Club Notes Archive - 2021
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July
- 6 July
-
Aodh Ruadh launch Sponsor A Sod fund-raising drive
As the 70th anniversary of the opening of Father Tierney Park approaches in 2024, a massive programme of work begins this week at the grounds which will result in a new sand-based playing field and associated building works. To fund this development Aodh Ruadh have launched one of their biggest fund-raising efforts in decades, asking the public to ‘Sponsor A Sod’ at €50 each to help meet the costs of this ambitious plan. A permanent display bearing the names of donors will be erected in a prominent position at the Park.
Last Saturday Club President Owen Roe O’Neill, who played in an under 14 challenge game at the official opening of the park on Sunday, May 9, 1954, was on hand to turn the ceremonial sod at the iconic ground on The Rock.
In 1954 the new pitch was described by the late Hugh Daly, writing in the Donegal Democrat as, "Donegal’s first Gaelic Stadium." He labelled the opening of what is officially known as Father Tierney Memorial Park as, "Gaeldom’s greatest day in a town that for almost half a century has had an unbroken record of service in the ranks of the GAA."
Father Tierney Park was opened amidst much fanfare, Donegal defeating Armagh by 1-6 to 0-2 in a challenge game. The Donegal team as listed had 16 names, as did the Armagh side. The Donegal team was: J McDermott; P Dawson, F O’Donnell, B Coyle; J Boyle, J Carroll, P McGeehan; F McCready, D Gallen; T Keogan, F Brennan, H Coyle; C Breslin, F Farrelly, PJ Burke. M Regan.
It was a memorable day but time and thousands of games, hurling, football and camogie since then have taken their toll and the old ground is now badly in need of resurfacing.
Club President Owen Roe O’Neill, who launched the massive ‘Sponsor A Sod’ fundraising drive, told those gathered, "We are on hallowed ground here where men and women, boys and girls, have played football, hurling and camogie for almost seven decades. Now, as a man in my 80s, I understand more than most of you, the importance and value of this facility now and for those who will enjoy it for the next 70 years and more.
"I appeal to you and to all who have a love for Gaelic games, those of you who have a soft spot for Aodh Ruadh and those who care about the town and the people of Ballyshannon and beyond, to those who benefit from our grounds here at the Father Tierney and at nearby Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, to stand four square behind us and support this Sponsor A Sod fundraising drive."
This, Owen Roe added, is an ideal way to support the club, or to mark your family association with Aodh Ruadh now, and at any time since the club was formed.
Tom Daly, chairman of the Aodh Ruadh Park / Development committee, told those gathered that the finished product, which will be built by renowned pitch builders Prunty Contracts, will cost circa €200,000. Prunty Contracts, he said, will deliver a playing surface which will match Croke Park closely in dimensions, not to mention in quality and durability.
"By 2024, the 70th anniversary of the opening of Father Tierney Park, we aim to have a new sand-based, Croke Park-size playing field and the building works associated with it completed. The resurfacing project is the biggest, and most expensive development project undertaken since the purchase and development of Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, which was officially opened in 2009.
"Our plan is that we will have a new playing field sown out here by the end of this year. It will be a sand-carpet playing field, which means it is more durable. There will be a full drainage system here for the first time and we are increasing the dimensions of the pitch, it is already maximum length, we are adding to the width of it, the gross playing area will be roughly the same as Croke Park.
"We will be asking families, business friends, current and past club members, supporters and those we know locally, throughout Donegal and beyond who would have a connection, interest or affinity with Ballyshannon and Aodh Ruadh to support this fund-raising initiative by sponsoring a sod for €50.
"We are reaching out to GAA people, to Ballyshannon people everywhere, to people who know the club, know the town, know the role Father Tierney Park has played over the last almost 70 years. We really need their support, this is a really big undertaking.
"A permanent display, bearing the names of donors, will be erected in a prominent position for all to see. This is an ideal way to support the club, or to mark your family's association with Aodh Ruadh now, or at any time since the club was formed for that matter."
Club chairman, William Doogan, said he was looking forward to the development getting underway this week and praised the efforts of the Park / Development Committee and all who were backing the project.
He said that at underage level alone the club was facilitating more than 400 young people which underlined the need for further development.
"We have a huge number of young people and adults playing football and hurling. It is a vital amenity for the community.
"Please come out and buy a sod and support this campaign. It is a short, sharp campaign and we can do what we set out to do. A massive amount of work has been done in the background. We want to drive on now with this work and we want to leave no debt on the club, so we are appealing for your support."
Mick McGrath, a former county development officer and now Cathaoirleach CLG Dhún na nGall, said Father Tierney Park was, "Back home," for him and the pitch, which was one of the first clay pitches to be developed in the county, held a special place for him.
"It's a great initiative to modernise the pitch and if Aodh Ruadh get the same run out of this pitch as they got with the original Father Tierney Park, they will have been well served.
"It’s a costly step too by the club, but one to be admired and I know that the people who are driving this locally have a great track record so I am confident this will be very successful in terms of a fundraising effort."
More than 25 Aodh Ruadh club members have committed to joining the working group to actively promote this fund-raising campaign and to sell sods. The working group is as follows: Sabrina Brosnan, Michael Daly, Sarah Daly, Tom Daly, William Doogan, Gerard Ferguson, Conal Gallagher, Johnny ‘Mannix’ Gallagher, Paul Gillespie, Jim Kane, Donagh Keon, Diarmaid Keon, Patsy Kilgannon, John Larkin Jr, Dinny Loughlin, Sylvester Maguire, Brian Murray, Val Murray, Mick McGrath, Packie McGrath, Pat McGrath, David McLoone, Philip McLoone, Pauric McShea, David O’Donnell, Sean O’Mahoney, Barry O’Neill, John Patton, Gregory Sweeney and Barry Travers.
Anyone who wishes to join this working group is welcome to do so, please contact any of the following if you wish to volunteer: Tom Daly (087-2390410), David McLoone (087-7760172), Philip McLoone (086-4053008), Conal Gallagher (086-2112812), Patsy Kilgannon (087-2372128), or Michael Daly (086-9171949).
Those living away from Ballyshannon, whether in Ireland or across the world, should note that they can purchase sods, and little bit of club immortality, on Klubfunder.com. Any questions or enquiries can be sent to aodhruadhbuyasod@gmail.com. For further information on any aspect of the Sponsor A Sod please contact the Aodh Ruadh Park / Development Committee officers - Tom Daly (087-2390410), David McLoone (087-7760172), Philip McLoone (086-4053008), Conal Gallagher (086-2112812), Patsy Kilgannon (087-2372128), or Michael Daly (086-9171949).Football
Aodh Ruadh made it four wins from four after grinding out the victory in Rosses Park against Dungloe. Scores were hard come by in the first half, but it was the Ballyshannon men who took the lion's share of the chances converted to go in at the break leading by 0-6 to 0-2. The place kicking of Philip Patton proved important again, while rookies Cian Rooney and Kyle Murray also registered in the opening 30. The Ernesiders could only muster three more points in the second half, but the mis-firing homesters were unable to do much better as it finished 0-9 to 0-7 in favour of Ballyshannon. Michael McKenna had another good outing in his link man role, while Diarmaid McInerney also put in a massive shift for the team. Elsewhere Jason Granaghan carried a lot of good ball out of defence, Darren Drummond put himself about to telling effect, and Nathan Boyle lapped up the heavy physical attention he was receiving and came back all the stronger. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were Karl O'Brien; Jason Granaghan, Colm Kelly, Conor Patton; Michael McKenna, Eddie Lynch, Kyle Murray (0-2); Eamonn McGrath (0-1), Johnny Gethins; Diarmaid McInerney (0-1), Philip Patton (0-3,2f), Niall Murray; Nathan Boyle, Darren Drummond, Cian Rooney (0-2,1f). Subs: Shane Gillespie for N Murray; Donagh McIntyre for McInerney.The reserves continued their encouraging start to the season with an eye-catching win over Dungloe, 3-5 to 1-8.
The seniors and reserves are in league action on Saturday against Milford. The senior game throws in at 5.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, followed by the reserve match at 7pm.
The under 17s got a well-deserved if hard-earned 4-8 to 1-13 win in Ardara on Friday evening. It was a solid team performance which was kick-started when Jack Gallagher got in for a goal straight from the throw-in. Gallagher began as he meant to go on and he worked hard up and down the field, adding a few points to his haul by the final whistle. Shane Delahunty worked as hard as ever in defence and helped out in the attacking side of things, getting on the end of a goal. Damian Weber gave it everything he had and was a very positive influence throughout, he fully deserved the goal he bagged. Robbie Murphy completed the goal scoring for the Ernesiders. They now prepare to meet Gaoth Dobhair in Father Tierney Park this Tuesday at 7.30pm.
The under 13s were in Towney bright and early on Monday evening only to be left kicking their heels for an hour while they waited for a ref. The delay didn't dampen the lads' spirits though, and they put on their best display of the season to run out 5-13 to 1-9 winners. It was a great team performance from the visitors. Joseph Gibbions, Sean O’Neill, Corey Sheridan and Fionn Harten all played extremely well, while Jayden McGrath Clyne did a top job in goals. All six subs came on and played very well too. The Aodh Ruadh scorers on the night were Corey Sheridan (4-7), Eoghan Gallagher (1-0), MJ Ward (0-2), Sean O’Neill (0-1), Joseph Gibbions (0-1), Conor Greenan (0-1), and Callum Dorrian (0-1). Next up is the visit of Glenties to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh next Monday at 7.30pm.
Our under 11s play Naomh Bríd in a challenge game on Tuesday evening. Players should be in Ballintra for 6.15pm for a 6.45pm throw-in. The team play the next round of their Go Games programme on Saturday, away to Ardara. All players should be down in Ardara for 10am with the games throwing in at 10.30am.
Our under 9s enjoyed a successful trip to Manorhamilton on Friday evening with all 33 boys seeing game time over three matches. The boys continue to make great strides and the improvement is clear to see week on week. Training continues as normal on Friday evening.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh travelled to O'Donnell Park in Letterkenny last Friday to face last year's senior county finalists, Saint Eunan's. Once again, the Ernesiders had to field without several key players including the injured Adam Rami, Senan Rooney, Pauric Keenaghan and Eugene Drummond. Aodh Ruadh started brightly with points from Oisin Rooney and Gareth Sheerin, however by the start of the second quarter the Cathedral men led by five points. A further setback in the period before half time saw Saint Eunan's fire home two goals, one of which was a gift from poor Aodh Ruadh defending. At half-time Eunan's led by 2-10 to 0-5, with ex-Aodh Ruadh star Matt Aherne among those doing the damage. In fairness Ballyshannon gave as good as they got in the second half with committed performances by Oisin Rooney, Conor McNeely, Conor Kennedy, Damien Cleary, Ciaran Kilgannon and Kieran Kelly. In that second half, Aodh Ruadh registered three points from Rooney, Stephen Connolly and Sheerin, while an Aodh Ruadh penalty was saved by Eunan's keeper Gavin Forde. It finished up Saint Eunan's 2-18 Aodh Ruadh 0-8. Despite the injuries and a small squad, Aodh Ruadh and Manager John Rooney will take a lot from these games against seasoned senior opposition. Next on the agenda in the county Senior Hurling League are another formidable side in the shape of MacCumhaill's this weekend with a date and venue to be confirmed.Our under 17s continue to train at their usual times.
The under 15s were in Táin Óg action against Coolera Strandhill last week. Our lads put in a battling first half performance, but still went in at half time down by two goals. Our second half performance saw us clock up a significant score line, converting the chances which had gone a-begging in the first half, and keep our opponents scoreless to run out comfortable winners in the end. Next up are McCumhaill's in the league. This should be a real battle for us, having met them in last year's under 14 county final. Throw in is at 7.30 for anyone looking to see the boys in action.
Our u13 hurlers were away to Setanta last Thursday evening in the South Donegal League. We were down our regular goalkeeper Finn Doogan, and we wish him a speedy recovery. Jaden McGrath replaced him between the posts and kept a clean sheet for the entire match. Aodh Ruadh's defence put in a superb performance and did a great job preventing the Setanta from registering at all in the game. The boys in green and white dominated the middle third of the pitch, supporting the attack and helping out in defence. The forwards ran riot with the sliotar, making hay off some fantastic diagonal passes from their midfield and defence and slicing through the Setanta defence. Every one of the 21 strong travelling team played with the bench being emptied by half time. Indeed, the passing and scoring improved with the introduction of fresh legs. It finished Aodh Ruadh 6-12 Setanta 0-0. The team are out again this Wednesday at home to Grange in the Táin Óg League and away to MacCumhaill's on Thursday the following week in the South Donegal League. Training continues as usual on Sunday morning at 10.30am.
Our under 5, under 7 and under 9 hurlers had a week off, but they are back in action for a blitz with Four Masters this week. The action starts at 10am in Páirc Aodh Ruadh. Anyone interested in joining up should contact John on 086-1076883.
Our first Give it a go session will take place this Friday at 5pm at the top pitch in Páirc Aodh Ruadh. We have had a number of future hurling stars show an interest so far and hope to add to this by Friday evening. Any parent who has a child in this age bracket who wants to play please contact John Larkin on 086-107688. We would especially encourage members of our under 11 football team to come along to this event, as well as any children who are not currently playing football.
Old hurleys home
A number or parents have kindly donated hurleys and helmets that are no longer in use. If you have any hurls and helmets you would like to see used please let us know and we will put them back into use!Ladies
St Naul's were unable to field in the intermediate league, so our only adult ladies' fixture of the weekend was in Donegal town where the junior side took on Four Masters. The conditions were tough at times with stretches of the game played in a torrential downpour. Aodh Ruadh started strongly playing some good flowing football in the first quarter. Following a few near misses, Síofra Hughes found the back of the net after some neat passing created the opening. Four Masters rallied strongly in the second quarter though and by half-time there was a point in the game. The homesters continued to hold the upper hand in the third quarter and finally edged into a one-point lead after the water break. The last quarter was helter skelter stuff with both sides pushing hard for the win. The decisive score came seven minutes from time when a Katie O'Brien lofted shot sailed straight into the back of the net. Four Masters fought hard to reel the Ernesiders back in, but Aodh Ruadh managed to see the game out and claim a first ever win for the reserves. In the first half Megan McGee and Shauna Dolan were very solid in defence, Caoimhe Keon put in a great shift in the middle of the pitch and Katie Gallagher took some superb scores. In the second half Terri Gallagher made a great contribution on her introduction, while Tanya McPartland and Abbie Barrett made great use of the ball through out. Aodh Ruadh's scorers were Síofra Hughes (1-1), Katie O'Brien (1-1), Katie Gallagher (0-2), Mary Flora Scott (0-2) and Abbie Barrett (0-1). The reserves are in action at home next week against Dungloe in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 11.30am.The under 16s ladies made the journey to the home of Michael Murphy in Glenswilly for their first league game. On a beautiful warm sunny evening the Ballyshannon girls put on a fantastic display of football. It was a team performance from start to finish, with a superb display of footballing skills from the goalkeeper to the full forward line. From the sideline it was difficult to select individual players or individual moments of the game because there was so many. The McCaffrey sisters were in brilliant form and one of the highlights of the game was Christina’s run from the half back line to link in with her sister Michaela in the half forward line who finished the attack with a majectic point. Fodhla Sheerin, Dairín Sweeny and the energetic and effective Andrea Moore were part of a very solid defence who only conceded one pont from play. In midfield the experienced pairing of Lauren Foy and Cara O’Loughlin made a formidable duo. Up front Annie Keon dominated the space and, ably supported by Cádhla Dolan and Niamh McGloin, was a thorn in the side of the Glenswilly defence. It would be remiss not to give a special mention to Jodie Meade who was just unstoppable on the night and came away with a personal tally of 6-2. All-in-all a very good display by this young team. The under 16s continue their Division 3 league campaign on Tuesday, with another long run, this time to take on Malin. Throw in for that game is 7pm.
The under 14s got their league off to a winning start against Naomh Conaill in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The Glenties girls were well drilled and, although Aodh Ruadh led from the off, it was a tight competitive game throughout. Caitlin McGrory had a good outing between the posts and got great cover from her full back line. Megan Murphy was captain for the day and anchored an accomplished defensive operation from centre back. Andrea Moore, Orlaith Gallagher, Ciara Larkin and Lauren Foy got through a huge amount of work in middle third. Up front Cádhla Dolan was simply unmarkable and has developed a great understanding with the equally predatory Niamh Duffy. Nessa Mitchell made a huge impression on her introduction as a sub, as did Abbie Gallagher. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. This Saturday the girls will be making the trip to tackle Gaoth Dobhair, 1pm the throw-in for that one.
The under 12s had their first league game last Wednesday after a few challenges in the build-up to the competitive season. MacCumhaill's brought big numbers to Father Tierney Park for one of the old pitch's last official fixtures before going under the plough. Aodh Ruadh fielded 26 players with two games being played under the usual Go Games rules. Aodh Ruadh came out on the right side of the result in both games and there were good performances all round. MacCumhaill's strong down the middle, but they were matched by their Ballyshannon opponents in all positions. Next up for the team is away fixture against Red Hugh's, with date and time yet to be confirmed.
Training for the under 10s is now in Coláiste Cholmcille from now on at the usual time of 6.15pm on Tuesday evenings.
Anti-social behaviour
Our club facilities are the home of Gaelic games in Ballyshannon, but they are also a vital community resource, used by people from every walk of life. For this reason, we try to keep our facilities as open as possible. Sadly, this is a situation some have chosen to abuse in the most cynical and thoughtless manner possible by interfering with the defibrillator made available for public use at the Father Tierney Park dressing room concourse. Club chairman William Doogan has condemned this behaviour in the strongest possible terms.
"It angers me that a defib which the club has had put in place has made available for any member of the public to use has been tampered with. The door has been opened, kit taken out of the bag, the battery tampered with and left in such a way that if it was needed in a hurry the device wouldn't function. Every minute that you can't use the defib brings the life expectancy down hugely.
"Compromising the defib really could make the difference between life and death. We are lucky that we have a large number of paramedics involved in the club, as well as a large number of people in the club who have done the course to learn how to use the defib and it would be really hard to swallow if someone in a life-saving situation came to get it and had been rendered inoperable.
"We feel really hurt about this. The area is now covered by CCTV with night vision capability, so should the defib be tampered with in the future we will be able to figure out who the culprit is, and we will involve the Gardai in the situation. However, we don't want to do that, and we ask for goodwill from everybody regarding this, because this is a device which saves lives and, indeed could end up saving the lives of someone close to you."
Meanwhile, dog droppings have been found on the pitch in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. This is dangerous and unhygenic, apart from being downright revolting. All those using the Páirc are reminded that dogs are not allowed in this area under any circumstances. There is ample signage in the area making this requirement clear and we must insist this rule is observed in the name of player safety.Club gear
Chris Kelly has some lovely light-weight training tops available now, with some pictures of the merchandise available to view on Facebook. He also has zipped pocket leisure shorts in black available for sale which can be viewed at the O'Reilly's online store. The online store will be open until Sunday 11th July, and this will be the last opportunity to purchase club gear until Christmas.Aodh Ruadh Summer Camp up and running
The Aodh Ruadh Summer Camp is up and running now for boys and girls between up to 14-years-old. Activities include skills training, fun and games, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders, hurling and lots more. We are still taking bookings for week two which runs from Monday 12th to Friday 16th July. Each day there will be a morning session from 9.30am to 12.30pm and an afternoon session from 1pm to 4pm. Due to Covid restrictions each session limited to six groups of 15. The cost per session per week is €50 per child which includes a sports pack at the end of the week.
We have reduced rates available for parents or guardians sending more than one child. Two children €90. Three children €120. To avail of these discounted rates please contact Sylvester Maguire on 086-0532495. No cash will be taken on the day and places will be booked on a first come, first served basis.
Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no access to dressing rooms, so children are encouraged to come suitably attired as all activities will take place outdoors.
To book your child’s place go to the Aodh Ruadh page on klubfunder.com.Ballyshannon Bingo
Well done to the 26 winners who checked last Friday night on our 21st online bingo night. Congratulations to Ann Patterson on winning €400 on the Jackpot Ladder game. Congrats also to our other house winners on the night: Rosaleen O'Brien, Mary McGowan, Kelsey Granaghan, Marian McAndrews, Agnes Ryder, Killian Bradshaw, Marie Boyle, Thomas Sweeney and Kathleen McGee. The snowball survived another week so rolls on to €500 on 45 numbers or less next week. Online Bingo continues this Friday night where again we’ll have the €1,000 Jackpot Ladder game, Lucky Numbers game and €500 Snowball game, so up to €2,700 to be won! Once again we will be back broadcasting to the world from Bingo HQ via Zoom at 9pm. If you haven't already played, you can find full details on the Ballyshannon Bingo Facebook page. Books are available to buy on our Klubfunder.com page right now. Remember, if you don't have access to a printer, Mary in A Novel Idea will be happy to print your book for a small fee.
Click this link to buy a SINGLE BOOK for €10.
Click this link to buy a DOUBLE BOOK for €15.
The delivery schedule for Ballyshannon Bingo books as follows:- Books bought by 4pm on Wednesday will be emailed by lunchtime Thursday.
- Books then bought by 8am on Friday morning will be emailed before lunchtime on Friday.
- Books bought by Friday's final 4pm deadline will be emailed before 6pm on Friday.
It is very important players enter the email address they need the book to be sent to. Late changes are problematic and we cannot guarantee they will be facilitated. Look forward to seeing you all again this Friday evening!
Bingo in the Park!
Thanks to who played our once-off Drive In Bingo on Saturday on the pitch at Father Tierney Park, a unique event before we embark on a complete pitch reconstruction. Congrats to all the winners on the night and to Frances Daly on scooping the jackpot prize.Condolences
We would like to extend our condolences to the O'Brien family on the passing this morning of Pat O'Brien in Carlow. A native of Ballyshannon, Pat was a former county secretary of Carlow GAA, former secretary of Coiste na nÓg Ceatharlach, former chairman of Carlow camogie and past president of Carlow GAA. He was also club trustee for Carlow Town Hurling Club.
"Pat has given a lifetime of service to the promotion of our national games, as a player, mentor and administrator," said William Doogan. "Hurling meant so much to him and he was a great advocate of the GAA right up to the end. Earlier this year, despite suffering from Parkinson's disease, he had completed a 5km fund-raising walk with the use of his walking aid. He was a wonderful example to Gaels everywhere. Aodh Ruadh extend our sincere condolences to the whole O'Brien family, Carlow Town Hurling Club, the wider Carlow GAA family and all Pat's friends."Bingo in the Park!
Thanks to who played our once-off Drive In Bingo on Saturday on the pitch at Father Tierney Park, a unique event before we embark on a complete pitch reconstruction. Congrats to all the winners on the night and to Frances Daly on scooping the jackpot prize.
- 13 July
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RIP Tom Gallagher
Close on the heels of the passing of Alan Kane, Aodh Ruadh lost another club stalwart last week with the passing of Vice President Tom Gallagher, Cluain Barron. Tom was a man of many arts and parts, and his involvement with Aodh Ruadh was just one of a number of strings to his bow. As a player he made his debut for Aodh Ruadh in the late 1940s in a Democrat Cup match against Glenties. It was a debut to remember as he was knocked out and spent the night in the old Glenties hospital. In fact, such was the nature of the injury and the lack of medical assistance at the game that he was supposed to have been anointed on the sideline! He came through that trauma though, and was a member of the team that won the 1951 county final, playing throughout the championship and lining out at right corner forward in the final against Saint Eunan's. When Aodh Ruadh next won the championship in 1986, some 31 years later, his two sons Thomas and Seamus were involved. Tom also went on to play in the 1955 league final victory over Saint Eunan's. Aside from his onfield activities, Tom was an avid photographer and captured many great moments in the club's history. He was also ever-willing to help on lotto shifts or in any other capacity he could be of assistance to the club. Of course music and verse were also great passions of his, and his exploits in that field with the Brass and Reed Band, as well as various other local groups and bands and the Musical Society have been extensively chronicled in the past few days. Tom's gentle manner will be much missed in Ballyshannon and beyond. The club offer our deepest sympathies to Tom's wife Angela, his children, Geraldine, Christine, Thomas, Seamus, Deirdre, Marion, Lorraine and their families, as well his many friends. We would also like to thank all those who turned out for the guard of honour at Tom's funeral mass on Monday. Rest in Peace Tom. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.Football
Aodh Ruadh had to work all the way on Saturday evening to keep their undefeated league run going against Milford in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh with a 0-15 to 1-11 victory. The visitors made the early running against a Ballyshannon side down a few regulars, leading by 0-6 to 0-2 at the first water break. The Ernesiders lifted their game after that though and rallied into a one-point lead courtesy of points from Nathan Boyle, Niall Murray and Johnny Gethins before Milford clipped their only score of the quarter to leave it seven points apiece at the turnaround. Aodh Ruadh started the second half well with points from Darren Drummond and Philip Patton, but a Darragh Black goal for Milford levelled matters once more. Again Aodh Ruadh went three clear through Diarmaid McInerney and two quick scores from Cian Rooney, but they were dealt a blow when Kyle Murray picked up a second yellow. The closing phase of the game was intense, end-to-end stuff, and hugely entertaining for the vocal support in the Páirc. As the clock ticked down Aodh Ruadh patiently worked an opening to allow Philip Patton the chance to split the posts for the lead score. Milford had time for one more attack though and had an opportunity to tie the game up with a free. The ball dropped in dangerously, but Karl O'Brien stood firm and made a brilliant fetch to ensure Barry Ward's men extended their winning run to five on the bounce. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were: Karl O'Brien; Jason Granaghan, Colm Kelly, Michael McKenna; Niall Murray (0-2), Eddie Lynch, Kyle Murray; Conor Patton, Shane Gillespie; Philip Patton (0-5, 2f), Shane McGrath, Diarmaid McInerney (0-1); Nathan Boyle (0-2), Darren Drummond (0-2), Cian Rooney (0-2, 1f). Subs: Johnny Gethins (0-1) for Shane Gillespie 15m; Senan Rooney for Diarmaid McInerney 47m; Ryan Granaghan for Cian Rooney 58m. We have pictures from the game live on aodhruadh.org.The Aodh Ruadh reserves delivered another solid team performance to earn a 0-19 to 2-6 win over a dogged Milford side. Aodh Ruadh built their winning tally primarily with a barrage of long-range points aided and abetted by the aerial power of Donagh McIntyre who impressed along with the ageless Johnny Gallagher. The ex-county man was on for the last 20 minutes as he continued his rehabilitation in preparation for a return to the senior ranks. Colm McGloin was immaculate at centre half as was Gary Carty at full back, while we had a man of the match performance from 18-year-old Conor Foy. Saturday's result was Peter Gallagher's side third on the trot and sends Ballyshannon to joint top of the league with next week's opponents, MacCumhaill's. Check out our gallery of pictures from the game which is live now on aodhruadh.org.
The seniors and reserves will be hoping to extend their winning runs further this weekend in Ballybofey. The senior game throws in at 7pm on Saturday in MacCumhaill Park, with the reserve match getting the action under way at 5.30pm.
The minors followed up on their good victory in Ardara by comprehensively beating Gaoth Dobhair in Father Tierney Park last Tuesday. As with the previous match Jack Gallagher helped to get Aodh Ruadh off to a perfect start winning the ball from the throw in and driving through the Gaoth Dobhair defence to set up Robbie Murphy who coolly despatched to the back of the net and followed up with a point from play soon afterwards. The next 20 minutes was a tale of good Aodh Ruadh pressure, but without the finishing touch - missing a number of good opportunities as Gaoth Dobhair grew into the game and clinically sent over four successive points to leave the teams at level pegging at the water break. On the resumption, a Robbie Murphy point from a free was cancelled out by a fine effort from Gaoth Dobhair. However, Aodh Ruadh’s continued pressure finally reaped rewards, an Aodh Ruadh free was converted by Murphy and Aodh Ruadh turned over the Gaoth Dobhair restart. After good defensive pressure by Darragh Dolan, Cian McKenna off-loaded slickly for Eoghan Kelly to drive through and set up Jack Gallagher who sent a fierce shot to the back of the Gaoth Dobhair net to leave the scores at 2-3 to 0-5 at the interval. Aodh Ruadh began the second half with real intent with the tireless Shane Delahunty driving over immediately on the restart. Further points followed from Murphy and Jack Gallagher as Aodh Ruadh calmly worked the ball, picking off their scores, controlling the game and not allowing Gaoth Dobhair a foothold to get back into the game. The excellent Damian Weber played a captain's role, chasing lost causes and showing great leadership throughout, closed out the game with two pointed frees as it finished 2-11 to 0-7. Robbie Murphy was in good form helping himself to 1-7, but this was a team victory founded on a high work rate across the pitch. There were notable performances from Ryan Keenaghan and Eoghan Kelly who calmly controlled the game showing a maturity beyond their years, Pauric Daly at corner back putting in the hard yards, the excellent midfield pairing of Jack Gallagher and Shane Delahunty, and Darragh Dolan who filled in a number of positions. There was a nice link from past to present as James Gallagher (grandson of Jim ‘The Natch’ Gallagher) and Jack Gallagher (grandson of Kieran Blake) all played in what was the last game of football played on the ‘old field', where the aforementioned played with distinction so often in the past. The last football team to play on the old pitch was: Aaron Cullen; James Gallagher, Ryan Keenaghan, Pauric Daly; Aidan Sweeny, Eoghan Kelly, Aaron Neilan; Jack Gallagher, Shane Delahunty; Darragh Owens, Cian McKenna, Darragh Dolan; Damian Weber, Robbie Murphy, David Roper. Subs: Kian Duncan for Aaron Neilan; Tommy Clyne for David Roper; Caelan McCauley for Darragh Owens. The lads have a bit of a break now until their next outing, which will be away against Glenfin on Friday 23rd July.
The under 15s had a difficult trip to Glenties on Friday evening, coming off on the wrong end of an 8-15 to 1-4 scoreline. The squad are in action this Wednesday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh where Killybegs will be the visitors and the throw-in at 7.30pm.
It was a tough night at the office for the under 13s on Monday evening as they came off second best against a strong Naomh Conaill side. Jayden McGrath Clyne played really well in goals and made some fantastic saves. Further out the pitch Sean O'Neill and Fionn Harten played really well in tough circumstances. The Aodh Ruadh scorers were Corey Sheridan (0-4), MJ Ward (0-3), Joseph Gibbions (0-1) and Sean O'Neill (0-1). The reserve game was a bit closer, but once again it was the boys in blue who came away with the result, the game finishing 3-5 to 1-5 in favour of Naomh Conaill. The Ballyshannon lads put in a mighty performance though. Shaun McGarrigle scored a scorcher of a goal, and Eoghan Blake Gallagher and Finn Doogan were both outstanding. Next Monday sees the lads on their travels to Ardara with the action getting under way at 7.30pm at Pearse Memorial Park.
The under 11s played Ardara away last Saturday morning. We played two very entertaining and hotly contested matches, with some spectators having the end result as draws, others saying Aodh Ruadh just shaded it. Either way, it was another great run out against evenly matched opponents. We were privileged to have Brian Roper training the squad on Monday evening, as part of the club support scheme. We thank Brian and the county board for their support with this very worthwhile scheme.
Under 9 training continues as normal on Friday evening. On Saturday Dungloe will be the visitors to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh for a biltz with the action getting under way at 11.30am.
Hurling
The senior hurlers were without a game last weekend. They will be entertaining Carndonagh this Friday at 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.Our under 17s are getting their season underway this Thursday, away to Letterkenny Gaels. Best of luck to Denis, Daithi and the lads in their first game of the year!
Our under 15 team faced last year's county finalists, MacCumhaill's, in a gripping contest and what will be the last game played on the old Father Tierney sod on Thursday night. Having taken the lead early on, our lads led throughout the game. However, both teams had their periods of dominance, and for most of the game there was little more than a point or two between the sides. MacCumhaill's will rue their missed frees in the second half as they were starting to dominate the game, however our lads showed great composure to steady themselves, winning by four points in the end. Every player contributed, and it was great to see everyone getting game time. We have a gallery of pictures from this small bit of sporting history live on aodhruadh.org now.
The under 13s have continued their excellent start to their season with another fine victory at home to Saint Molaise Gaels in the Táin Óg league. This team has had a fantastic start to the year with comprehensive wins in all their games so far, both locally and in the Táin Óg League. They are a credit to their parents and to their management team. We have pictures from the game live on aodhruadh.org. They continue their season with a trip to MacCumhaill's this week, in what should prove to be this team's biggest challenge so far this year.
Our first under 11 Give-It-A-Go session took place last Friday, and we had a few new recruits on the evening. Unfortunately, we didn't get any one at the main age group we are targeting, those who would be under 11 currently. We will run a second similar session in August, with all details to follow!
We had a fantastic morning of hurling in Páirc Aodh Ruadh on Sunday when we welcomed Four Masters for our return fixture with them. We had five games going simultaneously, with three under 7 teams and two under 9s - in total we had 40 hurlers, including some recent new recruits play, and everyone got plenty of game time. Next week we travel for another blitz to Setanta. Anyone interested in joining up should contact John on 086-1076883.
Ladies
It was honours even on Sunday morning as Aodh Ruadh reserves took on Dungloe in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The visitors were quickest out of the traps, steadily picking off the points before hitting the net to go in with a 1-6 to 0-4 half-time advantage. Aodh Ruadh got the bit between their teeth in the second half and, aided by spectacular individual effort from Orla Keon to hit the net, got the game back to parity at 1-7 to 1-7. The tie could have gone either way in the closing few minutes, but Pat Walsh whistled before a decisive score could be landed and it finished honours even. Saoirse McDevitt had an outstanding match for the homesters sweeping up ball around half back line, as did Megan McGee at full back. Orla Keon worked tirelessly in the middle of the pitch while Katie O'Brien was a magnificent outlet and finished with 0-5 to her credit. Terri Gallagher and Síofra Hughes also hit a point each. We have pictures from the match live on aodhruadh.org now. The reserves have a break this weekend while the seniors face Saint Naul's on Sunday morning at 10am in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh for their rescheduled fixture.The under 16 girls made the 260 kilometre round trip to Malin last Tuesday and came home with a well engineered victory. The girls were slow out of the blocks and were a few points down by the end of the first quarter. After a bizarre refereeing decision which resulted in the official starting the second quarter before the Aodh Ruadh girls took to the pitch seemed to ignite the fire in the bellies of the Ballyshannon ladies and they never looked back. The girls went from strength to strength, and they took every opportunity to turn around a first quarter deficit of three points to build up a 14-point advantage by the end of the third quarter. There were many great individual performances, but the grit of the team and the combined determination and spirit of the 20 girls who has travelled to Malin was the real winner on the night. As always, we want to thank the parents who travelled and gave great support to the team. Unfortunately, the girls scheduled league clash against Downings on Tuesday evening has been postponed.
It was the proverbial game of two halves in Machaire Gathlán on Saturday, with the Aodh Ruadh under 14s staging a storming comeback from 18 points down to earn a two-point win. The slight hill proved an out-sized factor with almost all the scoring taking place into the lower goals. The Ballyshannon girls got the first point courtesy of Cádhla Dolan, but from there to half time Gaoth Dobhair seized control. They ran in 7-4 with Aodh Ruadh only able to strike back for sporadic scores. At the interval it was 7-4 to 1-4 in favour of the Gaeltacht girls. Ballyshannon had solved a few problems in the lead up into half-time though and began the second half with a purposeful demeanour. By the second water break it 7-7 to 4-6, and in the final quarter Aodh Ruadh were attacking in waves. The crucial score came when Andrea Moore was brought down after a surging run for a penalty which Cádhla Dolan clinically stroked home. That left the visitors just two points in arrears with the momentum behind them. They pushed on to take the lead 8-8 to 7-9, but Gaoth Dobhair could have snatched victory in the dying seconds only for a last ditch save on the line by defender Hannah Downey. It was a full panel effort from the Aodh Ruadh girls and a magnificent spectacle of a game for the assembled spectators. Captain for the day Jessica O'Mahoney was outstanding, as was attacker Cádhla Dolan. Lauren Foy rose in stature with each passing minute of the game. Defensively Áine Neilan was outstanding. As was the case in the Naomh Conaill game, the subs made a real difference when they came on, Roise Conlon and Katie McCaffrey giving the side a new dimension in attack. Tara Gallagher was very solid in defence and Grace Dolan had a great game between the posts. The girls have a break this weekend before another away assignment, this time against Saint Eunan's.
The under 12s are away to Red Hugh's this Thursday for the second game of their league programme. Throw-in down at Killygordon is at 6.30pm.
Our under 10s are away to Glenfin for this Wednesday, with throw-in at 7pm. There will be no training on Tuesday on account of the game the following day.
Sponsor A Sod
As the 70th anniversary of the opening of Father Tierney Park approaches in 2024, a massive programme of work commenced last week at the grounds which will result in a new sand-based playing field and associated building works. To fund this development Aodh Ruadh have launched one of their biggest fund-raising efforts in decades, asking the public to ‘Sponsor A Sod’ at €50 each to help meet the costs of this ambitious plan. A permanent display bearing the names of donors will be erected in a prominent position at the Park.
Our Working Group members are out and about promoting our Buy a Sod campaign Any club member who can help to promote this should contact any member of this Group or any of the Park / Development Committee Officers for brochures and vouchers. Likewise if you would like to become part of the Working Group to act as a key seller. There is a lot of interest locally and further afield in seeing the Father Tierney Park project succeed. Thanks to all who have supported the campaign so far.
More than 25 Aodh Ruadh club members have joined the working group to actively promote this fund-raising campaign and to sell sods. The working group is as follows: Sabrina Brosnan, Michael Daly, Sarah Daly, Tom Daly, William Doogan, Gerard Ferguson, Conal Gallagher, Johnny ‘Mannix’ Gallagher, Paul Gillespie, Jim Kane, Donagh Keon, Diarmaid Keon, Patsy Kilgannon, John Larkin Jr, Dinny Loughlin, Sylvester Maguire, Brian Murray, Val Murray, Mick McGrath, Packie McGrath, Pat McGrath, David McLoone, Philip McLoone, Pauric McShea, David O’Donnell, Sean O’Mahoney, Barry O’Neill, John Patton, Gregory Sweeney and Barry Travers.
Please contact any of the following if you wish to volunteer: Tom Daly (087-2390410), David McLoone (087-7760172), Philip McLoone (086-4053008), Conal Gallagher (086-2112812), Patsy Kilgannon (087-2372128), or Michael Daly (086-9171949).
Those living away from Ballyshannon, whether in Ireland or across the world, should note that they can purchase sods, and little bit of club immortality, on Klubfunder.com. Any questions or enquiries can be sent to aodhruadhbuyasod@gmail.com. For further information on any aspect of the Sponsor A Sod please contact the Aodh Ruadh Park / Development Committee officers - Tom Daly (087-2390410), David McLoone (087-7760172), Philip McLoone (086-4053008), Conal Gallagher (086-2112812), Patsy Kilgannon (087-2372128), or Michael Daly (086-9171949).Father Tierney Park works commence
Prunty Contracts moved in last Friday to commence their work to provide us with a new sand-carpet playing field at Father Tierney Park. Alongside this major project our own work teams continue with the terracing project to modernise our spectator facilities. Over the next two weeks we will provide an access / viewing point so that anyone interested can see the work progressing over the coming months. From now on the playing field and town-side terracing are out of bounds for health and safety reasons and all are asked to observe site safety notices which will be put in place over the coming period.Defibrillator / CPR workshop
Did you know that in recent years 42 lives have been saved by defibrillators located on GAA club premises? To sustain this valuable work of helping people in cardiac emergencies Donegal Sports Partnership are staging a CPR / Defibrillator Awareness Workshop this Tuesday, 13th July, from 7pm to 8.30pm. The event takes place via Zoom and is open to GAA club members and members of the wider sports community and cost €5 plus booking fee. Online registration is open now. The workshop will be delivered by Aiden Thompson from Donegal Safety Training Solutions. The workshop will cover the following areas: How and when to make an emergency call; When and why to use CPR; Introduction to defibrillators and their safe use; Storage and access to defibrillators in your club; Signs and symptoms of a heart attack and stroke; and What you can do while you wait for the emergency services to arrive.Ballyshannon Bingo
Well done to our 24 winners at this week's bingo, another fun night was had by all! Congratulations to Carrie O’Brien on winning €400 on the Jackpot Ladder Game. Congrats also to our other house winners on the night: Sally Burrows, Ailish Ward, Teresa Rooney, Helen Coughlin, Patricia Bradshaw, Lisa Coughlin, Martin Travers, Mary McLoughlin and Karl O'Brien. The €500 snowball lives another week so rolls to €600 on 46 numbers or less next week. We’re looking forward to doing it all again next week as we have the €1,000 Jackpot Ladder game, €600 Snowball game and Lucky Numbers game all as part of a possible €2,800 prize fund. Once again we will be back broadcasting to the world from Bingo HQ via Zoom at 9pm. If you haven't already played, you can find full details on the Ballyshannon Bingo Facebook page. Books are available to buy on our Klubfunder.com page right now. Remember, if you don't have access to a printer, Mary in A Novel Idea will be happy to print your book for a small fee.
Click this link to buy a SINGLE BOOK for €10.
Click this link to buy a DOUBLE BOOK for €15.
The delivery schedule for Ballyshannon Bingo books as follows:- Books bought by 9am Thursday will be emailed by lunchtime Thursday.
- Books bought by 9am Friday will be emailed by lunchtime Friday.
- Books bought by Friday's final 4.30pm deadline will be emailed by 6pm on Friday.
It is very important players enter the email address they need the book to be sent to. Late changes are problematic and we cannot guarantee they will be facilitated. Look forward to seeing you all again this Friday evening!
Boot exchange
Our boot exchange programme is now up and running. Anybody who wants to exchange boots going forward, please text Packie McGrath on 087-9794696.Old hurleys home
A number or parents have kindly donated hurleys and helmets that are no longer in use. If you have any hurls and helmets you would like to see used, please let us know and we will put them back into use!
- 20 July
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Football
Aodh Ruadh's winning league run came to a halt on Saturday in MacCumhaill Park as the hosts did enough to carve out a 0-12 to 0-11 victory. MacCumhaill's made the early running, taking a three point lead into the first water break, before points from Nathan Boyle, Shane McGrath, Diarmaid McInerney and Michael McKenna left it level-pegging at five points apiece come the turnaround. The homesters again had the better of things on the restart, pushing back out into the lead, with Aodh Ruadh missing some decent chances to pick off scores themselves. The Ballyshannon men kept pushing though, and scores from Nathan Boyle and Michael McKenna helped set-up a nervy finish, but in the end the Twin Towns side had just done about enough to secure the win. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Karl O'Brien; Kyle Murray, Colm Kelly, Conor Patton; Niall Murray, Eddie Lynch, Michael McKenna (0-2); Johnny Getthins, Eamonn McGrath (0-1); Nathan Boyle (0-5, 2f, 1 ’45), Shane McGrath (0-1), Diarmaid McInerney (0-1); Oisin Rooney, Darren Drummond, Cian Rooney. Subs: Ryan Granaghan (0-1), Johnny Gallagher, Shane Gillespie, Senan Rooney.The reserves had a humbling experience when they played MacCumhaill's last season, but they made up for that with a much-improved team performance on Saturday. The hosts emerged winners on a 2-17 to 3-8 scoreline, but Peter Gallagher's side battled all the way in a great team performance. Ultimately it was MacCumhaill's superior strength and fitness which proved the difference between the sides. The tireless Gary Carty was immense for the Ernesiders, while young senior star Shane Gillespie continued his recuperation with an eye-catching display. The impressive Dylan Gallagher was once again a huge threat in front of the posts, but it was rookie Colm McGloin who was Aodh Ruadh's man of the match with a never-say-die display.
The seniors and reserves will be hoping to bounce back from those defeats this Sunday against Termon. The senior game throws in at 2pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, with the reserve match following at 3.30pm.
The minors had a break last week but are back in action this Friday when they are away to Glenfin at 7.30pm. Meanwhile, good luck to Aaron Cullen, Eoghan Kelly and the Donegal minors this Wednesday when they play Antrim in the Ulster Championship preliminary round. The game throws in at 8pm in MacCumhaill Park and is being live streamed by Pairc TV.
The under 15s hosted Killybegs in the Páirc last Wednesday and put in an encouraging display against the Fishermen. Tommy Clyne was forced to deputise between the posts after Killian Bradshaw was ruled out with an injury sustained in the small ball code. We wish Killian all the best for a speedy recovery. Tommy did really well as a repurposed keeper, but his influence out the field was missed. He got good cover from the Doogan cousins, Liam and Eoin, in the half back line, while the ever-dependable Dara McGloin got through a mountain of work in midfield. Up front Barry Campbell was the side's most dangerous attacking threat, and he got the Ballyshannon goal as the game finished 1-3 to 5-3 in favour of the Killybegs lads. The next scheduled fixture for the team is on Wednesday at home against Four Masters.
Aodh Ruadh's under 13s made the trip to Ardara on a glorious Monday evening for football. The team have been improving right through the year and delivered another gutsy performance in Pearse Memorial Park, despite coming out on the wrong side of the 8-19 to 3-10 scoreline. Every one of the 18 lads who travelled got game time and played their hearts out against a more physical Ardara outfit. Jayden McGrath Clyne was fantastic in goals while out the pitch Joseph Gibbions, Eoghan Gallagher, Corey Sheridan, Fionn Hartin were as consistent as ever and battled right to the end. MJ Ward (1-2), Joseph Gibbions (1-1) and Daithi Sheerin hit the goals for the Ernesiders, while Corey Sheridan (0-4) and Eoghan Gallagher (0-2) rounded out the scoring. Managers Paul Sheridan and Paul O’Loughlin were extremely proud of the lads' performance and work rate. Next week the team is on their travels again, this time to Dungloe for another 76.30pm throw-in.
Under 9 training continues as normal on Friday evening. The squad's next scheduled fixture is away to Ardara on Saturday 31st. There may be a challenge game at home on Saturday morning depending on pitch availability. Further details will be posted on the what's app group.
Hurling
Once again Aodh Ruadh's senior hurlers were left without a game this week as Carndonagh made contact on Thursday to indicate that their team had been compromised by Covid close contacts. The team will be hoping to finally make a return to competitive action this Friday when they travel to the Cross to take on county senior champions, Setanta, at 7.30pm.Our under 17s got their season underway on Thursday last, travelling to Letterkenny Gaels. Missing a number of players in key positions on the evening, we fielded a young team including some of our under 15 squad. In what was a battling performance, that could have gone either way, our lads lost out in the end by a margin of five points. The team will start their Táin Óg campaign in the coming weeks, which will give the lads more game time. Meanwhile they will face Saint Eunan's at home in their next Donegal league fixture.
Our under 15s had a quiet week, with a week off from games, and we took a night off from training on Thursday. This week we are due to make the long trip to Dungloe, to meet the Dungloe / Gaoth Dobhair combination in what should be a close encounter. This fixture at under 14 last year was a fiercely contested battle, and this week's encounter should see more of the same.
The under 13 squad continued its excellent year with another strong performance against MacCumhaill's in Ballybofey. We won by a comprehensive scoreline, running out well-deserved victors. We had 20 players travel, and every one of them got at least 15 minutes of action. Special mention has to go to our two goalkeepers, Jayden McGrath-Clyne and Finn Doogan, who had a half each in goals, and neither man conceded. This week the lads have no game, and will train at their normal times.
Training continues for anyone under the age of 9 in our Sunday Morning groups at 11.45am. This group has had a number of new coaches cut their teeth this year, and it’s great to see the spirit of volunteerism alive and well in our club. If you have an interest in coaching or helping out, or would like to get involved in any way, whether you have played the game before or not please contact John at 086-1076883.
Ladies
The Aodh Ruadh ladies entertained intermediate champions Saint Naul's on a sultry Sunday morning in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. It was a tightly fought contest over the first quarter with the sides were deadlocked at the first water break. However, from there to the interval the Shamettes took it up a gear and were nine to the good by half-time. It was tit for tat over much of the second half, but a goal for Mountcharles women shortly before full time saw the tie end Aodh Ruadh 3-10 Saint Naul's 1-11. Aodh Ruadh had strong displays from Hannah Doherty, Tanya McPartland and Caoimhe Keon in the centre of the park, Caoimhe also netting a fantastic goal. Defensively Ciara Caldwell and Sara Gallagher were both outstanding, while ex-scoring machine Elaine Dorrian provided great reassurance between the posts. Up front the elusive Katie O'Brien finished with four points to her credit, while Terri Gallagher and Cáit Gillespie each pocketed 1-1, and Mary Flora Scott and Aoibheann McGarrigle hit a brace of points apiece. The reserves had a break this week, but next week sees both sides in action. The seniors will host Killybegs in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, while the reserves head to Gaoth Dobhair. Throw in for both games is 10.30am.After last week's league fixture against Downings was postponed the under 16s will be returning to competitive action this Tuesday evening at 7.30pm, when Urris are the visitors to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
The under 14 girls also return to action this week after a break, travelling to Letterkenny to take on Saint Eunan's on Saturday afternoon at 1pm.
The under 12s game against Red Hugh's fell foul of Covid last week and has been rescheduled for this Thursday at 6.30pm at the Cross.
Last Wednesday saw the under 10s in Glenfin where they enjoyed two hard fought games against the homesters. The younger girls came out on top of their game with a magnificent effort over the 40 minutes. The older girls almost snatched a draw after what was an unusually slow start for them. They played some wonderful football in the second half, but Glenfin held on for the win. A big thanks to our hosts who provided the girls with drinks and crisps afterwards too, a lovely touch. The team's next game is against Four Masters on Wednesday.
Sponsor A Sod
As the 70th anniversary of the opening of Father Tierney Park approaches in 2024, a massive programme of work has commenced at the grounds which will result in a new sand-based playing field and associated building works. To fund this development Aodh Ruadh have launched one of their biggest fund-raising efforts in decades, asking the public to ‘Sponsor A Sod’ at €50 each to help meet the costs of this ambitious plan. A permanent display bearing the names of donors will be erected in a prominent position at the Park.
Our Working Group members are out and about promoting our Buy a Sod campaign Any club member who can help to promote this should contact any member of this Group or any of the Park / Development Committee Officers for brochures and vouchers. Likewise if you would like to become part of the Working Group to act as a key seller. There is a lot of interest locally and further afield in seeing the Father Tierney Park project succeed. Thanks to all who have supported the campaign so far.
More than 25 Aodh Ruadh club members have joined the working group to actively promote this fund-raising campaign and to sell sods. The working group is as follows: Sabrina Brosnan, Michael Daly, Sarah Daly, Tom Daly, William Doogan, Gerard Ferguson, Conal Gallagher, Johnny ‘Mannix’ Gallagher, Paul Gillespie, Jim Kane, Donagh Keon, Diarmaid Keon, Patsy Kilgannon, John Larkin Jr, Dinny Loughlin, Sylvester Maguire, Brian Murray, Val Murray, Mick McGrath, Packie McGrath, Pat McGrath, David McLoone, Philip McLoone, Pauric McShea, David O’Donnell, Sean O’Mahoney, Barry O’Neill, John Patton and Gregory Sweeney. Those promoting this fund-raiser can make any returns they have at Sunday's games in Pairc Aoidh Ruaidh. See David McLoone, Michael Daly or Tom Daly.
Please contact any of the following if you wish to volunteer: Tom Daly (087-2390410), David McLoone (087-7760172), Philip McLoone (086-4053008), Conal Gallagher (086-2112812), Patsy Kilgannon (087-2372128), or Michael Daly (086-9171949).
Those living away from Ballyshannon, whether in Ireland or across the world, should note that they can purchase sods, and little bit of club immortality, on Klubfunder.com. Any questions or enquiries can be sent to aodhruadhbuyasod@gmail.com. For further information on any aspect of the Sponsor A Sod please contact the Aodh Ruadh Park / Development Committee officers - Tom Daly (087-2390410), David McLoone (087-7760172), Philip McLoone (086-4053008), Conal Gallagher (086-2112812), Patsy Kilgannon (087-2372128), or Michael Daly (086-9171949).Father Tierney Park works commence
We are into the second week of work on this major project. The weather has been favourable and Prunty Contracts have made a good start. We are organising a viewing area for those who wish to follow progress on the project and this will be accessible later this week. Entry via the steps on the far side of Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Please do not enter the playing field or the terrace as these are now construction sites and out of bounds for health and safety reasonsBallyshannon Bingo
Well done to our 25 winners at this week's bingo, on what was a fine end to the finest day of the year so far! Congratulations to Marion Matthews on winning €400 on the Jackpot Ladder Game, as well as a €70 house prize, whilst other winners in the Matthews household included Grace, Lorna and Katlyn: what a haul! Our other house winners were Kathleen Fallon, Doreen Patton, Sonia Kelly, Grace Martin, Sally Burrows, Sarah Brady, Mary Clancy, Marion Matthews and Kathleen Flanagan. The snowball survives another week so rolls to €700 on 47 numbers or less next week and is sure to be won soon! To keep the bingo going through the summer, we will be making a few adjustments to the prize fund. We’re looking forward to doing it all again next week as we will have 21 prizes to play for, including the €1,000 - €250 Jackpot Ladder game, €700 Snowball game and two Lucky Numbers games, all as part of a possible €2,900 prize fund. Once again we will be back broadcasting to the world from Bingo HQ via Zoom at 9pm. If you haven't already played, you can find full details on the Ballyshannon Bingo Facebook page. Books are available to buy on our Klubfunder.com page right now. Remember, if you don't have access to a printer, Mary in A Novel Idea will be happy to print your book for a small fee.
Click this link to buy a SINGLE BOOK for €10.
Click this link to buy a DOUBLE BOOK for €15.
The delivery schedule for Ballyshannon Bingo books as follows:- Books bought by 9am Thursday will be emailed by lunchtime Thursday.
- Books bought by 9am Friday will be emailed by lunchtime Friday.
- Books bought by Friday's final 4.30pm deadline will be emailed by 6pm on Friday.
It is very important players enter the email address they need the book to be sent to. Late changes are problematic and we cannot guarantee they will be facilitated. Look forward to seeing you all again this Friday evening!
Boot exchange
Our boot exchange programme is now up and running. Anybody who wants to exchange boots going forward, please text Packie McGrath on 087-9794696.Old hurleys home
A number or parents have kindly donated hurleys and helmets that are no longer in use. If you have any hurls and helmets you would like to see used, please let us know and we will put them back into use!
- 27 July
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Club meeting
The Aodh Ruadh monthly Club Executive meeting take place on Thursday, 29th July, at 9.15pm via Zoom. Items for any other business should be with club secretary Lisa McTernan by 3pm on Wednesday.Football
Last weekend's senior and reserve fixtures against Termon fell by the wayside and no fixtures are scheduled for this weekend.Well done to Aaron Cullen and Eoghan Kelly who both played important parts as the Donegal minors easily accounted for Antrim last week in Ballybofey. We wish them the best of luck again this Wednesday when they face Monaghan in the Ulster Championship quarter-final. The game throws in at 7.30pm in St Tiernach's Park, Clones.
It was a long and, alas, fruitless trip to Dungloe for our under 13s on Monday evening. It was another battling display by the Ballyshannon lads, but it finished 0-8 to 5-13 in favour of the homesters. Man of the match was probably Jayden McGrath Clyne who was outstanding in goals. Corey Sheridan also worked hard and finished with three points to his credit. MJ Ward and Eoghan Gallagher picked up a brace of points each, with Garreth Brennan finishing out the scoring for the Ernesiders. The team's character and grit will be on show again next Monday when Four Masters are the guests in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 7.30pm.
Our under 11s played a very keenly contested in-house game on Saturday last. We train as normal Thursday from 6pm to 7pm at Coláiste Cholmcille, and Monday from 6pm to 7pm at Pairc Aoidh Ruaidh.
The under 9s will train as normal on Friday evening at 6.15pm. On Saturday morning the squad are scheduled to play their third round fixture against Ardara. Throw-in at Pearse Memorial Park will be at 11.30am. Further details will be posted on the team WhatsApp group later in the week.
Hurling
The Aodh Ruadh's senior hurlers wait for a competitive game goes on with last Friday's scheduled clash with Setanta falling by the wayside.Our under 17s are back in action this Thursday against Saint Eunan's. Having lost their last game narrowly, this side will be keen to get their season back on track with a win at home. Throw in is at 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. We had two players in the Donegal under 17 panel which played in the Celtic Challenge at the weekend. Danny Breen and Cian McKenna lined out, with Tommy Winters also having been part of this panel for previous fixtures. Well done to the boys on representing the county and commiserations on the result.
Our under 15s were back in action again having had a week off, and made the long journey to Dungloe to take on Dungloe / Gaoth Dobhair. Tommy Clyne’s quick thinking from a free saw us get an early goal which gave us the perfect start to this fixture, and from taking this lead, we were in control on the score board all through the game. The two teams were evenly matched for much of this encounter, however some wayward shooting from Dungloe meant that we ran out comfortable winners in the end. Short a number of regular starters due to holidays or injury and we had some strong performances right across the team. Ben Daly put in his best performance this year in goals, while Lennon Canny played well in his first outing at centre half back, and there was some Trojan work from Jun Hui Lin and Caelum McNulty in midfield. A man more used to playing in defence, Gareth Brennan scored 4-2 from play in the forwards. We are back in action on Tuesday evening in the Táin Óg league, where we face Manorhamilton. Throw-in at 8.30pm. Elsewhere we had six players lining out with the Donegal under 15 development squad over the weekend. A big well done to Tommy Clyne, Killian Bradshaw, Cian McDonald, Killian McPhelim, Jack McCadden and Michael Clancy.
Our under 13s had a week off, with no fixtures last week. They return to action this week with an away fixture with Dungloe / Gaoth Dobhair on Thursday evening. Best of luck to the players and management.
Training continues for anyone under the age of 9 in our Sunday Morning groups. With the weather being so warm last week, we felt it was better to give our under 7s and 5s the morning off but our under 9s trained as normal. Next Sunday there will be training as normal for all ages at 11.45am. Please note we are now using the top field in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
If you have an interest in coaching or helping out, or would like to get involved in any way, whether you have played the game before or not please contact John at 086-1076883.
Ladies
Aodh Ruadh comfortably accounted for Killybegs in their intermediate league encounter in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Sunday morning. The visitors put in a spirited effort, but the Ballyshannon girls simply had too much in every department. From the moment Terri Gallagher coolly swept home the opening goal there was only going to be one winner. Further green flags were raised by Rhona McEniff (2), Caoimhe Keon, Cáit Gillespie, Mary Flora Scott and Megan McEniff as Aodh Ruadh chalked up a 7-9 to 0-3 victory. Caoimhe Keon ruled supreme in the middle of the park with plenty of assistance from sister Orla. In the defence Anna Rafferty was doing her best Franz Beckenbauer impression with, Saoirse McDevitt also getting on a lot of useful ball. The junior side's fixtures against Gaoth Dobhair was postponed. We have a gallery of pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. This Sunday sees the seniors travelling to take on Ardara while the reserve side take on MacCumhaill's in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Both games are due to throw in at 10.30am.We have been very proud of the contributions being made by Orla Keon and Cara O'Loughlin in the county colours in recent weeks. Cara has been lining out at midfield for the under 16 ladies. Defeats to Tyrone and Antrim were off-set by a good win against Derry. We wish Cara and the Donegal girls the best of luck in their final against Armagh this Saturday. Meanwhile Orla has been in action with the Donegal minor ladies at wing forward. They opened with a win over Derry and followed that up with a hard-fought one-point victory against Tyrone. We wish Orla and the minor squad the very best of luck as they now take on Monaghan this Wednesday in Lifford in the Ulster Platinum semi-final.
Last week's league tie against Urris was our under 16s second successive postponed fixture. The side are hopeful of finally making a return to competitive action this Tuesday evening at 7pm, when Termon are due to be the visitors to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
The under 14 girls were in a sweltering O'Donnell Park on Saturday afternoon for their third league outing. It was another excellent performance from the free-scoring Ernesiders as they made it three wins from three. Saint Eunan's worked hard and got their reward for a committed display with a decent scoring return too. As has become a trend for this side the subs have all made major impressions on their introduction. This week it was Emily McNamee who came in to tear some holes in the amber and black rearguard and finish with some lovely scores, while Aoife Travers came in for the injured Áine Neilan and delivered a flawless defensive display. Molly Begley came on at half-time and also acquitted herself splendidly. Another trend has been stirring performances by our captains for the day. On Saturday it was Maura O'Sullivan who was leading by example, finishing with a well-taken goal into the bargain. Elsewhere Jessie O'Mahoney and Emer McDevitt also made influential contributions. The team and management all wish Áine the very best for a full and speedy recovery. We also want to thank Donna McGowan for taking Áine to hospital and looking after her. Thanks also to the staff at Letterkenny University Hospital who had Áine seen and treated very quickly. This Saturday the team have their last away assignment of the round robin stages when they travel to take on Buncrana at 1pm.
The under 12s had enjoyable trip to Killygordon last Thursday, recording a 3-8 to 0-1 win against Red Hugh's. The team have an enforced break this week with Convoy unable to field due to lack of numbers. Training continues this Wednesday at 6pm.
The under 10s will be making the trip to Donegal Town this Wednesday to take on Four Masters. Throw in is at 5.50pm. The girls also have another game this Friday, and another away trip, this time to MacCumhaill's. Throw in will be at 6pm on the hallowed turf of the county ground. The squad have no training this Tuesday.
Sponsor a sod returns
Sellers can get their initial returns back to the club by making direct contact with Michael Daly, David McLoone or Tom Daly. There is a lot of interest in the pitch rebuilding project and the contractor, Prunty Pitches, are making notable progress every day. Thanks to the dedicated group of people working on this fund-raiser and to all who are responding to the effort. We are at early stages and have a lot more work to do over the coming weeks.Sponsor A Sod
As the 70th anniversary of the opening of Father Tierney Park approaches in 2024, a massive programme of work has commenced at the grounds which will result in a new sand-based playing field and associated building works. To fund this development Aodh Ruadh have launched one of their biggest fund-raising efforts in decades, asking the public to ‘Sponsor A Sod’ at €50 each to help meet the costs of this ambitious plan. A permanent display bearing the names of donors will be erected in a prominent position at the Park.
Our Working Group members are out and about promoting our Buy a Sod campaign Any club member who can help to promote this should contact any member of this Group or any of the Park / Development Committee Officers for brochures and vouchers. Likewise if you would like to become part of the Working Group to act as a key seller. There is a lot of interest locally and further afield in seeing the Father Tierney Park project succeed. Thanks to all who have supported the campaign so far.
More than 25 Aodh Ruadh club members have joined the working group to actively promote this fund-raising campaign and to sell sods. The working group is as follows: Sabrina Brosnan, Michael Daly, Sarah Daly, Tom Daly, William Doogan, Gerard Ferguson, Conal Gallagher, Johnny ‘Mannix’ Gallagher, Paul Gillespie, Jim Kane, Donagh Keon, Diarmaid Keon, Patsy Kilgannon, John Larkin Jr, Dinny Loughlin, Sylvester Maguire, Brian Murray, Val Murray, Mick McGrath, Packie McGrath, Pat McGrath, David McLoone, Philip McLoone, Pauric McShea, David O’Donnell, Sean O’Mahoney, Barry O’Neill, John Patton and Gregory Sweeney. Those promoting this fund-raiser can make any returns they have at Sunday's games in Pairc Aoidh Ruaidh. See David McLoone, Michael Daly or Tom Daly.
Please contact any of the following if you wish to volunteer: Tom Daly (087-2390410), David McLoone (087-7760172), Philip McLoone (086-4053008), Conal Gallagher (086-2112812), Patsy Kilgannon (087-2372128), or Michael Daly (086-9171949).
Those living away from Ballyshannon, whether in Ireland or across the world, should note that they can purchase sods, and little bit of club immortality, on Klubfunder.com. Any questions or enquiries can be sent to aodhruadhbuyasod@gmail.com. For further information on any aspect of the Sponsor A Sod please contact the Aodh Ruadh Park / Development Committee officers - Tom Daly (087-2390410), David McLoone (087-7760172), Philip McLoone (086-4053008), Conal Gallagher (086-2112812), Patsy Kilgannon (087-2372128), or Michael Daly (086-9171949).Ballyshannon Bingo
We wrapped up our online bingo for a summer break with a fun night last Friday. Well done to the 24 winners on the night and to Marion Deacon on winning €250 on the jackpot ladder game. Congrats also to Mark Newell, Patricia Bradshaw, Shane Coughlin, Regina Dolan, Karen McLoughlin, Ann Patterson, Marie Ward, John McGreevy, Ronan Matthews and Deirdre Clarke who also picked up house prizes on the night. The €700 snowball survived so we will pick that up again on our return to play. As the bingo team take a few weeks out for summer, we wish to give a massive shout out to all our loyal players who’ve stuck with us from February, we’ve been blown away by your tremendous support – thank you all very much! We look forward to a return in Autumn, all going well we’ll get back to the bingo hall soon! In the meantime we hope to get one or two drive in bingo events over the remainder of the summer. Watch this space for updates!Go Mona!
The very best of luck to the marvellous Mona McSharry as she competes in the Olympic 100m breaststroke final in the early hours of this morning from all your many supporters in Aodh Ruadh!Boot exchange
Our boot exchange programme is now up and running. Anybody who wants to exchange boots going forward, please text Packie McGrath on 087-9794696.Old hurleys home
A number or parents have kindly donated hurleys and helmets that are no longer in use. If you have any hurls and helmets you would like to see used, please let us know and we will put them back into use!