Football
Aodh Ruadh made it three wins in the county ground in less than a week with the under 21s getting their championship tilt off to the perfect start with a 3-10 to 1-8 win over a fancied MacCumhaill’s outfit. The game was late to get going, with no referee showing. Luckily Val Murray was on hand and, with the respective managements’ agreement, Murray undertook officiating duties. The man’s an authentic legend of the game. The hosts justified their favouritism early on, slipping over with only a minute on the clock. By contrast it took Aodh Ruadh time to settle into the game and there were six minutes gone before they opened their account with a cultured effort off the boot of Jack Gallagher. MacCumhaill’s responded instantly, but the Ernesiders were slowly starting to hit their stride and points from Cian Rooney and Matt Gillespie took them in front for the first time. Two frees from MacCumhaill’s took them back into the lead in the 11th minute, but Aodh Ruadh were about to take control of the tie. First they levelled through Matt Gillespie after some good work by Darragh Flood Dolan, then in the 13th minute Cian Rooney showed good awareness to cut in and send a ball down the end line for Colm McGloin to bundled home the game’s first goal. MacCumhaill’s rallied with a point, but their cause was fatally holed when a Jack Gallagher shot was blocked and dropped short. Cian Rooney was the first to react and stabbed the ball past the keeper to make it 2-4 to 0-5 with 19 minutes played. The hosts hit the last two points of the half, but at the interval they were very much in a catch-up situation.
Aodh Ruadh stretched the lead on the restart after Damian Weber hit his first of the game three minutes in, but MacCumhaill’s got a real shot in the arm with a goal immediately afterwards, which cut the gap between the sides to just a point. From here to the final whistle though it would be all Aodh Ruadh. Points from Harry Howarth, Jack Gallagher and Colm McGloin put a goal in it again, and, although MacCumhaill’s hit an answering point in the 41st minute, Ballyshannon were now playing all the football. Jack Gallagher was pulling the man pulling strings and put four between them with a fisted effort as the game moved into the final quarter. He then added a free before winning a penalty which he dusted himself down and whipped home with lethal precision to put the seal on an impressive opening day win for the Ernesiders. There were a number of eye-catching displays for Aodh Ruadh with Aidan Sweeny and Ryan Keenaghan well on top in defence, with James Gallagher looking very good on his introduction too. The midfield pairing of Colm McGloin and Matt Gillespie lorded it around the centre of the park, while up front Aodh Ruadh had an embarrassment of riches with Jack Gallagher combining craft with accuracy, Cian Rooney showing real finisher’s instinct and Harry Howarth working hard throughout.
The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Aaron Cullen; Daire Gallagher, Kyle Murray, Aidan Sweeny; Ryan Keenaghan, Mark McGlynn, Senan Rooney; Matt Gillespie (0-2), Colm McGloin (1-1); Eoghan Kelly, Jack Gallagher (1-4, pen, 1f), Darragh Flood Dolan, Damian Weber (0-1), Cian Rooney (1-1), Harry Howarth (0-1). Subs: James Gallagher for Daire Gallagher 35 minutes; Cian McKenna for Harry Howarth 52 minutes; Conor Foy for Ryan Keenaghan 60 minutes. Next up for the under 21s is the visit of Naomh Conaill to Father Tierney Park this Saturday with a 2.30pm throw-in.
Eoghan Gallagher’s side claimed the Bakery Cup on Bank Holiday Monday after a magnificent final where a dramatic late goal from Ciaran McGuinness gave Eoghan’s team a one point win, 4-12 to 4-11 over MJ Ward’s team. In its 57th year, the Bakery Cup is a very special tournament and we had great drama in the Shield Final too, which was also won by a point, Aaron McLoone’s team 6-7 Antoin Duffy’s team 4-12. McLoone’s side looked to have an unassailable lead with seven minutes to play but Antoin Duffy’s team had different ideas, bringing this game right to the edge, and a one point margin. Aaron’s side have goalkeeper Phelim Barron to thank for the bravest of saves when he denied a certain goal with 90 seconds to play. Young Barron took a second or two to recover from the rasper, but literally saved the day for his side. Well done also to Antoin Duffy’s first cousin Anthony, who deputised for Antoin who was away on holidays. Anthony never gave up, dragging the ‘Duffy’ team back into this game. Callum Dorrian, a stylish player, was scorer-in-chief for the winners. Lovely to see Donegal and Ulster star Mickey McLoone there to watch the games and see his grandsons Aaron and Daniel in action. After great games the presentations took place in Áras Aoidh Ruaidh treats for all the players evoked another era when sweets and ice creams were handed out by Paddy and in time his son Pearse O’Neill. A great tradition, great to see the Bakery Cup continued, and this afternoon on a day for ducks and kites, we saw two wonderful finals, both won by the minimum margin. Well done to all the players, coaches, parents and guardians on a great event.
Last Wednesday evening in Ballybofey an under 13 Division 3 title was on the line. This group of Aodh Ruadh players deserved no less, having put in tremendous displays all year. The expectation built during the day and the cars with water, gum shields, gloves boots and the players descended on MacCumhaill Park. The tension and excitement were obvious in the big dressing rooms as players got ready for the tough contest ahead. The managers Kenneth McGurrin and Philip McLoone got everyone out onto the back pitch for the warm-up and you could see the players were ready to put in a big effort for their club and themselves. This group need little in the way of motivation. They have driven on all year. As we went onto this famous pitch the final night would be no different. As the floodlights sparked to life the captain John McHugh negotiated with the referee and his Red Hugh’s counterpart. We would play into the town end. The manager’s issued final instructions and the players took over from there. The referee threw it up and Aodh Ruadh won the break. The first five minutes saw both teams go hammer and tongs trying to get the first score. Red Hugh’s began to dominate possession. As the older, bigger and more experienced team Red Hugh’s began to exert control. However tenacious defending from Harry McGowan, John McHugh and Senan Ward repelled attack after attack. Phelim Barron in goal was a rock and provided great confidence to his team. As Aodh Ruadh settled into the game, Ciaran McGuinness and Conor Grimes powered the boys up the field. Great passing from Daniel McLoone helped feed Alex Hoey and Diarmuid Fox who were working hard for the cause. Joseph Devenny was tenacious and strong in the tackle. However, the bigger Red Hugh’s side were using their physical advantage and got the score board moving. Despite some good chances Aodh Ruadh struggled to score, though some felt Hawkeye would have helped us. As the game progressed stout defending from Aiden McGurrin and Pauric McGrath kept us in the game. The score board started moving for Aodh Ruadh and Red Hugh’s were feeling the heat. Peter Mulligan and Dara McGuinness made several vital interventions with Tom Travers and Louis Hasset winning some great ball. Up front Robbie van Hooijdonk and Donnacha Conlon were making great in-roads. The pace of these forwards was posing hard questions for the experienced Red Hugh’s outfit. Despite the great effort Red Hugh’s were establishing a comfortable lead well into the second half. When other sides may have given up the ghost, this side doubled down on the hard work. A goal was our just reward. Red Hugh’s were getting nervous. Well-deserved frees added to the momentum and another goal from Donnacha Conlon suddenly had the crowd cheering and Red Hugh’s increasingly nervous. As the game drew to a conclusion the effort was telling on Aodh Ruadh and Red Hugh’s were able to keep the score board moving. The gap, while closing late on, was too big and the referee blew the final whistle. In that moment these players were distraught, showing their passion for their team and their club. However, they showed great sportsmanship congratulating their opponents and applauding their achievement. This is a very young Aodh Ruadh team ably supported all year by a great band of under 11s. Their opponents may have been older, bigger and more experienced but not braver or more committed. The journey home was made easier by the anticipation of pizza and chips in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Thanks very much to the club for providing this. The rest of the under 13 squad joined us and the resilience of the players showed through as did the great support from family and friends. A great way to finish of a wonderful season of growth and development for a wonderful group. As the season has now concluded we thank the whole under 13 panel for their efforts all year. We also thank the committed management team who helped this large group of players make such good progress over the course of the year.
Our under 7 boys have their final blitz of the season at home this Saturday, November 4th. The annual team shot will take place at this blitz, so it would be good to see as many players present as possible.
A well attended Bord na nÓg AGM took place in Áras Aoidh Ruaidh last Wednesday. In what was another good year for underage football managers submitted end of year reports. Of particular note was the trend of large numbers in our youngest teams and hopes that we can continue to field two teams in most age groups in 2022. In the election of officers Michael McGrath was returned as chairman and Darren McGuinness was elected as secretary to replace outgoing secretary Brian Gillespie. There was a well-rounded and reasoned debate on the issue of odd versus even age groups and the overwhelming response in the room was that Aodh Ruadh are in favour of retaining the status quo at under 17 in light of problems with scheduling and unrealistic demands on all our players including dual players if a return to under 18 was to be actioned. Aodh Ruadh will articulate this position at the next county forum. Finally, a motion to go to AGM to prevent competitive football / hurling games in the same age being played on consecutive nights was also passed. There was a note of thanks recorded to all who lined out for Aodh Ruadh over the past season, and to the parents and guardians and all who volunteered and helped in any capacity. Our club could not function without this selfless dedication.
Ladies
Aodh Ruadh’s success in MacCumhaill Park continued on Friday evening last week with the under 23 ladies just about coming out on top in an entertaining shoot out with the homesters. Bridín Maguire was the woman of the hour, with her goal-getting the main difference between the sides at the final whistle. The game started with a flurry of scores, a brace for the homesters answered by points from Orla Keon and Brídín Maguire. Maguire then raised the first green flag of the game as she found the net in the fourth minute. MacCumhaill’s were very lively though and hit an unanswered 1-4 over the next 20 minutes to move into the driver’s seat in this game. Aodh Ruadh were second best and points from Brídín Maguire and Eimear McMahon only just about kept their side in contact at the interval with MacCumhaill’s leading 1-7 to 1-4.
Aodh Ruadh got a big boost on the restart when an Eimear McMahon free dropped into the net, but MacCumhaill’s hit two quick points to reclaim the lead. Brídín Maguire struck again in the 42nd minute to send Aodh Ruadh back in front again. MacCumhaill’s went straight up the pitch and hit a leveller, but seven minutes later Maguire bagged her hattrick to make it 2-10 to 4-4. Aodh Ruadh pressed their advantage now, with points from Mary Flora Scott and Eimear McMahon followed by a goal for Orla Keon as a shot dropped into the net. With two minutes left to play and a five point lead in hand, it looked like the Shamettes had done enough. However, MacCumhaill’s put in a strong finish and three points on the spin set up a nervy final few minutes, but the Aodh Ruadh defence held strong to secure a hard-earned victory. The back line of Síofra Hughes, Ciara Caldwell and Hannah McGuinness were excellent against a very dangerous MacCumhaill’s attack. Caoimhe Keon, Niamh Hughes and Orla Keon gave great service in the middle third, while up front Brídín Maguire was the difference between the teams with a impressive conversion rate on the night. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Roisin Maguire, Hannah McGuinness, Síofra Hughes, Ciara Caldwell, Aoibhinn McGarrigle, Caitlin McGarrigle, Orla Keon (1-1); Caoimhe Keon, Niamh Hughes; Niamh Hoey, Cáit Gillespie, Mary Flora Scott (0-1), Bridín Maguire (3-2), Eimear McMahon (1-2, 1-1f). The team will be in semi-final action in two weeks time.
Our under 13 girls played the last of their league games at home on Saturday morning, against a strong Glencolmcille team. The winners knew they would clinch third spot and a home draw in championship with the losers finishing fourth and an away draw in championship. As expected, the game was very close, with two very evenly matched teams. Goals prove vital in such a game, and Naomh Columba’s two goals, one in each half, saw them come out on top by four points in the end. Many thanks to Val Murray for refereeing. The girls now have a two week break, when they will resume with an away championship quarter-final.
Camogie
The Camogie sub committee will be meeting this Wednesday at 7.45pm in Áras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.
Club Shop now live
The club’s online shop is now open through O’Reilly’s Sports up until Monday 30th October at https://oreillysofficial.com/product-category/aodh-rua/. All orders will take approximately 6 weeks for delivery from the close of the online shop. Orders can be delivered direct to your door, or you can also avail of a click and collect service from the O’Reilly’s Sports Store in Ballybofey.
Club AGM
The club AGM will take place on Sunday, 26th November. Nomination and motion forms have now been issued to committee members for the 2023 club AGM. If anyone would like nomination and motion forms sent to them to please send your request to Club Secretary Lisa McTernan by text on 085-1061456 or email secretary.aodhruadh.donegal@gaa.ie. The deadline date for return of nominations and motions forms is Friday, 3rd November. No forms will be accepted past this date. Sub-committee and officer reports should be submitted to Secretary, Lisa McTernan, by Friday 17th November.
Clothes collection
Our used clothes collection is still going strong and bags can continue to be dropped to North West Floors and Doors for the next number of weeks. Call Orla on 086-8035316 if you need to arrange a collection.
Ballyshannon Bingo
We play our Halloween Bingo this Tuesday at the Abbey Centre! Fancy dress is welcome and we’ll have a few spot prizes for those in costume! Well done to Geraldine Kane on winning last week’s Jackpot prize at our bingo on Tuesday, 24th October. The house winners were Pat McNeely, Celine McGrath and Denis Sheerin (Shared Game 2), Breda Carty, Celine McGrath, Patsy McShea, and Josie Lynch (Shared Game 5), Rita Touhy, Jean Murray, Emma Keating and Marie Ward (Shared) whilst Majella Gettins took the €100 house. The line winners were Amy Kennedy, Marie Ward, Kathleen McGrory, Patricia O’Reilly, Anne Patterson, Patrice Cox, Emma Keating, Finbar Torney, Bill McGonigle, Irene Anderson, Molly Kerrigan and Regina Dolan, with Jude Rooney taking the €50 double line. Kathleen Curran took home €135 from the Stand-Up game. The €1,000 escaped to roll on another week as we play for up to €2,800 including the €500 50/50 Jackpot and €300 Lucky Numbers game. Bingo at the usual time of 8.30pm Tuesday with doors open at 7.45pm.
Aodh Ruadh lotto
There was no winner of the Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €4,500. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 2, 9, 13, 15 and 18. In the lucky dip prizes of €20 were won by Oisin Rooney, Barry Cullen, Laurence Sweeney, Rui O’Neill and Sean O’Mahoney. The next draw is for a jackpot of €4,600 on Sunday in Owen Roe’s 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.