Club Notes Archive - 2016
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SEPTEMBER
- 6 September
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Football
It was honours even at Dunkineely as Aodh Ruadh, already through to the intermediate championship quarter-finals, preserved their unbeaten record in Group B with a 1-14 to 0-17 final scoreline against Naomh Ultan on Saturday. Despite not having anything on the line, Aodh Ruadh entered into exchanges with no lack of vigour and at that contributed to a real championship encounter. The first half saw the sides feeling their way into the game with Ballyshannon going in at the break leading by 0-10 to 0-7, Peter Boyle striking over four excellent dead balls in that tally. The second half was evenly and robustly fought. Naomh Ultan got an edge with an early goal, but points from Niall Murray and Seamus Kane pushed the Ernesiders two points ahead and looking favourites for the win with time almost up. However, two late scores for the homesters saw the match finishing level, a result which saw both sides into the quarter-final draw. Best for Aodh Ruadh were Peter Boyle from the dead ball, while once again Colm Kelly showed his quality in the defence. Up front David Dolan and David McGurrin provided a potent outlet, while, not for the first time this season, the experience and guile of Michael 'Sticky' Ward helped steer Ballyshannon through some tricky stages in the game.Earlier the reserves booked their place in the next round with a 2-14 to 1-7 victory over Naomh Ultan. The intermediate championship draws on Monday evening saw the seniors paired against Naomh Ultan in the quarter-finals while the reserves will take on the challenge of Buncrana in their last eight clash. We will have pictures from the senior and reserve games up on aodhruadh.org in the next couple of days.
This Saturday sees Aodh Ruadh return to league action as they host Urris in Father Tierney Park. The reserves get the action underway at 4.30pm, followed by the seniors at 6pm.
There was a memorable victory for the Aodh Ruadh minors on Friday evening. After drawing with Kilcar in Father Tierney Park, they carved out a 3-6 to 1-7 victory down in Towney to progress to the next stage in the championship. Again there was little between the teams, but Ballyshannon always held the initiative. Aodh Ruadh played with the wind in the first half and an Oisin Rooney powered forward division helped them to a 0-5 to 0-2 half time lead. Kilcar might have fancied their chances with the breeze behind them in the second half, but Aodh Ruadh took their performance up a notch with Nathan Boyle (2-3) and Shane McGrath (1-2) hitting the goals which helped secure the Ernesiders place in the next round. Gareth Sheerin was Aodh Ruadh's other scorer on the night. The team don't have long to rest on their laurels with their next championship bout, an eagerly anticipated match-up with our neighbours in Bundoran, taking place this Wednesday in Donegal Town. This is sure to be a hard fought championship derby clash so we'd urge a big Ballyshannon support to make their way to Tir Chonaill Park for the 6.30pm.
The under 16s have training this Friday at 4.30pm. Our first round first leg championship game against Killybegs has now been pencilled in for Sunday 18th September.
The second game of the under 13 league programme saw Aodh Ruadh keeping a clean sheet as they earned a comprehensive victory over Bundoran in a brilliant all-round team performance by the Ernesiders. Next up for the lads is a trip to Fintra this Friday. The team leave the park at 5pm with the throw in at Killybegs down for 6.30pm. Training continues this Wednesday at the earlier time of 5pm.
The under 9s will be taking part in a major blitz in Donegal town this Saturday. We will be leaving the Park at 12 noon with the action getting underway in Tir Chonaill Park at 1pm. There will be no under 9 training this Friday.
Our under 8s entertained Ardara on Saturday and had two very competitive games against quality opponents. The lads, and ladies for that matter, are showing great progression and we are hoping that will continue as our season enters its closing stages. This Friday's training session at 6.30pm will focus strongly on catching, so get practising those skills during the week. Friday 16th September will see us stage our third and final skills competition of the season. On Friday 23rd September it will be training as usual with our outdoor season ending on Saturday 24th September with a blitz. After that there will presentations to all players as well as medals and trophies for our skills test champions, followed by a bit of an oul disco. We then take a one week break before we finish the season with our indoor league in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille which runs from 6pm to 8pm on Fridays 7th and 14th October.
Advance notice of the indoor leagues for the under 10s and under 12s. The under 10 indoor league will be staged in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 8pm on Fridays 21st and 28th October, while the under 12 indoor league will run Fridays 4th and 11th November in the same time slots.
Hurling
The under 16s had a very busy week last week. First up on Tuesday evening was a trip to Letterkenny to take on Letterkenny Gaels. Due to work commitments and injury we only had 12 players able to make the trip. We fielded a very young team with only one player overage in 2017. As they have done all season the lads put in a great battling performance. The strong wind made it a game of two halves and Aodh Ruadh certainly took advantage of it in the first and led at the break 5-7 to 1-2. The second half saw a great defensive performance from the lads and all 12 of the team gave it their all and at the full time whistle we were worthy winners on a scoreline of 6-7 to 2-4.
On Thursday evening we were up against table toppers Setanta in Father Tierney Park. It was the first time this season we had 16 players available to us. This was a very competitive game and the physical exchanges were tough, but great credit to our lads we stood up to the challenge. After a slow opening ten minutes which saw Setanta take the lead through an early goal the lads grew in confidence and dominated the rest of the half leading at half time 1-7 to 1-3. As in the Letterkenny Gaels game we were up against a strong breeze for the second half, but the lads contested every tackle as if their lives depended on it and recorded a famous 2-9 to 1-3 victory. We wish captain Pauric Keenaghan a speedy recovery from an injury picked up in the first half, we hope to see him back in action soon.The under 12s had their final league game on Thursday in Letterkenny against the Gaels. It was a closer game than expected and we only led at half time by a point. The second half saw the lads play in a manner more in keeping with their performances so far this season and they dominated proceedings to run out convincing winners. They have been unbeaten throughout the league and have now qualified for the A final against Saint Eunan's which will take place on Thursday 15th September. It is our first time qualifying for an A final at under 12 level for a long number of years and we hope the lads get their reward for all the hard work they've put in all season. Many thanks to the parents who drove the lads to this game in Letterkenny, the support of these parents all year is much appreciated and we hope they to get to celebrate come September 15th.
Ladies
Aodh Ruadh under 16s drew against Saint Naul's last Tuesday in a game which ebbed back and forth. Ballyshannon thought they had clinched victory with a late point from Mary Flora Scott, but with some confusion over the score the referee called the game a draw. Bronagh Kelly was excellent at full back and read the game well throughout. Saoirse McDevitt was also very effective in the rearguard, while up front Briana Maher did a great job in creating and taking opportunities for the Ernesiders. Under 16 training continues on Wednesdays at 8pm.Naomh Columba conceded the first game of the under 13 programme so it was challenge action for girls last Wednesday when they entertained Four Masters. Despite some good attacking pressure from the visitors Aodh Ruadh kept a clean sheet with Grainne Maguire, Ciara Caldwell and Lauren McHugh excellent in defence. Up front Aoibheann McGarrigle, Katie O'Brien, Laoise Kelly and Annie Keon all went well. Training continues this Wednesday at 6.30pm.
Abbey Centre Bingo
The €400 jackpot was split three ways with Molly Kerrigan, Agnes Ryder and Ann Gallagher all getting a slice. There was no winner of the summer snowball so it now stands at €550 on 48 numbers or less. Bingo as usual at 9pm on Friday at the Abbey Centre, with a massive €2,100 prize fund. Books cost just €10 for 11 games.
- 13 September
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Football
Urris didn't travel last week so our seniors and reserves had no game last weekend. Adult action this weekend focuses on the under 21s county championship quarter-final against Termon on Saturday. Throw-in is at 7.30pm in MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey for that one and we'd like to see a big support present to get behind the team as we aim to lay down another marker of our progress back to the county's top table. That means the seniors and reserves have a free weekend, but it will be spent preparing for the championship on Saturday, 24th September.Congratulations to Maurice McLaughlin and his back room team of Liam McLaughlin and Philip O'Reilly on steering Erne Gaels to a senior county final in Fermanagh with a 2-11 to 1-6 victory over Roslea.
Aodh Ruadh booked their place in the Southern Minor final with a convincing 4-14 to 0-9 victory over Bundoran in Tirconaill Park last Thursday. Once again Oisin Rooney was the focal point of Ballyshannon's attack and when he found the net after good work by Jason Granaghan 16 minutes in the writing was on the wall for the Seasiders. Aodh Ruadh already had a three point lead at that stage, Rooney, Shane McGrath (3) and Conal Sweeny all on the mark. By the break the lead was out to 2-8 to 0-4, thanks to a penalty on the stroke of half-time from Nathan Boyle. A goal with the final quarter beckoning killed off the tie. Oisin Rooney broke down a long ball in by Nathan Boyle and Michael McKenna was on hand to finish. A fourth goal engineered by Jason Granaghan was the coup de grace as Peter McKenna's men sealed a final place against Naomh Conaill. Another fine performance from Oisin Rooney up front as he finished with 1-4, while Shane McGrath registered seven points of Aodh Ruadh's final tally. Gareth Sheerin was again a good outlet, hitting two points while further back Sean Taylor had another great game between the sticks and Jason Granaghan delivered a typically industrious performance. The Southern Regional final will see Aodh Ruadh back in Tir Chonaill park this Wednesday with Naomh Conaill the opposition. Throw-in down in Donegal town is 6pm and with silverware on the line we hope to see a big support down there to encourage the lads as we know it means a lot to both players and management.
Our under 16s have training this Friday at 5.30pm as they continue preparations for their first round first leg championship game against Killybegs which is down for this Sunday 18th September.
Aodh Ruadh under 13s came out on the wrong end of a 4-6 to 2-7 scoreline against Killybegs last Friday. It wasn't for want of trying by a determined Erneside outfit though with the woodwork being thoroughly tested. Matt Gillespie was outstanding in goals for Ballyshannon while Colm McGloin got through a mountain of work in the back line and Kyle Murray was a class act at centre half back. Corey Ryan went well in midfield while up front Marty McGarrigle was excellent at centre forward and Ryan Keenaghan was very lively in the forward line. Next up for the under 13s is the visit of Naomh Conaill to the Park this Friday at 6.30pm. Training continues this Wednesday at 5pm.
Our under 9 squad took part in an excellent blitz at Four Masters last Saturday. Some 16 teams took part and Aodh Ruadh reached the quarter-final after beating Glenfin and Enniskillen Gaels. We lost to eventual winners Ardara and runners-up Buncrana. The team who took part were Barry Campbell, Eoin Cassidy, Ben Daly, Cádhla Dolan, Liam Doogan, Stephen Doran, Orlaith Gallagher, Oran Gillespie, Donagh Kelly, Rían McCauley, Dara McGloin, Killian McPhelim, Garvey Meade, Bobby Melly, Ted O'Donnell, Dara O'Mahoney and Jessica O'Mahoney. Thanks to Pauric Harvey of Four Masters for the kind invitation and a well-run tournament. Thanks also to Séimí Campbell, Cian McKenna and Matt Gillespie for helping out with team on the day.
This Friday will see the under 8s competing in our third and final skills competition of the season. On Friday 23rd September it will be training as usual with our outdoor season ending on Saturday 24th September with a blitz. After that there will presentations to all players as well as medals and trophies for our skills test champions, followed by a bit of an oul disco. We then take a one week break before we finish the season with our indoor league in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille which runs from 6pm to 8pm on Fridays 7th and 14th October.
Advance notice of the indoor leagues for the under 10s and under 12s. The under 10 indoor league will be staged in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 8pm on Fridays 21st and 28th October, while the under 12 indoor league will run Fridays 4th and 11th November in the same time slots.
Hurling
The under 16s suffered a heavy defeat at home to a strong Four Masters team on Thursday last. We were missing a number of players due to injury and suspension and the young team found it difficult to come to terms with a very motivated Donegal Town team. Our lads know they are capable of playing better and knowing the character of the team we expect them to come back stronger from this defeat. They've still a lot to play for this season.Our under 12s play Saint Eunans in the eagerly awaited A county final this Thursday in Father Tierney Park, the lads and their manager Denis Daly have put in a lot of work this season and it has seen them go unbeaten throughout the league. Hopefully they can claim the title on Thursday. We haven't claimed an under 12 A county title for a long number of years and hopefully there will be a large crowd of supporters to cheer on the lads as they attempt to win this coveted title.
On Saturday last three of our under 11s took part in exhibition games at the county senior hurling final on Saturday. The three lads, Michael Doogan, Daire McDevitt and Cathal Menary acquitted themselves very well during the games.
The final under 8 and under 10 all county blitz takes place this Sunday in the Centre of Excellence in Convoy. Details will be circulated during the week.
On Sunday 25th September we host the Aodh Ó Dálaigh under 12 tournament. This event is in existence since 1982 and always provides a great day of hurling to honour the late Hugh Daly, one of Donegal and Ulster's finest GAA administrators. Teams confirmed so far are Tuam and Abbeyknockmoy of Galway, Easkey from Sligo, Keady of Armagh, Antrim side Loch Mor gCal Dais and ourselves. It promises to be a great day more details next week.
Ladies
The Aodh Ruadh Ladies Cyclothon takes place this Saturday, 17th September from 9am to 4pm. If you are available to cover a slot please contact Eoin O'Moore, Willie Scott or any team manager. And of course, if you're passing through don't forget to give generously!The under 13s pre-season build-up continued with a good work out against a tough Saint Naul's outfit on Saturday morning. Every player got game time and there were a lot of good displays right across the pitch. Danielle Gallagher, Grainne Maguire, Ciara Caldwell was sound in defence. Caitlin McGarrigle was outstanding in midfield while up front Katie McMullin, Lucy McGlynn, Aoibheann McGarrigle and Annie Keon were all very effective. Naomh Columba will be the guests this Wednesday as the girls entertain Naomh Columba in their opening fixture of the league campaign. Throw-in at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh will be at 6.30pm, all players to be at the park for 5.40pm.
Abbey Centre Bingo
The €400 jackpot was won by Teresa Anderson of Cashelard. There was no winner of the summer snowball so it now stands at €575 on 48 numbers or less. Bingo as usual at 9pm on Friday at the Abbey Centre, with a massive €2,100 prize fund. Books cost just €10 for 11 games.
- 20 September
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Football
The under 21s set up a county semi-final against Naomh Conaill with a convincing 25 point win against Termon on Saturday evening. Termon, initially put up a good fight, but two first half Oisin Rooney goals began the process of taking the game beyond their reach. Shane McGrath landed a hattrick of goals, and David McGurrin and Daniel Warnock netted too to leave the northerners finishing a somewhat punch drunk outfit. In truth there weren't many teams who in the country who could have lived with Ballyshannon on Saturday night. The forward play was of the very highest quality and combined with an athleticism which meant the onslaught never abated. Defensively it was an uncompromising performance with Colm Kelly, Callum O'Halloran, Paddy Gillespie and Jason Granaghan keeping shooting chances to a minimum. We have a full report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. Glenties will provide the opposition in the semi-final following their 4-9 to 0-9 win over Four Masters on Friday evening.This Saturday the focus turns to the Intermediate Football Championship quarter-final. Aodh Ruadh will face Naomh Ultan at Tir Chonaill Park, Donegal Town. Throw-in is at 2.30pm and we'd urge a big Ballyshannon support to make the trip down the N15 as Peter Gallagher's men continue their bid to win the club's first ever intermediate title. That game will be preceded by the reserve's championship quarter-final against Buncrana in Donegal Town at 1pm and it would be great to see a large showing of Erneside support at that game also.
It was a ding dong battle in the Southern Minor final, but Aodh Ruadh just came out the wrong side of it last Wednesday evening in Tir Chonaill Park. They lost out to Naomh Conaill on the remarkable scoreline of 7-9 to 3-19, a two point deficit at the final whistle. Despite Aodh Ruadh scoring regularly, Glenties were able to raid through for goals and were 4-3 to 1-9 to the good by the break with Oisin Rooney getting the goal for the Ernesiders. Ballyshannon took an early lead in the second half with three points and lead by 1-16 to 4-4 with a 15 left to play. However three goals in that last quarter swung momentum Naomh Conaill's way and despite Oisin Rooney (2-3) and Shane McGrath (1-7) also hitting back with goals the silverware went Glenties way. Also on score sheet for Aodh Ruadh in what was a battling display were Nathan Boyle (0-3), Dylan Gallagher (0-2), Jason McGranaghan (0-1), David Warnock (0-1), Michael McKenna (0-1), and Odhran O'Neill (0-1).
Aodh Ruadh under 16s were well beaten at home by a strong Killybegs side on Sunday evening in their first round first leg championship. Importantly we kept playing right to the very end in a testament to the lads character. As yet there is no date for the second leg.
The under 13s had 19 points to spare on Naomh Conaill in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh last Friday. Danny Breen began a good day at the office for the Ernesiders with a couple of well taken goals before Kyle Murray got in on the scoring act, but overall it was a great team effort by the Ballyshannon boys. Next they face Ardara this Wednesday down in Pearse Park at 6pm. We will be leaving the Park in Ballyshannon at 4.45pm to travel down to the game and we would be grateful for any available help with transport.
This Friday there will be under 8 training as usual with our outdoor season ending on Saturday 24th September with a blitz. We are hosting Four Masters, Derrygonnelly and Glencar Manorhamilton. There will be about 100 players present for the blitz so we will need a big help on the refreshments front from parents and guardians. A loaf of sandwiches, buns or similar will be most welcome. After that there will presentations to all players as well as medals and trophies for our skills test champions for the year, followed by a bit of an oul disco. We will also be doing the official under 8 team shot so we'd like to see as many players present as humanly possible. We then take a one week break before we finish the season with our indoor league in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille which runs from 6pm to 8pm on Fridays 7th and 14th October. We have some great pictures from last week's under 8 training session up on aodhruadh.org.
Advance notice of the indoor leagues for the under 10s and under 12s. The under 10 indoor league will be staged in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 8pm on Fridays 21st and 28th October, while the under 12 indoor league will run Fridays 4th and 11th November in the same time slots.
Hurling
Pride of place this week goes to our under 12s who captured the County A title on Thursday last. This team won all their league games this year and as a result qualified for the A final against Saint Eunan's. The final took place in Father Tierney Park before a large and vocal crowd. The first half was a closely fought affair and Aodh Ruadh went in at half time leading by three points. The second half was one way traffic as the home team dominated all over the pitch and ran out convincing winners. This is the first time in a long number of years that we captured the A title at this age group, a few years ago at our hurling presentation night Kilkenny legend Tommy Walsh told us hurling was like a wardrobe, "You get out of it what you put into it." This was certainly true of this squad. Denis Daly's team trained very hard all year and put in a great effort all season. Referee Marc Brown presented the cup to winning captain Aaron Neilan. The lads then went on a victory cavalcade covering all parts of the town. We have pictures from the victory up on aodhruadh.org. Next up for these lads is the Aodh Ó Dálaigh tournament which takes place on Sunday. The following teams are taking part Tuam and Abbeyknockmoy from Galway, Easkey of Sligo, Keady from Armagh, Antrim's Loch Mor gCal Dais and ourselves. We have not won this title since 2010 so maybe this could be our year. The action gets underway at 11am and all are welcome for a great day of hurling to honour the late Hugh Daly one of Donegal and Ulster's finest GAA administrators.The under 16s had a great battle with Setanta in the Cross on Thursday. Missing a number of players due to injuries, we fielded a young team. Only two of the starting 13 are overage in 2017, but as they have done all the season the lads played their hearts out. The game was played on a heavy pitch which came against our lads as the game wore on. The fact that we had no subs was a major factor in the game. In one of our best displays of the season we were unlucky to lose 4-7 to 3-9. Many thanks to the parents who drove the boys to the game and gave them great support throughout a very entertaining game.
On Sunday morning we hosted a very enjoyable blitz for under 8s and under 10s, MacCumhaill's and Four Masters took part on the day. At under 8 we had 20 players and fielded three teams. Each of the teams did very well beating MacCumhaill's and Four Masters in their games. We had one under 10 team who did very well against the older and physically stronger visiting teams. Thanks to all who helped make the blitz a great success, many thanks to all the mammies who put on a great spread of goodies for all in the Aras afterwards. An interesting visitor to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh was the Corn na Mumhan, the cup for the Donegal Senior Hurling Championship, which MacCumhaill's won the previous week. It was the first time it was in Ballyshannon since 1977 and hopefully it won't be as long till it returns again.
Ladies
The under 16 girls are playing Fanad Gaels in their division 2 county semi-final on Wednesday. They are travelling to Portsalon for this game. All players are to be at the park for 2.30pm with the bus departing at 2.45pm. We wish the girls the best of luck as they push for a place in the county final.The under 13s had two league games over the past week. They started with a good win over a courageous Naomh Columba outfit in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh last Wednesday. The defence did really well, holding the visitors scoreless despite some dangerous attacks with Orla Keon and Niamh Hughes both doing great work in the rearguard. Up front Sarah Jane Keon was excellent with good support and scores from Dearbhla Hughes-O'Brien, Laoise Kelly and Rachel Patton. The next outing was on Saturday morning against Glenswilly. The visitors had a number of strong players, but Aodh Ruadh again chalked up another impressive victory. Katie O'Brien was in exceptional attacking form and finished with a big tally. There were also good scoring contributions from Aoibhean McGarrigle, Emer O'Brien and Sara Jane Keon. Caitlin McGarrigle was brilliant in midfield while in the defence Eilish Gallagher, Grainne Maguire and Lauren McHugh dealt well with everything that came their way. We will have pictures from the Glenswilly game on aodhruadh.org later this week. There will be no under 13 game this weekend. Parents, guardians and players are asked to note the change of fixtures for our last two league games. We are away to Red Hugh's on Sunday 2nd October and at home to Robert Emmet's on Sunday 9th October. Both games fixed for 5pm. The girls are training this Wednesday and Friday at 6.30pm. We have a challenge against Kinawley next Wednesday at 6pm, in Kinawley. There will be further details on this game at Friday's training.
Congratulations to Orla Keon and Sarah Jane Keon who have been selected on the under 13 county development squad. Well done also to Cait Gillespie and Ana Keon who were selected for the under 15 county development squad.
Abbey Centre Bingo
The €400 jackpot was won by Deborah Cahill of Tullaghan. There was no winner of the summer snowball so it now stands at a juicy €600 on 48 numbers or less. Bingo as usual at 9pm on Friday at the Abbey Centre, with a massive €2,150 prize fund. Books cost just €10 for 11 games.
- 27 September
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Football
There was considerable toing and froing on Saturday before any football was played. A downpour over the early hours of Saturday morning left Tir Chonaill Park unplayable and Donegal CCC hunting for alternative venues. Ultimately the reserves championship quarter-final against Buncrana fell by the wayside, while the seniors ended up having to make the longer than expected trip to Fintra to take on Naomh Ultan. They progressed to the intermediate semi-finals, but it was a rather tougher task than the 2-18 to 3-8 scoreline might indicate. Naomh Ultan got an early jump and led by 1-4 to 0-2 at the end of the first quarter. Aodh Ruadh worked their way back into contention though and, with the help of a goal from Michael 'Sticky' Ward, hit the break 1-9 to 1-5 ahead. Dunkineely refused to back down though and early in the second half cut the deficit to a point with the scores at 1-11 to 2-7. Points from Sticky Ward, David McGurrin and Diarmaid McInerney helped Ballyshannon stretch out in front again, but Naomh Ultan raided for another goal to leave a point in it again. Aodh Ruadh once again responded with another scoring spurt with points supplied by Philip Patton, Peter Boyle, Seamus Kane and Diarmaid McInerney. In addition Oisin Rooney hit the back of the net with his very first senior score for the Ernesiders. By now there was no time for Dunkineely to claw their way back and Aodh Ruadh were through to the semi-final. They will face Milford in that last four clash, while on the other side of the draw Burt will take on the winners of Naomh Columba and Saint Naul's after their quarter-final ended in a draw on Sunday. Michael 'Sticky' Ward continued his impressive form this season while Niall Harley was immense in the middle of the park and Diarmaid McInerney was accurate as ever up front. Defensively there were a lot of penetrating runs from Eamonn McGrath while Niall Murray and Michael Ward both excelled. The Aodh Ruadh scorers were Michael 'Sticky' Ward (1-5), Diarmaid McInerney (0-5, 2f), David McGurrin (0-2), Peter Boyle (0-2, 1f, 1 45), Paddy Gillespie (0-1), Philip Patton (0-1), Shane McGrath (0-1) and Seamus Kane (0-1).Aodh Ruadh will take on Milford in their intermediate semi-final this Saturday at noon, while the reserves rescheduled quarter-final will take place on Sunday at 1pm. The Donegal CCCC are to confirm venues over the course of the week.
Aodh Ruadh under 16s failed to field for their second leg championship game with Killybegs, and so the Fishermen now progress to the next round. Thanks to the managers and mentors who worked with the team this year and the players who lined out over the course of the season.
The under 13s kept up their good run with a hard earned win against Ardara in Pearse Park last Wednesday. Aodh Ruadh had a narrow two point advantage at the break and had to dog it out against a strong physical Ardara side to lead by four at the long whistle, 1-10 to 1-6 the final scoreline. Aaron Neilan fired home the goal, but this was a game where the defence was really outstanding, conceding just four points from play. Leading the way was Ryan Keenaghan with great work also by Daire Warren, Calum Doherty-Craig and Colm McGloin. The lads are training this Friday from 6pm to 7pm. We await final confirmation on next the team's next fixture which is against Dungloe.
The under 9s finished up for their season with a blitz last Saturday in Kinlough. It was a useful work out for the lads as they build towards the under 10 campaign next year. Many thanks to Kinlough for invitation and all the parents who helped out with transport on the day.
Aodh Ruadh welcomed Four Masters, Derrygonnelly and Glencar Manorhamilton to Ballyshannon on Saturday for their under 8 end of year outdoor blitz. Weather conditions weren't great to begin with, but improved as the afternoon wore on and weren't bad by the time the last few games were played. After a great hour or so of football with four pitches going full tilt in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh it was up to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh for a typically superb spread of food by the Aodh Ruadh parents and guardians. Presentations were then made to the winners of the third skills test. The results for the 2010 age category were 1st Anthony Duffy, 2nd Manus Conlon, and 3rd Darragh McCready. The results for the 2009 age category were 1st Callum Dorrian, 2nd Antoin Duffy, and 3rd Eoghan McCadden The results for the 2008 age category were 1st Corey Sheridan, 2nd Daithí Sheerin and 3rd Garreth Brennan. These were followed by the presentations to the overall skills test winners for 2016 who were 1st Corey Sheridan, 2nd Joseph Gibbions and 3rd Eoghan 'Blake' Gallagher. Honourable mention to Callum Dorrian who just missed out by 3 points and Gareth Brennan who just missed out by 5 points on a top three place. The most important awards of the afternoon were presented last and went to the players who had improved most over the course of the season based on their skills test results. Patrick Clarke, Oisin McCadden and Anthony Duffy all just missed out on third in what was a very tightly fought competition. The final winners were 1st Éabha Rogers, 2nd Callum Dorrian, with 3rd place shared by Antoin Duffy and Iarla Hartin. We take a break this Friday coming before we finish the season with our indoor league in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille which runs from 6pm to 8pm on Fridays 7th and 14th October. We have pictures and an extended report from the blitz up on aodhruadh.org.
Advance notice of the indoor leagues for the under 10s and under 12s. The under 10 indoor league will be staged in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 8pm on Fridays 21st and 28th October, while the under 12 indoor league will run Fridays 4th and 11th November in the same time slots.
There is Bord na nÓg meeting on Tuesday, 27th September at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.
Hurling
On Sunday last we hosted the annual Aodh Ó Dálaigh tournament. This tournament is in existence since 1982 and originally it was played on a town league basis. But over the last number of years it has become one of the best tournament in Ulster and we have teams from traditional hurling counties Galway and Antrim willing to travel to take part. This year's event was no different and the following teams took part. Holders Abbeyknockmoy from Galway, their county comrades Tuam, Keady of Armagh, Loch Mor Dal gCais from Antrim and Aodh Ruadh.
The tournament was played on a round robin basis so all teams were guaranteed lots of hurling, round two saw hosts Aodh Ruadh up against Loch Mor Dal gCais and Abbeyknockmoy against Keady. The hosts, playing some great hurling, had a comprehensive win over the Antrim lads and Abbeyknockmoy, determined to hold onto their title, easily defeated Keady.
Round two saw Abbeyknockmoy play Loch Mor Dal gCais and Tuam taking on Keady, again Abbey had a comfortable victory while regular visitors Tuam won a close game against the Orchard lads.
Round three saw Aodh Ruadh take on Keady and there was a north Galway derby between Tuam and Abbeyknockmoy. Aodh Ruadh playing with the confidence of county champions had a great victory over Keady while Abbeyknockmoy kept their impressive run going defeating their neighbours Tuam.
Round four saw Aodh Ruadh taking on Tuam and Loch Mor Dal gCais clash with Keady. Aodh Ruadh qualified for the Aodh Ó Dálaigh final beating Tuam and Keady got their first win of the day against Loch Mor.
Round five was to see the clash of Aodh Ruadh and Abbeyknockmoy as both teams had qualified for the Aodh Ó Dálaigh final there was no need to play their league game, but there was lot at stake in the clash between Loch Mor and Tuam as the Antrim lads were hoping to get their first win of the day and maybe, depending on score difference, qualify for the Primary League Final. However, the Tuam men going for a four-in-a-row of Primary League titles came out on top.
We now had the pairings for the two finals, Aodh Ruadh were up against Abbeyknockmoy in the Aodh Ó Dálaigh final and Tuam were defending their title against Keady in the Primary League final.
There was huge interest in the Aodh Ó Dálaigh final, the local lads hadn't claimed this title since 2010. They were unbeaten all season and after claiming the county title last week they were full of confidence, but they knew they were up against a strong Galway team and a tough battle lay ahead. The lads had great support for this game, it was a tough physical encounter with some great hurling and lots of hooking and blocking as both teams gave it their all. Aodh Ruadh led at half time 1-5 to 1-2. The Galway lads got a goal early in the second half to level the game and for the next 10 minutes there was nothing between the teams as they traded scores and fought like tigers. The Aodh Ruadh boys were determined to claim this crown and they were not going to be defeated and for the last quarter of the game they were well on top and at the final whistle after eight minutes of injury time they were worthy winners on a 3-11 to 3-4 score line. There were great scenes of celebration and all were in agreement that the best team had won. There was little between them as they were level on six occasions, but Aodh Ruadh's greater strength and hunger allowed them forge ahead at the end.
While the Aodh Ó Dálaigh final captured the attention of the majority of the crowd present the Primary League was also a very hard fought affair between holders Tuam and Keady. The scores were level at half-time, but in the second half Keady's greater hunger and tiredness on behalf of the Tuam lads proved the difference as the Armagh boys came out on top. From the playing fields it was up to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh where, as always, the Aodh Ruadh mammies catered for everyone with a great spread of food which after a long days hurling everyone was glad to see.
John Rooney on behalf of Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee welcomed the Daly family and all the clubs to the presentation, he thanked all the clubs who had attended and thanked them for the efforts they made to attend he said it was much appreciated by the Daly family and all involved with underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh. He thanked the refs Peter Horan and Slyvie Maguire and the umpires Mike Lynch and Daithi Breen. He thanked all the mothers who had brought so much food on the day. He spoke of the huge contribution the late Hugh Daly made to the GAA in Donegal and Ulster and how the Daly family were carrying on his great tradition.
He then called on Ms Aoibhínn Kelly Principal of Creevy National School to present the Primary League Shield on behalf of the local national schools. Aoibhínn spoke of the great skills on display in all the games and she called Tuam forward to accept their runners-up medals. She then presented the shield to a delighted Keady captain Sean O'Reilly.
Michael Daly then spoke on behalf of the Daly family, he spoke of his late father and how the family were so proud to have this tournament in his honour, he thanked all involved in organising it and all who helped out on the day. He spoke of the great skills on display and wearing his Aodh Ruadh hat he was delighted to see them claim back the title last won by them in 2010. He called up the Abbeyknockmoy captain to accept the runners-up medals, and then to huge cheers Aodh Ruadh captain Aaron Cullen came forward to accept the Aodh Ó Dálaigh shield, showing the same confidence as he did on the field he made a great acceptance speech before calling forward his team and manager Denis Daly to accept their medals. All in all a great day's hurling and plans are already in place for the 2017 tournament. We have pictures from the tournament up on aodhruadh.org.On Thursday last our under 16s played Four Masters in the league semi-final. Due to a number of injuries we only had 11 players, but by God did these 11 lads give it everything. They were a credit to the club. Although well beaten the lads never gave up and showed a great attitude. We knew it was going to be very difficult to field an under 16 team this year due to a lack of numbers, but fair play to all the lads who have made the effort and ensured we fielded for all the league games. Next up is the championship semi-final on Thursday week away to Four Masters or Setanta.
Ladies
The under 16 girls made the 130 mile round trip to Portsalon for their division 2 county quarter-final last Wednesday. Aodh Ruadh got on top of matters in the first half and had established a lead by the interval. They extended that out over the course of the second half to run out 3-11 to 2-5 victors. Katherine McClay was in excellent form between the posts and she received good cover from Brianna Maher and Bronagh Kelly. Saoirse McDevitt had an excellent day in the middle of the park while up front Mary Flora Scott kept the score board ticking over regularly. We have pictures from the trip north on aodhruadh.org.The under 13s have a challenge against Kinawley this Wednesday at 6pm, in Kinawley. We will be leaving the Park at 4.30pm to travel to the game and anyone available to help with transport is asked to liaise with Barry Ward. Parents, guardians and players are asked to note the change of fixtures for our last two league games. We are away to Red Hugh's on Sunday 2nd October and at home to Robert Emmet's on Sunday 9th October. Both games fixed for 5pm. The girls are training this Wednesday and Friday at 6.30pm.
Official opening
It's been a tough few years about the town with the recession. You can only say fair play to those who managed to keep the show on the road at all during it. One of those was Kernan's Spar at the top of the town. They have been a good sponsor to the club and a number of club players and mentors work there, as, I hasten to add, is the case with numerous other businesses around the town. Kernan's have recently concluded an expansion of their premises and are having an official opening this Thursday between 11am and 2pm. Sources close to the event tell us there may well be a Donegal GAA star present to add to the razzamatazz, so why not drop in and support the people who support your club.Abbey Centre Bingo
The €400 jackpot was won by Pat Treacy of Belleek. There was no winner of the summer snowball so it now stands at €625 on 48 numbers or less. This Friday is the September big bingo, with a massive €3,225 in the kitty including the €1,000 jackpot game. Books cost just €15 or get the book and a half special for €20! First game at 9pm at the Abbey Centre.