Club Notes Archive - 2010
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AUGUST- 3 August
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~ PETER O'KEEFE ~
All underage and senior hurling fixtures involving Aodh Ruadh were cancelled last week due to the sudden passing of former underage manager Peter O'Keefe. Peter had a great passion for the game of hurling and coached many underage Aodh Ruadh teams. He was also involved in the management of many underage Donegal teams. In this role he drove up and down the county bringing Aodh Ruadh players to county training and matches. He will be sadly missed by all in Aodh Ruadh. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Rosaleen and children Peadar, Maeve and current under 16 Aodh Ruadh hurler donal. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.~ FOOTBALL ~
It's been quiet on the senior mens football front this past few weeks and there is no fixtures this weekend either. However, we have received a fixture list for the remainder of the season from the CCC. Here she is:DIVISION TWO
- 14th/15th August
Aodh Ruadh v Kilcar - 21st/22nd August
Killybegs v Aodh Ruadh - 28th/29th August
Cloughaneely v Aodh Ruadh - 11th/12th September
Aodh Ruadh v Buncrana - 18th/19th September
Malin v Aodh Ruadh - 25th/26th September
MacCumhaill's v Aodh Ruadh
DIVISION FIVE
- 14th/15th August
Glenfin v Aodh Ruadh - 21st/22nd August
Aodh Ruadh v Glenswilly - 28th/29th August
Aodh Ruadh v Ardara - 11th/12th September
Aodh Ruadh v Saint Michael's - 18th/19th September
Malin v Aodh Ruadh
Aodh Ruadh opened their 2010 minor championship campaign with a hard-earned 2-12 to 0-8 victory over Four Masters. The game was blighted by a strong breeze which Aodh Ruadh played against in the first half. A James Kelly goal and two superb Ruairí Drummond points helped keep the homesters in the game and the sides went in level at half time on a score line of 1-4 to 0-7. The Ernesiders made good use of the breeze in the second half and Alan Finan, in particular, really shone in that period, notching up a goal and a point. Peter Boyle also had a typically polished game from placed ball, although his drive from a penalty in the second half ended up going over the bar. There was also very effective performances from Ronan Drummond at half back and Ronan McGurrin in the centre of the pitch to help make sure Ballyshannon were on the right side of the final score. The second leg will take place in Tir Chonaill park on Wednesday, August 18th at 7pm. The winners of that game go on to face the winners of the play-off game between Naomh Mhuire and Naomh Conaill. We have a full team sheet and pictures by Ronan Matthews from the game.
The under 16s just came up short against a older, stronger Saint Eunan's side in the county semi-final last Friday. Leading by five points at the interval (0-7 to 0-2), Saint Eunan's seemed to be in a strong position, but Aodh Ruadh got the match back to within two points in the second half and in a key moment the Eunan's keeper, Aidan Mitchell denied Johnny Gettins a goal. Aodh Ruadh's Alan Finan had great first half at midfield, but tired a little in the second half as his championship exertions with the minors earlier in the week took their toll. Saint Eunan's ran out winners by 0-9 to 0-13 at the final whistle. As a unit the six Aodh Ruadh backs were excellent. Colm Kelly and Eamon McGrath especially. Up front Pauric Patton showed well and grabbed two points. Ryan Granaghan was really superb though, scoring four excellent points, two off the left and two off the right. A great showing after a exemplary year of hard, determined work from Ryan. We have a full match report and some pictures.
Some members of the under 16s will be in action again this weekend at the seven-a-side under 15 Óg Sport competition. The first regional blitz takes place in Tir Chonaill park, Donegal town with the action throwing in at 11am. Taking part are Four Masters, Aodh Ruadh, Saint Naul's, Bundoran and Naomh Bríd. The regional final is down for Sunday 15th August. Players will be notified of details for this Saturday later this week.
It's championship action this Friday, 6th August for the Aodh Ruadh under 14s. They travel to Ardara to take on the homesters in their first round, first leg match, the throw-in at 7.30pm. Players should be up at park for 5.45pm. There is training for the under 14s this Tuesday at 6pm. The club appeals for a big show of Ballyshannon support to get behind our players as they get their championship campaign underway. The under 14s are also down to face Saint Eunan's in the county league semi-final on Friday, 13th August. Time and venue have yet to be confirmed.
~ HURLING ~
We have received the next three Senior Hurling League fixtures from the CCC. Here they are. Wednesday 11th August: Buncrana v Aodh Ruadh at 7.30pm. Wednesday 18th August: Four Masters v Aodh Ruadh. Wednesday 1st September: St Eunan's v Aodh Ruadh.The under 14s beat Lisbellaw at home on Tuesday last in the Fermanagh league. The boys didn't play to their full potential and won the game narrowly in the end. A much improved performance will be needed next Monday night if they are to win the Fermanagh league, when they renew their rivalry with Lisbellaw in the Fermanagh under 14 league final. Time and venue to be confirmed.
Our under 12 hurlers play Burt this Thursday. The bus leaves the park at 5.30pm. We play Carndonagh next Tuesday in our rearranged game in Father Tierney park. A time has yet to be confirmed.
Our under 8 hurlers are taking part in a blitz this Sunday hosted by Letterkenny Gaels. Travel arrangements will be circulated during the week.
A reminder to all intending to travel on the annual underage hurlers trip to Croke Park for the All-Ireland semi-final between Waterford and Tipperary on 15th August. All monies need to be with John Rooney or Peter Horan as soon as possible as seats on the bus are filling up rapidly. Any queries about this trip please contact John Rooney on 086-2587793.
Training for all ages on Sunday at 12 noon. Any parent of any underage hurler who wishes to buy a subsidised helmet can contact any underage manager or John Rooney on 086-2587793.
The annual underage hurlers trip to Croke Park takes place on 15th August. The lads are going to watch the much anticipated All-Ireland semi-final between Waterford and Tipperary. Another highlight of the day will be under 12 and 14 Aodh Ruadh hurler Brendan Gillespie's participation in the half time exhibition game. This is a great honour for Brendan and the club. Any queries about this trip please contact John Rooney on 086-2587793.
Training for all ages on Sunday at 12 noon. 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 footballers have a league match against Convoy on Friday night at 7.30pm in Father Tierney Park. And an important date for your diaries. The ladies will be in intermediate county final against Malin on 29th August. Time, date and venue will be announced nearer the time. There is training for senior ladies on Tuesday at 7pm.The under 16s fell to a heavy defeat against Saint Naul's in the league last Tuesday. We have some pictures from that game.
~ CAIRDE AOIDH RUAIDH ~
There has been an encouraging uptake for Cairde Aoidh Ruaidh over the past few weeks. The Cairde scheme seeks club members to sign up and donate the equivalent of €5 a week to the club in the form of a monthly standing order. To get further 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.~ NEXT WEEK'S NOTES ~
Anyone with items for next week's notes is asked to direct them to Sean Perry. His e-mail address is sean.perry@oceanfm.ie. - 14th/15th August
- 10 August
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Another important weekend of club adult football and hurling action is in prospect with our seniors hosting Kilcar on Sunday afternoon next. The senior and reserve games take place at 3pm and 1.30pm respectively and all support for both teams would be appreciated with a number of players expected to return from injury to present both managers with stronger panels to pick from. Our third team travel to Glenfin on Saturday evening, the side which edged them out of the junior B championship in dramatic fashion earlier this season. Throw-in in the newly developed Teevogue Park is at 7pm.
Meanwhile, our hurlers have a busy week in prospect with a league tie away to Buncrana fixed for Wednesday (August 11th) and a junior championship tie against Setanta scheduled for 5pm on Saturday next at a venue to be confirmed.
Our u-8 hurlers took part in an all county blitz hosted by Letterkenny Gaels on Sunday last. The lads did very well playing four very competive games, winning two and losing two. The lads had a very enjoyable day and many thanks to Kevin McDermott and Mark Killilea who travelled with the squad.
On Thursday last, our u-12 hurlers had a great win away to Burt coming out on top on a scoreline of 2-6 to 1-0. It was a great win for the lads and made the long journey home very enjoyable for all. The lads have put in a couple of great performances lately and have upped their work rate from earlier in the season. Their next game is at home to Carndonagh on Tuesday, all players to be up at Fr Tierney Park at 12.30pm.
While the u-12s made the long trek to Burt, our u-16s hosted the Burt men in Fr Tierney Park and they recorded a famous win on a scoreline of 2-13 to 3-2 with a great all round team performance.The boys battled hard through out and were worthy winners. The lads are well placed in the league and their next game is away to Buncrana this Thursday.
These were a couple of great results against the traditional kingpins of Donegal hurling - Burt- and shows the great work being put into underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh at the moment.
On Saturday last, six of our u-14s were part of the donegal u-14 development squad which took part in an Ulster council blitz in Owenbeg, all six were on the first 15 and played their part in great wins for Donegal over Derry and Armagh. The six lads were Adam Irwin, Ciaran Rami, Jamie Brennan, Eddie Lynch, Niall Harley and Colm Kelly who captained the squad. John Rooney and Peter Horan are part of the management set up for this fine squad of 25 players from nine clubs in Donegal.
This Sunday, our underage hurlers make their annual trip to Croke Park to take in the much awaited all Munster clash of Waterford and Tipperary in the All-Ireland semi-final. Under-12 and 14 hurler, Brendan Gillespie carries the best wishes of the club as he takes part in the INTO exhibition game at half-time, this is a great honour for Brendan and the club and we all look forward to seeing him playing on the hallowed turf of Croke Park.
Due to our club trip to Croke Park, there is no underage hurling training this Sunday, training resumes on Sunday, the 22nd of August 2010 at 12noon.
The u-14 footballers recorded a 3-6 to 2-4 in the first leg of their championship fixture played in Ardara last Friday night. This was a storming performance by the young Ballyshannon side.
The senior ladies had a good win against Convoy on Friday evening in the league. The game finished 3-13 to 4 points. The ladies will play Drumcliff Rosses Point this week in a challenge game in Fr Tierney Park.
Finally, congratulations to minor football panelist, Niall Thomas who scooped the Aodh Ruadh lotto jackpot of €10,000 in the draw on Monday night. There has been a tremendous support for the draw in recent times and given that proceeds from same fund the bulk of our substantial club activity, it is hoped that you will continue to purchase a ticket to be in with a chance of winning the new jackpot.
- 16 August
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Our senior side will hope to secure a badly needed win when they take on Buncrana on Saturday evening next. Following a heavy defeat to Kilcar on Sunday last, Val Murray's men will hope to nail two league points on the board when the Inishowen side travel south. The reserve match is at 5.30pm, the senior match is at 7pm. With strong performances from James O'Donnell and Turlough McIntyre, the reserves had a few points to spare over Kilcar in the Park on Sunday last.
The thirds take on Glenswilly at home on Sunday afternoon at 3pm and will be hoping to get back to winning ways with a play-off spot still a possibility for this side. A strong finish by bogey team, Glenfin saw the Finn Valley side win by 1-14 to 2-8 last Saturday evening.
The minor footballers face a big test this Wednesday, 18th February, as they travel to Donegal town to take on Four Masters in the second leg, first round of the minor championship. The lads delivered one of the club's best displays at minor level for some years in defeating Four Masters the first day out, but Donegal town played doggedly that day and it looks like being a war of attrition in their homeplace. The throw-in is at 7pm and you're assured of some enthralling football with this one. We would appeal to the Ballyshannon faithful to make the short trip down the N15 toget behind these boys, your support will be valuable and appreciated.
The under 14s were defeated by Saint Eunan's in the county league semi-final, but they have arguably a bigger game in front of them this Thursday when they take on Ardara in the second leg of the championship quarter final. The Ernesiders won the first game by 2-4 to 3-6 and there is sure to be a barn-storming game in the park as Ardara fight to stay in the championship. Come out and get behind this promising outfit as a big support can play a big factor in these games.
The Ladies had two good wins in the last week. Last Tuesday evening week, they took on Glenties at home and came out on top. On Monday last, they travelled to Glencolmcille where they had a strong win over Naomh Columba. The came finished 4-10 to 3-1. These games will serve the girls well in preparation for the upcoming county final against Malin which will take place on Sunday August 29th.
Aodh Ruadh's hurlers will be in Senior Hurling League action this Wednesday, 18th August, against Four Masters. The game will throw in at Tir Chonaill park at 7pm.
47 underage hurlers enjoyed a great days hurling in Croke Park on Sunday last as part of Aodh Ruadh's annual underage trip to Croke Park. As they entered the famous stadium, they were delighted to meet with Antrim manager Dinny Cahill who congratulated them on their achievements this year. The lads enjoyed two very good games and they also got great pleasure from seeing their club mate Brendan Gillespie taking part in the INTO exhibition at half time. Brendan played very well in the Tipperary colours and did his club, school (Creevy) and family proud in becoming the first Aodh Ruadh hurler to take part in these exhibition games in Croke Park. After the senior game, the lads got their by now customary group photograph on the hallowed turf of croke park. The whole group were very well behaved and a credit to the club.Thanks to all who made this trip possible.
Our u-12 hurlers beat Carndonagh comfortably in their final league game at home on Tuesday last, they played eight games in the league, winning 6 and losing 2 and improving well as the year went on. The under 14 hurlers play Lisbellaw this Friday in the much awaited Fermanagh league final, both these teams are evenly matched and a close encounter is expected. Venue and throw-in time to be announced.
Our under 16 hurlers lost a close game away to Buncrana on Thursday last by 5 points, a higher work rate by the lads could have got a better result, this squad are going to have to put in a bigger effort if they are going to get any silverware this year.
We host an under 10 blitz in Fr Tierney park this Sunday, details will be circulated later in week.
Training for all ages continues at 12 noon on Sunday. The senior hurlers were due to play Four Masters in Tir Chonaill Park on Wednesday, August 18th.
All club notes for next week can be e-mailed to John Hughes at the usual address.
- 24 August
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~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh produced a much improved performance last Saturday to take the points against Buncrana in the Father Tierney Park in their last league game at home for 2010. Things were nip and tuck in the first half and the homesters went in at the break leading by three points, however they surged on in the second half, running out 0-17 to 1-8 winners. In the defence there were excellent displays from PJ McGee and Conor Patton while in it was the dominance offered in midfield by Stephen Ward and Michael Gurn that helped ensure the Ernesiders were remained on top in this tie. Up front Barry Ward was a tower of strength up front and Sticky Ward was back to his lethal best kicking over a slew of scores. There are some pictures of the action from the game up. Now, with four games remaining in the league programme, Aodh Ruadh are on their travels to Killybegs, Ballybofey, Cloughaneely and Malin. Promotion is still a possibility, but relegation remains a strong threat also. There was no senior or reserve fixture available for the coming weekend available at the time of mailing.Buncrana brought only nine reserves with them for their match, so Aodh Ruadh were awarded the points. Some of Ballyshannon's stars pulled on the tricolor jersey allowing the teams to play out an entertaining challenge which ended Aodh Ruadh 1-10 Buncrana 1-3. We have pictures from the game up. Doesn't Barry Travers look fetching! There are also pictures up for the senior game and reserve game against Kilcar the week before last.
A date for your diary. Aodh Ruadh's under 21s go into championship action next week when they take on Fanad Gaels on Wednesday, 1st September at Father Tierney Park. There is no throw-in time just yet.
The minors progressed to the second round of the championship thanks to a well-earned 1-11 to 0-4 win over Four Masters in Tir Chonaill park. There are over 30 pictures from the game from Ronan Matthews and company up on aodhruadh.org, and we hope to have a match report up as well later in the week. The minors next championship opponents are Naomh Conaill. That game takes place this Thursday, 26th August in Kilcar with the throw-in at 7pm. The club appeals for a big show of Ballyshannon support to get behind our players as they take to the field for this big championship test.
The under 15 Óg Sport squad made it to the county final last which takes place this Saturday, 27th August in Burt. We have some shots of the lads going through their paces ahead of the seven-a-side blitz. We wish the lads all the very best as they bid to bring county honours back to the club for the first time since 1994 at this grade.
Aodh Ruadh showed some second half steel to book their passage into the next round of the under 14 championship. The Ernesiders got off to a blistering start, going into a 1-3 to no score lead. However Aodh Ruadh zoned out a bit after that and Ardara were able to come back into the game and edged ahead by a point. The sides battled in out point for point until the half time whistle. It was 1-8 to 2-4 in favour of Aodh Ruadh at the break, but Ardara wiped that advantage out immediately with a quick goal to make it 3-4. But Aodh Ruadh maintained their composure and picked off their points to see out the game with a fine all-round team performance. Best for Aodh Ruadh was Philip Patton who was clinical from placed ball, his two penalty goals helped him to a final tally of 2-7. There was a fine performance from Colm Kelly in midfield, which he capped with three points. Defensively, Matthew Maguire did trojan work at full back, while Callum 'Cookie' O'Halloran also had a great game in the corner. Nathan Boyle, Shane McGrath and Conor McShea with a point apiece rounded out the scoring for Aodh Ruadh. We have pictures from the game up. The draw for the next round of the championship takes place at Thursday night's Southern Board meeting with Killybegs, Four Masters and Dungloe also going into the pot.
~ HURLING ~
This Sunday sees Aodh Ruadh take on MacCumhaill's in the Junior Hurling Final in Tir Chonaill park Donegal Town, throw in at 5pm. This a big day for hurling in the club and we appeal for a big show of support to get behind the team as they big to bring Junior championship silverware back to the club for the first time since 2003.Having finished third in the under 12 mini league the mini league was finished with four finals. Aodh Ruadh played fourth place finishers, MacCumhaill's, on Thursday last. Our lads started very slowly and were behind by seven points at half time. They put in a better performance in the second half but the Twin Towns men were really fired up for this game and ran out winners by 3-4 to 2-3. The old problem of not enough players willing to work on our team cost us in the end, as these lads go on in their hurling careers hopefully they will realise that they all need to pull their weight on the team and can't leave it to three or four lads. We have pictures from the game up.
On Sunday last we hosted an under 10 blitz with Setanta and Letterkenny Gaels travelling to take part in the blitz. All clubs fielded two teams. Aodh Ruadh played seven games and won six. All players did very well and tried very hard. Many thanks to all who helped with the catering. Thanks also to all who reffed: Peter Horan, Johnny Browne, John Rooney and especially our new refs who did very well, Pauric Keenaghan and Conor Kennedy. Thanks are also due to Michael Ayres and Kevin McDermott for all their work in organising the blitz.
Thanks to Peter Horan who did a great job reffing the under 12 game against MacCumhaill's. Unfortunately our under 14 Fermanagh league final against Lisbellaw was postponed last week. It is hoped to play this game in early September.
Best of luck to all our under 14s and under 16s involved with the county development squads this Saturday in the All-Ireland c blitzes. The under 14 event is in Castleblayney and the under 16 one is being held in Father Tierney park. Pictures of the under 16s' game against Burt earlier this month are now available.
Training continues as normal on Sunday at 12 noon. 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 ~
This Sunday 29th August Aodh Ruadh meet Malin in the Ladies Intermediate Championship Final in Killygordon at 4pm. Malin, only in their fourth year, have progressed well having just won the Junior championship last year. In the league this year they have had a good run only dropping four points in total. In the championship semi-final this year they beat Ardara away, but lost at home which lead to a third game. Malin turned on the style in the decider and earning themselves a place in the final.Aodh Ruadh enter the final hoping that it is third time lucky having been narrowly beaten in the last two finals. The Ernesiders have had a good league campaign with only one defeat suffered. The championship semi-final saw Aodh Ruadh up against Naomh Columba. After two hard fought battles they progressed to the county final. This year the Aodh Ruadh lassies well be doing all they can and hopefully they will be able to right the wrongs of the last two years. The Ladies will be looking for all the support they can get on the day in their bid to capture a county title so pull on your green and white and get down to Killygordon this Sunday!
We have just added some shots of the ladies in the league victory over Naomh Conaill.
~ CLUB MEETINGS ~
The monthly senior club meeting takes place on Thursday 26th August in Aras Aoidh Ruadh 8.30pm. All committee members are asked to attend.The monthly Bord na nÓg meeting takes place on Tuesday 31st August in Aras Aoidh Ruadh 9pm. All committee members are asked to attend.
- 31 August
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~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh fell to a demoralising defeat 2-9 to 0-5 away to Cloughaneely. The reserves failed to field against Cloughaneely. There were no senior or reserve fixtures available at time of mailing.There was better news for the thirds who recorded an impressive 4-11 to 0-9 win away to Ardara. The side's played 13-a-side and it was the Ballyshannon boys who were able to make the most of the open spaces. They raced into a six point lead at half time and coasted home in the second half. Martin Gallagher, Paddy Kelly and Spanny Goan were among the goal scorers for the Ernesiders. The next assignment for the thirds is on Wednesday night when they travel north to take on Glenswilly at 7pm.
Aodh Ruadh's under 21s go into championship action next week when they take on Fanad Gaels on Wednesday, 1st September at Father Tierney Park. The throw-in time is 6.30pm with extra-time playable if required. We appeal for a big showing of home support to get behind the team as they get their championship campaign under way.
The minors were defeated 4-5 to 3-17 by Naomh Conaill in the championship in Kilcar last Thursday. Aodh Ruadh were undone by a nightmare first half where they sat back and allowed Naomh Conaill to make all the running. Glenties cruised into a 1-5 to no score lead in the first quarter and were 12 points to the good at the break. Aodh Ruadh came out with a much improved attitude in the second half and brought the deficit down to five points, but the chasm proved too wide to bridge. While pretty much everyone in a white and green jersey had a good second half, Conor Patton and Ronan Drummond did very well throughout the game and never stopped carrying the fight to Naomh Conaill. This concludes the minor's season. Once again it has been another year of steady improvement at minor level for Aodh Ruadh and much credit for that must go to manager, Barry Ward. Expectations are being gradually turned around at this grade and hopefully next year will represent another notch further up the curve.
Aodh Ruadh's under 15s put in an impressive display at the Óg Sport county finals last Saturday, 28th August, only to be denied county honours in the last half of football. They got the blitz off to a cracking start with a 2-8 to 0-2 win over Cloughaneely. Paddy Gillespie clearly weathered the long trip to Buncrana well, putting in a great stint and rattling up a 1-2 tally. The next group game was against Saint Eunan's. Both teams were cagey in the first half and the sides swapped around at 0-2 to 0-1. Eunan's got the best of the opening exchanges in the second half, but Pauric Patton and James Kelly struck back with goals to break the Letterkenny challenge. Apart from Patton and Kelly, Johnny Gethins also played a major part in making sure that Aodh Ruadh booked their place in the final on a score line of 2-5 to 2-6. After three blitzes the county final came down to Aodh Ruadh against the homesters, Buncrana. Both sides played a counter-attacking game and the half-time score of 0-2 to 0-1 in favour of Buncrana indicated the tight nature of the exchanges. Óg Sport is played eight minutes a half and a goal was always going to be decisive. When Buncrana got their goal midway through the second half it meant Aodh Ruadh were faced with a virtual mission impossible. The lads battled valiantly, but time simply ran away from them. It was 1-6 to 0-6 in favour of the homesters at the final whistle. Well done to the lads on reaching the county final, a fine achievement in itself and a compliment to their tactical nous and athleticism. Hopefully this defeat, while painful, will serve to sharpen the hunger for next year's under 16 campaigns. We have a wide range of pictures from the county Óg Sport finals.
After accounting for Ardara, Aodh Ruadh next opponents in the under 14 championship are Four Masters. The game takes place on Tuesday, 7th September at Naomh Bríd's grounds, throw-in at 7pm.
~ HURLING ~
Aodh Ruadh powered to junior championship honours for the first time since 2003 to secure the club's second county title last Sunday. Ballyshannon put in a fine display to defeat MacCumhaill's by 6-7 to 2-1 in the decider. Aodh Ruadh were on top from the off and applied themselves well throughout. Chris Kilgannon top-scored with 3-4, but Peter Horan was man of the match with an all-action game that MacCumhaill's struggled to contain. Aodh Ruadh were clearly a cut above this level of hurling and with a bit of commitment there is definitely the personnel and potential to make an impression at a higher level. The team that took championship honours were: Kevin McDermott; Kieran Breslin, Kevin Loughlin, Thomas Gallagher; Stephen Sheerin, Darren Gillespie, Liam Coughlan; Paul Sheridan, Kieran Kilgannon; Peter Horan, Gary Loughlin, Mickey Bowring; Johnny Dolan, Chris Kilgannon, Thomas 'Schillaci' Gallagher. Substitutes: Dominic Gillespie, Patrick McGarrigle, Paul Cassidy, Ryan O'Brien Gary O'Brian, Peadar O'Keeffe, David Downey, Aidan Begley. Congratulations to the team, the management and everyone involved in this successful campaign. We hope to have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org later in the week. The senior hurlers travel to Letterkenny this Wednesday to take on Saint Eunan's in the senior hurling league. Throw in for that one is at 7pm.Saturday last was a great day for underage hurling in Donegal with All-Ireland titles coming to the county in two age groups: under 14 and under 16. Aodh Ruadh had a major role to play in the All-Ireland under 14c title coming to the county. We had five players on the team: Adam Irwin, Ciaran Rami, Eddie Lynch, Niall Harley and Colm Kelly who also captained the team. Jamie Brennan was also on the team but missed out on Saturday's blitz due to a pre-booked holiday. The under 14 tournament took place in Annyalla, Monaghan where ten counties took part. Donegal beat Fermanagh in their opening game, they followed this up with good wins over Louth and Tyrone. In their final group game they beat Leitrim to top their group and qualify for the All-Ireland C final where they played Sligo. The Donegal boys ran out convincing winners in the final. The team was managed by John Rooney and assisted by Peter Horan and Buncrana's John O'Loughlin. Chris Kelly and Eddie Lynch provided medical back-up to the squad. It was a great achievement by our lads and shows the esteem in which Aodh Ruadh hurling is held at this age group.
The under 16 All-Ireland C blitz was held between Ballyshannon and Bundoran. Again Donegal ran out convincing winners of this blitz, beating Fermanagh in the final. We had four players on this panel: Pat Faherty, Aaron Fannon, Conor McNeely and Rory Cullen. Well done to all the lads, it's a great achievement to have ten All-Ireland medals coming to the club and to have an All-Ireland winning captain from the club. It's a recognition of the great work being done at underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh and in the county in general.
The under 10 hurlers continued their rich vein of form with a good win against Naomh Eoin of Sligo on Thursday last. This young squad continue to improve, the hard work being put into the squad by Michael Ayres and Kevin McDermott is very obvious.
With the All-Ireland hurling final taking place this Sunday there will no underage hurling training.
~ LADIES ~
Aodh Ruadh bridged a five year gap to reclaim the intermediate championship title with a 2-15 to 2-5 win over Malin in Killygordon last Sunday. It was a fabulous performance from the Ernesiders who all but sealed the win with a sustained burst of scoring in the second and third quarters. It was a great team performance with the half back line of Tara Khan, Aoife Buggy and Annette Lloyd in uncompromising form. Captain Niamh Gallagher was immense at full back, while Donna Martin had a good day from placed ball and Sarah Patton was dominant at centre-field, chalking up 1-1 in the process. The full forward line were in exceptional form. Elaine Dorrian has just returned to football this year, but her speed, vision and shooting made her a constant thorn in Malin's side. She finished with 1-3, just pipping the impressive Dearbhaile McNeill for top scoring honours, Dearbhaile clocked up five points from play. Anna Rafferty oozed class and each of her three points, not to mention her support play exuded real quality. Huge congratulations are due to the team who suffered heartache at the final hurdle in 2008 and 2009. The team themselves wanted to record their thanks to the management team of Teddy Kane, Terence McShea and PJ Patton who managed the team, thanks also to the team sponsors MVs, who also hosted the post-final celebrations, to the team physio Moya Ferguson, to Seamie McPhelim for providing transport and anyone else who helped out during the year. Thanks to the big travelling Ballyshannon support that came and got behind the girls. We have a full match report and nearly 50 pictures from the day's action and celebrations.While we're on the subject of congratulations, best wishes are also in order for Frances Hoy on the birth of her baby girl, Colleen.
~ CLUB MEETINGS ~
The monthly Bord na nÓg meeting takes place on Tuesday 31st August in Aras Aoidh Ruadh 9pm. All committee members are asked to attend.