Club Notes Archive - 2011
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SEPTEMBER- 6 September
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~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh were left with much to ponder after being overpowered by Saint Naul's by 1-12 to 0-4 in the sides' first round first leg meeting at Páirc Gearoid Ó Gallachoir. The first half was very difficult with playing conditions very poor, but when the rain relented it was Saint Naul's who seemed better equipped to take advantage. In the end Stephen Griffin cut loose as Mountcharles piled on scores in the closing minutes. For Aodh Ruadh Brian Roper worked hard and Ronan McGurrin got a fine point. Philip O'Reilly and PJ McGee tried hard defensively, but generally it was a day to take the lessons from and move on from a Aodh Ruadh persepective. We have pictures and a full match report from the game.The reserves picked a bad time to sink to their first competitive loss of the season in this first round first leg clash with Saint Naul's. Although the Ernesiders were down a number of key personnel they started well and midway through the first half were leading by 0-5 with 0-3 Diarmaid McInerney and Garrett Blake hitting a couple of quality scores. Then Saint Naul's hit a purple patch during which they tagged on seven unanswered points to go in at the break leading by 0-10 to 0-5. Aodh Ruadh came out fighting in the second half and got the game back to 0-10 to 0-9. The key phase of play came when an Anthony Coughlan goal chance was denied only for Saint Naul's to counter rapidly and put the ball in the Ballyshannon net. After that the game quickly went away from the visitors and Mountcharles ran out comfortable winners. We have a full team list and pictures from the game.
The minors lost their first round first leg championship game against Kilcar on Monday evening by 2-12 to 1-7 in Father Tierney Park. Aodh Ruadh were minus the considerable talents of Conor Patton with a facial injury and Niall Murray with ankle ligament after their exertions in Mountcharles on Saturday evening. Nevertheless, facing a fancied Kilcar outfit, Aodh Ruadh gave a determined performance. Despite that the visitors were impressive and were five to the good at the turnaround despite having hit a number of wides. They were more clinical in the second half, and finished up double scores winners. There were a number of encouraging performances for Ballyshannon. Jamie McDonald got a couple of great points while James Kelly drifted up to get the goal for the homesters. Ryan Granaghan didn't get much ball at full forward in the first half, but battled well in midfield when he came out the pitch in second half. Ronan McGurrin also won some great ball in midfield. David McGurrin hit a number of good points while Johnny Gethins was also threatening, hitting the post with great effort on goal when the game was in the mixer. Daniel Kelly did very well in goals with one fantastic stop in particular. We have pictures from the encounter. The minors second leg game takes place in Kilcar the Friday, 9th September, at 6pm.
The under 16s claimed Aodh Ruadh's first county title at this grade since 1997 on a score line of Aodh Ruadh 2-18 Naomh Mhuire 1-5. Indeed, the margin of victory would have been wider had an excellent goal by James Kelly not been incorrectly ruled out for square ball. With David McGurrin and Jamie McDonald in rapacious form from the get go and Ballyshannon players winning practically every battle across the field the game was all but out of sight after 15 minutes when Aodh Ruadh were 1-10 to 0-0 up. Naomh Mhuire rattled the Ernesiders hard after half time, but a Johnny Gethins goal 20 minutes from time effectively finished the contest. We have a full match report and pictures up, plus links to two further match reports from what was great night for Aodh Ruadh.
The under 13 game between Aodh Ruadh and Naomh Mhuire last Friday was the kind of game they used to write verse about in more cultured times. This is more of a prose poem, but hopefully it does the event some small justice.
A mighty gale blew as 15 valiant men left the fair banks of Ballyshanny,
and set off among the twists and the turns for Mullaghdearg, fine home of Anna'gry.
13 souls took to the sandy sod bearing the storied white and green,
as fine a group of footballers as the Erne had ever seen.
The Annagry boys remained unmoved by the brave Aodh Ruadh assembly,
and laid into them so hard, by God, t'would make you go quite trembly.
At half time the score stood 5-2 to 0-5,
when the Aodh Ruadh boys reached the dressing room, sure they were only half alive.
Up stood Raymond Granaghan and gave a primal scream,
when they came out for the second half they were a totally different team.
Ten minutes into the second term the boards read 7-3 to 0-5,
and now the time had come for Ballyshannon, their fortunes to revive.
With point and goal the Naomh Mhuire posts were rifled, struck and pelted,
as in face of Erneside pace, the Annagry defence was melted.
The clock showed time was up when Aodh Ruadh had restored equality,
but The McGrath and bold Shane Dorrian had a few tricks up their sleeve.
Three points more did that pair post in injury added time,
to secure a victory that will live till the last sun does decline.
Battered, bruised but victorious, the 15 left the scene,
with a 22 point turnaround, an achievement quite supreme.
Our song is done and reached end and we've nothing left but thanks,
for the memories of those 15 brave Aodh Ruadh boys who fought at Annagry Banks.In more conventional terms, there was a magnificent and sporting display of football from both teams which saw the action swing breathlessly from end to end. There was brilliant play in the full back line from Jason Granaghan ably assisted by Dylan Gallagher and a resurgent half back line in which Nathan Boyle and Michael McKenna were outstanding in driving Aodh Ruadh forward. The midfield of Oisín Rooney and Ryan McKenna began to dominate in the final quarter while up front Jimmy Ward, Shane McGrath and Shane Dorrian clicked to lethal effect to leave the sides level on 60 minutes. Two minutes of injury time were played and Shane McGrath and Shane 'Messi' Dorrian kicking the three winning points to break Naomh Mhuire hearts. The immortal 15 were as follows: Oisín Kerr; Jason Granaghan, Dylan Gallagher; Michael McKenna, Nathan Boyle, Patrick McCafferty; Ryan McKenna, Shane McGrath; Jimmy Ward, Oisín Rooney, Cian McGloin; Shane Dorrian, Odhran O'Neill. Subs used: Nathan McNeely, Aaron Clarke. The under 13s next game is this Friday, 9th September at 6.30pm in Father Tierney Park against Naomh Conaill. All players to be up for 5.45pm.
~ HURLING ~
On Thursday night last the Aodh Ruadh under 16 hurlers travelled to Burt to play Burt in the championship quarter final, it was a very close game throughout and Aodh Ruadh met a much improved and fired up Burt team than the one they played earlier in the league. Both teams were evenly matched throughout and they put on a great display of hurling. Aodh Ruadh led by two points well into injury time when the Burt men struck for a goal. Our lads showed great determination and character to fight back and get an equalising point, which left the final score Burt 2-5 Aodh Ruadh 1-8 a fair result for both teams great efforts.On the same night the under 12s travelled to Setanta to play the home team. The lads continued their recent improvement in form and ran out deserving winners of a keenly fought contest on a score line of Aodh Ruadh 6-1 Setanta 3-0. The under 12s finish their league campaign this Thursday at home to Strabane.
This Saturday our under 12s and under 14s travel to Ballycastle in Antrim to play a series of games against a number of teams from the Glens. All are looking forward to this trip where the lads will get a chance to show their skills in this well renowned hurling area. Details of the trip will be circulated during the week.
We are hosting an under 8 all county blitz this Sunday with play beginning at 11 am. This is the final blitz of the season for this very dedicated bunch and we would encourage all parents to come out and support their children.
Training as normal for all other ages at 12 noon.
~ MEETING ~
The Finance and Planning Committee meeting takes place on Wednesday 7th September in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 9pm.~ OFF THE PITCH ~
We finally have the pictures from the All-Ireland semi-final between Donegal and Dublin up. A great day out, shame about the result.
- 13 September
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~ MEETING ~
The monthly football board meeting takes place on Wednesday 14th September in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 9pm. The draw for the All-Ireland tickets will be made at this meeting.~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh came out on the wrong side of a low-scoring encounter with Saint Naul's to end their involvement in the intermediate championship. The Mountcharles men led by 0-3 to 0-2 at half time, but the game hung on an incident when the side's were level at 0-5 apiece and the game was heading into the final quarter. Mountcharles launched a long ball in from their own 40 with Barry Griffin the target. Referee Michael McShane whistled for an off the ball infringement, but the ball ran on some 15 metres beyond the point of the infringement. Barry Griffin opportunistically took the free from the wrong spot to his brother Stephen. Aodh Ruadh defenders put in desultory efforts to halt the run of the county man, clearly caught between expecting McShane to recall play and stopping Griffin. The home crowd watched in disbelief as his shot slipped into the net under the left hand of Peter Boyle and McShane awarded the goal. Already down to 14 men it was always going to be a mountain to climb for Aodh Ruadh after that, although they did give it a mighty shot. On the positive side it was a dramatically improved performance from Aodh Ruadh and, on the basis of this performance, we are finally getting the measure of the Mountcharles men after three defeats this season. Best for Aodh Ruadh were Philip O'Reilly and Michael and Conor Gurn. Kerry Ryan did a lot of good work while he was on. Brian Roper gave one of his best performances of the year while Sticky Ward and David Dolan threatened as best they could in a massed Saint Naul's rearguard. We have pictures and a full match report from the game.The reserves were 2-11 to 1-6 winners over Saint Naul's, a result which sees the pair go into a play-off game. The sides were evenly matched in the first half and went in level at half-time 0-5 apiece. In the second half Aodh Ruadh got off to the better start, but were hit with the body blow of an Emmett Blaine goal which put the visitors into a two point lead. As so often this year the reserves weathered the storm and put in a fearsome final quarter to burn off their opponents. Among the best for Ballyshannon were Rian Treanor and Gary Carty in the defence, Carty even getting up for a smartly taken point. Matthew Thompson and Martin Gallagher had good outings at midfield while Spanny Goan hoovered up a huge amount of break ball and hit two fine points. Diarmuid McInerney was in fine form and as the game wore on he got progressively better, engineering and taking his own scores. Ryan Granaghan also had an excellent game with three lovely points from play. We have a full match report and pictures from the game.
There are no fixtures for the seniors or reserves this weekend.
It was heartbreak for the minors last Friday as they came close to taking their tie with Kilcar to the third game with a battling performance in Towney. They lost out to a closing rally of points by the homesters on a score line of 1-12 to 2-7. Aodh Ruadh got off to a bad start, conceding a goal after some confusion in the penalty box. However they gathered themselves well and soon raised a green flag of their own thanks to well-taken goal by David McGurrin. Moments later Johnny Gethins was only inches away from adding a second for the Ernesiders, but his effort flashed wide. Ballyshannon went in at the break ahead by a point. Kilcar came out meaning business in the second half and put the Aodh Ruadh defence under serious pressure, but the visitors soaked it up well and responded with two points to go a goal ahead. As the game entered the closing stages David McGurrin prompted panic in the Kilcar defence with a shot, which was desperately cleared off the line, but it was to prove Aodh Ruadh's last chance of the game. Kilcar ramped up the pressure once more, this time with more solid results and string of five unanswered points saw them book their place in the next round. It was a fine all-round team performance from the 16 who travelled to Kilcar, but Ronan McGurrin was probably man of the match with an excellent display in midfield. The next action for the minors will be the county semi-final, but as yet we have no information on when that might be played.
The under 13s had their first defeat of the season last Friday against a slick Naomh Conaill outfit in Father Tierney Park. After poor first half which saw the homesters down 12 points down at half time, they came back well in the second, but were unable to overturn the deficit and finished seven points behind Glenties. Key to a much improved second half performance were Shane McGrath, Oisín Rooney and Garret Sheerin in attack. Indeed Sheerin contributed a magnificent goal. Defensive there were eye-catching performances from Dylan Gallagher and Caolan Drummond while vigilant Naoise Patton pulled off some great saves. The under 13s next game is this Saturday, 17th September at 11am in Tir Chonaill Park against Four Masters. All players to the park for 9.45am.
~ HURLING ~
The under 12s continued their improved form with a very comprehensive win at home on Thursday last against Strabane Shamrocks to conclude their league campaign. They finished in sixth place missing out on fourth place due to scoring difference. They have shown steady improvement as the season has progressed and they hope to finish with a strong performance as they face Letterkenny Gaels in the C final this Thursday in Letterkenny.On Saturday last the under 12s and under 14s enjoyed a great day trip to the famed McQuillan's club of Ballycastle in the Glens of Antrim. Bright and early we left Father Tierney Park and headed for the North Antrim coast for a fun filled day of hurling. Due to a clash of fixtures a number of teams couldn't field in Ballycastle but the under 14s had two very competitive games, in the first game they played Glenshesk from the Armoy area of Antrim and they came out one point winners after tremendously fought battle on a 3-3 to 2-5 score line. Next up were the current Antrim Féile na Gael champions who reached the Division 2 All-Ireland semi-final, Ballycastle. The Ballyshannon lads put up a great show against their Antrim counterparts who contained some of the famed Donnelly clan in their ranks. There were only three points in the game at half time but the physically stronger Antrim men pulled away in the second half and ran out worthy winners 4-8 to 2-6. Overall the lads put on a great display of hurling the standard of which surprised their Antrim hosts and drew plenty of praise from their mentors.
The under 12s were also in action and they played Ballycastle in a game of four quarters. The Aodh Ruadh team were more than a match for their hosts in the first half, but as the game went on the Antrim team got on top and ran out winners, but not before the under 12s gave a very good account of themselves.
Next it was up to the club rooms where pictures of championship winning McQuillan teams, Antrim teams and Ballycastle All-stars adorned the walls and the boys and their mentors soaked up the tradition of hurling embodied by this famed club. The host club provided us with beautiful soup and sandwiches which were enjoyed and scoffed by all. The lads then watched the Ballycastle senior team limber up before their Antrim senior semi-final against Loughgiel Shamrocks which they would later travel to see.
And so it was onto Armoy for the Antrim semi-final where there was a huge crowd present for this tough championship encounter. The Ballyshannon lads were very impressed by the standard of hurling on show and the passion of the crowd and the whole atmosphere of the occasion. After a closely fought first half Ballycastle were reduced to 13 men in the second half and the current Ulster champions Loughgiel made it through to the county final. Leaving the game we were delighted to meet up with Clare legend and double All Ireland medal winner Ollie Baker who spoke with the lads and happily posed for photographs with them.
As if that wasn't enough the group made their way back to the Central Bar and Restaurant in Ballycastle where the host Phillip McHenry, uncle of young Aodh Ruadh hurlers Brian, Aoise and Peadar, put on a tremendous feed for the lads. Another highlight was the appearance of Antrim Legend Terence 'Sambo' McNaughton who spoke with the lads and was very interested in learning of the lads achievements over the last few years. Then it was back on the bus for the long run home to Ballyshannon and another great day over for underage hurling in the club. Many thanks to the McQuillan's club in Ballycastle for hosting us and for their great hospitality. It is hoped to return it to them in the near future. Many thanks to all who helped make this trip possible especially Brian McHenry and Kevin McShane. We have some pictures from a highly enjoyable trip
Despite the heavy rain on Sunday morning we hosted an all county under 8 blitz. Five teams took part in the blitz two from Saint Eunan's, two teams from Aodh Ruadh and a team from Letterkenny Gaels. All teams got four games and our youngest teams put in another great day's hurling winning the majority of their games. The improvement in this team many of whom only began hurling last March is a credit to their management team of Dennis Daly and Pauric Keenaghan. After the morning's hurling it was up to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh where the young hurlers' mothers added to their famed reputation for catering for all by putting on a great spread of food which was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to all who helped organising this blitz. Thanks to all the ladies who looked after the catering and thanks to the young referees: Colm Kelly, Eddie Lynch, Ciaran Rami and Conor Kennedy who did a great job refereeing the game. We have some pictures from the blitz.
It is hoped that the under 16 championship replay will be taking place this week in Father Tierney Park, date to be finalised.
~ STRICTLY COME DANCING ~
Aodh Ruadh are taking part in Strictly Come Dancing in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran, on Saturday, 29th October. The club is currently recruiting dancers to represent us, so if you have an inner John Travolta or Olivia Newton John to unleash, please give Betty McIntyre (087-2363879) or Moya Ferguson (086-2241585) a call - Your club needs you!~ VOTES OF SYMPATHY ~
The following votes of sympathy were passed at the September monthly meetings of the senior club executive committee. The Murray family on the death Sean Murray, uncle of Val; The family of Sean Drummond; Dessie Brennan on the death of his mother Frances Brennan, Lifford; The Ward family on the death of John Ward; The family of Jim Ivors, Tullaghan; Fr Ó Fearrai on the death of his mother; The family of Jimmy Likely, The Knather; The family of Ulrika Vaughan Dunmuckrim on death of Ulrika's father; The family of Michael Dalton, Belleek Road.
- 20 September
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~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh banished memories of their championship exit somewhat with a good 1-13 to 0-6 home win over Milford. The homesters played with the breeze in the first half, but took a while to hit their stride. They went in leading by 0-8 to 0-2 at the break and looked in for a testing second half. Nerves were eased by a excellent goal from PJ McGee at the start of the second half. An impressive defensive performance and points from Johnny Gallagher, Ronan McGurrin, Donagh McIntyre and two from David Dolan were enough to see Aodh Ruadh secure the two points. Among the stand-outs for Ballyshannon were Mickey Dolan who was outstanding at corner back, Ronan McGurrin who came into his own in the second half and Donagh McIntyre who made a good impact from the bench. We have pictures from the game. Aodh Ruadh seniors are on their travels next weekend. They are off to Downings on Saturday, 24th October, in division three, the game is currently down to throw-in at 6pm.The Milford reserves were a no show so Aodh Ruadh are awarded the points. The reserves will be back in championship action this weekend when they take on Saint Naul's this Saturday, 24th October, in the intermediate reserve championship quarter-final play-off game. This vital clash throws up at 5pm in Bundoran and will have extra-time if necessary. Come out and show your support.
The under 13s were beaten by an injury time point against Four Masters last Saturday, 3-5 to 2-9. In general it was a very good game with both sides playing some good football. There were good Ballyshannon performances from Oisín Rooney at centre back and Jason Granaghan at full back. Ryan McKenna and Shane McGrath both did well at midfield, while Nathan Boyle and Gareth Sheerin were consistently dangerous up front. The under 13's next game is this Saturday, 24th September at 11am in Father Tierney Park against Bundoran. All players to the park for 10.15am.
~ HURLING ~
On Thursday last our under 12s travelled to Páirc na nGaeil in Letterkenny to take on the home club Letterkenny Gaels in the C county final. The lads put in their best performance of the season and ran out convincing winners on a 5-6 to 1-4 score line. Every one of the panel got playing in a performance full of passion and commitment. The lads were delighted with their win but realise if they had played like this earlier in the season they could have played in a higher grade final. Well done to all the panel and their managers Michael Ayres and Kevin McDermott. Many thanks to the loyal supporters who made the trip to Letterkenny and cheered the boys onto victory. We have a picture of the victorious panel.Well done to 12 of our coaches who underwent a foundation coaching course in Father Tierney Park on Saturday. Many thanks to Mickey Glover of the Ulster Council who delivered this informative and enjoyable course. It was very encouraging to see four of our minor hurlers undertaking this course.
On Sunday morning we had our fifth annual skills competition for our under 8 and under 14 hurlers. There was a great turn out and all displayed some great skills and had a very enjoyable morning. Many thanks to all the parents who helped in the running of this event.
The results were as follows:
Under 8
1st Ryan Keenaghan
2nd Aaron Cullen
Joint 3rd Conor Foy and Aaron Neilan
4th Kyle McCaffrey
5th Corey Ryan.Under 14
1st Conor Kennedy
2nd Shane McGrath
Joint 3rd Eugene Drummond and Oisín Rooney
4th Kieran Kelly
5th Garret Sheerin.Thanks to Tara Keenaghan who has published pictures from the skills competition on line.
The skills events for the other age groups will take place on Tuesday.
On Sunday next we host the annual Aodh Ó Dálaigh under 12 tournament. It promises to be a great day of hurling with the clubs taking part from Ballycastle, Glenshesk, Easkey, Coolera / Strandhill, Naomh Eoin and the host club Aodh Ruadh. Play begins at 11am and all support is welcome for what is always a great days hurling in memory of a great club stalwart.
It is hoped that the long running saga over the fixing of league and championship under 16 games will finalised this week.
Aodh Ruadh extends sincere sympathy to Juvenile Hurling Secretary Eddie Lynch on the death of his father PJ Lynch.
~ SCRAP SATURDAY ~
Aodh Ruadh are running a Scrap Saturday fund-raiser to raise much needed funds for the club. We are looking for any scrap metal you might have lying about cluttering up the place: Bikes, radiators, lead, car batteries, etc. We will have a collection point at Father Tierney Park on Saturday 1st and 8th October. You can drop any stuff there or we have lads who will be out in the area collecting the scrap. If you have any scrap you want to get rid off and help the club raise much needed funds, please contact John Rooney (086-2587793) or John Hughes (087-6431805) and they will arrange collection. Spread the word to neighbours and friends.~ STRICTLY COME DANCING ~
Aodh Ruadh dancers commence rehearsals this week for their performances in the Strictly Come Dancing gala in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran, on Saturday, 29th October. Tickets will be available shortly. We will have details of the Aodh Ruadh representatives and tickets in the next notes.
- 27 September
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~ MEETING ~
The monthly club meeting takes place on Thursday 29th September at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.~ FOOTBALL ~
A very understrength seniors side made the trip to Downings last Saturday and were no match for a home outfit on a good run of results. Manager Val Murray found himself between the posts and ended up getting a nasty knee injury for his troubles, we all wish him a speedy recovery. Peter Boyle played out the field and did well hitting five frees to give some kind of respectability to the score line. The Ballyshannon scoring was finished out by Barry Ward as Downings won by 1-10 to 0-6. Thanks to Cathal Maguire we have pictures from the game up.Aodh Ruadh's reserves had to ride their luck against an exceptionally dogged Saint Naul's side to book their place in the semi-final of the intermediate reserve championship. The sides went in at the break 0-4 to 0-2. Aodh Ruadh seemed to have the edge in personnel and possession however they couldn't shake Saint Naul's and a goal from the Mountcharles men in the second half cancelled out Aodh Ruadh's superior point scoring capacity. Saint Naul's hit an injury time free at the end of first half to leave the Ballyshannon attendance at Bundoran's Gaelic Park fearing the worst. However Aodh Ruadh kept plugging away and won a sideline ball in the dying seconds. Diarmuid McInerney stepped up and drove over as sweet a shot as many in the crowd would have seen for many a day. That sublime effort tied the game at 0-9 to 1-6 and sent the game to extra time. It was only with a Steven Perry goal half way through the second period of extra time that Aodh Ruadh finally got some breathing space, going six points up and they were able to see the game out and win on a score line of 1-15 to 2-7. There were a lot of good performance for Aodh Ruadh, but the back line were outstanding, with Rian Treanor, David Finnerty and Michael Ward pulling Aodh Ruadh out of the mire on a number of occasions Martin Gallagher was in great form in midfield while the dynamic Diarmuid McInerney created trouble every time he got the ball. We have pictures and a full team list.
Aodh Ruadh's division three campaign continues this Saturday when we travel up the N15 to our neighbours, Naomh Bríd. The senior game throws-in at 5.45pm and is preceded by the reserves at 4.15pm. This is a crunch tie in the run-in to the end of the season so a big travelling support would be much appreciated.
The minors took on Cloughaneely in the county league semi-final in Glenties last Sunday, 26th September. The lads got off to a very bad start and found themselves 1-4 to no score down after 15 minutes of football. However they sparked into life and two goals from Ronan McGurrin, one from a penalty saw the Ernesiders go in level at half time, 1-4 to 2-1. The second half started very well for Ballyshannon Johnny Gethins score a majestic point and shortly afterwards David McGurrin was fouled in the area to draw a second penalty Ronan McGurrin showed nerves of steel to chalk up his hattrick. With eight minutes remaining in the game Aodh Ruadh were four points up. However, having traveled with 14 players and playing 13-a-side, Aodh Ruadh tired in last five and without the substitutes to replace tired legs Cloughaneely scored 1-2 in the last five minutes to secure their passage in the league final on a score line of 3-4 to 2-8. Aodh Ruadh gave a great team performance considering the stretched resources. Martin Gallagher pulled off two great saves while James Kelly, Alan Finan and Darren Gethins all did Trojan work in defence. Ronan McGurrin had a superb game as well scoring three goals. Niall Murray worked very hard up front where David McGurrin and Johnny Gethins also made significant contributions.
A powerful first half display from Aodh Ruadh's under 13s was sufficient to see them home as they took on Bundoran last Saturday. Indeed a very spirited fight back in the second made a good game of it for all parties concerned. Although Bundoran won the second half Aodh Ruadh took the points on a score line of 5-13 to 1-7. There was a great display from John Conor McGarrigle in goals with Jason Granaghan at full back and Daniel Warnock at wing half back providing great cover. The platform for Aodh Ruadh's first half dominance was the midfield pairing of Ryan McKenna and Shane McGrath. Up front Nathan Boyle, Garrett Sheerin, Oisín Kerr, Shane Dorrian, Cian McGloin and Odhran O'Neill all scored freely. We have pictures from the game. The under 13's next game is this Friday, 30th September at 6pm away to Ardara. Bus leaving the park at 4.30pm.
Due to an family bereavement, we ask that no club members contact Michelle Bennett until Thursday, 29th September.
~ HURLING ~
Sunday last saw the 30th anniversary of the Aodh O Dálaigh under 12 hurling tournament hosted by the Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee. This year six teams took part in the tournament and it was a proud day for all involved in underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh to welcome two leading teams from Antrim; Ballycastle and Glenshesk, to the tournament. Easkey from west Sligo made their debut in this tournament and the other teams taking part were Coolera/Strandhill and Naomh Eoin from Sligo and host club Aodh Ruadh. The tournament was played in a round robin series with all teams getting five games in the group section.After the hard fought group phases, the stage was now set for the two finals the main event being an eagerly awaited rematch between a very focused and determined Easkey team and a very classy and skilful Glenshesk team. The Primary final to determine third and fourth place was between Ballycastle and the home team Aodh Ruadh. Easkey were roared on by a huge travelling support, but Glenshesk with the aid of the wind in the first half turned over leading by 2 points, 2-3 to 1-4. In the other final only a goal separated the teams with the Glensmen on top but Aodh Ruadh were giving it their all and making a real contest of it. As the second half of the Aodh Ó Dálaigh went on the physically stronger Easkey men battled to the end roared on by their large enthusiastic support. Credit to Glenshesk they never gave up, but tiredness got the better of them and Easkey showed the importance of having a large panel and ran out winners 4-6 to 3-4. Back over to the primary final Ballycastle finished strongly to secure the Primary Shield, but not before having being pushed to the limit by Aodh Ruadh who just fell to a couple of late goals on a score line of 4-6 to 2-3.
The finals were followed by a great spread in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh laid on by the Aodh Ruadh mothers. This was followed by speeches and presentations from Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Chairman John Rooney, Conor Carney, who presented the primary schools shield and Tom Daly who presented the Aodh Ó Dálaigh trophy. John Rooney concluded by thanking everyone again and wishing all a safe trip home and spoke of his hope to see everyone again in 2012.
We have pictures and a full report from the Aodh Ó Dálaigh tournament up.
On Tuesday 20th September Aodh Ruadh held its annual under 10, 12 and 16 hurling skills competition. 12 under 10 competitors took part and put on a great display of the skills they learned throughout the year. There were five skills tested in the competition and points was awarded for each skill and then totaled up to give the following results. 1st: Shane Gillespie; 2nd: Owen Doherty; 3rd: Senan Rooney; 4th: Adam Rami; and 5th: Ryan McDonald. Many thanks to all that took part.
The under 12 competition saw the following placings: 1st: Ryan Ayres; 2nd: Conal Sweeney; 3rd: Stephen Anderson; 4th: Pauric Keenaghan; and 5th: Barry Kelly.
The under 16s placed as follows 1st: Jamie Brennan; 2nd: Eddie Lynch; 3rd: Eugene Drummond; 4th: Paul Cummins; and 5th: Tommy Gillespie.
Thanks to all the managers and parents who helped run this event. We have pictures from the hurling skills competition. Some people were unable to view the pictures from last Sunday's hurling skills competition awards presentations so they are now available to view on aodhruadh.org.
On Saturday the under 16s play Burt in Father Tierney Park in the delayed championship quarter-final replay with a 4.30pm. throw in. After escaping from Burt with a last minute equaliser the lads will have to show a much improved performance to stay in the hunt for championship honours.
Hurling training has finished for the season now for all age groups bar the under 16s. It was another very busy and enjoyable year for underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh and training will resume again in March 2012. Thanks to all the players and their parents for all their support during the year.
~ SCRAP SATURDAY ~
A lot of preparations have been made for the Scrap Saturday fund-raiser which will take place this Saturday, October 1st and Saturday week, October 8th. Members of the public from the general area are asked to bring their unwanted scrap metal items to Father Tierney Park between 9am and 5pm on each day. Items include old washing machines, scrap cars, scrap steel, copper, brass, stainless steel, aluminium, scaffolding, electric cables, lead, lead acid batteries, engines, electric motors, old wheels (without tyres), old machinery of any kind, etc.On each day Aodh Ruadh volunteers will out and about collecting throughout the locality as well. For a collection service for heavy items, or if you require assistance, please contact any of the following volunteers:
John Rooney, Corker
086-2587793Conal Gallagher, Coolcholly
086-2112812Kieran Drummond, Finner
086-2368295Dinny Loughlin, Higginstown
086-8438781Terence McShea, Tully
087-2360815Sylvester Maguire, The Mullans
086-0532495Patsy Quinn, The Mullans
086-3438485Hugh McGarrigle, Connacht Gold/Cashelard
071-9851296Tom Daly, Abbeylands
071-9852595Teddy Kane, Erne Dale Heights
087-6851393All funds raised from donated items will go towards the development costs of Páirc Aodh Ruaidh (Munday's Field) playing fields.
Club members willing to help with this fund-raiser are asked to be at the Fr. Tierney Park at 9am. on Saturday morning. All collectors will wear Aodh Ruadh bibs and should come with protective gloves and working boots. Those who can should come with jeeps/cars and trailers. Arrangements are in place to avail of a front loader for particularly heavy items.
A further meeting of Park/Development Committee officers and the core group organising these events will take place at 7.30pm this Thursday night at Aras Aoidh Ruaidh and a full attendance is requested.
~ WALK FOR CHILDREN CHARITY CHALLENGE ~
1,000km 'Get Out and Walk for Children Challenge' and Novelty High Heeled Walk. This walk is on Sunday, 2nd October at the Mall Park, Ballyshannon. The walk will be done on a cumulative basis where every lap walked by children will help complete 1,528 laps of the Mall Park. Laps done by parents walking their babies/toddlers in buggies will count. First walkers off at 12 noon with children's characters and it is hoped to have all laps done by 3.30pmThe day will finish up with a novelty high heeled walk and we need plenty of male volunteers to take part in this which will be one lap of the park.
Donation of €3 per walker or €10 for a family of 4 or more will be gratefully appreciated. Raffle cards are also on sale in local shops. Monies raised are for Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Ronald McDonald House, Crumlin and Paediatric Department, Sligo General Hospital.
~ STRICTLY COME DANCING ~
Aodh Ruadh dancers are rehearsing for their performances in the Strictly Come Dancing gala in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran, on Saturday, 29th October. Tickets will be available shortly. We will have details of the Aodh Ruadh representatives and tickets in the next notes.~ OFF THE PITCH ~
The Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival, funded by Donegal County Council, begins on Saturday 1st October at 7.30pm. Featuring a host of shows events and exhibitions the festival promises to have something for all. We have details on the action in Ballyshannon as well as download version of the festival programme.