Club Notes Archive - 2009
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AUGUST- 3 August
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~ CIARAN KEON ~
It was with enormous sadness that we buried Ciaran Keon last Saturday, 1st August, in the Rock cemetery after funeral mass in St Joseph's. Just 38, Ciaran left behind a loving wife, Paula and two beautiful young children, Caoimhe and Orla. Son of John and Margaret Keon, he was deeply involved with Aodh Ruadh. He played at all ages from under 10s to seniors for the club, lining out at midfield in the 1989 senior county final at the tender age of 18 and later becoming senior captain. He was part of a unique accomplishment when he and his three brothers, Colm, Diarmuid, and Donagh, played on the county championship winning under 21 side of 1988. He also represented his county at minor and under 21 level. A hardy operator on the football pitch he went on to collect senior championship medals with Aodh Ruadh in 1994 and 1997. He co-managed the senior team before taking the reins himself, ably assisted by some of his close friends. No silverware was won but he had a very proud day managing the seven-a-side team to the All-Ireland Final a few years ago. He also enjoyed many outings playing Sigerson Cup football throughout his college years. He was always called 'the Cub' because of his bright temperament and great wit. The shock when the news of his passing was announced last Thursday reverberates yet. The massive turn out at his wake and funeral are but a small token of the esteem and respect Ciaran was held in by the people of Ballyshannon and beyond. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.~ SENIOR FOOTBALL ~
The seniors and reserves are at home to Termon this Sunday, 9th August. The reserve game throws in at 1.30pm and is followed by the senior match at 3pm. There is senior training in the park on Tuesday 4th August at 6.45pm, Thursday at 6.45pm and Saturday at 4pm.There is no third team game this weekend.
Aodh Ruadh's under 21s take on Gaoth Dobhair this Wednesday, 5th August at 7.30pm in Father Tierney Park with Jimmy White refereeing. The team have put in a particularly big effort this year and hope for a big performance on the night. A big show of local support for the boys would be much appreciated.
~ HURLING ~
The under 12s suffered a heavy defeat away to Buncrana on Thursday last. The under 16s beat Buncrana at home on the same evening. The under 12s play Saint Eunan's in Father Tierney park on Thursday. All players to be up for 6.45pm. The under 14s lost away to Woodford Gaels on Monday night in the Fermanagh league.Only the under 8s are training this Sunday as all other teams are going to Croke park for the all-Ireland semi-final between Waterford and Kilkenny.
~ LADIES ~
The intermediate ladies final looks set to be against McCumhaill's on 23rd August. Time and venue have yet to be decided. The Ladies county board are fund raising and have sent out 80 10 tickets to each club. The top prize is 5,000 with a large number of attractive smaller prizes also on offer. Senior players are out and about selling at the moment so if you spot them, be sure to take a few tickets off their hands.Many congratulations to the Donegal minor team, which includes Aodh Ruadh's Dearbhaile McNeill, Tara Khan and Anna Rafferty, on their 5-13 to 5-5 victory over Clare in the All-Ireland final in O'Connor Park, Tullamore last Sunday.
~ BORD NA NÓG ~
Minors were unlucky to lose out to Saint Naul's in their second leg first round match last Wednesday. The Mountcharles outfit got off to a flyer and Ballyshannon had to try and play catch up for the remainder of the game, but went down on a score line of 3-14 to 2-4. Aodh Ruadh's best performances on the night came from Chris Goan, Brianαn Drummond, Niall Thomas and Ronan Drummond. Thanks to the lads for all their hard work over the year, hopefully we can build on it again next year.The county final of the U15 Óg Sport will be held on Saturday, 22nd August at a venue in the south board area.
There is training for under 14s this Thursday at 5.30pm and Thursday at 5.30pm in Father Tierney Park.
~ BINGO ~
There is a special Summer Bingo every Friday night in the Abbey Centre, Ballyshannon 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.
- 10 August
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~ SENIOR FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh's seniors promotion hopes took a dent with a 0-11 to 2-8 loss at home to Termon. The game turned on Termon's ability to take their chances, while Aodh Ruadh lacked the same clinical edge. The sides were evenly matched in the first half and went in at four points apiece at half time. Ballyshannon began the second half strongly with Turlough McIntyre and Sticky Ward causing Termon trouble and putting the Ernesiders into a two point lead. But Aodh Ruadh were suckered by two Termon goals, which effectively sealed the result, although Ballyshannon did mount a strong late fight back.
Read the full match report
The reserves continued their impressive run of form with an excellent 1-8 to 0-7 over their Termon counterparts. Aodh Ruadh got into the lead early on, which was important in a game that turned out to be a nip and tuck affair. However Ballyshannon displayed a great team ethic and the noticeable development of the younger players in the squad over the year has become an increasing asset. James McIntyre took his goal well and he put in a good shift up front as did David Dolan and Shane McShea up until he was taken off with a broken nose. We wish Shane a speedy recovery from that injury. The influence of Liam Reynolds and Matthew Thompson at midfield was a big factor in ensuring that Aodh Ruadh came out on the right side of the result. Meanwhile in defence, Michael Ward gave his second stand out performance of the week, this time at the corner back
This weekend is championship weekend. This Saturday, 15th August, the seniors and reserves head to Dunfanaghy with very different missions. The seniors need a win over Saint Michael's to keep their Dr Maguire hopes alive after losing in the first leg, while a draw or a win against the same opposition will see the reserves through to the next round of the reserve championship. The senior game throws in at 7pm and that is preceded by the reserve game at 5.30pm. The thirds are also in championship action. Their Junior B play-off against Downings takes place in Convoy on Sunday, 16th August, at 1.30pm. With such an important weekend in prospect for the club, we appeal to everyone who can to pull on some green and white and make the trips down to Dunfanaghy and Convoy to get behind our senior footballers.
The under 21s bowed out of the championship, but not without a fight. Aodh Ruadh faced a tough match in Father Tierney Park last Wednesday against a strong Gaoth Dobhair side that had already tasted championship action. That showed in their first half performance when they ran in a score of 2-7 to the Ernesiders 0-4. However in the second half Aodh Ruadh began to play with a bit self-belief and fluidity and managed to reel the Gaeltacht side back into a three point game, but Aodh Ruadh had left themselves too much to do and went down by 1-11 to 2-12. Michael Ward gave a masterly display at full back for Ballyshannon and never put a foot wrong. Up front when David Dolan hit form he really caused endless trouble to the Gaoth Dobhair rearguard, while PJ McGee was his usually energetic and assertive self at half forward. The lads need to be recognised for the work they have put in, because this is one of the club's best performances at under 21 level in recent years.
~ CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS ~
There is a meeting on Thursday night in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8pm to discuss the plans for the club's gala Centenary Celebration night on Sunday 25th October.~ HURLING ~
Some 46 young hurlers and their mentors enjoyed a great trip to Croke Park on Sunday last to watch the All-Ireland semi-final between Kilkenny and Waterford. It proved to be a very exciting contest enjoyed by all our group.The under 12s had a hard fought victory over Saint Eunan's in the Donegal league in Pairc Aoidh Ruaidh on Thursday last. Aodh Ruadh under 12s now play Letterkenny Gaels in Letterkenny this Thursday, 13th August with the bus leaving Father Tierney park at 6pm.
The under 14s lost to Lisbellaw away in the Fermanagh league on Monday night. Ballyshannon put in a great first half performance to go in leading by five points at half time, but the Ernesiders were reduced to 14 men early in the second half as Lisbellaw made a great comeback. Aodh Ruadh battled bravely to the end before losing out on a score line of 3-9 to 3-4.
Training for under 8s, under 10s, under 12s and under 14s is on this Sunday at 12 noon. Any enquires to John Rooney on 086-2587793.
~ LADIES ~
The intermediate ladies final against McCumhaill's will be played on 30th August. Time and venue have yet to be decided. Before that though the Intermediate lades are in league against Naomh Chonaill, this Tuesday, 11th August. They'll be traveling up to Glenties for that game. The Ladies county board are fund raising and have sent out 80 10 tickets to each club. The top prize is 5,000 with a large number of attractive smaller prizes also on offer. Senior players are out and about selling at the moment so if you spot them, be sure to take a few tickets off their hands.Aodh Ruadh's All-Ireland minor champions, Anna Rafferty and Dearbhaile McNeill, narrowly failed to add another All Ireland medal to their collection on August 9th when they took on Meath in the under 16 All Ireland final. It was a great game of football, but wasn't to be for the Donegal girls as they suffered an agonising two point defeat on a score line of Donegal 3-9 Meath 4-8. Commiserations to both girls, but congratulations to them also and their team mates who put in a fantastic effort this season.
~ BORD NA NÓG ~
The county final of the U15 Óg Sport will be held on Saturday, 22nd August at a venue in the south board area.The under 14s are in championship action next Monday, 17th August. They take on Killybegs in the quarter-final first leg at 7pm in Father Tierney Park. There's high hopes that this team will have a good run in the championship so a big show of Ballyshannon support up at the park would be much appreciated.
~ WEBSITE ~
Some additions to aodhruadh.org over the past week. 'For Ciaran, to Ciaran,' the eulogy read at Ciaran Keon's graveside by his brother Donagh after the funeral mass on Saturday, 8th August has been reproduced on the website. The Donegal Democrat Archive for 1958 is now available to view.~ BINGO ~
There is a special Summer Bingo every Friday night in the Abbey Centre, Ballyshannon 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.
- 20 August
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~ SENIOR FOOTBALL ~
It was a weekend of very mixed fortunes for our adult football teams as the seniors and third team exited their respective championships while the reserve team advance to a quarter-final meeting against Dungloe. The seniors travelled to Dunfanaghy on Saturday night but playing into a very strong wind, trailed by seven points at half-time. The absence of Brian Roper and Garret Blake proved crucial as Sylvester Maguire's men struggled for scores eventually going down by five points. Attention now turns to the league.Jim Kane's reserve team continued their recent run of excellent form with an away win, two David Dolan goals were decisive in seeing them safely through to the next round without the need to contest a play-off or third game.
The third team bowed out of the Junior "B" championship in a close contest against Downings in Convoy, great credit is due to Ken, Gerard, Colman, David, Paddy and Gerry for the amount of effort and enthusiasm given to managing and organising the third team this year and in years gone by.
The u-14s were due to take on Killybegs in a vital championship fixture in Ballyshannon on Wednesday night (August 19th), result not known at time of going to press.
The lotto draw took place in Owen Roes on Monday night, the jackpot 8,600 was not won. Lucky dip winners were: 100 Michael Patton, c/o Mellys Bar. 20 each Mary McElwaine, Cashelard. Bridie McGowan, Kinlough. Sean & Jim, c/o Bridgend Bar, Lorraine Gallagher, Cluain Barron. M Patton, c/o Mellys Bar. Next weeks draw will take place in Dicey Reillys on Monday night at 10pm sharp, the jackpot is 8,800.
HURLING
Last Wednesday was a sad day for senior hurling in the Aodh Ruadh club, our senior hurling team put in a spiritless and passionless performance which resulted in losing our championship game against Sean MacCumhaills on a score line of 3-27 to 0-2. A lot of the current panel will have to question their own commitment to the game of hurling and to the club.On a brighter note, the under 12s continued their good form by defeating Letterkenny Gaels away in the Donegal league, they have now qualified for the county semi-final on Thursday, August 27th. The opposition and venue are to be confirmed. This team has their last game in the league this Thursday at home against MacCumhaills at 7.30pm. All players are requested to be at Fr. Tierney Park at 6.45pm. The boys also took part in an all county blitz in Letterkenny hosted by St Eunans. In a great day of hurling, the lads won all three of their games.
Thomas Davis GAA club from Dublin are visiting Aodh Ruadh this weekend, as part of their visit an under 14 hurling blitz is taking place on Saturday morning. Teams taking part include Thomas Davis, Aodh Ruadh, Lisbellaw and Naomh Eoin. Play begins at 11am and all players to be at Fr Tierney Park at 10.30am.
Our under 16s are away to MacCumhaill's this Thursday night in their last game in the league, a win in this game guarantees them a place in the county semi-final.
Training continues on sunday at 12 noon for u-8's, u-10's, u-12's and u-14's.
LADIES
The Intermediate Ladies travelled to Glenties last Tuesday where they faced stiff opposition from a resurgent home side as part of their league campaign. Aodh Ruadh started well but ultimately failed to make a real impact, letting their concentration slip. The visitors were luck to walk away with two points as the game ended all square. On Tuesday last, the girls were to take on Four Masters in a challenge match in a bid to squeeze in some match practise before the big championship final.Congratulations to Aoife Buggy who make a come back to competitive football last week after a nasty cruciate injury saw her on the sideline for the past year. Nice to have you back Buggy! We can say with certainty that while Aoife may have missed football, it was football which really missed one of it's brightest stars.
- 25 August
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25 August 2009
~ SENIOR FOOTBALL ~
Our reserves contest a championship quarter-final this Saturday evening, (August 29th) against Dungloe in Davy Brennan Memorial Park in Glenties. Throw-in is at 5pm, all support would be appreciated for this side who have been stringing together consistent performances this season.This Sunday 30th August, sees the Intermediate ladies take on MacCumhaill's in Glenties at 1pm in the Intermediate championship final. Aodh Ruadh are looking to bridge a 4 year gap in order to claim the title again and bring some silverware back to the club in it's centenary year. Any support on the day would be much appreciated.
Tickets are now available for sale from any member of the ladies team for the county board draw taking place in the first week of September. The top prize is 5000euro with other prizes including 1000euro and 2 tickets to the All Ireland final in Croker. They are a steal at just 10euro each!
Congratulations and heartfelt best wishes to Donna Mulligan, John Meade and their two children Jodi and Garvey on their recent wedding in Cashelard on 21st August.
Our senior footballers drew with Gaoth Dobhair in the league in Ballyshannon last Sunday.
A club meeting takes place in Aras Aoidh Ruadh on Thursday, August 27th at 8.30pm. All committee members are urged to attend as preparations for the centenary of the club continue, all new ideas, assistance and input are most welcome.
Aodh Ruadh car flags are now available in the club shop, contact Terence McShea in order to show your support for the club in this trendy, green (and white) and practical way.
In hurling circles, the under 12s had a good win at home against MacCumhaills last Thursday, they have now qualified for the county semi-final, which will be played in Fr Tierney Park on Thursday night at 7.30pm against St Eunan's, all players to be at the park at 6.45pm. All support welcome as the boys attempt to qualify for the county final.
On Saturday last, we hosted an under 14 blitz featuring Thomas Davis (Dublin) Lisbellaw (Fermanagh) and Naomh Eoin. (Sligo) It was a great days hurling and all teams got three games. Aodh Ruadh beat Thomas Davis and Naomh Eoin and lost their last game to Lisbellaw by a point. Aodh Ruadh finished on four points alongside Naomh Eoin but due to our better scoring difference we won the blitz. Afterwards presentations and refreshments took place in Aras Aodh Ruaidh, thanks to all who helped on the day with the catering and refereeing and thanks to Chris Kelly who organised the trip for Thomas Davis.
The under 16lost away to MacCumhaills in the Donegal league last Thursday they now play Setanta in a county quarter-final, date and venue to be arranged.
Training continues on Sunday for u 8s, u 10s, u 12s and u 14s.
- 31 August
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~ FOOTBALL ~
The reserves continue to carry Aodh Ruadh's championship hopes after a 1-8 to 0-11 draw with Dungloe in Glenties. It was a game shaped by a dominant breeze. Dungloe had the run of it for much of the first half and were 0-8 to 0-2 as the break loomed, but a David Dolan goal before half time swung things in Aodh Ruadh's favour. With the wind at their back, the Ernesiders piled on six unanswered points and with the just four minutes of normal time left they lead by a goal. Dungloe fought resolutely though and managed to chip over the necessary points to take the tie to a replay. The Aodh Ruadh team was: Peter Boyle; Mickey Dolan, Barry Travers, Simon Gillespie; Padraig Loughlin, Damien Conlon, Stephen Bradley; Liam Reynolds, Matthew Thompson; David Dolan, James McIntyre, Diarmuid McInerney; Joe Watson, Turlough McIntyre, Val Murray. Substitutes: Eoin McNeill for Stephen Bradley, Barry Mulligan for Joe Watson. The replay takes place this Sunday 6th, September in Letterkenny's O'Donnell park at 4.30pm. If it's anything like the first game, it'll be a cracker. The Ballyshannon faithful are urged to ensure a good showing of green and white. With the match serving as a curtain raiser to the Ardara v Glenties replay you will be getting plenty of value for money.This weekend the seniors are away to Naomh Mhuire on Saturday. Throw in for that game will be at 6.30pm.
The under 14 county league semi-final between Aodh Ruadh and Buncrana which had been planned for Monday, 31st had to be postponed as MacCumhaill park was deemed unplayable. The game will now be played this Friday 4th September at 6.30pm, but a venue had yet to be decided at time of sending. The winners of that game will face Saint Eunan's in the county league final.
The monthly Bord na nÓg meeting takes place this Thursday, 3rd September in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 9pm. All committee members are asked to attend.
~ LADIES ~
The Intermediate Ladies took on MacCumhaill's on Sunday 30th August, in Glenties in the ultimate showdown of the season, the intermediate championship final. The game was a nail biting affair and it went right to the wire but unfortunately Aodh Ruadh conceded a goal in the dying seconds of injury time when they held a one point lead. It was MacCumhaill's who finished winners by two points on a score line of 6-5 to 5-6. The support on the day was fantastic and we'd like to thank all our very vocal supporters on the sideline who travelled on the day. A massive thank you to our sponsors, MV's, who have given us full support all season. Good luck to MacCumhaill's who will now represent the county in the Ulster Intermediate championship. There are pictures from the final on the website now. A detailed match report will be published in the coming days.~ HURLING ~
The under 12 hurlers qualified for the county final on Thursday last beating Saint Eunan's 2-1 to 1-3. The game was played in horrendous conditions in Father Tierney park. The wind certainly made it a game of two halves. Aodh Ruadh with the aid of the first half gale led 2-1 to 0-1. Saint Eunan's came to life in the second half scoring a goal and two points within 10 minutes, it was backs to the wall stuff for the Ballyshannon boys from there to the final whistle and they showed buckets of character to hang on for a one point victory. the large and vocal home support played a major role in this victory and they were much appreciated by the team and management. They play Buncrana this Thursday, 3rd September, in the county final. A big show of Ballyshannon support would be very welcome and deserved for these great bunch of lads. Time and venue were unavailable at the time of sending.The under 16s play Setanta in the county quarter final this Thursday, 3rd September. Time and venue were unavailable at the time of sending.
Well done to Tommy Gillespie, Colm Kelly and Eddie Lynch who were part of the county under 14 development squad which competed in an All-Ireland blitz in Portlaoise. Also well done to Conor McNeely who was part of the under 16 county development squad in a blitz in Monaghan.
There will only be training for the under 8s this Sunday at noon. All other age groups are cancelled due to the All-Ireland hurling finals.
~ WELL DONE ~
Congratulations to Aoife Buggy who beat off some 1,200 other competitors, not to mention close family, to win Gaelic Life's Championship Fantasy Football competition. Good to see someone in the house knows a bit about football!~ CLUB JACKETS ~
Due to phenomenal demand Barry Ward is putting together another order for club jackets. If you would like to get your hands one of the swish new jackets you might have seen around the town, give Barry a call quick on 087-6443710, because he'll be submitting his order shortly.~ BINGO ~
There is Bingo every Friday night in the Abbey Centre, Ballyshannon at 9pm sharp. A prize fund of 1,650 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.~ CLUB MEMORABLIA ~
Aodh Ruadh's Centenary Celebration Night takes place in the Abbey Centre and Dorrian's on Sunday, 25th October. As part of the night there will be an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia in the Abbey.Anyone who might have photographs or items that they might like to see included in the display are asked to contact John Hughes by e-mail on info@aodhruadh.org or by mobile at 087-6431805.