Football
Aodh Ruadh embarked on their first division 1 league campaign in a decade with a trip to Dunfanaghy to face Saint Michael’s on Good Friday. Fittingly County chairman and Aodh Ruadh stalwart Mick McGrath was present among the large attendance for what was a special occasion for the club. In the end it was the hosts who prevailed on a scoreline of 2-14 to 1-10, but the Ernesiders ensured they had to work all the way for the win. A Nathan Boyle point followed by a goal from David McGurrin gave Aodh Ruadh an early lead, but Saint Michael’s hit back with 0-2. Diarmaid McInerney added two more points with David Dolan also on the mark. However the home hit an answering 1-4 in a five minute spell to go in leading by 1-8 to 1-5. Aodh Ruadh reduced the deficit with points from McInerney and Shane McGrath before Andrew Kelly struck for his second goal. After that the game ebbed away from Ballyshannon, although Diarmaid McInerney and David McGurrin did strike back with points. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were: Peter Boyle; Johnny Gallagher, Damien Cleary, Johnny Gethins; Jason Granaghan, Colm Kelly, Eddie Lynch; Conor Patton, David Dolan 0-1; Diarmaid McInerney 0-5, David McGurrin 1-1, Nathan Boyle 0-1; Shane McGrath 0-1, Darren Drummond 0-1, Sean Taylor.
The Easter weekend finished with a second defeat for Aodh Ruadh, but, as with the Dunfanaghy loss, the battling manner of this clash in Father Tierney Park will give James O’Donnell’s men much heart for the remainder of the Division 1 league programme. Naomh Conaill played the first half with the benefit of a strong following breeze in the Rock Hospital end of the ground. The made full use of it to rattle over ten points, while Aodh Ruadh could only muster four in response. Aodh Ruadh were much more enterprising in the second half and had brought the game level in the dying moments and were pressing hard for the winning score. However Naomh Conaill turned over possession and Kevin McGettigan kicked what was to be the winning point as the game finished 1-12 to 0-16. Ballyshannon will be disappointed not to have come away without at least a point, but their second half performance indicates that results aren’t far away. Damien Cleary and Colm Kelly were very solid in defence while David Dolan and Conor Patton grew into the game the longer it went on. Up front David McGurrin and Diarmuid McInerney made the most of the chances that came their way. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The Aodh Ruadh reserves made the long trip down to Dunfanaghy for their first game of the 2018 league programme on Good Friday. They lead at half-time by 0-7 to 0-3 with points from Cian Dolan (3), Anthony Coughlin, Paddy Gillespie, Ryan Granaghan and James Barron. The second half saw Ballyshannon holding a 0-12 to 0-10 as the game moved into injury time. Unfortunately a late goal and point sealed win for the homesters. The second half scorers for Aodh Ruadh were Cian Dolan (2), Dermot Slevin, Dan Warnock and Anthony Coughlin. The reserve team which fielded down in Páirc Naomh Mícheál was Karl O’Brien; Calum O’Halloran, Gary Carty, Chris Goan; Paddy Gillespie, Ronan Drummond, Daniel Warnock; Cian Dolan, Ryan Granaghan; JJ Cassidy, Dermot Slevin, Oisin Kerr; Michael ‘Sticky’ Ward, Anthony Coughlin, James Barron. Subs Ruairí Drummond for J Barron HT; Aidan Murray for JJ Cassidy 50m.
There was more joy for the reserves on Easter Sunday as they just about got the better of the 2017 reserve county champions in a real ding dong battle. The game got off to a flying start as Anthony ‘Waddle’ Coughlin palmed in after Niall Murray’s rebounded shot fell nicely in his path. That was almost followed up with another three pointer as Michael ‘Sticky’ Ward’s short free was hammered towards goal, but smashed off the post and away to safety. Naomh Conaill pulled level with three points, two of which were well executed frees, but Sticky Ward replied by finishing powerfully into the net to restore the hosts three point cushion. Aidan Murray gave himself a surprise appearance as a late stand in for goalkeeping duties, but was unlucky not to keep out a Glenties goal which pulled them level once more at 2-0 to 1-3. Both teams exchanged a brace of points, Cian Dolan and Sticky Ward for the hosts in a passage of play which saw Dolan also make a goal line block. Two frees then had Glenties in front, but points from Chris ‘Spanny’ Goan, Niall Murray and a Sticky Ward free gave the hosts the slenderest of leads at half-time, 2-5 to 1-7 the scoreline. Glenties were quickest out of the blocks on the restart and went ahead after scoring their second goal. But the home side produced some fabulous football in the next 10 minutes to take control again. Sticky Ward, a Dermot Slevin free and another from Waddle Coughlin after an excellent 50 metre carry by Gary Carty, followed then by Coughlin’s second goal to left the score 3-8 to 2-7. Naomh Conaill again showed their quality, digging out a third goal on 14 minutes which again Murray could do nothing about in nets. Another exchange of points followed with Cian Dolan landing a monster score along with another Sticky free, the game in the balance at 3-10 a piece with 5 minutes to play. Sticky Ward, who showed great leadership throughout, showed his class in landing the winning score as the clock ticked off the 60 minutes. But with plenty of stoppage time played, the visitors kept plugging and sent two efforts wide before the ref blew it up, much to the delight of a decent home crowd. A fine performance by all, Cian McGloin, Gary Carty and Daniel Warnock were superb at the back, as were Cian Dolan and Niall Murray in the middle. Aidan Murray proved a solid replacement for Karl O’Brien in between the posts. So, after the disappointment in Dunfanaghy, it was Aodh Ruadh who came out on the right side of the narrow scoreline 3-11 to 3-10 to claim their first points of 2018. We have a large gallery of pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
League action continues for Aodh Ruadh this Sunday with a trip to Towney to take on Kilcar. The reserves get the action under way at 1.30pm and are followed by the seniors at 3pm.
The Aodh Ruadh under 16s travel to Pearse Memorial Park this Wednesday for their next league assignment. The throw -in against Ardara is down for 6pm.
The Aodh Ruadh under 14s had a good run out against MacCumhaill’s in Ballybofey for a challenge on Monday evening and were beaten by a strong side. The main focus this week is the Bakery Cup finals which take place at 12 noon on Wednesday. The action gets under way with Aaron Neilan’s and Danny Breen Brosnan’s teams meeting in the Shield Final at 12 noon. That match will be followed by the Cup Final between the teams of Damian Weber and Ryan Keenaghan at 12.45pm.
Under 12 training continues this Tuesday from 5.45pm to 6.45pm. The team have their first league game this Friday at home to Four Masters. Players to be up at the park for 4.45pm with the games throwing in at 5.30pm
The under 10s are away to MacCumhaill’s this Wednesday. Players are asked to meet at the Park for 5pm with the games throwing-in at 6pm down in Ballybofey. Training for under 10s continues on Mondays and Fridays in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh from 7.15pm to 8.15pm.
The under 8s had their first outing of the season last Saturday down in Donegal Town with ten players making their debut in Aodh Ruadh colours. Under 8 training continues on Thursdays from 6.15pm to 7.15pm.
Under 6 training continues on Fridays from 6pm to 6.45pm at Munday’s.
Ladies
The under 16s and the Coláiste Cholmcille under 14s had an entertaining challenge on Good Friday. Mammies and daddies probably had a bit of conflict resolution on their hands after it, but it was a good work out for both sides. Training continues this Wednesday at 6.15pm.
Training for under 14 girls will commence on Tuesday 10th April at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and run from 4.15pm to 5.30pm.
Under 12 girls training continues on Wednesday at the Park at 5.30pm. All girls are asked to attend with the first league game of the season this Saturday at home against MacCumhaill’s at 1pm. This year we have two teams so that every girls will get plenty of game time and experience. Good luck girls and enjoy the season.
Well done to the Donegal under 15s on a comfortable victory 6-17 to 2-7 over Down last Saturday. Our own Eilish Gallagher played at corner back with attacker Sarah Jane Keon banging in 1-1 of the Donegal tally. Good luck to the under 14 county girls are playing Antrim on Saturday, especially our own Katie O’Brien, Lucy McGlynn, Aoibhínn McGarrigle, Caoimhe Hughes-O’Brien and Áine Hill.
Hurling
The under 14s continued their impressive start to the season with a convincing win over Saint Eunan’s in Letterkenny. On Saturday they headed off bright and early to Burt for the county Féile na nGael competition. They were grouped with Carndonagh and Saint Eunan’s. They easily carried the tag of tournament favourites as they had comprehensive wins over Carndonagh and Saint Eunan’s. They met old rivals Buncrana in the semi-final and easily accounted for them setting up a rematch with Saint Eunan’s in the final. They put in a great performance in the decider to run out easy winners and become Donegal Féile na nGael champions. This squad has put in a lot of work over the last four years under Denis Daly’s management and they got their reward on Saturday by becoming only the fourth Aodh Ruadh hurling team to qualify for National Féile na nGael finals and only the second as county champions. Thanks to all the parents who drove the lads to Féile and gave them great support throughout the day and also provided them with refreshments. They are back in league action this Thursday at home to Dungloe at 7pm.
Training for all age groups on Sunday at 12 noon, numbers continue to grow at under 8 and under 10 but we could do with seeing more turning out for the under 12s. For any information contact John Rooney on 086-2587793.
RIP Val Wynne
The club was saddened to hear of the passing of Val Wynne in Dublin last Friday. Resident in Erne Street for many years and a native of Ballybay, he played for Aodh Ruadh and served as secretary in 1962 and was a life-long supporter of the club. There was a minute’s silence for him before Sunday’s league game between Aodh Ruadh and Naomh Conaill in Father Tierney Park. House private please. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
Question time
Thanks to everyone who supported last Thursday night’s quiz organised by the Park / Development Committee. This was a successful fund-raiser and it was good to see so many from the teams and various sections of the club represented. A special thanks to Owen Roe O’Neill and family and to quiz master Sylvester Maguire. It adds to the funds we are putting together to bring the fitness trail and running track to the next stage. We have a bit to go to realise our final target, but are making progress. With work recommenced a fortnight ago the project got a further boost last week when a substantial delivery of specialised equipment, sponsored through Fergal O’Connell’s and Mick McGee’s company in England arrived. Both former club men we greatly appreciate their practical support for Aodh Ruadh
Bord na nÓg will be staging a Sports Quiz on Saturday 14th April in the Bridgend Bar at 9.30pm. There will be a raffle on the night and a big turnout of support is needed to help continue the great investment in underage football in recent years.
Féile na nGael Clothes Collection
As our major fund-raiser for our under 14 hurlers heading to Féile we’re having our annual Clothes Collection until Friday 18th May. All unwanted clothes, shoes, belts and bed linen will be gratefully accepted. Unfortunately we can’t take duvets or pillows. Contact any of the following to arrange collection many thanks. Sabrina Brosnan 086-8241297, Lorraine Kennedy Duffy 087-6874393, Teresa Davis Maguire 086-3983076, Denis Daly 086-3269550 or John Rooney 086-2587793.
Child Protection course
There will be a child protection course in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh this Saturday starting 2pm and running to 5pm. There are 20 places on the course with ten places available for Bord na nÓg coaches and ten for Ladies coaches. Contact Patricia Hill, David O’Donnell or Lisa McTernan to book your place.
Last One Standing
This weekend saw the finale of our Last One Standing competition kindly sponsored by Liam Gallen of Mr G’s. 350 entered the competition and at the end of it seven were left standing, these seven correctly forecast the winners of the four finals – Laois, Armagh, Roscommon and Dublin. The seven winners were Mattie Murphy, Andy Brennan, James McGonigle, Aidan Caldwell, Donagh Ryan, Ciaran O’Brien and Gary Breen. I’ll be in touch with each winner who gets €30 during the week. Thanks to all who supported this fund-raiser and many thanks again to Liam Gallen.
Registration 2018
We had a late surge in membership just ahead of the deadline and ended up with just over 500 members registered. This doesn’t make life easy for the poor souls inputting the registrations so fair play to them for the massive amount of work they ended up having to do in a very short period of time. Thanks to those who have taken on club membership this year. Anyone taking on membership from this point on should be aware of the following. Players will have to wait for five days following their registration before they can play for the club. Anyone registered from this point on will be ineligible to vote at the AGM. In addition, in the event of an All-Ireland, those registered after 31st March will have no automatic entitlement to an All-Ireland ticket. Membership can still be paid at any time to Gerry Ferguson at Ferguson’s Jewellers. Thanks once again to Gerry for providing this service for the club.
Duck Race deferred
The Duck Race due to take place on Easter Bank Holiday Monday was postponed due an inclement weather forecast. The Duck Race will now take place on the Bank Holiday Saturday in May at 2pm. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Cycle Against Suicide
Cycle Against Suicide is a national awareness charity striving to break down the barriers around mental health illness. The main cycle taking place from April 28th to May 7th is part of the organisation’s awareness campaign in local communities. The cycle will pass through Ballyshannon on 4th May. They are eager to get the people of Ballyshannon involved with the cause. Central to the success of Cycle Against Suicide is the HomeStay Programme. They arecurrently seeking help from local communities to offer shelter to cyclists for one night as they pass through Ballyshannon. Families throughout the route welcome participants on the cycle into their home. Each homestay host provide cyclists with a warm meal, a chance to freshen up and a bed for the night. If you are able to help please email anne.mcgowan@cycleagainstsuicide.com.
Abbey Centre Bingo
The Easter Big Bingo jackpot of €1,000 was won by Sean Keeney of Manorhamilton, congratulations to him. The stand up game prize of €155 and Easter egg hamper was won by Teresa Campbell of Ballyshannon. The winter snowball had no winner so rises to €550 on 48 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at the Abbey Centre at 9pm, books cost just €10 with a €2,250 prize fund up for grabs.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €7,300. The winning numbers drawn were 6, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 16. In the lucky dip €20 went to Rita McGullion, Belleek; Louis Boyle, Saint Benildus Avenue; Liam McGee, Manger, Belleek; Tony Gallagher, Derryherk; and Mary Thompson, Glenties. Next draw is in McGinley’s Bar with a jackpot of €7,400 on Monday at 8.30pm. Tickets are now available in the following outlets: Seán Óg’s, O’Donnell’s, 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 bingo in the Abbey Centre. You have to be in it to win it!
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra on Saturday is: BORD NA NÓG.
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.
