Club Notes Archive - 2015
Notes navigaion
Click on a year to select a month.
SEPTEMBER
- 1 September
-
1 September 2015
Football
Despite the best efforts of Stephen Griffin, Aodh Ruadh took a point from their last game in the round robin stages of intermediate championship group 1 to secure the place in the quarter-finals. Aodh Ruadh dominated much of the game, but late bursts in each half earned Saint Naul's a 1-14 to 1-14 draw. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. The draw sees them pitted against Division Three pace-setters in what should be tie of the round.The Reserves fared less well in their clash with the Mountcharles men. The visitors prevailed on a scoreline of 3-12 to 2-8 to definitively end the Ernesiders championship ambitions. We have some pictures from that game up on aodhruadh.org.
It is a return to league action for Aodh Ruadh this weekend as they bid to keep on the pressure at the top of the table. Letterkenny Gaels are the guests at Father Tierney Park this Sunday. Reserves throw in at 1.30pm followed by seniors at 3pm.
After a bit of a drought, underage silverware returned to the Erne when the Aodh Ruadh minors claimed the Southern Divisional Board championship title with a convincing display of football against Naomh Conaill in Donegal Town. The game was slow to start with over ten minutes passing before either side got off the mark. When the first score finally arrive it came off the boot of Jason Gallagher from a placed ball. Naomh Conaill's Eoghan McGettigan levelled it up, but points from Oisín Rooney and Oisín Roper and five frees from Philip Patton took Ballyshannon into the break leading 0-8 to 0-2. Naomh Conaill put on a major push in the early stages of the second half. A goal from Ethan O'Donnell and a string of points from McGettigan were answered only by a solitary Philip Patton free and suddenly Aodh Ruadh's lead was down to a point. Ballyshannon's composure returned in the nick of time though and they outscored Glenties 0-6 to 0-3 in the closing stages to take the Southern Divisional Board Minor title on a scoreline of 0-15 to 1-8. Oisin Rooney gave a man of the match performance, but this was a great team display of huge heart. The Aodh Ruadh team was: Sean Taylor; Cian McGloin, Jason Granaghan, Cáelán Drummond; Conall Sweeny, Callum Cookie O'Halloran, Daniel Warnock; Nathan Boyle, Oisin Rooney; Ryan McKenna, Oisin Roper, Shane McGrath; Gareth Sheerin, Jason Gallagher, Philip Patton. Subs: Dylan Gallagher for Sheerin; Conor Kennedy for Drummond; Odhran Kennedy; Michael McKenna. We can't pretend that it's fair that these players are now expected to play the county semi-final against Saint Eunan's this Friday. Our under 16s have a big championship game on Wednesday, we have dual minors lining out to hurl on Thursday and a number of players are also involved in the senior and reserve adult squads on Sunday. This leaves some players facing four games in six days. It is incumbent on those who govern the games in the county to put player welfare first, and we hope that they will yet take the opportunity to show that expressions of concern about player burn out are not mere lip service. Check out the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page for some celebration pictures from Tir Chonaill park snapped by Yvonne Patton.
The under 16s have their first round play-off game against Four Masters this Wednesday, time and venue are still to be decided.
Aodh Ruadh under 13s won their first game of the season against Saint Naul's last Saturday. They will face Ardara in the park this Saturday at 1pm. Under 13 training continues on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4.30pm.
A busy few weeks coming up for our under 8s. This Friday, 4th September at 6.30pm the under 8 skills test will take place. This will test the players on their fist passing, kick passing, pick-up, soloing and scoring. We will need some parents to help as markers for this. Let John or Paddy know if you can help. On Friday 11th September we will have training as usual followed by presentation of skills test results and medals. On Saturday 12th September we will be travelling to the Castle Adventure Open Farm for our team trip which we won in the Euroshot Challenge. Full details on this trip will be supplied at Friday training the day before. There will be no charge for this trip. We will have training as usual on Friday 18th and 25th September at 6.30pm. Then on Saturday 26th September our season will conclude with a trip to Corofin in Galway for a blitz. The fee for the trip is €20 to cover the cost of the bus and a training top which will be distributed to all players travelling on the morning of the trip. We are putting the order in for the tops on Tuesday morning so if you could please let John Hughes know before then whether or not you intend to travel either by text at 0876431805 or by Facebook chat it would be much appreciated. If you are unable to travel, orders can still be taken for the training tops which are priced €12.
Hurling
Our under 12s had a very convincing win over Letterkenny Gaels in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Thursday last. They were on top from the start and ran out convincing winners 6-1 to 2-0. It's very encouraging to see the improvement in this squad since the start of the season and it was great to see a panel of 20 togged out and all getting game time. They have their final game on Tuesday evening away to Saint Eunan's. Depending on the result of that game they will be playing in the B or C final on Thursday night.The under 16s make the long trip to Scarvey on Thursday to play Buncrana in the league semi-final. This Buncrana team have been unbeaten all season and top the leagues in Donegal and Derry, they backbone the strong county under 16 team, so the lads are well aware of the challenge ahead.
On Saturday last Donegal county squads took part in various All-Ireland blitzes. The under 14s were in action in Rathdrum, Wicklow in the All-Ireland under 14 B blitz. They had great wins over Meath and Westmeath B, they topped their group and played Westmeath A in the semi-final. They lost 6-5 to 2-5, but showed they were able to compete at this level. Eoin Doherty was our sole representative on this squad and did well in all games.
The under 15s took part in the All-Ireland under 16 C tournament in Carrick-on-Shannon. They lost their opening game to Longford, but won the rest of their games very convincingly against Louth, South Ulster and Leitrim. Liam O'Sullivan, Cathal McGlynn, Philip Myers and Cathal Feeney were our representatives on this squad and all contributed handsomely throughout the day.
The under 16s took part in the All-Ireland under 16 B tournament in Mullingar. The standard of hurling here was very high and Donegal did exceptionally well. They beat Mayo and Sligo well to qualify for the cup final where they lost to Meath. This is a very talented Donegal squad and we are proud to have Stephen Anderson, Conal Sweeny and Brian McHenry making the first 15 and doing very well in all games.
On Sunday the all-county blitzes took place in Convoy for the under 8s and under 10s. The huge work being put into these squads in Aodh Ruadh was reflected on Sunday as we had 27 under 8s and 16 under 10s, far and away the biggest numbers of any squad present. Both these squads have shown great dedication all year and it showed on Sunday as they won the majority of their games and, more importantly showed great skill and commitment in all games. Hopefully they will keep up the work as they are the future of hurling in the club. Thanks to all the parents who drove the lads to the blitz and gave them great support. We have pictures from the blitz on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page.
Give Blood
The opportunity to give blood will be available at the Holyrood Hotel, Bundoran this Thursday, 3rd September between 3pm to 5pm and also from 7pm to 9.30pm. New donors always welcome.Bingo
Winner of the August Big Bingo jackpot of €800 was Mary McFeely of Garrison. Bingo continues as normal this Friday at the Abbey Centre at 9pm. The summer snowball now stands at €650 on 52 numbers or less. Books priced at just €10.
- 8 September
-
Football
Aodh Ruadh's promotion hopes took a body blow after Letterkenny Gaels romped through for four goals and took full points from Father Tierney Park thanks to a 2-13 to 4-8 victory. A very tough loss to take for Aodh Ruadh. It was a poor day for the defence and most of the best displays came up front during the third quarter when the homesters were chasing the game. Sticky Ward did well setting up chances for others and finished with a three point haul. David McGurrin, Johnny Gethins, Barry Mulligan, Diarmaid McInerney and Pauric Patton all made positive contributions. We have a full match report and pictures from the game on aodhruadh.org.There was better news for the reserves who recorded a 3-14 to 3-8 win against Letterkenny Gaels. The Ernesiders were four points down with less than ten minutes left on the clock. However they blitzed Letterkenny with a goal and some great point taking to win the game. We have some pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
Championship takes priority this Friday for Aodh Ruadh as they bid to take down the division three table toppers Milford. That game throws at 8pm in Convoy and a big travelling support would be very welcome as the seniors chase a morale-boosting victory.
It was to be disappointment for the Aodh Ruadh minors in their county semi-final, losing to Saint Eunan's on a scoreline of 0-7 to 0-14. Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding this match the Ballyshannon men still gave a good account of themselves. Aodh Ruadh dominated the first quarter of this game despite playing into a breeze. However, they could only muster two points in the final three quarters of an hour and that proved the Ernesiders downfall. Hard luck to Peter McKenna, Raymie Granaghan, David O'Donnell, their brave charges. There were a number of notable Aodh Ruadh performances to take heart from. Cookie O'Halloran was Aodh Ruadh's man of the match, with Sean Taylor's accurate kicking from between the posts a decided asset. Jason Granaghan and Cáelán Drummond were both in excellent form while Nathan Boyle was best for Aodh Ruadh further up the pitch. We have a full match report and pictures from the game on aodhruadh.org.
There was championship disappointment also for the under 16s in the past week. They exited against Four Masters in a third leg play-off, 0-12 to 1-4 the final scoreline. Nevertheless the team put in a great effort this year into the training. The side still have two outstanding items of domestic business to attend to, the PJ Roper tournament and the Frank O'Neill cup.
Aodh Ruadh under 13s won their first game of the season against Saint Naul's last Saturday. They will face Ardara in the park this Saturday at 1pm. Under 13 training continues on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4.30pm.
The skills test results have been totted and there was just one point between first and second in a great competition. Some great performances, especially from younger members of the team. Results and awards at this Friday's training at 6.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. That will be followed by the under 8s trip to the Castle Adventure Open Farm next Saturday. We will be meeting down at the Farm at 12 noon. The trip finishes up at 2pm and players can be collected then. There is NO charge for this trip and it is open to ALL under 8 players, whether they were able to attend the Euroshot challenge or not. Under 8 management will be collecting €20 for the trip to Galway from next week's training onwards.
Hurling
The under 12s travelled to the Cross in Killygordon last Thursday to play Setanta in the B final. Both teams were evenly matched and treated the large crowd to a very entertaining game. There was little between the sides, but the Setanta lads ability to score goals proved the difference as they ran out winners 4-4 to 1-7. It was a great achievement by this young squad to reach the B final. They worked very hard throughout the season. The next action for the lads is the Aodh Ó Dálaigh Tournament on 4th October. Thanks to all the parents who drove the lads to the game, your support all season is much appreciated.The under 16s made the long trip to Scarvey on Thursday last to take on a strong Buncrana team in the league semi-final. The lads were up against a very skilful outfit who top the Donegal and Derry Leagues. Although we were well beaten, the lads deserve great credit for their never say die attitude as they battled for every ball against a team who have 13 players on the county under 15 and 16 squads. Next up for the under 16s is the championship semi-final on 17th September against the Buncrana men again. Many thanks to Buncrana who put on a great spread of food afterwards for the lads, it was much appreciated.
Ladies
Well done to Annette Lloyd who was part of the Scotland ladies team that defeated Derry on Sunday to book their place in the junior ladies All-Ireland final.The Aodh Ruadh under 13s got their first win of the season with a 6-4 to 5-10 victory over Killybegs in Fintra. Among the goals was Roisín Daly, Laoise Kelly and Caoimhe Keon. Others to have good games included Caitlin McGarrigle at wing back, Aine Hill between the posts, Ella Clancy in midfield, Emer O'Brien at wing forward, Síofra Hughes at centre back and Alicia Clyne at full back.
Best of luck to Alicia Clyne, Bridín Maguire, Caoimhe Keon and Síofra Hughes who are training with the Donegal under 13 development squad over the next three months.
Bingo
The summer snowball standing at the fine amount of €650 was won by Mrs Philbin of Donegal Town on 52 numbers. The €400 jackpot prize was shared between Ann Gallagher of Erne Street, Ballyshannon and Ann McAndrews of Pettigo. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm in the Abbey centre. Books priced just €10.
- 15 September
-
Football
Aodh Ruadh and Milford will have to do it again after they played out a pulsating 1-10 to 0-13 draw in Convoy in the intermediate championship quarter-final. The game ebbed and flowed with a Seamus Kane in the first half kick-starting an Aodh Ruadh surge which saw them take the lead. Milford had the better of the second half and took the lead late on, but points from David Dolan and Sticky Ward gave Aodh Ruadh the lead and seemingly a place in the last four. However Milford got a late free to level it and force the last eight game to a replay. We have a full report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.Aodh Ruadh return to league action this Saturday with a trip to Killygordon to take on Red Hugh's with points absolutely crucial. Throw-in for the senior game is 6pm. That will be preceded by the reserves at 4.30pm.
First presented to Aodh Ruadh in 1976, the Frank O Neill Cup has been awarded for a variety of competitions. It was re-launched last year for a football tournament for under 16 and under 14 players in the Aodh Ruadh area and was won by a team captained by Daniel Warnock. The tournament is open to all club members and those who are not members, but would like to get involved. It will be played over two days. Team captains and players are listed below, but any players born 1999-2002 who would like to play are warmly invited to let a team captain or vice captain know. Additional players who get their names in before September 24th will be placed on one of the teams.
Matteo Rivenna (Captain), Conall Sweeny, Odhran Kennedy, Paddy McCaffrey, JC McGarrigle, Mark McGlynn, James Sheerin, Adam Rami, Eugene Doherty, Caolan Flood-Dolan, Daniel Dolan, Jack Brosnan.
Odhran O'Neill (Captain), Cian McGloin, Mark Gallagher, Pauric Keenaghan, Eoin Doherty, Tiernan Flood-Dolan, Aaron Duffy, Harry Howarth, Philip Cassidy, David Doherty, Diarmuid McFadden, Jack McCaffrey.
Stephen Anderson (Captain), Sean Taylor, Shane Gillespie, Senan Rooney, Shane Dorrian, Ryan McDonald, Cian Barden, Jason Patterson, Garbhan McCloskey, Nathan Owens-Kelly, Donagh McGowan, Frankie McGinley.
Ronan McMullin (Captain), Dylan Gallagher, Michael McKenna, Evan McTernan, Adam Clarke, JJ Goan, Odhran McGarrigle, Niall Monaghan, Mark Gethins, Ciaran Hodgkins, Diarmuid Ryan, Shane Brady.The under 13s are away to Killybegs this Tuesday, 15th September. Players to meet at park at 4.45pm. We will need parents to assist with transport to the game so we would welcome all help on that front.
Huge thanks to Hugh John, Mary and all the gang at the Castle Adventure Open Farm from the under 8 team. All the players had a load of fun and enjoyed a great afternoon there on Saturday. The under 8s won the trip after their great performance in the Euroshot Challenge. Inclemement weather meant we had to call off training on Friday, so we made our skills test presentations after our session in the Castle Adventure Open Farm. The medal winners were as follows. 2007 Skills Test Winners: 1st Odhran Gillespie; 2nd Barry Campbell; 3rd Garvey Meade. 2008 Skills Test Winners: 1st Eoghan Gallagher; 2nd Corey Sheridan; 3rd Daithí Sheerin. 2009 Skills Test Winners 1st Tomás Keown; 2nd Shaun McGarrigle. Most improved from 2014: 1st Liam Doogan; 2nd Darragh O'Mahoney; 3rd Donagh Kelly; 4th Cormac Finnegan. Under 8 training as usual this Friday from 6.30pm. Under 8 management will be collecting €20 for the trip to Galway from this week's training onwards.
Hurling
The underage hurling season is coming to an end. The last team in competitive action, our under 16s have a very difficult game this Thursday, as they take on a super Buncrana team in the championship semi-final in Father Tierney Park, throw in 6.30pm. Hopefully the lads will give it their all as they have done all season.The annual under 12 Aodh Ó Dálaigh Tournament takes place on Sunday 4th October. A full list of competing teams will be published nearer the date.
Ladies
The Aodh Ruadh under 13s made the long trip to Glencolumbcille with 40 players on Saturday. They made the journey all worthwhile recording a good win. After trailing at half-time the Shamettes were able to use the strong following wind to run up a good score and take the victory by a handsome margin. Among the scorers for Aodh Ruadh were Bridín Maguire, Roisín Daly, Caoimhe Keon, Leah O'Brien Aine Hill and Niamh Hughes. Ella Clancy did very well in midfield, while in defence there were strong performances from Alicia Clyne, Caitlyn McGarrigle and Lucy McGlynn. The girls are back in action this Saturday at Father Tierney Park when they entertain Four Masters. Throw-in is at 11am.Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Anne Gallagher, Ballyshannon. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre. Books priced at just €10.
- 22 September
-
Football
Aodh Ruadh came through a tough examination in Killygordon on Saturday to take the points against Red Hugh's as they returned to league action. They emerged victors on a scoreline of 1-14 to 2-7, an encouraging win as the Ballyshannon men prepare to take on Milford once again in the championship. That quarter-final replay is scheduled to take place this Saturday, 26th September at 5.45pm in MacCumhaill Park when it will be the curtain-raiser for the senior semi-final between Saint Eunan's and Saint Michael's. We have pictures from the game against Red Hugh's live on aodhruadh.org.The reserves had less luck at the Crossroads. They had a two goal lead at one stage, but a rally late in the game gave Red Hugh's the win by a solitary point. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
A busy weekend for the under 16s this weekend with two tournaments to look forward to. The Frank O'Neill tournament starts on Friday. All players should be up for 4.45pm with the first games throwing in at 5.15pm. Each team will play three games of 10 minutes a side. All under 14 and under 16 players please be on time or let your captain know if you cannot make it.
On Sunday the PJ Roper under 16 tournament takes place with teams from Ardara, Enniskillen Gaels, Killybegs, Glencolumcille and Bundoran joining Aodh Ruadh. We hope to have a good show of support on the day and request as much help as possible from the under 16 parents to provide snacks and sandwiches for approximately 150 people expected on the day.
The under 13s are in action this Tuesday, 22nd September when they travel to Dungloe. The team are leaving the Park at 4.30pm sharp and will need help with transport. Contact Brian Roper if you available to travel on 0876139065.
Thanks to everyone involved in helping to run the tournament. Special thanks to Sylvester Maguire, Stephen McGrath and Gerard Ferguson for reffing on the days. Thanks to the parents who helped out as umpires and in the kitchen and for bringing food especially Cora Rooney for her delicious cupcakes. Thanks to Gavin Rogers and family for making presentations on the day. Thanks also to Glencar Manorhamilton for making the trip and a great display of football. Well done to all the under 12 lads on their victory in the Willie Rogers tournament. We have pictures from the tournament up on aodhruadh.org.
The final under 8 training session of the year takes place this Friday at 6.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The following Saturday morning we will be making our way to Galway for a blitz in Corofin. Parents and guardians should have received details regarding the trip at training last Friday, or seen them on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page. If not, the main points are as follows. All players to assemble at Father Tierney Park for 8.30am. Any players with medication requirements liaise with team management before the trip. Lunch provided in Corofin club house for players. A packed lunch should also be sent with players. We will be having a stop on the way home to have the packed lunch. Players will be back at Father Tierney Park for approximately 6pm. Team management will text parents when we are in Sligo to confirm arrival time. No player is permitted to bring electronic equipment in order to avoid breakage or loss. Any player that needs to contact home during the day can use a member of team management's phone. We will be taking final payments on for the trip at Friday training and on Saturday morning.
Hurling
The curtain came down on the competitive underage hurling season for Aodh Ruadh last Thursday as the under 16s lost their A championship semi-final at home to an exceptional Buncrana team. Despite suffering a heavy defeat the lads gave it everything they had, it was the first time all season we had our full squad available to us. This panel worked very hard all season. Our starting point was a team meeting in January where only eight players showed up, we worked hard throughout the season and we had 19 players on Thursday last. We had some tough nights and some great nights. We played nine games during the season winning five and losing four. It's easy to be part of a successful panel, but each and every one of this panel deserves great credit for sticking with this squad all season as it was clear at the outset we would suffer some heavy defeats. Thanks to all the parents for their support all year especially with transport. This invaluable assistance is much appreciated.The final under 8 and under 10 All-County blitz of the year takes place in the Centre of Excellence in Convoy on Sunday. Details will be circulated during the week.
The annual Aodh Ó Dálaigh under 12 tournament, in existence since 1982, takes place on 4th October. The following teams have confirmed their attendance: Tuam and Abbeyknockmoy from Galway, Drumcliff (Sligo), Cushendall (Antrim) and Keady (Armagh). There are another couple of teams expected to confirm this week.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Majella Gettins from Ballyshannon. The September big Bingo is this Friday at 9pm in the Abbey Centre with a massive €2,700 prize fund including the €1,000 jackpot game. Big bingo books priced at €15, €8 half book, or a book and half for €20.
- 29 September
-
Football
There was a magnificent performance from Packie McGrath's seniors as Aodh Ruadh took the replay win against Milford in MacCumhaill park on Saturday evening. Diarmaid McInerney has been in great form all season and he delivered once again on Saturday as he hit seven points, five from frees. There were goals from Johnny Gethins and David McGurrin as Ballyshannon dictated the exchanges for long stretches, despite strong challenges from Milford in the first and final quarters. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh. org. The win now sets up the biggest game for the club in some time, an intermediate championship semi-final meeting with neighbours Bundoran this Saturday. The game takes place in Tir Chonaill Park, Donegal Town at 4pm, and we need hardly tell our faithful readers that a large and vocal Ballyshannon support would be very much appreciated!Enniskillen Gaels came out on top in the PJ Roper under 16 tournament which was staged on Sunday. Enniskillen Gaels, Killybegs and Aodh Ruadh were in Group 1 with Ardara, Bundoran and Four Masters in Group 2. The seedings after the group stages saw Enniskillen Gaels v Bundoran in the Cup final, Ardara v Killybegs in the Shield final and Four Masters v Aodh Ruadh in the Plate final. The winners of the respective finals were Enniskillen Gaels, Killybegs and Donegal Town. Many thanks to referees Shane Toolan, Sylvester Maguire, Val Murray, Eamonn McGrath and especially Callum O'Halloran who took charge of four games. Thanks also to Lisa McTernan and Johnny Gallagher who spent the day taking care of all aspects of organisation. Thanks to the teams and managers from Ardara, Killybegs, Enniskillen, Bundoran and Four Masters. A final shout out to families and Spar who supplied food and drinks for the occasion and Brian Roper who presented the PJ Roper cup to Enniskillen Gaels.
The Frank O'Neill Cup semi-finals throw-in at 5.15pm this Friday. They will be followed immediately by the final on the top pitch in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh with the Presentation Party afterwards in the Aras. We have pictures from the earlier rounds of the competition up on aodhruadh.org.
There is an under 13 game this Wednesday against Four Masters in Father Tierney Park. All players to be up at the park for 5pm.
The Mick Shannon under 10 tournament took place in Ballyshannon on Saturday. As ever the tournament drew a high grade of competition and was keenly contested. Ardara, Grange and Glencar Manorhamilton all travelled with two team each. Grange were up first for the hosts in round one of the group stages. Grange were the reigning Mick Shannon champs, but Aodh Ruadh battled well and edged the verdict by two points. Next up were Ardara and this was a game where our defence of Shane Delahunty, Aidan Sweeney and Finn Gallagher really came into their own, thwarting the green and gold attack at every opportunity to see the Ernesiders to a double scores win. The last game of the round robins was against Glencar Manorhamilton. The Leitrim men provided tough opposition in the first half but Aodh Ruadh came good in second half with a more canny display of football. That trio of wins set up a final against Grange and again it was a very competitive encounter where the back line had to be disciplined. In the end a magnificent performance from the midfield pairing of Ryan Daly and Eoghan Kelly helped swing the tie in Ballyshannon's favour and with it the Mick Shannon cup. Aodh Ruadh's attack of Aengus Sweeney, Drew Ryan and Shane McGloin were in fine form throughout the competition and Jack Gallagher caught the eye with his cool and composed brand of football. Elsewhere James Gallagher and Cian McKenna worked their socks off and mopped up a sight of break ball. Aodh Ruadh were well served by keeper Michael Doogan who pulled out a few super stops and used his kick outs well. Joint captains Ryan Daly and Drew Ryan collected the Mick Shannon trophy to great jubilation from players and supporters alike. The junior side played their hearts out throughout, but despite earning a good win came up against some impressive visiting sides. Ardara and Grange contested the junior final with Grange taking victory there. Many thanks to the refs on the day Stephen Ward, Gerard Ferguson, Conor Patton and Niall Murray and thanks as always to the parents for the magnificent spread of food. Thanks also the fantastic crowd up who turned up on the day to cheer the Ballyshannon boys on. We have pictures from the tournament up on aodhruadh.org.
The under 8s wrapped up their season in style with a super blitz in Corofin. The lads had 80 minutes of great competitive football at the Belclare facilities of the All-Ireland club champions. There was a great standard of play and the organisation was excellent with the Aodh Ruadh players delivering some of their best football this season. The lads had great craic on the way to and from Galway and also enjoyed getting the opportunity to have their picture taken with the Andy Merrigan trophy. Thanks to Ciaran Lynch and all at Corofin who looked after us so royally on the day. The management would like to thank the players for all their hard work this year and especially the parents for their help with transport, catering at blitzes and whole hearted support all year long. We have some pictures from the trip up on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page.
Hurling
The curtain came down on the under 8 and under 10 season on Sunday morning at a very enjoyable all-county blitz at the Centre of Excellence in Convoy. We had 25 under 8s at the blitz, the biggest number by far of any club on the day. We fielded three teams, each of them getting seven games. All the teams did very well winning the majority of their games. There has been a huge improvement in this squad since the start of the season in March. They are very dedicated and committed and they all did very well on Sunday and were delighted to be presented with their medals after the blitz by Donegal and Setanta forward Bernard Lafferty. We have some pictures from the blitz up on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page. About half of this squad will be moving up to under 10 next season and are well fit to make the step up. Hopefully all will keep practising over the winter and we look forward to seeing all back again in March 2016.At under 10 we had 13 players, again the largest club that attended the blitz the lads performed very well winning four of their five games and drawing the remaining one. The most encouraging thing about this squad is the fact that the majority of them are under 9, again these lads are very committed and have trained every Sunday since March. Like with the under 8s we really appreciate the support we get from the parents. We attended all the county blitzes this season, five in total and the parents transported the lads there every month. This support is much appreciated.
Next Sunday sees Aodh Ruadh host the annual Aodh Ó Dálaigh under 12 tournament. This tournament has been going since 1982 and is always a great day's hurling. Again this year we've some quality teams. From Antrim we welcome Cushendall and Loch Mor Dal gCas; Tuam and Abbeyknockmoy travel up to us from Galway and Keady from Armagh will be present, while Drumcliff make the short trip from Sligo. Play starts at 11am and all are welcome to what should be a great days hurling to honour one of Aodh Ruadh and Donegal's greatest Gaels.
Ladies
Aodh Ruadh under 13s earned a good win against Four Masters in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Monday evening. The Donegal Town side started well, but a goal from Roisín Daly gave the hosts a shot in the arm and they took control of proceedings to lead the tie by a goal at the break. Aodh Ruadh forged ahead in the second half and goals from Aisling Gallagher and Bridín Maguire helped them run our 3-10 to 2-5 winners. It was a real team performance from the Shamettes with some strong performances from Caoimhe Keon in the engine room, Síofra Hughes at centre back, shot-stopper Caitlin McGarrigle and Eimear O'Brien who worked really hard in attack.The bingo team need YOUR help
The bingo team are requesting help from any volunteers happy to give up a couple of hours on the occasional Friday night, as the workload is falling on the shoulders of just a few. Anybody willing to help should contact David McLoone at 087-7760172, Conal Gallagher at 086-2112812, or Patsy Quinn at 087-1724940.Schools coaching
Our coaching programme for boys and girls attending the six local primary schools has resumed. Team managers in Bord na nÓg, the Ladies committee and Juvenile Hurling Committee are encouraged to maintain contact with Hurling Coach Peter Horan and Football Coaches Brian Roper and Val Murray so that the link between the schools programme and young people coming into the club's underage teams is maintained and developed. Anyone who meets the criteria for joining a CES Scheme and who has an interest in coaching hurling in our local schools from the beginning of 2016 should contact Tom Daly.Grounds work in Father Tierney Park
There may be some limitations on the availability of the Father Tierney Park this week as the programme of pitch surface improvements which is being undertaken by our own workforce, in association with Prunty Contracts, continues. Peter Conlon will have the up-to-date position.Advertise in Father Tierney Park
The Club wishes to review and update the advertising hoardings at the Father Tierney Park. Each member of the Club Committee is asked to sell one hoarding before November 10th. Details will be provided to club committee members in the coming week. Any business or organisation wishing to take a hoarding can make direct contact with of the club's Park and Development Committee Officers, Tom Daly, John Magee, Conal Gallagher, David McLoone or Peter Conlon.Abbey Centre Bingo
The winner of the September Big Bingo jackpot of €800 was Teresa Patterson of Cluain Barron. Bingo as normal this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre. This week sees the return of the Game 7 snowball, starting at €200 on 48 numbers. Books priced at just €10.Coaching jobs
CLG Dhún na nGall are seeking to recruit two full time coaches (one year contract, with possible extension) to work within the Primary, School sector and within Clubs to deliver coaching and Games Development. The coach will be responsible for delivering the physical literacy and GAA specific skills to a variety of age groups. The coach will be required to work closely with the Ulster GAA and Donegal County Committees and will focus on existing schools network, as well as clubs in their respective regions. They will be expected to work during school time and in addition some unsocial hours are required to develop after school opportunities through school / club links and in the summer camps programme. Applicants should note that they will be required to demonstrate that they meet the following requirements at the time of submitting their application.
1. Hold a GAA Award 1 in either Football or Hurling (at time of interview).
2. Have at least one year full-time experience (or part-time equivalent) of coaching children in a school, club, summer scheme or teaching practice environment within the last three years.
3. Garda Vetting and Child Protection also applies
Please forward CV to: Coaching Officer Anthony Harkin, Ballymaleel Letterkenny Co Donegal. Closing date for submission of applications is Friday 2nd October at 5pm.Mental health event
Connect Mental Health is a three day mental health awareness event that will take place from Thursday October 8th to Saturday October 10th in South Donegal. The date is significant with the event planned to coincide with World Mental Health Day, October 10th. There is a great programme of events planned with people like Easkey Britton and Breifne Earley coming to Coláiste Cholmcille to speak, a range of events taking place at the Abbey Centre and the Breesy Centre in Cashelard and speakers like Bressie, Oisín McConville and Ciaran McLoone also speaking in venues across south Donegal. Go to www.connectmentalhealth.ie for full details of the programme of events.