Club Notes Archive - 2012
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OCTOBER- 2 October
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~ FOOTBALL ~
A doughty second half performance saw Aodh Ruadh get a 1-5 to 0-8 draw with Naomh Bríd in Páirc Naomh Bríd, a result that means it's winner take's all next Sunday when the sides meet in the second leg of their intermediate championship preliminary round head-to-head. Brian Roper Aodh Ruadh led the line well and the debate over whether his goal 20 seconds into the second half was really was a lob or a low flying point effort is probably one which will go on for a while yet. Johnny Gallagher did a fine job on David Walsh, but also got forward well, while Paul Kane's save in the second quarter was inspirational. Kerry Ryan's introduction around the middle of the park helped stiffen resistance in that sector during a period where Naomh Bríd where threatening to get on top. In fact all of Aodh Ruadh's subs made a positive impact on the game. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up.Aodh Ruadh reserves showed a lot of grit and some class to come through a tough championship encounter against Naomh Bríd with a 1-11 to 1-5 win. The game was won in the second half. In particular Christopher 'Spanny' Goan put in a great shift, winning a lot of ball and taking a lot of punishment. Damien Cleary was a cool and composed presence on the edge of the square, while Ronan McGurrin soldiered well in the middle of the field. Up front his brother David showed he is developing a taste for senior football with an accomplished shooting display, all the more remarkable for the distinctly difficult conditions created by the swirling breeze at Páirc Naomh Bríd. Dermot Slevin deployed his experience to good effect in the second half and his two frees were valuable scores in the overall context of the game. There is a full match report and pictures up.
The second leg of Aodh Ruadh's championship games with Naomh Bríd take place on Sunday 7th October. The reserve game throws in at 1.30pm, followed by the seniors at 3pm. With both legs so delicately poised it is important there is a big showing of Ballyshannon support there to make itself heard.
The 55th edition of the Bakery cup gets under way next Monday 8th October. Throw in is at 6pm. All under 14s and under 12s are invited to come along for 5.30pm and you will be placed on a team. The team captains are: Oisín Rooney, Shane McGrath, Ryan McKenna and Nathan Boyle.
~ HURLING ~
On Saturday last the under 16s continued their rivalry with Buncrana in the replay of the Championship final. It was the third meeting of the teams this season and again it was a thrilling contest. The game was played in perfect conditions in MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey. The game began, like the original fixture, with Aodh Ruadh scoring the first two points of the game. Buncrana, like in the previous game, got an early goal, but unlike the first game Aodh Ruadh retained their composure, scoring a number of points. Every ball was contested with as much determination as was seen the next day in the replay of the All-Ireland Final in Croke Park.There has been a healthy rivalry between these clubs over the last four years. The previous four under 14 championships have been shared between them. It was nip and tuck up until half time as the Aodh Ruadh men led by the minimum on a score line of 0-6 to 1-2. The second half began at the same frantic pace with Aodh Ruadh getting the first point of the half, Buncrana struck for another goal to go into a one point lead. The Ballyshannon lads put on a great display of hurling full of passion and discipline and encouraged by their loyal vocal supporters picked off a number of great long range points. Both teams gave it their all to claim this title but after having lost the league title earlier to the same opposition Aodh Ruadh were determined to be victorious on this occasion and that they were.
They finished the game with the final two points and after three minutes of injury time Aodh Ruadh were worthy winners on a 0-14 to 2-6 scoreline ensuring that the under 16 championship title remained in Ballyshannon.
It was a delighted winning captain Colm Kelly who received the under 16 shield from Donegal Hurling Board Chairman Donal McLaughlin. Colm thanked the Aodh Ruadh management for all the work they put into the squad, he also thanked Buncrana for a great game, MacCumhaill's for the pitch and the referee. From there it was back to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh for refreshments for the squad and their parents and supporters.
Great credit is due to this small hard-working panel who have trained diligently since March, their dedication and discipline is to be admired, and they stuck to their task and weren't going to be denied two-in-a-row championships at this level, when a number of players made themselves unavailable earlier in the season. Management are very proud of this squad and thank them and their families for their efforts all year.
On Sunday morning the under 8s hosted Saint Eunan's for a number of games in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
This Saturday we host the Aodh Ó Dálaigh under 12 tournament. This tournament has been in existence since 1982 and six teams from Mayo, Sligo, Tyrone, Derry and Donegal have confirmed their participation this year. Play begins at 11 am with all very welcome for what promises to be a great day's hurling.
~ RACE FOR SAM ~
After a momentous championship summer which ended with Donegal becoming All-Ireland champs for only the second time in our history, it's Rory O'Neill and his team Ice Cream Rovers who take the honour and the €500 first place in the Fantasy Race for Sam. After a monumental battle all season long with his rival Johnny Gallagher and his team Falcarragh Shamrocks, it was the Bridgend retailer who won out in the end albeit by the narrowest of margins. Only four points separated them in the end. Back in third place was Bernard Drummond outfit, Barney The Bookie, while Moya Ferguson's Magic Hands sneaked fourth place from Stephen Ward and his Woodland Warriors.At the opposite end of the table, the battle was as equally close. Brian Boyle The Apprentice eventually holding onto last place and the €100 prize, fighting off the challenge from Finbar Gethins' Finner Forever. It could have been all so different if Conor Mortimer had stayed on the Mayo panel as he would have surely scored two points in their final four games, and that would have been enough to hand last place to Finbar. Charlie Patton and the Bookie Men were a further two points up the road. All in all it was a very enjoyable championship season with our own Donegal getting their hands on the famous Sam Maguire. We hope to see you all re-enter again next season when we will be back bigger and better. Thanks to everyone for entering and also to those who helped gather entrants, those who helped make the draw and provided the information for the scorers. Also thanks to the Bridgend for fascinating the draw and showing the leader board every Tuesday. The final leader board can now be viewed. Till next year. Tir Chonaill abu.
~ BARN DANCE ~
There is a Céilí Old Time Barn Dance in the Rock Hall Ballyshannon this Saturday, 6th October at 9.30pm with music from the Assaroe Céilí Band. Supper served. Admission is €8 and all proceeds are in support of Rock Hall renovations. A great night's craic for a great cause.
- 9 October
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~ FOOTBALL ~
A morale-boosting second leg intermediate championship victory for Aodh Ruadh takes them into the semi-finals. Sticky Ward was in sensational form. Every ball that went in stuck like glue and was used to the maximum effect. He was full value for his 1-6 tally. Two fabulous points from Donagh McIntyre gilded a fine display from the ex-county under 21. Like Ward, Brian Roper was a great forward outlet, almost always collecting his ball first time and creating attacking opportunities. Further out the pitch the footballing guile of Martin Gallagher was often the grease in the Aodh Ruadh machine. The introduction of Kerry Ryan was pivotal. He got through a mountain of work and took a right bit of punishment for his pains. Defensively Johnny Gallagher, Michael Dolan, Ciron Whoriskey and Ronan Drummond all put in a tigerish 60 minutes, while Peter Boyle's accuracy from distance frees proved a valuable weapon in the Ballyshannon arsenal. There are a rake of pictures and a full match report from the game up. It is believed Termon are the semi-final opposition, but this remains to be confirmed.Aodh Ruadh also progressed to the semi-finals of the intermediate reserve championship, but they were made to fight every inch of the way by a Naomh Bríd side which finished the game with 12 men. For Aodh Ruadh the second half introduction of Ryan Granaghan proved the winning of the game. Granaghan's five points happened to equal the margin of Ballyshannon's victory, but it was efficiency in front of the posts when denied Naomh Bríd the hope they would have otherwise have nourished of springing a win against the odds. The Aodh Ruadh full back line of Damien Cleary, Ryan Patton and Gary Carty were impressive, particularly when Naomh Bríd still had the full compliment. James Barron was highly effective at the edge of the square, fielding with assurance and generally making a nuisance of himself, his point was well deserved. We have a full match report and pictures up.
Full details on fixtures for next weekend will follow in an addendum.
Under 8 and under 6 training is expected to return on Thursday November 8th. Training will be in the New Hall, NOT the Mercy Hall as had previously been the case. Under 6s will in from 6.30pm to 7.15pm, followed by the under 8s from 7.15pm to 8pm.
~ HURLING ~
There will be a meeting in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Wednesday, 17th October at 7.30pm regarding feilding an Aodh Ruadh senior hurling team in 2013. Anyone interested in playing or helping is warmly invited to attend.In beautiful weather conditions on Saturday we hosted our annual Aodh Ó Dálaigh under 12 hurling tournament. In existence since 1982 this tournament has gone from strength to strength over the last few years, Saturday's tournament ranked as one of the best. Six teams took part representing five counties. Tooreen of Mayo Easkey from Sligo, Eire Óg Carrickmore from Tyrone, Derry city's Na Magha and MacCumhaill's and Aodh Ruadh representing Donegal.
The tournament was played on a round robin basis, the first series of games saw host club Aodh Ruadh take on Donegal rivals MacCumhaill's with the host club reversing the recent result between the teams in the County B final and claiming victory. Holders Easkey played Tooreen in an all Connacht battle and the Mayo lads caused a surprise, by claiming a narrow victory. The final game in the first round saw Na Magha play Carrickmore with the Derry men coming out on top.
Round two saw MacCumhaill's comprehensively defeat Eire Óg, Aodh Ruadh lost out to a very classy Tooreen outfit and Easkey recovered from their first round defeat by beating Na Magha.
The games were coming thick and fast and all teams were putting in a huge effort and every ball was ferociously contested. The third series of games saw victories for Easkey over Aodh Ruadh and Na Magha over MacCumhaill's, while Tooreen continued their good run with a win over Carrickmore.
Games were becoming even more competitive at this stage with teams bidding for places in the Aodh Ó Dálaigh final, featuring the top two teams from the round robins stages, and the Primary League final, featuring the sides placed third and fourth.
The penultimate round of games saw Easkey winning convincingly against MacCumhaill's, the host club Aodh Ruadh who were improving with every game easily defeated Carrickmore, while Tooreen had a close call against Na Magha before pulling through in the second half and maintaining their 100 percent record.
While it looked like Easkey and Tooreen would meet in the Aodh Ó Dálaigh final, the pairing for the Primary League final wouldn't be decided till after the final round of games. Tooreen finished the group games with victory over MacCumhaill's, after a great battle Na Magha claimed victory over Aodh Ruadh, while Easkey cemented their place in the Primary League final with victory over Carrickmore.
The stage was now set for the two finals and the large crowd present were treated to two tremendous games, where there were some great displays of catching, striking off both side, hooking, blocking and above all great discipline shown by all four teams. Despite all four teams having played over two hours of hurling they saved their best till last and we had two brilliant finals.
In the Aodh Ó Dálaigh final we had an all Connacht battle between Easkey and Tooreen, this game had everything and both teams threw themselves into it, giving it everything to claim the title. There was never more than a puc of a ball between these two sides. The holders, Easkey, were a stronger team, but the skilful Mayo team, containing a number of girls of which their full back Amy Mulkeen was truly outstanding, pushed the Sligo lads to the limit before finally succumbing on a 4-2 to 3-2 score line. Easkey were delighted to hold onto their title.
In the primary final Aodh Ruadh faced Na Magha, again this game was contested between two very evenly matched teams. Aodh Ruadh were determined to defeat the Derry lads as they felt they didn't do themselves justice in the group game between the sides and felt some of the referees decisions didn't go in their favour. There was only a point between the sides at half time, again both these sides fought for every ball and really wanted to claim the Primary title. Cheered on by the large vocal home following the Aodh Ruadh lads battled hard throughout the second half. There were great scenes of jubilation at the final whistle as the home club ran out winners on a 3-3 to 3-1 score line.
In beautiful sunshine we had the presentations pitch side, Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Chairman thanked all the teams who had taken part in the tournament, thanked them for the efforts they made coming to Ballyshannon. He thanked all the players who had put on a great days hurling, and who played the game in the proper spirit full of honesty and commitment. The chairman went on to thank the referees for the day Peter Horan, Chris Kelly and John Rooney. He complimented them on the great job they did. He also thanked Pauric Keenaghan and Pat Faherty umpiring the games.
He spoke of the late Aodh Ó Dálaigh and the great contribution he made to the GAA in Donegal and Ulster, he also spoke of how his son Tom Daly former Ulster Council President had followed in his footsteps. He talked of how this tournament started in 1982 and how men like Billy Finn, who was present, the late Seamus Grimes, Owen Roe O'Neill and Tom Daly were instrumental in setting up this tournament. He also welcomed Conor Carney Principal of Holy Family NS to the tournament and spoke of the role the local National Schools played in promoting hurling in the area. He called on Conor to present the Primary Shield, Conor spoke of the role the late Aodh Ó Dálaigh played in promoting the GAA in the local and national media, he also spoke of the great work being done by the local juvenile hurling committee in promoting hurling in the area. He presented the runners up medals to the Na Magha captain. He then called on a very proud Aodh Ruadh captain Pauric Keenaghan to come forward and accept the Primary Shield on behalf of his team. Pauric thanked their management team of Michael Ayres and Kevin McDermott for all their work all year, he thanked Na Magha for a tough hard game and called on all to give them three cheers.
Tom Daly then came forward and thanked all the teams who took part in this tournament in memory of his father, he spoke of how great it was to see teams from Mayo to Derry taking part in this tournament, and new friendships and contacts being made. He complimented all the young hurlers on their great skill levels and on their great discipline. He thanked the local Juvenile Hurling Committee for organising this tournament annually and spoke of the great work they are doing in the club. He called on the Tooreen team to come forward and accept their runners up medals. He then complimented Easkey on their victory and commented on how they had now completed two-in-a-row, he called forward their joint captains to accept the Aodh Ó Dálaigh Shield. They thanked their management team for all their efforts, Tooreen for a great game in the final and then treated all to their own version of Mike Is Winning Matches!
John Rooney finished proceedings by inviting all to Aras Aodh Ruadh for refreshments provided by the mothers of the Aodh Ruadh team, he thanked the grounds men who despite the atrocious weather recently had Father Tierney Park and Páirc Aodh Ruadh in perfect condition. He conclude by saying he hoped to see all back in 2013. We have over 70 images from the tournament up.The annual end of year skills competitions have taken place this week with the following results. We have some pictures from the skills award presentations up.
Under 16
1st Eddie Lynch
2nd Jamie Brennan
3rd Oisín Rooney
4th Colm Kelly
5th Donal Sweeney.Under 14
1st Shane McGrath
2nd Oisín Rooney
Joint 3rd Conall Sweeny and Brendan Gillespie
4th Caelán Drummond
5th Garret Sheerin.Under 12
1st Liam O'Sullivan
2nd Eoin Doherty
3rd Pauric Keenaghan
4th Shane Gillespie
5th Sarah Drummond.Under 10
1st Senan Rooney
2nd Nathan Owens-Kelly
3th Aaron Neilan
4th Grace O'Sullivan
5th Kyle McCaffertyThe under 10s held their annual end of year hurling skills tournament last Sunday. The players demonstrated some of the skills that they learned throughout the season. As expected there was a high standard due to the work the players had put in all year. Thanks to all the under 10 players and their parents for their help and support during the year. We look towards 2013 with great optimism for these players.
Underage hurling has now finished for 2012 thanks to all teams, coaches and parents for another successful year on and off the field.
~ LADIES ~
This Saturday, 13th October Aodh Ruadh senior ladies will host their inaugural seven-a-side tournament. In attendance will be Naomh Columba, Kilcar, Saint Naul's, Manorhamilton, Devenish, and Bundoran. The games will commence at 11pm, with six teams taking part. The Ladies hope to see plenty of support up on the day.~ STRICTLY COME DANCING ~
Once again Aodh Ruadh and Ballyshannon Musical Society are hooking up to bring you a Strictly Come Dancing extravaganza. The dancers are hard at work practicing their moves and we think we can promise something every bit as spectacular as last year's. Strictly once again takes over the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran. The date for you diaries is Saturday, 3rd November, with doors opening at 7.30pm. Tickets will be available for purchase later in the week, priced €15.~ YES WE CAN ~
Saturday 20th October 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.~ OFF THE PITCH ~
Gaelscoil Eirne are organising used clothes collection as fund-raiser for the school. Please leave any unwanted clothes, shoes, towels, bedclothes, curtains, etc., into Gaelscoil Eirne before Wednesday, 24th October. They can be in any condition as long as they are clean. Mobile phones will also be accepted so please donate any old phones you might have at home.
- 16 October
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~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh took two points back down the road from Inishowen, triumphing over an under strength Muff outfit on a scoreline of 4-13 to seven points. Three first half goals helped end the game as a contest by half time. David Dolan hit the first two and was straight through for the hatrick, but elected to give the honour to Brian Roper who had raced up the left to support. Speaking after the game Dolan said, 'I felt I had to give the young fella a bit of a confidence booster.' The score at half time was 3-7 to 0-3 and the second half was only slightly more competitive. Diarmaid McInerney added a second half goal and hit also three points over the course of the game. Also in on the scoring act was Peter Boyle who hit two 45s. Martin Gallagher was in good form around the middle of the park again, finishing with two points to his credit. Aodh Ruadh ended the game with 11 different scorers with Ciron Whoriskey, Eamonn McGrath, Stephen Ward, Shane Ward, Kerry Ryan and Johnny Gallagher all registering a point apiece. Carndonagh and Red Hugh's remain to come at home in the league. While division three survival is still very much up for grabs, Ballyshannon now have their fate in their own hands. Cathal Maguire was down in Muff and we have his pictures up.This Sunday, though, the intermediate championship semi-final takes centre stage. Aodh Ruadh take on Naomh Colmcille in O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny, throw-in is at 2.30pm. We are the undercard to the Naomh Conaill v Four Masters / St Michael's semi-final, which throws in at 4pm if you are interested in staying on for that one.
We have no word on any reserve fixture for the coming weekend.
Under 8 and under 6 training is expected to return on Thursday November 8th. Training will be in the New Hall, NOT the Mercy Hall as had previously been the case. Under 6s will in from 6.30pm to 7.15pm, followed by the under 8s from 7.15pm to 8pm.
~ HURLING ~
There will be a meeting in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Wednesday, 17th October at 8pm regarding feilding an Aodh Ruadh senior hurling team in 2013. Anyone interested in playing or helping is warmly invited to attend.~ STRICTLY COME DANCING ~
Once again Aodh Ruadh and Ballyshannon Musical Society are hooking up to bring you a Strictly Come Dancing extravaganza. The dancers are hard at work practicing their moves and we think we can promise something every bit as spectacular as last year's. Strictly once again takes over the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran. The date for you diaries is Saturday, 3rd November, with doors opening at 7.30pm. Tickets are available now in all usual outlets, priced €15.~ YES WE CAN ~
Saturday 20th October 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.~ OFF THE PITCH ~
Sam Maguire was a visitor in the Bridgend Bar on Saturday night for a special showing of the All-Ireland final with commentary by Sean Perry. Brian Drummond and Ronan Matthews were there taking pictures. Prints of these pictures are now available in the Bridgend and can be obtained in return for a donation or your choice to Aodh Ruadh Bord na nÓg. You can see pictures, over 80 of them, up.Mark McHugh, Neil Gallagher, Neil McGee and Eamon McGee got to meet some Ballyshannon personalities in Seán Óg's over the weekend. Ronan Matthews was on hand to capture the action. See some of the shots.
Gaelscoil Eirne are organising used clothes collection as fund-raiser for the school. Please leave any unwanted clothes, shoes, towels, bedclothes, curtains, etc., into Gaelscoil Eirne before Wednesday, 24th October. They can be in any condition as long as they are clean. Mobile phones will also be accepted so please donate any old phones you might have at home.
- 23 October
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~ MEETING ~
The monthly senior club meeting takes place this Thursday 25th October in Aras Aoidh Ruadh at 7.30pm, please note earlier time. All committee members are asked to attend.~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh and Naomh Colmcille must do it all again after the sides fought out an enthralling 2-10 to 1-13 draw in the intermediate championship semi-final in O'Donnell park last Sunday. Naomh Colmcille enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, but two booming long range efforts from Peter Boyle and an own goal from the Inishowen men helped swing the initiative in Ballyshannon's favour. Shane McAteer was the victim for the own goal, getting in the way as Niall McCready attempted to put Michael 'Sticky' Ward through on goals and deflecting into his own net. While Naomh Colmcille leveled shortly after, points from David Dolan and Brian Roper saw Aodh Ruadh going in at the break with a 1-6 to 0-7 lead. A Sticky Ward point and a crisp goal from Donagh McIntyre early in the second half took the scores to 2-7 to 0-7 and seemed to have decisively swung the game in Aodh Ruadh's favour. And when Michael Dolan and Martin Gallagher stretched the gap out to eight points the game looked all but over. But Naomh Colmcille had other ideas. The Newtowncunningham men were the more effective in the closing third of the game, racking up a goal and five points to Brian Roper's solitary point to level the game. Despite six minutes of injury time neither side could find the winner, both spurning scoreable chances in that period. Championship is agreeing with Aodh Ruadh and there is no doubt that the team are playing their best football of the year right now. And with the game attracting rave reviews in the press and media for its openness, creativity and adventure there is likely to be a sizeable neutral following there to see how the replay pans out. We have pictures from the game and full team lists up.One positive aspect of that championship draw is that Aodh Ruadh will now have a double-header in MacCumhaill Park this Saturday 27th October. The reserves take on Naomh Columba in the intermediate reserve championship at 6.30pm. That will followed by the senior replay against Naomh Colmcille, throw-in at 8pm. It will be a real feast of football under the Ballybofey lights, get down early and get behind both teams as they fight to reach their respective finals.
Nathan Boyle's team won the 2012 Bakery Cup, 47 years after his father, Louis, who played on the winning team back in 1965. The final was organised by Jim Kane, 50 years from the year when he also played for and won the cup. It was a rip of a game, with both teams playing an open and entertaining style of football. Oisín Rooney's team, playing in green, started well and took an early lead of two points, but its goals that win games and five minutes in Caelán Drummond gathered a breaking ball on the Blue's 45 and making use of the space ran the pitch to gain the first of three goals for Rooney's team in the first half. Ironically it was Nathan Boyle's team, playing in blue, that dominated most of the play in the first half, but some fine defending by the Greens, particularly by the inside back line and two excellent saves that kept the Greens ahead. However Boyle's team refused to stop, with some fine play and point scores kept them in touch, being only four points behind at the break. The second half began with unrelenting pressure from Rooney's team, but it was the Blues that got the first scores. As the game developed it looked like Nathan Boyle's team were going to cruise to victory, with a couple of points tacked on to their lead and another goal from Shane McGrath/ but it was not over yet. After 10 minutes of play, the Greens pressure paid off with a three goal scoring spree, in five minutes. For a time it looked like Blues would lose a game that only minutes before they had in the bag. Some searing play from Ryan McKenna, who looked unmarkable feeding green inside forwards was paying off with score after score. On the sideline, it became almost impossible to keep count as supporters were treated to some excellent football and great scores. But in the final five minutes it was the Blues, led by their captain Nathan Boyle, who took advantage of breaking ball to shoot the final scores and secure the Bakery Cup for 2012 on a winning margin of four points. We have pictures from the game and full team lists up.
Under 8 and under 6 training returns on Thursday November 8th and continues for four weeks before breaking for Christmas. Training will be in the New Hall at Coláiste Cholmcille. Under 6s will be in from 6.30pm to 7.15pm, followed by the under 8s from 7.15pm to 8pm. Under 10 training starts on Friday 9th November from 6pm to 7pm. They are followed by the under 12s from 7pm to 8pm. There is a charge of €2 per head to cover the cost of the hall. Please bring runners as no other footwear allowed. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.
~ HURLING ~
The under 8 skills competition took place recently. There was a great show of skills on display. The following were the placings after all the action. 1st Gero Gilmartin; 2nd Cian McKenna; 3rd Eoghan Kelly; 4th JJ Doran; and 5th Darragh McSharry. There is a picture of the lads getting their presentations up.~ STRICTLY COME DANCING ~
Once again Aodh Ruadh and Ballyshannon Musical Society are hooking up to bring you a Strictly Come Dancing extravaganza. With the hours ebbing away until the big night we caught up with our dancers as they went through their paces in the New Hall at Coláiste Cholmcille, you can check out how they are getting on at aodhruadh.org. Strictly Ballyshannon tickets are flying with huge demand altogether. There are still a few tickets left, but anyone who hasn't purchased yet would need to would need to move those feet. Tickets, priced €15, can be purchase in The Abbey Centre, Pearse O'Neill's and the Bridgend bar. Saturday, 3rd November in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran is a night not to be missed. Doors open at 7.30pm.~ BINGO ~
This Friday, 26th October the Abbey Centre plays host to a bumper bingo with a jackpot prize of €1,000 in last game on 50 numbers or less and six games with house prize of €100 and four games with house of €150. All lines are €40. Bring a friend for a great night of craic and prizes.~ WALK FOR CHILDREN ~
The thousand kilometre walk is back again this Saturday, 27th October starting at 12 noon in the Mall Park. This is 2,540 laps of the park so we need plenty of people to come along and join in. Last year it was about getting children walking for children, this year we hope to have as many adults out walking as children and men are safe to come along without having to don those red high heels! A donation of €3 per person or €10 per family of four or more would be appreciated. All monies raised this year are being donated to Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin and Barnardo's. Raffle lines are also on sale locally in Pearse O'Neill's, Mr G's, Dorrian's Chemist, Cleary's Garage and will also be available on the day. First prize this year is a signed Donegal jersey, second prize is hamper sponsored by local businesses Mace, Mr G's and Dorrian's Chemist, and third prize is a voucher for Smyth's Toy Stores. Hope to see plenty of people there - remember every lap counts.
- 30 October
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~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh reached their first intermediate championship final in their history with a convincing 1-16 to 0-5 replay win over Naomh Colmcille. It was a game where Michael 'Sticky' Ward and Brian Roper had the measure of the opposition defence and their promptings were at the heart of Aodh Ruadh's victory. Ballyshannon went into an early 0-3 to 0-1 lead before what proved the key incident of the game. First Peter Boyle pulled off a save from Willie Gillespie, before the Ernesiders swiftly moved the ball up the park and Sticky Ward and Brian Roper exchanged passes before Ward finished with a fist to the back of the net. Two points rapidly followed the goal, taking the scores to 1-5 to 0-1 and seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Inishowen challenge. Aodh Ruadh added a further four points to go in at the break with a well-earned 1-9 to 0-2 lead. Naomh Colmcille needed the first score of the second half if they were to have any chance. That they managed to do, but Aodh Ruadh's response was a series of seven unanswered points which effectively ended the game as a contest. Naomh Colmcille rallied somewhat in the closing stages, but it was too little, too late. While it was a bravura display by the Aodh Ruadh attack, the half back division deserve recognition for their punishing work ethic, while Stephen Ward and Kerry Ryan were utterly dominant in the middle of the pitch. We have team lists and a large gallery of pictures up. A county final now awaits against Termon this Friday. Aodh Ruadh will have to build on their strong semi-final performance if they are to bring county silverware back against a Termon outfit flying high in division three and who will be installed as firm title favourites.Aodh Ruadh reserves kept alive the prospect of back to back titles with a powerful second half performance against a determined Naomh Columba outfit. Ballyshannon got off to a good start, but Glen didn't let them get beyond reach and the sides went in at 0-7 to 0-3. Naomh Columba enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges in the second half and narrowed the margin to just two points. That proved Aodh Ruadh's signal to press on and they monopolised the scoring for the rest of the game, running out 1-11 to 0-6 winners. It was a fine team performance from the Ernesiders. Pauric Loughlin, one of the few remaining links with last year's team, was absolutely imperious in the centre of the park and his dominance gave Aodh Ruadh a great platform to build on. It was one used well by the forwards, with scores spread well among the attacking sextet. Johnny Gethins topped scored with a goal and two points, the goal coming in the second half and helping send Aodh Ruadh on their way. Niall Murray hit two spectacular second half points. Defensively Gary Carty was in great form at corner back, while Damien Cleary gave a masterclass at full back. We have a team list a pictures from the game up. Buncrana are the county final opponents and represent a weighty threat to Aodh Ruadh's crown. The sides have met twice this year, both winning on home turf, so this meeting on neutral ground will be a real winner takes all encounter.
This Friday is the biggest day for the club in many years. Aodh Ruadh line out in two county finals, attempting to bring championship silverware back to the banks of the Erne. The venue for both games is MacCumhaill Park. The reserves take on Buncrana at 6.15pm and they will be followed by the seniors meeting with Termon at 8pm. A strong showing of Ballyshannon support is vital and we strongly encourage everyone who can get along to Ballybofey to lend their voice to the cause to make a special effort to attend.
Under 8 and under 6 training returns on Thursday November 8th and continues for four weeks before breaking for Christmas. Training will be in the New Hall at Coláiste Cholmcille. Under 6s will be in from 6.30pm to 7.15pm, followed by the under 8s from 7.15pm to 8pm. Under 10 training starts on Friday 9th November from 6pm to 7pm. They are followed by the under 12s from 7pm to 8pm. There is a charge of €2 per head to cover the cost of the hall. Please bring runners as no other footwear allowed. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.
~ HURLING ~
County winter training programme session for all county squads from under 12 to under 16 takes place in Deele College, Raphoe this Wednesday. All squad members to bring runners and boots, water and healthy snacks and a Donegal top if you have one. Bus leaving Abbey Garage at 8.30am. The session will be over at 1pm. All players are asked to try and make this session, which will be conducted by Ulster Council coaches.Well done to under 8 hurling manager Pauric Keenaghan who completed his first marathon on Monday in Dublin. He ran a great race and came home in a brilliant time of three hours 46 minutes.
~ STRICTLY COME DANCING ~
Strictly Ballyshannon is almost upon us now. There are still a few tickets left, but anyone who hasn't purchased yet would need to would need to move those feet. Tickets, priced €15, can be purchase in The Abbey Centre, Pearse O'Neill's and the Bridgend bar. Saturday, 3rd November in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran will be a night not to be missed. Doors open at 7.30pm. With the hours ebbing away until the big night we caught up with our dancers as they went through their paces in the New Hall at Coláiste Cholmcille, you can check out how they are getting on. Strictly Ballyshannon~ OFF THE PITCH ~
There was a 1,000 kilometre fund-raising walk in aid of Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin and Barnardos at the Mall Park last Saturday. As always there was good club representation in an organisational and walking capacity on the day. We got some fun pictures from the day's comings and goings up.~ YES WE CAN ~
Saturday 10th November 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.