Welcome to Aodh Ruadh

Club Lotto

12 May 2013
1 4 7 9 11 13
There was no winner of the Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €3,700.
Next draw in Dicey Reilly's with a Jackpot of €3,800 on Sunday, at 8.30pm
Lotto Rota:
1. Reserve Footballers
2. Bord na nÓg
3. Senior Footballers
4. Ladies
5. Peter Gallagher's team
6. Juvenile Hurlers
7. Senior Hurlers 		The lotto team for the Kernan's Spar on Saturday is:
Senior Footballers.

In the lucky dip €20 each went to: Lorraine Ryan, Wardtown; Melissa Granaghan, Erne Dale Heights; Richard McDevitt, c/o Pat's Bar; Eileen McIntyre, Assaroe View; and the Kane Family, Cluain Barron.

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What's new

19 May 2013
Donegal v Tyrone Ulster championship ticket allocation
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15 May 2013
Under 14 football
O'Neill shines in campaign closing victory
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10 May 2013
Senior Football Division 3
Aodh Ruadh promotion hopes sustain hard blow
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6 May 2013
Ballyshannon hosts the MacCarthy cup
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6 May 2013
Under 18 Hurling
Ballinascreen and Tooreen take Ryan and Grimes honours
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4 May 2013
Senior Football Division 3
Closing surge from Aodh Ruadh overwhelms Red Hugh's
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4 May 2013
Senior Reserve Football Division 3
Deserved win for dominant reserves
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4 May 2013
Under 18 Hurling
Buncrana and Letterkenny Gaels progress from Ballyshannon Féile
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27 April 2013
Senior Football Division 3
Second half brace sufficient for Fanad
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26 April 2013
Under 18 Hurling
Donegal claim Ulster Minor League Shield
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23 April 2013
Lights go on in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
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21 April 2013
Under 8 Hurling
Under 8s travel to Setanta
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20 April 2013
Senior Football Division 3
Aodh Ruadh downed by the men from Glen
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20 April 2013
Senior Reserve Football Division 3
First points for the reserves
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13 April 2013
Senior Football Division 3
Lifford lift for Aodh Ruadh
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13 April 2013
Senior Reserve Football Division 3
Reserves draw a blank in Lifford
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11 April 2013
Under 14 Hurling
Aodh Ruadh battle hard for win over Burt
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6 April 2013
Senior Football Division 3
Second half turn around swings it for Aodh Ruadh
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6 April 2013
Senior Reserve Football Division 3
Reserves still looking for first points
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6 April 2013
Seventh annual Hurlathon big success
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1 April 2012
Under 14 football
Flashes from under 14s fail to dazzle Naomh Conaill
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30 March 2013
Senior Reserve Football Division 3
Reserves come up short in Mountcharles
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30 March 2013
Senior Football Division 3
Aodh Ruadh get no change from Naul's
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24 March 2013
Senior football challenge
Seniors take on Tyrone challenge opposition
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23 March 2013
Blue Haven hosts round two of Aodh Ruadh v Killybegs Fight Night.
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17 March 2013
Aodh Ruadh take part in the Ballyshannon Saint Patrick's day parade.
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16 March 2013
Senior football challenge
Seniors get up to speed against Derrygonnelly
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8 March 2013
Successful Aodh Ruadh/Killybegs Fight Night
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3 March 2012
Under 14 football
Under 14s get off to the perfect start
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3 March 2013
Sports Memorabilia Auction to feature at Aodh Ruadh/Killybegs Big Fight Night
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9 February 2013
Ballyshannon comes out for the Aodh Ruadh Annual Awards night
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4 February 2013
Underage fixtures
Underage football fixtures calendar published
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3 February 2013
1946-1950 Minute Book published
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9 January 2013
Power NI Dr McKenna Cup
Donegal go down to Fermanagh in Brewster Park
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5 January 2013
Ocean FM profile Aodh Ruadh
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27 December 2012
Aodh Ruadh comes together for inaugural Colman Kerr charity match
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27 December 2012
Big Bad Interactive YouTube fun quiz 2012
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15 December 2012
Under 18 football
Minors claim first league title in 26 years
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9 December 2012
Under 18 football
Minors reach league final after replay victory
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4 December 2012
Sam comes to Aodh Ruadh
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25 November 2012
Mixed Doubles
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21 November 2012
Underage Hurling
Galway legend Damien Hayes visits Aodh Ruadh
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17 November 2012
Senior Football Division 3
Five goal finale to senior season
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11 November 2012
Senior Football Division 3
Aodh Ruadh bounce back with two crucial league points
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9 November 2012
Baron of Ballyshannon candidates revealed
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7 November 2012
Intermediate Football Championship
Final heartache for Aodh Ruadh
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5 November 2012
Get Aodh Ruadh Kit for Christmas
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3 November 2012
Strictly Ballyshannon rocks the Great Northern
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3 November 2012
Intermediate Reserve Football Championship
Reserves make it back-to-back titles
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27 October 2012
Intermediate Football Championship
First intermediate final for Aodh Ruadh
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27 October 2012
Intermediate Reserve Football Championship
Strong second half sees Aodh Ruadh into reserve decider
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27 October 2012
Kilometres for Kids 2012
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21 October 2012
Intermediate Football Championship
Aodh Ruadh and Naomh Colmcille can't be separated
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20 October 2012
Under 14/12 football
Nathan Boyle claims 2012 Bakery Cup
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17 September 2012
Under 14/12 football
Bakery cup final 2012
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13 October 2012
Senior Football Division 3
Vital points secured in Muff
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13 October 2012
Sam visits the Bridgend
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13 October 2012
Donegal players visit Seán Óg's
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7 October 2012
Intermediate Football Championship
Greater hunger sees Aodh Ruadh into semi-finals
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7 October 2012
Intermediate Reserve Football Championship
12 man Naomh Bríd make Ballyshannon work for win
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7 October 2012
Underage hurling
Underage hurlers test their skills
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6 October 2012
Underage hurling
Easkey reclaim Aodh Ó Dalaigh
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30 September 2012
Intermediate Football Championship
Aodh Ruadh and Naomh Bríd play out absorbing draw
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30 September 2012
Intermediate Reserve Football Championship
Second half shut-out sees Aodh Ruadh earn win
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29 September 2012
Under 16 Hurling
Under 16s claim championship crown
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25 September 2012
Sam comes to Ballyshannon
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23 September 2012
All-Senior Football Championship Final
Donegal continue undefeated All-Ireland final run
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22 September 2012
Veterans football
Donegal get auspicious win over Dublin
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21 September 2012
Ballyshannon gets All-Ireland fever
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21 September 2012
Gaelscoil Eirne ready for Sam
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21 September 2012
All-Ireland final traffic plan
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13 September 2012
Under 16 Hurling
Under 16s secure comfortable win over Setanta
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8 September 2012
Senior Football Division 3
Fightback sees Ernesiders secure points
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8 September 2012
Senior Reserve Football Division 3
Reserves fall short in Inishowen
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7 September 2012
Under 18 football
Aodh Ruadh and Eunan's have to do it all again
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6 September 2012
Under 12 Hurling
Aodh Ruadh and MacCumhaill's battle to a standstill
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2 September 2012
Ladies senior football
Ladies host Glenfin
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1 September 2012
Senior Football Division 3
Share of points no good for Aodh Ruadh or Burt
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1 September 2012
Senior Reserve Football Division 3
Win takes reserves back to top of the table
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1 September 2012
Under 12 football
Under 12s make PJ Treacy final
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Club News

15 May 2013

Service issues
Apologies folks. We've been experiencing technical issues with our internet service provider. Some of you may not have received notes via e-mail in the past couple of weeks, while others will have experienced no interruption in service. Anyway, we seem to be back on the straight and narrow now, so apologies once again for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

Sean Slevin tournament
The Sean Slevin under 14 tournament takes place this Saturday, 18th May. There will be six teams taking part: Aodh Ruadh, Four Masters, Bundoran, Naomh Bríd, Melvin Gaels and Erne Gaels. There will be two groups of three played-off with the top two teams in each group progressing to the Sean Slevin final with the runners-up in each group going forward to the third place final. The action gets under way at 10.30am and Aodh Ruadh players are to be up at the park for 10am.

Minor inter-county challenge
After the Sean Slevin tournament on Saturday the Derry and Mayo minors will be playing a challenge in Father Tierney Park. These are two good sides and should provide a engaging contest for any neutrals who might like to come along and take a look.

Cake Sale
Aodh Ruadh Bord na nÓg are hosting a cake sale in Kilbarron House after 11.15am mass in Saint Patrick's this Sunday, 19th May. Anyone willing to bake cakes, bread, buns, tarts muffins and the contribute them to the sale are asked to please drop them off in Kilbarron House on Sunday morning or contact Tracey 0861764997 to make arrangements. Please come along to support our underage teams, not to mention enjoy some delicious home cooking!

Discussion night
Donegal GAA Supporters Club are holding a discussion forum, in An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny on Wednesday 22nd May at 8pm. Special guests on the night are Martin McHugh, Anthony Molloy, John Lynch, and Pat McEnaney. Compere on the night will be Highland Radio's own Charlie Collins. Musical entertainment will be provided by Pat Gallagher of Goats Don't Shave, Eddie Gallagher and David Craig. Admission is only €10. All proceeds go to the training fund for all our county teams. For tickets please contact Aidan Cannon on 0871223177 or An Grianán Theatre 074 9120777. Come along and feel the atmosphere in the lead up to the Donegal Tyrone game.

14 May 2013

~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh's prospects of promotion in 2013 drifted into the realms of mathematical theory with a 1-15 to 1-8 loss away to Downings last Friday evening. It was vital that Ballyshannon get a win to prevent the top three from cutting loose, but defeat means that promotion is now a effectively matter for Downings, Saint Naul's and Fanad Gaels to decide among themselves. Aodh Ruadh began the game well, as they have tended to do all season and were unlucky not to be leading by more than two points at half time, 0-6 to 1-5. David Dolan and Peter Boyle got the opening three scores of the game. The sides exchanged further scores before David McGurrin's dropping shot which deceived the keeper and dropped under the crossbar for the first goal of the game and give the Ernesiders a four point lead. Downings were level within ten minutes of the break and with only Peter Boyle, Diarmaid McInerney and Anthony Coughlan registering points in the second half Aodh Ruadh were never going to be coming away with the points. We have team sheets and pictures from Cathal Maguire up on aodhruadh.org.

The division three leagues continue this Saturday, 18th May with Aodh Ruadh hosting Carndonagh in Father Tierney Park. The reserve game throws in at 6pm and is followed by the seniors at 7.30pm.

The final fixture in the under 14s league programme was postponed to this coming Wednesday 15th May when they take on Naomh Mhuire in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 7.30pm. The lads had an excellent work out against Derrygonnelly Harps on Sunday evening and will be going into this fixture in fine form, so come and get behind the lads for this one.

Under 12 training takes place this Wednesday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 7pm and also on Saturday morning at 11am.

The under 10s had their first blitz of the year last Saturday with Bundoran and Naomh Bríd the guests. There was a great performance from the all the players, with Aodh Ruadh getting the better of all their contests on the day. Thanks to everyone who helped put together the wonderful spread of food after and served up tea. Thanks also to our referees on the day Conor Patton and Niall Murray. Under 10 training continues as usual this Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh from 6pm to 7pm.

Under 6 and under 8 training continues this Friday, 10th April from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Father Tierney Park this week. Please note the change of venue. Training will continue remain in the park unless games necessitate relocating to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The under 8s first blitz will be in Donegal Town on Saturday 1st June, with Dungloe and Four Masters also taking part.

~ HURLING ~
Aodh Ruadh enjoyed a fine 2-12 to 1-8 win over Saint Eunan's in the senior hurling league last Wednesday. Ballyshannon got off to a fine start and were in control of the game from an early stage. Christopher Kilgannon was immense in the middle of the field, always at the heart of the action and bringing real quality to proceedings. Peter Horan's sharp running caused the Letterkenny men endless headaches, as did Aidan Begley's unerring free taking. The pair were both also on the mark for Aodh Ruadh's goals. This Wednesday, May 15th, Aodh Ruadh are back in senior hurling league action again when they travel to MacCumhaill Park to take on Ballybofey in a game with a 7.15pm throw-in

The minors play a very strong Buncrana team in the League final this Thursday venue and throw in time is yet to be confirmed. This is very young team and with only one full minor have done very well to get to the final. The lads will be up against a very experienced Inishowen team. It's an indication of the work going on in both clubs that they had ten players on the recent Donegal team that won the Ulster Shield final, and this final is another chapter in the healthy rivalry that has built up between both clubs since they first met in an under 14 final in 2009.

Our under 14s were back in league action last Thursday in Father Tierney Park against Letterkenny Gaels. In a much improved performance from their showing in the County Féile the lads showed a willingness to contest and fight for every ball. They had their fifth win in a row in the league running out convincing winners on a 4-6 to 2-5 score line. They are at home again this Thursday where they will meet a very good Buncrana team.

Well done to Conall Sweeny, Stephen Anderson and Ryan Ayres who took part in the Féile na nGael skills final on Sunday in Letterkenny the lads did very well and enjoyed the experience.

Our under 12s took part in a blitz in MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey on Sunday morning along with MacCumhaill's, Setanta and Dungloe, the lads did very well and won all their six games. Many thanks to parents Tara Keenaghan, Susan O'Sullivan and Peter Horan who drove the lads to the blitz, your support is much appreciated.

Thanks to Rossa McCosker and Eamon Cleary of Centra, Ballyshannon, we were delighted to have the Liam MacCarthy Cup in Ballyshannon for the weekend of Saturday, 4th May. It was a great honour for us to have this famous trophy visit us for the weekend and attend the County Féile on Saturday and the Alan Ryan/Seamus Grimes tournament on Monday. Kerry Ryan took pictures of some of those who took the opportunity to touch a piece of history.

Training as normal on Sunday at 12 noon. We would still like to see more numbers at under 8 and under 10 level. Come along and give it a try you'll be surprised at the amount of fun you'll have learning the skills of the fastest field game in the world.

~ LADIES ~
There was no confirmed fixture for the Ladies team this weekend at time of writing but training continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm.

The under 16 girls played out a very tough game last Thursday evening in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh against a very hungry Ardara team. The conditions were blustery to say the least, but it didn't spoil a very competitive game which the home team won by a couple of points. This result sees the girls through to the county semi-final where they will meet Fanad Gaels. The fixture has not been confirmed yet, but is likely to be on Monday evening in Glenfin.

The under 14s and under 12s train on Tuesdays and Fridays at 5.45pm.

The under 8 and under 10s continue to train on Wednesdays at 6-7pm and the under 10s have a second session on Mondays also from 6-7pm.

Best of luck this weekend to Maeve Liston who lines out for the county minor team in the Ulster final against Tyrone, the details for this game weren't available at time of writing.

Well done to Mary Flora Scott who was part of the under 14 county panel last Saturday when they beat Armagh 6-5 to 2-5. Best of luck to her and her team mates this weekend when they travel to Kinnegad for the annual All-Ireland blitz.

The annual Duck Race will take place this Saturday at 2pm down the East Port at McKenna's Brook. Come along and enjoy the quack.

~ DONEGAL V TYRONE ~
Aodh Ruadh's allocation of tickets for the Donegal v Tyrone Ulster championship game was over-subscribed. The club will now proceed through its distribution procedures and a list of successful applicants will be published on aodhruadh.org later this week.

~ FANTASY RACE FOR SAM 2013 ~
It's that time of year again and the championship is only weeks away. The fantasy race for Sam 2013 is about to begin in earnest too. The rules are simple. For your €20 entry fee you will receive a team and a scorer from each province. Every time your team wins you earn 10 points. Also every time your player scores a point you will get a point. There are bonus points on offer for county's which win the provincial title as well as the All-Ireland. The winner will receive €500 with a consolation prize of €100 for whoever finishes in last place. The deadline for entry is the 17th May and the draw for teams/players will take place in the Bridgend Bar on Saturday 18th May with a delicious array of finger food also provided on the night. A league table will appear on the website every Tuesday morning.

Entries are available from most committee members as well as in the following outlets: Bridgend Bar, Owen Roe's Bar, Sean Óg's and Ballybookies.

If anyone wishes to enter online, drop an email to info@aodhruadh.org. Come on and see if you can beat the reigning champion Rory O'Neill and his team of Ice Cream Rovers!

~ OFF THE PITCH ~
Donegal Creameries 5K Fun run / jog / walk in aid of Special Olympics Ireland takes place at Crossroads, Killygordon on Tuesday 28th May 2013 at 7pm. Register via e-mail at dc5kfun@gmail.com or register at Donegal Creameries up to 6.30pm on Tuesday. Entry fee of €5 payable on registration which includes entry into a prize draw. Refreshments will be served.

7 May 2013

~ DONEGAL V TYRONE ~
Fully paid adult club members who wish to request a ticket for the Donegal v Tyrone Ulster Championship match are asked to notify Emma Gaughan by text on 0863039610 by 6pm on Monday 13th May. Indications at the time of sending were that the allocations coming to clubs will fall far short of adult membership figures. In light of the strong demand likely for tickets to this game, Aodh Ruadh are implementing a policy of one member, one ticket. In the event of an over-subscription a random draw will be used to determine ticket distribution.

~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh were good value for their 0-13 to 0-10 win over Red Hugh's on a chill Saturday evening in Father Tierney Park. Best for Ballyshannon was David Dolan who was a cut above on the day. Calm, strong, measured and precise, he brought great composure and economy to Aodh Ruadh's attacking play. Not far behind him was Kerry Ryan who roamed the field to great effect, stitching play together astutely and his scores coming at good times for the homesters. There were also noteworthy displays from James O'Donnell who had a great game in the air, Niall Harley and Anthony Boyle who racked up the miles at half back and half forward respectively, and Peter Boyle who was called upon to make a number of smart stops. We have a full match report from the game at aodhruadh.org.

Aodh Ruadh reserves dug out a well deserved 1-13 to 0-6 win over Red Hugh's in the Park on Saturday evening. The Killygordon men were tough opponents, and didn't allow themselves to lose touch, but on the day a young, athletic Ballyshannon side had too much running for them. Jamie McDonald started the game well and his scoring helped the homesters into an early lead which they were to retain for the remainder of the game. Aodh Ruadh went in at the break leading 0-8 to 0-4, but faced the wind in the second half. To their credit Aodh Ruadh managed the breeze splendidly with a 19 man performance, the four second half substitutes all making pronounced contributions. Ryan Patton was immense at full back, with David McLoone providing reliable support as ever. Daniel Kelly stretched his man and pressed on for a fine point. The partnership of Ciron Whoriskey and Darren Gethins in the middle of the field dominated, but the engine room of the Aodh Ruadh win was the half forward line where Michael McNeely and Niall Murray were assertive and influential. Anthony Coughlan, sprung from the bench in the second half to sow some havoc in a tiring Crossroads rearguard, duly delivered with an accomplished finish to the net which saw any chances of the visitor's robbing the points definitely snuffed out and sealing a morale boosting win for an Aodh Ruadh side growing in stature as the season progresses. We have an extended match report, team sheets and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org

The division three leagues continue this Saturday, 11th May with Aodh Ruadh travelling to Downings, an important game if Aodh Ruadh are to mount a serious promotion push. The reserve game throws in at 6pm and is followed by the seniors at 7.30pm.

The under 14s lost on their trip to Dungloe last Wednesday going down on a scoreline of 3-20 to 2-12. Aodh Ruadh battled hard and trailed by just four points at half time, but this is a good Dungloe outfit and they showed that in the second half. Ballyshannon never stopped playing though and the lads gave a good all round performance. Outstanding was forward Shane Dorrian who got a goal and was flawless from placed ball. Also going well for the Ernesiders was Dylan Gallagher, who flourished in his new role at full forward. The half back line, in particular Shane Gillespie and Pauric Keenaghan were full of running and never failed to bring the fight to their Dungloe opponents. Find of the season, Sean Taylor, continued his rich vein of form in midfield and finished up with 1-3 to his credit into the bargain. The final fixture in the under 14s league programme takes place this Wednesday when they take on Naomh Mhuire in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 7.30pm.

Under 12 training takes place this Wednesday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 7pm and also on Saturday morning at 11am.

Aodh Ruadh under 10s have their first blitz of the year this Saturday, 11th May. Father Tierney Park will be playing host to Bundoran and Naomh Bríd for this tournament, with the games throwing in at 11am. Players are to be up to the park for 10.45am. Under 10 training continues as usual this Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh from 6pm to 7pm.

Under 6 and under 8 training continues this Friday, 10th April from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this week. The blitz originally planned for Saturday 11th has been postponed. Players will be notified of the rescheduled date in due course.

~ HURLING ~
This Wednesday, May 8th, Aodh Ruadh defend their unbeaten record in the senior hurling league against Saint Eunan's in Father Tierney Park. Ballyshannon are building on two league victories and morale is excellent in the squad right now. All support is very welcome at what is guaranteed to be a tough, competitive contest against our Letterkenny rivals. Throw-in is at 7pm.

On Thursday last our minors had a great win at home to Strabane in the Donegal League. The lads were up against a much physically stronger Tyrone team, but as they have done all season they put in a great battling performance and ran out convincing winners. They have now qualified for the league final where they will be up against a very strong Buncrana team.

Thanks to Rossa McCosker and Eamon Cleary of Centra, Ballyshannon, we were delighted to have the Liam MacCarthy Cup in Ballyshannon for the weekend. It was a great honour for us to have this famous trophy visit us for the weekend and attend the County Féile on Saturday and the Alan Ryan/Seamus Grimes tournament on Monday.

We hosted the all-county Féile on Saturday while our lads didn't qualify for the national Féile to be held in Limerick in July they did their best and battled hard in every game. It was a learning experience for the lads and hopefully they'll come back stronger from it. Thanks to all who helped make the day such a success. Thanks to Tara Keenaghan who did a great job on the camera capturing some great action shots. Next up for the under 14s is a home game this Thursday against Letterkenny Gaels.

On Monday we hosted the Alan Ryan/Seamus Grimes Under 16 tournament. In existence since 1998 this years tournament had the highest quality teams. The play began at 10.30am and continued on both pitches till 5pm. The draw threw up the following groups: Group A Tuam (Galway), Tooreen (Mayo) Ballinascreen (Derry) and Easkey (Sligo) while Group B contained Ballycastle (Antrim) Pádraig Pearse's (Roscommon) Na Magha (Derry) and host club Aodh Ruadh. The opening games saw wins for Tooreen against Tuam and a narrow win for Ballycastle over Aodh Ruadh 0-6 to 0-2, where the home team failed to convert a number of scoring opportunities.
The next set of games saw a narrow win for Ballinascreen over Easkey, while Pádraig Pearse's had a convincing win over Na Magha.
Aodh Ruadh's second game saw them up against Na Magha in Father Tierney Park. Again it was another close encounter but this time the home team ran out winners 1-3 to 0-1. At the same time in Páirc Aodh Ruadh Ballinascreen had an easy victory over Tuam. There was a great Connacht derby in Father Tierney Park where Easkey ran out four point winners over Tooreen, while Ballycastle had a good win over Pearse's from Roscommon.
The last round of games saw some great battles as Pearse's beat Aodh Ruadh 2-5 to 0-4 with tiredness becoming a big problem for teams at this stage. Ballinascreen beat Tooreen to claim top spot in Group A. Ballycastle beat Na Magha to claim top spot in Group B and set up a semi-final against Easkey who beat Tuam in their final group game.
So with the final placings now sorted out the stage was set for the semi-finals for each trophy. The Alan Ryan semi-finals saw wins for Easkey over the men from the Glens of Antrim, Ballycastle while Ballinascreen overcame Pádraig Pearse's in a titanic battle, setting up a another game between Ballinascreen and Easkey in the Alan Ryan final.
In the Seamus Grimes semi-finals Aodh Ruadh who were on their last legs at this stage overcame the reigning Seamus Grimes winners Tuam, while Tooreen defeated Na Magha in the other semi-final.
After a great days hurling we now had the final pairings decided. In the Alan Ryan final in Father Tierney Park Ballinascreen faced Easkey, and after ding dong battle where every ball was ferociously contested the Derry men ran out winners by two points showing great determination, which their club man former Derry dual player Tony Scullion would have been proud off.
Over in Páirc Aodh Ruadh the large home support got behind Aodh Ruadh as they faced Tooreen in their fifth game of the day, the lads gave their all in the first half and went in six points down at the break they never gave up but the day's exertions caught up on them and they lost by nine points.
So came an end to another great tournament where new relationships and bonds were formed and another new name went on both trophies, and teams went back to traditionally stronger hurling counties than Donegal admiring our lads battling spirit. From the field where great battles were fought all day we headed up stairs for the presentations.
John Rooney acted as master of ceremonies and spoke of the late Alan Ryan and Seamus Grimes and the loss they were to the club, the roles they played in the club and the support both the Ryan and Grimes families continue to give to the Aodh Ruadh club. He thanked all the teams who came to the tournament and who played some great hurling in the spirit it should be played. Eddie Grimes spoke on behalf of the Grimes family and thanked all who had made the day such a success. He presented the runners up medals to the Aodh Ruadh lads while a delighted Tooreen team came forward to accept the Seamus Grimes cup. Kerry Ryan jr who acted as the tournament photographer all day was next to speak he again thanked all involved in running the tournament and thanked all who helped with the catering on the day. Kerry presented runner-up medals to a gallant Easkey team, while a delighted Ballinascreen team became the second Derry team to win the Alan Ryan Cup. John Rooney finished off proceedings by thanking referees, Aidan Ferguson of Erne Gaels and local whistlers Chris Kelly and Peter Horan, and all the Juvenile Hurling Committee who helped make the day such a success.

Our under 12s are due to take part in a blitz in Ballybofey on Sunday.

Training as normal at 12 noon on Sunday.

~ LADIES ~
Senior ladies training continues on Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm.

The under 16 girls delivered a fine performance to defeat Dungloe last Tuesday night. They'll be hoping to build on that victory at home against Ardara to seal their progression into the county semi-final. That clash with Ardara throws-in at 7.15pm this Thursday, 9th May in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and all support would be greatly appreciated.

The under 14 and under 12 girls train on Tuesdays and Fridays at 5.45pm.

Under 8 and under 10 girls train on Wednesdays from 6-7pm and the under 10 girls have a second session on Mondays also from 6 to 7pm.

The Duck Race takes place on Saturday May 18th. Cards are out now, so buy your ducks early to be sure of a place at the starting line. The first ducks will be under starter's orders at 2pm

~ FANTASY RACE FOR SAM 2013 ~
It's that time of year again and the championship is only weeks away. The fantasy race for Sam 2013 is about to begin in earnest too. The rules are simple. For your €20 entry fee you will receive a team and a scorer from each province. Every time your team wins you earn 10 points. Also every time your player scores a point you will get a point. There are bonus points on offer for county's which win the provincial title as well as the All-Ireland. The winner will receive €500 with a consolation prize of €100 for whoever finishes in last place. The deadline for entry is the 17th May and the draw for teams/players will take place in the Bridgend Bar on Saturday 18th May. A league table will appear on the website every Tuesday morning.
Entries are available from most committee members as well as in the following outlets: Bridgend Bar, Owen Roe's Bar, Sean Óg's and Ballybookies.
If anyone wishes to enter online, drop an email to info@aodhruadh.org. Come on and see if you can beat the reigning champion Rory O'Neill and his team of Ice Cream Rovers!

~ OFF THE PITCH ~
Donegal Creameries 5K Fun run / jog / walk in aid of Special Olympics Ireland takes place at Crossroads, Killygorodon on Tuesday 28th May 2013 at 7pm. Register via e-mail at dc5kfun@gmail.com or register at Donegal Creameries up to 6.30pm on Tuesday. Entry fee of €5 payable on registration which includes entry into a prize draw. Refreshments will be served.

Ballyshannon Drama Society present their award-winning Snake In The Grass by Alan Ayckbourn in the Abbey Centre on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th May at 8.30pm. These will be the last local performances before the Ulster Finals which take place in Newtownabbey on 14th May.

Gaelscoil Eirne will be hosting a céilí, old time barn dance in the Rock Hall, Ballyshannon on Saturday 11th May at 9.30pm. Music by The Assaroe Céilí Band. Supper Served. Admission €8.

30 April 2013

~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh got nothing from Portsalon at the weekend going down on a scoreline of 3-8 to 1-10. Aodh Ruadh were leading at the break 1-5 to 1-4, but a brace of second half goals for the homesters sealed the affair. Indeed, if it hadn't been for a couple of fine saves from Peter Boyle there could have been a few more Fanad goals. In the absence of Michael 'Sticky' Ward, Johnny Gallagher was Aodh Ruadh captain for the day and he showed real leadership, getting up the field for the first half goal. Kerry Ryan was lined out at full forward, where he played very well, hitting two cracking long range points in the first half and generally setting up play. David Dolan was also once again in fine form in the Ballyshannon attack. Corner back Gary Carty had a great game turning over a lot of ball, until he had to go off with a pulled hamstring. Matthew 'Turkey' Thompson went well in the middle of the field where he paired up with Stephen Ward, and didn't look out of place in the heat of the engine room. After the game there was a presentation in memory of Colman Kerr with members of the Kerr family and Johnny Gallagher on hand. Thanks to Cathal Maguire we have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org

The reserves also came up short at against Fanad, losing on a scoreline of 2-14 to 2-12. It was a case of an encouraging display with a lot of the right things happening, but no points to show for it. Aodh Ruadh played well and were ahead at half-time. They pushed on after then break and were three points up when the referee awarded Fanad Gaels a penalty. The shot came off the crossbar, but Karl O'Brien was very unlucky to have the rebound go back in off his head. That gave the homesters a new lease of life and the battled on for the two point win. There were good defensive performances from Paddy Gillespie and David McLoone, while Darren Gethins had a superb game in midfield. In the attacking sector Jamie McDonald created a lot of problems for the Gaels and helped himself to 1-6 in the process. Anthony Coughlin caught the eye too, firing over a couple of crackers. Cathal Maguire was also at this game and we will have his pictures up tomorrow evening, watch Facebook for the white smoke.

The division three leagues continue this Saturday, 4th May with Aodh Ruadh hosting Red Hugh's in Father Tierney Park. The reserve game throws in at 6pm and is followed by the seniors at 7.30pm.

The under 14s lost to Bundoran on Monday evening in the championship round robin stages on a scoreline of 8-5 to 8-10 in Father Tierney Park. It was a fantastic, nail-biting game of football, which was closely fought throughout with the great local support really adding to the occasion. There were a lot of excellent performances from Aodh Ruadh, foremost among them being Conall Sweeny who switched between midfield and number six as circumstances required. His midfield partner, Sean Taylor was also in great form and got in for one of the octet of Ballyshannon three pointers. Shane Dorrian was in unmarkable form in attack and got among the goals, while Dylan Gallagher also helped himself to two goals. Michael McKenna and Caolán Dolan also raised green flags, but Aodh Ruadh just came on the wrong side of the result despite a mighty battle. The under 14s next fixture is in the league where they travel to Dungloe this Wednesday, 1st May, with that game throwing in at 7.00pm.

Under 12 training takes place this Wednesday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 7pm and also on Saturday morning at 11am.

Under 10 training continues this Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh from 6pm to 7pm.

Under 6 and under 8 training continues this Friday, 3rd April from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this week.

Bord na nÓg monthly meeting will be tomorrow, Tuesday 30th April at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. This will be followed by the first Football Committee meeting which is a short meeting for all coaches and mentors.

~ CAKE SALE ~
Bord na nÓg are holding a cake sale on Saturday, 11th May in Saimer Court starting at 10am. We would greatly appreciate contributions of cakes, breads, pies, tarts, muffins and buns. These can be dropped off on the morning or contact Tracey on 086-1764998 to arrange another drop off time.

~ HURLING ~
All the cards from the seventh Annual Hurl-a-thon have now been returned and we are very pleased to announce that this year's event raised €6,079.53, a great achievement in these tough economic times. We thank all who sponsored the lads. We thank all the lads who sought sponsorship. Thanks to the local community for their continued support of under-age hurling in the club and all who took part on the day and supported our annual fun filled fund raiser.

Last Thursday saw Father Tierney Park hosting a double header of under-age hurling, first up were the under 14s who took on Carndonagh. They won the toss and elected to play with the strong breeze and got off to a great start scoring a couple of quick goals. Ballyshannon were on top throughout the game. They showed great team work and played with great heart and skill and ran out convincing winners securing their fourth win in a row in the league.

Next up were the minors who were facing Saint Eunan's. Like the under 14s they won the toss and elected to play with the by now gale force wind. They started well scoring a number of points but fell asleep for 10 minutes or so playing very poorly and taking the wrong options on a number of occasions. But they sprung into life for the last 15 minutes of the half scoring a couple of goals and going in leading at half time on a 2-9 to 0-0 scoreline. The lads put on a great battling display in the second half and chased and harried for every ball. It was a ding dong battle throughout the second half and the lads continued their winning ways on a score line of 2-14 to 0-5.

Friday night was a great night for under-age hurling in the club as we had eight lads on the Donegal minor panel who won the Ulster Shield defeating Monaghan at the Tyrone Centre of Excellence at Garvaghey. The game was played in very blustery conditions and Donegal appeared to be very nervous early on and it seemed that the favourites tag had them under pressure. It was nip and tuck throughout the first half and Donegal went in at half time leading 0-5 to 0-4. Two of the point scorers in the first half were Colm Kelly and Jamie Brennan, they were joined in the starting 15 by Tommy Gillespie and Eddie Lynch. Donegal had the aid of the strong breeze in the second half and slowly began to get on top, a pair of goals by Jamie Brennan put Donegal in a strong position but Monaghan never gave up and kept battling away. Oisín Rooney came on as a sub and increased our representation to five on the team. He got on the score sheet with a point and Colm Kelly followed up with another point. Donegal ran out convincing winners on a 2-8 to 0-5 scoreline. Ciaran Rami and the injured pair of Eugene Drummond and Donal Sweeney completed our representation on the panel. Our large representation on the panel is a reflection on the amount of work put into under-age hurling in the club over the last few years. Seven of our representatives are under-age again next year. The Ulster medals are a just reward for the boys dedication to county training which began on 28th December 2012. Aodh Ruadh were also represented on the night by Donegal's Children Officer Mick McGrath. Peter Horan took some pictures of the celebrations and we have these up on aodhruadh.org.

The under 14s have a bye in the league this Thursday while the minors are at home to Strabane.

We host two very important events this coming week end. On Saturday we host the County Féile where teams will battle it out to see who represents Donegal in Féile na nGael which will be held in Limerick in July. We wish Michael, Kevin and all the squad all the best on the day and hope all their hard work pays off.

On Bank Holiday Monday we host the annual Alan Ryan/Seamus Grimes under 16 tournament. This tournament is in existence since 1998 to honour two former club men. Eight teams have confirmed their participation for what promises to be a great day's hurling. Teams set to take part are Padraig Pearse's (Roscommon) Tuam (Galway) Tooreen (Mayo) Easkey (Sligo) Na Magha (Derry) Ballinascreen (Derry) and Ballycastle (Antrim). Play begins at 10.30am and all are welcome for what should be a great day's hurling.

Training for all age groups on Sunday at 12 noon.

~ LADIES ~
The Ladies team played Cloughaneely last Sunday at home and enjoyed a good win over the visitors on a scoreline of 2-13 to 3-4. Training continues on Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm.

The under 16 girls travel to Dungloe this evening, Tuesday, for the first of their two second round games. Next week they'll play at home against Ardara and only one of the three will progress to the third round.

The under 14 and under 12 girls train on Tuesdays and Fridays at 5.45pm.

Under 8 and under 10 girls train on Wednesday's from 6-7pm and the under 10 girls have a second session on Mondays also from 6 to 7pm. However as next Monday is a bank holiday there will be a break on the Monday.

The Duck Race has been re-scheduled for Saturday May 18th so buy your ducks early to be sure of a place at the starting line.

~ FANTASY RACE FOR SAM 2013 ~
It's that time of year again and the championship is only weeks away. The fantasy race for Sam 2013 is about to begin in earnest too.

The rules are simple. For your €20 entry fee you will receive a team and a scorer from each province. Every time your team wins you earn 10 points. Also every time your player scores a point you will get a point. There are bonus points on offer for county's which win the provincial title as well as the All-Ireland. The winner will receive €500 with a consolation prize of €100 for whoever finishes in last place. The deadline for entry is the 17th May and the draw for teams/players will take place in the Bridgend Bar on Saturday 18th May. A league table will appear on the website every Tuesday morning.

Entries are available from most committee members as well as in the following outlets.

  • Bridgend Bar
  • Owen Roe's Bar
  • Sean Ogs
  • Ballybookies

If anyone wishes to enter online, drop an email to info@aodhruadh.org. Come on and see if you can beat the reigning champion Rory O'Neill and his team of Ice Cream Rovers!

~ OFF THE PITCH ~
Donegal Creameries 5K Fun run / jog / walk in aid of Special Olympics Ireland takes place at Crossroads, Killygorodon on Tuesday 28th May 2013 at 7pm. Register via e-mail at dc5kfun@gmail.com or register at Donegal Creameries up to 6.30pm on Tuesday. Entry fee of €5 payable on registration which includes entry into a prize draw. Refreshments will be served.

Ballyshannon Drama Society present their award-winning Snake In The Grass by Alan Ayckbourn in the Abbey Centre on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th May at 8.30pm. These will be the last local performances before the Ulster Finals which take place in Newtownabbey on 14th May.

Gaelscoil Eirne will be hosting a céilí, old time barn dance in the Rock Hall, Ballyshannon on Saturday 11th May at 9.30pm. Music by The Assaroe Céilí Band. Supper Served. Admission €8.

Last modified: Tuesday, 14 May 2013 at 10:15pm

Bulletpoint. Read more in the club notes archive.