Football
Aodh Ruadh’s hunt for a first win on their return to the top flight continues after a 1-20 to 1-6 defeat in Kilcar. The Ernesiders registered just three points from the boot of Diarmaid McInerney in the first half and went in at the break trailing 0-8 to 0-3. David McGurrin hit the first point of the second half, but that was as good as it got for Ballyshannon with Kilcar seizing the initiative. A late goal from Darren Drummond wasn’t enough to inject any life into Aodh Ruadh’s challenge. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were Peter Boyle; Johnny Gallagher, Damian Cleary, Michael Ward; Eddie Lynch, Colm Kelly, Jason Granaghan; Conor Patton, Oisin Rooney; Diarmuid McInerney (0-5, 3f), David McGurrin (0-1), Johnny Gethins; David Dolan, Darren Drummond (1-0), Sean Taylor. Subs: Dylan Gallagher for Rooney 37m; Aidan Murray for Gethins, Cian Dolan for Taylor both 49m.
The reserves had a tough trip to Towney too. They started well and were 0-2 to 0-1 up after five minutes thanks to tidy scores from Michael ‘Sticky’ Ward and Cian Dolan. That was it however for the visitors until two minutes from the break when Sticky Ward landed a free. Unfortunately Ballyshannon had conceded 1-6 by that stage, and were struggling with the counter attacking of a very defensive Kilcar team. In the second half Kilcar added four points before Cian Dolan palmed in Ronan Drummond’s cross-field shot on 11 minutes. Kilcar hit back with their second goal minutes after though. Anthony ‘Waddle’ Coughlin managed another two points before the final whistle, but it ended Kilcar 3-14, Aodh Ruadh 1-5 on the final whistle. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were Karl O’Brien; Calum O’Halloran, Packie McGrath, Daniel Warnock; Gary Carty, Ronan Drummond, Cian McGloin; Darren Gethins, Cian Dolan (1-1); JJ Cassidy, Dermot Slevin, Ryan Granaghan; Michael ‘Sticky’ Ward (0-2, 1f) Anthony Coughlin (0-2), Jason Gallagher. Subs: Cáelán Drummond for JJ Cassidy HT; Oisin Kerr for Gary Carty; Ruairí Drummond for Dermot Slevin (BC); Rory Cullen for Jason Gallagher; David McLoone for Cáelán Drummond; Raymie Granaghan.
Aodh Ruadh will be hoping for more joy this weekend when they host Gaoth Dobhair this Sunday in Father Tierney Park. The reserves get the action under way at 1.30pm and are followed by the seniors at 3pm.
The under 16s hosted Ardara last weekend in the league and lost out to the visitors, paying the price for a poor first half. While the lads played much better in the second half the visitors had too much in hand and held on for the win. Attention now turns to the championship in two weeks time. In anticipation of that, training continues on Wednesday at 5.30pm and Friday at 6.30pm.
Congratulations to Damian Weber whose side edged out Ryan Keenaghan’s outfit to claim the 2018 Bakery Cup last Wednesday. Although Damian’s side had six points to spare at the final whistle, this was a closely contested game of football right the way through. The curtain raiser was another high quality game, the Shield final between Daniel Breen-Brosnan’s side and Aaron Neilan’s team. After a tightly contested tussle it was Danny’s outfit which took the Shield honours.
The under 12’s season got going last Friday with the visit of a very strong Four Masters team. The visitors overpowered Aodh Ruadh in the first half of the A game and, while Ballyshannon did better in the second half, it wasn’t enough to reel in the deficit. Best for Aodh Ruadh on the day were Barry Campbell and Eoin Doogan. The B game saw the visitors win comfortably again, with James Ward taking the player of the match award for the homesters. The side’s next assignment in the league is Monday 16th April when they are away to Naomh Columba. Under 12 training continues this Friday from 5.45pm to 6.45pm.
Training for under 10s continues on Mondays and Fridays in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh from 7.15pm to 8.15pm.
Under 8 training continues on Thursdays from 6.15pm to 7.15pm.
Under 6 training continues on Fridays from 6pm to 6.45pm at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Ladies
Well done to Realt Ruadh who opened their season with a comprehensive victory over Gaoth Dobhair in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Sunday morning. The team are at home again next Sunday against Glenswilly with throw-in down for 11am.
The under 16s had a good outing against Kinawley last Friday. Many thanks to the parents / guardians for helping with transport on the day. The girls commence their league campaign this Friday when they travel to Downings. The bus will depart from the New Hall at Coláiste Cholmcille after school and the game throws in at Downings at 6.30pm. Players to bring €5 to go to the hire of the bus. Training continues this Wednesday at 6.15pm.
Training for under 14 girls will commence this Tuesday, 10th April, at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and runs from 4.15pm to 5.30pm.
The under 12s had their first league outing on Saturday, welcoming visitors MacCumhaill’s. With 28 girls togging out this year Aodh Ruadh have two teams entered into the league. In the first game of the day Aodh Ruadh took the victory with a final score of 6-4 to 2-8. Goals were the difference in this well contested match and all 22 girls played their hearts out. Best for Aodh Ruadh were net-minder Ava Doherty, Fódhla Sheerin in defence and Cameron Gallagher in midfield also Cadhla Dolan who seemed to cover every blade of grass. The second game saw MacCumhaill’s take the spoils with a final score of 1-3 to 5-6 again goals were the difference. The girls fought right to the end and never bowed their heads. Best for Aodh Ruadh were net-minder Shauna McGloin who made some fantastic saves and injured her hand in the process, also Roise Conlon in midfield who as always gave 100 percent. A special mention for Eadaoin Finnegan who scored her first point in the Aodh Ruadh colours. A big thank you to MacCumhaill’s management for their respect and courtesy and assistance in making the day run smoothly. Also to the parents for providing food for everyone and especially those who stayed on to help afterwards. We have a big gallery of pictures from the game upon aodhruadh.org. Under 12 girls training continues on Wednesday at the Park at 5.30pm.
The Donegal under 14s played Antrim on Saturday in Glengormley with Aodh Ruadh’s Caoimhe Hughes-O’Brien outstanding with Katie O’Brien and Áine Hill also making the trip. The county minors played Antrim afterwards with Aodh Ruadh’s Ana Keon, Cáit Gillespie and Briana Maher in action for the Tir Chonaill ladies.
Under 10 girls training goes outside to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh [Munday’s field] from this Tuesday 10th April from 7.15pm to 8.15pm. This is the team’s training slot going forward. Remember, all players are required to wear gum shields.
Under 8 training resumes this Tuesday, 10th April at 6pm in the Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh [Munday’s field]. Under 6 training continues on Friday evenings in Creevy National School at 6pm.
Any club members at least 17-years-old and interested in refereeing Ladies Football up to under 14 is invited to take part in a Level 1 Grab your Whistle Course at the beginning of May. Just let any member of the Ladies Committee know you are up for it.
Hurling
The under 14s continued their impressive start to the season with a facile win over Dungloe at home on Thursday last. The lads make the trip to Letterkenny this Thursday to take on Letterkenny Gaels.
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.
Question time
Bord na nÓg will be staging a Sports Quiz this Saturday 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.
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 are currently 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
Last week’s €400 bingo jackpot was shared by Aishling Mulhern, Ballyshannon and Mrs Kyles of Bundoran. The stand up game prize of €150 was won by Julie Kane of Belleek. The snowball had no winner and so rises to €575 on 48 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at the Abbey Centre at 9pm, books cost just €10 with a €2,300 prize fund up for grabs.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €7,400. The winning numbers drawn were 2, 5, 7, 8, 17 and 18. In the lucky dip €20 went to Mary Conlon; Deirdre Kennedy; Ron Sennett, c/o Pat’s Bar; Aoife McCormack, Ballyshannon; and Vincent Gallagher, c/o Pearse O’Neill’s. Next draw is in Dicey Reilly’s with a jackpot of €7,500 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: 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.
