Football
Aodh Ruadh sank to a 1-11 to 0-12 defeat in Father Tierney Park on Sunday, a result which puts a big hole in the club’s hopes of retaining Division 1 status. As has been the story for so much of this season, manager James O’Donnell has been dealing from a diminished hand. An injury to Philip Patton at Thursday training saw him miss out, while Darren Drummond, Johnny Gallagher and Oisin Rooney were also unavailable. It was a tense game with both sides knowing what was at stake. It was 1-8 to 0-7 at the break, and while Aodh Ruadh won the second half, they just couldn’t find the scores which would put them in a position to challenge for victory. The visitors had the foundation for the win built in the first ten minutes, Darragh Black being the first to react to a loose ball to net and help the visitors to a 1-3 to 0-1 lead. Two points from Diarmaid McInerney and a single from Niall Murray helped Aodh Ruadh keep in touch, but Milford were able to hit for answering scores. McInerney, Nathan Boyle and David McGurrin all pointed in the run to half-time, but the homesters went in trailing by four. Damien Cleary got the first point of the new half and Peter Boyle knocked over a 45, but scores were hard worked in a dogged second 30. A David Dolan point put two between them, but, frustratingly, Milford hit two points in reply and while Nathan Boyle and Shane McGrath hit late points, Aodh Ruadh just couldn’t close with Milford.
The reserves had no better luck, losing out to Milford on a scoreline of 2-8 to 1-16. Ballyshannon started well and went into a 1-3 to 0-1 lead after 12 minutes, with scores coming from Michael ‘Sticky’ Ward, a David Finnerty goal, and points from Dylan Gallagher and Mickey McNeely. That was the end of the hosts scoring though as Milford got their shape, and recovered to lead 0-8 to 1-3 at half time. Aodh Ruadh struggled to stay with them in second half and were out-scored 1-8 to 1-5. The homesters scores came from Sticky Ward, Ronan Drummond, Dylan Gallagher, Anthony ‘Waddle’ Coughlin and David Finnerty, with the goal coming from Darren Gethins late in the half.
With four games remaining, Aodh Ruadh travel to O’Donnell Park on August Bank Holiday Monday knowing a win is absolutely critical. Throw-in against Saint Eunan’s is at 5pm with the reserve curtain-raiser going off at 3.30pm.
Keep an eye on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page for information on the distribution of tickets for Sunday’s Donegal v Tyrone Super Eights game.
The minors put their opening day defeat to Kilcar behind them with a magnificent display against Letterkenny Gaels last Wednesday. It was a massive Letterkenny team facing them in Páirc na nGael and the hosts got off a flying start, working a goal straight from the throw-in. Aodh Ruadh refused to be intimidated though and once the Ernesiders got going after about ten minutes they took control of the game and never relinquished it. Shane Gillespie was outstanding throughout and netted a first half goal to help Aodh Ruadh to a six point half time advantage. Gillespie’s midfield partner, Senan Rooney, showcased some intelligent link up play and, along with Dylan Gallagher and Michael McKenna, turned over a lot of ball as Letterkenny struggled to break out of their own half. Eoin Doherty and Dylan Gallagher got goals in the second half to help kill off the game while Eugene Doherty, Harry Howarth and Odhran McGarrigle did really well on the opposition kick out, helping to keep them penned in. Further back Matt Gillespie’s distribution from goal was first class while in front of him Kyle Murray gave an exhibition at full back. Man of the match though was probably David Doherty with a typically high energy display which Letterkenny had no answer to. All-in-all a brilliant team performance to secure a 3-14 to 2-7 victory. The next game in the championship group stages takes place this on Saturday in Glenfin at 6.30pm.
Congratulations to our Óg Sport team of Daire Gallagher, Matt Gillespie, Aaron Neilan, Kyle McCaffrey, Marty McGarrigle, Calum Doherty Craig, Ryan Keenaghan, Kyle Murray and Danny Breen Brosnan on reaching the Southern Board semi-finals on Saturday in Saint Naul’s. Well done also to mentors David O’Donnell and Paul Gillespie.
It wasn’t to be for the under 14s in their semi-final on Monday evening, MacCumhaill’s progressing on a scoreline of 4-10 to 2-8. The Ballybofey lads lead by five points at the interval and were worthy winners at the final whistle. Despite the defeat Aodh Ruadh played some
great football and fought to the end. Management were particularly pleased by the discipline and composure of the team in testing circumstances. With the league programme concluded, attention now turns to August 10th and the first game of the championship. Training for that continues on Friday from 4.45pm to 6pm.
Under 11 training continues on Mondays from 7pm to 8pm.
Last Saturday the under 10s travelled to Donegal town to take part in an under 9 competition. We were tight on numbers, but played seven games over the morning. The team gave some great performances, but some decisions went against us and we failed to make make the finals. Nevertheless the lads really improved from game to game and it was a great day out for the boys. There will be no under 10 training this Friday, but training will continue on Monday at7.15pm. A date for your dairies. We are planning to travel to Castlebar on Saturday 25th August.
There will be a Bord na nÓg meeting this Tuesday, 31st July at 9pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.
Ladies
The under 16s have training this Wednesday at 6.30pm. This is the last session before Saturday’s trip to the Carryduff nine-a-side tournament. The bus leaves the Market Yard at 6.30am. Best wishes to the girls for a successful tournament.
The under 14s will take on Fanad Gaels in the county semi-final in Father Tierney Park this Tuesday at 7pm. Players are to be at the Park for 6.15pm and to bring sandwiches, buns or similar to help with post-match refreshments. It would be great to see a big Ballyshannon support there to shout the girls on.
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
We had our annual trip to Croke Park on Sunday for the All Ireland semi-final and we were treated to a classic between Limerick and Cork with the Shannonsiders coming out on top much to the delight of our bunch especially mentor Mike Lynch who was a very proud Limerick man on the way home. Thanks to all on Juvenile Hurling Committee who made this trip possible.
The under 12s made the long trip to Carndonagh on Thursday. Fielding a young team, they had a close exciting game against the Carn lads before losing narrowly 3-3 to 2-3. They are on the road again this week as they head to Gaoth Dobhair.
The under 16s are at home to Dungloe / Gaoth Dobhair on Thursday with a 7pm throw-in.
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.
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.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week’s €400 bingo jackpot was won by Eamonn McCann, on holiday from Carrickmacross. The stand up game prize had a single winner in the amount of €135. The snowball had no winner so rolls to €400 and moves up to 46 numbers or less. Other big winners included John McFadden of Pettigo who landed €170 for two houses. 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 €2,200. The winning numbers drawn were 3, 5, 7, 8, 12 and 17. In the lucky dip €20 went to Caroline McGarrigle, Ballyshannon; Roise Conlon, Ballyshannon; Jack Monaghan, Belleek; Rita McGullion, Belleek; and Kathleen Lawless, Dunmuckrim. Next draw is in Dicey Reilly’s with a jackpot of €2,300 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: SENIOR FOOTBALLERS.
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.
