
The under 8s took part in a blitz in Donegal Town on Saturday. Many thanks to Four Masters who organised this blitz very well. Under 6 and under 8 training continues this Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The under 8 session will run from 6.15pm to 7.15pm. The under 6 session is slightly shorter, running from 6.15pm to 7pm. Parents are asked to please collect children promptly at the end of the session.
Ladies
The Donegal under 16s ladies had a great win in the Ulster Final last weekend and Aodh Ruadh were delighted to have three players on the squad; Cáit Gillespie, Anna Keon and Caoimhe Keon. Well done to all concerned.
The county action doesn’t stop there. The under 14s play Armagh in the Ulster B final at 3pm this Saturday at Watty Graham’s Glen Maghera in Derry. Once again Aodh Ruadh are proud to be represented by Sarah Jane Keon and Caoimhe Keon on the panel.
Also in action at Maghera this Saturday are the county under 13s. They will play Antrim in the Ulster Development League Final at 1pm. This is the youngest Donegal team to reach a provincial final and we are thrilled to have five representatives on the panel, Aoibheann McGarrigle, Emer O’Brien, Katie O’Brien, Lucy McGlynn and Aine Hill.
We wish both teams the best of luck this Saturday as they bid to bring provincial honours back to the county.
The under 14s will be in league action this Sunday when they will take on Saint Naul’s in Father Tierney Park at 7pm. Training continues on Thursday at 5.45pm.
Girls under 8 and under 10 training continues in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Mondays from 6.15pm to 7.15pm.
We were saddened to learn the news of the passing of Fionnuala Gill’s father recently. His funeral will took place today, Tuesday. There is a book of condolences on RIP.ie at https://rip.ie/cb.php?dn=321099.
Hurling
This Friday Aodh Ruadh are set to host Saint Eunan’s for their next fixture in the league. Throw in is 7.30pm in Father Tierney Park.
Well done to Coláiste Cholmcille first and second year hurling team who took part in the Donegal Secondary Schools Tournament in the Centre of Excellence in Convoy on Tuesday last. The lads did well and were unlucky to lose their first game against Crana College, Buncrana. They followed that up with victories over Saint Eunan’s College and Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana. They met Saint Eunan’s College again in the B Final. Tiredness had set in at this stage, but the lads won a close fought battle by a point. All the squad bar were one were Aodh Ruadh club men and hopefully some of them will return to hurling for the club for the under 16 league campaign which begins at the end of June.
Possibly one of the most entertaining hurling matches take place in years took place in Father Tierney Park last Thursday. Aodh Ruadh were up against Saint Eunan’s in the minor league. Aodh Ruadh had to win this game to give themselves any chance of making the A League Final. They were up against a well drilled Saint Eunan’s team which contained a number of county minors. On a beautiful evening for hurling both teams served up a thriller. It was nip and tuck in the first half and both sides went in level Aodh Ruadh 1-8 St Eunan’s 2-5. A point would have guaranteed the Letterkenny men their place in the final, but our young minor team were not going to be denied the victory. Aodh Ruadh hurled out of their skins in the second half and contested every ball as if their lives depended on it. The large and vocal crowd made their presence felt as the game entered the closing stages, Aodh Ruadh’s intelligent use of the ball and ability to score from long range proved the difference as the home team recorded a famous victory Aodh Ruadh 2-19 St Eunan’s 3-11. We have to make the long trip to Carndonagh this Thursday evening to play the home team and a draw or win will see us qualify to play the highly rated Buncrana team in the Minor A Final on Sunday.
The under 14s had no game last week. They travel to Letterkenny on Thursday to play Letterkenny Gaels in an important final league game which if they win will see them qualify for the B League Final.
On Sunday morning we hosted an enjoyable blitz for under 6s, under 8s and under 10s, Four Masters and MacCumhaill’s travelled to Father Tierney Park and there was a great mornings hurling where all the boys and girls put in a great effort. Well done to our young hurlers and Ryan McDonald and Aaron Duffy who did a great job as referees. Thanks to all the parents who provided a huge amount of goodies for all the hungry young hurlers and their parents afterwards in Aras Aodh Ruaidh.
On Sunday afternoon the under 14 Féile na nGael Skills competition took place in the Centre of Excellence in Convoy. JJ Doran, Mickey Doogan and Senan McCauley represented Aodh Ruadh. Congratulations to Senan who came third out of a field of 20 competitors.
Inter-county hurling returns to Father Tierney Park this Wednesday in the form of the Celtic Challenge Cup, an under 17 competition, where Donegal are up against Sligo.
Training continues as normal on Sunday.
Oifigeach na Gaeilge
Aodh Ruadh are appointing Oifigeach na Gaeilge Youth Officers to help with a few initiatives to promote the use of Irish in the club. This could be individuals or a group of two or three people aged 18 or younger. They need to have an interest in Irish and are prepared to play a support role in two or three projects. This is a nice opportunity for anyone interested in building their CV, using social media, gaining project management experience or further study of Irish. For more information contact Alan Sweeny on 086-8052816.
Eoghan loses his head, for a good cause
This Sunday, 21st May, in Whoriskey’s Traveller’s Rest, Cashelard, one of the club’s brightest, and most recognisable, young stars, Eoghan Kelly, will be getting his hair cut and donating it to Rapunzel Foundation. This will contribute towards making a wig for someone fighting against cancer. He is also hoping to raise money which will go to the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice for terminally ill children. There will be live music in Whoriskey’s from 5pm and a bouncy castle for all. Eoghan will be getting his hair cut around 6.30pm.
Keeping the peace
Best Wishes to Niall Murray and Cian Dolan as they go overseas on peacekeeping duties this week. The club also welcome back Kerry Ryan, Johnny Gethins and Ronan Matthews from their recent tour of duty.
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.
Summer Camp
A date for those plotting out their summer diaries. The annual Aodh Ruadh Summer Camp returns on Monday, 3rd July and runs to Friday, 14th July.
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.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week’s €400 bingo jackpot was shared by three players. The last person on their feet for the stand-up game was Patsy McShea of Ballintra, scooping a €160 pot. There was no winner of the snowball, so it climbs to a record €900 on 51 numbers or less, it’s sure to go soon! Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre where the prize fund will be a massive €2,600. Books priced at just €10.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €2,800. The winning numbers drawn were 2, 3, 10, 15, 16 and 17. In the lucky dip €20 went to Margaret McCauley, Mulleek; Isabella O’Reilly, c/o Dicey’s; Siobhan McBrearty, Killybegs; Darren O’Mahoney c/o Pat’s Bar; and Ron Sennett, c/o Pat’s Bar. Next draw is in the Lantern Bar with a jackpot of €2,900 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 FOOTBALLERS.
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.
