Club Notes Archive - 2011
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MAY- 3 May
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~ MEETING ~
There is a meeting of the club committee in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh this Thursday, 5th May at 8.30pm. All committee members are asked to attend.~ FOOTBALL ~
This Sunday Aodh Ruadh will play host to high-flying Urris in Father Tierney Park. Throw-in times will be supplied as and when we receive them. Our intermediate championship clash against Fanad Gaels has been confirmed for Sunday 22nd May with the reserve game at 1.30pm and the seniors at 3pm.Aodh Ruadh were made fight to the bitter end for the two points in their minor league tussle with Naomh Bríd last Friday. There were a lot of good performances from Aodh Ruadh, particularly in the second half when the game needed to be won against a stiff breeze. PJ Gillespie was outstanding at corner back. Conor Patton was simply sublime at half back, his anticipation and reading frustrated attack after attack. Ronan McGurrin was superb in the centre of the field, utterly dominating the exchanges against Sam Burgess and Ross Gallagher. Martin Larkin gave a determined and dogged display throughout and was unlucky not to be rewarded with a score. David McGurrin's accuracy and capacity to take punishment was a big part of Aodh Ruadh's 1-11 to 1-0 win. We have a full match report and pictures from Cathal Maguire up. Aodh Ruadh must now await the completion of the remaining fixtures in the minor league section one. Saint John's play Naomh Bríd and a win for the Killybegs/Naomh Ultan amalgamation would create play-off scenario. Dungloe could also potentially be involved in a play-off if they win their final two games against Four Master and Naomh Columba.
Next up for the under 16s is the Southern League final which should be against Dungloe. That match is expected this Sunday, 8th May, but we await confirmation.
Aodh Ruadh hosted Dungloe last Tuesday. Our B team won well, but our A's were defeated by a stronger Dungloe outfit. Best for Aodh Ruadh in the A game Shane Dorrian, Michael McKenna and Shane Gillespie. In the B match Ballyshannon were helped to victory by fine performances from James Cleary, Stephen Lee and Jason Paterson. We have some great pictures from these matches up. There is training this Wednesday, 4th May at 4.15pm. The next competitive fixture is away to Naomh Columba next Monday, 9th May. The bus leaves the park to travel to Glencolumbkille at 4.15pm.
The under 10s are training on Saturday morning from 11am to 12 noon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
The under 6s and under 8s are training in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this Friday from 6pm to 7pm.
~ HURLING ~
Another hectic week on the hurling fields has just come to an end. The action began at home on Thursday last when our under 14s beat Letterkenny Gaels convincingly at home. The whole panel was used in this game and every lad put in a great effort. Unfortunately on the same night our minors were beaten in the championship semi-final away to Saint Eunan's. This was a very disappointing result where the Aodh Ruadh lads failed to do themselves justice.The under 14s were back in action on Saturday when they travelled to Lissan in Fermanagh to take part in the Ulster Féile where we were competing in division four for the first time. We played Middletown from Armagh in the first game and after a ding dong battle we ran out four point winners. Our next opponents, Cúchulainn's, were also from the Orchard county. The lads improved in this game and a great battling performance saw them run out winners by three points. We had now qualified to play Newry Shamrocks in the final game with the winners progressing to the division four final to be held in the Athletic Grounds, Armagh on 15th May. This was the boys poorest performance and the hard work of the two previous games in the sweltering heat took its toll on the lads. A late goal from the Down men put a gloss on the score line which read 2-3 to 0-2 in favour of the Down men. The lads know that they missed out by not taking their chances and putting in a greater effort. Eddie Lynch took a few shots on the day, and we have those up. There is no doubt the lads will learn from it. Next up for the under 14s is a tricky assignment away to Burt in the Donegal League this Thursday. Details will be circulated during the week.
Our minors were back in action on Sunday evening in the County League final against Donegal hurling legends Burt in Páirc na nGael, Letterkenny. The Burt boys won the toss and played with the strong breeze. They got off to a whirl wind start bagging two early goals. The Burt men were a physically stronger team and were a bit cuter than our lads, but credit to the boys they kept battling away. At half time we had a mountain to climb losing by 6-6 to 0-2. The management appealed to the boys to up their work rate and give it their all for the second half which they did. The title went to Burt on a 6-8 to 0-10 score line. The majority of the Aodh Ruadh team are underage again next year and it's hoped with a bit more experience they will be challenging again next year for county titles.
On Bank Holiday Monday the sun shone brightly for our annual Alan Ryan/Seamus Grimes under 16 hurling tournament. It has been running since 1998 and honours two former club men and great hurling men. It's an eagerly awaited tournament and is eagerly anticipated every year by clubs in the North West. We had five teams from five different counties this year which added to the excitement. The participating teams were Na Magha of Derry, Strabane Shamrocks from Tyrone, the reigning Alan Ryan champions Coolera/Strandhill of Sligo, Lisbellaw from Fermanagh and host club Aodh Ruadh. The tournament was played off in a round robin series with play beginning at 11am. Aodh Ruadh played Na Magha and Coolera/ Strandhill played Lisbellaw in the opening matches with wins for the Derry and Fermanagh teams. Our very young panel of 17 players contained seven under 14s and only three players who will be overage next year. They started off very nervously and lost 0-5 to 0-0 to a strong Derry team, who even at this early stage looked like they were the team to beat.
In round two Aodh Ruadh took on Lisbellaw in Father Tierney park. It had only been a couple of weeks since they received a serious beating from the Fermanagh lads in the opening round of the Fermanagh league. With criticism still ringing in their ears the local boys put in a great effort and ran out winners on a score line of 1-4 to 0-1 this was the shot of belief the lads needed.
Next up was a game against Strabane, who have always been very competitive at this tournament. The game started at a great pace and Aodh Ruadh, with the aid of the breeze, ran into an early lead. They battled well in the second half to hold this lead and gave of their all to run out winners on a 2-2 to 0-1 score line.
At this stage it was looking like the Alan Ryan final would be between two teams from the following three Aodh Ruadh, Strabane and Na Magha. In our final group game we played the winners of the previous two years Coolera/Strandhill. They had a very young team and were carrying a number of injuries at this stage. True to the great champions they were, they battled away gamely to the end where the score line read Aodh Ruadh 5-8 Coolera/Strandhill 0-0.
Meanwhile in Pairc Aoidh Ruaidh Lisbellaw beat Strabane so the stage was now set for the two finals, in the Seamus Grimes final Lisbellaw faced up to Strabane while in the Alan Ryan final Aodh Ruadh faced the highly fancied Na Magha in a rematch of the tournament's opening fixture.
Lisbellaw as ever put in a great performance but the Tyrone men battled away and ran out winners on a score line of Strabane 2-5 Lisbellaw 1-2.
The stage was now set for the Alan Ryan final where Aodh Ruadh won the toss and played with the strong breeze against Na Magha. Having reached the final the boys were determined not to lose another final this weekend. The boys gave it their all and chased and blocked everything in a game in which both sides tore into each other and left nothing in the tank. It was one of the best hurling games seen in Fr. Tierney park in years. The homesters ran out worthy winners on a 1-5 to 0-2 score line. The boys were delighted to have won and to have played in such a tough sporting game, our large home support gave the lads a great reception coming off the field.
From the field of play it was up to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh to enjoy the feast of food which had been put on by the Ryan and Grimes families and also by the lads' families. Club stalwart and father of the late Alan Ryan, Martin 'Kerry' Ryan began proceedings by thanking all the teams who had travelled to the tournament. He then thanked the Ryan and Grimes families and all the players families for all the food which had been put on. He thanked John Rooney and the Aodh Ruadh juvenile hurling committee who run this tournament annually. He thanked the Aodh Ruadh club and Pat Melaniff for the excellent condition of the pitches and he thanked the referees and umpires. He had a special word for Billy Finn who couldn't be there and he thanked all the sponsors. He then called on Eddie Grimes, son of the late Seamus Grimes, to present the Seamus Grimes Memorial trophy to the Strabane captain. Eddie on behalf of the Grimes family thanked all who had made the day possible, thanked the clubs who travelled, thanked all who helped with the catering and spoke of how proud his father would be at such a great day of hurling.
Next to speak was Aodh Ruadh juvenile hurling chairman, John Rooney. He thanked all the clubs, those who helped with the food, the referees, umpires all the Aodh Ruadh juvenile hurling committee, Park Committee, Pat Melaniff and he gave special thanks to Brian Drummond who had spent the day taking photos at the event. He spoke of the late Alan Ryan and how he had no doubt that he would have made a great senior hurler and how it was great to see his nephews playing hurling for the club. He also spoke of the late Seamus Grimes and described him as one of the best hurlers ever produced in Donegal. He spoke of Seamus's passion for the game and how he always had respect for his opponents and always played the game hard and fair and encouraged all the teams he played and managed to play that way. Rooney finished by thanking all the teams for the hard, sporting way they played the game and looked forward to seeing them all in 2012. He then called on the defeated Na Magha captain and team to come forward and accept their runners-up medals from Father McManus. He then called on Caroline Ryan, sister of the late Alan Ryan, to come forward and present the Alan Ryan trophy to a delighted Aodh Ruadh captain, Tommy Gillespie. Tommy, when put on the spot and asked for few words, gave a great speech thanking all who had made the day possible and thanked all the opposing teams for very competitive games. And that brought an end to a great day. We have a full report, a video clip of an Aodh Ruadh goal and 60 cracking images from the day's action up.
We are hosting an under 8 blitz this Sunday 8th May all players to be up at 10.30am. play begins at 11am all help much appreciated.
~ LADIES ~
The Senior ladies will play MacCumhaill's at home this weekend. The exact date and time of the game will be confirmed later in the week.This Tuesday evening, 3rd May, the under 14 girls will travel to Glencolumbkille for their first outing in the league this year. Throw in is set for 7pm.
The under 12s are training this Wednesday, 4th May, from 4.30pm to 5.30pm up at the park and also on Monday, 9th May, from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.
The under 10 and under 8 girls will be training from 5.30pm to 6.30pm this Wednesday, 4th May.
~ OFF THE PITCH ~
There was a big night in Slevin's department store last Thursday when there was a Super Spring Fashion Show in support of North West Hospice. There was a big involvement from club members in the event. Well done to all concerned on a great night. We have a few shots from the show.Donegal Creameries have announced details of their new GAA competition offer as part of their Great Token Round-Up promotion! You can get the chance to meet the Donegal senior team before their Ulster Championship match against Antrim on Sunday May 15th. Winners will also get an official Donegal GAA kit and four tickets. To be in with a chance of winning collect 50 tokens and post them, along with your name, age, address and contact telephone number to GAA Competition, Donegal Creameries, Crossroads, Killygordon, Co. Donegal. In addition official Donegal GAA jerseys are available at the special price of €30 along with promotional tokens. Tokens are now available on all Donegal Creameries milk products. See www.daisi.ie for further details and a full list of Daisi catalogue options. the closing date for entries is Friday 6th May.
- 10 May
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~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh hosted Urris in Father Tierney Park last Sunday in a game which would have considerable bearing on the complexion of the top of the table. There was a strong wind at the Ballyshannon venue. A strong second half performance from the homesters was the difference. Playing with a strong wind in the first Aodh Ruadh went in leading by 0-9 to 0-3 at half time. That didn't look like it would be enough and Urris started the second half in great style when a Darren Grant free and a superb goal from Alan Friel, followed by a point from Liam Diver reduced the deficit to two points on a score line of 0-10 to 1-5. Ballyshannon upped the work rate in the last quarter with the Aodh Ruadh full back, Philip O'Reilly compensating for his loose marking on the Urris goal by snuffing out everything that came his way for the remainder of the game. As Urris tired in the final quarter, Ballyshannon got the last five scores of the game, including a rasping goal from Ronan McGurrin, to seal the points for the homesters. Some pictures from the game plus a full match report.Aodh Ruadh reserves chalked up a convincing 5-11 to 1-7 win against Urris on Sunday. Built on powerful work around the middle of the field from Martin Gallagher, Fiachra McIntyre and David Finnerty, Aodh Ruadh spent much of the match on the attack. Especially sharp was Steven Perry, if he doesn't appear on a Jim McGuinness team list before long some serious questions will have to be asked. We even have a video on aodhruadh.org, to make Jim's job easier. Perry registered a goal and a number of classy points. Joe Watson had a good day at the office too, finishing with 2-2. Diarmuid McInerney and Martin Gallagher also raised green flags. Once again Barry Travers was a defensive colossus, polishing up anything that came his way, the young lads around him must surely be learning much about how to play our great game. Apart from that video, we also have a number of very fine pictures of the action.
There is no fixture this weekend. Our intermediate championship clash against Fanad Gaels has been confirmed for Sunday 22nd May with the reserve game at 1.30pm and the seniors at 3pm. We have a few shots and a bit of video from a session Anthony McGrath did with the adult footballers last week up. Ronan Matthews is due off on military duties in the near future. He was pitch-side against Urris for his last game before departure. Everyone in the club wishes Ronan well for the forth-coming trip and hopefully we'll see him back in the white and green safe and sound before very long.
The minors await the completion of the league stages, but given that the final round of games in section one have now been slated for 24th June the wait looks like being a long one
Aodh Ruadh's under 16s earned the club its first footballing silverware of the season with a gutsy 1-13 to 0-9 win over Dungloe in the Southern Regional final in Dunkineely. Ballyshannon had stars all over the pitch. Daniel Kelly was outstanding in nets, while Matthew Maguire and Ryan Patton gave great performances in the first half when they were needed. Darren Gethins was exceptional at half back, while Paddy Gillespie got through a huge amount of work. Pauric Patton was immense in midfield. Up front James Kelly got the vital goal and was a very creative influence. David McGurrin top scored with four points, followed by Jamie McDonald who notched three from play. There is a full match report from the game, plus pictures from Cathal Maguire up. Next up is Buncrana in the county league semi-final. There was no fixture available at time of mailing.
Aodh Ruadh under 14s commence their league season at home against Naomh Mhuire this Wednesday at 7.30pm in Father Tierney Park. They concluded their programme of pre-season challenges with a win over Errigal Ciaran. We have pictures from that encounter up.
Our under 12s travelled to Naomh Columba on Monday evening. There is training again this Wednesday, 11th May at 4.15pm and there is another game next Monday 16th May, this time at home in Father Tierney Park to Naomh Mhuire. Players are asked to be up at the park for 5.45pm next Monday
Aodh Ruadh hosted their first under 10 blitz of the year last Saturday with teams from Saint Naul's, Naomh Mhuire and Naomh Bríd attending. We were blessed with a good day and a great time was had by all with some great football being played. Many thanks to everyone who helped out, particularly the match officials and everyone who helped with food. We have pictures from the day's action up. Training continues this Saturday 14th May from 11am to 12noon.
There is Community Games on this Friday, so there will be no under 6 or under 8 this week. We do have pictures from last week's session up though.
Donegal take on Antrim this Sunday in MacCumhaill park. Aodh Ruadh will be providing stewards to the game. Anyone interested in helping out with the stewarding for this game is asked to contact Terence McShea on 087-2360815.
~ HURLING ~
On Thursday last our under 14s continued their good form in the Donegal league by travelling to the home of Donegal hurling, Burt and coming away with a comprehensive victory. This leaves the lads unbeaten, and joint top of the league with Buncrana. They face a difficult trip to Inishowen to play Buncrana this Thursday. The bus leaves Father Tierney Park at 4.30pm. On Monday next they open their defence of the Fermanagh League with a trip to Lisbellaw.On Sunday we hosted an under 8 hurling blitz in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Teams travelled from Saint Eunan's (2), Dungloe, and Setanta to compete in the blitz. We fielded two teams and they competed very well. After a slow start, losing their first game, they were undefeated for the rest of the day winning two and drawing two. It was a great day of hurling with over 70 youngsters playing. Thanks to all who helped on the day making it a great success. Thanks to all the parents who catered for all the youngsters and adults. Well done and thanks to Pauric Keenaghan and Kerry Ryan junior who managed the two teams, Eddie Lynch who co-ordinated the event and Peter Horan, Michael Ayres and Kevin McDermott who assisted in the running of the event. Special thanks to our young hurlers who reffed the games, current under 16 and under 14 hurlers Ciaran Rami, Conor Kennedy and Rossa McCosker. Thanks also to Brian Drummond and Ronan Matthews who captured the highlights of the day, you can see the fruits of their labours. Finally thanks to Father McManus for the use of the Rock Hall for changing and catering.
On Monday evening the Aodh Ruadh under 16 hurlers banished the nightmare of their opening game mauling at the hands of Lisbellaw in the Fermanagh League by comprehensively defeating them 8-9 to 4-3 in Father Tierney Park. The lads put in a tremendous effort, full of passion, commitment and work rate which gave them a great win. This panel suffered a huge 47 point defeat against Lisbellaw of a month ago. Their commitment and passion were questioned, but they put in a tremendous effort in training over the last month to show management what they were capable off. After such a defeat it would have been very easy for these lads to walk away from hurling, but they are made off better stuff. The 17 of them on Monday night put on a performance to be proud off, management were strong in their criticism of the lads in their opening game because they knew what the boys were capable off and didn't want them to waste the great work the lads have put in over the years. In the last month the lads have met all the challenges put to them and have really applied themselves in training and they got their just rewards on Monday night and fair play to them!
The final Hurlathon cards are in and we are delighted to say we raised €8,650.89. This was a tremendous fund-raising effort by the Juvenile hurling committee. Well done to all who worked so hard at this venture and thanks to all who supported our efforts.
Training for all ages continues this Sunday at 12 noon.
~ LADIES ~
Aodh Ruadh ladies got our super Sunday off to a great start with a 3-12 to 0-5 win over MacCumhaill's in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. This was a game where Aodh Ruadh played well, but took time to reflect it on the score board. It was 0-5 to 0-3 in favour of Ballyshannon at half time. The Ernesiders were more clinical in the second half as Donna Martin, Dearbhaile McNeill, Alannah Pickens and Maeve Liston all chipped in with important scores. MacCumhaill's battled until the end and it was only in the last five minutes, when the homesters hit their three goals, that Aodh Ruadh put the game away. We have pictures from the game up.Aodh Ruadh ladies club wish Maeve Liston and the Donegal under 16 team good luck, when they travel to Belfast to take on Antrim in the Ulster Championship this Tuesday at 7pm.
The under 14s take on Ardara this Tuesday evening, 10th May, in Father Tierney Park at 6.30pm
The under 12s are training this Wednesday, 11th May, from 4.30pm to 5.30pm up at the park. There is no training next Monday.
The under 10 and under 8 girls will be training from 5.30pm to 6.30pm this Wednesday, 11th May.
~ OFF THE PITCH ~
Thursday 12th May is a date you might like to mark in your diary with a Health and Wellbeing event in Donegal town open to the public free of charge. This Health and Wellbeing evening, which is the second such event organised by the Donegal Creameries and the National Dairy Council, takes place in the Mill Park Hotel and sets out to be informative as well as entertaining. Daisi.ie has further information.
- 17 May
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~ FOOTBALL ~
A big weekend looms for the club as our seniors and reserves commence their intermediate championship campaigns with games against Fanad Gaels this Sunday 22nd May. The reserve game at 1.30pm and the seniors at 3pm. After a heavy defeat by Fanad Gaels in Castlefinn last Autumn relegated Aodh Ruadh to the third flight, both the seniors and reserves have shown steadily improving form. An infusion of younger players and commendable work ethic have seen Ballyshannon become a radically different proposition. Fanad might be flying high in division two, lying second behind Kilcar, but the games on Sunday promise to be a much more keenly fought affair than that played out last Halloween. We urge all Aodh Ruadh supporters and the broader Ballyshannon community to come out and get behind both sides for these crucial championship encounters and be our 16th man.A superior second half from Buncrana saw them book their place in the county league semi-final at the expense of Aodh Ruadh on a score line of 2-7 to 0-8 last Sunday. It was a cagey affair in the first half, with Ballyshannon going in leading by a point at the break. In the second half Buncrana hit a couple of goals and Aodh Ruadh struggled to find a response. Best for Aodh Ruadh were Goal-keeper Daniel Kelly was superb again, saving two certain goal in each half to keep Aodh Ruadh in the tie; Matthew Maguire, who neutralised his man well and played flawlessly and bravely, sustaining a bang on the head near the end; Colm Kelly who swept up a lot of ball and linked up well with Eamon McGrath in midfield; and James Kelly who showed real bottle and fought to the very end. Michael McNeely and David McGurrin also acquitted themselves well up front. Cathal Maguire took some shots of the game and we have those up. The next action for Aodh Ruadh's under 16s comes in the championship when they face Four Masters in Tir Chonaill park in the first round, first leg on Monday, 27th June.
The under 14s got their season off to a dream start with a 7-9 to 0-5 over Naomh Mhuire in Father Tierney park last Wednesday. The Annagry lads made a right battle of things in the first half, but Ballyshannon pulled away in the second. Nathan Boyle did well from half back and was an important factor in thwarting Naomh Mhuire's attacking potential. Conor Kennedy and Jason Gallagher were very dominant in the centre of the field, while Ryan Gallagher was in exceptional dangerous form up front. However it was a good, well-balanced all round performance from Aodh Ruadh which secured the win. In an interesting development elsewhere, red hot favourites for the division, Naomh Conaill, went down to a one point defeat by Ardara in their first game of the campaign, a result that really opens the division up. Next up for Aodh Ruadh is the trip to Tir Chonaill park to take on Four Masters this Wednesday, 18th May. Throw in is at 7.30pm.
Aodh Ruadh under 12s lost to Naomh Mhuire on Monday evening by 4-4 to 5-7. It was an encouraging performance from the lads, with good displays from John Conor McGarrigle in goals, Shane Gillespie and Pauric Keenaghan in defence and Michael McKenna and Liam Sullivan who took up the cudgels in midfield, while up front Shane Dorrian and Conal Sweeny were very sharp and showed some skilful touches. There is training for the under 12s this Wednesday, 18th May, and Monday, 23rd May, at 4.15pm. The next game takes place on Monday, 30th May, when Kilcar visit Father Tierney park.
The under 10s are training on Saturday morning from 11am to 12 noon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The next blitz is due to take place on Saturday 4th June in Bundoran
The under 8s and under 6s resume training in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this Friday from 6pm to 7pm.
A mixed Sunday for Donegal on Sunday. The minors fell victim to a well-drilled Antrim outfit, while the seniors made heavy weather of putting away an insipid Saffron challenge. We have pictures from the senior match and the minor game, including our own Conor Patton. Well done to Shane Dorrian who represented the club and his school in the half-time mini-games during the senior game. We have pictures of Shane's endeavours up. Off course there was also Ballyshannon representation in the stands and we got a few shots of some of the Erneside supporters.
There is a Football board meeting this Thursday, 19th May in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 9pm. All committee members are asked to attend.
~ HURLING ~
On Thursday last our under 14 hurlers suffered their first defeat in the Donegal League away to a strong Buncrana team. Both teams were evenly matched and served up a great game. It was nip and tuck throughout, but the Buncrana boys ability to pick off points was the difference and they ran out winners on a score line of 0-9 to 1-3. The under 14s opened the defence of their Fermanagh league title with a comprehensive win away in Lisbellaw. The game was played in atrocious conditions at the Fermanagh venue. Both teams deserve great credit for a tough, sporting game on such a terrible night. Aodh Ruadh put in a great battling display and their greater physical strength and allowed them to run out convincing winners on a 4-7 to 2-1 score line. We play our final league game this Thursday at home to Carndonagh.Aodh Ruadh juvenile hurlers were well represented in O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny on Saturday last as Donegal played Down in the Ulster hurling championship. Aaron Fannon, Pat Faherty, Thomas Anderson, Conor McNeely and Rory Cullen were part of the minor squad who suffered a heavy defeat against the Mourne Men. Under 14 hurlers Oisín Rooney and Stephen Anderson representing Creevy National School took part in the INTO exhibition game at half time in the senior game between Donegal and Down and we have a picture of the lads. Commiserations to our under 16 hurling manager, Peter Horan, who was corner forward on the Donegal senior side who lost to Down in the Ulster Championship by 3-16 to 1-13. Donegal played quite well and Peter had a very good game capped with a great point before half time. Best of luck to Donegal as they travel to play South Down in the Lory Meagher semi-final this Saturday in Newry.
Our under 10s are taking part in an all-County blitz in Dungloe this Sunday, Eddie Lynch will contact all players before the weekend. Any underage hurler wishing to purchase a helmet please contact any underage manager.
Training for all ages continues this Sunday at 12 noon.
~ LADIES ~
The under 14 game against Kilcar scheduled for tomorrow evening, Tuesday, 17th May, has been postponed. The under 14s will take on Saint Naul's next week at home in the next round of the league.The under 12s are training this Wednesday, 18th May, and Monday 23rd May from 4.30pm to 5.30pm up at the park.
Weather permitting, the under 10 and under 8 girls will be training from 5.30pm to 6.30pm this Wednesday, 18th May.
~ OFF THE PITCH ~
Father Tierney Park played host to the Community Games last Friday. There were a huge number of children present to compete in the various sprinting, hurdle and longer distance events. Needless to say there was a strong Aodh Ruadh representation present on the day. Well done to everyone who took part and those who organised. The various category winners and runners-up now go forward to the county finals in Milford on Saturday 11th June. The club wishes all the Ballyshannon competitors the very best at the finals. We have over 50 pictures from the evening up.The club extends its best wishes to Ronan Matthews who is due to head off on military duties in the near future to Lebanon shortly. He was pitch-side for the league match against Urris for his last game before departure. We wish Ronan well for the forth-coming trip and hopefully we'll see him back in the white and green safe and sound before very long. There's a couple of pictures of Rodney up, one of which is has an extended caption detailing the 104th Battalion's schedule.
Two new additions in the off the pitch section of aodhruadh.org. First is a call for applications to take part in the showcase auditions for Ballyshannon Folk Festival, with a prize package worth over €1,000 up for grabs. The second is correspondence from the Donegal Sports Partnership inviting contributions on planning the future of sport in Donegal.
- 24 May
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~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh secured an excellent 1-8 to 0-10 win in the Intermediate Championship against Fanad Gaels on Sunday. There was a strong breeze and Aodh Ruadh elected to play with it in the first half. A goal from Turlough McIntyre was vital to give the homesters a lead to defend in the second half against the wind of 1-5 to 0-3. Fanad had a couple of very productive spells in the second half, but a strong display in defence and midfield restricted the damage. The sides swapped scores in the closing moments, but a point from David Dolan sealed the win for Ballyshannon. Best for Aodh Ruadh were Philip O'Reilly and Ciron Whoriskey in defence, particularly in the second half, Michael Gurn shone in centre field, while Sticky Ward, Turlough McIntyre and David Dolan offered a consistent threat up front. We have a full match report and pictures up.If anything, the reserves win was even more impressive. Down by 0-4 to 1-3 at half time and facing a second half playing into a stiff breeze it looked bad, but they delivered a really gutsy performance to wrestle a win on a score line of 2-11 to 1-7. Best for Aodh Ruadh were David Finnerty and Barry Travers in defence, both of whom, apart from thwarting Fanad attacks, managed to get up the pitch and clip over points. Ronan Drummond provided a very dynamic and creative presence at centre half back. In the second half Kieran Keown, Martin Gallagher, Pauric Loughlin, Chris Goan and Diarmaid McInerney really upped the ante, and the collective efforts of that quintet played a huge role in turning the game around. We have a full match report and pictures up.
It was good to see a decent support up for the games and we have some crowd shots, have a look and see if you were caught.
The next assignment for Aodh Ruadh is in division three and the visit of Saint Naul's to Father Tierney Park on Friday, 27th May. The reserve game throws in at 6.30pm and is followed by the senior game at 8pm. Like Aodh Ruadh, Saint Naul's are fresh from a fine championship win last weekend. Stephen Griffin scored 1-10 as they came back from a nightmare opening to defeat Naomh Bríd by 1-12 to 2-3.
In the hiatus ahead of their championship meeting with Four Masters on Monday, 27th June, the under 16s have been playing a series of challenges. The most recent one was against Glencar Manorhamilton and we have pictures of that up.
The under 14s defeated Four Masters by 2-4 to 1-11 last Wednesday. It's notable how well the team are working as a unit and last Wednesday was another good team performance. Gavin McDaid did very well against a dangerous Four Masters attack with Nathan Boyle and Brendan Gillespie giving him good protection in defence. Aodh Ruadh were strong in the centre of the park where Conor Kennedy and Jason Gallagher had the better of the exchanges. Ballyshannon's goal came from Philip Patton, which put the gloss on a polished performance. Shane McGrath would have been one of the leading candidates for man of the match with his attacking display. Next up for Aodh Ruadh is the visit of Na Rossa this Friday, 27h May. Throw in is at 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh..
There is training for the under 12s this Wednesday, 25th May at 4.15pm. The next game takes place on Monday, 30th May, when Kilcar visit Father Tierney park. The games throw in at 6.30pm next Monday, all players up for 5.45pm.
The under 10s are training on Saturday morning from 11am to 12 noon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The next blitz is due to take place on Saturday 4th June in Bundoran.
The under 8s and under 6s continue training in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this Friday from 6pm to 7pm.
The Creevy School mixed league commenced last Wednesday. The first series of games resulted in wins for teams captained by Ryan McKenna and Ronan McMullen over Shannon O Donnell and Ruby Hurst. Referees were Jamie Timoney and Terence McShea. This is the tenth year of the competition, which selects boys and girls on each team with the Fr Ó Fearrai Cup up for grabs for the winners. Everyone in fifth and sixth class is encouraged to take part.
Congratulations to Terence McShea who took change of the senior championship match between Killybegs and Kilcar over the weekend
The club is pleased to announce that Teddy Kane will commence underage coaching in the club area in the coming weeks.
~ HURLING ~
Congratulations to the Donegal senior hurlers who booked their place in the Lory Meagher cup final with a 1-15 to 1-12 victory over South Down last weekend. They will face Tyrone in the decider.We had four of our under 15 hurlers on the Donegal under 15 development squad which took part in an Ulster council blitz in Randalstown on Saturday last. Donegal played Antrim and Armagh and were defeated in both games. Aodh Ruadh's representatives were Colm Kelly, Jamie Brennan, Ciaran Rami and Niall Harley. John Rooney was the manager of this squad.
Our under 16 hurlers notched up their third win in the Fermangh under 16 league on Monday night away to Lisnaskea, the game was played in atrocious conditions of gale force wind and rain. After a slow start the Ballyshannon lads battled hard through out and ran out convincing winners. In doing so they qualified to meet old rivals Lisbellaw in the Fermanagh League final which takes place on Thursday 23rd June.
The under 14 hurlers have a tough encounter coming up in Father Tierney Park this Thursday at 7pm against Saint Eunan's in the league semi-final. All support welcome and much appreciated.
We are hosting an under 12 hurling blitz this Sunday throw in at 11am.
Our under 10s were in action last weekend when they played a blitz in Dungloe on Sunday, 22nd May. We played five games over the day against opposition from Dungloe, Saint Eunan's, Gaoth Dobhair, Letterkenny Gaels and Setanta. Aodh Ruadh put on a great display, playing some fine hurling they came out tops winning all of their games. It's great to see that they are getting a good grip of the game and are starting to hold their positions and getting in front of their markers. Even the weather held out for the blitz, with no rain with just a little wind. A great day was had by all and we look forward go our next blitz. We have a few pictures from the day up.
Training for all ages continues this Sunday at 12 noon.
~ LADIES ~
The senior ladies championship commences this week, however Aodh Ruadh Ladies have a bye into next round, which means that as of yet there is no fixture for the ladies this weekend.Due to weather conditions Monday evening's under 14 game against Saint Naul's was cancelled.
The under 12s are training this Wednesday, 25th May, and Monday 30th May from 4.30pm to 5.30pm up at the park.
Weather permitting, the under 10 and under 8 girls will be training from 5.30pm to 6.30pm this Wednesday, 25th May.
- 31 May
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~ FOOTBALL ~
The senior footballers suffered a championship hangover with a 1-6 to 0-15 defeat in Father Tierney Park last week. On the day they were beaten by a hungrier and more aggressive Naul's outfit. The first half was nip and tuck with a Ballyshannon goal giving the homesters the lead. Turlough McIntyre tackled the Saint Naul's full back on his way out forcing him to spill possession. McIntyre flicked the ball up to Brian Roper who drew a man before slipping the ball back to McIntyre who slammed the ball home. However a string of pointed frees for Saint Naul's before half time handed the initiative to the Mountcharles men. Aodh Ruadh got the deficit down to a one point game with ten minutes to go, but Saint Naul's powered away in the closing minutes to take the points. Best for Aodh Ruadh were Conor Patton who was excellent as ever at centre half back, Philip O'Reilly also soldiered well in defence. Up front Turlough McIntyre battled very well in difficult circumstances. We have pictures of the match up.The reserves continued their remarkable progress this year, with another hard-earned win. The emerged 1-10 to 0-12 winners over Saint Naul's with a performance which showcased the sides offensive and defensive qualities. Aodh Ruadh fired well in the first half and were five points up at the half time break. In the second half Ballyshannon had to hold off a determined charge from the visitors and a good battling performance saw the two points staying on Erneside. Garrett Blake got the goal for Aodh Ruadh and had a very solid outing in general. Shane McShea did a great job in midfield. Defensively, Brian McGuinness put in some great work over the 60. There are pictures of the game up.
There are no matches for the seniors or reserves this weekend.
Na Rossa under 14s failed to show last Friday so Aodh Ruadh were awarded a walk-over. The next assignment for the Aodh Ruadh under 14s is the visit to Father Tierney Park of fellow table toppers, Ardara. A time and date for that fixture has yet to be tied down.
Aodh Ruadh under 12 A side marked a significant notch in their progress with a draw against a very good Kilcar outfit on Monday evening. The score line was 5-5 to 4-8, but Aodh Ruadh showed great spirit and drive to get the result. John Conor McGarrigle in goals made some brilliant saves, while the defence of Michael McKenna, Kieran Meehan, Pauric Keenaghan and Shane Gillespie were powerful and strong. The midfield of Cian McGloin and Dylan Gallagher competed very well in centre field. Up front, Liam O'Sullivan, Odhran O'Neill, Shane Dorrian and Conal 'The Bomber' Sweeny were all very lively and provided a good attacking outlet. Well done also to the B team who won by 5-2 to 1-3. Both teams have shown huge improvement in the past while and it is great to see the lads coming on so well thanks to their hard work. There is training for the under 12s this Wednesday, 1st June at 4.15pm. The next game takes place on Monday, 6th June, when the lads are down to travel to Dungloe. The games throw in at 6.30pm next Monday, and all players must be up at the park for 4.15pm.
The under 10s are going to Bundoran this Saturday 4th for a blitz. We will be travelling to Bundoran in convoy so we would appreciate if as many parents as possible could remain on to help with transport. Players to assemble at the Park for 10.15am.
The under 8s and under 6s continue training in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this Friday from 6pm to 7pm.
Best of luck to Scoil Chatriona for their sports day this coming Friday 3rd June in Father Tierney Park from 10am to 2pm.
~ HURLING ~
Our under 14 hurlers had a great win over Saint Eunan's in the league semi-final on Thursday last in Father Tierney Park. The lads put in a great hour of hurling, full of passion and commitment allowing them run out convincing winners on a 6-6 to 2-2 score line. There is a full match report and pictures up. This win sees the team qualify for their third U14 A league final in a row, setting up a repeat of the 2009 and 2010 finals where they meet current Ulster Féile division three champions, Buncrana. The final takes place in O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny with a throw in time of 7pm. We wish them well in this tough encounter.We hosted an under 12 blitz on Sunday morning, the following teams took part Letterkenny Gaels, Dungloe and Saint Eunan's the lads played very well and their enthusiasm shone out all day resulting in them winning their three games. Thanks to all who helped make the day such a success especially the visiting clubs the referees and the caterers. Thanks to Brian Drummond for capturing the day's action which includes some video footage of a disputed goal, was it over the line, you decide!
This Friday we are going to Lisbellaw to take part in an evening's hurling for under 8s, under 10s and under 12s.
Good luck to the Donegal hurlers in the Lory Meagher final this Sunday against Tyrone in Croke park. Best wishes especially our under 16 manager Peter Horan, and Bundoran's Paul Sheridan who are on the playing panel and also to Aidan Begley who is involved in the management of the team. The game throws-in at 12 noon.
Training continues as normal at 12 noon on Sunday.
~ LADIES ~
It's a busy week for the under 14 girls this week as they take on Kilcar at home this Tuesday at 7pm. They will travel to Donegal town to play Four Masters on Friday at 7.30pm. Then next week the girls will play Saint Naul's at home on Tuesday at 7pm.The under 12s will play their first game of the season at 7pm on Wednesday, 1st June, in a challenge against Erne Gaels, all girls to be up for 6.30pm.. This game will serve as preparation for the girls' first outing in the Go Games blitz which will take place this Saturday in Donegal town. All players are asked to be at the park for 1pm. No girls under 12 training next bank holiday Monday.
The under 10 and under 8 girls will be training from 5.30pm to 6.30pm this Wednesday, 1st June.