Football
Ballyshannon continue their hunt for a first win in the top flight since their return after Gaoth Dobhair dominated proceedings in Father Tierney Park on a chilly Sunday afternoon in Father Tierney Park to run out deserved winners. The half-time score was 1-3 to 0-11 and while James O’Donnell’s men put in a much better shift in the second half, the visitors matched them and a late Eamon McGee goal put a nice gloss on the final scoreline for them as it finished up 2-7 to 1-18. Diarmaid McInerney carried the flag bravely for Aodh Ruadh in the attack with Dylan Gallagher supplying good support, while Damien Cleary worked hard around the centre of the pitch. Further back Peter Boyle’s kick outs were a real asset and he made a couple of top drawer stops. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The reserve game was postponed with Gaoth Dobhair unable to travel.
This Sunday Aodh Ruadh head to Moyle Park as they continue their search for a maiden Division 1 win. The reserves take on Milford at 1.30pm and are followed by the seniors at 3pm.
Under 16 training continues on Wednesday at 5.30pm and Friday at 6.30pm.
Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh hosted an under 15 county development squad challenge match on Saturday evening with a number of Aodh Ruadh players turning out for the Southern side. We have a gallery of pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The under 12s travelled with 25 players to Glencolumcille on Monday evening for their latest league outing. The Ballyshannon boys never really got to grips with the wind and hit a lot of woodwork as Naomh Columba ran out 2-7 to 1-4 victors in the senior game. Jack McCadden starred for the Ernesiders in goal while Barry Campbell was once again excellent in the centre of the pitch. The junior team won their game with James Ward taking the man of the match honours and Hugh Óg Maguire not far behind, while Donagh Kelly hit some lovely points. Under 12 training continues this Friday from 5.45pm to 6.45pm. Next Monday sees the side on their travels again with another long trip, this time to Dungloe with throw-in at 6pm. Players are to meet at Father Tierney Park for 4pm with the bus departing at 4.15pm sharp.
Under 10 training continues on Mondays and Fridays from 7.15pm to 8.15pm. The squad were away to Four Masters last Saturday and fielded three teams. All players performed very well. This Friday we are away to Ardara. Players are to be at Father Tierney Park for 5.15pm. We are taking lifts to the game and any parents who can travel are asked to let team management know.
Our under 8s hosted Four Masters last Saturday. The 23 players made up three seven-a-side teams. All games were competitive with players Darragh McCready, Jack and Luise Hasset, Manus Conlon, and Senan Ward among those who impressed for Aodh Ruadh. A big thank you to the parents and all who helped out on Saturday, those who helped with the teams on the pitch, brought up refreshments, helped in the kitchen and those who stayed on to clean up afterwards. We have a great gallery of images from the game up on aodhruadh.org. Training continues on Thursdays from 6.15pm until 7.15pm. All boys born in 2010 and 2011 are welcome to come up and join in.
Under 6 training continues on Fridays from 6pm to 6.45pm at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Ladies
There will be a Ladies committee meeting on Thursday at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.
Realt Ruadh entertained Glenswilly on Sunday and made it back to back wins. It was a tight game all the way through, with the hosts only having a one point cushion at half-time. An early sin bin in the second half for a Glenswilly player gave Realt Ruadh a injection of energy and that helped them prevail on a final scoreline of 1-7 to 1-5. Realt Ruadh had good performances from Briana Maher and Cáit Gillespie in the middle of the field with Ana Keon standing out defensively at wing back. Next up for the Red Stars is a trip to Milford on Sunday with an 11am throw-in at Moyle View Park.
The under 16s opened their season with the long trip to Downings on Friday evening. It was game where goals counted. In the first half Aodh Ruadh hit five, three from the boot of Laoise Kelly and one apiece from Danielle Gallagher and Sarah Jane Keon to take a five point cushion in at the break. In the second half Ballyshannon’s intensity around the middle third dropped and counter-attacking into space Downings were able to hit five goals of their own to take the victory on a final scoreline of 6-7 to 8-9. Some good positives to take from the game, especially Laoise Kelly’s predatory impact up front and a robust showing from Roisín Daly, the defending of Caitlin McGarrigle and Eilish Gallagher, and Orla Keon putting in another starring shift at the Downings venue. But there’s plenty to work on ahead of the girls’ second game of the league against Naomh Conaill next week. Training continues this Wednesday at 6.15pm.
Training for under 14 girls continues this Tuesday and Thursday at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and runs from 4.15pm to 5.30pm.
The under 12s had a week off in the league this week, but are away to Muff this Sunday. As it is a long journey we are getting a bus to the venue. We are meeting at the Abbey Garage at 10.45am with the bus departing at 11am. Training continues on Wednesdays at 5.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Under 10 girls training continues at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this Tuesday from 7.15pm to 8.15pm. Remember, all players are required to wear gum shields.
Under 8 training continue this Tuesday at 6pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Under 6 training continues on Friday evenings in Creevy National School at 6pm.
The under 16 county team has qualified for a home Ulster semi-final in Letterkenny on Sunday against Tyrone. Congratulations to the team especially the Aodh Ruadh contingent of players Caoimhe Keon and Caitlin McGarrigle and coach Barry Ward.
The under 14 county team are playing Leitrim in a challenge match in Ballyshannon on Sunday at 12pm. Aodh Ruadh’s Katie O’Brien, Aoibheann McGarrigle, Lucy McGlynn, Caoimhe Hughes-O’Brien and Áine Hill are on the panel so come up and lend your support.
Hurling
The under 14s made the trip to Páirc na nGaeil in Letterkenny on Thursday evening to take on Letterkenny Gaels. While not as impressive as previous performances the lads still won comfortably 6-9 to 3-6. They are on the road again this Thursday as they make the long trip to Carndonagh.
The draw for Féile na nGael was made last week and we are in Division 5 being hosted by Skehana of Galway. Other teams in our group are Ahascragh / Fohenagh and a team from Kildare yet to be confirmed.
On Bank Holiday Monday 7th May we are hosting the inaugural Billy Finn and John Larkin under 14 Memorial Tournament. Sadly these two great characters passed away in 2017 and we intend honouring their memory and their contribution to keeping the game of hurling live in Aodh Ruadh with this tournament. Details of competing teams will be in next week’s notes.
Training for all age groups on Sunday at 12 noon. For any information contact John Rooney on 086-2587793.
Gaeltachta scholarships
Beidh 6 dheontas de luach €250 an ceann ar fáil ó CLG Dhún na nGall fa choinne baill de chlubanna atá ag freastail ar Choláistí Gaelige i nDún na nGall. CLG Dhún na nGall will sponsor six part scholarships to the value of €250 each to members of GAA clubs in the county in 2018. The six successful applicants will be drawn at the Donegal GAA county committee meeting in May. Completed application forms are available from Lisa McTernan and must be returned to Fergus Mac Aoidh, Oifigeach Chultúrtha agus Teanga CLG Dhún na nGall on or before Friday 27th April. Please send the completed application form by e-mail to fermcgee@gmail.com or irishculturalofficer.donegal@gaa.ie or by post to Fergus McGee, 43 Lisnennan Court, Letterkenny to arrive not later than the 27th April 2018.
Playing Fields
With over 20 club teams now involved in training, coaching and competitive action early notification of official fixtures to Peter Conlon is essential. Not all team managers are doing this and it will cause double bookings. All training and coaching to take place for all teams at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and the school field as necessary. Father Tierney Park is reserved for official fixtures – no exceptions.
Question time
Congratulations to the winners of the Bord na nÓg quiz in the Bridgend last night, David Dolan, Brian Gillespie, Stephen McGrath and Barry McLaughlin. It was a great night of craic and a great turn out. Well done to question setter Packie McGrath on a good range of posers and to quiz master Sean O’Mahoney and to all who pulled the evening together.
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. This week bags can be dropped off at Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Saturday between 2pm and 3pm. 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.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week’s €400 bingo jackpot was won by Margaret Gilmartin of Kinlough. The stand up game prize of €145 was won by Martina Kilfedder, bringing the prize to Belleek for the second week running. The snowball had no winner so rolls to €600 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 €7,500. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 3, 4, 12, 13 and 17. In the lucky dip €20 went to Marie Gallagher, Erne Street; Mary Butler, Erne Dale Heights; Barry Travers; Pauric McShea, The Abbey; Margaret Gahan, Tirconaill Street. Next draw is in Dorrian’s Hotel with a jackpot of €7,600 on Sunday 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: LADIES.
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.
