Club Notes Archive - 2010
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MAY- 4 May
-
~ LÁ NA gCLUB ~
Lá na gClub is back again this year on Sunday 9th May. Aodh Ruadh has planned an action-packed day of fun and games for young and old. Everyone in Ballyshannon, no matter your background, is invited to come and make Father Tierney park their own for the day..~ FOOTBALL ~
The seniors were defeated 1-15 to 0-12 by Fanad Gaels on Bank Holiday Monday. It was a game where Aodh Ruadh only found their groove in the second half. They suffered the loss through injury of Johnny Gallagher and Michael Ward early in the first half and minors, Ronan McGurrin and Matthew 'Turkey' Thompson and Peter Boyle all fielded and gave impressive performances in trying circumstances.In a topsy-turvy game, Aodh Ruadh reserves were unfortunate to come away from Portsalon with just a share of the points. Down by seven points at one stage, they were two up with just a couple of minutes left on the clock only to be pegged back by Fanad to 2-9 to 1-12. Ronan McGurrin got the Ernesiders goal as well as bagging a couple of points. McGurrin enjoyed had a fruitful partnership with Turkey Thompson in the middle of the field. In defence Stephen Bradley and Mickey Dolan were solid as always while up front Barry Travers soldiered effectively at half forward and James McIntyre did well in the play-maker role. Joe Watson was also a significant threat throughout.
The fixtures for the coming weekend see the seniors and reserves host Malin in Father Tierney Park on Saturday, 8th May. The reserve game throws in at 5pm and is followed by the seniors at 6.30pm. The thirds are also at home, they entertain Glenfin on Sunday, 9th May for their next game in division five. The throw in for that match is 6pm.
Commiserations to Peter Boyle, Donagh McIntyre and the Donegal team on their loss to Dublin in the under 21 All-Ireland final. It was not to be on the day, but the Peter and Donagh have brought great credit on themselves and club. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of the story for the pair and happier days on the football field remain to be met. We have some images from the day
The minors secured their first win of the league campaign with a hard-earned 4-5 to 2-8 victory over Naomh Columba. The Glen men were doughty opposition and Aodh Ruadh had to fight for the two points, particularly in the second half when the boys from in through mounted a determined come back. Best for Ballyshannon were Conor Patton at full back and Ronan Drummond during his stint in defence. Marcus Harley had a profitable spell in the middle of the field, chipping in with a point, while up front Ronan McGurrin lead the scoring with 2-2. Ruairi Drummond had a fine first half and finished the game with 1-1. Niall Murray with a goal and Ronan Drummond with a point finished out the scoring. Here are some pictures from the game. This Friday 7th May, the minors are back in action, this time against Ardara in Father Tierney Park with a throw-in of 7pm.
The under 16s face Ardara away in the championship on Wednesday 12th May in what promises to be another mammoth battle after just a single point separated the two teams during their league clash.
Aodh Ruadh’s under 14s are through the county Féile final against Saint Eunan’s for the second year in a row. At the time of writing, the latest information was that the game would be played on Saturday 8th May at 12 noon at a venue in the north of the county.
An understrength u-13 Aodh Ruadh side took a serious beating away to an excellent Naomh Conaill side on Bank Holiday Monday. The next assignment for the team is a trip to Mountcharles to take on Saint Naul's on Monday, 10th May. That game throws in at 6.30pm
The under 12s travel to Donegal town for a Go Games blitz against Four Masters on Friday 7th May. The blitz starts 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. Just to remind parents and guardians, 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 ~
On Bank Holiday Monday the sun shone brightly upon Father Tierney Park and Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh for the annually Seamus Grimes and Alan Ryan under 16 hurling tournament. The teams that took part were: Coolera / Strandhill, Lisbellaw, Saint Eunan's and Aodh Ruadh.
The Alan Ryan final was between Coolera / Strandhill and host club, Aodh Ruadh. The game started at a quick pace and both teams were evenly matched before the Sligo side's ability to score from long range enabled them to run out winner for the second year for a row.
The presentation took place in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh where Martin 'Kerry' Ryan on behalf of the Ryan and Grimes welcomed all teams to the annual tournament. John Rooney, Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Chairman, welcomed everyone to this tournament and thanked the Ryan and Grimes families for their support each year for this tournament. He spoke of the late Alan Ryan and Seamus Grimes and talked of their contributions to hurling in Aodh Ruadh.
Thanks to all who helped with the catering at the event and thanks also to Brian Drummond for his wonderful photography. See the full tournament report and Brian's photography.The under 14s defeated Saint Eunan's last Thursday night to qualify for the county league final against Buncrana. No information on a date, time or venue yet.
On Saturday 1st May the under 14 hurlers travelled to Randalstown to take part in the Ulster Féile. They won all their game in a group that contained the hosts, Tir na nÓg Randalstown, Larne of Antrim, Pearse's of Antrim, Carryduff from Down and Naomh Cholmcille of Tyrone. That saw Aodh Ruadh qualify for the Ulster final in the Pearse Og grounds, Armagh City on May 15th. Well done to all the boys on a terrific days hurling. Check out some shots of the trip to Randalstown.
The under 14s have the first fund raiser for their trip to Féile this Saturday with a bag pack in Mace in the Saimer Court. We ask for a big show of support for this fund raiser. Thanks to Ballyshannon Credit Union for their donation of €250 for the boys' trip to Clare. We have pictures of the presentation on aodhruadh.org and the donation is very much appreciated. If any business wants to donate to this historic weekend for Aodh Ruadh under 14 hurlers, please contact If any business wishes to make a donation to contribute to the cost of the trip, please contact John Rooney on 086-2587793.~ LADIES ~
Aodh Ruadh wish Donna Martin and the Donegal Ladies team all the very best in the league final which will take place next Saturday against Kildare in Parnell Park.The under 16's were narrowly defeat by Saint Naul's last Tuesday in their first league outing this year. The next game will be against Ardara and is due to be played this Friday in Ballyshannon.
The under 14 girls will have no game this week. The next game will be next Tuesday at home to Four Masters. The time is yet to be confirmed.
The under 12s took part in the second Go Games blitz last Saturday, which was hosted by Four Masters. The next blitz will be hosted by Aodh Ruadh on Saturday 15th of May. Under 12 training continues on Wednesday and Friday evenings at 5.30pm.
~ COACHING CORNER ~
Our Child Protection night will take place on Friday, 7th May at 6.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.
- 5 May
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~ LÁ NA gCLUB ~
Lá na gClub is back again this year on Sunday 9th May. Aodh Ruadh has planned an action-packed day of fun and games for young and old. The day commences at 2pm with youth blitzes in hurling and football. After that the action moves over to Father Tierney Park where, subject to numbers, the activities will include:- A long puck competition for the older hurlers;
- A penalty kick competition;
- Underage races;
- A ladies and gents long kick competition;
- Novelty competitions including a wheel barrow race,
- Adult and under 8 child piggy back race
- Mother and Fathers relay.
The action concludes with an all-comers one mile race.
It all promises to be great fun and everyone in Ballyshannon and the surrounding area is invited to come and make the club their own for the day.
~ LADIES ~
The under 16 girls are in league action against Glenties tomorrow night, Wednesday 5th April at 6pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
- 11 May
-
~ FOOTBALL ~
This coming weekend is all about the championship. It starts off on Saturday, 15th May, with the visit of Glenfin to Father Tierney Park to take on Aodh Ruadh in the Junior B Championship Preliminary first Leg. That game throws in at 6.00pm. That is followed by visit of Saint Eunan's on Sunday 16th May. The Senior Reserve Championship clash gets under way at 1.30pm, while Jimmy White will throw the ball in between the Senior sides at 3pm. This is a huge weekend for the club, a big showing of local support is always important in these games and we would appeal to Ballyshannon to come out and show their support as their local heroes attempt to topple the county champions, not neglecting, of course, the reserves and thirds.Malin hold the Indian sign over Aodh Ruadh and they demonstrated that last Saturday when a combination of poor refereeing and a series of catastrophic injuries put paid to any hopes of a reversal of fortunes. Ballyshannon went in 0-7 to 0-5 up after an excellent first half where they gave a good, solid workmanlike display. In the second half the effect of bad injuries to Brian Roper, Stephen Ward and Philip O'Reilly eventually told. Nevertheless Aodh Ruadh played some lovely football, particularly when the ball was with David Dolan. Dolan was unlucky not to get a winning goal in the closing stages, his shot coming back off the woodwork. Peter Boyle was also excellent between the posts. It was Malin who took the points in the end, though, chalking up an impressive 0-10 to 1-9 away win. Here are some pictures from the game.
The reserves were one of the few Aodh Ruadh sides to register a win last week. They pipped Malin by 1-11 to 2-7, thanks primarily to a dogged defensive effort. Ruairí Drummond, Ronan Drummond and Brian McGuinness all made life very difficult for their Inishowen opponents. Up front Diarmuid McInerney was in good form, while Anthony Boyle was the pick of the attackers, sealing a good day out with a well-taken goal. Have a look at some of the action.
An understrength third team gave a good account of themselves against Glenfin on a fine Sunday evening in Father Tierney Park. The homesters were about eight points down at half time, but there was a particularly strong performance in the second half. Two goals from Val Murray put Aodh Ruadh within a whisker of getting a result, but time beat them and Glenfin were one point winners on a score line of 2-10 to 2-11. Apart from Val there was also good displays from Niall Thomas and Conor Thomas and Matthew Thompson.
The minors league record now reads, lost one, won one and drew one after sharing the points with Ardara in Father Tierney Park last Friday. As has been their habit, Aodh Ruadh got off to a bad start, but they battled back well to earn a share of the points. Within ten minutes of the throw-in Aodh Ruadh had conceded two goals. However, the Ernesiders never-say-die spirit didn't allow Ardara to run away with the game. Conor Patton had a great battle in the middle of the pitch with his Ardara opposite number, while Ronan Drummond at centre half back was in the thick of things and made a big impact. Ruairí Drummond is in a serious run of form at the moment and he capped another fine display here with a goal, Aodh Ruadh's second goal being bundled home by Stephen Clarke. In the end it fell to Peter Boyle to kick a pressure free to tie the game up at 2-11 to 3-8 and earn Ballyshannon a share of the points. We have some photographs from the game. The next action for the minors is on Friday week when they travel to Killybegs in the league.
The under 16s face Ardara away in the championship quarter final, first leg this Wednesday 12th May. This promises to be another mammoth battle after just a single point separated the two teams during their recent league clash. We appeal for a big show of white and green to make the trip to Ardara and cheer our boys on in this big game.
Aodh Ruadh were defeated 2-6 to 2-2 by a much taller and stronger Saint Eunan's side in the county Féile final. In truth the score line doesn't reflect the Letterkenny side's dominance as Colm Kelly crashed home two goals from frees in the closing moments to put a gloss on the result for the Ernesiders. Still, the lads had a great run through the competition and the experience of a good Féile run will be valuable for the league which gets under way on 2nd June against Four Masters.
The under 13s earned themselves a good win away to Mountcharles on Monday evening. They beat Saint Naul's by 3-4 to 6-7 after a closely fought first half where only a goal separated the sides. Many of the best performances came in defence where there were outstanding displays by Conor Kennedy at full back, Cookie O'Halloran at half back and Brendan Gillespie at centre half. Once again Oisín Rooney and Oisín Roper gave a dominant exhibition of football in midfield. Up front Shane McGrath, Philip Patton, Terry Ward all goaled and did very well in general play, but Shane Dorrian and Nathan Boyle shone on the night. The next engagement for the under 13s is at home to Ardara on Monday, 17th May at 6.30pm.
Training for under 12s, 13 and 14s takes place this Wednesday and Friday at 4.30pm up at the park.
The first under 10 blitz of the year takes place in Kilcar on Saturday 22nd May. The bus leaves the park at 9.30am sharp. Players should take a sensible packed lunch and dress appropriately for the weather conditions. A note will be issued to all players regarding details for this fixture. Training continues as usual this Saturday at 11.45am. Please note, children should be collected promptly at 1pm 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 on Saturday 22nd May at 12 noon in Dromore. The bus will leave Colaiste Cholmcille at 10.30am and we should be back at the same venue for 2.30pm. All parents and family members are welcome to attend and any wishing to go should follow the bus up to Dromore. The club is located outside Omagh. Only children aged 6, 7, or 8 may attend this blitz. The children are asked to bring a drink, rain jacket, snack, runners, boots, club socks and shorts. We hope that some members of the Tyrone team will be there on the day to act as referees so players may want to bring a pen and paper for autographs. A special well done to our players of the week Troy, Ryan, Daniel and Ryan.
~ HURLING ~
The senior hurlers are out in the first round of the Secondary Hurling League this Wednesday 12th May. They take on Burt up in Father Tierney Park at 7.15pm.Pride of place this week goes to our under 14 hurlers who for the second year in a row won the County A League title by defeating Buncrana in the final at O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny. The boys got off to a blistering start in a great all-round team effort and led at half time by 1-12 to 0-1. Buncrana, as expected, came back strongly in the second half, but our boys battled away and ran out winners on a score line of 1-16 to 2-3. This is another great achievement by this hard working team, winning back-to-back league titles a first for the club. Many thanks to all the supporters who travelled to Letterkenny and gave brilliant support to the team. A huge cavalcade through the town took place when the team came home followed by refreshments in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Many thanks to Karl Duggan for taking some shots of the historic occasion. The next assignment for this team is the Ulster Féile final in Armagh on Sunday against Gort na Mona of Belfast. Travel arrangements will be communicated during the week. The squad's hard work on and off the field was shown on Saturday when all the panel took part in a very successful bag packing fund raiser in Mace and many thanks have to Fred Ormston and all his staff for their help with this fundraiser. Many thanks to Ballyshannon Town Council for their very generous donation of €500 towards the Féile trip to Clare and to the ESB who donated €200. If any business wishes to make a donation to contribute to the cost of the trip, please contact John Rooney on 086-2587793.
Well done to the following who were all part of the county under 16 panel that took part in the Ulster blitz: Conor McNeely, Rory Cullen, Pat Faherty, Aaron Fannon and David O'Keefe.
Hard luck to Peter Horan who was part of the Donegal team who lost to Armagh in the Ulster championship on Saturday in Letterkenny. Chris Kilgannon was also part of the panel. Well done to Oisín Rooney who represented Creevy National School at half time in the Cumann na mBunscoil exhibition game against the Armagh schools at half time in the senior game.
Well done to all the young hurlers who took part in the blitzes for the Lá na gClub.
At long last the under 12s will get their season under way this Sunday either with a game in the Fermanagh league or an all county blitz in Letterkenny. Notes will be distributed during the week.
Training for all ages continues on Sunday at 12 noon.
~ LADIES ~
Aodh Ruadh congratulates Donna Martin and the Donegal Ladies team on winning the Intermediate League, when they beat Kildare last Saturday in the final in Parnell Park. Well done to all involved with the team.The under 16s are training at the park on Friday at 4.30pm.
The under 14s will take on Four Masters at home on Tuesday evening, 11th May at 5.30pm.
Next Saturday Aodh Ruadh will host the third of the under 12 go games blitzes. The games will commence at 11.00 with teams coming from Mountcharles, Donegal Town and Glenties.
Under 12 training continues on Wednesday and Friday evenings at 5.30pm.
~ LÁ NA gCLUB ~
The second annual Lá na gClub took place on Sunday. It started at 2pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh with three pitches in action for the underage hurler and footballers. After the boys and girls had finished their games it was over to the park where there was a wide range of activity including underage races, an obstacle course which was a big hit with all the kids, a football penalty shoot, parent and child piggy back races and the hurling penalty with John Rooney as one of the targets, sorry goalies. All-in-all another great days craic and you can get a flavour for the day from the photographs on aodhruadh.org, there are over 60 up.~ VOTES OF SYMPATHY ~
There were votes of sympathy at the last Aodh Ruadh monthly club meeting for Patsy Garvan, Lisahully; Dinny McCullagh, Donegal Road; The father of Tom Ayres, Broadford, County Kildare; and Mariah Gallagher, Bishop Street.~ MEETING ~
There is a meeting of the club Finance Committee in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 9pm on Tuesday, 11th May. All committee members are asked to attend.
- 14 May
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~ LADIES ~
Aodh Ruadh would like to wish Tara Khan, Dearbhaile McNeill and Anna Rafferty all the very best of luck as they take on Down in the Ulster minor final in Truagh, county Monaghan at 3pm on Saturday.~ CÁIRDE AOIDH RUAIDH ~
On Saturday Aodh Ruadh launches its major fundraising initiative for 2010, Cairde Aoidh Ruadh - Friends of Aodh Ruadh. The launch takes place this Saturday, 15th May, at 8pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. There will be finger food to begin followed by a presentation of the scheme and a then a question and answer session. Come along and support us as we continue developing the stars of the future and building a club Ballyshannon can be proud of. You can help by becoming a friend of Aodh Ruadh and donating just €5 a week.
- 18 May
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~ CAIRDE AOIDH RUAIDH ~
The club launched their major fund raising initiative for 2010 in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh last Saturday night. The scheme, which is entitled Cairde Aoidh Ruaidh, asks club members to sign up to donate the equivalent of €5 a week to the club in the form of a monthly direct debit. Presentations were made by Ryan Feeny of the Ulster Council and Club Secretary John Hughes on the merits of the scheme and how it works. Right now we are appealing to club members to get behind the scheme. It is essential for the club's financial welfare, which is in a precarious state. To get some information on the scheme you can download the brochure. This brochure also includes the standing order form for the scheme. If anyone needs any further information don't hesitate to contact us on info@aodhruadh.org or call 087-6431805.~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh will travel to O'Donnell park needing win to keep their championship hopes alive after a 0-8 v 1-11 to Saint Eunan's. Aodh Ruadh had the best of the first half, but their profligacy up front meant that they went in with a mere one point advantage rather than the more substantial cushion they should have had if they had taken their scores. Best for Aodh Ruadh were Johnny Gallagher, Darren Drummond and Packie McGrath in the defence. Ronan McGurrin also showed up with a few good touches. In the attack David Dolan looked very good on the 40, while Sticky Ward never wavered in the cause. In the final analysis, it was a terrific effort from the team and it was clear when they came off they had given every ounce. We have a full match report and photography from the gameThe reserves might have down against Saint Eunan's in their first round, first leg game, but the 0-6 to 3-7 score line was a rather unfair reflection on what was a battling performance by the homesters. The game was very tight in the first half and only turned against Aodh Ruadh towards the end of the half. Firstly fortune deserted Aodh Ruadh as Fiachra McIntyre's fisted just went narrowly the wrong side of post. Then moments last Joe Watson was struck in the penalty area. The referee elected to ignore the penalty shout and from there in Aodh Ruadh were fighting a rearguard action. Best for Aodh Ruadh on the day were Simon Gillespie in at full back where he was ably assisted in his defensive duties by Ronan Drummond and Conor Patton. Up front Joe Watson never gave up and Fiachra McIntyre was an effective threat. We have some pictures from that game up.
The demoralizing weekend of championship action got off to a bizarre start on Saturday when the thirds were defeated by Glenfin on a score line of 4-8 to 3-13 in the Junior B championship. This was a game where Aodh Ruadh went in at the break leading by eight points after playing some very, good intelligent football with the aid of a slight breeze. However Aodh Ruadh just couldn't get going in the second half and everything Glenfin touched seemed to turn to gold. Brian Dorrian was the pick of the Aodh Ruadh defenders. In terms of attacking play David Downey had a very good shift and registered a goal, while the brothers Perry, Sean and Steven were also very active. Steven goaled in the first half and added a second in the dying moments of the game when a skyscraper of a shot from him bombed down through the hands of a static Glenfin goalkeeper and into the net. We have pictures from the encounter up.
The fixtures for the coming weekend see the thirds make the trip to Dunfanaghy on Saturday 22nd May to take on Saint Michael's. That game throws in at 6.30pm. Meanwhile the secondary league, intended to give players football while the county is in full swing, gets underway this Sunday, 23rd May when Aodh Ruadh host Naomh Bríd at 3.00pm in Father Tierney park.
An understrength third team gave a good account of themselves against Glenfin on a fine Sunday evening in Father Tierney Park. The homesters were about eight points down at half time, but there was a particularly strong performance in the second half. Two goals from Val Murray put Aodh Ruadh within a whisker of getting a result, but time beat them and Glenfin were one point winners on a score line of 2-10 to 2-11. Apart from Val there was also good displays from Niall Thomas and Conor Thomas and Matthew Thompson.
The minors lost their penultimate game of the league away to Glenties by 2-11 to 1-7. It was a decent showing against a strong Naomh Conaill outfit. Defensively Ronan Drummond and Kieran Keown were both very effective. Ruairí Drummond at full forward was probably the pick of the attackers, while Niall Murray and Peter Boyle from placed ball both weighed in with scores. Boyle also set up James Kelly for the Aodh Ruadh goal. The minors will wrap up their league season with another away trip, this time to Killybegs on Friday 21st May, the throw in is at 7.30pm.
The under 16s made an almighty battle of it as they lost by 0-15 to 1-8 away to Ardara in the first round first leg of the championship. It was a good performance in general. Pauric Patton played out of his skin in the middle of the field. Meanwhile Kieran Keown was very solid at full back as was Matthew Gettins in the corner In the attack Fergal Meehan did well and was very creative. Johnny Gethins top scored in the scoring stakes with 1-4, closely followed by David McGurrin on four points while James Barron and James Kelly both chipped in with a point apiece. This result means they now have to win in Father Tierney park this Wednesday 19th May to force the tie to a play-off and going on their away performance that is something that eminently within their capacity. We appeal for a big show of white and green to make the trip to Ardara and cheer our boys on in this massive game. The game throws in at 7.30pm, don't miss it.
In a change from last week's notes the under 13s in action against Ardara this Tuesday, 18th May at 6pm in Father Tierney Park. The lads will conclude their season with an away game against Four Masters on Monday 24th May at 7.30pm.
Training for under 12s, 13 and 14s takes place this Wednesday at 4.30pm up at the park.
The first under 10 blitz of the year takes place in Kilcar on Saturday 22nd May. The bus leaves the park at 9.30am sharp. Players should take a sensible packed lunch and dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
Please note that our under 8 blitz against Dromore has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Apologies for any confusion. Training will continue as normal next Saturday at 11am. Well done to this week's players of the week James, Nathan and Kyle.
~ HURLING ~
The under 16s had a comprehensive victory over Knocks in the Fermanagh league in Father Tierney park on Sunday last. It was a good team performance and sets them up well in the Fermanagh league.Congratulations to our under 14 hurlers who won their Féile Uladh final in the Pearse Og grounds, Armagh city. The boys played Gort na Mona of Belfast in the final. We began very nervously and the Belfast boys were well up for this final. We found ourselves behind 1-2 to no score after five minutes. Our boys began getting into the game and showing their determination and the work rate for which they are renowned and slowly clawed their way back and led at half time by 2-1 to 1-2. The Aodh Ruadh boys dominated the second half and played the hurling they are capable of and ran out worthy winners 3-8 to 1-2. It was a great occasion for our lads to play in front of the major hurling clubs of Ulster. The skill and never-say-die attitude of this team was commented on by many at the final. The success of this team has been achieved by four years of hard work. Many thanks to all the parents who met the Ulster champions on their return to Ballyshannon and took part in the cavalcade around the town. Check Eddie Lynch's shots of the final. The boys continue their fundraising for their trip to Clare for the All-Ireland Féile tournament this June by bag packing this Saturday in the Supervalu in Bundoran. Many thanks to Joan Roohan of JR's café, Ballyshannon Town Council and Brian McEniff of the Great Northern Hotel for their donations to the trip to Féile na Gael. We have a picture of the JR's café and Ballyshannon Town Council cheque presentation. The under 14s play Four Masters in the championship quarter final on Thursday in Donegal Town. Arrangements for this match will be finalized at training.
The under 12s began their season last Thursday with a win at home against MacCumhaill's in difficult conditions. We have some pictures from that game. On Sunday the under 12s travelled to Lisbellaw to play in the first round of the Fermanagh league. We put in a very poor overall team performance and lost the game 4-6 to 4-4. This panel will have to improve their work rate for the rest of the season and hopefully they will rise to the challenge.
The under 10s have a blitz this Sunday. Details will be supplied to players during the week.
Training for all ages continues on Sunday at 12 noon.
~ LADIES ~
A huge well done to Tara Khan and Dearbhaile McNeill who represented Aodh Ruadh on the Donegal Minor team that beat Down on Saturday by 3-11 to 1-5 in the Ulster Final. We have a full match report.The under 16s will take on Four Masters in Donegal town this Tuesday, 18th May at 6.30pm.
The under 14s had a good win over Four Masters last week, with all players giving really good performances. The next game will be away to Saint Naul's. There were no details to hand at the time of mailing.
Aodh Ruadh ladies hosted an under 12 go games blitz on Saturday, with teams travelling from Donegal town, Mountcharles and Glenties. The Ladies club would like to thank all who helped out on the day and all who prepared the refreshments for this event. Have a look at some pictures of the action. Next Saturday, 22nd May, Aodh Ruadh will host the under 12 community games blitz at 11am. If you're able to come along and help out, in whatever capacity, We would be very grateful to see you!
Under 12 training continues on Wednesday at 5.30pm.
- 20 May
-
~ DONEGAL V DOWN ~
Donegal v Down on Sunday 30th May is NOT an all ticket fixture. Tickets will be needed for the stand only. If anyone has orders for stand tickets they need to be with the Club Secretary, John Hughes, by 9am on Monday 24th May. Orders can be made to info@aodhruadh.org or by text to 087-6993506.Prices for the stand are as follows:
Covered Stand - €27 / £23
Uncovered Stand Adult - €25 / £21 (This is a family area)
Uncovered Stand Juvenille - €5 / £5
Uncovered Stand Senior Citizen - €15 / £13 (Only 50 of these seats are available.)Admission to the Terrace will be pay in on the day at the following rates:
Adult - €15 / £13
Juvenilles U16 are free
Senior Citizen - €10 / £9~ HURLING ~
Aodh Ruadh's under 14 hurling team and management gratefully acknowledge a contribution of €200 from Ballyshannon ESB towards their trip to Clare to participate in the national hurling Féile. We have some pictures from the presentation on Tuesday 18th May.
- 25 May
-
~ CLUB MEETINGS ~
The monthly senior club meeting takes place on Thursday 27th May in dressing room three in the park at 8.30pm. All committee members are asked to attend.The monthly Bord na nÓg meeting takes place on Tuesday 25th May in Aras Aoidh Ruadh at 9pm. All committee members are asked to attend.
There will be a meeting of the Cairde Aoidh Ruaidh committee this Tuesday, 25th May, in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8.30pm. Anyone interested in the club's financial well-being is also very welcome to attend.
~ FOOTBALL ~
It was a young and experimental Aodh Ruadh senior team which took to the field for a young and experimental competition last Sunday. With a smattering of regular seniors lining up, there were a lot of new faces on show for the secondary senior football league derby against Naomh Bríd. They battled well against a hungrier Naomh Bríd side, Diarmuid McInerney palming in a goal palmed in after a good save from their keeper. However it was the Ballintra/Laghey boys that went away with the points after a 1-9 to 2-12 win in a sun splashed Father Tierney Park. We have some pictures from the game.The thirds mounted a fantastic come back in the second half of their division five clash with Saint Michaels last Saturday to come away from Dunfanaghy with the points. They were seven points down, but a brilliant recovery saw them home on a score line of 3-6 to 3-10. There was goals from Steven Perry, Sean Perry and Christy Dolan. Christy and David Downey in the middle of the pitch were key to turning the game around, catching an ocean of ball. In the defence Gerard Ferguson had a fine game and helped keep the Ernesiders in the tie. That result puts Ballyshannon third in division five on eight points behind MacCumhaill's and Glenfin who are tied on 12 points.
The fixtures for the coming weekend see the seniors back in Secondary League Group A action this Saturday when they host MacCumhaill's in Father Tierney Park at 6.30pm. On Sunday 30th May the thirds are slated for division five action against Malin in Father Tierney park at 6pm.
The minors concluded their league programme with a fine 0-6 to 3-19 away win over Killybegs last Friday. It was a good overall performance with Peter Boyle at wing half forward, Ruairí Drummond, Ronan McGurrin and Alan Finan all shining for the Ernesiders. Aodh Ruadh were in control from the off and goals from Stephen Clarke, Ruairí Drummond and Peter Boyle helped Ballyshannon home in some comfort. After finishing third from six and won two, lost two and drawn one, this league has marked another step in the slow improvement of the clubs underage fortunes. The minors now have a break until 21st July when they take on Four Masters in Tir Chonaill park in the first round first leg of the minor championship.
Last Wednesday the under 16s of Aodh Ruadh and Ardara fought out a tempestuous championship contest in Father Tierney Park. Thankfully it was Ballyshannon who came away with a 2-10 to 1-12 win forcing the first round tie to a play-off game. Aodh Ruadh started the game very strongly, notching up 1-3 in the first 15 minutes. The goal came from a defence splitting ball by Johnny Gettins over the top which found James Kelly and he made no mistake when the chance presented itself. Thereafter however Ardara took over and hit 1-4 without reply to send the sides in at 1-3 to 1-5 at the break. Ardara picked up where the left off at half time, chipping over two points before Aodh Ruadh got a handle on things and pulled back the deficit back to two points. Ardara responded in kind and edged ahead with two further points to go four points up with ten minutes left. Then tide turned in dying moments of the match as Aodh Ruadh began to apply serious pressure. First off, David McGurrin pointed a free and then James Barron fired over a super score from play. Then, through serious hard work from the forwards, especially James Barron, Aodh Ruadh turned over a ball and it found its way to Ryan Granaghan. Ryan hit a ball over the top to James Kelly and once again he finished to the net to put the Ernesiders a point up with two minutes left. It was a fraught final couple of moments, but Ballyshannon held on to force the play-off. Defensively, Kieran Keown Marcus Harley and Darren Gettins all put in serious performances. In the centre of the pitch Pauric Patton and Eamon McGrath worked hard throughout. Up front David McGurrin and James Barron were the stand-out performers for the homesters. The play-off between Aodh Ruadh and Ardara in the under 16 championship has been set for Wednesday, 26th at 7.30pm in Dunkineely. The lads have really put everything in and the very least they deserve is a big show of support in Dunkineely this Wednesday. Make sure you get there and help roar our boys on.
There was mixed fortunes for the under 13 over the past week. Last Wednesday they had a great win over Ardara in Father Tierney Park. They got off to a horrendous start going down by 2-5 early on in the game before clawing themselves back into the tie to win by four points on a final score line of 4-11 to 3-10. It was a match where the attack really stepped up to the mark and Shane McGrath, Nathan Boyle and Philip Patton all delivered big performances. Elsewhere Oisín Rooney at midfield and Conor Kennedy at full back also made big contributions to turning the game around. On Monday evening Ballyshannon came out on the wrong end of the result with Four Masters winning by 4-7 to 3-6. It was nip and tuck throughout, but Four Masters just edged ahead in the final moments. Oisín Rooney did well when moved to full back where he got good assistance from Brendan Gillespie at wing back and Jason Granaghan at corner back. Up from Ryan Gallagher and Garret Sheerin never gave up and gave fighting displays. That game completes the under 13s league season, a season where they finished third, just outside the league final spots.
The under 12s travel to Ballintra on Saturday for a Go Games blitz with Naomh Bríd. The action gets under way there at 7pm.
Training for under 12s, 13 and 14s takes place this Wednesday at 4.30pm up at the park.
The under 10s played Bundoran, Naomh Conaill and Kilcar at the blitz in Kilcar last Saturday and acquitted themselves very well. The team were happy with their day out and thank to Kilcar for their smooth organisation of the blitz.
Under 6 and under 6 training continues this Saturday at 11am in the school field. Well done to our player of the week Kyle McCafferty and to our gold star champions JJ, Oisín and James.
~ HURLING ~
Well done Eddie Lynch and Colm Kelly who came second and fourth in the county Féile skills competition in Letterkenny on Sunday. Kieran Kelly also took part and did very well considering he is underage again next year. There's a picture of the lads on aodhruadh.org. We have a picture of the lads. Good luck to the under 14 hurlers who play Buncrana in the county championship semi-final in Father Tierney Park on Thursday at 7pm. All support is very welcome. Many thanks to Des Cosgrove, Colm Drummond and all the staff in Supervalu, Bundoran for being so helpful with our bag pack for the trip to Féile last Saturday.The under 10s took part in a blitz at Saint Eunan's on Sunday past. We had two teams taking part and both did very well. On Monday evening they took part in the Community Games county final against Burt. They lost but, despite getting off to a slow start, they competed well throughout.
This Sunday we host an under 8 blitz. All players to be up at the park for 10am.
Any parent of any underage hurler who wishes to buy a subsidised helmet can contact any underage manager or John Rooney on 086-2587793.
~ LADIES ~
The senior ladies suffered a heavy defeat to a strong Malin side on Sunday morning up in Inishowen, however they were playing without many of the team's key players who were unavailable due to exams. The ladies will commence their 2010 championship campaign next Saturday evening, 1st May, in Glencolmcille. The time hadn't been confirmed at time of mailing. A time will be posted on aodhruadh.org as soon as we hear of it.The under 16s were defeated by Four Masters last week. In a very tight game they were unlucky to be beaten by the narrowest of margins. They have no game this week. Training will continue on Wednesday at 7pm and Friday at 4.30pm.
Well done to the under 14s who had a good win against Saint Naul's on Saturday. Their training takes place at 7pm on Wednesday evening.
This Saturday the under 12s will take part in the last Go Games blitz in Glenties at 2pm.
~ CAIRDE AOIDH RUAIDH ~
There will be a meeting of the Cairde Aoidh Ruaidh committee this Tuesday, 25th May, in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8.30pm. As you may have heard, the club has launched their major fund raising initiative for 2010. The scheme, entitled Cairde Aoidh Ruaidh, asks club members to sign up and donate the equivalent of €5 a week to the club in the form of a monthly direct debit. We are appealing to club members to get behind the scheme. It is essential for the club's financial welfare, which is in a precarious state. To get some information on the scheme you can download the brochure. This brochure also includes the standing order form for the scheme. If anyone needs any further information don't hesitate to contact us on info@aodhruadh.org or call 087-6431805.~ PUB QUIZ ~
The last pub quiz of the season in Owen Roe's this weekend is in aid of Aodh Ruadh so we appeal for all club members, in whatever discipline or capacity to come out and support the quiz this week. It gets under way at 10pm in Owen Roe's with Sylvester Maguire doing his Magnus Magnusson impression and plenty of prizes on offer.~ CPR TRAINING ~
Bayview Primary Care Team Ballyshannon are hosting a mass CPR training event on Wednesday 26th May in Dorrian's Hotel from 7pm to 9pm. If you are interested in attending the Heartsaver CPR for Family and Friends' course, which is offered by the Community Resuscitation Service then please contact 071-985269 or 087-9682067 and give your name and details. Remember CPR can mean the difference between life and death and it is vital that as many people as possible get trained.~ DONEGAL V DOWN ~
Donegal v Down on Sunday 30th May is NOT an all ticket fixture. Tickets will be needed for the stand only.
Prices for the stand are as follows:
Covered Stand - €27 / £23
Uncovered Stand Adult - €25 / £21 (This is a family area)
Uncovered Stand Juveniles - €5 / £5
Uncovered Stand Senior Citizen - €15 / £13 (Only 50 of these seats are available.)
Admission to the Terrace will be pay in on the day at the following rates:
Adult - €15 / £13
Juveniles U16 are free
Senior Citizen - €10 / £9