Football
Aodh Ruadh were richly merited 3-14 to 3-8 victors against fellow division 3 graduates Buncrana in Father Tierney Park on Sunday. The Scarvey men gave the hosts a right game of it in the first half, however James O’Donnell’s men landed 2-7 in the second half and restricted Buncrana to four points and penalty with the last kick of the game as they powered to two more league points. Aodh Ruadh had nine scorers across the course of the game as they once again played some scintillating football. As has often been the case this season, this was a game where many shone for the victors. Shane McGrath was in simply sensational form with Darren Drummond also full of running up front. Out the pitch David Dolan had to be on top of his game when the impressive Caolan McGonigle was brought out to try and give Buncrana some sort of platform there. Meanwhile senior debutant Sean Taylor was the best performer from kick outs, gathering five in total, including two steals of Buncrana restarts. Defensively Aodh Ruadh were in super form with Cookie O’Halloran, Colm Kelly, Eamonn McGrath and Johnny Gallagher on top pretty much throughout. We have a match report and pictures up on aodhruadh.org.
The reserves have put their poor start to the season behind them as their comfortable 3-14 to 0-14 victory against Buncrana marked their fourth straight win and put them into the top half of the table. A blistering start simply blew the visitors away. Shane Dorrian’s free kick opened the scoring. Shortly after a shot by Dorrian was blocked down only to be collected by Mickey McNeely who powered home a goal after just five minutes. Diarmaid McInerney and Dermot Slevin added points to extend Aodh Ruadh’s lead. Full back Thomas Anderson did great work to get forward and find himself in front of goal, but he was denied by the visiting goalkeeper. When Shane Dorrian found himself in a similar position two minutes later he made no mistake firing a beauty into the top corner to make it 2-3 to no score after ten minutes. Buncrana’s Shane Meehan eventually got them off the mark, but Aodh Ruadh laid on the punishment with points from Slevin, McInerney and Gary Carty either side of a pair from Dorrian. Buncrana managed two scores as the kettle was boiling for the break from Meehan and Sean Doherty, but McInerney bagged the last point of the half to leave the hosts with a commanding lead of 2-9 to 0-3 at half time. Buncrana started the second half reinvigorated, scoring three without reply, but Oisin Roper put an end to any chance of a revival when he blasted to the net after a sweeping move. David Finnerty then pointed before Buncrana responded with two scores. Another brace from Buncrana were cancelled out by Anthony Coughlin and Dorrian, leaving it 3-12 to 0-9 with 10 minutes to play. Eddie Lynch and Dorrian completed the scoring for Aodh Ruadh as the Scarvey men finished solidly. A very good performance all around the field and the big squad on the day was put to good use by Aodh Ruadh whenever the visitors did ask questions. We have a team sheet and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
Aodh Ruadh seniors look to maintain their pristine league record this Friday when Ardara are the guests in Father Tierney Park, throw in at 7.30pm. The reserves will take on Ardara on Saturday in the Park, their game throwing in at 6pm.
With the division one side’s clash with Four Masters postponed last Friday, the spotlight fell on our under 14 division two stars and they obliged with a comprehensive 4-9 to 2-6 victory over Naomh Bríd / Pettigo. The midfield pairing of Jamie Gilmore and Gavin Timoney gave Aodh Ruadh a dominant platform in the centre of the park. This allowed Conall Bradshaw and David Roper to do some serious damage up front, with Oisin Daly also on song, hitting 2-1. It was a quiet day for the defence, but Troy Killalea dealt very capably with anything that came his way. The division one side are back in action this Friday, 2nd June when they travel to take on Dungloe at 7.30pm. We are meeting at the park for 5.15pm and leaving at 5.30pm. Meanwhile the division two side are also on their travels, this time to Towney to tackle Kilcar on Saturday, 3rd June at 11am. We are meeting at the park for 9am and leaving at 9.15pm. The division one side will also be in league action next Monday when they host Ardara at the Park at 6pm. Under 14 training continues Mondays and Wednesday at 5.45pm.
All Aodh Ruadh’s under 12 teams recorded good victories on Monday evening. The division one teams travelled to Killybegs to take on Fishermen and the famous Fintra midges. The reserves got the ball rolling in ideal fashion with a win and that was followed by a 7-9 to 2-5 victory for the seniors. The division 2 team meanwhile were in Pettigo and earned a good win. They had the damage done in the first half, but the defence had to stand strong to fend off a determined second half push by the hosts and seal the points. Training continues on Wednesday from 5pm to 6.15pm. No training this Friday.
The under 10s have just had a busy week. They played Grange last Wednesday evening with 32 players travelling and taking part in two very competitive matches. The Ernesiders played some exciting football against quality opponents as they won both games. They then had a home blitz on Saturday with Bundoran, Four Masters and Saint Naul’s attending. Ballyshannon fielded 30 players and played nine good games despite the horrible weather conditions. A big thanks to parents for doing teas, coffee food and laying on a great spread. Training continues on Friday from 6.15pm to 7.15pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The next competitive outing for the lads is on Monday 5th June in Ardara.
Our under 8s travelled to Grange last Wednesday May 24th along with our under 10s. We played one under 7 and two under 8 games. All three games were very close and competitive. Thank you to all at Naomh Molaise Gaels for their well organised games and great hospitality after. We will reverse the fixture on Wednesday 14th June. Our second blitz of the year is at home this Saturday June 3rd. We are hosting Four Masters, Killybegs and Bundoran, and games will start at 11am. We will not have training on Friday evening 2nd June because of this blitz.
Under 6 training continues this Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh from 6.15pm to 7pm.
Ladies
The under 16 girls are up and running for the season. Training times for the squad are Sundays at 7.30pm and Thursdays at 7.45pm. New faces are welcome.
The under 14 girls are playing Naomh Conaill in the league on Wednesday in Father Tierney Park at 7pm. Players are to be at dressing rooms for 6pm. There is training on Thursday at 5.45pm. The team will also be playing Killybegs away in their final league game on Saturday 3rd June at 11.30pm. We will be leaving the park at 9.40pm. We will be stopping at the Opel garage in Donegal Town on the way home for a photo as they sponsored zip tops.
The under 12 girls travelled to Killygordon on a wet and drab Saturday morning, with Red Hugh’s hosting an end of season blitz. Four teams took part, but it was the Ballyshannon girls who shone through the clouds. 16 girls travelled to the Cross with two injured and from the throw in they really played as a team. The girls played in different positions on the field including between the sticks and gave 100 percent effort in each and every game. Annie, Cameron, Catherine and Ellie all had outstanding performances. Coaches Karol and Neil were so proud to see them all blossom. The Aodh Ruadh team on the day was Annie Keon, Aoibhe Flanagan, Cameron Gallagher, Cara Davitt, Catherine Browne, Ellie Danagher, Fódhla Sheerin, Jodie Meade, Leah Caldwell, Michaela McCaffrey, Niamh Gallagher, Niamh Irwin, Rachel Patton and Saoirse Daly. Also part of the panel are Christina McCaffrey and Kelly Irwin, get better quickly girls. Team management would like to thank Christina and Kelly for making life easy for Karol and Neil on Saturday as we only had to remember the name of the twin playing. There is no under 12 training this week. We are back in action on the 6th June.
Well done to the girls of Holy Family National School who made it through to the Cumann na mBunscol county final with a fantastic victory on Monday over Glengad National School.
Girls under 8 and under 10 training continues in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Mondays from 6.15pm to 7.15pm.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh got their Ulster Táin League campaign off to the perfect start with a 3-15 to 2-13 win over Saint Fechin’s in Garvaghey last Saturday. The Ernesiders dominated from the off with Eddie Lynch and Jack Matthews in exceptional form in midfield. Their assured hurling and crisp first touch saw Ballyshannon creating a plethora of chances which the attack made full use of to take Aodh Ruadh into an 11 point half-time lead. The Louth men had the breeze in the second half, but their attacks foundered on the rocks of Rory Cullen, who had a stormer at corner back, and full back Ciaran Rami, who made a number of goal line clearances. Two late goals in the dying moments put a gloss on the game for Saint Fechin’s, but Aodh Ruadh were well worth their win. Up front Gary Loughlin and Ciaran Kilgannon were in fluent scoring form, each scoring a goal, with Stephen Connolly also hitting the net. Next up for the seniors is a clash with Sean Treacy’s of Lurgan this weekend, details to be confirmed.
Well done to the under 14s who had a great win over Saint Eunan’s in the U14 B League Final on Thursday last. The lads were trailing by nine points at half-time, but they were a different team in the second half and hurled out of their skins running out convincing winners, 5-6 to 2-9.
Our under 8s did very well at the all-county blitz on Sunday. They played five games winning three and losing two.
Training continues as normal on Sunday.
Cash for Clothes
Please note that the clothes collection campaign ends on Friday, 9th June. 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.
Abbey Centre Bingo
The May big bingo jackpot of €800 was won by Evelyn Sheerin of Mountcharles. After a stewards enquiry, Marion Matthews was confirmed to be the last one standing for the stand up game, scooping the €190 pot. Yet again there was no claim on the snowball so it climbs to €950 on 52 numbers or less so it’s bound to be won soon! Bingo takes place as usual this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre, books priced just €10 for your chance of a share in the €2,600 prize fund.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €3,100. The winning numbers drawn were 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 and 13. In the lucky dip €20 went to Margaret McCauley, Mulleek; Ciara Boyle and Anthony Gallagher, c/o Pearse’s; Patsy Quinn, The Knather; Sophia Lyons and Adam Lyons, Belleek; and Paul Dolan, Saimer Drive. Next draw is in Dicey Reilly’s with a jackpot of €3,100 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: JUVENILE HURLERS.
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.
