Football
Aodh Ruadh exited the under 21 championship at the quarter-final stages with an away defeat to Glenswilly. The Ballyshannon lads had the better of it for much of the game, although scores were hard come by. They led by the odd score in five at the turnaround and kept their noses in front for much of the second half. Heading into the final quarter they were ahead by 0-7 to 0-5 with Damian Weber, Jack Gallagher and Cian Rooney all registering. From there to the final whistle though it was all Glenswilly. The homesters hit an unanswered six points to secure their place in the last four. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows. Aaron Cullen; Daire Gallagher, Ryan Keenaghan, Aidan Sweeny; Darragh Flood Dolan, Kyle Murray, Senan Rooney; Colm McGloin, Eoghan Kelly; Mark McGlynn, Jack Gallagher (0-2), Matt Gillespie; Damian Weber (0-4, 3f), Cian Rooney (0-1), Marty McGarrigle. Subs: Harry Howarth, James Gallagher, James Monaghan, Rory Gethins, James Ward, Diarmuid Dolan. Many thanks to the management, mentors and team for their hard work over the past few months.
Best of luck to Eoghan Kelly who will be lining out for Ulster University in the All-Ireland Freshers final against the University of Limerick on Wednesday, 6th December. You can follow the game live on the TG4’s YouTube stream.
Hurling
The under 21s finally made it into championship action on Sunday after a long delay. They were up against Saint Eunan’s after a lapse of a few years since the club last took part in this grade, so it was great to field a side. Aodh Ruadh had 16 players togging out and were without a few more with county training and injuries, but the lads gave their all against a very good Eunan’s side. The Letterkenny lads were quick out of the blocks and lead well at half-time, but the Ernesiders never gave up and got two goals in the first few minutes in the second half. However, Ballyshannon struggled from there on and Saint Eunan’s kicked on near the end to win well. The team now await the conclusion of other fixtures to see who their next opposition will be.
The underage awards season wraps up this Saturday 9th December when the Juvenile Hurlers host their awards night in Dorrian’s Imperial Hotel. Guest of honour on the night will be county star and Champion 15 award winner, Danny Cullen, while Michael Daly will once again be master of ceremonies for the evening. The action gets underway at 6pm, and with plenty of silverware to be presented it promises to be a real night for our young hurlers to remember.
Ladies
The under 13s are preparing for their Silver county final. Date, venue and time remain to be confirmed. Keep an eye on the club’s social media channels for updates.
Donegal v Roscommon in the Park
Aodh Ruadh are proud to announce the return of inter-county football to Father Tierney Park on Sunday, 17th December. Donegal will be the hosts for a challenge game against Roscommon with a share of the proceeds from the game going to North West Hospice, an organisation which has given great service to people from across both counties. The last time Ballyshannon played host to the senior county side was on 1st March 2020 when Declan Bonner’s men saw off Monaghan in the Division 1 of the National Football League on a scoreline of 2-12 to 0-8. Indeed, the Erneside ground has generally proved a happy hunting ground for Donegal down the years and we hope that will continue in next month’s challenge with the action getting under way at 1.30pm. Put it in your diary and spread the word as Jim McGuinness’s Donegal mark two make their first inter-county outing. You can get your tickets online now at futureticketing.ie.
Christmas quizzing
A couple of dates for the festive diary for the quizzers out there. The Park Committee will be hosting a quiz in Seán Óg’s on Tuesday, 19th December. 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 on Thursday, 21st December, 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.
Suim agat sa Ghaeilge?
Interested in using your own level of Irish in a relaxed, enjoyable conversation group? Aodh Ruadh GAA Club invite you to GAEILGE DO GACH DUINE. Join us in Dorrian’s Hotel, Ballyshannon where we will meet every Tuesday for six weeks commencing Tuesday 14th November from 8.30pm to 9.45pm. All levels of Irish are welcome to join in, speak, listen, or just do whatever you are comfortable with. This event is free of charge. Bain triail as, beidh fáilte romhat.
New arrival
Many congratulations to Sarah and Darren Drummond on their latest arrival to the clan, Robyn!
Ballyshannon Bingo
Last week’s Ballyshannon Bingo on Tuesday, 28th November, was another craic-packed night in the Abbey Centre. The jackpot was won by Jean Brolly, while the House winners were Mary McGonigle, Mary B Kerrigan, Marion Matthews, Anne O’Reilly, Michael Keating, Sarah Brady Coughlin, Geraldine Kane, Jude Rooney and Packie Johnston (with two lines as well!), whilst Teresa Campbell took the €100 Game 6 house. The Line winners were Maureen Coughlin, Jean Murray, Breige Kelly, Patricia Downey, Marie Gallagher (twice!), Josie Lynch and Francis Brennan, with Regina Dolan taking the €50 double line. The €1,000 Winter Snowball escaped so rolls over for another week and is in play on 49 numbers this week. Well done to Bridget Quinn on winning €150 on the Stand-Up game. Bingo take place at the usual time of 8.30pm this Tuesday at the Abbey Centre with doors open at 7.45pm, as we play for a €2,800 prize fund including the €500 50/50 Jackpot and €300 Lucky Numbers Game. Books cost just €10! Come along a bring a friend for a great night of craic and prizes!
Aodh Ruadh lotto
There was no winner of the Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €5,000. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 2, 3, 7, 13 and 18. In the lucky dip prizes of €20 were won by Mary Stephens, Anne and Eamon Maguire, Bryan McGuinness, Edward and Dympna Gilbride, and Rita McGullion. The next draw is for a jackpot of €5,000 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: SENIOR HURLERS.