Ballyshannon hosts memorable county Féile finals
On Saturday 17th April, Aodh Ruadh hosted the county under 14 hurling Féile tournament in glorious sunshine in Father Tierney Park and Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The four top teams in the county took part in this tournament; Buncrana, Burt, Saint Eunan's and host club Aodh Ruadh, so a great day of hurling was assured. Before play began a minute of silence was observed for former Saint Eunan's player and Galway native the late Mick Brennan RIP.
The tournament was played on a round robin basis with the top two teams to play in the 2010 Donegal Féile final and the winners going on to represent Donegal in the All-Ireland Féile in Clare in June 2010
The first two games saw Burt and paired against Saint Eunan's and Buncrana playing Aodh Ruadh in a repeat of the league and championship finals of 2009. They were two very competitive games with Burt and Aodh Ruadh coming on top. The set of games saw Aodh Ruadh play Burt in Father Tierney Park and Buncrana play Saint Eunan's in the magnificent new Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Buncrana overcame Saint Eunan's while Burt and Aodh Ruadh had a terrific battle with the Ernesiders emerging victorious by a single point.
At this stage the scene was set for the final round of games where Aodh Ruadh played Saint Eunan's, while the two Inishowen teams played with the winners through to play host club Aodh Ruadh in the final.
Saint Eunan's put in a great performance against Aodh Ruadh, but the Ernesiders won through in the end. The other game attracted a great crowd to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh where a tough competitive game finished with Buncrana winning narrowly and setting up a mouth-watering final with their rivals, Aodh Ruadh.
A huge crowd turned up at Father Tierney Park for this eagerly awaited final. The game started at a frantic pace and the commitment and skill levels of both teams were admired by all. Both teams were to be lauded for the efforts they put in for what was their fourth game of the day. Aodh Ruadh led at half time by 1-1 to no score. The Ballyshannon boys were determined this was going to be their day. Four year of hard work on and off the field by the panel and their management had brought them to this stage and they were determined not to let it slip. They gave it everything for the second half, played through the pain barrier and won out convincing winners by 1-5 to no score.
There were scenes of great celebration at the final whistle as the team made history to becoming the first Aodh Ruadh side to claim the Donegal hurling Féile title. This team continues to upset the form book and showed what determination and hard work can achieve. They set a goal to win this Féile in 2006 and that's exactly what they did.
It was a great victory for the 21 man panel, their management and their families who helped out at every step of the way. All the effort and hard work paid off and we all look forward to heading to Clare in June.
When the excitement had calmed down, Donegal Hurling Chairman, Donal McLaughlin, presented the trophy to the winning captain, Ciaran Rami who gratefully accepted Aodh Ruadh's first trophy of the new decade. A huge cavalcade toured the town with scenes of great jubilation. The boys also led the cavalcade to Tonragee to Mr. Hurling, Billy Finn who was part of this team from their first under 10 game together in 2006.
Thanks to all the mothers who catered for all the teams. Thanks to the Aodh Ruadh Park Committee for the excellent facilities. Thanks to the referees Dan Hartnett and Eddie Lynch. Thanks also to Pat Malaniff and to all the supporters. Thanks to all who helped us in any way and finally thanks to the lads themselves for the great achievement and the impeccable display of all their skills, discipline and sportsmanship.
Last modified: Monday, 1 June 2020 at 1:32pm