Club Notes Archive - 2023
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September
- 5 September
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Football
It was a businesslike performance from Aodh Ruadh, as they recorded their third straight group stage win on the trot and put themselves in with a great chance of an automatic quarter-final spot. A bit like the second round clash against Gaoth Dobhair, it took an amped up second half display from the Ernesiders to secure the result after a quiet first 30 minutes. The first half was a case of both sides feeling their way into the contest, with Killybegs nabbing the opening score a minute in and Philip Patton cancelling that out with a free three minutes later. With nine minutes on the clock the Fishermen edged in front with another point and then jumped into a four point lead when they netted at the second time of asking after a fantastic Peter Boyle stop. Ballyshannon came back with the next two scores courtesy of Eddie Lynch and a beauty from Shane McGrath. Killybegs grabbed the next point, but Philip Patton landed a very difficult free on the stroke of 30 minutes to leave just two in it at the turn-around. Killybegs 1-3 Aodh Ruadh 0-4. The second half saw Aodh Ruadh up the tempo from the off with Cian Rooney splitting the posts after a swift counter attack. Two minutes later Rooney was fouled for a free which Philip Patton sent over to square up the contest. In the 37th minutes Eamonn McGrath clawed a kick out from the sky and immediately released the isolated Patton to line up his sights and slice over the lead point. Two minutes later the Fishermen had it level again, but the visitors were finding the rhythm now. Philip Patton reeled off three points in a nine minute period, two from dead ball, to put his side firmly in the driver's seat. From there to the full time whistle the sides went score for score with a Killybegs free being matched by an Eamonn McGrath point from play and a second free for the Fintra men cancelled out by a Shane McGrath effort deep into injury time. It finished Killybegs 1-6 Aodh Ruadh 0-12 to send the large travelling support back home with a spring in their step. It was a no-fuss display by Ballyshannon, with Conor Patton, Colm Kelly and Eamonn McGrath well in control in the defensive third. Cian Dolan and Shane McGrath prospered the more the game went, while up front the game was gilded by a vintage Philip Patton performance. His intelligence and accuracy was complimented by a number of electric contributions from Cian Rooney, with Diarmaid McInerney also adding variation on his introduction. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Peter Boyle; Kyle Murray, Conor Patton, Colm Kelly; Michael McKenna, Eamonn McGrath (0-1), Niall Murray; Cian Dolan, Shane McGrath (0-2); Eoghan Kelly, Cian Rooney (0-1), Philip Patton (0-6, 4f); Calum O'Halloran, David Dolan, Eddie Lynch (0-1). Subs: Diarmaid McInerney for Calum O'Halloran 22 minutes; Mark McGlynn for David Dolan 58 minutes; Matt Gillespie for Shane McGrath 65 minutes.In the end Aodh Ruadh just had too much for Killybegs in what ended as quite a one-sided reserve championship encounter. It was the visitors who opened the scoring just a minute in, Dan Warnock sending over. Killybegs levelled with a free before Damian Weber raised a white flag which the hosts again matched. In the 12th minute the Ernesiders jumped into the lead when Aidan Sweeny hared up the wing with the ball and linked in with Donagh McIntyre who laid off for Jack Gallagher to place past the keeper. The Fishermen responded well though with a couple of points cutting the deficit to the minimum. Ballyshannon upped the ante in the run up to the break with a Damian Weber free and a fisted effort from Darragh Flood Dolan followed by a point from Donagh McIntyre. Then, with 23 minutes on the clock Aodh Ruadh struck for their second goal, Damian Weber providing the assisted for Aonghus Sweeny to palm to the net. Donagh McIntyre then added to his tally as Aodh Ruadh lead by eight with the interval beckoning. Killybegs rallied though and a 1-1 salvo before the break kept them in the hunt in this tie. They closed back to within a goal of the leaders with a free just after the second half restart, but that was going to be as good as it got for the homesters. Points from Jack Gallagher (2) and Damian Weber found only one in reply from Killybegs. A free from the hosts was cancelled out by a Weber free, and from that point Aodh Ruadh simply took over. First Donagh McIntyre clipped over his third of the game, then Jack Gallagher (2) and Damian Weber raised further white flags as Ballyshannon opened up a nine point lead. Killybegs did hit a point in the 49th minute, but Jack Gallagher flighted over three successive points in reply before Tiernan Flood Dolan fisted over his side's final score. Killybegs did pick off a few late points, but the verdict was long since decided by that stage as it ended Aodh Ruadh 2-18 Killybegs 1-11. A very strong display from the Ballyshannon men with Johnny Gallagher and Aidan Sweeny doing really well in the half back line and Aonghus Sweeny having a great day around the centre of the park. Up front Donagh McIntyre had an excellent outing with Jack Gallagher and Damian Weber wreaking havoc in the Fishermen's defence. All the subs introduced made a great impact and the bench was probably a key factor in propelling Aodh Ruadh to their first victory of the championship campaign so far. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Aaron Cullen; Ryan Keenaghan, Luke Carr, Michael Ward; Dan Warnock (0-1), Johnny Gallagher, Aidan Sweeny; Aonghus Sweeny (1-0), Colm McGloin; Senan Rooney, Jack Gallagher (1-7, 1f), Gary Carty; Damian Weber (0-5, 1f), Donagh McIntyre (0-3), JJ Cassidy. Subs Darragh Flood Dolan (0-1) for Daniel Warnock (inj) 16 minutes; Odhran McGarrigle for Luke Carr HT; Harry Howarth for Senan Rooney HT; Tiernan Flood Dolan (0-1) for Ryan Keenaghan 38 minutes.
The final round of the championship group stages sees Aodh Ruadh welcoming Glenfin to Father Tierney Park. This is a special occasion, marking as it does the return of our senior footballers to the Park, so it would be great to have a particularly big crowd up to show their support. The reserves get the action under way at 4pm with the seniors throwing in at 5.30pm. Admission for this Saturday's championship double header is €10 for adults, €5 for students and OAPs, and free for under 16s.
The minors faced a physically imposing Carndonagh outfit in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Monday evening. In the end though it was the Inishowen lads superior accuracy which made the difference, as they ran out deserved 1-6 to 0-14 winners. The Ballyshannon boys played their best football in the first quarter, with MJ Ward splitting the posts in the first minute. Carn levelled in the fifth minute, but Tommy Clyne put Aodh Ruadh back in the lead with a lovely long range shot. A minute after that an arcing shot from James Monaghan sailed straight to the net as the homesters really seemed to be motoring. That was to be their last score of the first half though with Carndonagh reeling off an unanswered six points to take a two-point lead in at the break. They picked up where they left off just after the break with two points from play. Two frees from Barry Campbell did bring Aodh Ruadh back within striking distance, but Carndonagh went up a gear hitting four points, some of high quality, to open up a two goal margin with time running out. Ballyshannon did push hard in the closing minutes and were rewarded with a Barry Campbell free and a point from James Monaghan, but the gap was just too much to pull back. Garreth Brennan and James Ward played well in the defence with James Monaghan putting in a big shift and getting forward to help the attack as much as he could. Up front Dara McGloin and MJ Ward both worked hard. We have a gallery of pictures from the game live on aodhruadh.org now.
This week sees the start of the under 13 Cup tournament with the Division 1 team away to Four Masters on Wednesday with throw in at 6.45pm. Meanwhile the Division 3 team welcome Red Hugh's on Friday evening at 6.45pm. All support appreciated for what promises to be two hotly contested games.
Under 11 training for both squads continues on Monday evenings from 5.45pm to 6.45pm on the top pitch in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The White squad have a game in Donegal Town on Wednesday evening at 7pm, while the Green squad will be travelling for blitz in Ballintra on Saturday morning at 11am.
Our under 9 team attended the Thomas Maguire blitz in Ardara over the weekend. They had a great time with a lot of good football being played by the Ballyshannon lads. In the coming weeks we will be looking to organise a town league for the squad.
Ladies
The senior ladies travelled to Mountcharles on Sunday morning for their second round clash with Saint Naul's. It was a to prove a disappointing trip, with the homesters grinding out a 0-11 to 0-8 win over the mis-firing Ernesiders. Aodh Ruadh had the benefit of the following wind in the first half and held a 0-7 to 0-5 lead at the break. However in the second half Mountcharles upped the ante and in the end Saint Naul's saw out the game to seal a three point victory. It's a result which spells the end of Aodh Ruadh's ambitions to reach a senior championship semi-final. They will regroup now for the shield competition and look to set down a marker with their final group game against 2022 county finalists Glenfin. That game takes place in Father Tierney Park on Sunday morning at 10.30am. This is the first adult ladies match back in the park and it would be great to see a good support come out for the girls. Please note adult admission for the Juniors' game in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh will be €5. The junior team are still in with a shout of making the Junior B semi-finals, but they will have to overcome a highly rated MacCumhaill's side on their home turf. One thing about this bunch of girls though, is that you can be sure they will leave it all on the pitch so it's all to play for. That game will also throw-in at 10.30am.The minors made the long trip to Glencolmcille last Tuesday, but unfortunately it was a fruitless one as the strong home side just had too much for the gallant Ballyshannon girls. By the half-time break the hosts lead by 3-10 to 0-5 and despite a better performance in the second half, Aodh Ruadh weren't able to reel Glen in as it finished 3-14 to 0-8. The minors will be in action this Tuesday when they make the short trip to Gaelic Park to take on Bundoran, throw-in at 6.30pm.
The under 14 Aodh Ruadh girls had to battle all the way against a lively Robert Emmet's outfit to claim the Division 1 Shield title in a sun-splashed MacCumhaill Park on Sunday. Two evenly matched teams went at it hard for 60 minutes and come the final whistle every player had given their absolute all. It was Aodh Ruadh who started the scoring in the fifth minute with the impressive Lauren Gallagher winning and converting a free. Four minutes later Rachel and Faye Gillespie created a second opportunity for Gallagher and she duly doubled her tally. Shannon Gavigan then put Faye Gillespie through to point as the Shamettes settled quickly. Robert Emmet's opened their account in the 13th minute with a point, but it was very nearly a goal, with the initial shot crashing off the cross bar. A minute later the superb Erin Gallagher had to make a brilliant reaction save to deny the Castlefin girls again. Aodh Ruadh were being more economical with their chances though, and a Rachel Gillespie free restored their three point cushion in the 17th minute. Things got better two minutes later when Laoise Foy did fantastically to turn over the Emmet's kick out. Ballyshannon then strung together a sequence of lightening passes to find Shannon Gavigan and she placed an neat shot to the net and raised a huge roar from the big Erneside support in Ballybofey. Credit to Castlefin though as they went straight up the pitch and hit a point in response. Lauren Gallagher then landed a free to make it 1-5 to 0-2, but ten minute elapsed before the next scoring action. As it happened Gallagher would play a critical role in this, gathering a ball hard won by Laoise Foy and stroking a confident shot past the Emmet's netminder. The girls in Blue roused themselves once again and hit three quick points in succession before the break to make it 2-5 to 0-5 at the interval. They kept up that momentum on the resumption and only for two outstanding reaction stops from Erin Gallagher would surely have had the ball in the net from the throw-in. Instead it was Aodh Ruadh who got the first score of the new half, Rachel Gillespie guiding over a free. Cousin Faye Gillespie then extended the lead from play. Now it was Emmet's turn to put on the pressure and they followed a point with a goal in the 39th minute and suddenly there was just four points between the sides. Captain Ellen Monaghan clipped over an important point in the 41st minute to stem the tide, and remarkably that was to be the last score until the 60th minute. Robert Emmet's did have the ball in the net in the 56th minute, but it was chalked off for over-carrying. On the stroke of time Emmet's fired over to make it 2-8 to 1-7, but the last say was to go to the Ernesiders with Lauren Gallagher teeing up Faye Gillespie to kick the clinching score. It was a great victory for the team and an entertaining game of football for the big crowd present. Erin Gallagher's display in nets was crucial to the win, with Aodhbha O'Donnell anchoring a superb defensive effort with the half back line of Ellen Monaghan, Kate McGrath and Sophia Mulligan excellent throughout. The midfield duo of Laoise Foy and Aoife Hughes had a great tussle with their opposite numbers, while up front Lauren Gallagher's scoring contribution was vital with the Gillespie trio, Faye, Cadhla and Rachel lively and Shannon Gavigan netting a great goal. After the match captain Ellen Monaghan received the Division 1 Shield and gave a great speech commiserating with a gallant Emmet's side, thanking the team management and all the parents and guardians for their support all year. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Erin Gallagher; Niamh McGrath, Aodhbha O'Donnell, Lexi Roper; Ellen Monaghan, Kate McGrath, Sophia Mulligan; Laoise Foy, Aoife Hughes; Zara Meade, Rachel Gillespie (0-2f), Cadhla Gillespie; Lauren Gallagher (1-3, 2f), Faye Gillespie (0-3), Shannon Gavigan (1-0). Subs: Leia Roper for Zaara Meade 36 minutes; Éabha Rogers for Lexi Roper.
The under 12s entertained Saint Molaise Gaels and Bundoran for a blitz on Friday evening. There was lots of good football on show in lovely early autumn weather. Aodh Ruadh played a very strong Bundoran side in one game with a second Aodh Ruadh team taking on Grange in the other. Leia Roper, Arwen Killalea, Nicole McGrath, Ella Dorrian and Saoirse O'Donnell all did really well in that game with Amelia McNulty doing a sterling job in the defence. In the other game there were some excellent skills on display from both sides. The Gaels kept the Aodh Ruadh backs on their toes, but Niamh Patton commanded the full back line breaking up a lot of opposition attacks, Bethany McNamee fought tirelessly throughout and was ably assisted by Muireann Gallagher in the half back line. Jenna Britton and Ava Garvey were causing a lot of bother up against much bigger opponents in midfield, while Emma O'Neill and Kayla McDermott were Aodh Ruadh's main scoring threat up front. There was plenty of excitement in this game but Dearbhla Gallagher's run with a hand pass into Catherine Garvey who fired to the back of the net drew the enthusiastic appreciation of both the home and away crowds. The next outing for the under 11 girls will be a home blitz this Saturday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh with the action getting under way at 11am.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh will be taking part in the under 21 hurling championship this season. We would like to invite anyone interested in joining the squad to contact Daithi Breen on 087-9287965.It wasn't to be for the Aodh Ruadh minors on county final day, as MacCumhaill's made the most of their goal chances to run out 4-5 to 1-6 winner in Killygordon on Sunday. The first half was a slow burner with the scores slow to come. Cian McDonald and Corey Sheridan helped Aodh Ruadh to 0-2 to 0-1 lead before a Killian Bradshaw free bounced into the net. MacCumhaill's came back with two points and so it was the Ernesiders who held a two point advantage at the break. The Ballybofey men had the aid of the breeze in the second half and they made full use of it. Aodh Ruadh continued to pick off points from Corey Sheridan (3) and Lennon Canny, but MacCumhaill's were going for goals, and by the time they netted a penalty they were 3-4 to 1-6 ahead. Ballybofey tagged on a further 1-1 as the Aodh Ruadh lads were left to contemplate what might have been. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Ben Daly; David O’Mahoney, Killian Bradshaw, Sean Maguire; Rory Cullen, Garreth Brennan, Joseph Gibbons; Jun Hui Lin, Cian McDonald (0-1); Shay Winters, Tommy Clyne, Lennon Canny (0-1); Liam Doogan, Corey Sheridan (1-4, 4f), Jack McCadden. With the under 17 season now at an end the club would like to thank the management team and players for all their efforts over the course of what was a very successful season.
This Thursday the under 15 hurlers will be making the trip to Ballybofey to take on MacCumhaill's with the action throwing in at the county ground at 6.30pm.
Our Under 11 team played their last Go Games fixture down in Convoy on Thursday night. It was a tight game, played in very wet conditions with plenty of quality hooking, blocking and tackling. Well done to the players on a great year, one where they have made some huge improvements.
On Sunday we hosted the Aodh Ó Dálaigh tournament – our longest running hurling tournament having being contested annually since 1982. This edition was played as a Go Games blitz, and we welcomed teams from Keady in Armagh, Tooreen in Mayo, Sylane in Galway, as well as Saint Molaise Gaels, Four Masters, Cluainín Iomaint and Tourlestrane. The conditions were ideal, with plenty of sunshine, and Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh was in perfect condition for the event. There were some fantastic skills on show, and some hotly contested games – with each team getting to play five games in total. Our own team performed very well, playing five games in total, and special mention has to go to their performances against two of the stronger teams, Sylane and Tooreen, where we certainly showed our abilities and were able to hold our own against strong opposition.
Following the games there were speeches and presentations. Tournament organiser John Larkin spoke first, thanking each team for travelling and then the Park Committee for having the facilities in such excellent condition, as well as the hurling committee and club for their support. He thanked the referees, Eugene Drummond, Adam Rami, Hannah and Ellen McGarrigle, and Pat Walsh as well as James Gallagher and Shaun McGarrigle who helped on the day too. He thanked the management of the Aodh Ruadh team for preparing them for the day and looking after them for the year. Tom, Michael, Bríd and Ann were all there to represent the Daly family, and Bríd spoke on behalf of the family, as gaeilge agus as bearla about her late father, and thanked the teams for taking part. Bríd and Ann then presented medals to each player as well as a small cup to a representative of each team. Then it was back the Áras Aoidh Ruaidh for the refreshments provided by all of our parents. Thanks to everyone who helped in anyway, as well as the under 11 parents for putting on the first class hospitality for the travelling teams. That sees the under 11 hurling season coming to a conclusion, and so we would like to thank Patrick, Rob, Gareth and Liam for taking the team and to all the parents for travelling to games and training.
Our under 9s are in action again this weekend with a blitz in Ballybofey. All details will be available in the team WhatsApp group.
Our under 7s are also in action this weekend, with all details in the team WhatsApp group. Their season is coming to a conclusion shortly, with their last action on Sunday week.
Camogie
As we work hard to spread the Camogie gospel, we would appreciate any donations of hurls and helmets that anyone might have lying about the house which are too small and need a new home. The enthusiastic young girls in our underage camogie teams would love to have them!For the first time in decades, Aodh Ruadh girls will be pulling on the club jersey this weekend. Our under 8s and under 10s have been invited to take part in a tournament in Grange against their newly formed camogie teams. It should be a great day of fun and craic and the girls are really looking forward to testing their skills.
Training continues this week with the senior ladies training at the Coláiste Cholmcille pitch on Wednesday at 7.15pm and Saturday at 11am. Underage training will be moved to the Coláiste Cholmcille pitch this Sunday at 11.45am to facilitate a hurling tournament taking place in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
AGM season
Annual General Meeting season is hoving into view on the horizon. The club AGM is set to take place on Sunday, 26th November. The deadline for sub-committee AGMs is Sunday, 5th November. Following that sub-committee and officer reports should be submitted to Secretary, Lisa McTernan, by Friday 17th November. Further information on nomination and motion forms will follow in due course.Ballyshannon Bingo
Well done to Jean Murray on winning last Tuesday's Bingo Jackpot. The house winners were Mary McGloin, Kathleen Keown, Anne Gallagher, Ellen Maguire, Denis Sheerin, Anne Patterson, Chrissy Roper (twice) and Karen Gallagher. Denis also claimed the stand-up game prize of €130. The €1,000 Autumn Snowball rolls on another week as we play again for €2,800 this week. Bingo at the usual time of 8.30pm Tuesday, doors open from 7.45pm. Books available at just €10. Come along and bring a friend!
- 12 September
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Eoin O'Moore RIP
Aodh Ruadh were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Eoin O'Moore on Saturday. Eoin was a great GAA man and supporter of the club, serving as a successful Chairman of the Ladies Committee. Taken well before his time, our thoughts are with Kathleen, Aoibheann, Michael and Dearbhla, his extended family and all his friends at this incredibly difficult time.Football
Aodh Ruadh breezed past Glenfin in the newly reopened Father Tierney Park to record their fourth win of the championship group stages. It was a win which saw Ballyshannon top the senior championship table as the only side with a 100 percent record. The game itself took a while to get going with Glenfin happy to play keep-ball for long periods of the first half. They registered the first point of the day through a Luke McGlynn free two minutes in. Five minutes later, Diarmaid McInerney became the first Aodh Ruadh player to raise a white flag in the Park in nearly two years. A Luke McGlynn shot from played quickly nudged the Páirc Taoibhoige men back in front, and with Frank McGlynn pulling the strings they were doing a good job of controlling possession. It wasn’t enough to contain Shane McGrath in the 14th minute though as he brought matters back level again. With five minutes left in the half Cian Dolan took a lovely Philip Patton pass and squared the tie up once again only for Jason Morrow to put his side a point to the good again. The final score of the half came through a Diarmaid McInerney free as the teams headed for the dressing rooms deadlocked at four points apiece. The half-time break saw a great reception for the Aodh Ruadh under 14 Division 1 shield winning girls as they were presented to the crowd, meanwhile some of the club’s young players also enjoyed their first run out on the new turf during the interval. The second half was to be dominated by John McNulty’s men, and they served early notice with a fine score from McInerney a minute in to put his side into the lead for the first time in the game. It did take nine minutes for the next score to arrive though, this one created by a lovely pass from Cian Rooney into Diarmaid McInerney who took his mark and floated over. A minute later and it was a stake through the heart for Glenfin as a Aodh Ruadh tore through their defence with a Michael McKenna at the heart of a flowing move which ended with Eamonn McGrath crashing the ball past Gerard Ward. After that Glenfin did manage an answering point from a Daniel Marley free, but this was to be their only scoring contribution to the second 30 minutes. In the 49th minutes Peter Boyle stepped up to casually stroke over a 46 metre free to make it double scores, 1-7 to 0-5. Then shortly after Philip Patton, the eminence grise of this Ballyshannon side, released Michael McKenna to flight over the score of the game from out on the stand side. After that the game played to a sedate close, with Glenfin out of ideas, and Aodh Ruadh content to keep their powder dry for the looming quarter-finals. They finished deserved winners with Michael McKenna one who clearly enjoyed the Park’s wide open spaces. Shane McGrath continued his rich vein of form, while brother Eamonn’s goal was an effort worthy of the occasion. Philip Patton created something every time he touched the ball, while Diarmaid McInerney’s radar clearly wasn’t impaired by his time away from the Father Tierney Park posts. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Peter Boyle (0-1f); Kyle Murray, Conor Patton, Colm Kelly; Michael McKenna (0-1), Eamonn McGrath (1-0), Niall Murray; Cian Dolan (0-1), Shane McGrath (0-1); Eoghan Kelly, Cian Rooney, Philip Patton; Diarmaid McInerney (0-4, 1f, 1m), David Dolan, Eddie Lynch. Subs: Mark McGlynn for David Dolan 46 minutes; Jack Gallagher for Niall Murray 53 minutes; Matt Gillespie for Shane McGrath 57 minutes. We have a gallery of shots from a big day for the club live now on aodhruadh.org.The reserves were the first team to take to the new Father Tierney Park surface and they put in a very forceful display to christen the ground in perfect fashion. Odhran McGarrigle had the honour of being the first player to score on the pitch, with a point two minutes in. Five minutes later Tiernan Flood Dolan became the first man to hit the back of the net, finishing a fine team move. The visitors got their opener in the eighth minute, but Aodh Ruadh hit back with interest, Cathal Kelly and David McGurrin splitting the posts. A defensive lapse let Glenfin hit the net and then add a point, but Ballyshannon recovered quickly with David McGurrin teeing up Cathal Kelly to hit a well-executed goal. Odhran McGarrigle hit a free 18 minutes in before a Damian Weber shot dropped into the net past the keeper who seemed to have momentarily lost his bearings. Glenfin registered another free, but with Gary Carty and Donagh McIntyre raising white flags, the visitors were facing a mountain to climb in the second half 3-6 to 1-3 the interval score. The mountain got a little higher shortly into the second half with Damian Weber converting a free. Glenfin came back with another free, but David McGurrin, Colm McGloin, Sticky Ward all pointed before they were next able to trouble the scoreboard. Tiernan Flood Dolan fisted over before Glenfin hit what was to prove to be their last score of the game in the 47th minute. It was one way traffic after that for the Ernesiders with David McGurrin (2), Colm McGloin and Odhran McGarrigle all registering and Donagh McIntyre sliding home his second goal of the game in the 54th minute to put the seal on a 4-15 to 1-6 victory. Aodh Ruadh just had too much for Glenfin in this one and quality all over the pitch. The defence was excellent, restricting Glenfin to 1-3 from play. Odhran McGarrigle and Aonghus Sweeny formed a formidable midfield axis, while up front Donagh McIntyre had a field day with David McGurrin, Tiernan Flood Dolan, Damian Weber and Cathal Kelly making great use of opportunities. Check out aodhruadh.org for a gallery of pictures from the game. Aaron Cullen; Gary Carty (0-1), Michael Ward, Ryan Keenaghan; Colm McGloin (0-2), Johnny Gallagher, Aidan Sweeny; Odhran McGarrigle (0-2, 1f), Aonghus Sweeny; Tiernan Flood Dolan (1-1), David McGurrin (0-4, 1f), Darragh Flood Dolan; Damian Weber (1-1, 1f), Donagh McIntyre (2-1), Cathal Kelly (1-2). Subs: Sticky Ward (0-1f) for Cathal Kelly 22 minutes; JJ Cassidy for Gary Carty 38 minutes; Shane McGloin for Donagh McIntyre 55 minutes; Spanny Goan for Sticky Ward 58 minutes.
The minors booked their place in the Division 2 championship shield semi-final with a strong display against Gaeil Fhánada in the Park on Monday evening. They got off to a great start with Barry Campbell sending James Monaghan through to slam to the net. It was something of a false dawn though with the next 20 minutes punctuated by just two Fanad points. Aodh Ruadh made up for lost time though when MJ Ward made a strong run down the end line before slipping across the face of goals for Eoin Cassidy to palm to the net. Five minutes later Ward was the creator again, this time for James Monaghan to fire over a fine point. Then it was keeper Corey Sheridan's turn to act as provider, this time setting up Monaghan who picked his spot well to make it 3-1 to 0-2. An Eoin Cassidy point then gave the Ernesiders a three goal cushion at the turn-around. Aodh Ruadh faced a bit of a breeze in the second half, but they started on the right foot when a neat Oran Gillespie shot set the tempo. Eoin Cassidy added another point before the Gaels got their first point of the half in the 41st minute. MJ Ward once again provided the assist as Garvey Meade divided the uprights and shortly after Aodh Ruadh put one foot in the semi-final when the unfortunate Fanad keeper misjudged a dropping shot from Joe Gibbions and allowed it to drop into the net. The visitors did manage two frees in the final quarter, but with Corey Sheridan coming up the pitch to do an Ethan Rafferty and score from play, and MJ Ward landing a tricky free it didn't impact the final margin as it finished Aodh Ruadh 4-7 Gaeil Fhánada 0-5. The lads are now preparing for a semi-final against Saint Naul's That last four game will be this Sunday, with time and venue yet to be confirmed.
The under 13 division 1 team got their cup competition off to a losing start away to a very strong Four Masters outfit. This Wednesday they will be hosting Gaoth Dobhair at 6.45pm. All support would be very welcome. On Friday night the Division 3 team welcomed Red Hugh's to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The lads put in a really good shift but came up short on a scoreline of 3-12 to 0-11. There were a number of goal chances in the first half but the homesters couldn't convert on the evening which really could have changed the direction of the game. Nevertheless there were plenty of good performance across a real cohesive team. Harry McGowan and Pauric McGrath had excellent defensive displays while Ciaràn McGuinness showed great energy throughout the game in the middle of the field, with Louis Hassett and Donnacha Conlon leading the line well up front. The lads will take great heart from the game even though the result went against us as they prepare to make the long trip to Buncrana on Friday evening for the next group game in the cup.
The under 11 Green squad travelled to Ballintra on Saturday morning for a blitz involving four teams. Special mention to Hugh Mealiffe and Oran Gormley who received awards for players of the tournament. Also to the captains of both teams, Phelim Barron and Pauric McGrath for team 1 and Daryl Brennan and Leon Fertyk for team 2 who received trophies on behalf of the squad. The White squad will travel to Four Masters on Wednesday evening for their final fixture of the season. The under 11 internal league will commence on Saturday, 16th September at 4.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Team details and further arrangements will be posted on the team WhatsApp group.
Ladies
The sad passing of Eoin O'Moore, saw Aodh Ruadh's adult ladies fixtures postponed on Sunday. The decision on the seniors refixture against Glenfin will be made after the game between Glenfin and Naomh Conaill on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, other results on Sunday mean that the juniors will face Saint Michael's or Termon II in the Junior B Championship Shield final on Sunday 1st October.The minor ladies bounced back from a tough defeat to Naomh Columba with a great team display against a strong Bundoran outfit in Gaelic Park last Tuesday. The first half was a real ding dong battle. Cadhla Dolan and Lauren Foy had early points on the board for the Ernesiders before Bundoran opened their account in the fifth minute. A minute later Aodh Ruadh struck for the game's first goal with Cadhla Dolan releasing Hannah McGuinness with a lovely pass and McGuinness made no mistake. That spurred the Seasiders attack into action and they hit 1-2 in a two minute period to square up the contest going into the second quarter. Cadhla Dolan did edge Aodh Ruadh back in front, but Bundoran hit another 1-1 to move into a one goal lead in the 19th minute. Ballyshannon rallied with Lauren Foy pointing before Emily McNamee rattled a rasping shot off the crossbar only for Cadhla Dolan to soccer the rebound to the net. Bundoran levelled it up again at 2-5 apiece, before Faye Gillespie edged the visitors ahead again. The last say of the half went Bundoran's way though with a goal handing them a 3-5 to 2-6 advantage. Aodh Ruadh were playing up the slope in the second half, but they really rolled up their sleeves and started to get on much more ball around the middle. They completely dominated the third quarter, and points from Faye Gillespie, Ciara Larkin (2), Rachel Gillespie, Emily McNamee, Niamh Duffy (2) sprang them eight points clear of their rivals. Bundoran raised their fourth green flag in the 46th minute, but that was to be their only score of the half. The Shamettes continued to run up their points tally with Rachel Gillespie (2), Faye Gillespie, Ciara Larkin, Megan Murphy and Lauren Foy all registering. The last scoring action was a cooly taken goal by Cadhla Dolan as Aodh Ruadh rounded off an impressive second half performance. Although Aodh Ruadh bagged a handsome scoring haul, this win was built on a strong defensive display. Andrea Moore and Katie McGowan were again outstanding for Aodh Ruadh, with Megan Murphy also strong in the rearguard and providing assistance to the attack. Next up for the minors is the Division 2 quarter-final. This takes place in Ballyshannon on Friday at 6.30pm with Gaoth Dobhair the opposition.
The under 13 ladies get their competitive season under way this Thursday when they travel to Ardara, throw-in at 6.30pm.
There was a festival of football in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Saturday morning with the under 12 girls hosting a blitz. Melvin Gaels, Killybegs and Letterkenny Gaels were the visitors. There were three games on the go at all times with Aodh Ruadh and Letterkenny Gaels fielding two teams. Each team played four matches and a very high standard of football was witnessed by a large crowd from all four clubs. A massive credit to Pauric Hegarty for organising the blitz and for providing 100 goodie bags for every girl that played on the day. Of course none of the games could have been played without our brilliant referees on the day Ciara Larkin, Emily McNamee, Rebecca Downey and Éabha Rodgers.
Our under 10s are back training on Monday evenings. The under 8s will also start back training this Tuesday from 5pm to 6pm in Coláiste Cholmcille. The team have a blitz in Donegal town on Saturday, 23rd September.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh will be taking part in the under 21 hurling championship this season. We would like to invite anyone interested in joining the squad to contact Daithi Breen on 087-9287965.The under 15s will be delighted to get their first game back in Father Tierney Park on Thursday evening when they take on Setanta in the League. Throw-in at 6.30pm.
Our under 9s had a very enjoyable morning of hurling in MacCumhaill Park on Sunday. The boys were very excited to be lining out in the County Ground for the second time this year. We took part in a blitz organised by MacCumhaill's, with teams from Setanta, Four Masters as well as the hosts taking part. On the day we entered two teams, with 13 under 9 hurlers lining out! Well done to all the players and thanks to the MacCumhaill's club for organising the blitz. Next week we are travelling to Four Masters, and all details will be in the team WhatsApp group.
Our under 7s had a busy weekend, with a blitz hosted by Naomh Molaise Gaels in Grange on Saturday, where the boys played two games against the hosts, as well as Cluainín hurling club and Coolera Strandhill. On Sunday they also travelled with their under 9 comrades to MacCumhaill Park for a blitz, playing against Four Masters, MacCumhaill's and Setanta – and were very excited to be lining out in MacCumhaill Park again. Next week we travel to Four Masters on Sunday, for what is likely to be the team's last action of the year.
Camogie
We took our under 8 and under 10 camogs to Grange on Saturday morning where they played in a tournament, getting four well-contested games. Our girls did brilliantly and showed great confidence and we got great feedback and compliments form coaches from other teams. Grange are also just starting Camogie up themselves this past year so it was great to have the contact and advice. Our underage girls are back training again this Sunday at 11.45am with the seniors training on Wednesday at 7.15pm.As we work hard to spread the Camogie gospel, we would appreciate any donations of hurls and helmets that anyone might have lying about the house which are too small and need a new home. The enthusiastic young girls in our underage camogie teams would love to have them!
Clothes collection
The Juvenile Hurling committee have launched their annual clothes collection fund-raiser. All bags of unwanted clothes, shoes and bags - no pillows or duvets thank you, can be dropped to North West Floors and Doors in Portnason at any point during the month of September.AGM season
Annual General Meeting season is hoving into view on the horizon. The club AGM is set to take place on Sunday, 26th November. The deadline for sub-committee AGMs is Sunday, 5th November. Following that sub-committee and officer reports should be submitted to Secretary, Lisa McTernan, by Friday 17th November. Further information on nomination and motion forms will follow in due course.Ballyshannon Bingo
Well done to Orla Ryan on taking the bingo Jackpot prize at last Tuesday's Ballyshannon Binog. The house winners were Caroline Murphy (twice!), Jean Brolly / Tracey Rami (shared), Marie Ward, Teresa Hannon, Eileen Maguire, Trisha O’Reilly, Teresa Hannon again on a lucky number trebler for €210, and Caroline Finnerty. The line winners were Brendan Hoey, Margaret Meehan, Molly Kerrigan, Mary Donagher, Regina Dolan (twice!), Denis Sheerin, Suzanna Cassidy, Ann Gallagher and James Monaghan, with Gerard Cullen taking the €50 line. The Stand Up game was won by Kay Kilvarry for €125. The €1,000 autumn snowball rolls on another week as again we play for €2,800 next week. Usual bingo time of 8.30pm Tuesday at the Abbey Centre, doors open 7.45pm and books only €10!
- 19 September
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Football
Our seniors are hard at work on the training field at the moment as they prepare for their championship quarter-final. In the mean-time the reserves are awaiting word on their preliminary quarter-final opponents this coming weekend. We'll have the details up on our social media output when these are released.The Aodh Ruadh minors put in a powerful performance against Saint Naul's on Monday evening to seal their place in the Division 2 Championship Shield Final. The sides had met twice previously this season with the record reading one win apiece. The Ballyshannon lads got off to a flier in this one with Tommy Clyne firing over a fine effort before Barry Campbell tapped over a free. The Ernesiders then got a big shot in the arm when MJ Ward picked out Liam Doogan with a peach of a pass and Doogan let fly with a rasper which nearly took the net off the posts. Barry Campbell added a point from play before Saint Naul's opened their account in the seventh minute. The hosts quickly added a second, but that good work was undone when Eoin Cassidy was allowed to tap home Aodh Ruadh's second goal in the tenth minute. There was an extended stoppage for a bad injury to a Saint Naul's player at that point and we wish the player all the best for full and speedy recovery. On the resumption the sides went score for score with Garvey Meade, James Monaghan and Barry Campbell on the mark as Aodh Ruadh took a 2-6 to 0-7 advantage in at the break. Ballyshannon had a strong start to the second half with MJ Ward and Eoin Cassidy registering before Saint Naul's struck back with a free. The hosts continued to hang in in the contest up to the 40th minute, with scores from Eoin Cassidy and Oran Gillespie being answered in kind. However they were unable to add to their tally from there on, and with MJ Ward, Barry Campbell (2), James Monaghan and Eoin Cassidy (2) all raising white flags Aodh Ruadh convincingly booked their place in the final. There was a lot of good football from the Ballyshannon lads, with some slick passing moves and quality shooting on show. The defence was very disciplined and effective with Corey Sheridan keeping things well organised, Rian McCauley strong under the high ball and James Ward providing great cover further out the pitch. Around the centre of the pitch James Monaghan and Tommy Clyne, Ted O'Donnell got on a lot of ball and made great use of it. Up front MJ Ward and Barry Campbell were immensely creative, with a great spread of scorers on show for the Ernesiders. Aodh Ruadh will now face Malin in the decider, keep an eye on the club's social media output across the course of the week for fixture details.
The under 13 Division 1 team earned a very impressive win against Gaoth Dobhair on Wednesday night by the narrowest of margins on a scoreline of 6-14 to 6-13, which saw our boys getting their first run out on the reopened Father Tierney Park, a new pitch fitting to host such a brilliant game. This was the team's best performance of the season especially considering the heavy defeat the previous week. The winner of the encounter was never certain until the final whistle. Darragh McCready led the team by example taking some quality scores throughout, with Jack Hassett, Anthony Duffy, Manus Conlon, Dylan Cullen, Alfie McGowan and Conor McGloin all putting their names on the score sheet. Twin brothers Oisin and Micheál McGrath both had superb games, helped in a defence that also had strong showings from Iarla Hartin, Alex Kerrigan and Darragh Patton. Aodh Ruadh were trailing by a goal at half-time, a lead that extended to seven points early in the second half, but the boys weren’t to be deterred pegging the Gaeltacht boys back and going two points ahead in the final minutes. Gaoth Dobhair then pressed for a goal going into injury time with the young Aodh Ruadh lads holding out, with Alistair Cian deflecting the goal effort over his crossbar in the dying seconds to hold on for well deserved win. Next up for this team is a Sunday trip to Moville with action throwing in at 3pm in the last game of the group stages of the championship.
The under 13 Division 3 team was in action on Friday night against a strong Buncrana team. A highly entertaining game saw the lads come second-best after a hard fought battle. A flying start saw Donnacha Conlon and Dara McGuinness hitting the back of the net. Buncrana clawed their way back into it to make it all square at half-time with the scoreline 2-5 to 2-5. Endless amounts of work from Ciarán McGuinness, Louis Hassett, Tom Travers and Daniel McLoone in the midfield areas provided the platform for the boys to be one point ahead going into the closing minutes. Phelim Barron, Pauric McGrath, Conor Grimes, Aiden McGurrin, Senan Ward and Peter Mulligan dealt well with pressure and throwing their bodies on the line, massively encouraging the lads to keep on going until the very end. Despite the best efforts from John McHugh and Alex Hoey and the others in the forward line, the boys fell short in the end with the final scoreline of 3-7 to 4-9 which wasn’t a fair reflection of the game on balance. Next up for this team is a Friday trip to Milford in the final group game of the cup, with action throwing in at 6.30pm.
Training continues for the squad this week on Monday evening at 7pm and Wednesday at 6.30pm.
The under 11 White squad travelled to Donegal Town on Wednesday evening for their final away game of the season. The boys put in their best performance of the year in two keenly contested games. This team continues to improve on a weekly basis. The under 11 internal league began on Saturday afternoon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Six teams of nine-a-side, comprising 49 under 11s and five under 9s will play off over the next five Saturdays. Week one saw wins for Tom Travers, Donnacha Conlon and Pauric McGrath. There was very little in any of the games with the boys leaving all friendships aside over the 90 minutes. Training continues on Wednesday evening from 5.45pm to 6.45pm. The Internal League will resume on Saturday morning from 11.30am to 1pm.
Ladies
Our senior ladies season came to an end in disappointing and controversial fashion on Sunday morning. The Shamettes made the long trip down to Moville for the Senior Championship shield semi-final anticipating a tough challenge against an established senior championship team. The visitors got off to a great start though with a smart pass from Annalisa Rabbitte releasing Cáit Gillespie to find the net. Moville hit back quickly though with a green flag of their own. The homesters then added a further 2-1 over the course of the following five minutes. Aodh Ruadh dusted themselves down though and an Eimear McMahon free in the 12th minute helped settle them. Orla Keon then came through for a fine score before Terri Gallagher raised another white flag and Annalisa Rabbitte registered a deserved point. Things settled down for a spell after that before Moville hit their next score, a point in the 23rd minute. Aodh Ruadh then got a real shot in the arm four minutes later through a Gillian Dufficy shot which dropped into the net. The Blues snatched the last point of the half, but with the scores reading Moville 3-4 Aodh Ruadh 2-4 at the interval, it was still very much a case of game on. It was first blood to Aodh Ruadh when play restarted thanks to an Eimear McMahon free, but Moville responded with three points on the spin. McMahon hit two further frees to leave it at 3-7 to 2-7 with the game moving into the final quarter. Over that closing period McMahon and Moville swapped scores twice more to bring it to 3-9 playing 2-9 before the game came to a bizarre conclusion. Aodh Ruadh were pressing hard for scores in the closing stages when a Moville player collected the ball in the area and came out and charged down an Aodh Ruadh player, injuring herself in the process. This Aodh Ruadh team have had more than their fair share of charging calls against them this year so it seemed a penalty would be the clear outcome in this instance. That wasn't to be the case though. The incident occurred with at least two minutes of playing time remaining, but with treatment to the injured player continuing for an extended spell the referee elected to simply blow for full time. Obviously this was a deeply frustrating end to the game for the Aodh Ruadh girls, who have given so much for the jersey this season. It was a really gutsy performance from the Ballyshannon girls and to have the game end in the manner it did was hard to take.Our juniors continue to prepare for their final clash with Saint Michael's or Termon II in the Junior B Championship Shield decider on Sunday 1st October.
The minor ladies faced off against Gaoth Dobhair in Father Tierney Park in the Division 2 Shield semi-final last Tuesday. It was to be prove an absorbing game of football which went right down to the wire. Gaoth Dobhair were a big strong team and well able to take their scores, but it was Aodh Ruadh who made the early running. Ciara Larkin landed a point a minute in and then Niamh Duffy and Cadhla Dolan combined in a lovely move for Emily McNamee to point. After that the visitors took over though and hit five unanswered points before a Cadhla Dolan free made it 0-3 to 0-5 on the quarter-hour mark. That was just a brief respite though as another run of four Gaoth points was punctuated only by another Dolan free in the 21st minute. The Gaeltacht girls then underlined their dominance with a goal in the 24th minute. The Shamettes did finish the half well though and two more Dolan frees left the scores reading Aodh Ruadh 0-6 Gaoth Dobhair 1-9 on the turnaround. Ballyshannon quickly set about cutting the deficit on the resumption with Faye Gillespie firing over a point and Cadhla Dolan dropping a free into the net in the first minute. The Gaeltacht girls did come back with five points in reply, but three more Dolan frees ensured Aodh Ruadh stayed in contention at 1-10 to 1-14 with 52 minutes played. The closing stages were helter skelter stuff with Dáirín Sweeny teeing up Rachel Gillespie to leave just a goal between the sides with five minutes remaining. Gaoth Dobhair promptly went up the pitch and hit the net to leave Aodh Ruadh back at square one. Not for long though as Faye Gillespie first split the post with a point before placing a lovely shot past the Gaeltacht net-minder. And when Cadhla Dolan slotted a free in the 59th minute to make it a one point game the Father Tierney terraces were in full voice. Aodh Ruadh pushed hard for the next score to tie or win the game, however the visitors were able to lift the siege though and nicked a late point to secure a 2-15 to 2-13 after a superb game of football. It was a great team performance from the Ballyshannon girls who really gave it everything they had. Unfortunately this is the end of the road for them this season, so we take this opportunity to thank the girls for all their efforts, the parents and guardians for all their support and the management team and mentors for their work all season.
The under 13 girls started their league campaign last Thursday with a trip to Pearse Memorial Park to take on Ardara. The first half was very closely fought with the Aodh Ruadh rearguard of Lexi Mai Roper, Olivia Coyle, Kate McGrath and Niamh McGrath particularly impressive. The sides turned around with the hosts holding a slight two point advantage of 0-5 to 0-3. In the second half Ardara went up a gear and found it easier to get their scores and eventually ran out 1-10 to 1-5 winners. The girls are back in action this Thursday, on home turf this time, as they entertain Killybegs at 5.30pm.
Our under 10s are back training on Monday evenings. The under 8s will also start back training this Tuesday from 5pm to 6pm in Coláiste Cholmcille. The team have a blitz in Donegal town on Saturday, 23rd September.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh will be taking part in the under 21 hurling championship this season. We would like to invite anyone interested in joining the squad to contact Daithi Breen on 087-9287965.The minors will finish out what has been fantastic season by hosting the Seamus Grimes / Alan Ryan tournament this Sunday, 24th September. We have seven good strong teams travelling to take part and are very much looking forward to a great day of hurling up on the Rock. Proceedings will start at 10.45am and the parents will be on hand to feed the masses.
The under 15s returned with a bang to Father Tierney Park last Thursday for the first time in over two years. These lads were the last hurlers to play in the Park before the redevelopment began and good lord, there have been some changes amongst the panel since then! Corey Sheridan led out the large panel to take on Setanta and it wasn't long before the green and white were in the lead. The lads dominated the game throughout, much to the delight of the large crowd of supporters who turned out on what was a near perfect evening for some quality hurling. The game ended on a scoreline of 4-11 to 0-7. The boys will head through the Gap this Thursday to play MacCumhaill's in county grounds in their last round match in the league. We have a gallery of shots from the game live now on aodhruadh.org.
Our under 9s had a very enjoyable morning of hurling in Donegal town on Sunday. Aodh Ruadh had 1 young hurlers lining out, and took on teams from Four Masters, MacCumhaill's and Setanta. Thanks to under 15 player Antoin Duffy, who came down to give us a helping hand on the day! Also, thanks to Danny Hayden and everyone in Four Masters for a well organised morning and for the treats for all the players! This week the boys will take part in the last all-county blitz of the season as we come to the end their hurling activity for the year.
Our under 7s were also on the road to Donegal town, taking part in a blitz with Four Masters and MacCumhaill's. Ballyshannon entered two teams, and played both the other teams as well as an Aodh Ruadh Whites vs Greens game. Thanks to Four Masters for a great morning of hurling. Sunday marked the end of the year for the under 7s, so we'd like to thank everyone who helped out this year. Well done to all the players on the massive improvements they have made over the season, and thank you to all the parents for bringing them to training and games. We look forward to 2024, and to seeing some new faces take up the sport!
Camogie
Our younger girls enjoyed joining the hurlers as they travelled to Donegal town on Sunday morning for a blitz. They all had great fun and really enjoyed testing their skills against teams from Four Masters and MacCumhaill's. Our underage girls are back training again this Sunday at 11.45am with the seniors training on Wednesday at 7.15pm.As we work hard to spread the Camogie gospel, we would appreciate any donations of hurls and helmets that anyone might have lying about the house which are too small and need a new home. The enthusiastic young girls in our underage camogie teams would love to have them!
Scór Sinsear success
Aodh Ruadh had great success at the county Scór Sinsear finals which took place at the Letterkenny Gaels club on Sunday afternoon. In Ceol Urlise - the trad group section, the huge work put in by Sean O’Brien, Cíarde Sheerin, Lorraine O’Brien, Michael McGrath and Rionach Sheerin over the past few weeks paid off as they took the county crown. Meanwhile Paddy Kelly, Sylvester Maguire, Eamonn Martin Maguire and Peter Campbell came out on top in a keenly contested Tráth na gCeist section to retain their county title. Both teams now progress to the provincial stages.Clothes collection
The Juvenile Hurling committee have launched their annual clothes collection fund-raiser. All bags of unwanted clothes, shoes and bags - no pillows or duvets thank you, can be dropped to North West Floors and Doors in Portnason at any point during the month of September. You can also contact Orla on 086-8035316 to arrange collection.Monthly Executive Committee
The September Monthly meeting of the Club Executive will take place on Tuesday, 26th September at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend. Items for Any Other Business should be with club Secretary Lisa McTernan by 2pm on Monday, 25th September.AGM season
Annual General Meeting season is hoving into view on the horizon. The club AGM is set to take place on Sunday, 26th November. The deadline for sub-committee AGMs is Sunday, 5th November. Following that sub-committee and officer reports should be submitted to Secretary, Lisa McTernan, by Friday 17th November. Further information on nomination and motion forms will follow in due course.Ballyshannon Bingo
Well done to all the winners at last week's Ballyshannon Bingo on Tuesday, 12th September. Big congrats to Denis Sheerin who took home the Jackpot prize. The House winners were Patricia Downey, Kathleen Keown, Majella Gettins, Derek Gleave (with a line too), Niamh Irwin, Maureen Coughlin, Robert Peake and Marian Deacon, with Catriona Connolly taking the €100 house. The Line winners were Teresa Hannon, Margaret Gallagher, Ellen Maguire, Mary Cleary, Melinda McManus, Mary Roper, Joseph Darcy, Joseph McGowan, Mary Coughlin, James Gettins, Patricia O’Connor, Margaret Meehan and Eoin Duffy took the €50 line. Marie Gallagher scooped the Stand Up game prize of €140. The €1,000 Autumn Snowball rolls on another number this week as again we play for up to €2,800 including the €500 50/50 Jackpot and the €300 lucky numbers game. Bingo at the usual time of 8.30pm Tuesday at the Abbey Centre. Doors open 7.45pm and books cost just €10.
- 26 September
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Football
Aodh Ruadh's reserves had to dig deep to book their place in the last eight of the reserve championship. They were pushed hard by a lively Saint Michael's side in MacCumhaill Park on Sunday afternoon, but the Ernesiders superior scoring power finally told. The first scores of the game went Saint Michael's way, but Aodh Ruadh were soon back on terms thanks to a Damian Weber free and David McGurrin from play. Sticky Ward then edged the Ernesiders in front for the first time after 12 minutes, but the Falcarragh men rattled over another brace to resume the lead. Johnny Gallagher restored parity in the 18th minute, Saint Michael's hit 1-2 in the space of four minutes to race into a five point lead. Aodh Ruadh rallied well though, with David McGurrin grabbing his second of the game and Weber converting two more placed balls to leave it Aodh Ruadh 0-7 Saint Michael's 1-7 at the turn-around. The second half saw the Ballyshannon lads really taking things up a gear, with a fantastic defensive performance seeing the men from the Bridge restricted to just 1-2 over the second 30. Sticky Ward laid down an early marker with the first point of the half before adding one from play just a minute later. Johnny Gallagher then tied things up on the 37th minute mark before Sticky Ward fired his side in front once again. Cathal Kelly then hit the net and Tiernan Flood Dolan floated over to make it 1-13 to 1-8 as Aodh Ruadh really started to take charge of the fixture. As the game approached the final quarter Saint Michael's got a lifeline as they won and converted a penalty to leave just two points between the sides. Sticky Ward came back with answering score, but the Reds kept up the pressure with a 56th minute point. It was Aodh Ruadh who finished the stronger though with Tiernan Flood Dolan palming the ball to the net three minutes into added time to seal Aodh Ruadh's place in the quarter-final draw. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Aaron Cullen; Gary Carty, Michael Ward, Ryan Keenaghan; Colm McGloin, Johnny Gallagher (0-2), Aidan Sweeny; Odhran McGarrigle, Aonghus Sweeny; Darragh Flood Dolan, David McGurrin (0-2), Tiernan Flood Dolan (1-1); Damian Weber (0-3, 2f 1 45), Michael 'Sticky' Ward (0-5, 3f) Cathal Kelly (1-0). Subs: Senan Rooney for Ryan Keenaghan 24 minutes; Spanny Goan for Odhran McGarrigle; James Gallagher for Aonghus Sweeny; JJ Cassidy for Cathal Kelly - all 51 minutes; Daniel Warnock 58 minutes.The draw for the senior and reserve championship quarter-finals saw Aodh Ruadh drawn against Saint Eunan's at both grades to set up a double header this weekend. When fixture details are confirmed we'll have these up on the club's social media output.
Our minors are training hard as they await confirmation of fixture details for their Division 2 Championship Shield Final against Malin. Keep an eye on the club's social media output for updates.
Both under 13 teams were on the road this week, and unfortunately were at the end of heavy defeats. The Division 3 lads made their way to Milford on Friday and the young side found the going tough and had a slow start versus a physically stronger team littered with tidy footballers. But true to form this team kept battling to the end and can be proud of their efforts as they headed back down the road. On Sunday, the Division 1 team were away to Moville, the lads travelled with a light squad and had a couple of injuries, including a fractured thumb for Captain Darragh McCready who we wish a speedy recovery. That left the going very difficult in harsh rainy conditions. We had solid performances from Alex Kerrigan and Iarla Hartin, but wasn't enough to repel a lively Moville side. The shield competition beckons for both our teams with fixtures likely this weekend, with times and venues to be confirmed. Training continues on Friday at 5.45pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Our under 11 internal league continued on Saturday morning with wins for Pauric McGrath, Dara McGuinness and Donnacha Conlon. There will be two rounds this week, the first on Wednesday evening at 6pm and Saturday morning at 11.30am.
Ladies
Best of luck to our juniors who will be facing Saint Michael's in the Junior B Championship Shield decider on Sunday. We'll have fixture details on our social media output later this week.The under 13s had their first home game this week, with Killybegs the guests in Father Tierney Park. The homesters started well, but the Fintra girls came into the contest as it wore on and edged the verdict by two points at the final whistle. Erin Gallagher was magnificent in goals, making a few mighty saves, while Niamh McGrath was very strong in the full back line. Further out the pitch Leia Roper did really well at half back with Zara Meade picking off a few good scores in the attack. The next game for the squad is away to Naomh Conaill this Saturday.
Aodh Ruadh under 8s played Four Masters on Saturday morning. A great turn out from both sides with plenty of game time for the young ladies. Training continues for under 8 and under 6 girls from 5pm to 6pm on the Coláiste Cholmcille pitch on Tuesday evenings. Our under 10s continue training on Monday evenings.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh will be taking part in the under 21 hurling championship this season. We would like to invite anyone interested in joining the squad to contact Daithi Breen on 087-9287965.The under 15s travelled through the Gap on Thursday evening to take on MacCumhaill's in what turned out to be extremely difficult conditions with thunderous downpours, particularly during the first half. The Ernesiders started well and led from the off. However, complacency set in and MacCumhaill's took full advantage and found the back of the net, twice in quick succession to go ahead by one point at the halfway mark. The boys came back out from their half-time talk with a different attitude and it wasn't long before they were ahead again. With the light fading fast and visibility seriously compromised in the absence of any lights being switched on, they eventually ran out winners by two points. That was the last group stage match for these lads and they top the table with six wins from six matches! They can now look forward to a semi-final against Setanta on Thursday, time and venue to be confirmed.
The hurling committee were very disappointed to have had to make the decision to postpone the Alan Ryan / Seamus Grimes tournament which had been planned for last Sunday. Due to an unfavourable weather forecast, a number of teams pulled out on Friday and made the tournament unviable. We hope to re-arrange it for some time in October, details to be confirmed at a later date.
Our under 9s finished up their year at the all county blitz in Convoy under lights on Friday evening. Aodh Ruadh entered two teams and played against Carndonagh, Setanta, Saint Eunan's, Buncrana and Burt. The boys had a great evening of hurling! Thanks to all the parents driving and thanks to all the coaches who helped throughout the year.
Camogie
Our underage girls continue training again this Sunday at 11.45am with the seniors training on Wednesday at 7.15pm.As we work hard to spread the Camogie gospel, we would appreciate any donations of hurls and helmets that anyone might have lying about the house which are too small and need a new home. The enthusiastic young girls in our underage camogie teams would love to have them!
Clothes collection
The Juvenile Hurling Committee's Cash 4 Clothes fundraiser is still ongoing for the month of September. All bags of unwanted clothes, shoes and bags - no pillows or duvets thank you, can be dropped to North West Floors and Doors in Portnason at any point during the month of September. You can also contact Orla on 086 8035316 to arrange collection.Monthly Executive Committee
The September Monthly meeting of the Club Executive will take place on Tuesday, 26th September at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.AGM season
The club AGM is set to take place on Sunday, 26th November. The deadline for sub-committee AGMs is Sunday, 5th November. Following that sub-committee and officer reports should be submitted to Secretary, Lisa McTernan, by Friday 17th November. Further information on nomination and motion forms will follow in due course.Ballyshannon Bingo
We had a shared Jackpot at last Tuesday's Ballyshannon Bingo on September 19th with Patsy Quinn and Mary Alice Patton taking the spoils. The House winners were Bill McGonigle, Mary McGowan, Aine McManus (with a line!), Majella Gettins, Kathleen Keown, Patricia Downey, Mary Roper and Madeline Gibbions, whilst Marie Ward took the €100 house. The Line winners were Jude Rooney, Ann O’Reilly, Anthony Mulhern (twice!), Philomena Granaghan, Marian McDermott, Kay Kilvarry, Irene Anderson, Karen Coughlin, Kathleen Fallon and Mary McGonigle, with Mary also taking the Stand-Up game prize of €120! The €1,000 Autumn Snowball escaped another week so is in play on 47 numbers or less this week, all as part of a €2,800 prize fund including €500 50/50 Jackpot and €300 Lucky Numbers Game. Bingo at the usual time of 8.30pm Tuesday with doors open at 7.45pm. Books cost just €10!