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15 April 2024

Football
The new rules may have seen an outbreak of scoring fireworks in many games to date, but Sunday's Division 2 clash between Aodh Ruadh and Killybegs in Father Tierney Park wasn't to be one of them.
It started with a lot of promise, Jack McSharry leveraging the following breeze to float over a two pointer just a minute in. After that though, the scores would be a lot slower coming.
Aodh Ruadh's first point of the game came five minutes in when Killybegs were penalised for impeding the quick free, and Jack Gallagher tapped over from 13 metres.
That was followed by a glorious effort from Nathan Boyle which slipped just inside the left upright to level matters.
Killybegs edged back in front in the 13th minute with shot from out on the right by Owen Gallagher. That proved to be the Fishermen's last scoring contribution to the half.
The game was squared up heading into the second quarter when Senan Rooney threaded the needle to pick out Kyle Murray, and the corner back drove over.
Not long after the spectators were treated to a duo of long-range wonder-scores from Nathan Boyle as Aodh Ruadh started to take a grip on the game.
The next ten minutes to the break played out in desultory fashion with the only action of note a clash which saw Boyle exit the action with a bad ankle injury.
The visitors had a good start to the second half, Jack McSharry racing through and fisting over, and then Charlie Breslin landing a booming shot to level the game for the third time, five points apiece.
Ballyshannon stepped things up though, and Matt Gillespie was very much to the fore. He got his side back on the front foot with a fine shot just inside the two point arc after a strong bit of fielding on the Killybegs kick out from Kyle Murray.
Then in the 41st minute Shane McGrath won a free, which he opted to tap and go before popping over.
Frees over the next few minutes for Jack McSharry (2) and Diarmaid McInerney made it 0-8 to 0-6 as the tie moved into the final quarter.
Matt Gillespie then thumped over another super point from range and this one really had the feel of a clincher about it, even though 12 minutes remained to play.
Two more frees sealed the result for Ballyshannon, Shane McGrath winning both of them. Diarmaid McInerney converted the first, with Damian Weber marking his senior debut with the second.
That gave Aodh Ruadh a four point win, 0-11 to 0-7, which just about reflected their domination of the proceedings and kept them unbeaten after three games in this campaign.
Peter Boyle was strong under a number of dangerous dropping balls and did well to consistently find his men in challenging conditions. Kyle Murray had a memorable outing, contributing well across the pitch and chalking up a collector's item point. Matt Gillespie and Eamonn McGrath were very much on top in the middle third, with the energetic Senan Rooney supplying good support. In the attack Nathan Boyle was an ornament to the game until his departure through injury, with Darren Drummond soldiering well in his ball-winning role.
The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Peter Boyle; Aidan Sweeny, Conor Patton, Kyle Murray (0-1); Darragh Flood Dolan, Eddie Lynch, Eoghan Kelly; Eamonn McGrath, Matt Gillespie (0-2); Senan Rooney, Shane McGrath (0-1), Nathan Boyle (0-3); Diarmaid McInerney (0-2f), Darren Drummond, Jack Gallagher (0-1).
Subs: Eoin Cassidy for Nathan Boyle (inj) 28 minutes; Damian Weber (0-1f) for Diarmaid McInerney 55 minutes; Shane Delahunty for Darragh Flood Dolan 55 minutes.
Head along to aodhruadh.org where we have a great gallery of shots from the game.

The reserves really sparkled at times in their 1-12 to 0-8 win over the Fishermen, showing up particularly well facing into the elements in the second half.
The first half was slow to get going with the first score coming six minutes in when Shane Gillespie headed down the endline before dishing the ball back for Harry Howarth to pop over.
Three minutes later we had our first green flag, James Gallagher starting a sweeping move from defence which was worked to Barry Campbell who caressed the ball in a shallow arc over the keeper and just under the crossbar.
Killybegs finally opened their account with a free after 14 minutes, but the hosts responded with a Donagh McIntyre dead ball after Ted O'Donnell was fouled.
Killybegs had their first score from play in the 21st minute, but again Ballyshannon responded well. First Donagh McIntyre landed a booming long-ange shot, and then Shane Gillespie stroked over a lovely cultured effort.
The Fishermen grabbed another free just before the break to go in trailing by 1-4 to 0-3.
Aodh Ruadh got the perfect start on the resumption when Harry Howarth collected a divine delivery in and lobbed over. They then won the kick out and Shane Gillespie fairly hammered his shot between the posts. A minute later and Howarth was on the mark again, guiding his shot over with the aid of the upright.
Killybegs first score of the new half came six minutes in with a wind-assisted free, and they then added a two pointer and a well worked score from play to make it 1-7 to 0-7.
Ballyshannon needed to staunch the flow of scores from the visitors and a brave drive by Ted O'Donnell gave them an opportunity which Harry Howarth made no mistake from.
The homesters pressed their advantage after that. An excellent ball out of defence was won by Barry Campbell and he one twoed with Tiernan Flood Dolan before tapping over. Then seconds later Aodh Ruadh were on the attack again and Oran Gillespie showed good technique to steer over.
With eight minutes left Barry Campbell added another lovely point with Daniel Warnock's side really starting to play with some flare now.
Killybegs came back with an answering free, but that was cancelled out when James Gallagher was fouled for a free which Garvey Meade converted for the final scoring action of the game.
A merited five point win for the Ernesiders in the curtain raiser and a lot of positives for the management team to reflect on. Karl O'Brien was steady as ever between the sticks, and the experienced rearguard of Michael Ward, Luke Carr and Oisin Kerr kept Killybegs to scraps in attack. James Gallagher and Ted O'Donnell made good use of their attacking licence with Aaron Cullen keeping the centre of defence under tight control. Shane Gillespie and Tiernan Flood Dolan formed a great combination of muscle and speed in the central third. Up front Barry Campbell was in electric form, while Harry Howarth's four point haul reflected a forward on top of his game, and Donagh McIntyre was also flying until leaving with a knee injury. Oran Gillespie also did well on his introduction, threading over a tidy point.
The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Karl O'Brien; Luke Carr, Michael Ward, Oisin Kerr; James Gallagher, Aaron Cullen, Ted O'Donnell; Shane Gillespie (0-2), Tiernan Flood Dolan; Garvey Meade (0-1f), Barry Campbell (1-2), Ryan McKenna; Harry Howarth (0-4, 1f), Donagh McIntyre (0-2, 1f), Cian McKenna.
Subs: Oran Gillespie (0-1) for Donagh McIntyre (inj) 43 minutes; Ryan Daly for Harry Howarth 52 minutes; Shane McGloin for Luke Carr 52 minutes.
We have a gallery of pictures from the game live now on aodhruadh.org.

Next up is the Finner Classico with Aodh Ruadh heading over the hill to take on Bundoran this Saturday. Realt na Mara have no reserves this season, so the seniors are the only show in town for this one with the fireworks starting at 7pm.

The under 16s picked up their first point of the league campaign with a gutsy draw against a physically bigger Dungloe outfit in Father Tierney Park on Monday evening.
The game started with Dungloe raising a white flag just seconds after the throw-in, but Aodh Ruadh weren't long in responding with MJ Ward sending over a free. Five minutes later Ballyshannon raided for the first goal of the game, MJ Ward one twoing with Dara Vaughan before placing his shot to the back of the net. Dungloe came back with a quick point, but the hosts were finding their rhythm now. MJ Ward added a two pointer after a quick 45 to make it 1-3 to 0-2 after ten minutes. Ward then added a free, but Dungloe were able to quickly respond this time. The next two points went the way of the visitors before some knacky play from Darragh McCready saw him slot his side's next score. The Reds rallied before the break to hit a score which left two points between the sides at the turn-around 1-5 to 0-6.
The second half was an evenly balanced affair and again Dungloe were fast out of traps, their danger-man, Rohan Boyle, firing over after 30 seconds. Two minutes later the Gaeltacht men had the ball in the back of the net to retake the lead for the first time since the second minute. Aodh Ruadh worked hard to get back on terms with Eoghan Gallagher sending over a good shot from play before MJ Ward pointed a 41st minute free after a foul on Callum Dorrian to make it 1-7 apiece. Two minutes later Dorrian and Ward reprised their double act, this time for Ward to score from play. With the game now in the final quarter Rohan Boyle restored parity once more. Seven minutes from time it was advantage Aodh Ruadh again after another Ward free. Dungloe finished strong though, hitting two points to nudge back in front, and with Alastair Cian going off on a black card, it was looking dicey for Aodh Ruadh with only a few minutes left on the clock. Once again though they won a free which MJ Ward was able to convert and not long after the whistle sounded on a 1-10 to 1-10 draw. Probably a fair result for both sides.
Keeper Alastair Cian once again had a good display, while Dylan Cullen and Mícheál McGrath got through a lot of good work. Eoghan Gallagher had a strong performance, with Antoin Duffy doing well driving forward with ball. In the attack MJ Ward was his side's main offensive outlet, but Darragh McCready and Eoghan McNulty also caused plenty of problems. We have a gallery of shots from the game live now on aodhruadh.org.
Alastair Cian; Mícheál McGrath, Aaron McLoone, Dylan Cullen; Dara Vaughan, Eoghan 'Blake' Gallagher (0-1), Cole Connolly; Antoin Duffy, Callum Dorrian; Ethan Kerrigan, MJ Ward (1-8, 5f, 1tp), Darragh McCready (0-1); Manus Conlon, Jack Hassett, Eoghan McNulty. Oisín McGrath for Eoghan McNulty 53 minutes.
The under 16s have their first away assignment of the season next Monday when they travel to take on Naomh Conaill at 7pm.

Our under 14s played Naomh Bríd on Wednesday evening in Father Tierney Park. The home team worked extremely hard, and took a strong lead in at half time. However, the Naomh Bríd lads regrouped and played some flowing football in the second half. In other news, we are happy to be announce plans are well under way for the club's first tournament of the season. The under 14 Willie Rogers tournament will take place on bank holiday Monday, 5th May. We will have more details closer to the time. Under 14 training continues at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Mondays and Fridays from 5.30 to 7pm.

Under 10 training continues on Tuesday evening at Coláiste Cholmcille from 7pm to 8pm. On Saturday the boys will travel to Ballintra for a blitz commencing at 10.30am.

Our under 8 footballers were back in action again this weekend with a well organised blitz with our neighbours Naomh Bríd, with Pettigo also taking part. We had three teams playing with each getting three matches against their local rivals. Thanks to Pete Walsh for hosting, and we are looking forward to welcoming them back to Ballyshannon in the coming weeks. There will be no training on Friday this week, but we will have another game on Saturday.

Hurling
The Aodh Ruadh senior hurlers travelled to Ballybofey with a great squad on Friday evening in search of their first win in the Donegal Hurling League. They got off to a dream start, striking early with a goal inside the opening two minutes. Aaron Cullen lofted a high ball into the square, which slipped through the MacCumhaill's goalkeeper’s grasp, possibly lost in the glare of the bright sunshine.
Buoyed by the early score, Aodh Ruadh kept up the pressure. Caelan Drummond and Senan Rooney added tidy points to give the visitors a strong foothold in the game. For the opening ten minutes, Aodh Ruadh were dominant, controlling possession and winning battles across the pitch.
However, MacCumhaill's gradually found their rhythm. Aodh Ruadh were punished for a defensive lapse midway through the half when a failure to clear the sliotar led to a well-taken goal for the hosts. The game turned increasingly physical from that point, with Aodh Ruadh conceding a series of unnecessary frees, each one expertly dispatched by the MacCumhaill's free-taker.
Despite the mounting pressure, Ryan O’Brien stood tall between the posts for Aodh Ruadh, pulling off several crucial saves, including a superb flick to tip a goal-bound shot over the bar. At the break, the hosts held a 1-9 to 1-4 lead.
The Ballyshannon men came out with intent after the restart, narrowing the gap to just three points within five minutes thanks to well-taken scores from Aaron Cullen and Kieran Kilgannon. Unfortunately, Cullen's night was cut short shortly after, as he was forced off following a heavy challenge.
Aodh Ruadh’s task became even more difficult when Stephen Connolly was shown a red card for a tackle deemed dangerous by the referee. From there, MacCumhaill's made full use of their numerical advantage, tagging on scores steadily and keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
As the game slipped from Aodh Ruadh’s grasp, the final whistle sounded with the Ballybofey men emerging victorious on a scoreline of 2-15 to 1-7.
The Aodh Ruadh team were as follows: Ryan O'Brien; Martin Larkin, Adam Rami, Aaron Neilan; Cian McDonald, Ciaran Rami, Stephen Connolly; Senan Rooney, Stephen Anderson; Aaron Cullen, Caelan Drummond, Gareth Sheerin; Cian McKenna, Kieran Kilgannon, Danny Breen. Subs: Kyle McNulty, Jason Patterson, Dara O’Mahoney, Lennon Canny, Killian Bradshaw.
This Friday Aodh Ruadh travel to Burt for their next outing in the Donegal Senior League, throw in at 8pm in Hibernian Park for that one. Then on Sunday there is an interesting local derby in prospect, the Clyhore Classico perhaps, as Ballyshannon make the short trip up the N3 on Sunday to Belleek to take on Erne Gaels in the Ulster Junior League, throw-in at 12 noon.

Commiserations to the Donegal minors who were defeated in their second round Celtic Challenge match by Roscommon on Saturday in The Centre of Excellence, in Convoy. It was great to see a fine representation of Aodh Ruadh players on the panel - Antoin Duffy, Antoin O'Loughlin, Daithi Sheerin, Jayden McGrath Clyne and the twinners, Oisin and Eoghan McCadden. Next up for this team is a third round clash with Mayo in McHale Park on Saturday.

The Aodh Ruadh minors travelled to O'Donnell Park last Thursday to take on Saint Eunan's in their opening game in the all-county League. Following a fairly evenly matched battle, it was the free taking that pretty much decided the game with Aodh Ruadh losing out by four points on the night. Next up, the lads will welcome Burt to Father Tierney on Thursday at 7pm. Best of luck to Mark, Paul and all the team.

Underage hurling training for younger age grades continues on Sunday mornings at the usual time of 11.45am on the top pitch at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The under 12s also have a 5.45pm slot on Tuesdays. New players are welcome, with hurls and helmets supplied. The next few weeks would be an ideal time to start as we refresh the basics at each age bracket. If you would like your child to have the opportunity to play our national sport, contact the appropriate manager below:-
Under 6s: Kevin Loughlin – 086-3062209
Under 8s: Stephen Sheerin – 086-8616927
Under 10s: Martin Larkin – 086-8033596
Under 12s: John Larkin – 086-1076883

Ladies
After a break last week, our adult ladies return to action this coming weekend the Division 3 ladies travelling to take on Letterkenny Gaels on Friday at 7.15pm.

The under 16 girls faced off against old nemesis Dungloe last Tuesday in Father Tierney Park. This group of girls have had some serious battles with the Reds over recent years so this promised to be another tough affair. Both teams started brightly with the Aodh Ruadh defence led by Aodhbha O’Donnell keeping Dungloe to few clear scoring opportunities. Dungloe were two up when an in-form Faye Gillespie struck the first goal of the game. A few minutes later she followed this up with a couple of wonder points. Unfortunately, Dungloe started to find their scoring range and started to get back into match. A goal and a few points from the visitors were answered by Ellen Monaghan with a well-worked goal. Unfortunately, at that point Rachel Gillespie, who was a bundle of energy and the conduit for much of Ballyshannon's positive work, was brought off injured. Dungloe got another goal to end the half 2-3 to 2-6 ahead. The second half started with another goal for Dungloe shortly after the throw-in. Despite all the efforts of Cadhla Gillespie in midfield the Dungloe team learned from the first half and double marked Faye Gillespie and were very economical in front of the posts. A good performance not reflected in the scoreline and some valuable lessons learned for remainder of the season finished 2-4 to 3-13 in favour of the Dungloe girls. This Tuesday the team made the long trip north to take on Na Dúnaibh in a 7.15pm throw-in.

The under 14 girls had their first challenge game of the season on Saturday away to Four Masters. The girls put in a good team performance, as the full squad got plenty of game time, and they came away with a good result. The Aodh Ruadh squad were as follows: Bethany McNamee, Eabha Hegarty, Amy McNeely, Shiloh Killalea, Sophia Hughes, Saoirse O'Donnell, Kayla McDermott, Niamh Patton (0-2), Leia Roper (2-1), Holly O'Neill, Louise Browne (1-2), Emma O'Neill, Emily Gallagher (2-2), Halle McGowan (0-1), Catherine Garvey, Lauren Kane, Sienna Doran, Mia Duffy, Jenna Britton (0-2), Alannah Brennan, Anna Meehan, Aisling Britton (0-3). Training continues for the squad on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 5.45pm.

Under 8 training continues this week on Wednesday at 6pm at Coláiste Cholmcille. We are always delighted to see new faces, so why not come up and join the craic!

Aodh Ruadh Easter Camp
The Aodh Ruadh Easter Camp takes place from Tuesday to Thursday this week and runs from 10am to 1pm each day. Brian Roper runs the camp which will feature lots of fun activities and games. Prices are as follows: €40 for 1 child; €70 for 2 children; €100 for 3 children. To book place please text Brian Roper at 087-6139065.

Owen Roe's quiz
The annual table quiz organised by the Park / Development Committee will take place In Owen Roe's this Thursday, commencing at 9.15pm. This is always a great get-together for the club with players and club members back home for Easter. We are asking for all units of the club to send teams as the proceeds will go towards a fund that we are building up to complete major improvements to the Fitness Trail and associated facilities at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh in order to provide off-season all weather training facilities, including the completion of amenity lighting. Please spread the word.

Coaching workshop
There will be a coaching workshop this Saturday, 19th April, at 12.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Brian Roper will lead the workshop, working on attacking play, how to break down a blanket defence, how best to take advantage of the new rules, general conditioned games with high intensity. All coaches in the club are invited and encouraged to attend. If any coach would like a particular topic covered, please send a message to 087-9794696 and this can be arranged.

Aodh Ruadh Club 250 Draw
Calling all club members, supporters, former players and Ballyshannon Gaels. The deadline to enter Aodh Ruadh's major Fundraiser for 2025 AODH RUADH CLUB 250 is fast approaching. We are making a special appeal to everybody to support the draw. We thank everybody who has entered to date, however the Club Finance Committee are asking for one big push in the final week. Please back Club 250 by entering online or by obtaining and completing a card from sub committee reps or from any of our senior team members. You can support our Aodh Ruadh Club 250 for just over €5 per week. This monthly draw boasts over €15,000 in prizes. Each Monthly Draw will have a first prize of €1,000, a second prize of €300, a third prize of €200 and a special monthly prize up for grabs. The first of 12 Monthly Draws takes place on Sunday, 27th April. Enter now online at the Aodh Ruadh Klubfunder.com page where you can choose from monthly, quarterly or a one-off payment options.

Boot exchange
All teams are back training outdoors now, and our boot exchange is open for business! Anybody who would like to avail of the boot exchange service can text or call 087-9794696. Also, anybody with old boots at home, we’re always looking for donations!

Referee recruitment
Donegal GAA are actively recruiting new referees to take up the whistle in both football and hurling. They are reaching out to any interested in taking up the whistle. We all know that without a referee we can't have competitive games. A foundation course for both hurling and football will take place in Convoy on Wednesday 7th May and Wednesday 14th May and Module 1 of the foundation course must be completed online before these dates. If interested, please contact Sharon Uí Fhionntaigh at 086-3629737 and she will supply details on completing Module 1.

Ballyshannon bingo
Well done to Leslie McNeely on scooping last week's Ballyshannon Bingo Jackpot. The new €1,000 spring Snowball rolled over for another week and is in play now on 42 numbers, with Ellen Maguire taking the €100 house. The other house winners were Susanna Cassidy, Catherine McLoone, Francis Murphy, Mark Newell, Ann Kennedy and Marion Matthew's (shared), Mary Coughlin, Mary McGoldrick and Tracy Singh. The €50 lines were won by Mary Travers and Ellen Maguire. The other line winners were Mary Donagher, Antoinette McKinney, Ann O'Reilly, Elizabeth McCartney, Helen Kennedy, Paul Monaghan, Margaret Meehan, and Celine McGrath (twice). The stand-up game prize was won by Theresa Campbell. The free books were won by Mary Cleary and Nikita Mitchell. We're back at it again this Tuesday at the Abbey Centre with a massive prize fund of €3,100 to play for, including the €1,000 Snowball, a guaranteed €500 50/50 Jackpot and two Lucky Numbers games, plus we'll be having an Easter Egg give away. Very Eggciting! Door open 7.45pm for eyes down 8.30pm. As always spread the word and bring a friend, books only €10 for a great night out!

Last modified: Thursday, 17 April 2025 at 10:20am

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