Football
There was no separating Aodh Ruadh and Glenswilly in Father Tierney Park after a hard fought Division 1 encounter. Level at the break and level at the end, with plenty of thrills and spills in between, a share of the spoils was probably the right result come Michael McShane’s long whistle. A minute from time a Gary McFadden point looked like it had won it for the visitors. However, two minutes into time added on Oisin Rooney was there to win the Glenswilly kick-out and Aodh Ruadh showed composure to work a shooting chance. Rooney again popped up at the end of the move and, under heavy pressure, leathered over the game’s final score from 25 metres. That gave Aodh Ruadh a deserved share of the spoils. A better game of football than the greasy conditions deserved and fair play to the players for dealing with it as well as they did. Oisin Rooney, Philip Patton and David Dolan were the men who kept their cool for Aodh Ruadh when the game was in the melting pot. Colm Kelly and Eddie Lynch also had good outings. We have a full match report on aodhruadh.org.
The reserves recorded a much needed win on their return home following consecutive away losses. A win wasn’t looking likely as they trailed 2-4 to 0-2 after 25 minutes with Glenswilly carving open the home defence with ease. A Michael ‘Sticky’ Ward free and an Oisin Roper point were all that was on the board for the Ernesiders. However, a blazing rout on the visitors returned six goals in 10 minutes of play, three each side of half time. The first came when Sticky Ward shot came off the bar before being collected by Waddle Coughlin who walked it into the open goal. That was followed immediately by a cracking low strike from Martin Gallagher to raise the green flag. Waddle returned the favour to set up Sticky Ward for a tap in with 30 minutes on the clock. Another free and point from play by Ward left the half time score at 3-4 to 2-5. The home side were quickest out of the blocks on the restart and were playing some scintillating football. Sticky again found the net with a sweet left footed strike, which moments later was bettered by a Coughlin rocket off the left boot into the roof of the net, Chris ‘Spanny’ Goan instrumental in the build-up play. Spanny then went on the run for goal only to be taken down for a penalty, which was duly slotted away by Dermot Slevin to open up a massive 11 point lead, the score board reading 6-4 to 2-5 with 35 minutes gone. The forecast thunderstorm which had been brewing all day eventually arrived, with the heavens opening to an almighty deluge of rain. The change in conditions hampered the free flowing play of the Erne men and with great credit the Glenswilly men chipped away with five points to reduce the gap before Waddle managed to chalk up the next home score on 52 minutes. The hosts were feeling the pressure and were reduced to 13 men in the final ten minutes as a result of second yellow cards. Glenswilly finished the stronger with five points with Coughlin supplying the solitary answer. But time had run out on the visitors as the Aodh Ruadh men dug deep to for the win by three points, 6-6 to 2-15 the final score. Matthew Maguire and Conal Sweeney worked tirelessly in defence, whilst Kerry Ryan pulled the strings around the middle. Sticky Ward again brought his experience to the fore when the game was in danger of being lost and Oisin Roper covered the pitch in runs. Karl O’Brien produced a top drawer save at a crucial stage in each half.
Team: Karl O’Brien; Daniel Warnock, Matthew Maguire, Callum O’Halloran; Christopher Goan, Conal Sweeney, Ronan Drummond; Kerry Ryan, Darren Gethins; Mickey McNeely, Dermot Slevin (1-0), Martin Gallagher (1-0); Anthony Coughlin (2-2), Michael Ward (2-3, 2f), Oisin Roper (0-1). Subs: Sean Taylor for Daniel Warnock HT; Cian McGloin for Ronan Drummond HT; David Finnerty for Chris Goan 40m; Cáelán Drummond for Dermot Slevin 40m; David McLoone, Raymie Granaghan, Aidan Murray.
Attention this weekend is centred on the county team who face Down in the Ulster semi-final against Down in Clones on Sunday at 4pm. 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. The next action for the Aodh Ruadh adult footballers is set to be on Sunday 17th June when Aodh Ruadh host Cloich Cheann Fhaola in what will be a huge game at the bottom end of the Division 1 table.
Minor training continues on Friday at 5pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh [Munday’s ].
The under 12s played Dungloe last Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh winning both games. It was a very good team performance from both squads and well deserved wins after a hard season to date. The next assignment for the lads is away to Ardara on Wednesday. Transport details will be notified nearer the time.
The Aodh Ruadh under 10s were away to Saint Mary’s, Sligo last Wednesday. The 2009 team was captained by birthday boys Oisin and Eoin McCadden. They were well down, but put in a great last quarter. The 2008 team was captained by Daithi Sherrin and they had a great challenge of a game. On Monday we travelled with 31 players to Ardara for the Joe Larry tournament and fielded three teams – One 2008 and two 2009 teams. The 2008 team was captained by Eoin Gallagher, while Oisin and Eoin McCadden captained one 2009 team with Darragh McCready captaining the other. The 2009 team and the 2008 Team One were eliminated at the knock out stages. The 2009 Team Two made it to final, but lost out in the decider. All three sides enjoyed some very tough matches. The Ballyshannon players represented both themselves and their club admirably. It was a great day, very well organised and we thank Ardara for the invitation.
Under 10 training takes a break until Wednesday 13th June. Players and management can enjoy a week off. The team’s next blitz away to Donegal Town on Saturday 16th June. Times remain to be confirmed. The following Saturday June 23rd sees us stage our annual Mick Shannon tournament. We will have big numbers up at the Park so lots sandwiches and refreshments will be required.
Under 8 training continues on Thursdays from 6.15pm until 7.15pm. Under 6 training continues on Fridays from 6pm to 6.45pm at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Ladies
The under 16s have training this Thursday at 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Under 14s had good outings against Devenish and Derrygonnelly in the past week. Training continues on Wednesday at 7pm
The under 12s had a busy weekend with two challenges. The first was at home against Glencar Manorhamilton on Saturday. The Leitrim girls put in a very clinical performance, which gave them the win. The next game was in Grange against St Molaise Gaels. This time Aodh Ruadh stood up and learned from their mistakes to take the win. Training for the under 12s continues on Wednesday at 5.30pm.
Two under 10 Aodh Ruadh teams welcomed four teams to a beautifully sunny Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Bank Holiday Monday. Supported by up to 100, Melvin Gaels, Grange, Bundoran and Saint Mary’s, Sligo attended for a well-contested blitz. The games were played with great enthusiasm with some great skills on display. Thanks to Cait Gillespie, Patrick Gillespie and Ken Monaghan for refereeing matches. Under 10 girls training continues at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this Tuesday from 7.15pm to 8.15pm.
The under 8s had a blitz on Bank Holiday Monday in Father Tierney Park. The hosts had 20 girls togged out in their Aodh Ruadh Jerseys. Saint Molaise Gaels and St Mary’s from Sligo came up and all the teams had great fun in the warm weather. The managers and coaches were super proud of all of the Aodh Ruadh girls who were a force to be reckoned with and ran every blade of grass. Training for the squad continues on Tuesday at 6pm.
Hurling
Well done to the under 14s who took a step closer to a league and championship double when they overcame Letterkenny Gaels in the championship semi-final on Thursday in Father Tierney Park. They go on now to meet Saint Eunan’s in the final.
All roads lead to Skehana this weekend as the under 14s head off to the Féile na nGael National Finals. The lads are in Division 5. They are in a group with Skehana (Galway), Ahascragh (Galway) and Broadford (Kildare). Our under 14s are unbeaten all season and are ready for the challenge of this weekend. We wish Denis, Daithi, Kieran and the whole squad the best of luck for the weekend and hope they all have an enjoyable experience at Féile. We thank everyone for their support with our fund-raising for this weekend especially our generous sponsors, Terry Hughes of Straddle Filling Station, Eugene Gallagher of Nirvana Restaurant and Colin Maguire of Mr Oilman their support is much appreciated.
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.
Coffee and ice cream morning
Dearbhla Gallagher and family are holding a coffee and ice cream morning in the Breezy Centre, Cashelard on Sunday June 10th after 10am Mass. Bouncy Castle, raffle and lots of fun. Proceeds to Creevy National School, Donegal Down Syndrome and Liquid Therapy.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week we saw the €750 snowball taken home by Carl O’Loughlin of Laghey, checking out on only 44 numbers. Well done to him. The €400 jackpot was won by Paddy McDermott of Belleek, whilst Celine McGrath of Ballyshannon took home the stand up prize of €145. The total pay-out on the night was just under €2,500. Bingo as usual this Friday night at the Abbey Centre, first game at 9pm so come along for the enjoyment and great prizes. Books priced just €10.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €1,400. The winning numbers drawn were 2, 4, 5, 6, 14 and 15. In the lucky dip €20 went to Stephen Ward; Barry Travers; Michael Clancy, Finner; Ayeisha McLaughlin; and Conor Thomas, Abbey Isle. Next draw is in Dicey Reilly’s with a jackpot of €1,500 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: JUVENILE HURLERS.
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.
