Club meeting
There will be a club executive meeting this Thursday at 9pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.
Football
Aodh Ruadh lost out to Gaoth Dobhair 2-9 to 0-9 on Sunday. The Ernesiders made a good start to the game, hitting five points in ten minutes with Conor Patton, Diarmaid McInerney (3) and Peter Boyle on the mark. However, fielding a strong side with three of their county panellists, the hosts responded with interest and an Odhran McFadden Ferry goal helped them to a 1-5 to 0-5 interval lead. Ballyshannon continued to make a battle of things in the second half with Darren Drummond getting on the score sheet, but Cian Mulligan scrambled home a second goal for the Gaeltacht men to give them breathing space to the finish.
The reserves were well beaten in Magheragallon, 2-23 to 0-5 the final score.
Aodh Ruadh are at home against Milford next Sunday in what is a critical fixture for the club with just seven games of the league programme remaining. The senior game throws in at 3pm, with the reserve curtain raiser at 1.30pm. A large and vocal support to get behind the lads in what is sure to be a hotly contested game would be a major asset on Sunday.
Congratulations to Donegal on victory over Roscommon in the Super 8s on Saturday. That win makes the meeting with Tyrone in Ballybofey on Sunday 5th August a straight shoot out with Tyrone for a place in the All-Ireland semi-finals. Tickets for the Donegal v Tyrone game can now be ordered by texting club secretary Lisa McTernan on 086-2338636. The deadline for orders is Wednesday, 25th July at 8pm. Due to high demand no orders can be accepted after the deadline.
The minors hosted Kilcar in the championship last Thursday and after a hard fought game it was the Towney men who emerged victorious. The final scoreline was 3-9 to 0-23, but Aodh Ruadh will know this was a game where they could have pulled out a result. They registered in the opening minute with a point from Caolán Flood Dolan before Kilcar reeled off four unanswered points. Senan Rooney finally got the hosts back on the score board with a well-struck score, before a rasping Shane Gillespie goal shot them into a 1-2 to 0-4 lead with the game moving into the second quarter. Kilcar did hit back with a quick point, but Aodh Ruadh took over from there to the break. Points from Michael McKenna and Mark McGlynn were followed by a well-finished goal by Eoin Doherty. An exchange of points before half-time, Dylan Gallagher firing over the Ernesider’s score, left it Aodh Ruadh 2-5 Kilcar 0-6 at the turn around. Kilcar came out with a renewed purpose and hit six points in six minutes to push out into a one point lead. An Eoin Doherty free levelled matters again, but Kilcar responded with another two point salvo. A fine score from Odhran McGarrigle was likewise answered with a brace of points for the visitors. As the game moved into the final quarter another Eoin Doherty point was cancelled out by a Kilcar score. Aodh Ruadh were well in the game though and when Shane Gillespie scrambled the ball home with 12 minutes left to play to make it a draw game at 3-8 to 0-17 the homesters were well worth that scoreline. An answering Kilcar point was cancelled out by a Tiernan Flood Dolan point with nine minutes left. That, however, was to be as good as it got for Aodh Ruadh as Kilcar reeled off the last five points of the game to take victory. Best on the day for Aodh Ruadh was Odhran McGarrigle who contributed to a lot of good link up play and took a good point. Shane Gillespie, Michael McKenna, Senan Rooney, Eoin Doherty and Tiernan Flood Dolan all did well. Aodh Ruadh are on the road for their next outing in Section 2 of the Championship when they face Letterkenny Gaels on Wednesday at 7pm.
The under 14s booked their place in the county semi-final with a last eight victory over Glenfin in Father Tierney Park on Sunday evening. Aodh Ruadh were without the considerable services of Danny Breen Brosnan, but still had too much in hand for the visitors, finishing 5-14 to 2-6 victors. Damian Weber opened Ballyshannon’s account with an early point and that was quickly followed by a goal from man of moment, Robbie Murphy. Murphy, Drew Ryan and Damian Weber each hit a brace of points before Aaron Neilan landed the second goal of the game for the Ernesiders. Eoghan Kelly then got on the scoreboard before Robbie Murphy smashed home his second goal. Further points for Damian Weber and Robbie Murphy were followed by a goal for Shane McGloin as Aodh Ruadh eased to the win. Shane Delahunty was, as ever, excellent, covering every blade of grass, while Jack Gallagher was part of a lot of good play for the homesters.
Under 11 training continues on Mondays from 7pm to 8pm.
The under 10s travelled to Roscommon Gaels on Saturday with 29 lads making the trip. The team played three competitive games with all the lads playing well. After the action on the pitch the squad were exceptionally well looked after by the Gaels with refreshments. The young Aodh Ruadh lads then went on to the Donegal v Roscommon game where the result put the seal on great day out. The lads were very well behaved so on way back they were treated to ice cream in Sligo. There they met up with the Donegal team bus and got some great photos with their county heroes. A great end to a great day out and thanks to all the parents and guardians who travelled to Roscommon and lent a hand. All the managers and coaches were very proud of the mannerly way this bunch of players conducted themselves all day. Under 10 training continues on Mondays and Fridays at 7.15pm. The team may have a blitz in Donegal town on Saturday, but further details on this will be supplied during the week.
Ladies
The under 16s have training this Wednesday at 6.30pm.
The under 14s made it five wins from five against Saint Eunan’s last Friday to finish the league stages of the competition top of Division 1. The Ernesiders took their time to get to the pace of the game in O’Donnell Park over the course of a hard fought first half. Goals from Emer O’Brien and Katie O’Brien helped the visitors to a 2-6 to 0-5 half-time advantage. Ballyshannon went up a gear in the second half to finish well deserved winners. Aoibhínn McGarrigle, Evelyn Rose Gallagher, Niamh Hughes, Annie Keon, Caoimhe Hughes O’Brien and Ciara Gillespie also got on the score sheet as Ballyshannon powered their way to victory. Áine Hill made a brilliant penalty save to keep a clean sheet while in front of her Grainne Maguire and Hannah Gallagher were rocks in defence. Clodagh O’Connor manned the number six slot diligently while Caoimhe Hughes O’Brien and Niamh Hughes formed a great partnership in the middle of the field. Up front Katie O’Brien was on fire with good support from Annie Keon, Evelyn Rose Gallagher and Aoibhínn McGarrigle. Coming off the bench Rihanna Masterson Burrows was unlucky not to get her name on the score sheet too. Aodh Ruadh are now preparing for a county semi-final against either Ardara or Fanad Gaels. The team have training this Wednesday at 6.30pm.
The ladies county board have sent each club five cards to sell. There are 30 lines in each card with each line €5. The seller who sells a card will automatically get a county ladies jersey and those buying the lines will, when card is full be in a draw for a county ladies jersey, so each card will have two ladies jerseys up for grabs. Please contact Patricia Hill if you wish to buy a line or sell a card.
Hurling
The under 12s made the trip to MacCumhaill Park on Thursday to take on the homesters. It was a close game throughout as our lads battled away against the league leaders. In the end it was the Ballybofey boys who took the points on a 2-3 to 1-1 scoreline. The boys are the road again this Thursday as they make the long trip to Carndonagh.
On Saturday there were a number of inter-county development squad blitzes held in Owenbeg and Garvaghey. Aodh Ruadh were well represented at these tournaments. The under 14 squad played in Owenbeg and our representatives on this squad were Aaron Cullen, Aaron Neilan, Ryan Keenaghan, Danny Breen Brosnan, Troy Killalea and Kyle McNulty. The under 16 blitz was held in Garvaghey and Senan Rooney was our sole representative on this squad.
Next Sunday we head to Croke Park on our annual All-Ireland semi-final trip. This year we are going to the Cork v Limerick All-Ireland last four game. As a result there will be no underage training on Sunday.
Think you know soccer?
The English Premiership season is almost upon us again and the senior and reserve footballers are challenging you to put your EPL knowledge to the test. You could win €500 in their Premiership Killers competition. It is €20 to enter and each competitor begins with three lives. Each week you select a team to win their match from the fixture list. If the team doesn’t win, you lose a life. You can only select a team once. Each entrant is responsible for keeping a record of teams submitted. A team may be selected for you by the organising committee if you enter a team you have previously chosen. Entries for games on Saturday and Sunday must be submitted by 7pm on the preceding Friday. Entries for games on Tuesday and Wednesday must be submitted by 7pm on the preceding Monday. Failure to submit a team will result in the organising committee selecting a team for you. This will be the highest ranking team available in the league on that date. If a game is abandoned you will not lose a life and you will be able to select that team again should you wish to do so. You can enter by contacting any senior or reserve footballer, or through the entry cards in Pearse O’Neill’s, The Bridgend, O’Donnell’s Bar, Seán Ógs, and Spar.
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.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week’s €400 bingo jackpot was won by Noreen O’Brien of Batchelors Walk, Ballyshannon. The stand up game prize of €120 was won by Roisin McGlanaghan, Bundoran. The snowball had no winner so rolls to €375 on 45 numbers or less. With refurbishment works still going on at the Abbey Centre, bingo will take place again at Coláiste Cholmcille on College street Ballyshannon at 9pm, books cost just €10 with a €2,100 prize fund up for grabs.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €2,100. The winning numbers drawn were 3, 10, 13, 15, 17 and 18. In the lucky dip €20 went to Mary Egan, Westport; Dympna Cronin, Lawne Park; Noelle & Michelle, c/o The Lantern; Peter O’Rourke, Croom, Limerick; and Jean Sheerin. Next draw is in Bridgend Barwith a jackpot of €2,200 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.
