Football
Aodh Ruadh and Cloich Cheann Fhaola locked horns in Father Tierney Park in a crucial meeting in the bottom half of Division 1 on Sunday. There was nothing to separate the sides with Aodh Ruadh recording their second consecutive home draw. Cloich Cheann Fhaola were first off the mark in a very tightly contested first half with a free put over by Denis Boyle on the third minute. Jason McGee extended the lead shortly after with another placed ball. It took until the 14th minute before the hosts registered their first, a fisted score from David McGurrin. McGee and McGurrin again exchanged points in an open spell of play midway through the half. A fine free from Diarmaid McInerney out at the sideline on the 45 drew the game level at three points a piece on the 20th minute. Johnny McGarvey went through for a good score to restore the visitors lead. A strong 29th minute run from Damien Cleary was ended when he was pulled back on the 20 metre line, McInerney equalising again from the resulting free. There was still time for scores as referee Mark Dorrian added seven minutes of time. In a real tit for tat exchange, Boyle put over his second, only for another distance free from McInerney to again draw level. A tight angled shot from David Dolan put Aodh Ruadh in front for the first time on the 35th minute, but McGee levelled again with a free just before the interval whistle.
If the first half was an edgy affair the second was going to be tighter. David McGurrin restored the hosts’ lead, but a menacing ball by Denis Boyle into the danger area went untouched and bounced over the bar. Shane McGrath, a first half sub for Niall Murray, made a direct run for goal and was dragged down in the square on the third minute of the half. McInerney stood over the penalty, but his well struck shot drew a fine save by Sean McClafferty. Jason McGee’s 45 was then cancelled out by a good Oisin Rooney point. Cloich Cheann Fhaola were dangerous in attack with Jason McGee spending much of the second half in at full forward, and had a great chance on goal only for the ball to come off the bar, the rebound pointed by Denis Boyle. McGurrin drew the sides level for the fifth time, only for a McGee free to again put the visitors in front. Then another big moment of the game came in the 14th minute as Jason McGee plucked a high ball in the square and drew the foul, with Denis Boyle making no mistake as be buried the penalty low past Peter Boyle. With a four point lead the visitors dropped very deep, making scoring chances hard come by. It proved effective as the hosts kicked six wides in a row, and by the 25th minute the four point lead was still intact. But great credit has to go to the young Aodh Ruadh lads, they started to play with much more patience and were eventually rewarded when Phillip Patton split the posts. Patton then added a close range free as the gaps were starting to show. Oisin Rooney and Shane McGrath pulled the Erne men level, who at this stage had all the momentum. Conor Patton won the next McClafferty kick out and fed the ball through to Philip Patton who incredibly put Aodh Ruadh in the lead as the game entered added time. But with five minutes of injury time there was to be another twist, Denis Boyle equalising with a close range free three minutes later to leave it 0-14 to 1-11 at the long whistle. A share of the spoils was a fair outcome in a very competitive game, Jason McGee having a huge influence as did Martin Maguire and O’Brien for the visitors. David McGurrin and Conor Patton were immense for the hosts, McInerney, Cleary, Rooney and Gallagher drawing the eye for working tirelessly for the full game.
Aodh Ruadh: Peter Boyle; Johnny Gallagher, Damien Cleary, Michael Ward; Johnny Gethins, Colm Kelly, Eddie Lynch; Conor Patton, Oisin Rooney (0-2); David McGurrin (0-4); Diarmaid McInerney (0-3f); Niall Murray, Nathan Boyle, Cian Dolan, David Dolan (0-1). Subs: Shane McGrath (0-1) for N Murray 18m; Phillip Patton (0-3), Paddy Gillespie, Sean Taylor, Eamonn McGrath.
Cloich Cheann Fhaola: Sean McClafferty; Ciaran Scanlon, Martin Ferry, Kevin Mulhern; Ciaran McGeady, Mark Harley, Lee O’Brien; Martin Maguire, Aiden Doohan; Jason McGee (0-5, 4f), John McGarvey (0-1); Denis Boyle (1-5, 2f), Sean Maguire, John Harley. Subs: Cillian Gallagher for J McGarvey HT; Cian McFadden for Martin Ferry, Michael Mulhern, Declan McGarvey, Sean McBride, Donal Curran.
Ref: Mark Dorrian
The reserves came out on the wrong side of at 1-11 to 2-15 scoreline in their against Cloich Cheann Fhaola.
There will be a hiatus in league football for the Ulster final next weekend. Aodh Ruadh’s next outing will be away to Glenswilly on 1st July, senior game at 3pm, preceded by the reserves at 1.30pm.
On that note, those who have bought Ulster final tickets through the club are notified that they will be available for collection between 7.15pm and 8.15pm on Wednesday at Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Best of luck to Declan Bonner and his charges in Clones on Sunday against our neighbours as they bid to bring the Anglo Celt back to the Hills for the first time since 2014. Good luck also to Val Murray and the strong Aodh Ruadh contingent who will be playing Down in the Masters Championship this Saturday. 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.
Minor training continues next Monday at 6.30pm.
The under 14s recorded a comprehensive 9-14 to 1-6 victory over Four Masters in the Park on Monday evening. Aaron Cullen had a great game between the posts, saving a penalty. Further out the pitch there were fine displays from Shane Delahunty in midfield and Danny Breen Brosnan in the final third. The next assignment for the team in the league is scheduled to be after their return from Féile. They are down to travel to Glenties to take on Naomh Conaill on Monday, 2nd July. Training continues on Friday at 4.45pm.
Aodh Ruadh under 10s were in Derrygonnelly last Wednesday evening, travelling along with the under 10 girls. The Ballyshannon lads had two very hard games and both teams played at a high level.
That outing was to be followed by a blitz in Donegal Town last Saturday, but this was cancelled due to a bereavement. Four Masters will be in Ballyshannon to play Aodh Ruadh on Wednesday at 7pm.
The team train again on Friday evening at 7.15pm. The following day, Saturday, sees the club stage its annual Mick Shannon tournament. In attendance along with Aodh Ruadh will be Saint Naul’s, Ardara and Saint Mary’s Sligo. All players are to be at the park for 10.30pm with games starting at 11 am sharp. We will have around 100 kids at the Park on Saturday, so parents / guardians are asked to help with tea and make sandwiches and help staff the hatch upstairs in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All these clubs entertain us very well when we travel. So please make an extra effort.
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.
The under 14s made the long trip north to take on Gaeil Fhánada on Tuesday evening. The girls made the trip worthwhile recording a comfortable win with a fine team performance and every player getting plenty of game time. Many thanks to the parents who assisted with transport on the night. The girls focus now turns to Féile and the trip to Blackhall Gaels in Meath on Friday week.
Aodh Ruadh under 12s will be involved two blitzes at the end of the month. We will split into two teams so every girl can get more playing time. Good luck to everyone. Big congrats to a few of the girls who were involved in the Community Games Athletics finals and the Junior Duathalon in Mullaghmore at the weekend.
The under 10 girls attended a blitz in Ardara on Monday evening. Four Masters and Dungloe were also in attendance. Aodh Ruadh fielded two strong teams who played some great football. The managers agreed that every girl put in their best performance so far this season and are very pleased with the progress the team has made. Thanks also to the supporters who attended. The team’s next outing is on Tuesday 26th June away to Four Masters.
Hurling
The under 12 and under 16 leagues begin this Thursday with the under 12s at home to Letterkenny Gaels and the under 16s making the trip to Letterkenny to take on the same opposition.
Our under 8s and under 10s took part in an all-county blitz at the Centre of Excellence in Convoy on Sunday. We fielded ten players in both age groups and they all played their hearts in difficult conditions. Many thanks to the parents who brought the children to the blitz .
Best of luck to Mickey McCann and the Donegal squad who play Warwickshire in the Nicky Rackard Cup Final in Croke Park on Saturday.
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.
Big thanks
Dearbhla Gallagher and family would like to say thanks to all who supported and assisted them at their recent fund-raiser in the Breezy Centre. Thanks to friends and family who baked and helped at the Breezy Centre. Thanks also to our raffle prize sponsors, Cara Pharmacy, Mr Oilman, Ocean View Beauty and Teresina Barrett and thanks to Brendan Whoriskey for his assistance. The total amount raised for Donegal Down Syndrome, Liquid Therapy and Creevy National School was €1,715. Special thanks to the under 14 hurlers who did a collection and presented it to Dearbhla before their trip to Féile.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week’s €400 bingo jackpot was won by Kathleen McGroary of Ballintra. The stand up game prize of €140 was won by Majella Gettins of Ballyshannon. The snowball had no winner so it rolls on to €250 this week. Bingo as usual this Friday at the Abbey Centre at 9pm, books cost just €10 with a €1,950 prize fund up for grabs.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €1,600. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 7, 10, 11, 15 and 18. In the lucky dip €20 went to Margaret Meehan Belleek; Cathy McVeigh Ballyshannon; Josephine Dolan, Ballyshannon; Eugene Fitzgerald, Falcarragh; and Packie McGrath, Creevy. Next draw is in Pat’s Bar with a jackpot of €1,700 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.
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