Club Notes Archive - 2015

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OCTOBER

6 October

Football
Aodh Ruadh lost out to Bundoran in Saturday's IFC semi-final on a scoreline of 2-7 to 1-11. A gut-wrenching defeat, but there were a lot of great performances from Ballyshannon men to reflect on. Mickey Dolan was a real tiger at corner back and Pauric Patton was extremely effective in his deep lying role. Meanwhile Nathan Boyle at wing back would have been a good shout for Aodh Ruadh's man of the match. Johnny Gethins was excellent in midfield until going off late in the first half. Up front Seamus Kane was superb in the role of point man and he won his duel with James Keeney well over the 60 minutes. Philip Patton also contributed well on his introduction from the bench. The superb travelling Ballyshannon support also deserves a word of praise for coming out in big numbers and really getting behind the team. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

With Burt defeating Milford on Saturday evening promotion from division three was also taken out of our hands last weekend. Aodh Ruadh will hope to keep the pressure on when they entertain Urris in Father Tierney Park this Saturday at 6.30pm. This games is preceded by the reserves against the same opposition at 5pm.

The Frank O'Neill tournament was a great success and proved itself of great value for player development. The final was a nip and tuck affair which could have gone either way. There is something noteworthy about the fact that last year's player of the tournament was this year's winning captain. Hats off to Matteo Rivenna and his team on their well-earned win. Thanks to the O'Neill family, Brian Drummond, Shane Toolan, Raymie Granaghan, Jim Kane and Alan Sweeny for organising this competition. We have pictures from the conclusion of the competition up on aodhruadh.org.

The Aodh Ruadh under 13s didn't get much joy in their last two league games. They lost to Four Masters 5-8 to 3-14 last Wednesday before losing to Naomh Conaill 4-20 to 6-8 on Saturday. There is training this Tuesday at 4.30pm ahead of the lads' last game of the season on Saturday when they host Ardara in Father Tierney Park, throw-in at 1pm.

Over the next six weeks we will be conducting indoor Gaelic football leagues in the New Hall at Coláiste Cholmcille for under 8s, under 10s and under 12s. These leagues are about pure football, having fun and showing off the skills that we've been working on all year. The under 8 league will be played off on Friday 9th and 16th October. We will be playing from 6pm to 8pm on each night. The under 8 teams will be revealed and the rules for indoor Gaelic explained on Friday 9th October. The first hour of play will be used to determine if we need to reallocate players to even the teams out. The second hour will be for league points, with the league being played to a conclusion on Friday 16th October. between 6pm and 8pm. Medals and trophies presented afterwards. We will need volunteers, parents or guardians to take one of the six teams competing. This will be a very basic job consisting of picking the five starting players and shuttling subs on and off and ensuring every player gets plenty of football on the night. The under 10 and under 12 indoor leagues will work on a similar format with the under 10 league running off on Friday October 23rd and Friday October 30th, while the under 12 league will take place on Friday 6th November and Friday 13th November. Because we will be in the hall for two hours each night there will be a charge of €4 per head to cover the cost of the hall.

We are doing a second order for the tops distributed to the under 8s at the end of the season. The tops are for kids and priced €12. Text John Hughes the size you're looking on 0876431805 or chat on Facebook. The order will be finalised and sent off on Wednesday morning.

Hurling
The curtain came down on the under 8 season on Friday last as we enjoyed an end of season party at Five Star Fun in Grange. We had a great night's fun and craic as a reward for the hard work and dedication this squad put in all season. Training will resume again in March 2016 hopefully all the lads will practice at home over the winter. Thanks to all the parents who transported the lads to Grange and their support all season.

The annual Aodh Ó Dálaigh under 12 tournament took place on Sunday, we had a great day's hurling as seven teams took part. This tournament is in existence since 1982 and has grown in stature year by year. It is at a level now where top teams from Antrim, Galway and Armagh are willing to travel long distances to compete in it. The following teams took part this year Tuam and Abbeyknockmoy from Galway, Cushendall and Loch Mor Dal gCais from Antrim, Keady from Armagh, Drumcliffe from Sligo and Aodh Ruadh.
Group A based in Father Tierney Park was made up of the two Galway teams along with Keady and Loch Mor Dal gCais, while over in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh Cushendall, Aodh Ruadh and Drumcliffe were in action. The first round of games saw Abbeyknockmoy defeating Keady in a close affair, Tuam had a convincing win over Loch Mor Dal gCais and Cushendall were too strong for Aodh Ruadh. The second round saw wins for Abbeyknockmoy over their neighbours Tuam, Keady had a good win over Loch Mor Dal gCais, while hosts Aodh Ruadh were too strong for their Sligo neighbours Drumcliffe. The final round of group games saw the impressive Abbeyknockmoy have a big win over Loch Mor Dal gCais, Keady were too strong for Tuam and claimed second spot in group A, Cushendall claimed their second win with another convincing win over Drumcliffe.
The stage was now set for the semi finals of the Aodh Ó Dálaigh Shield which saw Abbeyknockmoy up against Aodh Ruadh and Cushendall taking on Keady. Try as hard as they could the Ernesiders were not able to match the very impressive Galway team. In the other semi final Cushendall pulled away in the second half to make it to the final. All present agreed that the two best teams on the day had qualified for the Ó Dálaigh Final. In the Primary School Shield semi-final Loch Mor Dal gCais had a big win over Drumcliffe to set up a meeting with Tuam in the final.
Both finals were played simultaneously in Father Tierney Park and there was a large crowd present for the Ó Dálaigh final as both Cushendall and Abbeyknockmoy had a large travelling support. This game promised to be a classic and it didn't disappoint, two fully committed teams gave their all to claim the title, there was only three points between the teams at half-time in favour of the Galway men. The crowd grew for the second half as supporters were treated to a serious game of hurling, Cushendall equalised early in the second half from a 20 metre free. The Abbeyknockmoy lads who claimed the Galway Shield the previous evening really threw everything into the second half and their touch was admired by all. Their ability to hit the net proved the difference, but great credit to the proud men from the famed Antrim club, they never gave and they fully played their part in making this the most memorable underage hurling game seen in Father Tierney Park for many a year. The full-time score Abbeyknockmoy 5-4 Cushendall 1-5.
The Primary Schools Final was also a great game, but Tuam's greater experience and better all round squad ensured that they made history by becoming the first club to claim the three in a row. The first half was close, but it was clear early in the second half that Loch Mor Dal gCais were just not strong enough for the Galway lads who ran out convincing winners. So came the end of a great day's hurling which saw both titles head to north Galway and a new name appearing on the Aodh Ó Dálaigh Shield.
From the playing field it was up to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh for the presentations and refreshments for all provided by the mothers of the Aodh Ruadh lads. Chairman of the Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee John Rooney thanked all the teams for the making the effort of coming to Ballyshannon and putting on such a display of hurling. He spoke of the late Hugh Daly, in who's memory the tournament is played, and of the contribution he made to the GAA in Ballyshannon, Donegal and Ulster and how this tradition is being carried on by his family. He thanked all who had helped out on the day umpiring. He thanked referees Chris Kelly and Sylvie Maguire. He thanked the ladies who had put on such a feed for everyone. He called on Niamh Mac Diarmada Priomhoide Gaelscoil Ã‰irne to present the Primary Schools Shield on behalf of the local national schools. Niamh spoke of the work Aodh Ruadh do promoting GAA in the local National Schools, she complimented all the teams on the standard of hurling, she then presented Loch Mor Dal gCais with their runners up medals, before a delighted Tuam captain accepted the Primary Shield.
Tom Daly, on behalf of the Daly family was next to speak, he thanked the Juvenile Hurling Committee for organising this tournament annually and of how proud the family are of this tournament. He spoke of how it's great to see teams from Antrim and Galway coming to Ballyshannon to compete in this tournament, he also spoke of the high standard of hurling that we had witnessed on the day. He presented the Cushendall lads with their runners up medals before presenting the Aodh Ó Dálaigh Shield to the Abbeyknockmoy captain to the delight of their team and management. That brought an end to another great tournament and already teams have expressed their interest in 2016.
Thanks to all who helped make the day such a success, thanks to Johnny Gallagher and the Park Committee, many thanks to Brian Drummond and Tara Keenaghan for their excellent photography throughout the day capturing all the action. We have pictures from the tournament up on aodhruadh.org.

Well done to the Coláiste Cholmcille senior hurling team who qualified for the Casement Shield quarter-final following a blitz in the Mid-Ulster Sports Arena in Cookstown last Thursday.

Underage hurling training has now finished for the season, hope to see all again in March, keep practicing at home over the winter and at the hurling wall in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh which should be completed shortly.

Ladies
There was only a goal between Aodh Ruadh and Saint Naul's at the break in this under 13 league game, but the hosts pushed on well in the second half to take the win and finish joint top after the league stages. Mountcharles got the first scores of the game and went into a five point lead, but the Shamettes reeled them back in, helped by goals from Bridín Maguire and Sorcha McGonigle. Saint Naul's pressed hard at the start of the second half and registered a couple of early goals to take them back into the lead. However good work from Lucy McGlynn, Leah Travers and Orla Keon helped settle the defence as Aodh Ruadh started to get on top around the middle. It was a close fought game until near the end when Ballyshannon added goals from and Roisín Daly, Eimear O'Brien and a rocket from Gráinne Maguire. It was a good performance from Aodh Ruadh with Caoimhe Keon and Ella Clancy working hard in midfield, while elsewhere Aine Hill was excellent between the sticks and up front Roisín Daly and Eimear O'Brien showed really well for the ball. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. Aodh Ruadh received home advantage when the draw for the semi-finals of the under 13 all-county championship was made. Losing out on the head to head means that despite finishing joint top of the division Aodh Ruadh will be competing in the B Championship. The Shamettes will take on Buncrana in Father Tierney Park this Saturday. Meanwhile, on the other side of the draw MacCumhaill's will take on Saint Eunan's. The county finals are provisionally fixed for Sunday October 18.

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.

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
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Mrs Patsy Sheerin of Rossinver. The snowball prize was not won, so now stands at €225 on 48 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre. Books priced at just €10.

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.

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13 October

Football
Aodh Ruadh bounced back from IFC elimination it ideal fashion with a resounding 5-19 to 3-5 league win over Urris. A comprehensive win and an impressive performance from Aodh Ruadh. In defence Niall Harley shone from the start, with Calum 'Cookie' O'Halloran also making good use of the ball. Nathan Boyle continued his good form from the IFC semi-final here with an acrobatic, all-action display of fetching, kicking and prompting. Diarmaid McInerney was on fire and was good value for his hat trick haul. Seamus Kane, Sticky Ward and David McGurrin made life a pure misery for the Urris defence, finishing with 2-7 between them and creating about the half as much again for others. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

Packie McGrath will be looking for his men to maintain the momentum this week as Aodh Ruadh head to Bridgetown chasing points against Naomh Bríd to maintain the pressure on Burt and Milford in division three's top two places. The senior game throws-in at Páirc Naomh Bríd at 5pm and is preceded by the reserves at 3.30pm.

Our Ballyshannon Shoe Company Indoor Winter Leagues got off to a rip-roaring start on Friday last with 36 under 8s giving it their all in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille. The Saints top the league after the first set of round robins, but it's still very much all to play for this Friday on the final night of the under 8 league. We are playing from 6pm to 8pm with the second set of round robins followed by shield semi-final and final and then the cup final. Medals and trophies presented afterwards. Because we will be in the hall for two hours each night there will be a charge of €4 per head to cover the cost of the hall. Please bring your own water and wear runners as no other footwear allowed. Remember, great quality footwear available at our indoor league sponsors, Ballyshannon Shoe Company! The under 10 and under 12 indoor leagues will work on a similar format with the under 10 league running off on Friday October 23rd and Friday October 30th, while the under 12 league will take place on Friday 6th November and Friday 13th November. We have some pictures from last Friday's action in the league up in the aodhruadh.org image gallery.

There is a Bord na nÓg meeting on Wednesday 14th October. This will be our last monthly meeting before our AGM, so a big turnout is requested from all committee members.

Ladies
Aodh Ruadh under 13 girls booked their place in the county final against Saint Eunan's with a late late show against Buncrana in Father Tierney Park last Saturday. The Shamettes got off to the perfect start with shooting star Bridín Maguire hitting the net. Aodh Ruadh were on top for long periods of the half and there were further first half goals from Eimear O'Brien and Roisín Daly as Aodh Ruadh went in at the break leading 3-2 to 2-0. However the Inishowen girls upped the ante significantly after the interval. They raided for two quick goals before poaching their fifth of the day as Ballyshannon pressed to pull back the deficit. After that the Shamettes peppered the Buncrana goals with shots, but the Inishowen side put on a magnificent rearguard action and it looked very much like Aodh Ruadh were going to draw a blank from this tie. However with five minutes left Bridín Maguire hit a brilliant individual goal before bravely winning the penalty which put Ballyshannon back in front. After that the floodgates opened and the scores flowed for Aodh Ruadh. Roisín Daly and Ella Clancy added further goals as Buncrana were reeling. That scoring spree proved important as Buncrana hit a further 1-2 in the six minutes of added time to show their fighting qualities. Bridín Maguire was Aodh Ruadh's player of the game with an outstanding attacking display, but this was a win built around the defence and midfield Leah Travers, Síofra Hughes, Lucy McGlynn, Aisling Gallagher and Caitlin McGarrigle were all superb in defence while the midfield pairing of Ella Clancy and Caoimhe Keon covered every blade of grass on the pitch in an immense display. Up front Bridín Maguire got great help from Eimear O'Brien and Katie O'Brien . The county final will be this coming weekend, but at the time of writing we still had no firm information on day, venue or time.

Hurling
Best of luck to Coláiste Cholmcille senior hurlers who are up against a strong Coláiste Fierste team in the Casement Shield quarter-final in the Tyrone Centre of Excellence at Garvaghey this Thursday.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Mrs Teresa Anderson of Cashelard. The snowball prize was not won, so now stands at €250 on 48 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre. Books priced at just €10. 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.

Club kit for Christmas
We still 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 have samples available. Contact Chris Kelly on 0868813553 to place your order. Our navy blue soft shell jackets are also back on sale for Christmas order. We 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.

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20 October

Technical issue
Another system crash has meant the up to date version of the Aodh Ruadh mailing list has been lost, so we have reverted to the last one saved, which was back in April. You may receive this after having requested to be removed from the list. If so, apologies for the inconvenience, please email us and we will remove you immediately. There will be some also who have subscribed since April who won't receive club notes by email this week. If you fall into that category, please contact me and I will put you back on the list. Once again, apologies for any inconvenience.

Football
Aodh Ruadh travelled to Páirc Naomh Bríd on Saturday and after a characteristically lively contest it finished honours even at 0-12 apiece. Sticky Ward was in fine form for Aodh Ruadh, finishing with six points, while Nathan Boyle also impressed in attack. With Burt winning against Downings, the draw won't be much addition to Aodh Ruadh's fading promotion hopes, but the tenacity exhibited to get a share of the points is an encouraging sign for Packie McGrath's men. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

The reserves travelled to Bridgetown with the bare 15 for this contest and that was reflected in the exchanges which saw Aodh Ruadh playing catch-up for much of the game. In the end, despite a gallant effort, it was the hosts who took the points with a 1-11 to 1-6 win. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

The adult leagues are drawing towards their concluding stages now with Aodh Ruadh hosting Burt in Father Tierney Park this Saturday. The senior game throws-in at 5pm and is preceded by the reserves at 3.30pm. A win in this game is absolutely crucial if Aodh Ruadh are to entertain any further hopes of promotion. A large and vocal Ballyshannon support would be a valuable asset in the Park for this one.

The Southern under 13 semi-final takes place this Friday 23rd October in Ardara. Throw in is at 7pm under lights. The team are leaving the park at 5.30pm sharp. There will be under 13 training this Wednesday at 4.30pm.

The final night of the under 8 Ballyshannon Shoe Company Indoor Winter League took place last Friday with 38 under 8s battling it out in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille. The second set of round robins saw the Saints finish top of the table with 17 points and facing the Gaels in the cup final after they finished on 13 points. The Shield semi-final saw the Harps and the Shamrocks facing off after finishing on 10 points and six points respectively. The Slashers were into the Shield final automatically having finished on 12 points. The Shield semi-final was a closely contested affair with the Harps clinching their place in the decider by just a goal, 3 to 2 the final score. The Harps then took on the Slashers in the Shield final and delivered a great performance to take the shield final. The winning Harps team was Alan Vaughan, Bobby Melly, Dáithí Sheerin, Dara McGloin, Liam Doogan, Sadhbh Hughes and Sean O'Neill. The cup final saw the Gaels take an early lead, but a strong Saints team struck back well to take the victory. The winning Saints team was Cádhla Dolan, Dara Vaughan, Finn Doogan, Fionn Hartin, Garvey Meade, Stephen Doran and Ted O'Donnell. Afterwards Bord na nÓg chairman David O'Donnell made medal presentations to all the players who took part over the two nights of the under 8 Ballyshannon Shoe Company Indoor Winter League. He praised the players for the great exhibition of football they put on, Sylvester Maguire for reffing, Mary Flora Scott, Shelly Loughlin, Dylan Gallagher, JC McGarrigle, Seamus Roper and Paul Gillespie for managing the teams, and the parents for all their support over the course of the year. He also thanked Ballyshannon Shoe Company for their generous sponsorship of trophies and medals. The shield trophy was presented to the Harps captain Dara McGloin, while captain Garvey Meade lifted the cup on behalf of the overall league winners, the Saints. We have pictures from the night up on aodhruadh.org.
This Friday it is the turn of the under 10s to compete for their Ballyshannon Shoe Company indoor winter league title with the action getting underway shortly after 6pm and wrapping up by 8pm. These leagues are about pure football, having fun and showing off our skills. The first few games will be used to determine if we need to reallocate players to even the teams out. When that is sorted out we will be playing a the first set of round robin games for league points, with the league being played to a conclusion on Friday 30th October. Medals and trophies presented afterwards. We will need volunteers, parents or guardians to help manage the teams. The initial teams are as follows, don't worry if your name isn't down here, just let me know ahead of time or turn up on the night and we will assign you to a team.
Tigers: Aidan Sweeny, Cian McKenna, Conor O'Mahoney, James McGinley, Killian Bradshaw, Ronan Delahunty, Shane Delahunty.
Panthers: Cian McDonald, Eoghan Kelly, Fionn Gallagher, James Monaghan, Michael Clancy, Rían Daly.
Jaguars: Cillían Slevin, Eoin Doogan, Finn Coady, Michael Doogan, Mícheál Keown, Ryan Daly.
Lions: Drew Ryan, Dylan McGuinness, Jack Gallagher, Kenzie Lee Ayres, Lorc Mag Fhionnghaile, Neil Browne, Tommy Clyne.
Pumas: Aonghus Sweeny, Conor Cleary, Hugh Óg Maguire, Jack McCadden, James Gallagher, Noah McCormack, Shane McGloin.
Because we will be playing for two hours each night there will be a charge of €4 per head to cover the cost of the hall. Please bring your own water and wear runners as no other footwear allowed. Remember, great quality footwear available at our indoor league sponsors, Ballyshannon Shoe Company! The under 12 indoor league will work on a similar format and take place on Friday 6th November and Friday 13th November.

Ladies
Aodh Ruadh fought right to the end in the under 13 B county final, but Saint Eunan's just had a bit too much for them on the day, especially with the shooting of Shannon Cunningham who posted 8-8. Enormous credit has to go the Aodh Ruadh team on a really brave team performance. From Leah O'Brien in goals, right up to Danielle Masterson-Burrows at corner forward, they gave the best they had on the day and left every drop of energy on the pitch. A very special word of mention has to go to all the players who played such a huge part in getting Aodh Ruadh to this county final. The great work of the management and mentors, Barry Ward, Claire Flood and Paddy Kelly must also be saluted. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

Hurling
Coláiste Cholmcille senior hurlers played Coláiste Feirste in a thrilling Casement Shield quarter-final on Thursday in Garvaghey. The lads got off to a slow start and the Belfast lads scored two early goals. Ballyshannon scored some great long range points to leave the half-time score 3-2 to 0-11. The second half was a tense affair and with 15 minutes to go we hit the lead for the first time. The Belfast lads punished every mistake though, and eventually won this cracking encounter 6-7 to 1-21. It was a disappointing defeat as we were clearly the better team. Some sloppy defending allowed them to amass a sizeable goal haul, but the lads deserve great credit for never giving up until the final whistle.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Eileen Gallagher from Belleek. There was no winner of snowball prize, so it now stands at €275 on 48 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre. Books priced at just €10.

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27 October

Football
A dominant performance in the second half gave Aodh Ruadh the points in this division 3 clash at a wintery Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. It was a muscular display by Aodh Ruadh with a physically imposing and fit Ballyshannon team dictating the tempo. Eamonn McGrath and Conor Patton both impressed in defence while Niall Harley and Johnny Gethins formed an excellent midfield partnership. The front six put in a great shift, giving a great exhibition of high pressing close to the opposition posts with David Dolan also providing a great outlet for long ball. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. Aodh Ruadh last game of the league is away to Letterkenny Gaels on Sunday 8th November at 3pm.

Aodh Ruadh under 21s booked their spot in the county A semi-final with a 1-19 to 1-11 win over a feisty Dungloe outfit in Tir Chonaill Park, Donegal town on Bank Holiday Monday. It was a ropey first half from Aodh Ruadh, but an impressive display from the Ballyshannon lads when they found their rhythm. There was a powerful performance from half back with Callum O'Halloran, Eamonn McGrath and Pauric Patton exceptional in the second half, Jason Granaghan also shone in a second half defensive effort that saw Dungloe only register 1-1. Niall Harley and Nathan Boyle blossomed at midfield as the game progressed. In the attack Oisín Roper made a huge contribution to winning the game as did the reliable shooting of David McGurrin, Shane McGrath, Jamie McDonald and Philip Patton. Ryan McKenna also made a lively impression on his introduction. Aodh Ruadh will now face Saint Eunan's in the county semi-final after the Letterkenny men defeated Termon 1-16 to 1-5 in their quarter-final. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

Aodh Ruadh under 13s exited the league at the semi-final stages, losing out to Ardara on a scoreline of 4-12 to 0-10 under lights at Páirc an Phiarsaigh on Friday night. The Ernesiders were down Senan Rooney and had to battle the conditions too, with the game played in torrential rain. Ballyshannon were well in it at half-time, but Ardara were strong in the second half. Best for Aodh Ruadh was Eugene Doherty who played his heart out in the middle of the field. In defence Cian Barden delivered a committed 60 minutes, while up front Harry Howarth gave it everything he had in attack.

The first night of the under 10 Ballyshannon Shoe Company indoor winter league saw some excellent football with nearly 30 player taking part and keenly contested games, with Val Murray in charge of proceedings on the pitch. The Tigers and Panthers are deadlocked at the top of the league with the Pumas, Jaguars and Lions hot on their tails. It's still very much all to play for this Friday on the final night of the under 10 league. We are playing from 6pm to 8pm with the second set of round robins. Final league placing will decide if teams will play-off for the cup or shield titles. Where teams are level on points score difference will decide, or if that is equal, penalties. The round robins are followed by shield semi-final and final and then the cup final. Medals and trophies presented afterwards with team managers to select their captains. Because we will be in the hall for two hours each night there will be a charge of €4 per head to cover the cost of the hall. Please bring your own water and wear runners as no other footwear allowed. Remember, great quality footwear available at our indoor league sponsors, Ballyshannon Shoe Company! The under 12 indoor leagues will work on a similar format running off on Friday 6th November and Friday 13th November. We have the table and some pictures from last Friday's action in the league up in the aodhruadh.org image gallery.

Hurling
Coláiste Cholmcille had a great win at the Donegal Secondary Schools Tournament last Tuesday in Letterkenny. Still smarting from their disappointing defeat against Coláiste Feirste in the Casement Shield quarter-final the previous week, the lads were determined to win this event. Five schools took part on the day, Coláiste Cholmcille, St Coulmba's Stranorlar, St Eunan's College, Scoil Mhuire Buncrana and Carndonagh Community School. The lads played Scoil Mhuire in the first game which they won well, they followed that up with a convincing win over St Eunan's and in their third game they won comfortably against Carndonagh Community School. As a result of these three wins they were into the final against Scoil Mhuire. They knew they would face a stiff challenge from the Buncrana outfit, but the lads were determined to win this inaugural Senior Secondary Schools title and they did it in style. They were in control from early on and all the panel of 18 played their part as Coláiste Cholmcille claimed the title with a very convincing display. They were worthy winners and all agreed that they were by far the strongest team on the day. It was a delighted Coláiste captain Oisin Rooney who collected the cup from Jason Ewing, Donegal Hurling Board, Chairman. It was a great day's hurling very well organised by Kevin Hinphey Regional Hurling Development Officer, Ulster GAA. Check out Aodh Ruadh CLG on Facebook for some pictures from the victory.

On Wednesday there was a Cumann na mBunscol Hurling/Camogie tournament in Donegal Town. Creevy NS, Killymard NS and Sessiaghoneill NS were the competing teams. In the hurling tournament Creevy had two convincing wins while in the camogie the girls beat Killymard and lost to Sessiaghoneill. It was a great event and it was very encouraging to have 16 boys and 12 girls representing Creevy in this event. There are pictures on from the tournament on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page.

We are delighted to be associated with these events and thank both Coláiste Cholmcille and Creevy NS for entering the tournaments and supporting our efforts promoting hurling in both schools.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Damien McGurl of Bundoran. There was no winner of snowball prize, so it now stands at €300 on 48 numbers or less. It's Big Bingo time again with the October big bingo this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre, with a massive €2,900 prize fund including the €1,000 jackpot game. Books priced at €15 for full book, €8 for a half book.

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