Football
Aodh Ruadh return to league action this Sunday with a top of the table clash against Naomh Columba in Father Tierney Park. The reserves throw in at 1.30pm followed by the senior at 3pm. Come along for what is sure to be a entertaining and high quality encounter.
Congratulations to Peter Boyle, Eamonn McGrath and the Donegal seniors on their All-Ireland qualifier win against Meath last Saturday and best of luck against Galway the next day out, Saturday 22nd July in Sligo’s Markievicz Park at 7pm. Best of luck also to Donegal Masters manager Val Murray as well as his Aodh Ruadh playing recruits Michael ‘Sticky’ Ward, Packie McGrath and Kerry Ryan when they take on the combined forces of Longford and Leitrim in the All-Ireland Masters Championship at 8pmon Wednesday in Ballinamore.
The under 16 squad will have a fitness test in Páirc Aodh Ruadh followed by a meeting in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh this Wednesday. All players to be on the pitch for the fitness test at 7pm.
It was a week to remember for the Aodh Ruadh under 14s. Last Wednesday saw them making the long trip to Dungloe where they came out on top after a frenetic shoot-out 5-14 to 6-14 in the Southern Division 1 semi-final. That set up a final clash in Ardara with their regular sparring partners, Four Masters, on Friday evening. The Donegal Town men had got the better of the Ernesiders twice already this season. However there was no dispute about the worthy winner on the night with Aodh Ruadh quickly assuming a grip which they maintained throughout most of the game. Defending from both sides was magnificent in a low-scoring first half, with the sides going in at Aodh Ruadh 0-6 Four Masters 0-2. It was only when Aodh Ruadh’s attacking division turned up the heat in the second half that Ballyshannon could feel in any way comfortable against this dangerous Donegal side. It was a real team performance from Gerald McGloin’s men to take the silverware on the night. Despite not scoring, Jake Foley was one of the most instrumental Aodh Ruadh attackers, while Cian Rooney played a captain’s role for the Ernesiders. Aaron Neilan performed with the control and composure of a player beyond his years, while the half back line of Ryan Keenaghan, Kyle Murray and Calum Doherty Craig were also outstanding. There is an extended match report up on aodhruadh.org. The under 14s now have a county quarter-final against Saint Eunan’s this Friday in Father Tierney Park at 7pm. All support once again very welcome for this important game.
The under 12s will be taking part in a County Finals Day extravaganza this Saturday 15th July in MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey. This year sees a new format for County Finals Day with the eight top teams in the county coming together for a monster blitz. There are two sections with section A featuring Glenswilly, Malin, Four Master and MacCumhaill’s. Aodh Ruadh are in section B with Saint Eunan’s, Muff and Naomh Conaill. Games are 10 minutes a half and the Ballyshannon lads first game throws-in at 11am against Saint Eunan’s. All players are to be down in MacCumhaill Park for 10.15am, Under 12 training as usual on Wednesday from 5pm to 6.15pm, with no Friday session this week.
The under 10s are travelling to take on Saint John’s of Sligo this Wednesday evening. The squad meeting at Father Tierney Park at 5.30pm. There will be no u10 training Friday evening. This Saturday 15th July will see the annual Mick Shannon tournament taking centre stage. All players are to be in dressing room at 10am sharp. Parents / guardians are asked to please bring loaf of sandwiches, buns, biscuits, or similar to help with refreshments on the day. It would be great if some parents could help out behind the hatch upstairs in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on the day too.
Under 8 training continues as usual on Friday 14th July at 6.15pm. Our under 8’s are going to Killybegs on Saturday 15th July. All players are to be at the Killybegs pitch for 10.30am as the first games throw in at 11am. The pitch is about 2km on the left on the road out of Killybegs towards Kilcar. As well as Aodh Ruadh and Killybegs, teams from Naomh Bríd and Naomh Ultan will also be taking part.
Ladies
Realt Ruadh got their championship off to the perfect start with a 3-16 to 1-1 victory over Gaoth Dobhair. They followed up that display with an almost as energetic performance at the presentation of their 2016 league medals in Seán Ógs!
The under 16s had a useful challenge against Grange last Thursday with Dearbhla McGuckin, Eilish Gallagher, and Aisling Gallagher all putting in impressive performances, with Katherine McClay also doing well, albeit for the wrong side! Many thanks to Val Murray for reffing. This Thursday the team get their league campaign underway when they entertain Saint Eunan’s in Father Tierney Park at 7pm. All players are to be up at the park for 6pm. The girls have worked very hard in preparation for this league campaign and it would be good to see a big showing of support up to get behind the team for this opening game. Under 16 training continues on Sunday at 7.30pm.
An under 8 and under 10 blitz will take place in the park next Monday 17th July from 6.30pm. Ardara, Kinlough and Saint Mary’s, Sligo will be in attendance. As we have always been treated so well at away blitzes, we ask parents to help out on the night with refreshments for the children in the club house. If each family could supply some sandwiches, biscuits, buns or similar it would be greatly appreciated.
Hurling
The under 12s made the long trip to Dungloe and suffered a narrow defeat to Dungloe / Gaoth Dobhair on a 4-1 to 2-4 scoreline. They are away to Saint Eunan’s this Thursday.
The under 16s are due to open their league campaign this Thursday at home to Dungloe. Throw-in is at 8.30 pm.
Training continues for all ages at 12 noon on Sunday.
Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative
Following on from its successful rollout in 2015-16, the GAA, Foróige and NUIG announce that the innovative Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative application process is now open to young GAA club members, male and female aged 15-18 years-old. Fully supported by the family of the late great Dermot Earley Sr, the lively and interactive initiative is designed to support the next generation of young GAA leaders in achieving their full potential and in doing so to make their mark in their clubs, their counties, and indeed their country. The initiative is a year long programme running over three modules between September 2017 and May 2018. It involves 30 hours of workshops designed to develop the leadership skills that Dermot epitomised on and off the field. 30 hours of self-directed learning is also required before the participants put their enhanced leadership skills into action through a club or community-based action project. There is a commitment required for the programme so please consider this before applying. There is a €40 registration fee to cover the costs of the participants 3 workbooks. Those who complete all three modules will have the opportunity to graduate from NUIG with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action The workshops will take place in participants own county and will be facilitated by a trained tutors.All application forms should be accompanied by a nomination form. Marks are given for the nomination form. Your nominator can not be a relative or a family member. Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight Sunday 16th July. To apply for the programme please fill out the online application and nomination form at http://www.gaa.ie/my-gaa/community-and-health/events/dermot-earley-youth-leadership-initiative-opens-applicants-counties/.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week’s jackpot prize of €400 went to Ballintra. The stand-up prize of €150 was shared between Bridget McDermott and Molly Kerrigan. There was no winner of the snowball so it rolls up to €275 on 46 numbers or less. Bingo as usual on Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre with a €2,000 prize fund, books priced only €10.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €3,600. The winning numbers drawn were 2, 6, 10, 11, 12 and 14. In the lucky dip €20 went to Ron Sennett, c/o Pat’s Bar; Mary B Kerrigan, Tirconaill Street; Tara Khan; Gerry and Jane Mulrone, c/o The Limit; and Veronica Brennan, Lawne Park. Next draw is in McGinley’s with a jackpot of €3,700 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: 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.
