Aodh Ruadh GAA Club Notes



Football

Aodh Ruadh eased into the intermediate championship quarter-finals with a 2-14 to 1-7 victory over Buncrana in Convoy. They got an early fillip when the in-form Seamus Kane found the net after receiving a lay off from Shane McGrath. It wasn’t all good news though as Johnny Gethins saw the line not long after and Aodh Ruadh had to see out the remaining 50 minutes with 14 men. They made light of the deficit in numbers though with points from David McGurrin (2), Darren Drummond and Philip Patton (2) taking the Ernesiders seven clear. Aodh Ruadh played some sumptuous football as Patton swept over a lovely 45 metre free and a fine team move was sweetly finished by David McGurrin. With Peter Boyle banging over a 45, the first half onslaught left it 1-8 to 0-3 in favour of James O’Donnell’s men. However they were still a man down and facing into the breeze in the second half so it was still game on. Seamus Kane ensured it wasn’t on for much longer, driving to the net with the new half just seconds old. Peter Boyle landed another long ranger while brother Nathan also found the distance with a trademark effort. Philip Patton and David McGurrin added further points to give Ballyshannon a double scores win. Aodh Ruadh will now face Milford in the IFC semi-final on Sunday, 24th September.

 

The reserves had a convincing win over Buncrana in their quarter-final match in Convoy. Aodh Ruadh managed to take a slender 1-4 to 0-6 half-time lead after playing against a strong wind in the first half. Diarmaid McInerney landed all of Aodh Ruadh’s first half scores, opening with a free which was cancelled out by Paul McGonigles’ fisted point in the first five minutes. An Aodh Ruadh point from play and another free opened up a gap, before some patient build up play saw the ball worked to McInerney. His pointed effort got held up in the wind only to drop behind the keeper into the net for the game’s first goal on 16 minutes. Buncrana stepped up their intensity for the remainder of the half, outscoring Aodh Ruadh by five points to another McInerney free.

McInerney almost had his second goal just after the restart, but his shot smacked back off the bar. Buncrana pulled level moments later, but that was to be their last score for over 20 minutes. That said it did take a fine save by Karl O’Brien midway through the half to keep the challengers at arm’s length. McInerney added another free, and on 39 minutes he played in Ronan Drummond who hammered a low shot home for Aodh Ruadh’s second goal. David Finnerty then pointed from range with the wind before another McInerney score from play arrived. Finnerty turned play-maker following a strong run to feed McInerney who found the net to put the result beyond doubt on 47 minutes. Another two frees from McInerney followed. With 6 minutes to play Buncrana did muster a scrappy goal from a high ball, but it was too little, too late. Ryan Granaghan got himself a well deserved point at the end as Aorh Ruadh coasted into the last four on a final score of 3-10 to 1-7. Best for Aodh Ruadh was the clinical McInerney, but that was built on a solid defensive display particularly from Cian McGloin, Sean Taylor and Packie McGrath, whilst Kerry Ryan and David Finnerty bossed the middle.

The team was Karl O’Brien; Eddie Lynch, Sean Taylor, Packie McGrath; Cian McGloin, Ronan Drummond (1-0), Gary Carty; David Finnerty (0-1), Kerry Ryan; Ryan McKenna, Diarmuid McInerney (2-8), Ryan Granaghan (0-1); Mickey McNeely, Dermot Slevin, Christopher Goan. Subs: Conal Sweeny for Dermot Slevin, Cáelán Drummond for Ronan Drummond, Rory Cullen for Chris Goan, Brian Dorrian for Ryan McKenna, David McLoone, Raymie Granaghan, Anthony Coughlin.

 

There were no details on adult fixtures for the coming weekend at the time of writing.

 

Aodh Ruadh under 16s returned to competitive action for the first time in over a month last Friday. The ring rust showed in a first half where they laboured to get on top of a disciplined Naomh Ultan side despite playing with the backing of a strong breeze. Shane Gillespie pointed two minutes in, but the next score, a Shane Brady free, only came ten minutes later. Two minutes later Dunkineely hit the front with a deserved goal. Aodh Ruadh struck back with a goal as the game moved into the second quarter. Shane Gillespie one twoed with David Doherty before burying his shot. Naomh Ultan were still well in the contest at that point, but Aodh Ruadh put in a scoring burst just before the interval to give themselves a cushion to hold on to in the second half against the breeze. Gillespie pointed again before Eoin Doherty fired over a brace to make it 1-5 to 1-0. Then just on the stroke of half-time great work by Shane Gillespie set up Eoin Doherty to net.  The first scores of the new half were going to be vital and they went the way the Ernesiders. The ice-cool Shane Brady was the man to oblige with two points before Eoin Doherty hit the net with 36 minutes played. After that Aodh Ruadh took more control of the game. A Shane Brady free was followed by a goal for Shane Gillespie before a sublimely struck long range free by Eoin Doherty put the seal on a great second half performance. Cian Barden gave an exhibition at full back, where he was ably assisted by Kyle Murray. Senan Rooney got through a heap of work at midfield, while Mark McGlynn delivered a superb second half display. Eugene Doherty was central to turning the game in second half, while brother David embodied everything you could possibly want in a footballer. Unfortunately Naomh Ultan had to concede the second leg game and so Aodh Ruadh are now preparing for a Southern semi-final, with opposition and fixture details still to be fully confirmed. There is under 16 training this Tuesday at 6.30pm.

 

Ladies

The under 16 girls booked their place in the county division 1 semi-finals with a magnificent display against Downings last Wednesday. It was a long trip there and it took Ballyshannon a while to find their feet. Tia McFarland and Cáit Gillespie opened the scoring with two points, but Downings struck back with a goal in 11th minute. From there the hosts took charge of the game. They tagged on 1-2 before Caoimhe Keon got Aodh Ruadh back up and running. Downings hit another goal which was answered by a point by Katherine McClay. Aodh Ruadh were in trouble, but they rallied before the break with Andrea McGlynn scrambling home a goal and Brídín Maguire converting an important free to leave it 3-4 to 1-5 at the interval. The Shamettes played into the breeze in the second half, but that didn’t deter them as they delivered their best half of football this season. Tia McFarland and Sarah Jane Keon hit early points before two McFarland goal in succession swept Aodh Ruadh into the lead. Sarah Jane Keon tagged on a point, but Downings weren’t done yet. They responded with 1-1 to level the game up at 4-5 to 3-8. Ballyshannon rose to the challenge wonderfully though. Two trademark Sarah Jane Keon points and a cracker from Caoimhe Keon ensured Aodh Ruadh left the Gaeltacht venue with a three point win. Aodh Ruadh had heroes all over the pitch. Orla Keon and Eva Moore were stars in defence, Andrea McGlynn and Caoimhe Keon have a wonderful partnership in midfield while up front Tia McFarland and Sarah Jane Keon really stood up to the mark with Cáit Gillespie and Brídín Maguire working their socks off too. The girls also travelled to Derrygonnelly on Sunday and had a really good work out despite the miserable conditions. Shona Slevin was excellent at the Fermanagh venue, as were Caoimhe McCauley and Roisin Daly. Niamh Hughes deserves a special mention for playing up and finishing the weekend with 7-4 to her credit over two games. With a county semi-final coming up there is great competition for places. Details regarding that county semi-final are to be confirmed on Tuesday evening.

 

The under 13 girls made it three wins from three last Saturday with a good win in Dungloe. Aodh Ruadh were quick out of the traps with Ciara Gillespie, Emer O’Brien, Niamh Hughes and Caoimhe Hughes-O’Brien all rattling over points. Goals for Ciara Gillespie, Niamh Hughes and Annie Keon quickly took the game beyond this hosts. Dungloe fought back well in the second half, but the Shamettes were comfortable winners in the end. Also on the score sheet for Ballyshannon were Lucy McGlynn, Ciara Caldwell, Michaela McCaffrey and Katie O’Brien. Evelyn Rose Gallagher didn’t make the score sheet, but she was again at the heart of a lot of good attacking play. Aine Hill had a good run out the pitch in the second half while Clodagh O’Connor, Shauna O’Mahoney, Cora Rooney and the Irwin twins, Niamh and Kelly, also played well. The team now have two home games remaining in the league. They play Saint Eunan’s this Saturday in Father Tierney Park at noon. Players should be up at the park for 11am. This should be an entertaining clash, so we would love to see a big crowd up to get behind the girls.

 

Hurling

The under 12s take pride of place this week after winning the under 12 C league final on Thursday last, easily beating MacCumhaill’s in the decider. Next action for this group is the annual Aodh Ó Dálaigh under 12 tournament on Sunday 24th September. Teams from Galway, Antrim, Tyrone and Sligo have been confirmed for the competition confirmed so far.

 

The under 16s made the long trip to Buncrana last Thursday. Again the lads suffered defeat, losing 4-10 to 1-7, but not without putting up a battling performance. The 13 lads gave it their all on a terrible evening for hurling.

 

Underage hurling training continues this Sunday at 12 noon.

 

Euro Shot Challenge

Well done to all the young footballers who braved the gale force conditions to take part in the Euroshot Challenge. Congratulations to our winners Daragh McCready, Dáithí Sheerin, Shane Delahunty, Ciara Gillespie, Matt Gillespie, Daniel Dolan and Caoimhe Keon. A special well done to Dáithí Sheerin who won the overall competition. Thanks to the parents and guardians who fed all afterwards and or appreciation to everyone else who helped out in any capacity. We have pictures from the event up on aodhruadh.org.

 

Abbey Centre Bingo

Last week’s €400 jackpot was won by Ann McLoughlin of Kinlough. Kathleen McGroary of Ballintra took the stand-up prize of €155. There was no claim on the snowball so it now climbs to €500 on 48 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre with a great €2,200 prize fund. Books priced just €10.

 

Aodh Ruadh Lotto

There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €4,500. The winning numbers drawn were 2, 4, 6, 9, 10 and 15. In the lucky dip €20 went to Marian Matthews, Erne Dale Heights; Margaret Meehan Rockfield Park, Belleek; Caroline Finnerty, Parkhill, Tom Gallagher, Cluain Barron; and Rita McGullion, Rockfield Gardens, Belleek. Next draw is in McGinley’s with a jackpot of €4,600 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: BORD NA NÓG.

 

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