Club Notes Archive - 2013

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OCTOBER

1 October

Football
A Damien Cleary goal a minute from the end saw Aodh Ruadh snatch a 2-10 to 2-9 victory from the jaws of defeat against Downings in the park on Saturday evening. Aodh Ruadh's midfield partnership of Conor Patton and Barry Ward were probably the key to the winning of the game, earning the first phase possession which kept the homesters on the front foot for much of the game. The half back line of Anthony Boyle, Eamonn McGrath and Kieran Keown were also excellent. Indeed with Boyle hitting three points, corner back Damien Cleary a goal and Peter Boyle two long range frees, the back seven made a significant contribution to this victory, above and beyond their defensive duties. We have a full match report and pictures up on aodhruadh.org.

The reserves fared less well, but it was a display that many supporters enjoyed nonetheless. Aodh Ruadh were 2-5 to 1-3 down at half time and leaked another goal early in the second half. However the homesters enjoyed the majority of the possession in the second half and it was only a fine defensive performance from Downings that prevented Aodh Ruadh from closing the gap more than they did. The highlight of the game from a Ballyshannon perspective were the performances of past masters, Philip McLoone and Peter McKenna. McLoone had regular opportunities to show he had lost none of his guile, while McKenna, introduced as a second half substitute was too hot for the Downings defence, firing over a majestic point which roused the home support no end. Alas it was only football who was to be the victor on this occasion, with Downings heading home with the win on a scoreline of 4-12 to 1-10. Also in good form for Ballyshannon were the tigerish David McLoone, the indefatigable Johnny Gethins and rampaging Ronan Matthews. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

There were no fixtures available for the coming weekend at the time of sending.

Aodh Ruadh 4-12 Naomh Columba 3-12 was the final score after extra time in the under 16 championship match played under lights in Ardara last Wednesday night. This game had everything and can only be described as an absolute thriller. From the throw in Naomh Columba got off to the perfect start with a goal in the first minute. It took 15 minutes for Aodh Ruadh to open their account coming with a Philip Patton point followed up by an Oisín Rooney goal, but the Glen men continued to pull away at a steady rate knocking up score after score. Discipline issues seemed to be a factor in the Ballyshannon lads' poor first half performance and they went in at half time trailing 1-3 to 3-6. Whatever was said at the break the Aodh Ruadh lads started the second half with a much more positive attitude and it did not take long to realise that they were more than a match for the Glen men. The big comeback was brought about through some great scores coming again from Philip Patton (0-6), Oisín Rooney (3-3), Oisín Roper (1-1), and a great point from play from Sean Taylor. Naomh Columba had no response to the pure determination to succeed displayed by the Ernesiders with the full time whistle leaving the sides level and extra time needed to get a final conclusion to this classic game. Both sides were very tired going into extra time, but Aodh Ruadh had come so far and given so much there was no way they were going home without a victory. The lads showed great spirit and heart in this match and are capable of so much more. The final whistle left them three points in front in a hard fought but well deserved win. Outstanding performances on the night came from Oisín Rooney, Philip Patton, Ryan McKenna and Connor Kennedy at full back. The next game is the 13th October when the lads take on Naomh Conaill.

The under 13s now face a play-off to progress through to the next stage of the league. They play Saint Naul's on Sunday, 6th October in Donegal town, throw-in at 12.30pm Under 13 training continues on Wednesdays from 4.30pm to 5.45pm.

There were eight clubs in attendance in Ballyshannon on Saturday as the we staged the Southern Minor Board under 10 finals day. Taking part on a glorious early autumn day were teams from Aodh Ruadh, Kilcar, Naomh Conaill, Ardara, Naomh Columba, Saint Naul's Naomh Bríd and Four Masters.
The senior competition was split into two sections, with Aodh Ruadh contesting against Naomh Bríd, Saint Naul's and Naomh Columba. The Ernesiders were short players on the day, but nevertheless gave an excellent account of themselves. They defeated Naomh Bríd in the first game and then beat Saint Naul's in their second game, overturning a one point loss to the Mountcharles men earlier in the season. In the third game Aodh Ruadh came up short against Naomh Columba, but overall it was a very positive display from this promising group of players. Matt Gillespie scored some great points over the course of the day, while Aaron Neilon was superb at full back and Marty McGarrigle pulled off a number of super saves between the posts. Ryan Keenaghan, Diarmaid Dolan and Colm McGloin also caught the eye with their performances over the day.
The juniors played the same sides and seniors. The team continued their fine form this season winning all three of their games. Every player gave 100 percent to the cause as they delivered their best performance of the season so we will name out the full side. Darren Warren, Daragh Gallagher, James Gallagher, Eoghan Kelly, Shane McGloin, David Roper, Cian McKenna, Jack Melly, Drew Ryan and Oisín Daly.
There was big effort from our parents on the day, who excelled themselves rustling up extra refreshments for the substantial attendance, and they deserve great credit for the great spread that was put on.
Many thanks also to our referees on the day, Diarmaid Keon, Kerry Ryan and Niall Murray as well as to Shane Toolan and Tracey Flood who did the lion's share of the organisation for this enjoyable day of football. We have a large selection of pictures from the finals up on aodhruadh.org.

Hurling
On Sunday we hosted our annual Aodh Ó Dálaigh under 12 tournament. In existence since 1982, this tournament has gone from strength to strength over the years. This year saw an inter-county team make its debut in the tournament in the form of the Cavan under 12 development squad who fielded two teams, other teams who took part were Tuam (Galway) Tooreen (Mayo) Easkey (Sligo) - who fielded two teams, Four Masters and host club Aodh Ruadh in all over 120 children took part in this year's event.
After a very long day of hurling the stage was now set for the two finals, the Aodh Ó Dálaigh final featured Easkey with their two teams combining to play Four Masters as they made their bid for a three-in-a-row of titles in this tournament and Tuam lining up to do battle against Tooreen in the shield final. The strength of hurling in Easkey and the benefit of having such a large panel showed as tiredness caught up on Four Masters who played five games throughout the day with the bare minimum of 11 players as they had no subs. They battled gamely but Easkey ran out convincing winners.
The Primary Schools Shield final was much more entertaining game and was fought out between two very young and skilful players, the commitment shown by both teams was commented upon by many present and the honesty in the young players was to be admired as they fought for every ball and didn't look for any soft frees. It was one of the best games of hurling played in Father Tierney Park at any level and was real end to end stuff as neither team showed any signs of having played two and a half hours hurling. At the end Tuam ran out winners to the delight of their players and the large number of parents who travelled to support them.
From the battle field it was up to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh where the mothers of the Aodh Ruadh lads provided food for over 200 people. It was great to see all teams mixing together and recounting the great tussles they had enjoyed all day. It was fitting that there was so many kids talking about their hurling battles in a room where the legendary Davy Fitzgerald told us in 2010 to live out our dreams and told us that he would get to the top in the hurling world within the next few years. All these youngsters have their dreams to be the best hurlers they can be and we hope to see some of them grace Croke Park in the future and no matter level they play at, we hope that they all get great enjoyment from playing unquestionably the greatest game in the world.
John Rooney, Chairman of the Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee welcomed all teams to the tournament and spoke of how it was founded in 1982 in memory of the late Hugh Daly. He spoke of the great GAA legacy that Hugh Daly had in Donegal and Aodh Ruadh circles and how it was carried forward by all of his family. He welcomed the Daly family and spoke of the great commitment they gave this tournament and how Hugh's son former Ulster Council President always takes time out from his busy schedule to attend this tournament. He spoke of how this tournament was founded by Billy Finn, Owen Roe O'Neill, Tom Daly and the late Seamus Grimes and of how great it was to see Billy Finn there today, another who never misses this tournament.
He spoke of the work the local primary schools do in helping the local club promoting hurling in the area, and he called on the Príomhoide of Gaelscoil Éirne in Ballyshannon Niamh Nic Dhiarmada on behalf of all the local national schools to present the Primary Schools Shield. She spoke of how impressed she was at the standard of hurling on display and the discipline of all teams She called on the Tooreen captain to come over to accept the runner up medals. She then called forward the Tuam captain to accept the Primary Schools Shield which he did to huge applause, this victory meant a lot to this very hard working hurling club.
John thanked the very small, but hard working juvenile hurling committee who helped make this tournament such a success, he thanked all the local parents who provided all the food he also thanked the referees on duty throughout the day who did a great job in letting the games flow, Peter Horan, Chris Kelly, Sylvester Maguire and John himself. He then called on Tom Daly to come forward and make the presentation of the Aodh Ó Dálaigh shield. Tom spoke of how important this tournament was to the Daly family and thanked all involved in organising the tournament. He spoke of the high level of the skill shown by all the teams. He spoke of the great year hurling had experienced and the efforts being made to promote the game worldwide. He congratulated all clubs involved and praised them all for keeping hurling alive in their clubs. He called forward the Four Masters captain to accept the runners up medals. He then spoke of the great achievement it was by Easkey to complete the three-in-a-row and praised the efforts and hard work they are putting into hurling in West Sligo. He then presented the shield to their winning captain. The Easkey manager Michael Gordon thanked all involved in organising this tournament, and spoke of its importance to them and how it had provided the foundation to their winning of All-Ireland Féile titles in 2012 and 2013.
John Rooney finished off by thanking the local Park Committee and wished everyone a safe trip home and look forward to seeing all in 2014. Thanks also to Claire Flood and the Aodh Ruadh minor girls who moved their game against Four Masters to Bundoran facilitating the use of four pitches for this tournament.
We have an extended report and a substantial gallery of pictures from the tournament up on aodhruadh.org.

As we come to the end of our hurling year the annual skills competitions are taking place, the results were as follows:

Under 12 competition

Senan Rooney
Owen Doherty
Danny Breen
Darragh McSharry
Liam McGee
Matthew McDonald.

Under 10 competition

Aaron Cullen
Ryan Keenaghan
Danny Breen
Darragh McSharry
Corey Ryan
JJ Doran

Ladies
The minor girls were defeated by Four Masters at the weekend. Aodh Ruadh couldn't get on top of the more clinical Donegal town girls, but there was a terrific defensive performance in the second half against a stiff breeze. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. We are now awaiting second round fixtures.

Training for under 10s and under 8s continues this Saturday afternoon from 1pm to 2pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

A date for your diary. The ladies committee are planning an underage presentation evening on Friday, October 18th. More details on this to follow closer to the date.

Yes we can
The next collection for our aluminium fund raiser takes place on Saturday 5th October from 12 noon to 1pm. ALL OTHER SCRAP METAL IS WELCOME AT THIS SESSION. For any information in relation to this campaign please contact John Rooney 086-2587793 or Kieran Drummond 086-2368295.

Changing your insurance?
Get behind the club with Liberty insurance. The club has joined the new Liberty Insurance initiative to help raise funds for the club. When a supporter of Aodh Ruadh takes out a new private motor or home policy with Liberty Insurance, they will give the club €50. Just enter the policy number at www.libertygaa.ie. Supporters can also enter a draw to win €10,000 for the club when they get a new private motor or home quote. Enter the quote reference number at www.libertygaa.ie.

Caps for gear
We now have collection points in Pearse O'Neill's, Centra, Spar, Colaiste Cholmcille and Scoil Catriona for the Lucozade Sports caps for gear promotion. Anyone with caps can also bring them to their team manager. We can then exchange these bottle caps for gear or equipment. The promotion runs till 31st October.

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8 October

Football
Aodh Ruadh under 21s faced an equally youthful Saint Malachy's side from Belfast for a challenge in the park on Saturday afternoon. Michael Ward was among the goals as Ballyshannon got into their stride in the second half of what was a useful work out ahead of the next outing in the under 21 B championship. We have some pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

Indications at time of sending are that Aodh Ruadh seniors and reserves would have their final outing of the year against Naomh Bríd this Saturday, however no times were available. Those games, if and when they happen, will be at Páirc Naomh Bríd.

Aodh Ruadh under 16s take on Naomh Conaill this Sunday, 13th October in the Southern Regional semi-final first leg in Glenties. The game throws in at 12 noon and we'd appreciate a good showing of travelling support to get behind the lads as they continue on their championship odyssey.

The under 13's play-off to progress through to the next stage of the league was rescheduled. They now play Saint Naul's on Wednesday, 9th October in Ardara, throw-in at 7.30pm.

There is a meeting of Bord na nÓg tomorrow night at 8.30pm at Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.

Hurling
The under 10s travelled to Saint Eunan's on Sunday for their final blitz of the year. The lads had six games and played very well in all the matches winning five of them defeating Saint Eunan's twice, Setanta, Letterkenny Gaels and Carndonagh with their only loss coming against Burt in their opening game. It is hoped that the lads will continue to work at their game in 2014 and make further progress. Thanks to Chris Kelly and Pauric Keenaghan and all the parents who brought the lads to the blitz and for their support all year.

The various skills competitions at all ages have now being completed. For the first time this year we had an under 6 competition which is very encouraging. The results in the under 6 grade were as follows; First: Cian McDonald, second: Eoin Doogan, third: Liam Doogan. Well done to all who took part. We had 17 competitors in the under 8 event, great numbers showing the hard work that has gone into this age group all season. Results were as follows; First Drew Ryan, second: Ronan Barron, third: Dara McDevitt, joint fourth: Matthew Tierney and Ryan Kane. Well done to Dennis Daly, Kieran Daly and Kerry Ryan who co-ordinated the event.

The under 14 and minor competitions also took place this week with high levels of skill on the display. The results in under 14 were as follows; First: Conal Sweeney, second: Stephen Anderson, third: Evan McTernan, Joint fourth: Cathal Canavan and Cathal Feeney, fifth: Pauric Keenaghan, sixth: Phillip Myers. The results in the minor competition were as follows; First Eddie Lynch, second: Tommy Gillespie, joint third: Ciaran Rami, Brendan Gillespie and Eugene Drummond, fourth: Bryan Ward, fifth: Oisín Rooney, sixth Jason Granaghan.

All our under-age teams activities have finished now for the season with the exception of the minors who play the Cavan champions in the Ulster minor championship on the 27th October. Thanks to all the teams and their mentors for all their efforts throughout the year, thanks to all the parents for their support all year, their help with transport and catering was much appreciated.

Ladies
Minors and seniors continue to train on Tuesdays at 6.30pm.

Under 10 and under 8 girls training continues on Saturdays from 1pm to 2pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

The ladies committee are planning an underage presentation evening on Friday Oct 18th, we'll have the throw-in time and full details in the notes next week.

Recreational football
Recreational football continues this Saturday at 6.30pm. The game will be followed by a short chat afterwards about arrangements as we head into the winter season.

1,000km walk for Crumlin
The third annual 1,000km walk for Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, takes place Sunday, 13th October from 12 noon to 4pm at the Mall Park, Ballyshannon. The walk will be started off this year by families who attend or have attended Crumlin, so please come along for 12 noon if you are one of these families. All proceeds go towards the new cancer and cardiac wards which are nearing completion at the hospital. We hope to see plenty out walking on the day as we need to complete 2,540 laps to walk the 1,000km.

Carnival Ballyshannon
The finale of the Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival - Carnival Ballyshannon - on Saturday night was blessed with unseasonably balmy weather and big crowd turned out to watch the festivities. Needless to say there was a sizeable Aodh Ruadh contingent taking part and spectating and we have some pictures of the craic up on aodhruadh.org.

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15 October

Football
Aodh Ruadh concluded their 2013 season with a five point derby win over Naomh Bríd, 1-15 to 0-13. Star of the show was undoubtedly David McGurrin who even had the opposition supporters murmuring their admiration. He shot 0-10 in total with five points coming from placed ball, many of those tricky shots too. The partnership of Kerry Ryan and Conor Patton in midfield did much excellent work and Patton's intelligent play in this zone was eye-catching. Ronan Drummond had a industrious and productive 60 minutes, while there were also important contributions from one to three. Peter Boyle hit two magnificent long range frees, Ciron Whoriskey made a surging run the length of the pitch which set up Brian Roper for his decisive goal, while Spanny Goan was on hand to amplify the psychological effect of that goal with a neatly taken point. The win sees Aodh Ruadh finish the season place fifth in the division three table, but with solid grounds for optimism that we can push on heading into 2014. We have a full match report and pictures up on aodhruadh.org.

There was no reserve game.

Aodh Ruadh under 16s went down to a narrow 2-7 to 3-3 defeat against Naomh Conaill on Sunday afternoon in their Southern championship semi-final first leg clash. The Ernesiders got off to a flying start racing into a 2-1 to 0-1 lead in the opening stages with Nathan Boyle fisting both goals to the net. However Naomh Conaill regrouped and managed to haul it back and went in leading by 2-4 to 2-3 at the break. Glenties continued to have the better of it in the second half and Ballyshannon weren't helped when their best player on the day, midfielder Eugene Drummond, had to leave the fray half way through with a suspected hip injury. Some stout defending from the Ernesiders combined with flakey shooting from the homesters meant the game was close run to the very end. Philip Patton was the only Ballyshannon man to score in the second half, hitting the net with a penalty. Aodh Ruadh will know they have room for improvement in the second leg and should be confident of taking this tie to a play-off when they host Naomh Conaill in Father Tierney Park this Sunday, 20th October. The game throws in at 12 noon and with this tie still very much in the balance we would urge a big showing of Ballyshannon support to get behind the lads.

It was a bad day at the office for the under 13 footballers in their play-off against Saint Naul's last Wednesday night, played under lights in Ardara. The lads failed to capitalise on what should have been a huge wind advantage for the first half of the game. Indeed, it took 15 minutes for Aodh Ruadh to register their first score, coming from the boot of Michael McKenna. Two more points was all they could manage for the remainder of the half leaving them going into the break trailing 2-1 to 0-3. The second half started with the Aodh Ruadh lads closing the gap with a peach of a goal coming straight from the throw in. They came back and drew level with Mountcharles and thrived playing against the wind. Shane Gillespie worked very hard in the middle of the field linking up well with Michael McKenna and Senan Rooney for a few great displays of flowing football. Even though the work rate did increase Naul's always were on top and the Ballyshannon men never came close to playing to the level they are so capable of. The final score line on a very disappointing night for such a great Aodh Ruadh team stood at Saint Naul's 5-8 Aodh Ruadh 3-4. Outstanding players on the night were the young gun Senan Rooney, Bakery cup player of the tournament Tiernan Dolan, Shane Gillespie and Michael McKenna in the middle of the field and John Conor McGarrigle playing his best game of the season up front. Finally, the management would like to thank all the players on the under 13 and under 14 panels for their commitment and effort through what was a very enjoyable and progressive season. Also a big thanks to all the parents for all their help with transport and catering throughout the year.

Ladies
The minor girls are waiting for the next round fixtures which we hope will be available after Tuesday night's county board meeting. In the meantime training continues on Tuesdays at 6.30pm.

The Ladies committee are hosting an underage presentation evening this Friday evening from 7pm to 8 30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. The evening will consist of medal and certificate presentation followed by some light entertainment and refreshments. An open invitation is extended to all girls who were involved in training and playing for Aodh Ruadh in the 2012/13 season and their parents, so please make sure to have all our young members there to be rewarded for their efforts.

Under 10 and under 8 girls training continues on Saturdays from 1pm to 2pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

Recreational football
Recreational football continues this Saturday under lights at 7.00pm. Great to see such a big turn out last week and hopefully the numbers and the craic will continue at its present high level.

1,000km Get Out and Walk for Kids challenge
A fantastic day was had by the over 300 people who turned up to support Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin on Sunday afternoon at the Mall Park. Target for the day was to walk 2,540 laps and by 4pm we had completed that challenge plus another 1300 laps. A total of 3,843 laps was the final count and a total of €3,377.42 was raised for the new Cardiac Ward at Crumlin. A very big thank you to everyone who helped with the raffle and on the day and especially to everyone who got out and walked and donated so much for this very worthy cause. We got some fun pictures from the day's comings and goings.

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22 October

Football
Aodh Ruadh are back in a county under 21 final for the first time since 2002 following a 3-14 to 1-8 victory over Red Hugh's in the under 21 B championship semi-final in Donegal town last Saturday. It was a strong, physical game, which featured a lot of good football from both sides. There were a lot of excellent performances from the Ballyshannon men. Jamie McDonald led the line very well after the loss of David McGurrin. McGurrin's replacement, Ryan Granaghan, also did very well, hitting two superb points, one in each half. Ronan Drummond put in another fine shift hitting his fourth point of the season into the bargain, a nice effort from a tight angle. Ronan McGurrin gave an exhibition in midfield and finished with three points to his credit while Conor Patton also impressed in the engine room. The full back line were all excellent with Niall Harley adapting well to the corner back berth. Eddie Lynch had a great game too in half back. Aodh Ruadh now await the winner of the Glenfin v Burt semi-final which is slated for next weekend. The only downbeat note was the injury to David McGurrin who now faces a race against time and is a major doubt for the final, should it take place the first weekend in November as anticipated. We have a great gallery of pictures from the match as well as an extended match report, team sheet and scorers up on aodhruadh.org.

Aodh Ruadh under 16s have taken their Southern championship semi-final to a play-off with a 2-8 to 1-2 second leg victory over Naomh Conaill. The opening 15 minutes were excellent from the homesters as they played some slick football hitting four unanswered points. However this is a good Glenties side and they weren't going to let Aodh Ruadh have anything easy. They started to assert themselves as the half wore on, but their shot selection let them down at times and they were often shooting under significant pressure from the Erneside defenders. Shortly before half time Glenties got their only score of the half, and an important one it was too, with Gavin McDaid having to pick the ball out of the back of his net. The visitors seemed to have assumed the ascendancy and they duly leveled up the game shortly after half time with a point. However Aodh Ruadh stepped up to the mark right across the pitch, with the quality of ball into the forward line improving. They reaped the rewards with two goals in five minutes. The first came from the boot of Jason Gallagher with the second being dispatched by Eugene Drummond. Both three pointers were the product of hard work and clever play from the Ballyshannon boys. The last quarter was dominated by the Ernesiders as they turned the screw in midfield, with the half back line also turning over a lot of ball. On the two occasions Glenties dropped ball into the square Gavin McDaid and his defence were equal to the threat, speedily repelling the danger. The game was finished with a fine point from one of Aodh Ruadh's stars on the day, Oisín Roper.
It was a fine team display, with Ballyshannon growing in stature as the game went on. Ryan McKenna and Justin Granaghan put in great hard-working displays. Calum O'Halloran got on a lot of ball and made a big difference around the middle of the field. Philip Patton lead the attack well, with Jason Gallagher also catching the eye up front. Gavin McDaid was very sound between the posts, while the ever-assured Conor Kennedy put in another solid performance at number three. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org The under 16s are penciled in to take on Naomh Conaill in the play-off under lights at Annagry on Friday, 25th October. The game is due to throw in at 7.45pm. Again we want to see another big showing of Ballyshannon support to get behind the lads.

Bord na nÓg are hosting the table quiz in Owen Roe's this Thursday October 24th. Great craic and prizes guaranteed on the night. All support would be greatly appreciated. We would particularly ask parents to make an effort to support this event. The questions start flying at 9.30pm.

Ladies
Underage Presentation Night A great night of presentations and affirmation was had by everyone who turned up to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Friday evening last. Judging by the turnout on the night, the future of Peil na mBan is safe in the hands of the many club volunteers who ensured throughout the 2012/2013 season that all underage girls from 8 to 16 years of age got their chance to play our National game in Ballyshannon and further afield.
With the Aras decorated for Halloween; a rolling photographic display on both screens provided by Brian Drummond; Gareth Ferguson on standby with the disco lights and playlist, the event kicked off with Eoin O'Moore, Chairman Ladies Committee welcoming players and parents to the evening. Eoin acknowledged the support of the parents to the Aodh Ruadh club. He thanked all the local businesses who sponsored drinks, crisps and sweets for the players. Posters detailing the sponsors acknowledged the contributions of David O'Donnell of Kernan's Spar; Tommy McGoldrick at Diamond Deals; Rory O'Neill of P O'Neill's; Billy Cleary at the Abbey Garage and Rossa McCosker of Centra.
The girls from Aodh Ruadh who played for the County during 2012/2013 were nominated to present the certificates. They were Maeve Liston, Roise Keon, Orla Gillespie, Megan McGee, Mary Flora Scott and Briana Maher. First up were the large group of under 8s and under 10s. These young girls were coached by Claire Flood, Fionnuala Gill and Niamh Gallagher. The coaches were ably assisted by transition year students Niamh Toolin, Meadbh McCloskey, Ruth Flood and Eva McMullin.
The next group awarded certificates were the under 12s. These girls had a busy season under manager Bernie Maguire and took part in the under 12 Go Games blitzes from early summer and into the autumn. The under 14s managed by Grace Meade also had a successful season, where this year they won through to compete in the A Section and reached the latter stages of that competition. The presentations continued with county winners' C medals being presented to the under 14 team of 2012 who were managed by Donna Martin, Sarah Patton and Fionnuala Gill. The final presentation of medals was made to the current under 16s who won county silver medals when under 14, under the management of Claire Flood and club stalwart, the late Colman Kerr.
After that it was time for the goodies and the disco! An fun and enjoyable evening for all. Team managers have certificates for any players not present on the night. Best of luck to our Aodh Ruadh minor ladies who have progressed to the county B semi-final. Let's hope the 2013/2014 season will be as successful as the one just concluded! We have a great selection of images from the evening up on aodhruadh.org.

All coaches say a big thank you to the parents and guardians for all their help and support throughout the year and remind you that we are always looking for volunteers especially with the younger teams. The club lotto continues to provide much needed revenue and a rota has been drawn up to help ensure the ladies sub-committee fulfill their commitment. The family of each player over 15 has been included in the rota. This is one 90 minute period per player each year. It is planned to carry out the rota on a team basis. Please liaise with your team manager on this. They will send you a reminder and details of the sales location closer to the time.

Under 10 and under 8 girls training continues on Saturdays from 1pm to 2pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

The Ladies AGM will be held in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Sunday 24th November at 2pm.

Planning is under way for a club development squad for early next year and coaches will be inviting players to participate nearer to the time.

Hurling
Aodh Ruadh minor hurlers make their debut as Donegal's representatives in the Leadon Timber Frame and Gortfad Electrical Ulster minor tournament this Sunday against the Cavan champions, Cootehill Celtic, in Ballinascreen, Derry. This tournament is in its 18th year and is the premier minor hurling tournament in Ulster. The lads face a very difficult test against the Cavan outfit who are also the Monaghan league champions. They take their players from five clubs in Cavan: Kill, Drumgoon, Knockbridge, Drung and Cootehill. The lads have had a very long season and unfortunately a number of players will miss this game due to injury, but we've no doubt the boys will give their best as they have always done when representing the club and Donegal.

Under 10 and under 8 girls training continues on Saturdays from 1pm to 2pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

Recreational football
Recreational football continues this Saturday under lights at 7.00pm.

Yes we can
The next collection for Aodh Ruadh's scrap metal fund raiser takes place on Saturday 26th October from 12 noon to 1pm. ALL OTHER SCRAP METAL IS WELCOME AT THIS SESSION. We hope to send away a load of scrap for recycling in the next few weeks so it's a great opportunity to get rid of any unwanted scrap metal lying about the house or sheds before Christmas. Contact John Rooney 086-2587793 or Kieran Drummond 086-2368295 for any information on this initiative.

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29 October

Football
Aodh Ruadh took part in the Eamonn Byrne memorial match on Saturday, a game staged on the 25th anniversary of Eamonn's sad and untimely passing during a game in between Aodh Ruadh and Killybegs in Father Tierney Park. There was great pomp about proceedings, with Saint Catherine's band on hand to lend a bit of razzamatazz and the teams being presented to the Byrne family beforehand. Both clubs fielded strong teams, with no less than 12 of Killybeg's starting 15 from the county final on show. The weather condition exerted an influence on the game itself and playing with the wind proved a decided advantage. The Fishermen won out in the end, winning on a scoreline of 1-20 to 3-8. Damien Cleary hit the net twice for Ballyshannon, while Johnny Gethins capped a fine display with 1-2 to his credit. A fine spread of refreshments were provided afterwards and great thanks are owed to the Killybegs club who looked after us magnificently on the day. We have a great selection of pictures from the match up on aodhruadh.org.

Aodh Ruadh will fact Burt in the final of the under 21 B county championship. There was no fixture available at time of mailing.

The under 16s were in Ardara last Friday evening for their semi-final play-off game with Naomh Conaill. Aodh Ruadh had the benefit of a strong breeze for the first half, however it was Glenties who made the better start, hitting two points in the first ten minutes. Then Ballyshannon took over hitting two quick-fire goals to go into the ascendancy. The first came from a long ball in to Jason Gallagher who showed great hands to win possession, before burying the ball in the net. A few minutes later and an Aodh Ruadh kick out was quickly worked up the field and Oisín Rooney swung a boot at the ball as it came into the danger area to send it to the back of the net. Philip Patton then extended the lead sending over two points leaving Aodh Ruadh two goals ahead with five minutes left in the half. Naomh Conaill rallied before the break though and got a goal a point to leave the half time score at 2-3 to 1-3 in favour of the Ernesiders. Aodh Ruadh played into the wind in the second half, but that was only half the story as the Glenties eight and nine started to take control of the game. The Ballyshannon lads lost the midfield battle, while Naomh Conaill also showed great hunger at the breakdown. A Philip Patton goal helped make it a contest right to the end, but could not prevent the Naomh Conaill men prevailing on a scoreline of 2-12 to 3-4. It wasn't a great performance from Aodh Ruadh and the best players were all in defence with Nathan Boyle and Daniel Warnock in particular both having excellent games and showing a never-say-die spirit. This defeat marks the end of the under 16s competitive season and the management would like to thank the team for all their efforts over the course of the year.

Hurling
Our minor hurlers had a great win in their Ulster minor quarter-final against Cavan representatives, Cootehill Celtic on Sunday in Ballinascreen. Despite the terrible weather conditions of wind and rain the lads put in a good battling performance. The Cavan lads were older and physically stronger, but Ballyshannon fought for every ball as they were aware that not alone were they representing Aodh Ruadh, but they were also representing Donegal in this prestigious hurling tournament. The Ernesiders played against a very strong breeze in the first half and there were signs of rustiness as this team haven't had a competitive game in over three months. Yet Aodh Ruadh slowly got into our stride and led at half time 3-4 to 1-2. With the aid of the breeze in the second half and playing a better style of hurling we ran out convincing winners 5-15 to 5-4. It was a fine win for this young squad, only two of whom are over age next year. We now face a very strong Eoghan Ruadh Dungannon team in the semi-final this Sunday, 2nd November at 2pm. This will be a very difficult game as they are one of the favourites in this tournament. The lads deserve great credit for putting in a very committed performance in what has turned into a very long season for them.

Recreational football
Recreational football continues this Saturday under lights at 7.00pm.

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