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 Muraray; 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.
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!
Aodh Ruadh lotto
There was no winner of the Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €10,000. The winning numbers drawn were 3, 5, 6, 8, 12 and 13. In the lucky dip prizes of €100 were won by Celina Downey, Carmel Gillespie, Diarmaid Whoriskey, Caroline Patton and Rossa Cox. The next draw is for a jackpot of €10,000 on Sunday in the Bridgend Bar. Lotto tickets are available in Kernan’s Spar and Pearse O’Neill’s. You can play also play the lotto online. Log onto klubfunder.com and then search for and select Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon. Users can now avail of the auto-renew option to play the same line every week until they decide to stop when they pay using Stripe. If you’re not in, you can’t win!
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra on Saturday is: LADIES.