Club Notes Archive - 2012
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SEPTEMBER- 4 September
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~ FOOTBALL ~
There will be no further information on All-Ireland ticket allocation until after Wednesday night's county board meeting. We will notify of any updates in an addendum.Aodh Ruadh had to settle for a share of the points after a pointed free in the seventh minute of injury time from Burt left the sides tied on 0-9 to 1-6. Martin Gallagher was influential in midfield, while Eamon McGrath also prospered at wing back and came in for a lot of over-zealous attention, which eventually saw his marker lined. Ronan Drummond had a good outing at corner back and in a game where the best performances were mainly in defence it was no surprise that Niall McCready was very effective when brought on. In the attack another sub, Diarmaid McInerney, got score of the game with a great effort in the second half score while Michael 'Sticky' Ward was his usual reliable self. We have a full match report and pictures up.
Aodh Ruadh reserves had three points to spare over Burt in Hibernian park last Saturday winning on a score line of 0-6 to 0-9. Burt's cause wasn't helped when they lost a man 15 minutes into the game, but they battled with typical tenacity to make Aodh Ruadh work for the points. It took a good team performance. Up front Johnny Gethins weighed in with two points and Ryan Granaghan with a point. Christopher Spanny Goan also racked up the scores from wing back, but score of the game was possibly Anthony Coughlin's massive wind assisted point which was pinged over off the left boot. Damien Cleary did very well in midfield when he came on and Kieran Keown a driving force from centre half back. Gary Carty had great stint at the heart of the defence hoovering up a lot of loose ball and Michael Ward was also very solid. That win took the Ernesiders back to the top of the table, although Naomh Columba, their main rivals for league honours, have a number of games in hand. We have pictures from the game up.
Aodh Ruadh's are on the road again this weekend, this time back to Inishowen where they take on Urris on Saturday evening. The reserve game throws-in at 5.30pm, followed by the senior game at 6.45pm.
There is still no firm date for the minors' county semi-final against Saint Eunan's.
The under 13s went down to a heavy 1-7 to 7-16 loss against a well-drilled Bundoran outfit in Father Tierney Park last Friday. The next assignment for the team is the visit of Four Masters to Ballyshannon this Friday. Throw in for that game is 6.30pm.
The under 12s took part in PJ Treacy tournament along with Devenish, Melvin Gaels and Erne Gaels. After two wins and a draw we qualified for the final against the hosts, Devenish. The homesters proved to strong in the final, despite a game battle by the Ernesiders. Many thanks to Devenish for the invite as well as the warm welcome and hospitality. Many thanks to Tracey Flood who took some pictures of the action which we have up.
Under 8 training continues this Friday from 6pm to 7pm.
~ HURLING ~
The under 12s had a great win in Páirc Aodh Ruaidh on Thursday last. The match was closely contested throughout and a last minute goal by the home team saw them run out winners by a point. They have now qualified to play MacCumhaill's at home in the B final this Thursday. The throw in is at 6.30pm. A good showing of support is needed for what is sure to be a close fought encounter.The under 16s play Buncrana in the league final this Thursday in O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny, this very young team the majority of whom are under 14 face a tough battle against the Inishowen men.
On Saturday last Donegal under 13, under 14 and under 16 squads took part in the All Ireland blitzes held in Cavan and Monaghan, Aodh Ruadh were very well represented on these squads an indication of Aodh Ruadh's current standing in Donegal hurling. On the under 13 squad we had Conal Sweeney, Brian McHenry, Stephen Anderson and Ryan Ayres. Oisín Rooney, Caolán Drummond, Brendan Gillespie, Kieran Daly, Shane McGrath, Garrett Sheerin and Jason Granaghan represented the under 14s, while Colm Kelly, Eddie Lynch and Ciaran Rami were playing for the under 16s.
~ YES WE CAN ~
The next collection of aluminium cans for recycling to raise much needed funds for Aodh Ruadh will take place at Father Tierney Park, Ballyshannon this Saturday 8th September from 12 noon to 1pm. Any other items of scrap metal are also welcome.~ LADIES ~
The senior ladies faced Glenfin Sunday morning in Father Tierney Park. After a hard fought battle sides were left even at full time. We have a good few pictures from the game up thanks to the joint efforts of Ronan Matthews and Brian Drummond.The under 16 girls continued their winning ways last Tuesday evening when they overcame a strong side from Four Masters. We have pictures from that victory up. This Tuesday evening the girls make the long journey to Annagry where they will take on the girls from Naomh Mhuire. This game is due to throw in at 6pm.
~ RACE FOR SAM ~
With only one week left in the competition, Johnny Gallagher and his Falcarragh Shamrocks have been demoted to second place after leading for most of the year. We have a new leader in Rory O'Neill with the Ice cream Rovers after getting 10 points for the Mayo win. Michael Doherty and The Docs remain in third place and still in with a chance of winning. Declan O'Mahoney (Team Tinakill) moves up to fourth after the weekend game. Bernard Drummond (Barney the Bookie) and Niall Patton (Fishys Folly) are in joint fifth. So it's still all to play for, and with 50 bonus points for winning the All-Ireland, and Michael Murphy still scoring points, it will be a very close finish. At the opposite end of the table, Brian Boyle (The Apprentice) remains rooted to the bottom of the table with Finbar Gethins (Finner Forever) two points above him. The final report will be after the All-Ireland Final, which hopefully will see a Donegal win. View the week 14 leader board or in The Bridgend Bar every Tuesday.~ STRICTLY COME DANCING ~
Once again Aodh Ruadh and Ballyshannon Musical Society are hooking up to bring you a Strictly Come Dancing extravaganza. Many of you will remember the great night we had last year in the Great Northern and the wonderful dancing we were treated to. We are now looking to find the new dancing stars of Ballyshannon. If you might be interested please give Emma Gaughan a call or text on 0863039610.
- 11 September
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~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh went for their third game undefeated last Saturday, but more importantly they took two points out of Urris with a 2-13 to 0-16 victory. And they had to do it the hard way, coming from behind against determined opposition on home turf. Eamonn McGrath got Ballyshannon's opening goal in the first half. The Ernesiders put together a slick passing move which McGrath was probably as surprised as anyone else to find himself on the end of. Nevertheless the Carrickboy Kid showed himself to be quick on the draw to palm past the onrushing Urris net minder. Urris weren't fazed though and Aodh Ruadh found themselves three points down after 15 minutes of the second half, with the visitors desperately looking for a response. It came when a Michael 'Sticky' Ward was pulled down for a converted penalty which was followed by two quick points, all by Diarmuid McInerney swung the game back in Ballyshannon's favour. There was a tense four minutes of injury time, but Aodh Ruadh held on for the win. It was one of Aodh Ruadh's best performances this year. Diarmuid McInerney with 1-6 really showed his finishing quality, particularly with that sweetly placed penalty. Defensively there was a lot of hard graft got through by Ronan Drummond and he will be well pleased with his shift, as will Michael Dolan who hit a point from half back. When Aodh Ruadh needed possession in the second half James O'Donnell went on a golden streak of fetching and that was matched by Sticky Ward's performance in the attack. Thanks to Cathal Maguire we have pictures and team sheet from the match up.The reserves fielded a very young team for their trip to Urris. That proved an asset in the first half as Aodh Ruadh played well to go in leading by a point. Despite playing into a slight breeze the homesters rallied in the second half though, and ran out 2-12 to 2-9 victors. Daniel Kelly built on a fine performance with the minors the previous night to turn in another solid 60 minutes between the sticks. Aidan Murray and Darren Gethins were very strong in the middle of the field for the visitors, while another central player, Damien Cleary, bagged a well-taken goal. Up front David McGurrin was the most dangerous of the attackers, hitting 1-3, and it was good to see brother Ronan back in action and firing over a trademark point. Once again we have Cathal Maguire to thanks for the pictures now gracing aodhruadh.org.
There was no indication of Aodh Ruadh's opposition this weekend at the time of mailing. Watch addendums for further details.
The minors had to travel to Lifford (Distance from Letterkenny: 15 miles; Distance from Ballyshannon: 45 miles) to take on Saint Eunan's last Friday in the county league semi-final, proving that partial fixture setting is not a speciality reserved for the hurling authorities. Aodh Ruadh however travelled with considerable appetite for the fight and delivered an excellent team performance which was good enough for a draw in an extremely hard fought game. There was never more than two points in the game and at half time it was the Ernesiders who held the advantage, leading by a point. The main event in the second half was the dismissal of Michael McNeely, sent off in error after a melee heading into the final quarter. Saint Eunan's took advantage of the situation to open a two point gap, but Ballyshannon got the bit between their teeth and clawed back the gap. The last kick of the game fell to Ryan Granaghan and he coolly slotted his 40 metre effort over the bar to leave the sides level at 0-11 apiece and send the semi-final to a replay. That replay currently looks like it will take place on Friday 21st September. Yet again thanks to Cathal Maguire we have pictures from the match up.
The under 13s took another heavy defeat last Friday, this one a 1-8 to 7-14 loss against Four Masters in Father Tierney Park. The next assignment for the team is the trip to Dungloe this Friday. Throw in for that game is 6.30pm.
There will be no under 8 training this Friday. The closing action of the under 8 season sees Erne Gaels visiting Father Tierney Park for a blitz. The first games throw in at 11am and players are asked to be up at the park for 10.30am. Parents/guardians should also supply a loaf of sandwiches or similar to help with the post match refreshments in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All help with the catering on the day would be much appreciated. Following this blitz under 8 and under 6 training goes on a break until Friday 19th October, when we commence our indoor training programme.
~ HURLING ~
On Thursday last Aodh Ruadh under 12 and under 16 hurlers contested county finals. First up were the under 12s who faced MacCumhaill's in the Under 12 B final at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The Twin Towns men got off to a great start with a goal in the opening minutes. Aodh Ruadh soon got up to the pace of the game and matched the bigger MacCumhaill's men in every sector. Both defences were on top and scores were at a premium. A low scoring affair ended level 1-3 apiece. The game was now set for extra time both teams battled to get the winning scores, but as in normal time the backs for both teams played very well. MacCumhaill's scored what they thought was the winning point, but Aodh Ruadh fought back and leveled the game at 1-4 apiece. A draw was a fair result as both teams put on a great display of hurling. We have pictures from the game up. The replay takes place this Thursday again in MacCumhaill Park with a 6.30pm throw in.Meanwhile in O'Donnell Park the eagerly awaited under 16 league final between the holders Aodh Ruadh and their arch rivals Buncrana was taking place. The weather conditions were more suited to a November evening with a steady heavy drizzle falling throughout the game. Buncrana got off to a great start with two goals in the first 10 minutes. Aodh Ruadh slowly got into the game and proved to be a match for the Buncrana men scoring 2 goals, a tough low scoring encounter finished at half time Buncrana 2-2 Aodh Ruadh 2-0. Buncrana were physically stronger and fitter than Aodh Ruadh who battled hard throughout the second half and entering the last 10 minutes there was only one point between the teams. The exertions of the first half took its toll on Aodh Ruadh and Buncrana finished very strongly to capture their first time county title at this age on a scoreline of 4-8 to 3-2. The under 16 championship starts this Thursday and the under 16's are at home to Setanta with a 6.30pm throw in.
On Sunday our under 8s travelled to Letterkenny Gaels to take part in an all-county blitz and acquitted themselves very well. They had a great day of hurling and all the panel played their hearts out. They were victorious against Burt and Saint Eunan's, drew with Carndonagh and Letterkenny Gaels and lost to Four Masters and Saint Eunan's. It was a great days hurling for our youngest team and many thanks to all the parents who drove to Letterkenny and brought the team. This was much appreciated by all involved in juvenile hurling in the club.
~ LADIES ~
The under 16 girls traveled to Annagry last Tuesday evening where they took on the force of Naomh Mhuire. In what was a tightly contested game, the girls were unlucky to be defeated on a scoreline of 5-5 to 4-3. The girls next outing will be this Friday evening against Glenfin, however the time and venue have yet to be confirmed.~ STRICTLY COME DANCING ~
Once again Aodh Ruadh and Ballyshannon Musical Society are hooking up to bring you a Strictly Come Dancing extravaganza. Many of you will remember the great night we had last year in the Great Northern and the wonderful dancing we were treated to. We are now looking to find the new dancing stars of Ballyshannon. If you might be interested please give Emma Gaughan a call or text on 0863039610.
- 19 September
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~ ALL-IRELAND FINAL ~
The club extends best wishes to Donegal as they take on Mayo in the All-Ireland final. We also take this opportunity to urge anyone from the area going to the game to travel safely and sensibly on both legs of the journey. As the Ulster GAA slogan says, Live To Play.All-Ireland final tickets will be distributed tomorrow night commencing at 9pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh to fully paid up adult members and Cairde Aoidh Ruaidh members who have requested a ticket. Please note the following important points.
- The county board have imposed a surcharge of €5 on tickets, which will go to the Donegal senior footballers training fund. This means that stand tickets are now priced €85 and terrace tickets €45. This surcharge gets the ticket buyer entry into the training fund draw which has the following prizes. 1st: €1,000; 2nd: €500; 3rd: €250; 4th: €250; 5th: Two All-Ireland tickets; and 6th: Two All-Ireland tickets. Aodh Ruadh regret any inconvenience caused by the late notification of this additional overhead which has been imposed on all clubs by the County Board.
- Payment must be made in full on the night
- Those who have not yet made full payment of their membership must pay the balance or tickets will be withheld pending payment.
- As a security precaution all tickets must be collected by the person who ordered tickets.
Preparing the ticket allocation has been a far from easy task for club officers. They are volunteers giving their time freely and gladly for the development and promotion of Gaelic games and culture in Ballyshannon. While we appreciate that the ticket distribution will not meet with everyone's satisfaction - due in the main to the well-documented issues surrounding the centrally driven All-Ireland final ticketing policy - we insist that our volunteers are treated at all times with respect and courtesy.
~ FOOTBALL ~
We have no firm word on the date, time or venue for the minor county league semi-final replay at the time of mailing. We hope to have more information by Wednesday.There was an upturn in the under 13s fortunes last Friday, but it was not sufficient to bring them the win as they lost to Dungloe by a single point on a scoreline of 2-13 to 3-9 in the northern venue. The next assignment for the team is another trip north, this time to Ardara this Friday. Throw in for that game is 6.30pm.
Aodh Ruadh's under 8s took part in their final blitz of the year in Father Tierney Park last Saturday. We hosted Erne Gaels for what was a great day's craic. An Aodh Ruadh team featuring the talents of Ronan Barron, Aaron Cullen, Pauric Daly, Ryan Daly, Darragh Dolan, Michael Doogan, James Gallagher, Niamh Hughes, Eoghan Kelly, Cillian Meehan, Shane McGloin, Fergal McGowan, Cian McKenna, David Roper, Drew Ryan, Eoin Summerville, Darragh Summerville, Aengus Sweeny, Shane Timoney and Tommy Winters. We have a team shot of the lads up on the Aodh Ruadh Facebook page. It has been great to see the lads' skills develop across the course of the year. The team created and executed some great scores. Thanks to Michael Daly for officiating on the day. Big thanks too to the parents who put on a great spread of grub afterwards in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh and have generally played a blinder all year with food and transport. Under 8 and under 6 training goes on a break until Friday 19th October, when we commence our indoor training programme. Watch notes for details nearer the time.
~ HURLING ~
The under 16s played Setanta in the championship semi-final in Father Tierney Park last Thursday evening. The lads put in a good all round team performance and ran out convincing winners on a 3-10 to 0-3 scoreline. We have pictures from the game up. This sets up a meeting with Buncrana in the county final this Thursday at O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny with a 6.15pm throw in. It's a repeat of the recent league final where the Buncrana team came out on top in what was a close encounter up till the last 10 minutes where the Inishowen men pulled clear. This squad have put a great effort in all year in what has proved to be a very testing campaign and hopefully the lads will get the rewards for all their hard work on Thursday. All support welcome for this eagerly awaited contest.On the same evening the under 12s played MacCumhaill's in the replay of the under 12 B final in MacCumhaill Park. Weather conditions were atrocious, but both teams put on a great display of hurling. The MacCumhaill's lads were quickest out of the blocks and raced into an early lead, they adapted better to the conditions and led at half time 2-1 to no score. Aodh Ruadh finally settled in the second half and got three goals in a row to have the dangerous lead of 2 points going into the final minutes then disaster struck with MacCumhaill's scoring a goal as the game entered injury team. Unfortunately this time Aodh Ruadh were unable to come back and the title went to the twin towns men. The lads put up a great display over the two games and were unlucky to lose. Thanks to all the parents who drove the team to the game. Next up for the under 12s is the Aodh Ó Dálaigh tournament to be held in Ballyshannon on Saturday 6th October further details in coming club notes.
On Sunday morning we hosted an under 10 blitz, Saint Eunan's with two teams, Letterkenny Gaels and Setanta travelled to take part in the blitz. Our lads performed excellently and won their four games, afterwards it was up to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh for the usual excellent refreshments provided by the Aodh Ruadh mothers. Thanks to all who helped in hosting this very successful blitz.
~ LADIES ~
The under 16s concluded their season with a comprehensive victory over Glenfin on Saturday past.~ YES WE CAN ~
Saturday 29th September from 12 noon to 1pm. is the next date for the collection of aluminium cans for recycling to raise much needed funds for Aodh Ruadh. This recycling campaign has proved very successful so far and we thank all who have supported us in our fund-raising efforts. Any other items of scrap metal are welcome too, for any information in relation to our recycling efforts please contact John Rooney 086-2587793 or Kieran Drummond 086-2368295.~ STRICTLY COME DANCING ~
Once again Aodh Ruadh and Ballyshannon Musical Society are hooking up to bring you a Strictly Come Dancing extravaganza. Many of you will remember the great night we had last year in the Great Northern and the wonderful dancing we were treated to. We are now looking to find the new dancing stars of Ballyshannon. If you might be interested please give Emma Gaughan a call or text on 0863039610.
- 26 September
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~ WE HAVE HIM! ~
Congratulations to Donegal on recapturing Sam Maguire after a 20 year wait. We have over 70 pictures from a wonderful day, with Sean Perry's match commentary soon to come.In an auspicious omen for the All-Ireland final Donegal also won the 1992 rematch game played on the Saturday prior to the final. We have some pictures from the game by Cathal Maguire up.
~ FOOTBALL ~
It's back to domestic action and this Saturday, 29th September Aodh Ruadh travel to Páirc Naomh Bríd, Ballintra for their eagerly anticipated first round intermediate championship clashes with Naomh Bríd. The reserve game throws in at 3.30pm, followed by the seniors at 5pm. All Erneside support down the N15 will very much appreciated.~ HURLING ~
On Thursday last the under 16s played Buncrana in the championship final in MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey. Having being beaten in the league final against the same opposition the lads were determined to put on a better performance on this occasion. They got off to a great start and got the first two points of the game, they knew the Inishowen men would come back strong and they certainly did. Two goals, one from a penalty, put them in a very strong position at half time leading 2-5 to 0-2. The Aodh Ruadh lads really had to up their performance for the second half or a serious defeat looked on the cards. The boys proceeded to turn in an excellent performance in the second half full, of guts and determination. They created a comeback similar to Kilkenny in the recent All-Ireland Final and led by a point going into the last couple of minutes. Buncrana equalised with their only score of the second half from a close in free, there was time or one last attack from which Aodh Ruadh thought they had secured victory, but the referee signaled a wide. So we now look forward to a replay between these two evenly matched squads who have had some great battles over the years. All associated with the under 16 hurlers are very proud of the great second half the lads put in, they showed tremendous discipline and great heart.~ OFF THE PITCH ~
Gaelscoil Eirne Parents Association would like to thank everyone who supported their Guess The All-Ireland Final Score competition. The winner of the €50 O'Neill's Sports voucher was Amy Hill, Kinlough, who correctly guessed the final score of 2-11 to 0-13. The runner's up prize of a €25 voucher went to Tom Murphy, Ballyshannon.