Club Notes Archive - 2010
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APRIL- 5 April
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~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh got their first points of their division two campaign with an industrious win over MacCumhaill's in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. There was a significant breeze which had a marked impact on the game. Aodh Ruadh had the wind behind them in the first half and shot 1-6 in that period. It was the defence that was most impressive in that period with Johnny Gallagher, Michael Ward and Niall McCready snuffing out any forward momentum MacCumhaill's might have hoped to have develop. Sticky Ward was a real torture for the Finnsiders throughout and they found it very difficult to handle his energy and shooting. A dominant midfield performance in the second half by Ciron Whoriskey and Stephen Ward helped undermine the wind advantage for Ballybofey. Time and again the positioning of Philip O'Reilly and Darren Drummond was spot on as MacCumhaill's lofted in long ball after long ball. In the final quarter Barry Mulligan upped his performance and it was his super left footed free that sealed the game for the homesters. See the full match report and some great pictures.A youthful Aodh Ruadh reserves delivered a battling display for the second week in a row. However they slipped to a one point defeat against MacCumhaill's in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh last Sunday. It was nip and tuck in the first half and the Ernesiders went in 0-6 to 0-7 down at the break. They turned on the afterburners in the third quarter though and were three points to the good at one stage, before being reeling in by Ballybofey and pipped at the end on a final score line of 0-13 to 0-14. It was a match marked by some fine point scoring with Diarmaid McInerney Pauric Loughlin and Ronan McGurrin firing over some fine efforts. Spanny Goan was in fine form too, doing a good job of linking things together up front. Stephen Bradley at half back continued to impress with another strong showing. We have some shots of the action.
The thirds were defeated 1-4 to 0-10 by Ardara in their first match of the division five season. Aodh Ruadh got off to a flyer after a sublime ball from Val Murray set Francis McShea free to score a cracking goal. After that the first half was a nip and tuck affair and Ballyshannon went in a point down at the break. In the second half the shooting let Aodh Ruadh down while Ardara steadily kept the score board ticking over to seal the win. There were good performances from Aidan Murray in the forward line and Matthew Thompson who was influential in midfield. Here's a few pictures from the game.
The fixtures for the coming weekend see the seniors and reserves host Cloughaneely in Father Tierney park on Saturday, 10th April. The reserve game throws in at 5.00pm and is followed by the seniors at 6.30pm. The thirds have a short trip in the direction of Lough Derg on Sunday 11th April when they play Pettigo in the second round of games in division five. The throw in for that game is 6pm.
Aodh Ruadh seniors and reserves drew Saint Eunan's in the championship first round, while the thirds will face Glenfin in the preliminary round of the Junior B championship. Win that and they face Naomh Conaill. The under 21s were also drawn in the preliminary round. They will face Fanad Gaels in their opener with victory in that game seeing the winner into a first round tie against Gaoth Dobhair.
Peter Boyle continues to impress with the Donegal u-21s. He made a crucial save to keep Donegal four points to the good in the closing stages of their semi-final against Derry last Saturday in Enniskillen. This Wednesday 7th April Donegal face Cavan in the Ulster final in Brewster Park at 8pm. We wish Peter and Donagh McIntyre the very best as the under 21s bid for Ulster glory.
It's a busy week of league action ahead for the under 16s. First up is the visit of Killybegs to Father Tierney Park on Wednesday April 7th. All players must be up at the park for 4.30pm. After that there's a challenging trip to Anagaire on Friday to take on Naomh Mhuire. Details of preparations for that game will be supplied on Wednesday.
It's Féile time for the under 14s and Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh will be the venue as the club hosts Aodh Ruadh, Four Masters and Bundoran for a division one regional blitz this Saturday, 10th April. The first game gets under way at 11am.
The under 13s got their league season under way with a comprehensive win over Bundoran. The Ernesiders were well served up the centre, with Conor Kennedy at full back, Ciaran Kelly at centre back and Jason Gallagher in midfield making it extraordinarily difficult for Bundoran to find and forward momentum. By contrast Aodh Ruadh had a number of forwards in exceptional form. Philip Patton and Daniel Warnock on the half forward line and Shane McGrath at full forward were a constant threat while man of the match wing forward Ryan Gallagher was a constantly creative presence. The next assignment for the under 13s is a trip to Dungloe next Monday night.
Training for under 12s, 13 and 14s takes place this Wednesday and Friday at 10.45pm up at the park.
Under 10 training continues at Father Tierney park this Saturday at 11.45am. Training runs from 12 noon to 1pm and children should be collected promptly following training. Any player not already registered should do so at their earliest convenience.
Under 8 training resumes this Saturday morning at 11am in the school field in Colaiste Cholmcille.
There will be no under 6 training this week. Players are encouraged to attend under 8 training on Saturday mornings at 11am in the school field in Colaiste Cholmcille.
~ HURLING ~
The senior hurlers are out this weekend in Group 5A of the Ulster Hurling League. They host Glencar / Manorhamilton in Father Tierney Park on Saturday, 4th April at 4.30pm.The under 14 hurlers began their league campaign with a good win away to Letterkenny Gaels on Thursday last. There's an under 14 challenge game in Father Tierney Park on Sunday 11th April at 5pm against Naomh Eoin of Sligo.
Our under 8 hurlers are taking part in a blitz in Donegal Town on Sunday, 11th April. The bus leaves Father Tierney park at 10am. If anyone needs any information regarding this blitz please contact Eddie Lynch on 087-7583171.
Underage training continues every Sunday at 12 noon.
~ LADIES ~
Aodh Ruadh got their 2010 league campaign off to a good start when they took on a strong Malin side last Friday, 2nd April. In adverse weather conditions, it was a hard fought battle from beginning to end, with just two points in it at half time when the score line read, Aodh Ruadh 0-6 Malin 0-4. However in the second half Aodh Ruadh managed to hold Malin to just one point. The game finished 0-14 0-5. The team on the day was: Marita Maguire; Catherine Lloyd, Niamh Gallagher, Karol Foley; Grainne McCosker, Annette Lloyd, Katie Flood; Tanya O'Shea, Sarah Patton; Marita Leonard, Donna Martin, Emma McPhelim; Fionnuala Gill, Lorraine Roper, Donna Rogers. Andrea Rogers replaced Lorraine Roper who sustained an injury in the first half. We have some pictures of the action.Well Done to Tara Khan, Dearbhaile McNeill and Anna Rafferty who lined out for Donegal minors when they had a comfortable win over Tyrone on Saturday in Glenelly. The game finished 6-16 to 2-5.
Well Done to the under 14 girls who had a good win over Glenties on Friday. The game finished 8-8 to 2-4. Next up for the under 14s is a trip to play Ardara on Thursday evening. Under 14 training now takes place in the park on Wednesdays at 7pm.
Under 10 and under 12 training continues on Wednesdays and Fridays at 5.30pm.
It didn't look so great on Easter Saturday morning, but the sun eventually broke through and there was wonderful weather for the annual Duck Race at McKenna's Brook in Ballyshannon and a large crowd gathered to enjoy the afternoon's entertainment organised by the Aodh Ruadh Ladies Committee. Teddy Kane had the ducks under starter's orders and Colman Kerr on hand to scoop the winning ducks out of the brook. A raffle was held for Easter eggs after each race and there can't have been too many who went home without an egg. The final race decided the winners of the cash prizes on offer. First duck home belonged to Claire Toolan winning her €100. Second was Katie Flood who won €50. They were followed by Pauric Gaffney, Shane Delahunty and Mick McGrath who each won prizes of €30. Many thanks to Mick McGrath who donated his winnings back to the club. Many thanks also to all who attended the event, as well as everyone who helped out on the day and made it such a success. Check out some pictures of the fun.
~ COACHING CORNER ~
Due to demand for the child protection course, the club will host another child protection course in late April or early May. Remember child protection courses are limited to 18 in number so please register early if you want to attend this course. Any coaches or parents looking to assist with teams should complete this course.~ REGISTRATION ~
Registration for 2010 has now closed. Any registration taken from now on will be for 2011. Thanks to everyone who signed up with the club and especially to those who helped get the process run off so smoothly in such a small time frame. Our registrar Marita Maguire deserves special credit for driving the whole process which has seen over 500 people sign up as club members.
- 12 April
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~ CLUB MEETINGS ~
There is a meeting of the club's Finance Committee in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Tuesday, 12th May at 8.30pm. There is also a meeting of the Park Committee on Wednesday at 9pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh had to rely on a last gasp Sticky Ward point to save the day against Cloughaneely in an enthralling division two encounter in Páirc Aoidh Ruadh last Saturday. The homesters dominated the game in the first half and went in with a five point advantage at half time. However a few lapses in defence cost Aodh Ruadh dearly as Cloughaneely came out with all guns blazing in the second half. With time running out Sticky Ward took on the responsibility and slotted over the effort that got Aodh Ruadh a deserved draw. Ballyshannon's man of the match was Barry Mulligan who finished the game with 3-5 of Aodh Ruadh final tally of 3-14. That haul included two brilliantly struck penalties. Brian Roper and Sticky Ward worked hard up front while Donagh Mcintyre also made some very timely and telling interceptions. Once again there was a very solid performance from Packie McGrath at centre half.It was disappointment again for the reserves last week. A very young reserve side fielded and they found it difficult to live with their more experienced MacCumhaill's counterparts despite the best efforts of Paul Kane in goals and Barry Travers manfully holding the line at centre half. Conor Patton impressed at full back, as did Ronan McGurrin and Diarmuid McInerney up front.
The thirds got a 2-7 to 2-8 win away to Pettigo last Friday.
The fixtures for the coming weekend see the seniors and reserves travelling to Buncrana on Sunday, 18th April. The reserve game throws in at 2.30pm and is followed by the seniors at 4pm. The thirds host Naomh Conaill on Saturday 17th April in Father Tierney Park in division five. The throw in for that game is 12 noon.
Congratulations to the Donegal under 21 footballers who defeated Cavan in a wonderful final in Brewster park last Wednesday. In particular congratulations to our own two club men who were part of the panel, Peter Boyle and Donagh McIntyre. Peter had another fine game between the posts and did his club and county proud with another clean sheet. And not for lack of effort on the behalf of the Cavan attack. Ronan Matthews and Brian Drummond were out and busy with their cameras. Have a look and see if they got a shot of you. The All-Ireland under 21 semi-final between Donegal and Tipperary will take place this Saturday, 17th April at 7.30pm in Parnell Park, Dublin. Once again we wish Peter, Donagh and the boys all the best of luck.
The under 16s picked up four league points over the past week. The first two came when Killybegs conceded their game, while the second came with a 1-2 to 2-12 away victory against Naomh Mhuire. Next up for the under 16s is the trip to Towney on Friday, 16th April where they take on Kilcar at 6.30pm. This game could have a big say in the final complexion of the top of the table, so as much travelling support as possible would be much appreciated.
After last Saturday's false for the Féile start Aodh Ruadh play Four Masters on Tuesday 13th April at 5.45pm at Father Tierney Park
The under 13s were up in Dungloe on Monday evening and after a very tight match lost out by a point to a gallant Dungloe by 3-2 to 2-6. A penalty save by Gavin McDaid saw Aodh Ruadh going in at half time leading 2-1 to 1-2. Despite a good second half goal by Gareth Sheerin, Dungloe did enough to hold on. Best for Aodh Ruadh were Kieran Kelly and Caolan O'Halloran in defence while Jason Gallagher and Oisín Rooney battled hard in midfield throughout. The next assignment for the under 13s is at home to Killybegs next Monday night at 6.30pm.
Training for under 12s, 13 and 14s takes place this Wednesday and Friday at 4.30pm up at the park.
Under 10 training continues at Father Tierney park this Saturday at 11.45am. Training runs from 12 noon to 1pm and children should be collected promptly following training. You can get a little idea what the lads are at through these new pictures.
There will be no under 6 training for the next few weeks. All players are encouraged to attend under 8 training this Saturday from 11am to 12 noon at the school field at Colaiste Cholmcille. Well done to this week's players of the week Ryan and Cian.
~ HURLING ~
The senior hurlers suffered a narrow loss to Glencar/Manorhamilton in Group 5A of the Ulster Hurling League last Saturday. The final score that match was 4-05 to 3-09 in favour of the Leitrim men.The under 16s play Lisbellaw at home on Thursday night, 15th April in the first round of the Fermanagh league
The under 14s had a good win against Naomh Eoin of Sligo in the league this Thursday. They play Four Masters in the league this Thursday at home. All player are asked to be at the park at 6.15pm. Ballyshannon hosts the county Féile this Saturday.
Tuesday 6th April is a day that will live long in the memory of six of under 12 hurlers who were part of a 36 strong Donegal panel who took part in an Ulster Activity day in Croke Park. Our day in Croke Park began with the boys playing in a series of nine-a-side games for an hour and a half on the hallowed turf of Croke Park. It was a great day for the boys, their families and the club. Well done to all those who travelled for this very memorable and enjoyable experience. The six boys who played in Croke park were Brendan Gillespie, Oisín Rooney, Shane McGrath, Patrick Haran, Cian Duffy and Garrett Sheerin. They were accompanied by their mentors John Rooney and Peter Horan. It is hoped it's the first of many appearances for the boys on the field in Croke Park. Check out these pictures of the visit to headquarters.
On Sunday last our under 8s took part in the first blitz of the year in Donegal town. It was hosted by Four Master and 15 young hurlers were tested by three very competitive games and all the players performed very well and enjoyed their day. Thanks to all the parents who travelled to the blitz and supported the young hurlers. Thanks to Four Master for their refreshments, which were enjoyed by all. Well done to Eddie Lynch and Denis Daly and all who helped out on the day. We have a team picture of our youngest hurlers.
Underage training continues every Sunday at 12 noon.
~ LADIES ~
The Senior Ladies are away to Ardara next Sunday at 12 noon.The under 14s had a good win this week over Ardara. There next game will be in two weeks time. Training for under 16s and under 14s will take place in the park at 7pm on Wednesday evening.
Training for the under 12s, under 10s and under 8s continues on Wednesdays and Fridays in the park at 5.30pm.
Well done once again to Donna Martin who lined out for Donegal senior ladies when they were victorious against a strong Kildare side on Sunday on a score line of 3-12 to 1-16.
This week's table quiz in Owen Roes on Thursday will be in Aid of the Aodh Ruadh Ladies club, all support would be greatly appreciated.
~ COACHING CORNER ~
Our Child Protection night will take place Friday 7th May in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. With places filling up it is essential that you register as soon as possible to secure your place.
- 19 April
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~ CLUB MEETINGS ~
The monthly senior club meeting takes place on Thursday 29th April in Aras Aoidh Ruadh 8.30pm. All committee members are asked to attend. The monthly Bord na nÓg meeting takes place on Tuesday 27th March in Aras Aoidh Ruadh 9pm. All committee members are asked to attend.~ PITCH BOOKINGS ~
With Peter Conlon away for the next two weeks, pitch bookings should be directed to Pat Malaniff on 086-1217403~ FOOTBALL ~
The seniors had a well deserved away win last Sunday when they defeated Buncrana by 3-8 to 0-5. Two first half goals did much of the damage. The first came after a well-worked interlinking move which David Dolan got on the end of and finished sweetly. The next goal came from Brian Roper. He lost his man with a left foot solo dummy and hit a speculative effort with the right which ended up nestling in the back of the net. Sticky Ward added a third goal in the second half with a brilliant bullet of an effort, and indeed Sticky was in exceptionally good from in general. There was an impressive senior debut by Ronan McGurrin got who took two fine points from his berth at corner forward. PJ McGee also worked out well at corner back. Just behind PJ, Gary Walsh rolled back the years to man the parallelogram for Aodh Ruadh once again in a senior football match. And he showed the reactions are just as sharp as ever. All round it was a very pleasing display from Aodh Ruadh with great team effort and work rate on show.It was so close over the past few games, but the reserves finally got their long deserved opening league win. In a hard fought game against a gallant Buncrana outfit they just showed enough hunger at the death to edge the game by 1-5 to 0-9, Aodh Ruadh's winning point coming in injury time. Ronan Drummond was fantastic for Ballyshannon at centre half back while Michael Dolan was also outstanding at wing back. Matthew 'Turkey' Thompson and Barry Travers did well in the middle of the pitch battling for ball and feeding the attack. In attack, Diarmaid McInerney took a number of good scores while Turlough McIntyre caused Buncrana serious problems with his work at full forward.
The thirds enjoyed their second win on the bounce last Friday as they entertained Naomh Conaill in Father Tierney park. Aodh Ruadh got off two a good start, knocking over three points, a lead which they were able to maintain for the remainder of the game. Indeed at one point they were ahead by eight points at one stage. In the end Ballyshannon ended the match as five point winners. Best for Aodh Ruadh were Maurice Kane, who had a fine game wing back; three goal marauder Steven Perry, and Martin Gallagher who pitched in with a goal and a point from midfield. There was also a fine outing by senior manager Val Murray who was his usual nerveless self from the placed ball.
The fixtures for the coming weekend see the seniors and reserves host Killybegs on Sunday, 25th April. The reserve game throws in at 1.30pm and is followed by the seniors at 3pm. The thirds travel to Glenswilly on Saturday, 24th April for their next game in division five. The throw in for that match is 5pm.
Once again the Donegal under 21 footballers did the county proud as they outclassed Tipperary to book their place in the All-Ireland final against Dublin. Two superb saves by Aodh Ruadh's Peter Boyle played a major part in keeping Donegal in the match. Peter has yet to concede a goal in this campaign our hopes and prayers are with him that he carries that unblemished record to the final whistle in Kingspan Breffni Park on Saturday 1st May, throw in 7pm. Congratulations also to Donagh McIntyre who also flies the Aodh Ruadh's flag in the Donegal squad. The excitement will be feverish in the build-up to the final. Right now we can only applaud and celebrate the boys for all that they have achieved to date and wish them the very best of luck as they set attempt to bring home Donegal's third ever All-Ireland under-21 title.
The minors face into the long trip to Anagaire for their first competitive game of the year when they take on Naomh Mhuire in the minor league this Friday 23rd April, throw-in 7pm.
The under 16s sank to their first defeat of the year away to Kilcar last Friday. The damage was done when Kilcar got off to a blinding start. In the first half Jamie McDonald was Aodh Ruadh's primary threat and his goal helped reduce the damage as the sides went in at 2-8 to 1-1 at half time. Ballyshannon made a commitment to win the second half and they did that with a dramatically improved performance. The full time score was 3-11 to 1-9. Many of the Ernesiders best displays came in defence where Colm Kelly had a magnificent game in defence as did Darren Gettins at half back. Up front, James Barron soldiered well throughout against a tenacious Kilcar defence. The next two games for the under 16s are both in Father Tierney Park. The first is this Wednesday 21st April against Saint Naul's. That is followed by Ardara on Monday, 26th April. Both games throw in at 6.30pm and are crucial for the lads as they chase a place in the divisional final. A big show of support at these games would be much appreciated.
The under 13s enjoyed a good 5-15 to 0-1 win at home to Killybegs on Monday night. With three games gone the sit at second in the table behind Dungloe and alongside Naomh Conaill and Ardara. The next match for the under 13s will be the trip to Glenties to take on Naomh Conaill on Monday, 3rd May, throw-in at 6.30pm.
Aodh Ruadh host Bundoran next Monday, 26th April for the first Go Games blitz of the season. Action commences at 7pm.
Training for under 12s, 13 and 14s takes place this Wednesday and Friday at 4.30pm up at the park.
Under 10 training continues at Father Tierney park this Saturday at 11.45am. Training runs from 12 noon to 1pm and children should be collected promptly following training.
Under 8 training continues at 11am in the school field at Colaiste Cholmcille on Saturday morning. There will be a match against Dromore of Tyrone on Saturday, 8th May. Further details in due course. Well done to our star players of the week David Roper and Diarmuid Dolan. There will be no under 6 training for the next few weeks. All players are encouraged to attend under 8 training this Saturday from 11am to 12 noon at the school field at Colaiste Cholmcille.
~ HURLING ~
On Saturday 17th April, Aodh Ruadh hosted the county under 14 hurling Féile tournament in glorious sunshine in Father Tierney Park and Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The four top teams in the county took part in this tournament; Buncrana, Burt, Saint Eunan's and host club Aodh Ruadh, so a great day of hurling was assured.
The tournament was played on a round robin basis with the top two teams to play in the 2010 Donegal Féile final and the winners going on to represent Donegal in the All-Ireland Féile in Clare in June 2010.
A huge crowd turned up at Father Tierney Park for this eagerly awaited final between Aodh Ruadh and Buncrana. The game started at a frantic pace and the commitment and skill levels of both teams were admired by all. Both teams were to be lauded for the efforts they put in for what was their fourth game of the day. Aodh Ruadh led at half time by 1-1 to no score. The Ballyshannon boys were determined this was going to be their day. Four year of hard work on and off the field by the panel and their management had brought them to this stage and they were determined not to let it slip. They gave it everything for the second half, played through the pain barrier and won out convincing winners by 1-5 to no score.
There were scenes of great celebration at the final whistle as the team made history to becoming the first Aodh Ruadh side to claim the Donegal hurling Féile title. This team continues to upset the form book and showed what determination and hard work can achieve. They set a goal to win this Féile in 2006 and that's exactly what they did. It was a great victory for the 21 man panel, their management and their families who helped out at every step of the way. All the effort and hard work paid off and we all look forward to heading to Clare in June. When the excitement had calmed down, Donegal Hurling Chairman, Donal McLaughlin, presented the trophy to the winning captain, Ciaran Rami who gratefully accepted Aodh Ruadh's first trophy of the new decade. A huge cavalcade toured the town with scenes of great jubilation. The boys also led the cavalcade to Tonragee to Mr. Hurling, Billy Finn who was part of this team from their first under 10 game together in 2006.
Thanks to all the mothers who catered for all the teams. Thanks to the Aodh Ruadh Park Committee for the excellent facilities. Thanks to the referees Dan Hartnett and Eddie Lynch. Thanks also to Pat Malaniff and to all the supporters. Thanks to all who helped us in any way and finally thanks to the lads themselves for the great achievement and the impeccable display of all their skills, discipline and sportsmanship.
Check out the full and unabridged report on the day's action and some superb photography.The under 16s play Lisnaskea in the Fermanagh league at home on Thursday night, 22nd April. They lost to Lisbellaw by four points at home last week despite putting in a battling performance and a few players failing to show for the game.
The under 10s host a blitz this Sunday. All player are to be up at the park for 10.30am. Underage training continues for all other teams at Sunday at 12 noon.
~ LADIES ~
The senior Ladies continued their winning ways in the league on Sunday when they scored 4-14 to Ardara's 3-3. The next League game will be away to Convoy next weekend, time to be confirmed.Well done to Tara Khan, Dearbhaile McNeill and Anna Rafferty, all of whom lined out for Donegal minor ladies in the Ulster semi-final last Saturday against Monaghan. The final score was Donegal 5-15 Monaghan 1-14.
The under 14s have no game this week. Training continues on Wednesday evening at 7pm. The girls will be back in action again next week against Four Masters.
Aodh Ruadh under 12 girls take part in the first county blitz hosted by Saint Naul's on Saturday 24th April. The bus for Mountcharles leaves Father Tierney park at 10am sharp.
Underage training continues in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Wednesday and Friday evening from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
Aodh Ruadh ladies would like to thank all helped out and supported the quiz last Thursday night. The night was a great success thanks to the contribution of all involved.
~ COACHING CORNER ~
Our Child Protection night will take place on Friday, 7th May at 6.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. With places filling up it is essential that you register as soon as possible to secure your place.
- 27 April
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~ CLUB MEETINGS ~
The monthly senior club meeting takes place on Thursday 29th April in Aras Aoidh Ruadh 8.30pm. All committee members are asked to attend. The monthly Bord na nÓg meeting takes place on Tuesday 27th March in Aras Aoidh Ruadh 9pm. All committee members are asked to attend.~ PITCH BOOKINGS ~
With Peter Conlon away for the next week, pitch bookings should be directed to Pat Malaniff on 086-1217403~ FOOTBALL ~
The seniors put themselves joint top of division two with Glenfin last Sunday when they defeated Killybegs by 3-11 to 3-10 in a roller coaster of a game in Father Tierney Park. It was a game where goals helped put Aodh Ruadh into a commanding position, but ultimately it was the composed point taking of Sticky Ward that ensured that the points stayed Erneside. Two goals in the first half from Packie McGrath and Sticky Ward helped Aodh Ruadh to a 2-6 to 0-8 half time lead. In the second half Barry Mulligan's penalty put further daylight between the sides while Sticky Ward hit the winning point on 51 minutes. It was a marvelously entertaining 60 minutes of football and it's not surprising that Aodh Ruadh have the biggest total in the 'points for' column in the league so far. The slightly more worrying aspect is the points against column.
See the full match report and some class pictures.Beaten by their Killybegs counterparts by 1-5 to 3-12, the reserves were badly burned by a 20 minute period in the first half when they were totally dominated by their opponents. Both sides were reasonably evenly matched in the opening ten minutes, but Killybegs took control of the game for the remainder of the half and overwhelmed Aodh Ruadh. There was a hugely improved performance in the second half from Ballyshannon when the homesters outscored Killybegs, but the damage had been done in the first half. Corner back Maurice Kane was good throughout the game as was Mickey Dolan. Diarmuid McInerney came more into things after the break and he was rewarded with a good goal. We have some shots of the action.
The third team had a handsome win against a neophyte Glenswilly outfit last Saturday. All the damage was done in the first 15 minutes when Aodh Ruadh put 2-4 on the board to no reply. Martin Gallagher and Sean Perry got Aodh Ruadh's opening goals in the first half to help the homesters to a 2-8 to 0-2 half time lead. David Finnerty and Val Murray with a penalty raised further green flags in the second half. Martin Kane, under the guidance of Paddy Kelly, had a fine game in midfield, while Maurice Kane continues to show he has plenty of football in him in the full back line. The final score of 4-11 to 0-5 cemented Aodh Ruadh's third win of the division five campaign. And what better and more fitting way for Ken Monaghan celebrate reaching 40 at the weekend! We have some shots from the game.
The senior, reserve and thirds fixtures for the coming weekend were not available at the time of mailing..
With All-Ireland fever sweeping the town thanks to the exploits of the county under 21s, the bunting has been going up and Ronan Matthews got a few shots of the colours going up. Also on that page is a picture of Aodh Ruadh and Donegal's Peter Boyle and Dublin attacker Gavin McIntyre. It transpires Gavin has Ballyshannon roots, but you'll have to check out the page to find out more. In all seriousness though, we wish all the very best to Peter and Donagh McIntyre as they represent the club on the All-Ireland stage in Kingspan Breffni Park this Saturday 1st May as they attempt to bring home Donegal's third ever All-Ireland under-21 title. The throw in for this date with history is at 7pm. Not to be missed.
Anagaire proved an unhappy hunting ground for Aodh Ruadh minors last Friday when they went down to 4-13 to 0-4 defeat against Naomh Mhuire. The lads never really got out of the traps in the first half, although there was a better performance in the second period. Gary Carty and Tommy Patton in the corners of the full back line were probably Aodh Ruadh's best performers on the night, while Ronan McGurrin accounted for all of the Ernesiders scoring return in the second half. The next assignment for the minors is at home to Naomh Columba this Friday. All players should be up at the park for 6pm.
Two games over the past two days have seen the conclusion of Aodh Ruadh's under 16 league campaign. Last Wednesday the lads were at home to Saint Naul's and they enjoyed a powerful 4-10 to 0-8 win over the Mountcharles side. Pauric Patton had a great game, while Kieran Keown had a fantastic game at full back. James Barron delivered a fine game with five or six points from play. Darren Gettins had a particularly good match at right half back, while his brother, Johnny, was in fluent scoring form notching up 2-3 of the Ernesiders total.
That victory made it a straight fight between Aodh Ruadh and Ardara on Monday evening to see who would go through to the Southern Divisional final against Kilcar. Ballyshannon played a superb game of football, but were just pipped by Ardara. The sending off of James Barron midway through the second half was the pivotal moment. Eamon McGrath and Pauric Patton were outstanding for Aodh Ruadh in the centre of the field, as was Fergal Meehan at right half forward. Fergal put himself about well and really took the game to his opponents. Johnny Gettins with 1-2 and David McGurrin with 1-4 were the homesters' primary scoring threats and both did well against tough defending. The Ballyshannon defence gave a mighty game and were strongly lead by Kieran Keown. However Ardara were the ones to edge it in the end on a score line of 2-10 to 2-11.
There is an opportunity for revenge close at hand for the under 16s, though. They face Ardara away in the championship on Wednesday 12th May in what promises to be another mammoth battle.The southern divisional Féile final will take place in Donegal Town at 7.00pm on Wednesday 28th April. Participating along with Aodh Ruadh will be Kilcar and Dungloe. The winners will go forward to play Saint Eunan's in the county final the following week.
The under 13s travel to Glenties to take on Naomh Conaill on Monday, 3rd May, throw-in at 6.30pm.
Training for under 12s, 13 and 14s takes place this Wednesday and Friday at 4.30pm up at the park.
Under 10 training continues at Father Tierney park this Saturday at 11.45am. Training runs from 12 noon to 1pm. Just to children should be collected promptly following training.
Training for all under 6s and under 8s is outdoors in the school field at Colaiste Cholmcille this Saturday at 11am. Our game with Dromore will now take place Saturday 22nd May at 12 noon in Dromore. Further details closer to the time.
~ HURLING ~
The under 16s drew away with Knocks in the Fermanagh League last Friday. It was a much improved performance. The under 16 Alan Ryan / Seamus Grimes Tournament is being held on Bank Holiday Monday. Play begins at 11am. Competing teams are Coolera / Strandhill, Lisbellaw, Saint Eunan's and Aodh Ruadh.The under 14s are playing Saint Eunan's in the county league semi-final in Father Tierney Park on Thursday. Players to be up at the park for 6pm sharp. We are also taking part in Ulster Féile in Randalstown, county Antrim on Saturday, 1st May. Full details will be supplied in due course. Preparations are under way for the trip to Féile na nGael on 18th June. We are being hosted by Parteen. It is our first time qualifying for this event and a great weekend's hurling is assured. If any business wishes to make a donation to contribute to the cost of the trip, please contact John Rooney (086-2587793).
We hosted an under 10 blitz on Sunday last against Four Masters. We had 16 under 10 players in action during this blitz and all did very well.
Underage training continues every Sunday at 12 noon.
~ LADIES ~
The Aodh Ruadh Senior Ladies managed to maintain their unbeaten record in the league last Sunday when they had a good win over Convoy, the game finishing 5-11 to 1-5. The next league game will be at home to Glenties next weekend. Time and date yet to be confirmed and time of sending.The under 16 ladies commence their 2010 campaign this Tuesday, 27th April at 6pm when they travel to Saint Naul's, Mountcharles. All players are asked to be at the park for 5pm on Tuesday evening.
The under 14 team travelled to Letterkenny on Sunday afternoon for a challenge game. It was a very tough game, in which all players put in a good performance. The game finished Saint Eunan's 1-10 Aodh Ruadh 1-6. The under 14s next outing in the league is away to Four Masters this week. Time and date yet to be confirmed and time of sending.
Well done to all the girls who travelled to Mountcharles last Saturday, 24th April, for our first in a series of four blitzes. There was a great effort and performance shown by all the girls who played their hearts out to the very end. We fielded two teams, one nine-a-side and one seven-a-side and played to the Go Games Rules. Every player got maximum playing time. The girls and mentors really enjoyed their first outing. Have a look at the team picture of the girls before action got underway in Mountcharles. Our second blitz will be hosted by Four Masters in Donegal Town this Saturday, 1st May. The bus will be leaving Father Tierney Park at 10.15am sharp. The third blitz will be hosted by Aodh Ruadh on Saturday, 15th May and then away to Glenties on Saturday, 29th May for the final Blitz.
Under 12 training continues on Wednesday and Friday evenings at 5.30pm. We have some great pictures taken at last Friday's training.
~ COACHING CORNER ~
Our Child Protection night will take place on Friday, 7th May at 6.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. With places filling up it is essential that you register as soon as possible to secure your place.