Football
Sunday saw another draw for the Ernesiders. Once again it was more a case of a point lost than one salvaged. Aodh Ruadh were the better team for long stretches of this game, but Saint Eunan’s managed to snipe off enough scores to keep themselves in contact. The introduction of Conall Dunne was key to keeping Saint Eunan’s in the game, the ex-county man hitting three points after Darren Drummond had netted the game’s only goal for the homesters. Aodh Ruadh had two late goal chances to kill the game altogether, but could convert neither. When Conor Gibbons slotted a close range free three minutes into added time it was another case of honours even for Aodh Ruadh, this their fourth draw of the league on a scoreline of 1-9 to 0-12. Aodh Ruadh have been playing a lot of good football this season, but converting the draws into two pointers is becoming a more pressing concern with a gap opening between the bottom two and the mid-table pack. Nevertheless, with this sort of display you have to feel that the wins aren’t far away. Fine displays all over the pitch for Aodh Ruadh. Peter Boyle had a couple of saves to make and hit two cracking dead balls. Darren Drummond was dominant at number six, Damian Cleary and Oisin Rooney took increasing control in the middle third as the game wore on. Shane McGrath was invention itself in the attack and he complimented the direct style of Diarmaid McInerney well. We have a full match report up at aodhruadh.org.
The reserves were overpowered by an impressive Saint Eunan’s side in Sunday’s curtain raiser, the Letterkenny men running out 4-20 to 1-4 winners.
Attention this weekend returns to the county scene as Donegal tackle the Dubs in Croke Park this Saturday at 7pm. 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 Aodh Ruadh’s adult footballers is down forSaturday 21st July when Aodh Ruadh make the return trip to Gaoth Dobhair. Senior game throws in at 7pm with the reserves going off at 5.30pm.
Under 10 training continues on Mondays and Fridays at 7.15pm. Please note the change from Wednesdays to Monday evenings for next few weeks. The under 10s hosted Derrygonnelly on Fridayevening for a challenge game. Aodh Ruadh fielded three teams with all the Ballyshannon players performing very well. We may travel away for a game this Friday evening. Details to follow during the week.
Ladies
The Realt Ruadh ladies lost out to Naomh Conaill in their Intermediate Championship clash.
The under 16s take on Saint Eunan’s in Father Tierney this Tuesday at 7pm. All players to be at the park for 6.15pm at the latest.
The under 14s return to domestic league action this Wednesday when they host Ardara in Ballyshannon at 7pm. All players to be at the park for 6.15pm. A good showing of support for the girls would be much appreciated.
The under 12 football season has come to an end. We hosted the last blitz of the season on Saturday 30th June on a very hot summer day. Realt na Mara, Naomh Bríd / Pettigo and MacCumhaill’s as well as ourselves all togged out. It was a warm day for football, but all the girls played well with plenty of water breaks and maybe a little water fight too. A big thank you to Ciara Larkin, Hannah Downey and Rebecca Downey from the under 10s who helped us field a team on the day. They all played well and will do well next year when they move up to the next level. Also thank you to their parents for bringing them up after the late night call. Also, we cannot forget Doreen Patton, Kelly Coughlin and Antoin McGloin for all their help on the day, especially the dash to the shop for the supplies for refreshments. Thank you to Celine and Liam Travers, Karen Doherty, Damien and Nicola Conlon, Roisin Finnegan, Louise Foy and Audrey O’Mahoney for all their help with washing jerseys, umpiring and helping out behind the hatch upstairs in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. It was much appreciated. Finally thank you to Gabby McGloin, Sandra Sheerin and Brian Roper for all their help with the girls. All 29 of them came on so well from the beginning of the year and showed great teamwork and skills in their games. Keep working hard over the summer girls. Manager Karol is confident there’s some future county stars in the making.
Hard luck to Caoimhe Keon, Caitlin McGarrigle and the Donegal under 16s who lost out to a strong Galway side in their All-Ireland semi-final last Wednesday.
Hurling
The Donegal under 21s had a good win over Tyrone in the All-Ireland B Championship on Saturday defeating the Red Hand men on a 3-13 to 2-5 scoreline. Oisin Rooney was centre forward scoring four points and our own Brendan Gillespie is also on the squad. Donegal play Sligo in Father Tierney Park on the evening of Tuesday July 17th in the under 21 hurling championship.
On Sunday morning our under 8s and under 10s headed to MacCumhaill Park for an all-county blitz. Our under 8s are very young with seven of the squad under 6. Despite being up against older sides they tried their hearts out in every game. The under 10s are developing into a fine squad working hard every week at training and again winning all their games at this blitz.
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.
Schools Coaching
Congratulations to Stephen McGurrin who has worked as a schools coach in our club area for the past few years and who has left to take up a full time coaching position with Leitrim County Board. This coaching scheme was put in place five years ago by our Park / Development Committee and many of our current players from under 16 down have benefitted from it. Anyone interested in taking up this role and who meets the criteria for Community Employment should contact Tom Daly as soon as possible, having first checked with Department of Social Protection that they are eligible. Garda vetting applies . We have supported our coaches in the past to undertake Foundation, Level 1 and Level 2 coaching courses and this support will also apply to this position. An interest in coaching football, hurling and handball to both boys and girls is important.
Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh access
Work is continuing at the entrance and car park area of Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh to divert pipe work prior to resurfacing. Users are asked to exercise care in this area until all works are completed in the early part of August.
Renewing home insurance?
A scheme which may interest some club members AIB will give €50 to your nominated GAA club when you purchase a new home insurance policy with the company. So while you protect your home, you can also help support Aodh Ruadh. Just purchase a new AIB Home Insurance policy and complete the Reward My Club form. Full details on the scheme are available at https://aib.ie/our-products/insurance/home-insurance/gaa-home-insurance. The last disbursal from AIB saw Aodh Ruadh secure €250.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week’s €400 bingo jackpot was won by Ann McGowan of Kinlough. The stand up game prize of €130 was shared. The snowball had no winner so rolls to €325 on 45 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at the Abbey Centre at 9pm. Books cost just €10 with a €2,000 prize fund up for grabs.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €1,900. The winning numbers drawn were 2, 5, 10, 12, 14 and 17. In the lucky dip €20 went to Ann Ferguson, The Rock; Sinead Donagher, Abbeylands; Ann Marie Hogan, Legnowley, Donegal Town; Veronica Brennan, Lawne Park; and Barry Travers. Next draw is in The Lantern Bar with a jackpot of €2,000 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: 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.
