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Aodh Ruadh host very successful U12 Aodh O Dalaigh Tournament

The curtain came down on a very successful and busy season of underage hurling on Sunday last with the hosting of the Aodh O Dalaigh under 12 tournament. Five teams took part in this tournament: Naomh Eoin and Coolera/Strandhill, both from Sligo, Letterkenny Gaels and host club Aodh Ruadh fielding two teams. The tournament was played off on a round robin basis with each team getting four games. After these games Aodh Ruadh's 2009 team finished on top with Naomh Eoin ensuring that they played off in the Aodh O Dalaigh final. Coolera/Strandhill and Aodh Ruadh's 2010 team finished third and fourth ensuring they played off in the primary league final. The large crowd was looking forward to both finals with great interest in the Naomh Eoin v Aodh Ruadh clash as they had drawn their round robin encounter. Both teams were evenly matched in the first half but the physically stronger and more skillful Naomh Eoin team won comfortably in the end by seven points. Coolera/Strandhill easily beat the younger Aodh Ruadh team in the primary league final but the 2010 Aodh Ruadh youngsters never gave up and kept battling to the end offering good hope for this age group again next year.

Afterwards presentations took place in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh and refreshments were served. John Rooney, Aodh Ruadh hurling chairman, welcomed all clubs to the tournament he spoke of the late Hugh Daly, in whose honour the tournament is held, and the great GAA legacy he left which is being carried on by all his family. He welcomed all the guests and remarked how glad he was to see Billy Finn back at this year's event. Conor Carney principal of the Holy Family National School on behalf of the local national schools presented the shield to the Coolera/Strandhill captain. Special guest on the day John Crossey, former Antrim and Ulster hurler and hurling development officer for Donegal spoke of the high level of skill and commitment displayed in the tournament. Tom Daly, Ulster Council President on behalf of the Daly family thanked everyone involved with the running of the tournament. He spoke of the long history of hurling in the club and recalled, as the club celebrates its centenary in October 2009, that the first competitive game the club played was a hurling match against Manorhamilton. He presented the Aodh O Dalaigh shield to the winning Naomh Eoin captain. John Rooney finished off by thanking referees on the day Jonathon Browne, Michael Ayres, and Kevin McDermott. He thanked Peter Horan for all his help with coaching the under 12s and he especially commended the wonderful display of catering put on by the mothers of the Aodh Ruadh players. He thanked all the young hurlers and looked forwarded to seeing everyone back in 2010!

Midfield action from Aodh Ruadh v Coolera Strandhill.
Midfield action from Aodh Ruadh v Coolera Strandhill.

Goalmouth action from Aodh Ruadh v Letterkenny Gaels.
Goalmouth action from Aodh Ruadh v Letterkenny Gaels.

Peter Horan getting his team in a huddle.
Peter Horan getting his team in a huddle.

The Aodh Ruadh under 12 teams took part in Aodh O Dalaigh with John Crossey, Ulster Council Coach for Donegal, Tom Daly, Ulster Council President and Billy Finn, Conor Carney and Peter Horan.
The Aodh Ruadh under 12 teams took part in Aodh O Dalaigh with John Crossey, Ulster Council Coach for Donegal, Tom Daly, Ulster Council President and Billy Finn, Conor Carney and Peter Horan.

Presentation in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.
Presentation in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.

Conor Carney on behalf of local primary schools presenting the Primary Shield to the winning Coolera / Strandhill captain.
Conor Carney on behalf of local primary schools presenting the Primary Shield to the winning Coolera / Strandhill captain.

John Crossey, Hurling Development Officer for Donegal, addressing the crowd.
John Crossey, Hurling Development Officer for Donegal, addressing the crowd.

Tom Daly, Ulster Council President, addressing the crowd in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.
Tom Daly, Ulster Council President, addressing the crowd in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.

Tom Daly presenting the Aodh O Dalaigh Shield to the winning Naomh Eoin captain.
Tom Daly presenting the Aodh O Dalaigh Shield to the winning Naomh Eoin captain.

Report Filed: 30 September 2009