Club Notes Archive - 2008
MAY- 5 May
-
~ SENIOR FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh were on their travels again last Saturday, this time the hosts were Division 1B table-toppers Buncrana. The match saw a welcome return to action for long-term injury absentees Michael Lawless, Anthony Boyle and Johnny Gallagher. It was a great evening for football and Aodh Ruadh duly delivered running in handsome winners by 1-8 to 3-15. There were fine displays all over the pitch with Simon Gillespie continuing to show good form in corner back and Michael 'Sticky' Ward in only his second game back from injury capping a fine performance up front with a well-taken penalty strike. The reserve game was postponed. Ballyshannon are back on the road next week with a slightly less punishing trip to Killybegs on Saturday 10th May. Aodh Ruadh drew with Killybegs in the park and this match has the air of a four-pointer about it with both sides currently in the wrong half of the table. An exciting tussle is guaranteed. The reserve game throws in at 5.30pm followed by the seniors at 7pm. Training continues at 6.30pm in Lakeside on Tuesday and 6.30pm on Thursday in the De La Salle field.There is a meeting of the Senior Club this Thursday, 8th May at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.
~ PARK COMMITTEE ~
Junior and senior kit bags are now available in the club shop priced 27 and 30 respectively.With the restricted availability of facilities priority bookings and cancellations for Father Tierney Park should be notified to Peter Conlon at 9851386 or 087-6838024.
~ AODHRUADH.ORG ~
Join the debate on the Team Talk section of aodhruadh.org. Take part in our poll and tell us if Aodh Ruadh can beat Bundoran in the Under 16 Divisional Final this Wednesday.~ HURLING ~
Aodh Ruadh's senior hurlers were defeated by Naomh Colmcille in the Ulster League on Saturday evening last on a scoreline of Aodh Ruadh 2-6, Naomh Colmcille 0-11. This Weekend the seniors are at home to Derry city outfit Na Maghe in the first round of game in the Donegal League.The under 14s had a busy weekend, taking part in both the Ulster Feile last Saturday in Tyrone and in the Alan Ryan / Seamus Grimes Tournament in Father Tierney park on Bank Holiday Monday. This Thursday 8th May they are away to Saint Eunan's in the Donegal League.
The Alan Ryan / Seamus Grimes Tournament was a great success with five teams participating from Sligo, Fermanagh and Donegal. Aodh Ruadh won the Seamus Grimes Memorial Trophy, while Setanta won the Alan Ryan Cup. Many thanks to everyone who helped make sure the day went off so well.
This Saturday, 10th May the U-12 hurlers are playing in an all county blitz in Ballybofey. The team will be leaving Father Tierney park at 12.30pm.
Last week Peter Horan, Billy Finn and John Rooney accompanied Paudie Butler, the GAA's National Director of Hurling, to Creevy National School where they carried out first class coaching sessions with the kids.
Underage hurling training continues in Father Tierney Park on Sunday at 12 noon for under 10s, 12s and 14s. All welcome, especially beginners. For enquiries contact John Rooney (086-2587793) or Billy Finn (9851289).
~ LADIES ~
Hard luck to Aoife Buggy and Katie Flood were on the county minor team that lost to Clare in the NFL Division 2 final last Sunday. Donegal lost on a scoreline of 2-10 to 0-15 and Clare were forced to hang on in the end to claim the title.The under 10 girls continue to train on Tuesday evenings from 6-7pm.
Under 12 training continues on Tuesdays from 7pm to 8.15pm in Father Tierney Park.
Senior training continues at the Lakeside on Saturday evening at 6.45pm. Please bring 2 to cover the cost of the facilities.
~ BORD NA NÓG ~
There is a meeting of the Bord na nÓg on Tuesday, 6th May at 9pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.The first under 10 blitz of the year took place in Ballintra last Saturday. Ballyshannon travelled down with 38 players to take on Four Masters, Pettigo and Naomh Bríd. There was great weather for football and Aodh Ruadh did well, winning the 'A' section with a clean sweep of three victories, whilst the 'B's' broke even, winning a game and losing one. The players had plenty of fun and enjoyed the day with everyone getting a run out. There is training for under 10s only in Father Tierney Park on Wednesday nights from 7pm to 8pm. We are getting great numbers to training and blitzes and the management team would really appreciate anyone who had an hour to spare coming along and giving a hand out whenever they had the chance. The next blitz will be in Bundoran on Saturday May 31st.
The under 12s made it three wins in a row when they defeated Naomh Conaill last Wednesday. It was an excellent team performance. Goal keeper Adam Irwin had an excellent game between the posts, as did Conor Kennedy at centre full back. Further out the pitch Matthew Maguire gave a wonderful performance at centre half back as did Stephen and Colm Kelly who dominated at midfield. Up front Philip Patton, Shane McGrath and Conor McShea continue to form a very effective attacking unit. Aodh Ruadh finished the game minus a man sent off for a straight red card making the final score of 1-2 to 0-8 in favour of Ballyshannon all the more noteworthy. The winning run was ended by Dungloe in the Park on Bank Holiday Monday. Aodh Ruadh were fielding with a somewhat depleted squad, but were still ahead at half time by 1-4 to 1-3. Unfortunately a soft goal in the second half set Ballyshannon back on their heels in a game they could have won. There was another fine performance from Matthew Maguire. Up front John Ward top-scored with a goal whilst Philip Patton, Conor McShea and Shane McGrath all finished the game with 0-2 apiece. The next outing for the under 12s is a trip to Fintra to take on Killybegs on Monday 12th May. The bus leaves Father Tierney Park promptly at 5pm. Throw in at Fintra for the 'B' game is at 6.30pm with the 'A' game starting at 7.00pm. Under 12 training continues at the Lakeside on Tuesdays from 6pm to 7pm and Saturdays from 12 noon to 1pm.
The under 14s are training in the Lakeside on Wednesdays at 6.30pm and Saturdays at 3pm
The under 16s divisional takes place on Wednesday 7th May. In Ballintra. The first silverware of the under 16 season is up for grabs so a good show of Ballyshannon support would be much appreciated at Naomh Bríd's grounds.
The minor's couldn't field for their final league match away to Saint Naul's so the game had to be conceded. The next action for the minors will be when they host Bundoran in the first leg, first round of the Championship on Wednesday 30th July. Minor training continues with the seniors at the Lakeside on Tuesdays between 6.30pm to 8pm and Thursdays in the De La Salle field from 6.30pm to 8pm.
- 12 May
-
~ SENIOR FOOTBALL ~
A fruitless trip to Killybegs on Saturday as Aodh Ruadh lost by 0-14 to 0-9. The failure to convert early chances told in the end. Johnny Gallagher and Brian McCafferty put in a good shift in defence whist Brian Roper and Sticky Ward were industrious in attack. In the end, however, Ballyshannon were beaten by a stronger, slicker and fitter Killybegs outfit. The reserves delivered a much improved performance, but didn't get the points their efforts deserved and they lost on a scoreline of 1-9 to 0-10 in favour of Killybegs. Senior training continues at the Lakeside on Tuesdays between 7pm to 8.30pm and Thursdays in the De La Salle field from 7pm to 8.30pm.The thirds were defeated by Red Hugh's in Father Tierney park in the first leg of the first round of the Junior B Championship. The final score was 1-5 to 1-6 in favour of Killygordon.
~ DONEGAL TICKETS ~
The first round Ulster Senior Football Championship match between Donegal and Derry in Ballybofey will be all ticket. There will be a limited number of tickets available for this match and these are being distributed via the clubs. Members of Aodh Ruadh will be giving priority to club members in the distribution of tickets. Club membership can be obtained from Mary Matthews in Shannon's corner. Non-playing adult membership is priced at 25.~ NOTE OF SYMPATHY ~
Aodh Ruadh extends its sincerest sympathies to the family and friends of Ciaran McCready who died in Dublin on Monday morning. A great Aodh Ruadh stalwart and unrepentant Donegal man, Ciaran was a true servant to his club and county. He was member of the great 1951 Aodh Ruadh side which defeated Saint Eunan's by a point in the county final to take the Maguire cup back to Ballyshannon. He was Donegal's Liaison Officer in Dublin and his home was always open to anyone from the O'Donnell county, especially if they hailed from the banks of the Erne. A keen boxer and athlete, Ciaran served as Donegal's physio for the county's Ulster Championship wins in 1972, 1974 and 1983. He served a long and distinguished career with An Garda Síochαna and was retired from the force. He will be buried in Dublin on Wednesday. Our thoughts are with Ciaran's brother Cormac and nephew Niall at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal~ HURLING ~
The under 12 hurlers played a very competitive game against Saint Eunan's in Ballyshannon on Saturday last. It took a strong second half performance from the Ballyshannon boys to win out in the end. On Sunday the under 11 boys played in the county finals of the Community Games held in Father Tierney Park. A young Ballyshannon team played very well in all three games, winning bronze medals in the end with a great all round team performance. The team and management would like to thank the local Community Games committee for organising the day and special thanks to Tommy Mannion, the chief organiser.Underage hurling training continues in Father Tierney Park on Sunday at 12 noon for under 10s, 12s and 14s. All welcome, especially beginners. For enquiries contact John Rooney (086-2587793) or Billy Finn (9851289).
Pictures and a short report from The Alan Ryan / Seamus Grimes Tournament are now available on aodhruadh.org.
~ LADIES ~
The under 10 girls continue to train on Tuesday evenings from 6-7pm in Father Tierney ParkThis Wednesday, 14th May, the under 12s travel to Killybegs for their first league match, good luck to everyone involved. On Sunday the girls are in Community Games action when they make the trip to Dunfanaghy on Sunday, 18th May, for the Community Games county final. For more information call Claire, Jo or Colman. Under 12 training continues on Tuesdays from 7pm to 8.15pm in Father Tierney Park.
The Ladies intermediate team played host to Naomh Columba on Sunday morning last and the Aodh Ruadh girls will be happy with their win. The team performed well and will be in optimistic form as they prepare for a visit to Kilcar on Sunday, 18th May.
Best wishes to Dearbhaile McNeill and Tara Kahn who will travel to Down with the county under 16 team on Friday, 16th May to play Down in the Ulster final. Good luck to you both.
Congratulations to the Holy Family girls team who have qualified for the schools county final in the 9-a-side competition, well done girls. Date and venue is still to be decided.
Senior training continues at the Lakeside on Saturday evening at 6.45pm. Please bring 2 to cover the cost of the facilities.
~ BORD NA NÓG ~
Creevy National School is in the Cumann na mBunscoil final for the second year in a row in Lifford this Saturday. The time is yet to be confirmed. Aodh Ruadh wishes the school good luck in their hunt for county honours.Training for under 8s and under 10s continues in Father Tierney Park on Saturdays from 11am to 12 noon. There is training for under 10s only in Father Tierney Park on Wednesday nights from 7pm to 8pm. We are getting great numbers to training and blitzes and the management team would really appreciate anyone who had an hour to spare coming along and giving a hand out whenever they had the chance. The next blitz will be in Bundoran on Saturday May 24th.
The under 12s travel to Fintra to take on Killybegs on Friday 16th May. The bus leaves Father Tierney Park promptly at 5pm. Throw in at Fintra for the 'B' game is at 6.30pm with the 'A' game starting at 7.00pm. Under 12 training continues at the Lakeside on Tuesdays from 6pm to 7pm and Saturdays from 12 noon to 1pm.
The under 14s are training in the Lakeside on Wednesdays at 6.30pm and Saturdays at 11am.
The under 16s lost to Bundoran in the Divisional Final last Wednesday on a scoreline of 1-10 to 1-3. Aodh Ruadh rattled the woodwork on no less than three occasions, but failed to find the scores that would up pressure on the seasiders. Conor Patton was absolutely outstanding at full back. He had his hands full throughout the match, but he dealt calmly with any danger that came his way. The next engagement for the under 16s will be away to Saint Naul's on Friday, 16th May, with a first round, first leg Championship clash. The throw in is at 7.30pm. A good show of Ballyshannon support would be greatly appreciated. There is under 16 training at 8pm on Thursday in the Lakeside.
Minor training continues with the seniors at the Lakeside on Tuesdays between 7pm to 8.30pm and Thursdays in the De La Salle field from 7pm to 8.30pm.
- 19 May
-
~ SENIOR FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh travel to Dunfanaghy on Saturday to take on Saint Michael's. The reserve match is at 6pm, followed by the senior match at 7.30pm. The senior bus will leave the park at 5pm sharp.The thirds picked up a 3-8 to 2-5 win against Pettigo in Father Tierney Park last Sunday. The win gives the side their first points in Division 4 south. They will be looking to add a couple more when they take on Naomh Conaill on Saturday at 7pm in the Park.
~ DONEGAL TICKETS ~
The first round Ulster Senior Football Championship match between Donegal and Derry in Ballybofey will be all ticket. Orders for tickets should be made to Mary Matthews in Shannon's or to Jimmy Gallagher. There will be a limited number of tickets available for this match and these are being distributed via the clubs. Members of Aodh Ruadh will be giving priority to club members in the distribution of tickets. Club membership can be obtained from Mary Matthews. Non-playing adult membership is priced at 25.~ HURLING ~
Underage hurling training continues in Father Tierney Park on Sunday at 12 noon for under 10s, 12s and 14s. All welcome, especially beginners. For enquiries contact John Rooney (086-2587793) or Billy Finn (9851289).~ LADIES ~
The under 10 girls continue to train on Tuesday evenings from 6-7pm in Father Tierney ParkThe under 12 girls went to Killybegs last Wednesday, 14th May, for their first league game of the season. The team performed very well and came home with a good win, their next outing is at home to Four Masters next Tuesday, 27th May. We hope to play two games to ensure a game for the whole panel. The first game should throw in at 6.30pm and the second at 7pm. It would be great to see parents and family out to support the girls.
The under 14s get their season off the ground this Tuesday, 20th May, with an away fixture to Naomh Bríd. Good luck to everyone involved there.
A big congrats to Tara Khan and Dearbhaile Mc Neill who travelled to county Down with the county under 16 team last Friday night and came home as Ulster champions. They will face Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter final on Saturday July 12th.
Training for the ladies intermediate team will be in the park on Saturday evenings. Players should be on the field for 7pm.
~ BORD NA NÓG ~
Commiserations to Creevy National School on losing the Cumann na mBunscoil final last Saturday, going down by two late points in the end. Well done though on reaching the final for the second year in succession.The under 8s have game against Saint Naul's this Saturday, 24th May at 11pm. The bus to Mountcharles leaves from the park at 10.30am sharp. Whether the normal under 10 training takes place on Saturday in the Park at 11am will be dictated by the availability or otherwise of coaches. More information nearer the time, anyone able to help out should contact Colman. There is training for under 10s only in Father Tierney Park on Wednesday nights from 7pm to 8pm. The next under 10 blitz will be in Bundoran on Saturday May 31th.
The under 12s were obliterated by Killybegs last Friday, losing by 10-9 to 1-1. The lads started well, but heads dropped after Aodh Ruadh conceded an own goal. Matthew Maguire was the only player who really continued to give his all throughout the game. There was a better result on Monday night when Ballyshannon beat Four Masters in Father Tierney park by 1-8 to five points. Kevin Warnock made the move from netminder to full forward and was rewarded with a goal and a point. Philip Patton joint top-scored with four points, three from frees. The remaining scores were chipped in by Stephen Thompson, Shane McGrath and Colm Kelly. Aodh Ruadh did the main damage in the first half and went in 1-5 to 0-2 up at the break. The Willie Rogers tournament takes place this Saturday at Father Tierney Park. The first game starts at 11pm with Aodh Ruadh taking on Melvin Gaels. Also participating will be Bundoran and Erne Gaels. Aodh Ruadh players are asked to bring a loaf of sandwiches for the lunch-time refreshments. Anyone who wants to lend a hand is more than welcome along to what promises to be a superb day of football. There is training for the under 12s this Thursday at 6pm in the De La Salle field.
The under 14s are training in the Lakeside on Wednesdays at 6.30pm and Saturdays at 11am.
The under 16s secured a 2-6 to 4-9 first leg away win over Saint Naul's last Friday. The scoreline is deceptive enough. Mountcharles were only a point down with a minute to half time when Pauric Patton pounced for a goal and Aodh Ruadh added another quickfire point to go in five points to the good at the break. Pauric Patton had a great game at wing half forward as did Stephen Clarke. Martin Larkin had a fine game and capped it with a well-taken goal. Once again Ronan Drummond gave a masterful display in the backs. The next engagement for the under 16s will be at home against Saint Naul's on Friday, 23th May, at 7.30pm. They will be attempting to seal their progress through to the second round of the championship with a second victory over Saint Naul's. A good show of Ballyshannon support would be greatly appreciated. There is under 16 training at 8pm on Thursday in the Lakeside.
Congratulations to Ronan Drummond and Peter Boyle who have made the county Under 16 team. Both recently played in Monaghan in a preliminary round of the Buncrana Cup. Donegal were in a pool with Armagh, Antrim and Monaghan. They came through having won all their games and are now through to the semi-final stages of the competition.
Minor training continues with the seniors at the Lakeside on Tuesdays between 7pm to 8.30pm and Thursdays in the De La Salle field from 7pm to 8.30pm.
~ BINGO ~
The principle winners at the Aodh Ruadh Bingo in the Abbey Centre last Friday were: Mary Butler of Ernedale Heights who won 350; Mrs. Chapman of Bundoran who won 140; Nuala McGowan of Grange who won 100; Kieran Reynolds who won 100; and Mrs. Horan who won 100.
- 26 May
-
~ SENIOR FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh traveled to Dunfanaghy to take on Saint Michael's last Saturday. There was a strong breeze across the pitch which had a pronounced effect on play. Aodh Ruadh were two up at half time playing with the wind, however Saint Michael's blitzed Ballyshannon in the third quarter to decisively take control of the game. Aodh Ruadh got the gap back to within four points when a Michael 'Sticky' Ward shot shaved the post. After having rode their luck Saint Michael's went on to finish 0-17 to 0-13 winners. Barry Ward, Stephen Ward and Sticky Ward all gave their all. There was a great return to action from Shane Ward who kicked three points. Michael Lawless battled well in the second half. There is no game this weekend. Senior training on Tuesday, 27th May, at 7pm in the Lakeside and Thursday 29th May at 7.30pm in the De La Salle field. Best of luck to Thomas McPhelim who is away down under this week and to Kerry Ryan who is off on peace-keeping duties in Chad.The thirds were comfortable 3-15 to 0-7 winners against Glenties in Father Tierney Park last Saturday. It's the side's second win in Division 4 south and puts them second in the table behind Kilcar's unbeaten thirds.
~ DONEGAL V DERRY ~
Tickets for the Donegal v Derry match will be distributed in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh from 9pm on Thursday night, 29th May. All tickets MUST be collected and paid for on the night. Uncollected ticket will be returned to the county board.Donegal car flags are now available in the club shop for 5 apiece. All profits go to charity.
~ CLUB HISTORY ~
The Donegal Democrat archive for 1949 is now available to view in the history section of aodhruadh.org.~ HURLING ~
The seniors had a good away win over Lisnaskea on Saturday evening last when they prevailed on a 5-06 to 1-16 scoreline. The team are in action again on Saturday 1st June when they play Ballymena at 6.30pm in the park. A victory would secure Aodh Ruadh a place in the quarter finals in the Ulster League.The under 14s play Buncrana on Thursday evening, 30th May, in the League A semi final. The final is down for Friday, 31st May in Donegal Town at 3.30pm.
Well done to Gary Kelly, Conor Mc Neely, PJ Gillespie and Rory Cullen who were part of the Donegal under 14 squad which won the Ulster Blitz.
Aodh Ruadh players who play on the Donegal under 14 hurling team: Conor McNeely, Rory Cullen, PJ Gillespie and Gary Kelly.
[Click for larger image]Underage hurling training continues in Father Tierney Park on Sunday at 12 noon for under 10s, 12s and 14s. All welcome, especially beginners. For enquiries contact John Rooney (086-2587793) or Billy Finn (9851289).
~ LADIES ~
The under 10 girls continue to train on Tuesday evenings from 6-7pm in Father Tierney ParkThe under 12 girls are training on Tuesdays from 7pm to 8.15pm, except this Tuesday, May 27th when they play host to Four Masters in their first home league game of the season. Good luck to all involved. We hope to play two games to ensure a game for the whole panel. The first game should throw in at 6.30pm and the second at 7pm. It would be great to see parents and family out to support the girls.
The under 14 girls went to Ballintra last Tuesday for the first game of the 2008 season and won by three points. Well done girls. This Thursday, 29th May, they entertain Killybegs at home at 6.30pm . It would be great to see parents and family out to support the girls. Under 14 training is on Fridays at 5.30pm in the park.
Good luck to the girls from the Holy Family National School who play in the Cumann na mBunscoil final next Tuesday, 3rd June, time and venue are not yet known.
Training for the ladies intermediate team will be in the park on Saturday evenings. Players should be on the field for 7pm.
~ BORD NA NÓG ~
There is a Bord na nÓg committee meeting in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Tuesday 3rd June at 9pm. All committee members are asked to attend.Aodh Ruadh had 21 under 8s down to Mountcharles last Saturday. They played two games against Saint Naul's with some players pulling on the Aodh Ruadh jersey for the first time ever. It was a very enjoyable day out for all concerned with a some very good players coming through. There is no training for the under 8s this Saturday morning.
There is an under 10 blitz in Bundoran on Saturday, May 31th at 11am. The bus leaves from Father Tierney Park at 10.45am. There is training for under 10s only in Father Tierney Park on Wednesday nights from 7pm to 8pm.
A day of warm and pleasant sunshine saw Father Tierney Park play host to the under 12s of Aodh Ruadh, Bundoran, Melvin Gaels and Erne Gaels as they competed in the annual Willie Rogers tournament.
After a tight and competitive round robin section Erne Gaels topped the table with Aodh Ruadh second, putting the pair through to the 'A' final. Aodh Ruadh, with the benefit of the breeze in the first half, began the final briskly with a quick fire goal. Goal-keeper turned full forward, Kevin Warnock, collected a long pass and had the ball in the net on the 30 second mark. Erne Gaels rallied well though and took the game to Ballyshannon and the game ebbed and flowed for a period. A certain amount of apprehension seeped through Aodh Ruadh ranks as the first half wore on, as the benefit of substantial backing wind was not being made to count. A well-taken Philip Patton point on seven minutes helped steady nerves. Having weathered a sustained bout of Ballyshannon pressure Erne Gaels were suckered badly just before the end of the half when once again Kevin Warnock collected a long ball and goaled. That was compounded when Oisín Roper collected the ball from the kick out and swept over an excellent point. Leading by 2-2 to no score at half time Aodh Ruadh still had a considerable amount to do before they could reclaim the Willie Rogers trophy. Erne Gaels began the second half well and after two minutes Brian Shaw delivered Belleek's first score of the final. A couple of minutes later Conor Murphy concluded a fine Erne Gaels move with a second point. It was to be Belleek's last score of the final. Aodh Ruadh captain Matthew Maguire marshaled a superb Ballyshannon rearguard action in the second half and Erne Gaels lacked the necessary penetration to circumvent it. With two minutes of time left Aodh Ruadh got the score of the match. A neat series of interchange passes was finished by Shane McGrath who took an excellent point. When the final whistle went moments later Aodh Ruadh had secured the Willie Rogers trophy on a scoreline of 2-3 to 0-2.
Willie Rogers son Gavin was on hand to present runners up medals to a gallant Erne Gaels side. Rene Rogers, Willie's wife, presented the Willie Rogers trophy to the winning captain, Matthew Maguire of Aodh Ruadh.
Aodh Ruadh would like to extend their sincere thanks to the participating teams, to those who officiated the matches, those who provided the refreshments, the stewards and to all those who gave of their time and effort to make the event such a success. See aodhruadh.org for full results and team pictures.
The under 14s go into competitive action for the first time this season when they take on Saint Naul's in Father Tierney Park on Wednesday, 28th May, at 7.30pm. Under 14 training continues at the Lakeside on Saturdays at 11.00am.
The under 16s first round, second leg championship match against Saint Naul's was postponed last Friday and will take place on Monday 9th June. Of more immediate concern is the county league semi final against Milford which is down is for this Friday, 30th May at 7.30pm. The venue was not decided at the time of writing.
Minor training continues with the seniors on Tuesday, 27th May, at 7pm in the Lakeside and Thursday 29th May at 7.30pm in the De La Salle field.