Club Notes Archive - 2014
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AUGUST
- 5 August
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All-Ireland quarter-final tickets
Distribution details for All-Ireland quarter-final tickets had not been finalised at time of mailing, but will be circulated in due course.Football
Well done once again to Niall Harley and Colm Kelly and Aodh Ruadh hurler Jamie Brennan on booking their place in the All-Ireland semi-finals with a hard fought 0-10 to 1-5 victory over Roscommon in Markievicz park on Saturday. Well done also to Mick McGrath, Anthony McGrath and Gary Walsh who are involved in the back room team. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. There was county action closer to home too with the Donegal under 15 squad taking on Leitrim in Father Tierney Park on Saturday. We have pictures from that game up on aodhruadh.org.Aodh Ruadh have been drawn to face Letterkenny Gaels in the under 21 A championship on Tuesday 12th August in Father Tierney Park, throw in 7pm.
The minors are set to commence their championship journey this Wednesday, 6th August when they face Naomh Conaill in the first round, first leg match at Father Tierney Park. Throw in is at 7.30pm and we'd like to see a good turn-out getting behind the Ballyshannon boys.
The under 16s delivered a commanding performance to book their place in the league county semi-finals with a 2-15 to 1-10 victory over Naomh Conaill on Sunday afternoon. An early goal from Gareth Sheerin settled Aodh Ruadh and with wind advantage the homesters added 10 points from six different scorers in the first half. That attacking invention was complimented by a solid performance in defence, where the Ernesiders restricted Glenties to no score from play in the first half. The half time score stood at 1-9 to 0-3. Gareth Sheerin worked hard, creating some great combination play and finishing with a goal and two points to his own personal tally. Joint captains Shane McGrath and Nathan Boyle showed inspirational leadership from open play and also from dead-ball. McGrath was man of the match, finishing with 1-4, while Boyle ran him very close for that accolade with another exhibition of quality point taking. Sean Taylor had a great game in goals, stopping shots, picking out men with a variety of kick-outs and calling shots off the woodwork to ensure defenders' reactions were fully focused. Cian McGloin showed a variety of skills in defence, Shane Gillespie had a great debut for the under 16s deputising for the injured Brendan Gillespie. The half back and half forward lines had a great taking-care-of-business approach. All these boys demonstrating great inter-play and desire to attack and track back throughout the game. There was a lot of good movement from Dylan Gallagher, Shane Dorrian and Michael McKenna up front. The subs, Oisín Kerr, Matteo Rivenna, Odhran O'Neill and James Sheerin, all made effective contributions on their introduction. In general there was great teamwork, a fine mixture of hand-passing and kick-passing and passing combinations as the Ballyshannon lads backed each other up and worked hard throughout. Another heartening aspect of the performance was the discipline of the Aodh Ruadh team in every regard. Next up for the under 16s is the Southern Regional Board league final against Ardara, date, time and venue to be confirmed. We will have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org
A second half comeback from Aodh Ruadh was not enough to take the win against Four Masters in the sides' under 12 league meeting on Wednesday evening. Aodh Ruadh started the better of the two sides, rapidly going two points up. However Four Masters quickly got to grips with the visitors and launched a barrage on the Ballyshannon posts which soon saw them race into a substantial lead. Aodh Ruadh restructured at half time and managed to staunch the flow of scores. Then a magnificent solo goal from Kyle Murray gave the Ernesiders the glimmer of a chance. The net-buster seemed to shake the Donegal town side's confidence and they also seemed to flag a little as their earlier exertions started to take their toll. Aodh Ruadh then launched a concerted assault which had Four Masters penned in front of their goals for much of the final quarter as the visitors steadily ate into the deficit. Had the game gone on another five minutes there is little doubt Aodh Ruadh would have taken the spoils, but they just left themselves with too much work to do in too little time and came up short on a scoreline of 3-11 to 4-5. Best for Aodh Ruadh was Colm McGloin who put in a magnificent and brave performance despite clearly struggling with a leg injury. He gave a real leader's performance. Cian Rooney provided an effective link between defence and attack. Jake Foley did well around the centre of the field, as did Eugene Doherty when he came on. Meanwhile Kyle Murray was superb in the second half, proving the catalyst and focal point for Aodh Ruadh's late revival. Aodh Ruadh enjoyed more success in the junior game, running out good winners. Jake Foley and Cian McGloin featured strongly again, while Corey Ryan, Frankie McGinley, Bridín Maguire and David Doherty all delivered good displays. We have some pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The under 10s had an effective work out against a Four Masters side they are likely to be seeing a lot of in big games in the coming years. The senior game finished in a draw, while the Donegal town men came out on top in the junior game. Thanks are due to Jack Gallagher and Danny Breen who bolstered the junior challenge after a rocky first third. The Aodh Ruadh team who travelled to Tír Chonaill park were: Daniel Breen Brosnan, Conor Cleary, Séimí Campbell, JJ Doran, Padraig Daly, Ryan Daly, Shane Delahunty, Michael Doogan, Darragh Flood Dolan, Jack Gallagher, Aaron Horan, Niamh Hughes, Eoghan Kelly, Gráinne Maguire, James McGinley, Shane McGloin, Aaron Neilan, David Roper, Drew Ryan, Aonghus Sweeny and Aidan Sweeny. Under 10 training returns to its usual time of 6.30pm this Wednesday and 11am on Saturday morning.
Under 8 and under 6 training continues this Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 6.30pm.
Ladies
Best of luck to our own Terence McShea who will be taking charge of the All-Ireland minor final today between Cork and Galway in Birr at 5.45pm. You can follow his performance live on TG4.Aodh Ruadh travelled to Ardara for their championship second leg tie on Saturday with a team shorn of six starters. Management had to go down the ranks to put together a side and were met with a good response from the under 16s. The opening whistle saw no fewer than four girls making their senior debut for the club. In the circumstances it was an outstanding performance from the Shamettes. They may have lost on a scoreline of 0-13 to 1-2, but they can take great pride in the never-say-die attitude they fought their corner with. The defensive performance was particularly gratifying. Our girl of the game, Grainne McCosker, marshaled a magnificent rearguard action which ensured that Niamh Toolan's goal remained unbreached across the 60 minutes. Meanwhile Lauren Moore was repurposed from attack to full back and gave a great account of herself, getting forward for a point into the bargain. Aodh Ruadh managed to break even in the second half, with an Elaine Dorrian goal a just reward for a lot of hard work in the attack. The Aodh Ruadh team were. Niamh Toolan; Lauren Moore (0-1), Orla Gillespie, Sarah Timoney; Hannah Doherty, Grainne McCosker, Shelly Loughlin; Tanya O'Shea, Claudia Coughlin; Aimie McCafferty Dearbhaile McNeill, Katie McCafferty; Elaine Dorrian (1-1), Ailbhe Treanor, Ruth Flood. Substitutes: Niamh Gallagher for Ruth Flood; Ciarde Sheerin for Lauren Flood; Anna Rafferty for Aimie McCafferty. There are seven league games remaining in the ladies programme. When these are played will depend on how Donegal in their qualifier later today, with decision to be made at tonight's county board meeting.
Hurling
As things stand Aodh Ruadh face MacCumhaill's in their second senior championship match this Saturday.Pat Malaniff RIP
We laid Pat Malaniff to rest on Tuesday past. While it was a sad day for the club, there will be much pride in the manner in which we were able assist him on his final journey. There is an extended tribute to the life of Pat on aodhruadh.org. Aodh Ruadh once again extend our sincerest sympathies to the Malaniff family, his wife Ursula, his daughter Denise and sons Pauric, Bernard, Sean and Kevin and his sister Peg on their personal loss. We should also thank the family for loaning us Pat for all those years, for behind a man like Pat there is a family keeping the show on the road, allowing him to make his contribution to the wider community. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.Cúl camp
Aodh Ruadh will be hosting a Cúl Camp for the week commencing Monday 11th August. The camp runs from Monday to Friday, 10am to 2.30pm. Attendance is open to primary school children aged 6 years to 13 years. The camps are structured so that a different aspect of the game is worked on each day. The programme involves coaching specific skills of the game and the offers opportunity for children to put into practice what they have learned through small-sided games. On the last day of the camp a blitz will be organised to provide each child with an introduction to competitive games. Attendees at the camp will need to bring a packed lunch and drink, a hurley and helmet for hurling and camogie, a mouth guard for football, a weather appropriate clothing. The cost of the first child is €55, with the second subsequent child €45 and the third and fourth €40 each. You can register online for the camp at www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie. For further information contact Shane Ward on 086-8491933.Fantasy race for Sam
After another four games this weekend, its John Patton Jr and his team, Yes Patsy, who have jumped to the top of the pile on 212 points. Hot on his heels is John Keon and his team, Lakeside Lads, on 208 points. In joint third is Philip Patton with his team, County Colours, and Noel McGrath and his team, The Roofer, both on 194 points. In fifth place this week we have Pat Gruddy and his team, Mayo This Time, on 193 points. High score of the week goes to Paul McLoone and his team, Abbey Utd, with 29 points (Kerry-10, Mayo-10, J Clarke-1 and J O'Donoghue-8). As always the leader board is available every Tuesday on aodhruadh.org, as well as Ballybookies, The Bridgend Bar, Owen Roe's Bar and upstairs in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.Fitness Trail fund-raiser
Over the next two weeks or so work will resume at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, concentrating on completing the Fitness Trail and providing a Hurling/Rebound Wall for Youth Coaching of all Gaelic Games. Tom Daly is coordinating a small fund-raiser to meet some of the costs of these works. The Family Fund-raiser is a simple format where a family hosts 10 people at a meal in their home for a donation of €20 each. To participate you complete a Registration Form which is returned to Tom Daly, host your table on a day which suits you or before Saturday August 30th and make a return of €200 on September 1st. Each person who participates and makes a €20 donation which will be entered in a draw for two stand tickets for the 2014 All-Ireland Final and a double room and dinner for two in the Croke Park Hotel on Saturday September 20th, the night before the Final. Details from Tom Daly or e-mail ftdaly@hotmail.com. Aodh Ruadh supporters living away from Ballyshannon are particularly welcome to participate.Ballyshannon Live
Backing Ballyshannon presents Ballyshannon Live from August 4th to August 10th. It's a series of great events around the town with something there for all tastes and ages. Also Ballyshannon Business Chamber summer promotion runs this week with fantastic special offers throughout the town. You can download/view the full action-packed programme for the Festival from aodhruadh.org.Congratulations
Many congratulations to senior football team captain Ciron 'Cecil' Whoriskey on his engagement to Lorraine Stuart last Saturday. Congratulations also to Kevin Loughlin and Charlene Curran who tied the knot last Saturday.
- 12 August
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Football
Congratulations to Donegal on reaching the All-Ireland semi-final with victory over Armagh in Croke Park on Saturday. We have some pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.Our minors came up short against Naomh Conaill in their first round, first leg meeting in Father Tierney Park on Wednesday, losing out on a scoreline of 3-10 to 0-13. The return leg is down for next Monday, 18th August in Glenties.
Aodh Ruadh under 16s got their championship going with a first leg victory over Dungloe in Father Tierney Park. The homesters played against the wind in the first half and went in at the break facing a five point deficit. But if the year has told us anything about this group of players it's that such odds mean little to them. They battled hard in the second half, defended well and ground out a four point win. The return leg is down for the 22nd August.
The under 13s are due to get their league programme under way this Wednesday, 13th August with a trip to Ardara. Throw-in for that game is 7.30pm in Pearse Memorial Park. That fixture is rapidly followed by their first home tie of the season on Saturday 16th August, throw in at 1.30pm with Killybegs the guests.
The under 10s will be travelling to Ardara this Friday 15th August for a blitz. We will be looking for parents/guardians to assist with transport. All players and parents/guardians able to help with transport are asked to assemble at Father Tierney Park. We will be departing Ballyshannon at 4.45pm sharp.
Under 8 and under 6 training continues this Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 6.30pm.
Hurling
The minor championship final took place on Tuesday night last between Aodh Ruadh and Buncrana. A healthy rivalry had built up between these two clubs since they first clashed in an under 14 A final in 2009. They have clashed in county finals at all levels since and all games have been ferociously fought with never more than a puck of a ball between the teams, and last week's battle was no different. The Inishowen men raced into an early lead and led 1-2 to no score. Gradually the Aodh Ruadh lads got back into the game and at half time there was only a few points between the teams. Both sides traded points throughout the second half as Buncrana led by four points. Aodh Ruadh got a goal from a 21 yard free which left the minimum between the teams. With only about three minutes to go our lads got an equaliser. The large crowd present were on the edge of their seats as Buncrana had a chance to win it with a difficult free, but luckily for the Ernesiders it drifted wide. Shortly after the full time whistle went with the score board showing both teams tied on 1-10 a piece. It is a credit to both teams that they put on such a great display of hurling on a night when we had heavy rain, thunder and lightening. Great credit is due to Aodh Ruadh who had a bare minimum of 15 players as a number of players were ruled out due to injury and other sporting commitments. The replay is eagerly looked forward to and hopefully it will be just as good a game. Thanks to our small band of very loyal parents who drove the lads to the game. We have some pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.orgOn Thursday the under 16s renewed their rivalry with Buncrana as they played them in the league at Father Tierney Park. The Buncrana lads' ability to hit the back of the net was the difference between the teams as they ran out winners 4-5 to 2-3. Aodh Ruadh tired near the end as the majority of the team had played their fourth game in five days, showing the great commitment these lads give to the club, and the efforts they make to be dual players which hopefully are appreciated. The league is now over and as a result of finishing third we face a difficult trip to Letterkenny on Thursday night to play a very strong Saint Eunan's team in the county semi-final.
Unfortunately the under 12s run of defeats continued on Thursday night as they lost away to Burt. It was a much improved performance from the previous week and hopefully we will see an upturn in fortunes when a number of injuries clear up. They play Gaoth Dobhair this Thursday in Father Tierney Park with the throw in at 7pm.
On Saturday Donegal minors played out a very exciting game with Roscommon in the All-Ireland Minor B quarter final in Athleague in Roscommon. They led by a point two minutes into injury time when Roscommon levelled the game with a free, leaving the score 2-19 to 2-19. The stage was now set for extra-time. Donegal were reduced to 14 men early in the extra time and the Roscommon men finished the stronger to win 2-25 to 2-22. Roscommon dual player Noel Gately got the two goals to add to the goal he scored in the football quarter-final the previous week against Donegal. Aodh Ruadh were well represented on this team with Ciaran Rami playing at full back, Eugene Drummond (0-1) Eddie Lynch (0-3) and Oisin Rooney (0-1) made up an all Aodh Ruadh half forward line and got through a mountain of work. This is a very good minor team and it is great to see Aodh Ruadh players playing such an integral role in it. Ten of this team are underage again next, unfortunately Brendan Gillespie missed out on the game due to injury while Oisin Roper wasn't available due to soccer commitments.
The county under 15s took part in a blitz at Garvaghey in Tyrone and Aodh Ruadh were represented on this team by Stephen Anderson who did very well playing at corner back.
On Sunday we had our annual trip to the All-Ireland semi-final. Twenty nine underage hurlers and seven adults made the trip and were treated to two great games between Kilkenny and Waterford in the minor which Kilkenny won after extra time, and an amazing game between Kilkenny and Limerick in the senior where Brian Cody's men ran out two point winners after one of the greatest games ever played in Croke Park in atrocious conditions. Another highlight of out trip was the appearance of under 12 hurler Senan Rooney wearing the famous number three Kilkenny jersey representing Creevy National School in the Cumann na mBunscoil half time game which Kilkenny also won.
The penultimate all-county blitzes at under 8 and under 10 take place this Sunday in Convoy, details will be circulated during the week.
Fantasy Sam
With only three games remaining barring a draw, points are getting harder to come by. So at the top this week is John Patton Jr and his team, Yes Patsy, on a total of 227 points. Keeping very close to him is John Keon and his team of Lakeside Lads on 218. In third place this week we have Barry Travers and his team, Still The Greatest Reserve, on 212, with Karol Foley and her outfit, The Biggest Losers, on 208 in fourth place. In joint fifth we have Philip Patton and his team, County Colours, along with Noel McGrath and his team, The Roofer, both on 204. High score of the week with 20 points goes to Barry Travers and his team, Still The Greatest Reserve (Donegal-10, Dublin-10) and Yvonne Patton and her team of Donegal Dreamers (Dublin-10, B Brogan-10).Bingo
The winner of last week's €400 jackpot was Mary Summers of Manorhamilton. Bingo this Friday night at the Abbey Centre at 9pm. Books priced at €10 for full book, €5 for a half book.
- 19 August
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Football
After securing the under 21 B title last year Aodh Ruadh made an impressive return to the a grade with a convincing 1-14 to 1-6 win over Letterkenny Gaels in Father Tierney Park last Tuesday evening. The homesters faced into a tight wind in the first half and made the most of their opportunities to go in leading by 1-6 to 1-2 at the break. Niall Murray was the man with the goal, a reaction volley from the edge of the area. Aodh Ruadh capitalised on the wind at the start of the second half, playing some smart football to run up seven unanswered points and definitely take the game from the Letterkenny lads' grasp. It was a win built on a fine defensive display with Colm Kelly impressing at full back and Eamonn McGrath and Pauric Patton not far behind. Up front David McGurrin and Ronan McGurrin were the cutting edge, accounting for eight points between them, with Jamie McDonald and Ryan Granaghan also causing considerable problems for the visitors. We have some pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.A gutsy away win by the Aodh Ruadh minors sees them take Naomh Conaill to a third game in their first round championship contest. Ballyshannon turned over a six point second half deficit to run out 1-15 to 2-9 winners. The Ernesiders goal arrived from the piston-driven boot of Nathan Boyle in a first half where the visitors were well on top until the dying moments. Naomh Conaill hit the net just before the half-time whistle and the managed to goal again directly from the kick-out to leave the half time score 2-6 to 1-6 in their favour. It got worse before it got better for Ballyshannon, Glenties reeling off three points early in the second half to put six between the sides. However Aodh Ruadh took control in the last 20 minutes and hit nine unanswered points to take it to the third game. Shane McGrath initiated the comeback, pointing after a one two with Philip Patton from a free. Patton finished as Aodh Ruadh's top scorer with six points, one of them an exceptional effort just in from the sideline 30 metres out. Oisín Roper and Colm Kelly were among the scorers as the Ernesiders rallied with Conal Sweeny also hitting a point coming off the bench. Cookie O'Halloran put himself in with a good shout for the man of the match accolades. He was industry personified, constantly breaking up Glenties attacks and sending Aodh Ruadh off on the offensive. Eddie Lynch also starred in the defence in a game where every Ballyshannon man showed real bottle to secure the win. As things stand now, it is unlikely that the play-off game will happen before Donegal minors exit the All-Ireland championship, so an extended lay off is in prospect, but the play-off is sizing up to be an epic encounter and we whould
The under 16s are down to travel to Dungloe in the championship first round second leg this Friday, 22nd August with the throw in at 7.30pm. Ballyshannon already have a 5-11 to 2-15 win from the first leg under their belt. Also on the radar is the divisional league final against Ardara next Monday, venue and time to be confirmed.
The under 13s have endured a tough start to their season, losing 6-15 to 3-7 against Ardara before going down to Killybegs on a scoreline of 1-6 to 6-16. They will be hoping to turn things around when they host Saint Naul's this Wednesday in Father Tierney Park. Throw in for that game is 6.30pm.
It was a disappointing night for the Aodh Ruadh under 12s. In poor conditions for football they were unable match a strong Naomh Conaill side in the Southern League final at Davy Brennan Memorial Park. The homesters eventually ran out comfortable winners on a scoreline of 3-20 to 0-2. The juniors continued their rich vein of form however, winning their game well.
The under 10s blitz in Ardara was postponed so training will be at the usual time of 6.30pm this Wednesday. We will have a blitz in Donegal town this Saturday with Four Masters, Naomh Bríd and Bundoran providing the opposition. We will be looking for parents/guardians to assist with transport. All players and parents/guardians able to help with transport are asked to assemble at Father Tierney Park. We will be departing Ballyshannon at 10.00am sharp.
The under 8s were in Dunkineely on Saturday at a blitz. The juniors had two good wins against Dungloe and Naomh Ultan. While the seniors mightn't have got the scores their play deserved they put in a really strong committed performance and did themselves huge credit. We had great 22 players down in Dunkineely, but with Dungloe and Naomh Ultan thinner on numbers we weren't able to give all the lads as much football as we would have liked. We will have a few more blitzes before the end of the season and we aim to ensure everyone gets plenty of football before we wrap up. Thanks are due to the Naomh Ultan club for their hospitality on the day too. The Aodh Ruadh team was: Killian Bradshaw, Eoin Cassidy, Tommy Clyne, Ronan Delahunty, Eoin Doogan, Liam Doogan, Stephen Doran, Cormac Finnegan, Tom Holland, Donagh Kelly, Micheál Keown, Hugh Óg Maguire, Jack McCadden, Cian McDonald, Garvey Meade, James Monaghan, Tom Murphy, Ted O'Donnell, Conor O'Mahoney, Daire O'Mahoney, Cillian Slevin and James Ward.
Under 8 and under 6 training continues this Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 6.30pm.
Hurling
The under 12s suffered another defeat at home to Gaoth Dobhair on Thursday. Still without a number of players for a variety of reasons it was an improved performance against a strong team who pulled away in the second half after a very even first half. They are away to Four Masters this week.The under 16s play Saint Eunan's in the league semi-final in O'Donnell Park tomorrow night, Tuesday. The Letterkenny men are a very good outfit and a tough battle lies ahead for our lads, but as always they will give it everything they have, throw in at 7.15pm.
On Sunday our under 10s took part in the all-county blitz in Convoy. unfortunately only two other teams took part in the blitz and Aodh Ruadh recorded victories over Burt and Setanta. Thanks to all the parents who drove the lads to Convoy your support is much appreciated.
Unfortunately there was no under 8 blitz as Aodh Ruadh and Burt were the only teams who were going to take part. Hopefully the next blitz on 14th September will be better attended.
Bingo
The winner of last week's €400 jackpot was Majella Gethins of Tullyhorky. Bingo this Friday night at the Abbey Centre at 9pm. Books priced at €10 for full book, €5 for a half book.
- 26 August
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Family Fund-raiser
Some funds are required to complete the fitness trail and provide a Hurling/Rebound Wall for youth coaching of all Gaelic games at Pairc Aoidh Ruaidh. Tom Daly is co-ordinating a small fund-raiser to meet some of the costs of these works. The 'Family Fund-Raiser' is a simple format where a family hosts ten people at a meal in their home for a donation of €20 each. To participate you host your table on a day which suits you or before Saturday September 6th and make a return of €200 on September 8th. Each person who participates and makes a €20 donation will be entered in a draw for two stand tickets for the 2014 All-Ireland final and double room and dinner for two in the Croke Park Hotel on Saturday, September 20th, the night before the final. Further details are available from Tom Daly or email ftdaly@hotmail.com. Aodh Ruadh supporters living away from Ballyshannon are particularly welcome to participate.Club meeting
The monthly club executive meeting takes place this Thursday in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8.30pm. All committee members are asked to attend.Football
Aodh Ruadh's adult footballers finally return to competitive action this Saturday. They will host Red Hugh's in Father Tierney Park. The reserve game throws in at 5.30pm and is followed by the seniors at 7pm.The under 21s face Saint Eunan's in O'Donnell Park in the under 21 A championship quarter-final on Tuesday 2 September, throw in is at 7pm. We hope to have a good showing of Ballyshannon support down at this one.
It was heartbreak for the under 16s in the Southern Regional Board league final as they narrowly failed to hold off a second half fight back from Ardara to lose by two points despite a full-hearted display. Aodh Ruadh started with the benefit of a strong wind in Killybegs and quickly had two points on the board before passing up a goal-scoring opportunity. The sides then exchanged points before Conall Sweeny hit the net to take the scores to 1-4 to 0-1 in favour of the Ernesiders. A second goal from Nathan Boyle then helped Aodh Ruadh to a half-time scoreline of 2-6 to 0-2. Ardara started the second half like a whirlwind hitting two goals before Aodh Ruadh hit two points to stem their momentum and make it 2-8 to 2-2. After that Ardara started slowly reeled in the Ballyshannon lead, hitting three unanswered points. Shane McGrath hit a free from in front of the posts, but Ardara kept coming, hitting another six points to take the victory on a scoreline of 2-11 to 2-9. In better news the under 16s defeated Dungloe 2-4 to 0-7 in the sides' first round, second leg championship encounter on Friday evening to secure their place in the next round.
The under 13s lost 2-10 to 0-5 against Saint Naul's last Wednesday. They host Naomh Conaill this Wednesday in Father Tierney Park. Throw in for that game is 6.30pm.
The under 10s had a good hard blitz in Donegal town on Saturday against Four Masters, Bundoran and Naomh Bríd. We were short a fair few, but the lads that were there gave everything for the Aodh Ruadh jersey. The lads who lined out for Ballyshannon were Daniel Breen, Conor Cleary, Oisin Daly, Padraig Daly, Ryan Daly, Michael Doogan, JJ Doran, Jack Gallagher, James Gallagher, Aaron Horan, Eoghan Kelly, Cian McKenna, James McGinley, Shane McGloin, Ronan McKenna, Art Mag Fhionnghaile, Lorc Mag Fhionnghaile, Drew Ryan, Aidan Sweeny and Aonghus Sweeny. Training will be at the usual time of 6.30pm this Wednesday and 11am Saturday.
Under 8 and under 6 training continues this Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 6.30pm.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh sank to a 1-9 to 6-15 defeat against Burt in the latest stage of the senior hurling championship round robin stages. Ciaran Kilgannon got the first point of the game before Burt raced into a 3-2 to 0-1 lead after just five minutes. The Inishowen men were 5-10 to 1-5 to the good by the time the half-time whistle came. The Aodh Ruadh goal was flicked home by Declan Browne in the 15th minute. Ciaran Kilgannon finished as top scorer for Aodh Ruadh with six points, all from frees, with Peter Horan and Danny Hayden each hit a point apiece. The senior hurlers are down to travel to Ballybofey to take on MacCumhaill's in the championship this Saturday. Throw in for that game is 7pm.Our under 16s travelled to Letterkenny on Tuesday last to play Saint Eunan's in the league semi-final. It turned out to be a great game between two very committed teams. Saint Eunan's got off to a great start and hit Aodh Ruadh for a number of early goals. Ballyshannon never hurled at all in the first half as Saint Eunan's led by ten points at half time 3-6 to 0-5. The lads turned the game around in the second half and hurled like we knew they could, full of commitment taking some great scores. They got the score back to the minimum, but unfortunately they ran out of time just coming up short on a 4-8 to 4-7 scoreline. It was a hard defeat to take, but the lads knew they lost the game in the first half when they put in a very lacklustre performance. Thanks to our very loyal parents who drove the lads to the game. Your efforts are appreciated by all associated with the team. They are due to play Carndonagh in the championship on 4th September.
On Thursday night our under 12s got a much needed win against Four Masters in Donegal Town. The majority of this team is under 10 and they have had a tough season, but are showing great commitment and were delighted to run out winners 1-8 to 3-0. Thanks to the parents who drove the lads to the game your support as always is much appreciated.
The long awaited replay of the minor championship final against Buncrana takes place this Thursday at the Centre of Excellence in Convoy, throw-in at 7pm. Again the Buncrana men will be favourites for this game, but hopefully our lads will show the same determination they showed in the first game. If the replay is half as good as the first game it should be a great contest. Best of luck to the lads as they attempt to retain their title.
All-Ireland blitzes take place in Newry this Saturday. Donegal under 16s are taking part in the B grade and Aodh Ruadh are represented on this squad by Oisín Rooney, Brendan Gillespie and Kieran Daly. The Donegal under 15s are competing in the under 16 C grade and we are represented on this squad by Stephen Anderson, Conall Sweeney and Patrick McCaffrey.
Ladies
The Aodh Ruadh Ladies had a busy weekend this weekend, as they took to their bikes bright and early Saturday morning to commence the annual Cyclothon. A huge thank you goes out to all who turned out on the day to pedal on the day. Of course a huge thank you goes out to all the people who supported the Aodh Ruadh Ladies club on the day in their quest to raise funds. We have some shots from the fund-raiser up on aodhruadh.org.Fantasy Sam
John Patton Jr and his team have opened a sizeable lead after the game on Sunday. He has 249 points, but close on his heels is Karol Foley and her team, Biggest Losers, on 225 points. In joint third are Barry Travers and his team, Still The Greatest Reserve and John Keon and his team, Lakeside Lads, on 223 points. In fifth place we have Paul McLoone and his team, Abbey Utd, on 215 points. As always the leader board is available every Tuesday on aodhruadh.org, as well as Ballybookies, The Bridgend Bar, Owen Roe's Bar and upstairs in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.Bingo
Last week's jackpot winner was Ritchie Newell, Assaroe View. This Friday night is the August Big Bingo, with a prize fund of €2,700, including a €1,000 Jackpot game finale! First game in the Abbey Centre at 9pm, books costs €15 for a full book, €8 for a half, or play a book and a half for €20. See you there!Semi-final ticket competition
Highland Radio are giving one lucky listener the chance to win a pair of tickets for the game against Dublin on Sunday 31st August plus an overnight stay the night before the game in the Regency Hotel in Drumcondra. To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question. Donegal won their first Sam Maguire Cup in 1992, but who did they beat in the final that year? To enter text GAA plus your answer name and address to 57252. Your entry will cost €2 plus your operators charge. €1 will go to the Donegal Team Training Fund. Lines close at 12 noon on Wednesday 27th August 2014. The winner will be announced that evening on The GAA Programme.