Club Notes Archive - 2015
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AUGUST
- 4 August
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Football
Congratulations to Donegal on their convincing win over Galway and good luck as they once again take on Mayo this weekend. Well done also to Nathan Boyle who captained a Donegal under 17 side also featuring Oisin Rooney and Shane McGrath as they took on Roscommon in the Park recently. We have pictures from that match up in the aodhruadh.org image gallery.Aodh Ruadh minors championship game against Dungloe / Na Rossa fell foul of the weather on Monday evening.
Aodh Ruadh under 14s finally played their championship play-off tie against Dungloe on Tuesday evening. Lack of neutral ground saw it being played in Pairc Aoidh Ruaidh. Aodh Ruadh started with two quick points, but Dungloe fought back well and scored a goal shortly before half time to lead by 1-4 to 0-6 at the break. Ballyshannon forced the pace in the second half and after Dungloe held tight for a while the breakthrough came in the shape of two quick fire goals. After that further good attacking work from the hosts and good defensive play saw Aodh Ruadh win on a score line of 4-8 to 2-4 and into a Southern Board semi-final first leg against Killybegs on 10th August. We have pictures from the Dungloe match up on aodhruadh.org.
The under 8 Blitz scheduled for Bundoran for this Saturday has been postponed until Saturday 22nd August. Training continues this Friday for the under 8s and under 6s from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
There will be a Bord na nOg meeting on Thursday night at 9pm. All committee members are asked to attend.
HURLING
Aodh Ruadh travelled to Ballybofey for their second round championship match against MacCumhaill's. The hosts showed no mercy in the first half racing into 4-8 to 0-3 interval lead. Ballyshannon rallied well in the second half, but the damage had been done and MacCumhaill's finished 5-12 to 2-11 victors.The under 12s put in a great performance in terrible conditions against a very game Carndonagh team on Monday last. It was a very closely fought game between two very committed teams, with Aodh Ruadh winning 4-4 to 3-2. Next up for this hard working team is an away trip to Setanta this Thursday.
The under 16s had no game last Thursday as Strabane couldn't field. They have a difficult game at home this Thursday against a strong Saint Eunan's side.
Donegal minors lost out to Down in the All-Ireland B quarter-final in Ballela on Saturday by 2-17 to 4-3. Oisin Rooney was our sole representative on the first 15 lining out at centre half back and scoring two goals. Stephen Connolly came on in the second half and did well. Unfortunately due to a family bereavement Brendan Gillespie was unable to travel to the game.
Our annual trip to Croke Park takes place on Sunday 16th August as we travel to the much anticipated All Ireland semi final between Tipperary and Galway. For any information about this trip please contact John Rooney.
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 16s opened their season with any excellent win over Bundoran on Monday evening in the Park. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. The girls next game is a trip to Fintra on September 1st to take on Killybegs.ABBEY CENTRE BINGO
Winner of last weeks €400 jackpot was Helen Coughlin. Bingo returns to the Abbey Centre this Friday at 9pm. The summer snowball now stands at €550 on 51 numbers or less. Books priced at just €10.
- 11 August
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Football
After an extended break, Aodh Ruadh returns to league action this Sunday when they travel to Burt. The reserve game is at 1.30pm and is followed by the seniors at 3pm.The under 21s travel to Buncrana on Tuesday evening for the first round proper of the A championship. Throw in at Scarvey is at 7pm as the Ernesiders look to build on an impressive preliminary round win over Glenswilly.
Under 16 training at 7pm this Wednesday.
The under 14s travelled to Fintra for the first leg of their semi-final against Killybegs on Monday evening. Ballyshannon played some of their best football of the season in the first half to go in trailing by just 1-7 to 2-2 at half-time. In the second half the hosts kicked on despite the Ernesiders best effort to run out 2-18 to 3-4 victors. Goalkeeper Ryan McDonald had his best game of the year making a string of magnificent saves in a man of the match performance. Adam Clarke was in outstanding in defence and continues to impress with his authoritative football. JJ Goan and Tiernan Dolan also worked hard and did well in support. The midfield pair of Shane Gillespie and Senan Rooney were excellent in the first half and showed improved distribution. Harry Howarth did really well at half-forward while the full forward line gave a great account of themselves. Odhran McGarrigle played a stylish game hitting the net with Aodh Ruadh's first goal. Adam Rami worked hard and steady throughout while Eoin Doherty hit a well-taken goal and a point in the first half. After two visits to Fintra this season, Aodh Ruadh now get to host Killybegs in Father Tierney Park in the championship semi-final second leg this Friday, throw-in 7pm. The lads have a great record at home this season and will be looking forward to the challenge. A big showing of Ballyshannon support would be much appreciated for this big game. Training this Wednesday at 7pm. We will be mixing with the under 16s for a full pitch game after, so a full turn out of players is expected.
Training continues this Friday for the under 8s and under 6s from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Hurling
This Saturday sees Aodh Ruadh return to senior hurling championship action in Father Tierney Park when they host Burt at 7.30pm.Our under 12s suffered defeat away to Setanta on Thursday night last. it was a closely fought game with never more that the puck of a ball between two evenly matched teams. The final score was 2-5 to 1-5 in favour of the Killygordon men. The boys have a difficult game at home to Burt this Thursday.
On the same night the under 16s suffered their first defeat of the year against Saint Eunans in Father Tierney Park. We were never able to match the physically stronger Letterkenny men. Their ability to score goals was the major difference between the teams. Unfortunately we didn't have enough lads willing to put in the effort to match Saint Eunan's and far too often lads were willing to stand back and let others do the work for them. Credit to the lads who kept battling away throughout the game. The final score was Saint Eunan's 5-5 Aodh Ruadh 0-4. We face a very difficult game this Thursday as we travel to Burt to take on a very strong home team who are second in the league.
Donegal under 21s lost out to Mayo in the All-Ireland B quarter-final in Letterkenny on Saturday. It was a game that Donegal could have won. They had 11 missed opportunities from frees which proved very costly in the end as they lost out to the Westerner's on a 1-14 to 1-6 score line. We had four representatives on the starting 15, Ciaran Rami, Oisin Rooney, Conor McNeely and Eddie Lynch (0-1) with Rory Cullen coming on in the second half. It was a disappointing end to a season which saw Donegal win the inaugural Andrew O'Neill Cup, one promising factor for Donegal hurling is the fact that 11 of the starting 15 is underage next year.
The underage hurlers annual trip to Croke Park takes place this Sunday as we head up to see what promises to be very a very exciting clash between Tipperary and Galway in the All-Ireland senior semi-final. We will also be there for the two minor semi-finals between Kilkenny and Galway and Tipperary against Dublin. The bus will be leaving the Market Yard at 8.15am sharp. For any information regarding this trip contact John Rooney 086-2587793.
Sports career programme
Donegal GAA, have partnered with Tech North West Skillnet to launch a sports programme open to all job seekers starting in September 2015. The course will be aimed at those seeking a career in a sport related field. The course is limited to 12 participants and all course participants must be unemployed - this would include recent graduates, former business owners or those longer term unemployed currently on the live registrar. In addition to a four week work placement in a sport related environment (physiotherapy clinic, gym, leisure centre, etc.) the participants will undertake 12 days training. This training can be broken into two distinct strands:
1. Job seeking: to include topics such as interview skills, CV preparation, mock interviews, communication and presentation skills etc
2. Coaching / healthy lifestyle: to include GAA accredited coaching courses, child protection, basic first aid, sports psychology etc
What's in it for prospective participants?
- An opportunity to gain (at no cost) GAA accredited coaching qualifications, basic first aid qualification, a certified child protection course and a range of coaching skills from qualified tutors.
- You will learn invaluable job seeking skills and an opportunity to spend 4 weeks working in a sport related environment of your choice.
- Donegal tracksuit and polo shirt for all participants.
- Previous course participants have successfully secured employment with their placement company, have embarked on additional 3rd level training in their area of interest. All have enjoyed the course and have indicated that it has helped them to find employment.
Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis and the course is strictly limited to 12 participants. A shortlist will be retained if course is over subscribed. Anyone interested in securing a place on the course should email course co-ordinator Stephen Friel (stephen@frielconsulting.com)
Abbey Centre Bingo
The Winner of last week's €400 jackpot was Anne Mitchell of Tullaghan. Anne also brought home our spot prize, Winnie, after checking on 42, so double congrats to her! Bingo as usual at the Abbey Centre this Friday at 9pm. The summer snowball now stands at €575 on 51 numbers or less. Books priced at just €10.
- 18 August
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Football
Burt proved our nemesis in two codes this week. In the football the seniors lost out on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-10. Ballyshannon were slow out of the traps and Burt peppered the visitor's posts with shots, however their profligacy meant there was little between the sides at the break, the hosts leading 0-8 to 0-6. Aodh Ruadh showed great tenacity and resolve in the second half and battled their way into a two point lead, a wonder-goal from David Dolan helping them on their way. However Burt then got a penalty and that gave the Inishowen outfit the shot in the arm they needed to finish the game strong for the win. Meanwhile the reserves were only able to gather up 12 players for the trip to Hibernian park and so were forced to concede the points.Aodh Ruadh return to Inishowen this Saturday, 22nd August in the championship when they travel to Newtowncunningham to face Naomh Colmcille, throw-in at 7pm. That is preceded by the reserve championship clash with the same opposition at 5.30pm.
The under 21s had more joy on the peninsula last Tuesday in the first round proper of the A championship. They won away at Scarvey, 3-11 to 2-9. Buncrana had a dream start when they floated a ball into their tall full forward in the first minute and he sent it to the back of the net. That didn't knock a puff out of Aodh Ruadh as they quickly settled down to business. Ballyshannon had to work the bench with Ryan Granaghan going off after ten minutes, followed Eamonn McGrath five minutes later, but the depth of the squad meant those losses could be replaced like-for-like. The energetic Jamie McDonald scored a super goal to cancel out Buncrana's early effort and by the short whistle the sides were tied up at 1-4 apiece. Aodh Ruadh rolled their sleeves up again in the second half and edged into an early advantage they were never to surrender. Oisin Rooney was magnificent at midfield and added a goal during the second half with Jamie McDonald capping a bravura display with the coup de grace which finally finished off the hosts deep in added time. The Ernesiders' man of the match was Pauric Patton who once again showed all that is special about his game. Niall Harley really made the sweeper role his own when called upon, while Eugene Drummond was super at full back once he got the measure of his man. David McGurrin was impeccable from placed ball while Philip Patton put on an exhibition of long distance shooting when introduced as a sub. Ryan McKenna and Paddy Gillespie also made good impressions on their introduction from the bench. Ballyshannon now progress to the quarter-finals where they are down to face Dungloe in Father Tierney Park in one of the biggest games for the club in recent years. Date and time to be confirmed.
Aodh Ruadh minors play Dungloe / Na Rossa tomorrow, Tuesday, at 6.30pm in Fintra in the Southern Regional Board championship semi-final. If you can, please make the trip and get behind the Shams.
Aodh Ruadh under 14came up short against Killybegs in the second leg championship meeting in Father Tierney Park on Friday. With the benefit of a slight following breeze Killybegs worked their way into the lead in the first half. But in the second Aodh Ruadh used the wind well to keep the ball in the visitor's half of the pitch. Scores were slow to come though and Killybegs were able to hit on the counter and take the win. It was an immense game from Senan Rooney, with Shane Gillespie again giving his all. Adam Clarke marshalled a defence which kept this highly rated Killybegs attack from finding the net while Ryan McDonald gave another excellent display between the posts. Defenders Niall Monaghan and Eugene Doherty had fine games, as did second half sub Jack Brosnan. JJ Goan worked himself to the bone and left everything he had on the pitch. All the lads showed great heart and, true to their form all year, played to the bitter end. The management enjoyed working with the team all year. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
There will be under 12 training this Friday, 21st August at 4.30pm in the Park. The Willie Rogers Tournament will take place on Saturday 19th September. We wish Conal Bradshaw the best of luck as he heads to Croke Park and hope he has fun.
Training continues this Friday for the under 8s and under 6s from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh senior hurlers put up a spirited performance against Burt in the Donegal Senior Hurling Championship at the weekend, narrowly missing out by a point at the final whistle. From the outset, the Ernesiders put it up to the reigning champions and matched them for pace and tenacity in every position on the pitch. Aodh Ruadh hit five points in the first half thanks to Ciaran Kilgannon and Matt Ahern with Burt notching 2-1 in the same period. The second half continued at a ferocious pace with scores on both sides hard to come by. Aodh Ruadh drew the game with five minutes left on the clock, but Burt had the last trick up their sleeve with a well taken free in the dying seconds. Aodh Ruadh will feel they were unlucky not to come away with a win, but the experience of the Burt men was decisive in the end. The final score was Burt 2-4 Aodh Ruadh 0-9. We have some pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.The under 12s took on table toppers Burt on Thursday night last in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Despite losing it was one of the lads' best performances of the season, especially in the second half when they gave it everything, but unfortunately they couldn't match the Burt's lads ability to take their points. The final score was Burt 2-7 Aodh Ruadh 1-3. This is a very young squad who have worked very hard all season.
On the same night the under 16s made the long trip to Burt. It's been a difficult season for this squad, for a variety of reasons we've never had a full squad available for selection and unfortunately Thursday was no different. Burt got off to a great start scoring a couple of early goals to go into a commanding lead which they never relinquished. It was a tough night as a very impressive Burt team ran out convincing winners. It doesn't get any easier for the lads as they face Buncrana this Thursday. The Inishowen side top the league in both Donegal and Derry and are unbeaten all season. Throw-in on Thursday night in Father Tierney Park is at 7pm.
On Sunday we had our annual trip to Croke Park, as 53 hurlers and coaches made their way to Dublin and what a day of hurling we witnessed. We watched three games, the highlight of them being the senior semi-final between Tipperary and Galway. This game was one of the all time classics. It was a very happy bus coming home and even the handful of Tipperary supporters admitted that the better team on the day, Galway, were the worthy winners.
Best of luck to under 12 hurlers Daire Gallagher, Kyle McCaffrey and Corey Ryan who are heading to Dublin on Tuesday to take part in the Activity Day in Croke Park. The lads will have a tour of the stadium and will get to play a number of games on the hallowed turf of Croke Park. Hopefully it will be the first of many appearances there for them.
Abbey Centre Bingo
The winner of last week's €400 jackpot was Joe Smith of Bundoran. Bingo as usual at the Abbey Centre this Friday at 9pm. The summer snowball now stands at €600 on 51 numbers or less. Books priced at just €10.
- 25 August
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Meeting
The monthly club meeting takes place this Wednesday, 26th August in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8.30pm. All committee members are asked to attend.Football
A barn-storming last 15 minutes in Newtowncunningham saw Aodh Ruadh convincingly put their second round championship tie to bed as they ran out 3-13 to 3-7 victors. Ballyshannon got off to a good start, an early Seamus Kane goal carrying them into a four point lead. Naomh Colmcille dominated the middle half hour though and lead 2-4 to 1-5 at the interval, maintaining that lead early in the second half. A brilliant David Dolan goal turned the tide and from there Aodh Ruadh outscored the hosts 1-5 to 0-1 down the stretch. That victory makes it two wins out of two in group 1 of the intermediate championship and puts Ballyshannon in the driving seat for a place in the knock stages. We have a full match report from the game up on aodhruadh.org with pictures to follow.Meanwhile Aodh Ruadh's chances of progression in the reserve championship were dealt a fatal blow when they lost out to Naomh Colmcille in a nine goal game, 5-16 to 4-8 the final score. The reserves struggled to muster a team to travel to Newtowncunningham for their second championship match. Having lost the first match to Buncrana a win here was a must. The visitors, despite having a much weakened team, gave a great account of themselves in the first half keeping the hosts within sight thanks to goals from Anthony Coughlin and Jamie McDonald. However a couple of fortuitous goals saw the hosts go in at the break leading 3-7 to 2-5. The second half however was much less of a contest as the hosts made the most of the numerical advantage and their subs playing against the 14 weary travellers. They slowly extended their lead throughout the half as fatigue set in among the Ernesiders. Further goals from Niall Thomas and a beauty from Dermot Slevin kept some respectability on the final scoreline of 5-16 to 4-8. A very disappointing day for the lads who made the effort to make the trip. We will have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org later in the week.
Aodh Ruadh are at home this Sunday, 30th August in the championship with Saint Naul's the visitors to Father Tierney Park, throw-in at 3pm. That is preceded by the reserve championship clash with the same opposition at 1.30pm.
Aodh Ruadh played a big role as Donegal won the Jim McGuigan Ulster under 17 competition on Saturday. They defeated Tyrone 3-10 to 0-9 in the semi-final before beating Monaghan 3-14 to 0-7 in the final. Nathan Boyle captained the side, following in the footsteps of another Aodh Ruadh Donegal captain at this competition, Niall Harley. Shane McGrath played both games, showing well at full forward. Oisin Rooney come on in the final and made a good contribution. Mick McGrath also provided administrative assistance. This is the third year in a row Donegal has won the competition with Aodh Ruadh having substantial involvement in all three wins.
Congratulations to Adam Clarke who won the 58th edition of the Bakery Cup on Wednesday. His side overcame the challenge of Shane Gillespie's men in the final on a scoreline of 6-6 to 4-4. Adam's team was Aaron Duffy, Odhran McGarrigle, Conall Bradshaw, Kyle McCafferty, David Doherty, Ryan McDonald, Daire Warren, Mark McGlynn, Philip Cassidy, Adam McGlone, Jack Hourihane and Shane Carty-Fenlon. The win caps a great year for Adam when he played a real leader's role at centre back in the under 14s. The under 14s hosted Grange for a challenge in the park on Saturday afternoon. It was a relaxed affair with Aodh Ruadh winning well after having previously lost twice to the Sligo side this season.
Under 13 training is now underway on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4.30pm.
There will be under 12 training this Friday at 4.30pm. The Willie Rogers Tournament will take place on Saturday 19th September. With a large attendance of players, mentors and supporters expected a loaf of sandwiches, tray of buns or similar from ALL PLAYERS is absolutely essential. Help will also needed with catering in Aras.
Our under 8s produced their best display of the season on Saturday morning out in Bundoran. They did very well against sides from Bundoran and Naomh Bríd. Many thanks to the Bundoran club for organising the blitz, especially the refs, who were excellent and played the games in the right spirit. The Aodh Ruadh players who took to the pitch in Bundoran were: Anton Duffy, Ben Daly, Bobby Melly, Cádhla Dolan, Che Barron, Cormac Finnegan, Dara McGloin, Dara O'Mahoney, Dáthai Sheerin, Donagh Kelly, Eoghan Gallagher, Eoin Cassidy, Finn Doogan, Garvey Meade, James Gallagher, Joseph Gibbons, Liam Doogan, Oisin Sweeny, Sadhbh Hughes, Sam Davitt, Sean O'Neill, Stephen Doran, Ted O'Donnell, Thomas White and Tomás Keown. Training continues this Friday for the under 8s and under 6s from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Hurling
Round five fixtures in the hurling championship will take place this Wednesday 26th August at 7pm with Aodh Ruadh hosting Saint Eunan's in Father Tierney Park.There was no action on the field last week as the under 12s game with Saint Eunan's was rearranged and Buncrana didn't travel for the under 16 game. The under 16s finished fourth in the league and it looks like they'll face a very difficult game away to Buncrana in the semi-final.
The All-Ireland blitzes take place this Saturday and we hope to have players involved in the under 14, under 15 and under 16 squads.
There is an all-county hurling blitz in Convoy on Sunday for the under 8s and under 10s full details later in week.
Reunion for 1990 Community Games champions
There will be a reunion on Saturday 29th August in Bridgend Bar for the 1990 Donegal and All-Ireland winning Community Games team of Aodh Ruadh. The team who won the county title that year were Stephen Ward, Paul Rafferty, Kenneth McGurren, Martin Gallagher, Sean Maguire, Anthony Sheerin, Gavin Rogers, David Greene, James Shannon, Brendan Boyle, Dermot Fox, David Hoey, Sean Perry, Matthew Hughes, Christy Coughlin, Barry Travers and Jamie McCauley. Michael 'Sticky' Ward was captain while Jim Kane was manager. Contact Sean Perry (0879105013) or Jim Kane (0862849425) for further details regarding this event.Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was shared between Helen Coughlin, Ballyshannon and Patsy Sheerin of Rosinver. The August Big Bingo is this Friday at 9pm in the Abbey Centre with a massive €3,200 prize fund including the €1,000 jackpot game! The summer snowball is now at €625 on 51 numbers or less. Books priced at €15 for a full book, or half books for €8, or get the book and a half special for €20. See you there.