Club Notes Archive - 2014

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OCTOBER

7 October

Aodh Ruadh 5K
Aodh Ruadh Bord na nÓg present our first annual 5K this Sunday 12th October. Registration on the day from 1pm - 2.30pm before runners and walkers go under starter's orders at 3pm. We have selected a level route from the park out towards the Knather and back to suit all abilities. The map and elevation of the route can be viewed at the event's Facebook page. There are category prizes for the boys and girls in the under 14, under 16, under 18, senior and over 40 age grades, with trophies for the first man and first woman home. Registration fees are as follows. Under 16s €5; Adults €10; Families €20. This is Bord na nÓg's main fundraiser for the year and we will be building it up in the years to come. We especially want to encourage club members to come out and support this event.

Football
Aodh Ruadh will go to Fanad needing a win to ensure their progression to the next stage of the championship after a 1-7 to 1-7 draw with Naomh Bríd on Sunday afternoon left it with all to play for in the final round of games in the group stages. There were some very good performances from both sides in a game where both teams seemed more concerned about not losing the game rather than going out to win. Eamonn McGrath was the stand out man for Aodh Ruadh, with Ciron Whoriskey also having a good shift at the back. Johnny Gethins and Barry Mulligan were the pick of the forwards on the day. We have a full match report, team sheets and a huge gallery of pictures up on aodhruadh.org.

The reserve match ended in controversial circumstances with some confusion over the score. We await further developments.

Aodh Ruadh play the final round of the intermediate football championship group stages this Sunday. They face Fanad Gaels in Páirc Uí Shiail with the reserves up at 1.30pm followed by the seniors at 3pm.

The curtain came down on the under 12s and under 14s season in spectacular fashion on Sunday last in Father Tierney Park, when best friends Pauric Keenaghan and Michael McKenna went head to head in the 57th annual Bakery Cup final. A huge crowd turned out to witness this thriller of a match which saw McKenna's team take an early lead with a fine point fisted over by Mark Gettins. It was end-to-end excitement for the remainder of the first half which ended with McKenna leading by 2-2 to 1-2.
The second half started with McKenna's team having a huge wind advantage. Such was the pace of the game that the referee Val Murray was struggling to keep up with the youth. Mark McGlynn and Harry Howarth were linking up beautifully and McKenna's side got on top in the last ten minutes. The final whistle saw Michael McKenna with a five point lead and he proudly lay claim to the Bakery cup which is something his dad couldn't manage to do 30 years ago when he was beaten in the 1984 final by a very good John Duffy side.
The curtain-raiser to the final was another thriller of a game which saw Dylan Gallagher's side defeat Evan McTernan's team in another very good sporting game with a rare sight being seen when the big man, Odhran Kennedy, scored a cracker of a goal from a 45. In the presentation ceremony afterwards all the captains were awarded with trophies and the player of the tournament went to a well deserving Shane Duffy.
Thanks to all that helped out on the day and the management of the under 14s would like to thank all the parents for their help with transport, catering and everything else over the course of a very enjoyable 2014 season. We have pictures from the day upon aodhruadh.org.

The under 8s concluded their season after nine months of activity with a blitz in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Saturday evening. We were joined for the day by our neighbours Erne Gaels and Corofin who travelled up from Galway for the event. There were four pitches on the go with some great skills on display across the afternoon. The blitz was played off in a great spirit, which was wonderful to see. Thanks to the referees who allowed us to run the four pitches, Brian Roper, Gerard Ferguson, Sylvester Maguire and Corofin's Ciaran Lynch. Major thanks to the parents and guardians who brought in such a spectacular range of refreshments in and especially to those who saw duty behind the hatch serving up over the course of the day. Thanks to Paul Gillespie and BWG who supplied the treats and Kernan's Spar who brought milk, tea and coffee. Finally thanks to David O'Donnell who laid on a very well-received minidisco to bring the curtain down on the 2014 season. Thanks to the coaches across the course of the year, in particular James Bradshaw, Paddy Kelly and Tom Holland for all their hard work. Of course thanks to all our players across the course of the year, they have been a real pleasure to work with and made huge progress over the season and hopefully had fun in the process. Pulling on the Aodh Ruadh jersey last Saturday were: Killian Bradshaw, Barry Campbell, Eoin Cassidy, Michael Clancy, Tommy Clyne, Finn Coady, Ben Daly, Ronan Delahunty, Eoin Doogan, Liam Doogan, Stephen Doran, Cormac Finnegan, Odhran Gillespie, Tom Holland, Donagh Kelly, Micheal Keown, Hugh Óg Maguire, Jack McCadden, Cian McDonald, Dylan McGuinness, Adam McNulty, Garvey Meade, James Monaghan, Tom Murphy, Ted O'Donnell, Conor O'Mahoney, Dara O'Mahoney, Cillian Slevin and Darragh Summerville. With the season concluded it would only be proper to thank the parents and guardians for their help and support across the course of the year especially the catering at blitzes and providing transport to matches, it made the management's job much easier. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

We have signed up to Lucozade Kit Out Project. We are not asking people to start buying Lucozade, but could anyone who does drink it please note the code on the bottle under the wrapper and pass it to your manager or to Tracey Flood. Codes will be added to our account and we get some free kit. Please pass this on to your friends or anyone you know that drinks Lucozade and ask them to keep codes for the club. The more codes we collect the more gear we can get.

Hurling
Coláiste Cholmcille senior hurling team took part in a blitz in the Mid Ulster Sports Arena, Cookstown last Thursday playing three games. In the opening game they had a narrow victory, 0-8 to 1-4, against Coleraine. In game two they lost against old rivals Buncrana 5-1 to 2-4. They faced into their final game against Ballymena knowing they had to win to qualify for the Casement Shield, and win they did in a great game on a scoreline of 3-7 to 3-4. They are due to play the quarter-final this week against Abbey CBS Newry. The whole panel play their club hurling with Aodh Ruadh, thanks to Coláiste Cholmcille and Damien Conlan for entering this competition.

On Sunday morning the curtain came down on the under 8 and under 10 season as the final all-county blitz of the year took place in the Centre of Excellence in Convoy. The under 10s had 14 players and played seven games and finished the season unbeaten as they won six games and drew their final one. The under 8s had 17 players and fielded two teams, both teams played nine games and did very well in all games. The under 8s showed great dedication all year and really improved as the season went on. The management of both squads would like to thank the parents for their support and help all year long especially with transport, training resumes again in March 2015.

Ladies
Aodh Ruadh under 16 ladies delivered their best performance of the year last Saturday to book their place in the county championship final. The Shamettes comfortably defeated a Malin side who were slow to start after their long trip down the road from Inishowen. Aodh Ruadh now face Kilcar in the final, with date, time and venue yet to be confirmed, but it will be within the next two weeks. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

Club crest soft shell jackets
Aodh Ruadh now has a new piece of kit for club members to buy. It is a navy blue soft shell jacket with the Aodh Ruadh crest on the left and the GAA crest on the right. They are priced €49 each with the option of initials on the sleeve for an extra €5. Jackets are available in sizes small, medium, large, XL and XXL. You can view samples of the jacket on aodhruadh.org.

A Wake In The West
Ballyshannon Drama Society present Michael J Ginnelly's hilarious comedy A Wake In The West in the Abbey Centre on October 9th, 11th, 12th, 16th, 18th and 19th October at 8.30pm nightly.

Ballyshannon Carnival
The Ballyshannon Carnival took to the streets on Saturday evening, and once again got great weather considering the time of year. It really was a spectacular effort this year, with, once again, lots of participation from club members. We have a great gallery of shots from the festivities up on aodhruadh.org.

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14 October

Football
Despite a promising start to the game in Portsalon Aodh Ruadh were reeled back in by Fanad Gaels to lose their final tie of the intermediate championship round robin stages on a scoreline of 3-14 to 3-8. However, there was much relief at the end as results from elsewhere came in. Carndonagh's surprise defat of Milford leaves Aodh Ruadh poised qualify to the quarter finals by taking one of the best third place finishes on three points, thanks to that draw in Ballintra which ultimately proved to be a vital point gained. Best for Aodh Ruadh were Ciron Whoriskey, Mickey Dolan and Eamonn McGrath at the back, whilst Colm Kelly got though some great work and McGurrin's goals almost made the difference for the visitors. There is a full match report from David McLoone and pictures from Cathal Maguire on aodhruadh.org.

The reserves went out of the championship, losing out on a scoreline of Fanad Gaels 2-15 Aodh Ruadh 1-8. Aodh Ruadh knew that only a win would do in Portsalon to be sure of progression to the quarter-final stage, and also knew they would have to do it without the help of the suspended Sticky Ward. The homesters got off to a good start and maintained control throughout despite Aodh Ruadh's attempts to work their way back into the tie. Fanad finished out strongly with 1-2, the goal which put the icing on the cake was a screamer into the top corner. All in all a very disappointing day for the reserves, who just left themselves with too much to do in the second half. The best performances on the day came from Ryan Patton, Nicky Sheerin and captain Dermot Slevin as he tried to rally the troops throughout. With both Carndonagh and Downings withdrawing from the 2014 reserve championship, the lads need to wait and see what happens in the other groups to know their fate for the rest of the season. There is a full match report from David McLoone and pictures from Cathal Maguire on aodhruadh.org.

The annual under 12 trip to Croke Park took place yesterday and congratulations to Mark McGlynn, the lucky name out of the hat. It is a great opportunity for any young player to get to play in Croke Park, one I'm sure will be remembered for a long time.

Ladies
Best of luck to the Aodh Ruadh under 16 ladies who take on Kilcar in the county final this Friday. The throw-in time is 5.30pm, but the venue had not been fixed at time of writing.

Hurling
The curtain came down on the under 8 season on Saturday when all headed to Dizzy's Den, Bundoran for two hours of fun and craic as a reward for the great work and effort all of our youngest team put in all year. They have all mastered the basic skills of hurling and have shown a great improvement since last March and have been a pleasure to work with such was their willingness to learn. Thanks to the parents for all their help and support all year look forward to seeing all again in March.

Sunday was a busy day on the underage hurling front as four of our under 12s, Shane Brady, Declan Kelly, Nathan Kelly and Gavin McGarrigle took part in the Croke Park Activity Day for Donegal in Croke Park. The lads had a great day playing lots of matches on the hallowed sod of Croke Park, hopefully it will be the first of many appearances there for them.

Also on Sunday our under 16s headed to Derry for their final day of the season, Firstly they played a very competitive challenge game against Na Magha, winning well in the end on a score line of 5-15 to 3-10. From there it was onto Owenbeg to watch the Ulster Senior Club semi-final between Cushendall of Antrim and Derry's Slaughtneil. What a game this turned out to be, level at the end of normal time 3-12 for the Antrim men to 0-21. We then had extra time which couldn't separate these two great sides as it finished 3-17 to 0-26. The game had everything that is great about hurling, and all in the large crowd present agreed a draw was a fair result. Interestingly 13 of the Slaughtneil panel are dual players and six of the starting 15 will be in action again next week as Slaughtneil are in the Derry senior football final next Sunday, this coupled with Cratloe completing the double in Clare of senior hurling and football titles on Sunday shows how advantageous it is for clubs to promote and encourage dual players. After the game the lads met and got their photos taken with Antrim captain Neil McManus and Cushendall manager and former Antrim great the legendary Terence 'Sambo McNaughton. Check out the photos on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page.

Aodh Ruadh 5k Run/Walk
Well done to everyone who turned up for Bord na nÓg's first annual 5k run/walk. Weather was perfect for the event and everyone there enjoyed the day. Thank you to all the marshalls, timekeepers and registrars - Catherine Gettins, Darragh Flood Dolan, Ray Gaughan, Aidan McGonigle, James Bradshaw, David Murray, Donagh Keon, Caolán Flood Dolan, Mark Gettins, Mary Doogan, Sarah Meehan, Diarmuid Flood Dolan, Patricia Bradshaw, Sharon & Claire Toolan. All who helped with refreshments Teresa Davis Maguire, Helen Kelly, Tara Keenaghan, Eileen McCaffrey. Lorraine Heatley Ryan and Kathleen O'Neill. Congratulations to our winners:
U14: Tiernan Flood Dolan and girls joint winners Sarah Jane Keon, Orla Keon & Lucy McGlynn
U16: Ronan McMullin and Alannah Ryan
Senior: Tommy Gillespie and Edel Sheerin
40+: Paul Ward and Pamela Zarb
Congrats again to Paul Ward and Pamela Zarb on winning first man and first woman home. We had great runs from some very young (10 and under) athletes: Garvey Meade, Shane Delahunty, Killian Bradshaw, Ryan Keenaghan, Cillian Meehan, and Eve Flood - well done to all of them for participating and finishing so well. Thanks to our sponsors Ballyshannon Leisure Centre, Ballyshannon Shoe Co., O'Neills Leisurewear Ballyshannon, Bundoran Cineplex, Ballyshannon Museum, Slevin's Department Store, Cut 'n Crew Bundoran, Nirvana Restaurant and Centra. Special thanks to Andrea Whelan for doing the photography today - great job done. You can check out Andrea's work on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page. Looking forward to 5k 2015!

Bingo
Karen Gallagher of Cashelard was the winner of last week's €400 jackpot. Bingo continues as normal this Friday at 9pm in the Abbey Centre, with books priced €10 for a full book or €5 for the half book.

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21 October

Ladies
Pride of place this week goes to a young Aodh Ruadh under 16 ladies side who won claimed the Donegal under 16 C championship title with victory Kilcar on a scoreline of 3-15 to 0-5 on Friday evening. It was a very poor day for football, with wind and rain battering Mountcharles, but that didn't diminish Aodh Ruadh's appetite for the game and they got off to a magnificent start, dominating up front and pushing out into a lead which Kilcar could never reel in. The Ballyshannon girls led by 1-8 to 0-2 at half time and looked set fair for the honours. They had to count on an excellent second half defensive performance though to shut out Kilcar as they tried to claw their way back into the game. With Aodh Ruadh taking all their chances they ran out deserved 19 point winners. Mary Flora Scott and Shelly Loughlin orchestrated the attack well up front while Lorna Matthews and Orla Gillespie denied Kilcar any traction in the defence. Dearbhaile O'Moore and Meabh Rooney both excelled in midfield too. Congratulations to Teddy Kane, Terence McShea, Tara Khan, Elaine Dorrian and Sarah Patton on steering the side to championship success. The side who brought much-needed silverware back to Aodh Ruadh were as follows: Catherine McClay; Bronagh Kelly, Lorna Matthews, Ríonach Sheerin; Louise Mahon, Orla Gillespie, Lauren Moore; Dearbhaile O'Moore, Meabh Rooney; Rebecca Gillespie, Mary Flora Scott, Aimee McCaffrey; Roisín Gallagher, Shelly Loughlin, Roisín Meehan.

Football
Aodh Ruadh have been drawn against Fanad Gaels in the intermediate football championship quarter-finals . The winners of that game play the winners from the Cloughaneely v Burt quarter-final. At the time of mailing there was no fixture information available, an addendum will follow when we have anything further to report on that front.

Hurling
On Thursday last the Coláiste Cholmcille senior hurling team qualified for the Casement Shield semi-final by virtue of a comprehensive victory over Abbey CBS Newry on a 2-11 to 1-4 scoreline. The game was played in difficult conditions at the Tyrone Centre of Excellence in Garvaghey. The lads put in a hard working performance where everyone showed great commitment. This win means they now play old rivals Buncrana in the semi-final.

Aodh Ruadh soft shell jackets now available in kids' sizes
With Christmas coming up we have the perfect stocking filler for your football or hurling mad youngsters. We now have three youth sizes of our navy blue soft shell jacket available. Ages 7-8 priced €40; ages 9-10 priced €40; and ages 11-12 priced €45. All jackets will have the Aodh Ruadh and GAA crests, plus the child's initials on the sleeve. We are still selling adult jackets. These would make an ideal present for club members returning for foreign lands for the festive period. Orders for all jackets will need to be in by the second week of November at the latest to ensure Christmas delivery. Keep an eye on notes and Aodh Ruadh text for details of fitting sessions. You can check out an adult sample of the jacket on aodhruadh.org.

Wedding bells
Two big weddings in the club this week and we'd like to extend our congratulations and best wishes to all concerned for a long and happy marriage. Our hard working secretary Emma Gaughan hitches up with Aidan McGonigle this Friday, while bona fide Aodh Ruadh and Donegal legend Niall McCready and Marie Doherty tie the knot on Saturday.

Bingo
Last week's €400 jackpot was split five ways in the Abbey Centre. Bingo continues as normal this Friday at 9pm in the Abbey Centre, with books priced €10 for a full book or €5 for the half book.

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28 October

Football
Convoy has often proved a happy hunting ground for Aodh Ruadh teams, but on this bleak windswept October Saturdday it was to prove to be one of those days to forget as Fanad Gaels ran out 0-13 to 0-9 winners in the Intermediate Football Championship quarter-final. Aodh Ruadh contested manfully, despite being down a few starting players and then losing players to injury early in the game, but just couldn't reel back in an aggressive Fanad outfit after they got off to a flying start. Aodh Ruadh were reasonably sound in defence with Anthony Boyle, Damien Cleary and Michael Dolan among the best performers in that sector. Johnny Gethins showed commendable spirit at half forward while up front David McGurrin and the championship debutante Philip Patton both worked hard on limited and difficult ball. Conor Patton also did well on his introduction. Now focus returns to the league where promotion to the second tier is still very much a live proposition. See the full match report and pictures on aodhruadh.org.

The reserves also exited the championship on Friday night. They came out on the wrong end of a 4-8 to 1-12 scoreline. Aodh Ruadh got off to a bad start before slowly dragging themselves back into the game, but coming up short at the end. Best for the Ballyshannon men was Michael 'Sticky' Ward who was just unstoppable doing everything he could to drag the team back into the game, finishing the night with a massive 1-11. Ryan Granaghan worked very hard throughout the 60 minutes, whilst David Finnerty, Cookie O'Halloran and Ryan Patton also put in very solid performances. All in all it was a disappointing exit from the 2014 Intermediate Reserve Championship, but on reflection there will be much to be positive about this season, having won the Division 3 Reserve league title, and seeing many of the younger lads, particularly the lads coming through from minors, getting a real flavour for senior football and no doubt will be stronger following their experiences this year. The final reserve league game against Naomh Bríd will hopefully be played whenever the intermediate championship concludes. There is a full match report from the game up on aodhruadh.org

Hurling
Congratulations to Paul Sheridan on being named on the Nicky Rackard team of the year. Paul was one of only two Donegal hurlers to be recognised on the team, the other representative being MacCumhaill's Justin McGhee. Donegal exited the Nicky Rackard cup at the semi-final stages to Fingal.

Wedding bells
Congratulations to Emma Gaughan and Aidan McGonigle on their nuptials last Friday and Niall McCready and Marie Doherty who tied the knot last Saturday. You can see some lovely pictures from Emma and Aidan's wedding and Niall and Marie's weddingup on aodhruadh.org.

Bingo
Big Halloween Bingo this Friday night at 9pm at the Abbey Centre. Prize fund is €2,700 including the €1,000 jackpot game. Books priced at €15 for full book, €8 for a half, or play your book and a half for just €20! Winner of last week's €400 jackpot was Catherina Keown, Garrison.

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