Donegal v Roscommon
The conditions couldn’t dampen the excitement and enthusiasm on the Rock on Sunday, with the second coming of Jim McGuinness getting under way in fine fashion at the revamped Father Tierney Park. The Tir Chonaill men continued their winning run at the Erneside venue with a six point win over a game Roscommon outfit. Many thanks to everyone who helped make sure the day ran off so smoothly and made it such a success. We have a great gallery of shots from the game up on aodhruadh.org now.
Ladies
Our under 13 girls travelled to Convoy on Wednesday night last for their Silver county final against the Saint Mary’s who had won the toss for home venue. It was a perfect night for football, with little or no wind and the pitch was in great condition for a December final. Aodh Ruadh and Saint Mary’s looked well matched in the opening ten minutes, trading scores leaving it two points a piece. Aodh Ruadh then took control of the game, with two quick fire goals and two points putting the Shamettes 2-4 to 0-2 ahead. More goals followed for Aodh Ruadh, but Convoy scored a fortuitous goal themselves just before the interval to give them hope for the second half. The score at the turn-around readAodh Ruadh 4-4 Convoy 1-3.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Aodh Ruadh dominating. Emma Travers at full forward scored her second goal of the game, and Kali Gallagher hit 1-1 to put Ballyshannon within touching distance of lifting the title. Convoy didn’t give up and kept battling, putting several points on the board. In the end though, Aodh Ruadh were full value for their win on a score line of Aodh Ruadh 6-9 Saint Mary’s, Convoy 2-6.
That triumph finished off the under 13 season on a high for these girls who have improved greatly as the season has gone on. This was an all-round strong performance by the team, but special mention to Erin Gallagher in goals who was again superb, Lexi Roper and Olivia Coyle were rock solid in defence, Leah Roper in the heart of defence, Niamh McGrath and Faye Gillespie dominated at midfield, Kate McGrath at centre forward and Jenna Britton was brilliant in attack as well as using her athletic ability to get back and help her defence also. Faye Gillespie was the main score getter chipping in with 1-6. Niamh McGrath collected the trophy on behalf of the team, and the team returned to Ballyshannon for a celebration which was enjoyed by the girls, parents and coaches. Many thanks to Brian Roper, Packie McGrath, Seamus Roper and Karol Roper for their coaching of this team over the course of a long season. Thanks also to the parents and guardians for their invaluable support.
Hurling
The Senior Hurling committee are inviting nominations for the position of chairperson and a secretary. Nominations should be sent to secretary.aodhruadh.donegal@gaa.ie by Wednesday, 3rd January 2024.
The under 21s bowed out of the championship at the semi-final stages on Saturday. Ballyshannon travelled to the Centre of Excellence in Convoy with 15 players to take on Saint Eunan’s. The elements were to have a big say in proceedings and Aodh Ruadh had the benefit of the strong breeze in the first half. They made good use of it to go in at the break with a seven point cushion. The Letterkenny lads came out with the bit between their teeth in the second half though, and picked off their scores to run out 3-9 to 1-8 winners at the final whistle.
The juvenile hurlers enjoyed a fantastic presentation evening recently in Dorrian’s Imperial Hotel. After a prolonged hiatus, it was just great to be back celebrating the successes of 2023 and looking forward to what might be in 2024! The large turn-out was treated to the wisdom and advice of Danny Cullen, freshly returned from Setanta’s remarkable win in the Ulster Intermediate Final. Interviewed by Michael Daly, Danny informed all our young players that hard work and dedication pays off and that Setanta’s story of growth and success over the past few decades was testament to this. He was so impressed with the number of players receiving awards and encouraged all our young hurlers to continue practising and honing their skills with the small ball. Juvenile Hurling Chairperson, Eoghan Ruadh O’Neill, thanked all involved in helping to grow hurling in Aodh Ruadh before handing over to Danny and the respective managers to present the players with their awards. All the non-competitive age grades, from under 7 to under 11, received a medal for their participation throughout the year. The under 15s received medals for winning the County Féile title and the Táin Óg tournament. The minors received their medals for winning the Táin Óg tournament and the Donegal League. There were special awards on the night for the older lads – a manager’s choice for most improved player and a team choice for players’ player of the year. The season saw the under 15 most improved award going to ace goalkeeper, Jayden McGrath Clyne and the players’ player of the year was scooped by Corey Sheridan. On the minor panel, most improved player was awarded to Dara O’Mahoney and the players’ choice went to captain, Cian McDonald. Photos on the night were kindly taken by the ever helpful, Ellen McGarrigle.
GOAL mile
Aodh Ruadh are hosting the GOAL Mile walk this Christmas. Shake of the festive cobwebs with a few laps of Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh for a good cause. It takes place on Friday, 29 December from 11am to 2pm in Munday’s. We’ll have the síopa open serving coffee, tea and treats to keep you going. ALL funds raised will go to disadvantaged people in some of the most vulnerable countries in Africa, the Middle East and South America. To sign up just head along to goalmile.org. You can also just come along on the day as we are fully set up for tap-and-go donations from you phone or card.
No Shame in asking for Help!
In these uncertain economic times, and Christmas nearly here, many people may be challenged in ways they have rarely been before, mostly due to circumstances beyond their control. The cost of oil and heating, groceries, some increases in mortgage repayments – it can be a lot for some people to manage. No family should ever have to choose between food and heat! Many people are in the same boat – more than you imagine! So, please get the help and guidance you need at this time – for your own sake and the sake of your family. Why suffer in silence when help is out there for you? Contact any of the numbers below – all of whom are awaiting your call to help, and who will help you in the strictest confidence.
Saint Vincent de Paul Confidential 087-6628833
MABS (Money, Advice, Budgeting) 081-8072480
Credit Union 071-9852288
If you are comfortable. please support the Saint Vincent de Paul Appeal 2023 Envelopes available at the back of Saint Patrick’s Church, Ballyshannon. All monies collected here will he spent here. Share a little of what you have with those who have not!
Reproduced from Kilbarron Parish Ballyshannon notes.
Christmas quizzing
A few of dates for the festive diary for the quizzers out there. The Park Committee will be hosting a quiz in Seán Óg’s this Tuesday. There will be loads of prizes to be won, even if you can’t make it on the night. Tickets are available for the raffle from any of the bar staff in Seán Óg’s, with the prizes including a huge Christmas hamper. The action gets under way at 9pm with entry €20 for a table of four.
Then this Thursday the famed Juvenile hurling quiz takes place in Owen Roe’s. The action starts there at 9.30pm, with the huge raffle likely to draw plenty of interest.
Finally, after the turkey has been taken care of, the Ladies will be running a quiz in Dicey Reilly’s on Thursday, 28th December. More details to follow in coming weeks.
Millstone reunion nite!
Bord na nÓg are hosting a Millstone reunion party on Friday 29th December, in Dicey Reilly’s. Herman will be on the decks playing all the hits from the 70s, 80s and early 90s, and he might even rock the boat! Sure to be a great night full of memories and laughs! Paper tickets are only €10, and can be bought from all Aodh Ruadh underage football managers. Sure they would make great Christmas gifts! Tickets can also be bought on line at klubfunder.com.
Ballyshannon Chrimbo Bingo
We hope you’re all in a festive spirit for this Tuesday’s Bumper Ballyshannon Bingo. Our Santa’s sack is bulging with a hefty €3,000 prize fund. The €500 jackpot must be won, while the snowball is sitting at huge €1,000 and ready to go on 51 numbers. As ever we’ll get you in Yuletide mood with heaps of great spot prizes and festive treats! It’s eyes down at 8.30pm, with books priced €10 or €18 for a double. We warmed up in fine fashion last week and well done to our winners on the night. Sonia Kelly scooped the Jackpot prize. Packie Johnston had a good night taking a line and a house, whilst Denis Sheerin also had a good night winning €140 on the stand-up game, a house prize and a free book! The other house winners were Ann Lowther, James Gettins, Jean Brolly, Marie Ward (with a line), Bridget Quinn, Eoin Doherty (with a line too), Ann Gallagher / Mary Donagher shared, whilst Margaret Meehan took the €100 house. The other line winners were Sean Coughlin, Mary Roper (twice), Karen Coughlin, Patricia O’Connor, Ellen Maguire and Gerard Kane, with Teresa Anderson winning the €50 line.
Aodh Ruadh lotto
There was no winner of the Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €5,200. The winning numbers drawn were 2, 4, 8, 11, 13 and 14. In the lucky dip prizes of €20 were won by Kathleen Fallon, Patricia Mealiffe, Sarah McGrath, Chris Kelly and Fiona O’Doherty. The winners of our special Christmas hampers were Carmel McCadden, Shane Coughlin, Sean and Jimmy, and Mike Lynch. The next draw is for a jackpot of €5,300 on Saturday 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: SENIOR HURLERS.