Football
Aodh Ruadh put in a battling second half, but it wasn’t enough to earn the points in Cloughaneely last Sunday, 0-12 to 0-8 the final scoreline. It was an under par first half which did for the Ernesiders, with just a Cian Dolan point and a Peter Boyle free to show for their efforts in that period. Diarmaid McInerney landed four points in an improved second half with Dylan Gallagher and David McGurrin also on the mark. Ballyshannon came to within two points of the hosts with two minutes remaining, but that was as good as it got.
Perhaps the reserves main triumph was fielding at all this week with many players out between senior call ups and confirmation. The Ernesiders played with the aid of a strong breeze in the first half and got the opening score from Darren Gethins. Then things fell apart with five goals conceded in first 15 minutes. A string of great saves by Karl O’Brien kept it from being any worse. Anthony ‘Waddle’ Coughlin and Cian McGloin hit points to leave it 5-1 to 0-3 at half-time. There was a much better second half performance, a fine goal from full back Daniel Warnock, four points from Waddle and one from Dermot Slevin won the second half as the game finished 5-8 to 1-8. The Aodh Ruadh team was Karl O’Brien; Dan Warnock, Cian McGloin, David McLoone; Chris Goan, Ronan Drummond, Mickey McNeely; Anthony Coughlin, Darren Gethins; Ryan McKenna, Dermot Slevin, Cáelán Drummond; Raymie Granaghan, Gerard Ferguson, Peter McKenna. Sub: Aidan Murray (after high-tailing it from a win with the Realt Ruadh ladies) for Gerard Ferguson 40m.
With Donegal and Cavan facing off in the Ulster championship this weekend, the next club action is on Sunday, May 20th when Aodh Ruadh have a critical game away to Dungloe. Seniors throw-in at 3pm preceded by the reserves at 1.30pm. We wish the county squad and management all the very best against the Breffni men this Sunday. Those who wish to show their support for the county are invited to get an official Donegal GAA supporters car sticker from Pearse O’Neill’s. These are priced €20 with all proceeds going to the running of county teams.
Well done to Senan Rooney and the Donegal under 16 team on their 1-13 to 1-12 victory over Tyrone in Buncrana Cup final. Senan has played a major role in this triumph, Donegal’s first win since 2013.
Aodh Ruadh under 16s are back in championship action this Tuesday when they entertain Naomh Columba in Father Tierney Park at 7pm. This was a colourful fixture last year down in Glen, so a big Aodh Ruadh support would be much appreciated as the lads bid to build on a great opening win against Buncrana.
The under 14 boys started their league campaign with a win in Tir Chonaill Park last Tuesday. It was all square at 2-6 at half-time, but a good second half saw Aodh Ruadh finish on top 5-11 to 3-10.
The under 12s were in Glenties on Friday for their latest league outing. The seniors were under strength as illness ruled out a number of starters. Naomh Conaill took full advantage to win well, but Micheál Keown and Morgan McNamee played really well on being brought into the senior squad. The juniors once again played well with Donagh Kelly star of the show and James Ward adding another fine performance to his portfolio. Under 12 training continues this Tuesday from 6pm to 7.15pm. The team’s next game is away to Four Masters on Friday. All players are to be at the pitch in Donegal Town for 5pm with the games throwing in at 5.30pm
The under 10s travelled to Saint John’s, Sligo last Wednesday evening for a challenge game. Ballyshannon travelled light on numbers, but fielded two teams of 11 each. The under 10 team won well in a strong physical contest. Goals came from Corey Sheridan, Eoghan Gallagher, Max Roper, Finn Doogan and Sean O’Neill. Bobby Melly put in a solid performance in goals. The under 9 team started well and was well ahead in the first two quarters. We lost shape in the third quarter and left a lot to do in the last quarter. A
great team performance from the all the boys. The team have a game on Saturday at 12 noon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh against our neighbours from Erne Gaels. Our home blitz is pencilled in for Saturday 19th May and parents / guardians are asked to let management know if this clashes with first communion. Training continues at 7.15pm on Monday and Friday.
Under 8 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
Realt Ruadh continued their winning streak this weekend with a powerful 7-10 to 0-4 away win against Robert Emmet’s. The ladies started strongly with Megan McEniff and the forward line landing some nice points. Two early goals from Meabh Rooney also helped the Red Stars settle to their task. Tanya O’Shea Dunne and Briana Maher held up the shape in the centre while Anna Rafferty swept up every ball before it reached the back line ensuring the visitors dominated possession. It was 4-6 to 0-3 at the break. A blistering sun saw the introduction of fresh legs in the second half with the subs making a great impact. In the first few minutes Realt Ruadh hit two more goals, one of those an Amanda Mahon a penalty, and the ladies maintained their pole position from there to secure the win. The girls will be home this Friday at 7.30pm for their next league clash against Killybegs.
The under 16s entertained Termon last Tuesday in their third game of the league programme. Aodh Ruadh were slow to get out of the traps and allowed Termon to build up a cushion they were able to protect for the remainder of the game. It was 5-5 to 2-2 at half-time, but Aodh Ruadh were getting to grips with matters by that point. Termon’s second half scoring was curtailed, but while Aodh Ruadh worked hard up front, the visitors defended well to ensure they took the points as the game finished 5-8 to 3-6. Ella Clancy was player of the match for the hosts, giving everything from the first minute to the last. In defence Síofra Hughes was strong at full back with Aisling Gallagher flying too. Caoimhe Keon and Caitlin McGarrigle soldiered hard in midfield with Captain Caoimhe finishing a class second half team goal. Sarah Jane Keon was good form, finishing with 1-1 despite being double marked much of the game. Katie McMullan hit a fine point and Tia McFarland and Grainne Maguire both made big impacts on their introduction. The girls next outing is a crucial away game to Saint Naul’s on Tuesday 15th May.
The under 14 girls have training and Féile gear fitting at this Tuesday’s training from 4.15pm to 5.30pm. The girls are also training on Thursday from 4.15pm to 5.30pm.
The under 12 girls had their final league game away to Bundoran last Saturday. The first game threw in at 11am with the girls playing against the breeze. It was a brilliant show of football from both sides, but Aodh Ruadh just had the edge right through to the final whistle. Dairín Sweeny, Aoife Travers, Cameron Gallagher and Jodie Meade all contributing towards the final score. They played well as a team with all girls giving everything, but especially Cádhla Dolan and Jodie Meade who covered every blade of grass and kept their markers busy. In the back line Fódhla Sheerin and Orlaith Toland were solid and cleared everything that came their way, but the manager’s player of the match goes to Jessica O’Mahoney who, in the absence of both our goalies, stood in and played brilliantly. She made some great saves and even better clearances. Well done and thank you Jessica. The second game was a very even affair. With the wind in our favour in the first half our girls took the lead with Andrea Moore scoring 1-5 and giving Bundoran’s defence a shaking. Jessica O’Mahoney playing midfield for this game played brilliantly carrying the ball and letting it forward. Special mention to Ella Wilshire who scored her first point and then followed it with a goal. Congrats and well done Ella. Bundoran took the victory, but we couldn’t have been prouder of those girls who played well as a team. We will have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org when we get our gallery issues resolved. In other news Eugene Gallagher from Nirvana recently presented the under 12 jerseys to the team at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Thanks to Sharon and Eugene for sponsoring our jerseys. Why not support Nirvana and pop in for some fabulous food. Under 12 training continues on Wednesday 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 continues this Tuesday at 6pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Under 6 training continues on Friday evenings in Creevy National School at 6pm.
Well done to everyone who turned up for the Duck Race on Saturday on a lovely day at McKenna’s Brook. Special thanks to Gabby McGloin, Louise Foy, Sabrina Brosnan, Linda Clyne and all who helped in any way with the event. Also thanks to the duck man Sylvie Maguire, his helpers in the water Shane McGloin, John Hughes and Paddy Kelly. A big thank you to you the parents of the under 6s, under 8s, under 10s and under 12s who sold the lines and made this fund-raiser a great success.
Good luck to the under 16 county ladies, in particular our own under 16 captain Caoimhe Keon and Caitlin McGarrigle in this Saturday’s Ulster final against Cavan in Augher. Throw-in is 1pm and it would be good to see local support down there for the girls.
Congratulations to the under 15 county ladies who defeated Monaghan 7-10 to 0-9 on Saturday, especially to our own Sarah Jane Keon and Eilish Gallagher. The team have won all four of their games so far to ensure an Ulster final place. They face Armagh this coming weekend.
Well done also to the Donegal under 14s who defeated Fermanagh on Saturday in the Ulster C semi-final in Irvinestown. Our own Aoibhinn McGarrigle, Caoimhe Hughes O’Brien, Lucy McGlynn and Aine Hill all featured strongly in the win, with Katie O’Brien also on the panel.
Hurling
The sun shone brightly on Father Tierney Park and Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Bank Holiday Monday as we hosted the inaugural Billy Finn / John Larkin under 14 hurling tournament. Six teams took part on the day. Ballycastle (Antrim), Loch Mor Dal gCais (Antrim), Na Magha (Derry), Tooreen (Mayo), Omagh Saint Enda’s (Tyrone) and ourselves. The tournament was played in a round robin format and at the end of league section Ballycastle and Aodh Ruadh qualified for the cup final while Na Magha and Tooreen were set to meet in the plate final. They were two great finals with only a puck of a ball between the teams in both games. In Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh Na Magha and Tooreen had a great battle before the Derry lads came out on top 2-3 to 1-3 to claim the inaugural Billy Finn / John Larkin Shield. The Cup final was a thrilling affair in Father Tierney Park before a large and enthusiastic crowd. From the throw in Ballycastle and Aodh Ruadh tore into each other as they were both determined to claim the title. The effort by both teams after such a long day was a credit to both sides. It was end to end stuff with some great passages of play. At half time it was the Glensmen who led 1-2 to 0-4, the second half continued in the same vein. With each passing minute the excitement grew as this titanic battle grew in intensity. It was score for score in the second half, but at the long whistle it was the Antrim lads who claimed the cup by the minimum, 2-5 to 1-7 leading to scenes of great celebration.
The presentation took place out on the field where John Rooney thanked all the teams who had travelled to take part in the tournament. He welcomed the Finn and Larkin families and thanked them for their support of the tournament. He spoke of the huge loss Billy and John were to the club and to the town of Ballyshannon. He spoke of the huge efforts both men had put into keeping hurling alive in this area. The large crowd of former players and club members present were a testament to the esteem both men were held in. Berni Finn and Teresa Larkin presented the shield runners up medals to Tooreen before presenting the inaugural Billy Finn / John Larkin Shield to the Na Magha captain. Rooney spoke of the great cup final that we had witnessed and how Billy and John would have really enjoyed it, before calling the Aodh Ruadh team forward to accept their medals from Billy and Teresa. A delighted Ballycastle captain came forward to accept the Billy Finn / John Larkin Cup. He thanked Aodh Ruadh for a great game. Rooney thanked all who had helped make the day such a success he thanked referees Aidan Ferguson, Peter Horan and Sylvester Maguire, he thanked all who had helped with the catering . There was still time for one last presentation, Thomas Gallagher a former underage and senior hurler with Aodh Ruadh put together a lovely compilation of photographs of Billy and John beautifully framed which he presented to Club President Owen Roe O’Neill and Club Chairman Gerard Ferguson to hang proudly in their memory in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Owen Roe paid a lovely tribute to both Billy and John speaking of their contribution to the club as players and coaches before all headed up to the Aras for a great spread of refreshments bringing an end to a great day that was a fitting tribute to two great Gaels.
Training for all age groups on Sunday at 12 noon. All are welcome from 5 years upwards. For any information contact John Rooney on 086-2587793.
Féile na nGael Clothes Collection
As part of the Juvenile Hurling Committee’s major fundraiser for Féile we’re collecting bags of clothes. This is a great chance to clear out your wardrobes, all unwanted clothes, shoes, belts and bed linen will be gratefully accepted. Unfortunately we can’t take duvets or pillows. Many thanks to those who have supported this campaign so far, for any information contact any of the following: Sabrina Brosnan 086-8241297, Lorraine Kennedy Duffy 087-6874393, Teresa Davis Maguire 086-3983076, Denis Daly 086-3269550, John Rooney 086-2587793. Only a couple of weeks left to get rid of your unwanted items.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week’s €400 bingo jackpot was won by Josie Lynch of Ballyshannon. The stand up game prize of €145 was won by Sarah O’Shea of Belleek. The snowball had no winner so rolls on to €675 on 49 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at the Abbey Centre at 9pm, books cost just €10 with a €2,400 prize fund up for grabs.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €1,000. The winning numbers drawn were 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10. In the lucky dip €20 went to Nellie Blake, Parkhill; Geraldine Boyle, Lettermacaward; Gerard Callen, c/o Nirvana; Kevin O’Connor, Cliffoney; Michael Melly Jr. Next draw is in the Bridgend with a jackpot of €1,100 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: 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.
