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Club Notes Archive - 2009

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Box. APRIL
6 April

~ SENIOR FOOTBALL ~
The thirds were the only senior team in action over the weekend. They opened their division five campaign with a resounding 2-14 to 1-4 win over MacCumhaill's last Saturday.

~ HURLING ~
The under 14 hurlers had a convincing win against Four Masters in Donegal town last Thursday with a great team performance in the first round of the Donegal league. The next game is against MacCumhaill's in Father Tierney park on 16th April.

The under 12 hurlers played their second game in the Fermanagh league at home to Knocks on Monday night and ran out comfortable winners on a scoreline of 5-3 to 0-0. Another great all round performance by the Ballyshannon hurlers.

Training continues on Easter Sunday at 12 noon for under 8s, under 10s, under 12s and under 14s. Any enquires to John Rooney on 086-2587793.

A report and pictures from the Hurl-A-Thon will be published on the website in the coming days.

~ LADIES ~
The annual Ladies Duck Race takes place this Easter Saturday, April 11th, at McKenna's brook. Ducks can still be bought for €2 each. A great day of family fun is guaranteed with cash prizes and spot prizes of Easter eggs! We're hoping for a great turnout on the day.

Ladies intermediate training continues on Saturday morning at 10.30am in Father Tierney park.

This Tuesday 7th April sees the under 14 girls in action with their first league match of the season. They face Naomh Chonaill away in Glenties.

Under 14 and under 12 girls continue training on Mondays from 6-7pm in Father Tierney Park.

~ BORD NA NÓG ~
The Southern Minor Board will shortly be running referees courses in Killybegs. Anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact John Hughes on 087-6431805. It's worth bearing in mind that referees are entitled to expenses of €25 per match.

The under 16s showed stacks of character as they eked out a hard earned 1-8 to 0-10 win over Kilcar in Towney on Monday evening. Ballyshannon played against the breeze in the first half and Kilcar took full advantage opening up a five point margin. However Aodh Ruadh's players showed cool heads and reeled them back in, eventually going in two points to the good at half time. Niall Murray put the cap on a fine performance by scoring the all important goal. There were also standout performances by Ronan McGurrin and Conor Patton on a night when every man in the Aodh Ruadh really stood up and was counted. Under 16 training continues Tuesdays, 8pm at the Lakeside and Fridays, 7pm again at the Lakeside. The next match for the under 16s is against a Glenties, players will be notified of details nearer the time.

The under 14s had a enjoyable jaunt to Salthill in Galway last Sunday for a blitz. They won the blitz beating off the challenge of a number slick Connacht outfits. There is more pre-season action this Easter Saturday in form of the under 14 Féile blitz. This takes place in Father Tierney where Aodh Ruadh will be hosting Bundoran and Four Masters. The winners of this blitz will go forward to the regional blitz. Action throws in at 11am.

The under 12s had a bad loss against Glenties, one of those games where the less said about it the better. Aodh Ruadh were poor in the first half, but while things picked up in the second they were second best to a well-drilled Naomh Chonaill side. A much better performance will be needed against Saint Naul's when they visit Father Tierney Park this Wednesday 8th April in round three of the league. Players are to be at the park for 6pm with the match throwing in at 6.30pm

Outdoor training continues for under 10s this Saturday 11th April at 11.45am in Father Tierney Park. Children can be collected after training at 1pm sharp.

There will be no under 8 training this Friday. Training resumes the following Friday 17th April at 6pm, weather permitting, on the school field beside Colaiste Cholmcille. Well done to our players of the week: Rian, Keith and Ciaran. Training finishes at 6.45pm, parents are asked to please collect children promptly. Any parents or coaches wishing to help out in any small way are more than welcome along please call up about ten minutes prior to training.

~ CLUB CENTENARY DRAW ~
Members are reminded that Club Centenary Draw tickets should be sold and returned urgently in order to keep the work at new GAA grounds at Munday's field progressing and to the ensure that the grounds can be reopened as soon as possible. Sold tickets and returns can be brought back to Tom Daly, Conal Gallagher, John Magee and Terence McShea.

~ PITCH BOOKINGS ~
With increased demand on facilities it is essential that bookings for the use of Father Tierney Park and the De La Salle field are made in advance to Peter Conlon (087-6838024).

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13 April

~ SENIOR FOOTBALL ~
A threadbare Aodh Ruadh travelled to the home of last year's beaten county finalists and emerged with a well-earned 3-7 to 2-10 draw. The Ernesiders delivered an excellent first half of football and went in six points up at half time. The first of Ballyshannon's goal came from Donagh McIntyre after great interpassing movement. Michael Lawless was on hand to finish the second goal. Garret Blake was another who a good match, he received a heavy challenge early on, but took three cracking points before finally going off injured. Once again Stephen Ward was magnificent in the middle of the field, while county duo Johnny Gallagher and Kevin 'Wappa' McMenamin had an absorbing tussle. The inevitable Termon fight back came in the second half and two fisted goals from speculative dropping balls saw the game set up for a nervy ending. When the whistle went the draw was probably the fair result. All in all it was a fine team effort from Aodh Ruadh against a strong Termon outfit.

In the curtain raiser to the senior game the reserves were defeated by Termon by 1-11 to 0-5.

Next up is Glenfin at home next weekend. Day and time have yet to be decided.

Aodh Ruadh thirds are the early leaders in division five, sitting atop the table alongside Pettigo on four points after another good win. This time it was a 1-13 to 1-3 victory over Ardara in Father Tierney Park last Saturday. The match was still in the shake-up at half time with Aodh Ruadh only four points ahead, but Ballyshannon showed the greater strength in the second half to close the game out. Evergreen Gary Walsh pulled off a fine save, while Christy Dolan soldiered well at full back alongside David McLoone. Peter Boyle was very effective for Ballyshannon in the forward line and Liam Devanney also showed well, managing to scramble home Aodh Ruadh's only goal. Next action for the thirds is the trip to Muff on Saturday, time yet to be decided

~ HURLING ~
The under 12 hurlers continued their good run in the Fermanagh league with a comprehensive win away against Derrylin. The under 14s play MacCumhaill's in Father Tierney Park on this Thursday 16th April. All players to be up at the park for 6.30pm. Training continues on sunday at noon.

Training continues on Sunday at 12 noon for under 8s, under 10s, under 12s and under 14s. Any enquires to John Rooney on 086-2587793.

Pictures from the Centenary Hurl-A-Thon and the Donegal v Dublin half time game have now been published.

~ LADIES ~
The intermediate ladies will kick off their season on Sunday 19th when they play Glenties away. Training continues in the park at 10.30am every Saturday morning.

Well done to the under 14 girls who managed a draw in their clash with Glenties last Tuesday, April 7th. The girls put in an impressive display to hold off a strong Glenties side. Their season continues next week when they travel to Mountcharles this coming Tuesday, April 14th. Both the under 12 and under 14 sides face Saint Naul's in their league campaign. The under 12 game will get underway at 5.30pm with the under 14 game to follow. The next action for the under 12 girls is against Glenties at home on Saturday 18th in the park at 1pm.

From next Tuesday, April 21st, under 12 and under 14 training will move from Monday night and will now take place in the park from 6-7pm every Tuesday evening.

The underage girls teams would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone who came out and supported the annual Duck Race on Easter Saturday, which was held at McKenna's brook. The event raised over €1,200 and all proceeds will go towards the running and development of our underage girls teams in the club. There was a fantastic turnout on the day and the event was a runaway success. Hopefully we can top our efforts again next year. Congratulations to all the winners: First place: Evelyn Rose Gallagher, Ard Longfield; Second place: Danny Foley, Castlegal, Mullaghmore; Third place: Sean Kilrane, Mohill, Leitrim; Fourth place: Hugh McNeill, Killeen, Ballyshannon; Fifth place: Ethna Gallagher, Coolcholly, Ballyshannon.

The Intermediate ladies will have their annual fundraiser on Sunday May 3rd in the Max Bar. Dig out your board shorts and bikinis because it's a Beach Party theme! It promises to be an even better night than last year's 70s themed bash, with a raffle and spot prizes on the night as well as the possibility of a limbo competition!

~ BORD NA NÓG ~
Peter Boyle continues to impress with the Donegal minors in their Ulster league campaign. He kept another clean sheet as Donegal destroyed Antrim last Saturday. Donegal are awaiting results this coming weekend to see who their opposition will be in the next phase of the competition.

The under 16s face another tough contest when they travel to Ardara next Monday 20th April. The match throws in at 7pm and all players are to be at the park for 4.45pm. Under 16 training continues Tuesdays, 8pm at the Lakeside and Fridays, 7pm again at the Lakeside.

Aodh Ruadh under 14s progressed to the next stage of the Donegal Féile competition when they accounted for Bundoran last Saturday in Father Tierney Park. The lads now go forward to the regional final which takes place this Saturday, 18th April. Venue and time yet to be decided.

The under 12s got back to winning ways with a super 4-14 to 1-0 win over Saint Naul's at Father Tierney Park last Wednesday. The victory was a 22 man effort with every Ballyshannon man making a meaningful contribution to the final scoreline. Gavin McDaid did very well in goals, breaking Mountcharles morale with some incredible saves. He was well served by an excellent defence, Kieran Kelly, Paul Cummins and Oisín Kerr all starring. The fulcrum of Aodh Ruadh's efforts were Oisín Roper and Jason Gallagher in the middle of the park. They ruled the roost and ensured a healthy supply of ball into the danger men. Shane McGrath, Ryan Gallagher and Garret Sheerin thrived up front and all figured strongly on the score sheet. The aim will be sustain that progress when they make the trip up the N15 to Four Masters this Friday 18th April in round four of the league. Players are to be at the park for 6pm. Under 12 training takes place on Wednesdays at 5.30pm in the park.

Outdoor training continues for under 10s this Saturday 18th April at 11.45am in Father Tierney Park. Children can be collected after training at 1pm sharp.

Under 8 training resumes this Friday 17th April at 6pm, weather permitting, on the school field beside Colaiste Cholmcille. Training finishes at 6.45pm, parents are asked to please collect children promptly. Any parents or coaches wishing to help out in any small way are more than welcome along please call up about ten minutes prior to training.

~ CLUB CENTENARY DRAW ~
Members are reminded that Club Centenary Draw tickets should be sold and returned urgently in order to keep the work at new GAA grounds at Munday's field progressing and to the ensure that the grounds can be reopened as soon as possible. Sold tickets and returns can be brought back to Tom Daly, Conal Gallagher, John Magee and Terence McShea.

~ PITCH BOOKINGS ~
With increased demand on facilities it is essential that bookings for the use of Father Tierney Park and the De La Salle field are made in advance to Peter Conlon (087-6838024).

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17 April

~ SENIOR FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh seniors play Glenfin on Sunday, 19th April in Father Tierney Park at 3pm. That game is preceded by the reserve match between the sides which throws in at 1.30pm in the same venue.

The thirds scheduled match against Muff on Saturday, 18th April has been called off as Muff have pulled out of the league.

A full report on the seniors 3-7 to 2-10 draw with Termon last Monday is now available.

~ BORD NA NÓG ~
The division one finals of the under 14 Féile competition take place in Dunkineely on Saturday 18th. Aodh Ruadh will compete against Kilcar and Dungloe for a place in the county finals on Saturday, 25th April. The action begins at 2pm.

The under 12s lost out to Four Masters in Tir Chonaill park tonight by two points in a real end-to-end battle. Aodh Ruadh were five points down at half time, but showed real fighting spirit on the restart, hitting the Donegal town side for three goals. It was tit for tat after that, but the whistle went at the right time for the homesters with the scoreline 5-7 to 5-5 in their favour. Ballyshannon can be heartened by another gutsy display, all the more so because a few key players were missing on the night.

~ CLUB CENTENARY DRAW ~
Work getting the fence up around the main pitch at Munday's field and the laying of surrounding paths is now full swing. Members are reminded that Club Centenary Draw tickets need to be sold and returned urgently in order to keep the work progressing. Sold tickets and returns can be brought back to Tom Daly, Conal Gallagher, John Magee and Terence McShea.

~ LÁ NA gCLUB ~
Planning is underway for the Lแ na gClub on Sunday, 10th May. Anyone with any ideas or suggestions for the day's activities should e-mail info@aodhruadh.org.

~ RECESSION RESOURCE ~
The churches of Ballyshannon, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra produced a leaflet in advance of a special night for the unemployed in March 2009. The leaflet featured many helpful contact numbers, addresses and resources that might be useful to those dealing with unemployment. It is reproduced on aodhruadh.org as a public resource.

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20 April

~ CENTENARY BANQUET ~
Advance notice of Aodh Ruadh Centenary Banquet for those traveling from abroad or who are planning to invite friends and family to the event. The banquet, the highlight of the club's centenary year celebrations will take place on Sunday 25th October in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel.

~ SENIOR FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh maintained their strong start to the season with a 0-12 to 0-7 win over Glenfin in Father Tierney Park last Sunday. Stephen McDermott was Glenfin's biggest threat, but he was well shepherded by Michael Gurn. Pauric Buggy had a fine game, before going off injured, scoring some sublime frees and giving Frank McGlynn a very difficult time of it. Paul Kane capped a great game by making two penalty saves, one using the hands, the second using psychological warfare! He's says to the second penalty taker, 'Here sham, I'll be some hero if I save two penalties in the one game!' The Glenfin man couldn't take the pressure and hammered his shot off the crossbar. Up front Michael 'Sticky' Ward, Garret Blake and Barry Ward all delivered strong performances with Donagh McIntyre linking up well.

The reserves put in a good performance, but lost to their Glenfin counterparts by 0-6 to 3-8.

Seniors and reserves are down to play MacCumhaill's this week, but dates, times and venue were unavailable at the time of writing.

The thirds scheduled match against Muff last Saturday was been called off as Muff have pulled out of the league. No fixture had been set for this week at the time of writing.

~ HURLING ~
The under 12 hurlers continued their rich vein of form with a good win away against Lisnaskea on Monday. The under 14s had a great win at home against MacCumhaill's on Thursday last, while the under 16s lost a very competitive game in the Fermanagh league at home against Lisbellaw.

Training continues on Sunday at 12 noon for under 8s, under 10s, under 12s and under 14s. Any enquires to John Rooney on 086-2587793.

~ LADIES ~
Don't forget the Intermediate ladies will have their annual fundraiser on Sunday May 3rd in Max Bar. Dig out your board shorts and bikinis because it's a Beach Party theme!! It promises to be an even better night than last year's 70s' themed bash, with a raffle and spot prizes on the night as well as the possibility of a limbo competition! Intermediate ladies training continues in the park at 10:30am every Saturday morning.

The under 14s took on a very strong Saint Naul's side last Tuesday in Mountcharles. The Ballyshannon girls, while putting in a spirited display, fell short and it was ultimately a skilled Mountcharles forward line who finished the Aodh Ruadh side off by slotting home an impressive tally of 7-3. Thursday, 23rd April, will see another clash lined up for the under 14s, this time at home in Father Tierney Park where they will play Four Masters as their league campaign continues.

The under 12 girls travelled to Mountcharles last week where they played Saint Naul's. The Aodh Ruadh girls put in a fine display to see them hold off the home side by a slim margin of two points. They continued their winning ways last Saturday when they took on Glenties in the park. The final goal was the difference for the Ernesiders who ran out winners on a scoreline of 4-4 to 3-4. Next week will see the under 12s travel to Donegal Town to take on Four Masters. The progress of this side is tremendous and hopefully they can emerge with some silverware from what has already been a fine league season for them.

Training for the under 12 and under 14 girls continues at 6-7pm in the park every Tuesday evening.

Under 10 girls training resumes in Father Tierney Park this Wednesday, 22nd April at 6pm.

~ BORD NA NÓG ~
The minors take to the field in their first competitive action of the year against Saint Naul's on Wednesday, 22nd April. The match takes place in Father Tierney park and throws in at 7pm.

The under 16s lost by 1-15 to 2-4 against Ardara last Monday. Aodh Ruadh can take very great credit from the way they handled the game. Ronan McGurrin had a fine game on the 40, as did Conor Patton at midfield. Kieran Keown also gave a gutsy display at full back in the face of a very determined Ardara attack. Niall Murray continued his happy habit of popping up for a goal. The next match sees Ballyshannon play Killybegs in Father Tierney Park next Monday, 27th April at 7pm. Players are to be up at park for 6.15pm. Under 16 training continues Tuesdays, 8pm at the Lakeside and Fridays, 7pm again at the Lakeside.

Best of luck to Colaiste Colmcille's under 14 and half side as they head to Healy Park, Omagh on Wednesday, 22nd April. Colaiste Colmcille will be taking on Edmund Rice College of Newtownabbey for the Mallon cup. The match throws in at 12pm noon.

Aodh Ruadh under 14s won through the Southern regional finals of the Donegal Féile in Dunkineely last Saturday with good wins over Kilcar and Dungloe. They beat Kilcar on a scoreline of 1-12 to 1-3 and Dungloe by 2-10 to no score. All 24 players fielded contributed to two excellent displays by Ballyshannon. David McGurrin scored 1-2 in the Kilcar match, while Dominic Boyle and James Kelly came up with the goals in the Dungloe match, Dominic's goal being a neat fisted effort. Johnny Gettins scored heavily in both matches. Elsewhere Matthew Maguire, Michael McNeilly and Eamon McGrath came up with solid, composed displays in defence, while Daniel Kelly pulled off a couple of top quality saves in nets. The lads now take part in the county final this Saturday 25th April. A venue and time yet to be decided at the time of writing.

The under 12s lost out to Four Masters in Tir Chonaill park tonight by two points in a real end-to-end battle. Aodh Ruadh were five points down at half time, but showed real fighting spirit on the restart, hitting the Donegal town side for three goals. It was tit for tat after that, but the whistle went at the right time for the homesters with the scoreline 5-7 to 5-5 in their favour. Gavin McDaid did well in goals for Ballyshannon, while Eugene Drummond was a tough customer at half back, doing well to counter Four Masters forward momentum. Philip Patton finished the game with a number of well-taken scores and delivered refined performances at both full forward and, later, at half forward. Ballyshannon can be heartened by another gutsy display, all the more so because a few key players were missing on the night. Under 12 training takes place on Wednesdays at 5.30pm in the park.

Outdoor training continues for under 10s this Saturday 25th April at 11.45am in Father Tierney Park. Children can be collected after training at 1pm sharp.

Under 8 football training continues this Friday weather permitting outside on the Colaiste Cholmcille pitch this Friday evening at 6pm. If the weather is not good, it will take place in the Mercy Hall. Well done to last week's players of the week Ruairí and Donagh. Training finishes at 6.45pm, please collect your children at that time. Any parents or coaches wishing to help out in any small way are more than welcome. Please call up about ten minutes prior to training.

~ CLUB CENTENARY DRAW ~
Work getting the fence up around the main pitch at Munday's field and the laying of surrounding paths is now full swing. Members are reminded that Club Centenary Draw tickets need to be sold and returned urgently in order to keep the work progressing. Sold tickets and returns can be brought back to Tom Daly, Conal Gallagher, John Magee and Terence McShea.

~ RECESSION RESOURCE ~
The churches of Ballyshannon, Rossnowlagh and Ballintra produced a leaflet in advance of a special night for the unemployed in March 2009. The leaflet featured many helpful contact numbers, addresses and resources that might be useful to those dealing with unemployment. It is reproduced on aodhruadh.org as a public resource.

~ BINGO ~
There is a special May Day Bingo in the Abbey Centre, Ballyshannon on Friday May 1st at 9pm sharp. A prize fund of €2,500 must go on the night and books will be available priced as follows: Double book, €15; Double / Double, €25; and Single €8. A night not to be missed.

~ BALLROOM OF ROMANCE ~
You are cordially invited to Ballyshannon's Ballroom of Romance. It's a night of music, dance and drama on Saturday 2nd May at 9pm in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel. The event is a fundraiser in aid of the Aodh Ruadh Centre of Excellence development and members are asked to support generously.

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27 April

~ MEETING ~
The monthly club meeting takes place on Thursday 30th April at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.

~ PITCH BOOKINGS ~
There have been a number of incidents of at the park in recent weeks. It is critical during this busy period that ALL bookings AND cancellations for Father Tierney park and the school field go through Peter Conlon to ensure the smooth operation of facilities. Call Peter on 9851386 or 087-6838024.

~ SENIOR FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh pulled off a great 0-9 to 0-11 win against MacCumhaill's under lights in Ballybofey last Friday night. It was a win founded on a tight defensive performance, growing dominance at midfield and an economic approach to scoring. Darren Drummond was very safe at full back, while Niall McCready had a very effective game, proving a highly disruptive influence on the MacCumhaill's half forward line. Kerry Ryan really had a blinder in the middle, he was everywhere and the Ballybofey pair didn't seem to know how to deal with him. He had excellent support from Fiachra McIntyre and Stephen Ward. Barry Ward also dodged about between full forward and the centre, making some stunning catches in the process. Brian Roper took two really exceptional points in either half, while Garret Blake has developed a real gift for winning and converting frees, knocking over three in the course of the match. Paul Kane saved a penalty late on the second half, his third save in two games. He seems to have taken a bit of a knock in the process though as he was going around after the match asking people who the daddy was. That win leaves Ballyshannon level on points with MacCumhaill's at the top of division two with a game in hand. Read the full match report.

The following night, Saturday, the reserves also managed a great win. They edged out the homesters by 1-7 to 1-8. It was a real coherent team performance by the reserves, offering great hope for the rest of the league campaign.

The seniors and reserves are down to travel to Buncrana this weekend for their next outings in division two. No day or time had been set at the time of writing.

The thirds also won on Saturday, defeating Glenfin by 0-12 to 0-8 in Father Tierney Park. It was a real mix of youth and experience. Christy Dolan and Paddy Kelly proved a formidable pairing in the centre, Paddy even nipping up for a well-taken second half point. Up front Peter Boyle spread panic through the Glenfin defence any time he got the ball. Martin McGlynn took a fine point while Liam Devanney also did a lot of good work in the forwards. A sound defence, combined with some Glenfin profligacy ensured Aodh Ruadh took the two league points. That leaves them a point behind Pettigo with a game in hand in division five. No thirds fixture had been set for this week at the time of writing.

~ HURLING ~
The under 16s were beaten by Knocks in the Fermanagh league. The annual Alan Ryan-Seamus Grimes under 16 tournament takes place on Monday 4th May. Play begins in what is always a great day's hurling at 11am

The under 14s are taking part in the Ulster Féile in Dungannon on Saturday. They are in a group with Castleblayney of Monaghan, Rasharkin of Antrim and Castlewellan of Down with action underway at 10am. The bus leaves the park at 8am.

Training continues on Sunday at 12 noon for under 8s, under 10s, under 12s and under 14s. Any enquires to John Rooney on 086-2587793.

~ LADIES ~
Don't forget the Intermediate ladies will have their annual fundraiser on Sunday May 3rd in Max Bar. Dig out your board shorts and bikinis because it's a Beach Party theme!! It promises to be an even better night than last year's 70s' themed bash, with a raffle and spot prizes on the night as well as the possibility of a limbo competition! Intermediate ladies training continues in the park at 10:30am every Saturday morning.

Good luck to Dearbhaile Mc Neill and Anna Rafferty who will represent the club this Saturday when they line out with the under 16 Donegal girls squad in their Ulster Semi Final tie. The action will take place in Convoy, with a time yet to be confirmed and any support would be greatly appreciated. Also good luck to Tara Kahn who will represent the club as she takes her place with the county Minor panel. She will be competing in the Ulster Semi final this Sunday, May 3rd, with a venue yet to be announced.

The under 14 girls faced Four Masters last Thursday as their league season continued. The game went right down to the wire with the Aodh Ruadh girls losing out by an agonising single point. Next up for the under 14 side is Naomh Bríd on Saturday 2nd May, when they will play away from home in a make or break tie. The under 12s continued their unbeaten run with yet another impressive performance against Four Masters in Donegal town last Thursday. The visitors secured their victory on a scoreline of 4-3 to 2-1. This Friday will see them take on Saint Naul's in what looks set to be a close encounter. Throw in is at 6.30pm in the park. Training for the under 12 and under 14 girls continues at 6-7pm in the park every Tuesday evening.

Under 10 girls training continues in Father Tierney Park this Wednesday, 27th April at 6pm.

~ BORD NA NÓG ~
The monthly Bord na nÓg meeting takes place on Tuesday 28th, April at 9pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.

Commiserations to Peter Boyle on the Donegal minor's loss to Armagh in the Ulster minor league final last Saturday. Peter gave another great display between the posts, really coming to the rescue a minute before the half time break when he prevented a certain goal by spectacularly saving a Robbie Tasker fisted effort. Donegal have yet to concede a goal with Peter in nets and that should bode well for him as Donegal prepare for the first round of the championship against Antrim on June 14th.

The minors began their season with an excellent 5-14 to 1-11 win against Saint Naul's last Wednesday. Captain, David Dolan, had a terrific battle at midfield against his Mountcharles counterparts while Ronan Drummond also had a powerful game at centre back. There were a lot of stars up front where the Aodh Ruadh forwards really punished every Saint Naul's error. Peter Boyle was a real terror while Ruairí Drummond and Chris Goan in the corners both proved equally damaging. The next match for the minors is a trip to Donegal town to take on Four Masters on Wednesday, 29th April, at 7pm.

Aodh Ruadh's under 16 had a 7-18 to 0-2 win over a Killybegs side which, while possessing plenty of skilful players, seemed unable to deliver as a unit. Ben McGowan played very well, corning on and scoring 2-4. Ronan McGurrin was dynamite at centre forward, while attacking half back Kieran Keown really made hay, making plenty of strong runs and taking some good scores. The final match of the under 16 league season is against Naomh Conaill in Father Tierney park. The time and date had yet to be confirmed at the time of writing. The permutations are as follows. If Aodh Ruadh win they will be in the Southern Regional final awaiting the result of a play-off between Naomh Conaill and Ardara. If Aodh Ruadh draw then they will be into a play-off with Ardara for a place in the regional final against Naomh Conaill. If Aodh Ruadh lose then the regional final will be between Naomh Conaill and Ardara. Best of luck boys! Under 16 training continues Tuesdays, 8pm at the Lakeside and Fridays, 7pm again at the Lakeside.

Aodh Ruadh are to face Saint Eunan's in the division one final of the under 14 Féile. A venue and time yet to be decided at the time of writing.

The under 12s had an important win against Dungloe last Friday. The A side won by 2-9 to 2-4, with the Bs also recorded a very impressive victory by 1-3 to 0-2. In the A game Aodh Ruadh got off to a great start and went in nine points to the good at half time. In the second half Dungloe came more into it, putting in a determined performance, but Ballyshannon held on for a five point win. Kieran Kelly is emerging as a exceptional talent. He was truly outstanding at centre half back where he displayed true footballing flare. Philip Patton prospered once again in his more withdrawn role on the half forward line. Once again the midfield pairing of Jason Gallagher and Oisín Roper delivered the goods with a strong combative display. Brendan Gillespie had a very good match at the back in a game where Dungloe were pushing strongly to get something from the game. Everyone in the team wishes Gavin McDaid a speedy recovery from his hand injury. Gavin had been having a great game up until he had to come off. In the B game there was a notably good team performance against the Dungloe 11. Naoise Patton was very good in goal as was Cแelแn Drummond at the back. In fact it was a very strong defensive display that probably saw Aodh Ruadh home in the match. Up front Ciaran Gettins proved a real thorn in the side for Dungloe. The next match is away to Killybegs on Friday 1st May with the throw in at 7pm. Players are to be at the park for 5.15pm. Under 12 training takes place on Wednesdays at 5.30pm in the park.

Outdoor training continues for under 10s this Saturday 2nd May at 11.45am in Father Tierney Park. Children can be collected after training at 1pm sharp. The first blitz of the year is due to take place in Killybegs on May 9th with Naomh Conaill and Ardara also taking part.

Under 8 football training continues this Friday weather permitting outside on the Colaiste Cholmcille pitch this Friday evening at 6pm. If the weather is not good, it will take place in the Mercy Hall. Well done to last week's players of the week Neil and Francis. Training finishes at 6.45pm, please collect your children at that time. Any parents or coaches wishing to help out in any small way are more than welcome. Please call up about ten minutes prior to training.

~ CLUB CENTENARY DRAW ~
Work getting the fence up around the main pitch at Munday's field and the laying of surrounding paths is now full swing. Members are reminded that Club Centenary Draw tickets need to be sold and returned urgently in order to keep the work progressing. Sold tickets and returns can be brought back to Tom Daly, Conal Gallagher, John Magee and Terence McShea.

~ BINGO ~
There is a special May Day Bingo in the Abbey Centre, Ballyshannon on Friday May 1st at 9pm sharp. A prize fund of €2,500 must go on the night and books will be available priced as follows: Double book, €15; Double / Double, €25; and Single €8. A night not to be missed.

~ BALLROOM OF ROMANCE ~
You are cordially invited to Ballyshannon's Ballroom of Romance. It's a night of music, dance and drama on Saturday 2nd May at 9pm in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel. The event is a fundraiser in aid of the Aodh Ruadh Centre of Excellence development and members are asked to support generously.

~ CENTENARY BANQUET ~ Advance notice of Aodh Ruadh Centenary Banquet for those traveling from abroad or who are planning to invite friends and family to the event. The banquet, the highlight of the club's centenary year celebrations will take place on Sunday 25th October in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel.

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