Club Notes Archive - 2015

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JULY

7 July

Football
Aodh Ruadh's next league fixtures are this Wednesday 8th July when they travel to take on Naomh Bríd. The senior game throws in at 8pm and is preceded by the reserves at 6.30pm.

Aodh Ruadh claimed a 3-4 to 2-4 victory against Saint Naul's in their first round first leg championship game in Father Tierney Park on Monday evening. However they were made fight every inch of the way by a dogged Mountcharles outfit. The Ballyshannon men didn't make life easy for themselves either, spurning a number of scoreable chances. The visitors got the better of the opening exchanges and hit the game's first goal with a lob over Sean Taylor. Aodh Ruadh responded well though and goals from Oisin Roper and Nathan Boyle helped the Ernesiders to a 2-3 to 1-2 lead on the turnover. A well-taken goal by Dylan Gallagher in the second half proved to be the insurance scpre as Aodh Ruadh just about did enough for the win in this tough physical game. It was a below par performance from Aodh Ruadh but Nathan Boyle, Shane McGrath and Callum O'Halloran all worked hard and Sean Taylor was in super form between the sticks. Under 16 Dylan Gallagher also was lively on his introduction. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. Aodh Ruadh now need a draw or victory in the second leg in Mountcharles next Monday to progress to the next. Throw-in for that game is 7pm.

The under 14s will be travelling to Dungloe this Tuesday 7th July for our first round, first leg championship match. We are taking a bus to this game and it will be leaving the park at 4.30pm. There will be a charge of €3 to help defray the cost of the bus.

It was heartbreak for the Aodh Ruadh under 12s as they came up just short against Four Masters on Friday evening in the Southern Regional Board final. Trailing by just a point at half-time with the backing of a strong wind to come, it looked like Aodh Ruadh had the hard work done by the break in this under 12 Southern Minor Board final. However Four Masters greater hunger in the second half proved decisive and they made it over the line to claim the title. The final score was 3-9 to 3-6 in favour of the Donegal town men. For Aodh Ruadh Aaron Neilan worked tirelessly in midfield while Calum Ayres and Cian Rooney took some great scores. Daire Warren, Colm McGloin and Ryan Keenaghan all worked hard. All Aodh Ruadh's subs made a great contribution on their introduction. We have a full match report from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

Training returns to its usual time this Friday for the under 8s and under 6s from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. On Saturday the under 8s have their second home blitz of the season. We will be hosting Bundoran, Four Masters and Naomh Bríd and the action will be getting under way at 11am. Players must be at the park for 10.30am. With around a hundred children expected we need parents / guardians to help out by supplying a loaf of sandwiches, tray of buns or similar refreshments to help feed all present on the day. Also, we would appreciate if parents / guardians could lend a hand in the kitchen on the day.

Euro-Shot Challenge
All underage players for Bord na nÓg are now out selling lines for the inaugural Euro-Shot Challenge which takes place this Sunday. The concept is simple, points win prizes. The more points your team scores, the more chance they have of winning a special team prize. There are three prizes on offer. The under 8s and under 10s will be competing for a team trip to Castle Adventure Open Farm. The under 12s and under 14s will face off for a team outing to Bundoran Cineplex. Meanwhile the under 16s and under 18s are competing for a beach party and barbecue sponsored by Kernan's Spar. Shots are a €1 a go with the Euro-Shot Challenge taking place on Sunday 12th July in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The more lines you sell, the more shots you get. But the important thing is putting the shots over the bar, which makes this fund-raiser a great way to hone one of the most important aspects of our games. All players will have to take a minimum number of shots, so even if you only score one point, it could be the one that wins that wins your team the prize. There are individual prizes for the top scorers in each team, while the overall highest scoring team will take home the handsome Euro-Shot Challenge Plate. To make it easier to sell lines, there are also two tickets to the Ulster final up for grabs, with the winners being drawn on the day of the Euro-Shot Challenge, a week before the final. Our special thanks to Kernan's Spar, Eclipse Cinemas and Castle Adventure Open Farm for their sponsorship of this fund-raiser. Euro-Shot Challenge sheets can be downloaded directly from aodhruadh.org.

Hurling
The county under 21s played Longford in the All-Ireland C quarter-final in Father Tierney Park last Wednesday. They played impressively and won 2-18 to 1-8. Aodh Ruadh contributed three starters to the side, Ciaran Rami, Oisin Rooney (0-1) and Rory Cullen. Eddie Lynch came on and hit two points. Donegal now play Sligo in semi-final. We have some pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

The minors season came to a disappointing end on Thursday last as they lost their championship semi-final away to Burt. As was the norm for the season we were under strength on the night due to work commitments and holidays. we travelled with 16 players, four of whom were under 15. It was obvious from the start that the Burt lads were well up for the game and were physically stronger than our team. They had a large vocal support who gave them great encouragement all night. It was very tight in the first half and every ball was ferociously contested. Scores were at a premium and we led at half time 0-4 to 0-2. Burt levelled the scores early in the second half, we again took a two point lead, but Burt fought back and a long ball deceived our defence and put them into a 1-6 to 0-7 lead. Try as hard as we could we were unable to break down their defence. A goal two minutes into injury time put a gloss on the final scoreline leaving it 2-8 to 0-7 for the Burt men. It was a very frustrating season for the minors with the panel being so small and a number of players not making themselves available this season, but credit to the lads who played their hearts out all year and made the league final losing to a strong Buncrana team. Unfortunately only a handful of players kept up the training for the championship and it was this lack of sharpness and effort that went against us on Thursday night.

While the minors bowed out of the Championship on Thursday night, the under 12s made the long trip to Dungloe and came home with their second win of the league. All the squad played very well and fought for every ball and were convincing winners at the end, leaving them on four points after the first two games of the league. They play MacCumhaill's this Thursday at home.

The under 16s were in action in Father Tierney Park against a strong Dungloe team. It was a great game between two very committed teams and while we were lighter than the Dungloe lads, the whole team put in a great effort. We led at half time 3-5 to 3-2. The second half was very exciting and turned into a real shootout between two teams very keen to get the win. Our ability to take our points was the difference as we came out on top on a 5-12 to 6-6 score line. The lads deserve great credit for their efforts so far this season. It was only a couple of months ago it looked like we may not field at under 16 level this season. The win on Saturday makes it two from two in the league so far. We face a difficult trip to Ballybofey on Thursday evening to take on a strong MacCumhaill's team.

Cash for Clothes ends this Thursday last chance to clear out the wardrobes and get rid of any unwanted clothes, shoes, etc and help us fund-raise for the promotion and development of underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh.

Training every Sunday at 12 noon for all underage groups. For any information required in relation to underage hurling please contact John Rooney 086-2587793.

Summer Camp
Aodh Ruadh Summer Camp 2015 is now in progress and attracting great numbers in its first week. The camp is back again next week, Monday 13th July-17th July and runs from 10am to 3pm daily. Each week the camp will cater for all ages from 6 to 14, both BOYS and GIRLS. Activities include skills training, fun and games, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders, hurling and swimming. Applicants should bring a packed lunch as no one will be allowed to leave camp during the day. The camp runs from 10am to 3pm. Cost is as follows: One child €70; Two children €120; Three children €180; Four children €200. For further information contact Sylvester Maguire on 0860532495.

Club kit
We now have official club shorts available to order. They are O'Neill's, so top quality kit. Kids sizes (24 and 26) cost €18, while adult sizes (28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38) cost €22. We'll have samples available and images on aodhruadh.org. Contact Chris Kelly on 0868813553 to place your order. Our navy blue soft shell jackets are also back on sale. We now have three youth sizes 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 also able to order Ladies soft shell jackets with pink Aodh Ruadh crest and GAA logo. We are also selling adult jackets. You can check out samples of the shorts and jacket on aodhruadh.org. For further details call Chris on 0868813553.

Abbey Centre Bingo
The winner of last week's €400 bingo jackpot was Packie Boyle, Ballyshannon. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm in the Abbey Centre. The game seven summer snowball is now €450 on 50 numbers or less. Plus we still have our spot prize on 42 to be won!

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14 July

Football
The under 21s will be taking on Glenswilly this Wednesday in the preliminary round of the under 21 championship in Father Tierney Park. Throw-in is 8pm and we would love to see a big Ballyshannon support up to get behind the boys.

Aodh Ruadh produced an improved second leg performance against Saint Naul's in the Southern Regional Board minor quarter-final to book their place in the last four at the first time of asking. Ballyshannon were slow out of the blocks in Mountcharles, hitting a few bad wides early on. However, as the game moved into the second quarter they started to find the range and a penalty, beautifully dispatched by Nathan Boyle, saw them lead at the half time break, 1-5 to 0-3. For much of the second half Aodh Ruadh controlled the pace of the game and eased into a 1-9 to 0-5 lead. With ten minutes left Saint Naul's let in a long ball and hit the net to put four between the sides. The Ernesiders were unruffled though, and immediately swept up the pitch for an answering point. They added two further points before the end to run out 1-12 to 1-5 victors. Best for Aodh Ruadh was Ryan McKenna at wing forward who got two points, hit some great passes and delivered one of his best performances in an Aodh Ruadh jersey. Nathan Boyle finished with 1-4 and was outstanding as were Shane McGrath and Oisin Rooney in the central diamond. There were a number of good performances in defence. Callum 'Cookie' O'Halloran did a smashing job with his man-marking assignment while the full back line of, Conor Kennedy, Eugene Drummond and Cian McGloin were fantastic on the night. Sean Taylor also showed again why he is such an asset between the sticks with another assured display. Aodh Ruadh now progress to the Southern Regional semi-final where they face the winners of Dungloe and Ardara who have gone to a third game play-off.

The under 15s travelled to Dungloe for the Óg Sport seven-a-side competition last Saturday. They defeated Bundoran 2-4 to no score in their first game before registering a 1-6 to 2-3 draw with Dungloe. Aodh Ruadh then beat Naomh Conaill 5-2 to 2-3 and Ardara 2-3 to 1-5 before losing out 3-4 to 1-1 against Four Masters. Well done to all the lads who represented the club with great credit: Michael McKenna, Dylan Gallagher, Pauric Keenaghan, Odhran Kennedy, Mark Gallagher, Mark McGlynn, Evan McTernan, Cian Barden, John Conor McGarrigle and Senan Rooney. Thanks also to the Dungloe club who looked after well on a desperate day for football.

The under 14s came up short against Dungloe in their first round, first leg game. Aodh Ruadh trailed by two points at the break, but the hosts pushed on in the second half to finish nine point winners, albeit with the help of a last minute penalty that even the Dungloe mentors deemed a charitable call. Cian Barden continued his good vein of form this season with another mature outing while Shane Gillespie and Senan Rooney worked hard. Aodh Ruadh are down to host Dungloe for the second leg on Monday, 20th July. We have training this week at 6.30pm.

Aodh Ruadh hosted teams from Naomh Bríd, Bundoran and Four Masters for an under 8 blitz on Saturday morning. We were very lucky with the weather, getting away without much rain. There was a lot of good football played by all teams on the day. The Aodh Ruadh A and B teams both but in great displays. Thanks the parents and guardians who once again outdid themselves with the catering. Thanks also to our referees, Sylvester Maguire, Kerry Ryan and Eamonn McGrath. Thanks especially to our players who all gave of their best on the day. The Aodh Ruadh team was: Che Barron, Garreth Brennan, Barry Campbell, Eoin Cassidy, Ben Daly, Sam Davitt, Cádhla Dolan, Finn Doogan, Liam Doogan, Stephen Doran, Cormac Finnegan, Eoghan Gallagher, Joseph Gibbons, Odhran Gillespie, Fionn Hartin, Sadhbh Hughes, Donagh Kelly, Tomás Keown, Dara McGloin, Jayden McGrath-Clyne, Ethan McGowan, Garvey Meade, Bobby Melly, Ted O'Donnell, Dara O'Mahoney, Sean O'Neill, Daithí Sheerin, Max Roper and Corey Sheridan. We have pictures from the blitz up on aodhruadh.org. Training continues this Friday for the under 8s and under 6s from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

Euro-Shot Challenge
The first Bord na nÓg Euro-Shot Challenge was a great success on Sunday with a great day of craic and few new shooting stars discovered. The under 8s emerged victorious in their battle with the under 10s won a team trip to Castle Adventure Open Farm. The under 12s saw off the under 14s for the team outing to Bundoran Cineplex. Meanwhile the under 16s got the better of the minors for the beach party and barbecue sponsored by Kernan's Spar. Overall winners of the Euroshot challenge as the highest scoring team were the under 8s with a huge score of 387 points. The overall top scorer on the day was Evan McTernan with a tally of 31 points. The top scorers for their teams on the day were: Under 18: Nathan Boyle; under 16: Evan McTernan; Under 14: Mark Gettins; Under 12: Mitchell McLaughlin; Under 10: Jack Gallagher; Under 8: Joseph Gibbons. Congratulations also to Aisling McGrath who was winner of the pair of Ulster Final tickets in the draw for shot sponsors. Thanks to our managers and all those who helped out with the logistics of the competition. Thanks also to the parents and guardians who once again excelled themselves with a great spread of refreshments in the Aras afterwards. It was a great day of fun and craic and we look forward to coming back bigger and better again in 2016. Our special thanks to Kernan's Spar, Eclipse Cinemas and Castle Adventure Open Farm for their sponsorship of this fund-raiser. We have pictures from the day up on aodhruadh.org and the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page.

Hurling
Aodh Ruadh got their senior hurling championship campaign off to the ideal start with a good 1-13 to 1-6 win over the visitors from Buncrana. The Inishowen men hit a bit of a purple patch after the interval, but by and large the host's were well in charge of this tie and their extra fitness and class told eventually. They were best served by Ciaran Kilgannon and Eddie Lynch at midfield, Paul Sheridan at centre back and Chris Kilgannon at the cutting edge of the attack. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up aodhruadh.org. Aodh Ruadh's next fixture is in the Táin League this Sunday against Saint Fechin's at the Monaghan Centre of Excellence at Cloghan with time to be confirmed.

Our under 16 hurlers had a great win on Thursday last against MacCumhaill's in Ballybofey. Played in atrocious conditions, the lads put on their best display of the season. Behind 1-2 to no score after five minutes things were looking ominous as the physically stronger Ballybofey lads were on top all over the field. Aodh Ruadh slowly got into the game and a couple of points before half-time gave them great belief heading into the second half. As the weather conditions got worse our lads showed great character and discipline and plenty of skill as they got on top with their running game. At the final whistle only the bare minimum separated two very committed teams with Aodh Ruadh on top 3-10 to 4-6. Two years ago MacCumhaill's hammered us at under 14 level, it's great to see the improvement our lads have made since then. Thanks to all the parents who drove the lads to the game and gave them great vocal support throughout the game. Next up for the lads is a long trip to Carndonagh this Thursday.

Our under 12 hurlers brought the first piece of hurling silverware to the club on Saturday as they won the inaugural Joe Maguire Tournament hosted by Saint Joseph's, Ederney. They played Erne Gaels, Four Masters, Lisbellaw and Saint Joseph's and were convincing winners of all games, with all the squad playing their part in this historic victory. Denis Daly was a proud manager watching on as joint captains Aaron Cullen and Aaron Neilan accepted the new shield from Father Frank McManus to the delight of our travelling supporters. Thanks to the Saint Joseph's club for running a well organised tournament. Thanks to the parents who drove the squad to Ederney, your support is much appreciated. Next up for this hard working squad is a home game in the league against Carndonagh this Thursday. We have pictures from the tournament up on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page.

On Sunday last one of the under 12s, Ryan Keenaghan, had the honour of playing in the Cumann na mBunscol game at the Ulster senior hurling final in Owenbeg. Ryan had a great day wearing the Antrim colours as he represented Creevy National School. It was a great honour for Ryan, the school and the club. This dedicated player had a great day at the final and even met our guest at last year's juvenile presentation night, Sambo McNaughton who was delighted to see Ryan lining out in the Antrim colours. Check out the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page for some pictures from the final.

The fifth annual Peter O'Keefe under 16 hurling tournament takes place in Father Tierney Park and Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this Saturday with play beginning at 11am. This tournament is organised by Ulster GAA assisted by the Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee to honour one of our former members, the late Peter O'Keefe, who was a tireless worker for underage hurling in the club, county and province. Teams taking part are Tyrone, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon and Donegal. All support welcome on the day. Aodh Ruadh players on this squad are Conal Sweeny and Brian McHenry. Stephen Anderson is also on the squad but misses out on Saturday's tournament due to holidays.

Training every Sunday at 12 noon for all underage groups. For any information required in relation to underage hurling please contact John Rooney 086-2587793.

Give generously
There will be a bucket collection at the roundabouts in Ballyshannon this Saturday 18th July in support of North West Hospice organised by Terry McIntyre who will be cycling from Paris to Nice in September for the Hospice, ably supported by Grainne McIntyre.

Abbey Centre Bingo
The winner of last week's €400 bingo jackpot was Bridget McDermott, Belleek. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm in the Abbey Centre. The game seven summer snowball is now €475 on 50 numbers or less. Plus we still have our spot prize on 42 to be won!

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21 July

Football
Aodh Ruadh under 21s were deserved double-scores winners in this preliminary round clash, although at times they made life harder for themselves than it needed to be on a superb night for football. There were many excellent Aodh Ruadh performances for Nathan Boyle's strength and athleticism was well complemented by Eamonn McGrath and Eddie Lynch in the full back line. Darren Gethins was different class in midfield, pulling off a number of exceptional dispossessions. Jamie McDonald was a great point man and his place kicking was immaculate, while David McGurrin created plenty of havoc in the visitor's defence. There is a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. The under 21s are back in action this Wednesday 21st July when they travel to Buncrana for the championship first round proper. Throw-in at Scarvey is at 8pm and we urge a good Ballyshannon support to travel and get behind this talented group of players.

The under 16s showed great grit to claim a 2-10 to 1-6 championship first leg win over Four Masters last Wednesday. Eight different scorers sharing 12 scores shows balance and teamwork in attack, but the second half shut down in defence which kept Donegal scoreless from play in the second half and limited them to one pointed free was superb. Mark Gallagher repeatedly put the body on the line to thwart Donegal's crusade for a goal. Odhran Kennedy, Paddy McCaffrey, Jason Patterson and Pauric Keenaghan put up a second half iron curtain while wing back Michael McKenna's ball carrying skill and immense work-rate was an invaluable asset. Matteo Rivenna provided a strong presence in midfield while JC McGarrigle did well linking defence and attack in the early exchanges. All round this was a performance that, to a man, the Aodh Ruadh boys can be proud of. We look forward to the second leg in Donegal Town on Tuesday July 28th. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

The under 14s won their first round second leg against Dungloe on Monday evening in Father Tierney Park on a scoreline of 2-5 to 0-9. Once again Shane Gillespie and Senan Rooney got through a mountain of work across the course over the game. Elsewhere there were excellent performances from Aaron Duffy, Eugene Doherty, Adam Clarke and Mark McGlynn. Eoin Doherty did well up front, getting on the end of a lot of ball, while Adam Rami made a good impression on his introduction in the second half. The sides now progress to a play-off, with date, venue and time to be confirmed.

In the meantime the Bakery Cup commences this Wednesday with games throwing in at 6pm. The captains were named after Saturday training with the following teams being selected with this year's Bakery cup also seeing the inclusion of players from Bundoran.
Eoin Doherty (Captain), JJ Goan (Vice-Captain), Nathan Owens-Kelly, Daniel Dolan, Adam Rami, Donagh Mac Gabhann, Liam Dolan, Shane Duffy, Matt Gillespie, Daire Gallagher, Adam Hoey, John Creevy, Gerry Oates, JF McEniff, Adam Gallagher, Oisin Armstrong.
Shane Gillespie (Captain), Tiernan Flood-Dolan (Vice Captain), Eugene Doherty, Mark Gettins, Niall Monaghan, Jack McCaffrey, Diarmaid Flood-Dolan, Kyle Murray, Corey Ryan, Calum Doherty-Craig, Peadar McHenry, Conor O'Doherty, Keil Walsh, Daniel Mulhern, Mason Collins.
Senan Rooney (Captain), Cian Barden (Vice Captain), Jack Brosnan, Shane Brady, Harry Howarth, Diarmaid Ryan, Francis McGinley, Colm McGloin, Mitchell McLaughlin, Cian Rooney, Martin McGarrigle, Jack Melly, Cealach Mitchell, Caolan McMahon, Dillon Mulhern, Shane Carty.
Adam Clarke (Captain) Mark McGlynn (Vice-Captain), Aaron Duffy, Odhran McGarrigle, Philip Cassidy, David Doherty, Ryan McDonald, Daire Warren, Kyle McCaffrey, Jake Foley, Conall Bradshaw, Conor Foy, Anthony Nolan, Jack Hourihane, Adam McGlone, Rory McGowan.

Training continues this Friday for the under 8s and under 6s from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

Hurling
Aodh Ruadh faced Saint Fechin's of Louth on Sunday morning in their penultimate game in Ulster Táin League Division 2B. The game was played at the Monaghan Centre of Excellence at Cloghan and was a close fought affair. Aodh Ruadh started with a lot of possession in first ten minutes, but struggled to make it count on the score board. While the Ernesiders' striking from placed ball was poor on the day, Saint Fechin's free-taker was in immaculate form. His accuracy helped the Louth men to a 0-9 to 0-3 lead with 35 minutes played. However Aodh Ruadh rallied, the introduction of Johnny Dolan helping to cause Saint Fechin's problems up front. Ciaran Kilgannon hit the net midway through the second half and Aodh Ruadh pressed into a one point lead with time running out. Saint Fechin's struck for a point in added time to see the honours shared on a final scoreline of 1-10 to 0-13. Jack Matthews and Barry Farragher in midfield did trojan work for the Donegal men with Paul Sheridan also very solid. The full back line of Ciaran Rami, Shane McNulty and Stephen Sheerin were in top form. Conor McNeely was the pick of forwards, but unfortunately missed frees and bad decision making in the attack was to cost Ballyshannon dearly. Aodh Ruadh are scheduled to continue their senior hurling championship campaign this Saturday when they travel to Ballybofey to take on MacCumhaill's with the throw-in at 7.30pm.

The under 16s continued their rich vein of form when they made the long trip to Carndonagh on Thursday and came away with a convincing win. Weather conditions were horrendous on the night, but that didn't stop our 15 lads putting in a very workman like performance ensuring our fourth win of this league campaign. This Thursday we are due to play Setanta in Father Tierney Park.

The under 12s had no game last week. They are due to travel to Buncrana on Thursday to take on the local lads.

The fifth Annual Peter O'Keefe under 16 Connacht / Ulster tournament took place in Father Tierney Park and Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Saturday. Organised by Ulster GAA and assisted by Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee the day proved to be a great success. This tournament was organised to honour the memory of the late Peter O'Keefe who was a tireless worker for underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh, Donegal and Ulster. Four teams took part in this year's event, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Donegal, with Donegal emerging victorious after defeating Mayo in the final. Aodh Ruadh were delighted to have two representatives on the team Conall Sweeney and Brian McHenry. Chairman of Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling John Rooney acted as master of ceremonies for the presentation. He welcomed Rosaleen O'Keefe, Peter's wife, and their two sons Peadar and Donie to the presentation, he also welcomed Kevin Kelly from Ulster GAA and Jason Ewing, Chairman of the Donegal Hurling Board and thanked them for coming to the tournament. He thanked all the teams who had come and thanked all those who had helped on the day and the Aodh Ruadh club for the use of their facilities. He spoke of the late Peter and how much this tournament meant to Aodh Ruadh before calling on Jason Ewing to speak. Jason congratulated all who had put so much work into organising a great day's hurling, he thanked all the teams for the fine exhibition of hurling they had put on all day and he thanked all the referees who had done a great job. Rosaleen O'Keefe then spoke on behalf of the O'Keefe family, she spoke of how proud they were of this tournament and of seeing Peter being remembered in such a fashion, she thanked all who all who had put so much work into making the day such a success. Peadar O'Keefe then presented the Corn Pheadair Ui Chaoimh to Donegal's inspirational captain Ryan Hilferty of Saint Eunan's. We have a huge gallery of pictures from the tournament up on aodhruadh.org.

Also on Saturday Donegal's under 14 development squad took part in a blitz in Sligo and won all three of their games, we were represented on this squad by Eoin Doherty.

Donegal's under 21s qualified for the under 21 C All-Ireland Final after defeating Sligo in a very tense semi-final played in O'Donnell Park on Saturday. Donegal never really got going in this game. They appeared nervous and never showed the stylish hurling they are capable of playing. Their priority was to qualify for the final and they achieved that aim by the narrowest of margins beating the Yeats County men 0-15 to 0-14. They now face their neighbours Tyrone in the final which is sure to be another tight affair. Ciaran Rami, Oisin Rooney and Conor McNeely (0-1) were in the starting 15, while Rory Cullen was a sub and Kevin Loughlin was a selector.

Thanks to all who donated clothes to our collection recently, we raised €1,175 for the promotion and development of underage hurling.

Training every Sunday at 12 noon for all underage groups. For any information required in relation to underage hurling please contact John Rooney 086-2587793.

Bucket collection
Many thanks to the many people who were so generous in their contribution to the bucket collection at the roundabouts in Ballyshannon last Saturday 18th July in support of North West Hospice. The collection was organised by Terry McIntyre who will be cycling from Paris to Nice in September for the Hospice, ably supported by Grainne McIntyre.

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28 July

Football
With club football on hold for the present, Aodh Ruadh entertained Drumcliff Rosses Point, managed by Stephen Ward, at the Park on Saturday. We have some pictures from the game up in the aodhruadh.org image gallery.

The under 16s play the second leg of their first round championship tie with Four Masters in Donegal Town on Tuesday July 28th. Come out and support the team as they attempt to get into the next round at the first time of asking.

We are waiting for further information on the scheduling of the under 14's quarter-final play-off game against Dungloe. The first round of games in the Bakery Cup last Wednesday saw Adam Clarke's team defeat Eoin Doherty's while Shane Gillespie's side came through against Senan Rooney. The next round of games scheduled for Monday has been cancelled.

There was a great day for football last Saturday as the under 10s travelled to Ardara for a blitz. Only Aodh Ruadh and Ardara took part with the other teams scheduled to compete withdrawing. Each side played two teams, split evenly with some great football was played and the large attendance enjoying the exchanges. It was a good work out for our boys with some great scores and the art of blocking much in evidence. Many thanks to all the parents and guardians who helped out with transport to the blitz and Ardara for their hospitality.

Training continues this Friday for the under 8s and under 6s from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

Hurling
Well done to the Donegal under 21 hurlers who beat Tyrone in All-Ireland final on Sunday evening 1-11 to 0-11. Aodh Ruadh had the largest representation on the starting 15. Ciaran Rami, Oisin Rooney, Conor McNeely (0-1) and Eddie Lynch (1-1). Rory Cullen was also on the panel while Kevin Loughlin was a selector. All four lads played very well and were central to a historic win with Eddie Lynch getting the match winning goal from a 20 metre free three minutes from full time. It was a great win for Donegal and brilliant to see Aodh Ruadh playing such a major role in this historic victory.

Aodh Ruadh's under 16s continued their winning ways on Thursday last with a convincing win at home against a gallant Setanta team. This Thursday we are at home to Strabane which is sure to be a tough match.

The under 12s made a long trip to Buncrana to take on the home team. The first half was a close affair with Aodh Ruadh only trailing by three points at half-time. Unfortunately Ballyshannon failed to perform in the second half and Buncrana won comfortably in the end. Hopefully the lads will learn from this defeat and come back stronger.

Training every Sunday at 12 noon for all underage groups. For any information required in relation to underage hurling please contact John Rooney 086-2587793.

Ladies
The under 12 girls travelled to Termon on Saturday for an all-county blitz. They went undefeated in all four games. They won their first three against Convoy, Termon B and Gaoth Dobhair. In the final game they played Termon A drawing two points apiece. Thanks to all the parents who provided transport for this long trip, thanks to the Termon club for looking their refreshments and well done to the Aodh Ruadh girls on a magnificent day of football.

Many congratulations to the Donegal Ladies on winning the Ulster Senior Ladies Football Championship for the first time in the county's history, especially our own Sarah Patton who was on the squad.

Discover Ballyshannon
Discover Ballyshannon is running once again this year from August 3rd to 9th. There is a packed programme of events with something there for every age and taste. A leaflet of listing events can be picked up around town, in the tourist office and viewed on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page.

Abbey Centre Bingo
The winner of the July big bingo jackpot of €800 was Teresa McCafferty, Ballintra. Bingo this Friday will be held at Coláiste Cholmcille due to the staging of the Ballyshannon Folk Festival at the Abbey Centre. The summer snowball still has to be won and now stands at €525 on 51 numbers or less. The overall prize fund this week is €2,100, plus our spot prize on 42! Books priced at just €10.

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