Club Notes Archive - 2025
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May
- 6 May
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Football
AODH RUADH CONTINUE UNDEFEATED RUN
For a second week in succession Aodh Ruadh were on the goal trail, and could have finished this game with double the three they registered, but for a sparkling performance by Cloughaneely shot stopper Shaun McClafferty. The Ernesiders raised two of those green flags in an entertaining first half to lead by 2-7 to 0-8 at the break. And though the Blues closed to within two points in the second half, Aodh Ruadh never really looked in danger here.
Centre back Eddie Lynch laid down an early marker, getting up to hit two points. Cloughaneely had matters level by the fifth minute, their main dangers, Shaun Maguire and Donnachadh Ó Baoill both on target.
The visitors were undone two minutes later though. Great vision from Eoghan Kelly saw him pick out Shane McGrath who then let off a reverse pass to Cian Dolan and he slammed a low shot to the keeper's right. Aodh Ruadh would not be headed over the remainder of this game.
The hosts had the ball in the net again in the ninth minute, Cian Rooney driving in on goal only to see Shaun McClafferty stop his rasping shot. Rooney remained alert though, and flicked the rebound to the net. When Shane McGrath fisted over moments later Ballyshannon were seven to the good.
Shaun Maguire punted over a reply, but Aodh Ruadh continued to attack with menace. Cian Rooney again broke in on goal, but this time McClafferty turned his effort out for a 45 with an excellent reaction stop. Peter Boyle converted the resultant 45, but Donnachadh Ó Baoill hit back immediately as Cloughaneely hung in.
Diarmaid McInerney and Shaun Maguire swapped scores before another exchange, this time between Maguire and Shane McGrath made it 2-6 to 0-6.
With the half drawing to a close the game was lit up with two luminous points from Donnachadh Ó Baoill, but the final say of the half went to Ballyshannon after Cloughaneely were caught with just two up in their attacking half, Diarmaid McInerney sending over the free.
The first score of the second half came three minutes in with Padraig Coyle sending over from range. Not long after Michéal McHugh came barrelling onto a pop pass and torpedoed a dangerous shot just over Peter Boyle's cross bar.
Two minutes later Cloughaneely had Shaun McClafferty to thank for another top drawer save, this time from Shane McGrath.
Diarmaid McInerney opened Aodh Ruadh second half account eight minutes in with a place ball, but Shaun McClafferty repaid that with interest, firing over a two point free to make it 2-8 to 0-12.
When McInerney pointed a free in the 46th minute it was a badly needed score for the hosts who were now spending long spells out of possession.
Shane McGrath then raised a white flag and McInerney pumped over a two pointer from play to help further settle the local nerves.
There was to be quite a bit of scoring action packed into the closing moments. First Donnachadh Ó Baoill landed his fifth point of the day with four minutes left, then Eddie Lynch and Diarmaid McInerney (free) responded. Ó Baoill came back with what was to be his side's last score of the day, but the last word went to Jimmy Langan's men. It was sassy effort too, Darragh Flood Dolan sweeping in on goal, giving an meaningful look to pass left, but then switching on to the right boot to place a deft shot to McClafferty's left.
That put the seal on a fine win for the homesters who continue their unbeaten start to the season. In an unfussy defensive display Eoghan Kelly really caught the eye with his range of passing, and Darragh Flood Dolan's man marked effectively and his goal really was a peach. Matt Gillespie and Eamonn McGrath had the better of matters around the centre of the pitch, while up front Diarmaid McInerney hit important scores at important times, and Shane McGrath also contributed strongly. We have a gallery of pictures from the game live now on aodhruadh.org.
The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Peter Boyle (0-1 45); Michael Ward, Conor Patton, Kyle Murray; Darragh Flood Dolan (1-0), Eddie Lynch (0-3), Eoghan Kelly; Matt Gillespie, Eamonn McGrath; Diarmaid McInerney (0-7, 4f, 1tp), Shane McGrath (0-3), Senan Rooney; Eoin Cassidy, Cian Dolan (1-0), Cian Rooney (1-0). Subs: David Dolan for Senan Rooney 42 minutes; Damian Weber for Eoin Cassidy 51 minutes; Shane Delahunty for Michael Ward 51 minutes; Gary Carty for Eoghan Kelly 54 minutes; Barry Campell for Cian Rooney 57 minutes.Cloich Cheann Fhaola didn't have the numbers for the reserve game, so there was no curtain raiser on Saturday. The league action continues next Sunday with Aodh Ruadh seniors and reserves both looking to extend their good starts to the season as they travel to Carndonagh. Throw-in for the reserve game is at 1.30pm, followed by the seniors at 3pm.
UNDERAGE FOOTBALL UPDATES
Well done to Barry Ward and the Donegal minors who showed grit to earn the win against Armagh in the Athletic Grounds last Saturday.The under 16s returned to action on Bank Holiday Monday with an away tie against Saint Naul's. The team was short a few players and Mountcharles took full advantage to run out handsome winners. Next up for the under 16s is a Southern Regional Board semi-final, details to be confirmed.
Our Willie Rogers under 14 tournament ran off very successfully in a sun-drenched Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and Father Tierney park on Bank Holiday Monday.
Two teams from Aodh Ruadh, along with Naomh Bríd, Realt na Mara, Erne Gaels, and Enniskillen Gaels, took part in a round robin format. Enniskillen showed strong early form, along with the Aodh Ruadh Green team. All teams recorded wins along the way in a competitive tournament, but it was Enniskillen Gaels and Aodh Ruadh Green who qualified for the final.
The obvious favourites were Enniskillen Gaels and they went ahead in the early stages. Aodh Ruadh did not lie down however, and a late first-half goal brought them back into contention.
Enniskillen held the lead throughout the second half, but with only three points between them, Aodh Ruadh pushed hard for an equaliser towards the end, with two goal chances being saved with last gasp blocks and saves.
Enniskillen therefore emerged deserving winners of the 2025 Willie Rogers cup.
The Aodh Ruadh Bord na nÓg chairman Mick McGrath thanked all the people that helped in the lead up, and on the day, including referees, managers, parents and guardians, food providers and the Aodh Ruadh club for their facilities.
He spoke fondly of Willie Rogers, and the influence he had on the many Aodh Ruadh players that he had coached.
Willie's son Niall thanked all who attended, and thanked all who kept his father’s name connected with the tournament.
Willies wife Renee, son Gavin, and daughter Donna were also in attendance, as well as extended family. Niall presented the Willie Rogers trophy to the Enniskillen Gaels captain, and all enjoyed refreshments in the Aras afterwards.
Thanks once again to all the parents and guardians who provided those refreshments, made tea and coffee, and tidied up afterwards, and to all the helpers on the day. We will have a gallery of pictures from the tournament live on aodhruadh.org later in the week. Keep an eye on the club's social media output for updates.Aodh Ruadh under 12s hosted Saint Naul's on Friday in their most recent round of fixtures. The homesters won their Division 1A game with the whole team really working well together to secure the win. The result was built on a lot of hard graft in the first half which helped the Ballyshannon lads to a good half-time lead. Saint Naul's came back into matters in the second half, but Aodh Ruadh's first half spade work left the visitors with too much to claw back. There was a good performance from Ben Menarry in goal where he was reliable under the dropping ball, distributed well and made some great saves. In front of him Dempsey Lynch was a strong presence in the defence, winning and turning over a lot of ball. Freddie Knott and Darragh Reynolds operated well together in midfield, while in the forward line Jamie Reilly took some great scores.
In the Division 1B game the team put in probably their strongest performance of the season to date, but Saint Naul's came out on the right side of the final scoreline. The Erneside lads were well in arrears at half-time, but they won the second half with a real battling effort. There were three points in it at the end and it would have been interesting to see how things would have worked out if the game had gone another five minutes. The management team were delighted with the progress the team showed in this match. The rearguard grew as the game went on with Tadhg Cooney and James McMurray both really catching the eye. Michael McGuinness had a call on the man of the match honours with the shift he put in at midfield. Up in the attack Adam Doogan was a great outlet and worked hard for the team right through. We have a great gallery of shots from the game live now on aodhruadh.org.
This Friday sees the squad make the short trip up the road to Tir Chonaill Park to face Four Master, the Division 1A game is at 6.30pm, followed by the Division 1B game at 7.45pm.The under 10s travelled to Ballintra on Saturday morning for a blitz with Naomh Bríd, Devenish, Saint Naul's and Aodh Ruadh. The boys enjoyed a great morning of football playing three games with over 30 boys getting game-time. Training continues on Tuesday evening at Coláiste Cholmcille from 7pm to 8pm. On Friday evening, MacCumhaill Park will be the venue for a game against the homesters. Throw-in will be at 6pm with further details to be confirmed on the team WhatsApp group.
Well done to our under 8 football team who had a very enjoyable run out against Ardara in a sunny Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Saturday. The boys were divided into 2017 and 2018 teams and both performed very well, showing some great skills development. Training for the squad continues on Fridays at 7pm.
Hurling
EARLY GOALS COST AODH RUADH DEAR
The old adage that goals win games certainly proved true on Monday afternoon as Aodh Ruadh took on Truagh Gaels of Monaghan in the Ulster Junior Hurling League quarter-final. Under perfect conditions in Lisbellaw, the game got off to a disastrous start for the Ballyshannon men, with Truagh netting five goals within the first ten minutes. A series of high balls into the square caused havoc, slipping past the Aodh Ruadh goalkeeper and leaving the team with a mountain to climb.
From that point on, it became a game of pride for the Ballyshannon men. To their credit, they responded well to the early shock, settling into the contest and producing some attractive passages of play. Several young players stepped up admirably. Dara O’Mahoney impressed with a solid performance in defence, while Lennon Canny worked tirelessly in midfield. Up front, Aaron Cullen and Gareth Sheerin chipped in with key scores to keep the score board ticking over, but the damage had been done in the opening minutes, and Truagh’s lead proved unassailable.
The second half was a much more even affair, with the Ernesiders matching their opponents point for point. The introduction of Jason Patterson injected fresh energy into the side, and he made an immediate impact by rattling the net with his first touch. Danny Breen also stood out, landing several well-taken frees.
While the early goals left too much ground to recover, the second-half showing was a positive takeaway for Aodh Ruadh, who will feel that, but for the early lapse, this could have been a far more competitive encounter. In the end, Truagh Gaels ran out winners by the margin of those early five goals.
The Aodh Ruadh team was as follows: Tommy Clyne; Martin Larkin, Adam Rami, Killian Bradshaw; Johnny Lin, Stephen Connolly, Dara O’Mahoney; Ciaran Rami, Lennon Canny; Caelan Drummond, Aaron Cullen, Cian McDonald; Gareth Sheerin, Ciaran Kilgannon, Danny Breen. Subs: Daire McDevitt for Killian Bradshaw 35 minutes, Jason Patterson for Cian McDonald 45 minutes.
The side's next fixture sees Aodh Ruadh returning to action on Friday evening with a home tie against Dungloe.UNDERAGE HURING UPDATES
We hosted an under 13 mini blitz on Sunday morning, with Saint Molaise Gaels, Cluainín and Four Masters also attending. Well done to all the players on a great morning of hurling.Training continues on Sundays at 11.45am, with our under 12s having their mid-week slot on Tuesday at 5.45pm. If you would like your child to have the opportunity to play our national sport, contact the appropriate manager below:-
Under 6s: Kevin Loughlin – 086-3062209
Under 8s: Stephen Sheerin – 086-8616927
Under 10s: Martin Larkin – 086-8033596
Under 12s: John Larkin – 086-1076883Ladies
FINAL CALL FOR CÁIT
We wish our own Cáit Gillespie and the Donegal senior ladies all the very best in this Saturday's senior Ulster final against Armagh. The Ladies game gets under way at 3pm and we would urge supporters to be there from the throw in to get behind the team.SHAMETTES TOO STRONG FOR BURT
The Division 3 ladies returned to action with a bang last Wednesday. The opposition were a Burt team who had caused plenty of problems for Aodh Ruadh sides in the past, but with a huge bench to call on, Aodh Ruadh were just too strong for a Hibernian Park outfit travelling short on numbers.
Aodh Ruadh got off to a scorching start with Aoife Bromley, Niamh Hoey and Terri Gallagher all hitting the net, and with points arriving from Elaine Dorrian, Aoife Bromley and Caoimhe Hughes O'Brien the Shamettes were already 3-3 to the good by the tenth minute.
Ballyshannon were dominating the Burt kick out and doing well at turning over possession further out the field too, and with the forwards on form the scores flowed.
Ciara Larkin opened her account in the 11th minute with two quick points in succession. After that Niamh Hoey (0-1), Larkin (1-2), Elaine Dorrian (1-1) were all on the mark for the homesters over the remainder of the half. Burt did manage to lift the siege and raid for a goal and a point, but at the turn around the Ernesiders were well in control, 5-11 to 1-1.
The second half followed a fairly similar pattern, Aodh Ruadh dominant with Burt venturing the odd rewarding sally. Ciara Larkin set the tempo with an early point, and that was followed by scores from Cadhla Dolan (2-2), Ciara Gillespie (0-1), Elaine Dorrian (0-2), Faye Gillespie (1-0), Caoimhe Devine (0-2) and Hannah McGuinness (0-1). The Inishowen girls added three more points to their tally, but the writing was on the wall early in this fixture and Aodh Ruadh were comfortable winners by the end on a scoreline of 8-20 to 1-4. One of those games where everyone in white in green had a great performance. The defence were excellent, keeping Burt to scraps, while the work rate in midfield also made it very difficult for the visitors to make any attacking headway. In the forward department Aodh Ruadh managed an impressive conversion rate, reflected in the final tally. We have a gallery of pictures from the game live now on aodhruadh.org.
The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Roisín Maguire; Emer McDevitt, Kate Cunningham, Jessica O'Mahoney; Dáirín Sweeney, Lauren Foy (0-1), Megan Murphy; Caoimhe Hughes O'Brien (0-1), Fiona McGonigle; Aoife Travers, Terri Gallagher (1-0), Aoife Bromley (1-1); Niamh Hoey (1-1), Elaine Dorrian (1-5, 1f), Ciara Larkin (1-5). Subs: Tara Gallagher, Caoimhe Devine (0-2), Cadhla Dolan (2-2), Ciara Gillespie (0-1), Faye Gillespie (1-0), Meabh McCloskey, Rachel Gillespie, Roisin McGloin, Hannah McGuinness (0-1), Hannah Merrifield, Ellen Monaghan, Aodhbha O'Donnell, Anna-Lisa Rabbitte.A death in Mountcharles meant that the scheduled Division 1 tie on Sunday morning against Saint Naul's was postponed. Our condolences to the Saint Naul's club on their sad loss at this time. Next week the Division 1 ladies make their return to action after a sustained break, travelling to Burn Road on Sunday to take on Termon at 10.30am. The Division 3 ladies will be hoping to continue their good run when they make the trip up to Inishowen to face off against Malin. The throw in is 11am for that one, but it will still be an early start for the squad.
UNDERAGE LADIES UPDATES
Last Tuesday the under 16s hosted Naomh Conaill in Father Tierney Park. In very warm conditions both sides played a good first half. Rachel Gillespie (2-1) scored a penalty for Aodh Ruadh with additional scores coming from Ellen Monaghan (1-1) and Faye Gillespie (2-3). However, the Glenties girls were the stronger side in the first half, edging the half-time score board 2-4 to 2-1.
In the second half the homesters came back into the game, with an impressive defensive performance serving as the platform for Aodh Ruadh's fightback. Cadhla Gillespie and Ellen Monaghan supported and assisted in midfield serving up some great scoring opportunities for the forwards. The Ernesiders really found their shooting boots in the second half, to take the points on a final scoreline of Aodh Ruadh 5-5 Naomh Conaill 2-9. Check out aodhruadh.org where we have a great gallery of shots from the action.
The team were back in action on Bank Holiday Monday evening, this time they travelled to Moville for a 2pm throw-in. It was a warm afternoon and the conditions proved sapping for both sides. The first half was tight with Aodh Ruadh leading by a solitary point at the turn around, Ellen Monaghan and Faye Gillespie both having raised green flags. The second half continued to be nip and tuck with the heavy-scoring Faye Gillespie (2-9) keeping the score board ticking over for the Ballyshannon girls. Moville piled on the pressure as they chased the result, but Aodh Ruadh's defence was enormously resolute as they kept the home side at bay. After a tremendously hard-working performance from the Ernesiders the final score was Moville 3-8 Aodh Ruadh 3-9, a result which leaves Ballyshannon joint top in the league standings, albeit with one game more played than Dungloe, who are also on 12 points.
The next fixture for the team is a home fixture on Tuesday 13th May against MacCumhaill's, throw-in at 7pm.The under 14 girls continued their preparations for the upcoming league campaign last Monday, 28th April, bringing a 36 strong squad to Kinlough to play two challenge games, with mixed results. One team put in a strong performance coming away with a positive result, while the other team came out second best against a strong Melvin Gaels side. This was followed on Bank Holiday Monday by a trip to Glenties for a challenge game against hosts Naomh Conaill, played in glorious sunshine. A travelling squad of 30 available players meant the entire team was rotated at half-time, with plenty of playing time for all the girls. Both teams put in a great effort and can be happy with their displays, thanks to Naomh Conaill for hosting us and putting on treats for the girls afterwards.
Training continues on Wednesday at 5.45pm. A short meeting for the parents of the under 14 girls ahead of the start of the league campaign will be held in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 6.30pm on Wednesday evening, and all parents and guardians are asked to attend.Under 8 training continues this week on Tuesday at 6pm at Coláiste Cholmcille.
Ulster final 2025
We have now received confirmation of the club's Ulster final ticket allocation. A total of 415 ticket requests were submitted to the club. Unfortunately, Aodh Ruadh has only been allocated 193 tickets for Saturday's deciders. Club officers will endeavor to facilitate everyone’s request as best as possible in what are obviously difficult circumstances. People may be disappointed, but unfortunately we can only do the best we can with the allocation we have received. The club will be in contact with everyone who placed a request in the coming days. Rest assured we will continue to try to get tickets for those who haven’t been successful.
Once again, we remind members that club officers are volunteers doing their best in a trying situation, and we insist they be treated with respect and courtesy at all times.Donegal v Sligo masters
The Donegal Masters team will play Sligo this Thursday in Father Tierney Park with a 7pm throw-in.USA Tours
We have had several visiting USA Tour Groups at our grounds during March and April. This activity really takes off from next week with visiting Tour Groups every weekday for the rest of May and each weekday well into June. The schedule runs throughout the summer to the third week of November. Club personnel who would like to assist with this volunteer work, please make direct contact with Tom Daly, Michael Daly or Patsy Kilgannon. The volunteer time commitment each day is from 11.00am to 2.30pm approximately.Ballyshannon Bingo
Well done to Marion McDermott on winning last week's Ballyshannon Bingo jackpot. The €1,000 summer snowball went unclaimed with Marie Ward taking the €100 house. The house winners were Sonia Kelly, Breege McDermott, Breige Kelly and Mary Donagher shared game three, Gerard Cullen, Martin Travers and Ann Patterson shared game three, Edmund Brennan, Regina Dolan and Mary Kane. The €50 line winners were Martin Travers and Marina Kerrigan. The other line winners were Susanne Cassidy, Margaret Meehan, Geraldine Kane, May Cox, Mary Travers, Marie Gallagher, Mary Cleary, Patricia O’Reilly and Majella Gettins. The last one standing was Regina Dolan to take the €120 prize. The free book winners were Francis Murphy and Mary Donagher. We do it all again this Tuesday again with €2,900 to play for, including €1,000 snowball, €500 50/50 Jackpot and €330 Lucky Numbers game. Door open at the Abbey Centre at 7.45pm for eyes down at 8.30pm. Books still only €10!Darkness into Light
Darkness into Light Bundoran are seeking volunteers for their walk this coming Saturday. Anyone available to help is asked to contact Louise Larkin who will forward your details onto the organizing committee.
- 13 May
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- 27 May