Football
It wasn’t pretty, but Aodh Ruadh did the business in Tir Chonaill Park, coming away with the points after a pedestrian contest where the opposition failed to score from play. The first 30 minutes of football yielded just four points in total. The first arrived nine minutes in when Cian Rooney pounced on a loose ball and swept over a crisp shot. Four Masters only point of the half arrived midway through from a free. The last two points fell to Shane McGrath, the first a fine individual effort which went over with the aid of the upright, the second was the product of good link up play with Philip Patton. Four Masters had the breeze in the second half and made early use of it to earn and convert two frees. That, however, was to be as good as it got for the Donegal town men. In the 44th minute Diarmaid McInerney sent over the free after Matt Gillespie was dragged down to open a bit of daylight between the sides again. Aodh Ruadh were starting to find some fluency and Shane McGrath split the posts again after some good build-up play. With three points between the sides and time running out Four Masters started to chase a goal, and Peter Boyle had to be alert to keep out a good effort two minutes from time. Aodh Ruadh then went up the pitch and won a free which Diarmaid McInerney converted for the insurance point as it finished Aodh Ruadh 0-7 Four Master 0-3. Safe to say this isn’t a game which will linger long in the memory, but at this stage of the championship it’s just a case of putting points on the board. Peter Boyle made an important save late on and the defence was generally very sound, although they will be disappointed that the ref brought up all three of Four Masters converted frees. Conor Patton did really well on his return, while further up the pitch Shane McGrath had a man of the match performance, and was pushed all the way by brother Eamonn for those particular laurels. Cian Dolan, Mark McGlynn and Philip Patton all featured strongly in Aodh Ruadh’s best attacking passages of play. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Peter Boyle; Kyle Murray, Conor Patton, Niall Murray; Michael McKenna, Eamonn McGrath, Eddie Lynch; Shane McGrath (0-3), Cian Dolan; Mark McGlynn, Diarmaid McInerney (0-3f), Philip Patton; Colm Kelly, Cian Rooney (0-1), Matt Gillespie. Subs: Darren Drummond for Matt Gillespie 45 minutes; Callum O’Halloran for Cian Rooney. Head along to aodhruadh.org for a gallery of pictures from the game, including plenty of crowd shots.
Aodh Ruadh came away with a share of the spoils in the reserve game, but will be pondering what might have been after Four Masters got the benefit of the doubt for a second half point. Ballyshannon had the wind behind them in the first half, and initially made good use of it to take an early two point lead, Damian Weber and Sticky Ward finding the range. A Four Masters free four minutes in brought them back to within a point, but a Sticky Ward free after ten minutes restored the two point cushion. Scores were proving hard come by and it took good work from Harry Howarth to set up Damian Weber for Aodh Ruadh’s next score in the 23rd minute. Four Masters did manage to hit answering points though, so they went in trailing by the minimum 0-4 to 0-3 at the interval. Given the strength of the breeze it looked like they were in a good position to push on. The second half saw the scores slow to come once again, with Sticky Ward hitting the first of the half five minutes in. Donegal town came straight back with an answering score and then came what was possibly the pivotal moment of the game. Four Masters fired in what looked like a ragged wide effort, but after consulting with the umpire, the referee awarded the point to Four Masters. That levelled the game and put the wind proverbially and literally in the hosts’ sails. Sticky Ward did edge the Ernesiders back in front with a superb point, but Donegal town levelled quickly. They took the lead in the 46th minute and stretched it with a free in the 52nd minute. Aodh Ruadh started to dominate possession now and after a good move Sticky Ward was through on goal, but his shot flashed agonisingly over the bar. Ward then levelled the game at eight points apiece from a very difficult placed ball with two minutes left, but again Four Masters nudged in front with a point from play. It looked like Aodh Ruadh might have shot their bolt, but James Gallagher was really brave to win a free in front of the posts which Ward slotted with the last kick of the game to leave it honours even, Aodh Ruadh 0-9 Four Masters 0-9. Karl O’Brien was excellent for the Ballyshannon men, pulling off a phenomenal double save late on to keep his side in the game. Oisin Kerr, Darragh Flood Dolan and Daniel Warnock got through a sight of work, while in the middle of the field Colm McGloin had an outstanding first half before been stood down for senior duties. Caelan Drummond and Odhran McGarrigle also contributed well around the centre. Sticky Ward was the focal point of the attack and worked well with Damian Weber and Harry Howarth. Half time sub James Gallagher also had a very strong outing. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Karl O’Brien; Luke Carr, Michael Ward, Oisin Kerr; Darragh Flood Dolan, Chris Goan, Daniel Warnock; Odhran McGarrigle, Colm McGloin; JJ Cassidy, Caelan Drummond, Damian Weber (0-2); Cathal Kelly, Harry Howarth, Michael ‘Sticky’ Ward (0-7, 2f). Subs: James Gallagher for Colm McGloin HT; Ciaran Slevin for JJ Cassidy 52 minutes. Check out aodhruadh.org where we have a great gallery of shots from the game.
Our seniors and reserves are out in championship again on this Saturday in Ballyshannon against Gaoth Dobhair, a reprise of last year’s championship quarter-final. The reserve game throws in at 3.30pm with the senior clash going off at 5pm. Admission for this Saturday’s championship double header is €10 for adults, €5 for students and OAPs, and free for under 16s.
The minors made the trip to Páirc na nGael on Monday evening to take on Naomh Columba. The conditions were very poor with strong wind and heavy rain not conducive to good football. Aodh Ruadh played with the benefit of the wind in the first half, such as it was. The Ballyshannon lads took a while to shake off the effects of the trip to Glencolumcille, but managed to hit their stride in the second quarter and started to reel off points. James Monaghan hit two super scores with Eoin Cassidy, Garvey Meade and Oran Gillespie also raising white flags. Just before the half-time whistle the Ernesiders strung together a lovely move which saw Barry Campbell dancing around the tackles to find Dara McGloin who switched across the face of goal for MJ Ward to palm to the net. That score left Aodh Ruadh leading by 1-5 to 0-4 at half-time. Ballyshannon now faced into the wind for the second half, and made light of the conditions to play some really good football. Despite that though, they could only muster points from Eoin Cassidy and Garvey Meade while Glen used their local knowledge to good effect as they picked off their scores. In the end the hosts prevailed on a final scoreline of Naomh Columba 1-11 Aodh Ruadh 1-7. Corey Sheridan was outstanding in goals once again, while in the defence James Monaghan was phenomenal with James Ward and Ted O’Donnell offering good support and Joe Gibbions excelling in his sweeping role. In the attack MJ Ward, Barry Campbell and Oran Gillespie all had lively outings. The minors will have a break next week as they wait to see if they are graded in the Cup or Shield competitions, with their next fixtures slated for Monday, 4th September.
Our under 15s travelled to Buncrana on Friday last, for a shield semi-final clash against the host team. Ballyshannon were missing several regular starters, however the new faces as well as the established players on the team thrived in the opening minutes, and came out of the blocks quicker than their opponents. The opening score was a thing of beauty, a flowing, passing move from our own 45, finished to the top corner of the Buncrana net. That score and opening passage set the tone, and the Aodh Ruadh lads continued the half dominating their 50/50 battles, and working harder than their opponents. The visitors went in at half-time 2-3 to 0-4 up. The second half continued in similar fashion, with the Ernesiders always keeping that five or six point margin ahead. The final score was 2-7 to 0-5, after a very workmanlike effort from each and every player. The squad will train at the normal times this week. Details of the shield final against Termon will be confirmed through the team WhatsApp group.
On Saturday we hosted the under 13 Willie Roger’s memorial tournament. It was fantastic day of football with 16 teams from nine clubs taking part. The football was played in fantastic spirit with some great young talent on show. Saint John’s of Sligo won the Willie Rogers trophy, defeating Aodh Ruadh 1 on a scoreline of 3-9 to 3-5 in what was an extremely entertaining game with both teams competing fiercely for the top prize. This is the second year in row that Saint John’s won out the day so congratulations to the Yeats county boys. The Aodh Ruadh 2 and 3 teams brought home silverware with John McHugh and Alfie McGowan leading those teams to their respective cups. On the day, Tourlestrane (2), Calry Saint Joseph’s (1), Saint John’s (2), Enniskillen Gaels (2), Naomh Bríd (2), Ardara (2), Bundoran (1), Saint Naul’s (1) and Aodh Ruadh (3) made up the 16 teams. A massive thank you to all the clubs who participated and really added to the day. Also, a massive thank you to everyone that helped organise the tournament or contributed in any way, these days don’t happen by accident and your contribution is much appreciated. It was brilliant to see all the Rogers family there and we know that Renee and the rest of the Rogers family look forward to this tournament each year. We have a fantastic gallery of pictures live now on aodhruadh.org.
On Wednesday evening the under 13 Division 1 team made the long journey to Buncrana to play in the all-county league but unfortunately came up short on the evening losing 0-14 to 0-9 to the hosts. The lads played to the very last whistle and had opportunities to get more scores on the board in what was a bruising encounter. Training continues Monday and Friday this week as our attention now turns to championship in two weekends time.
Meanwhile, pride of place this week goes to our 2012 under 11s who lined out in Croke Park on Wednesday afternoon. 26 boys played across four games on what was a memorable occasion for all involved. Special thanks to all the coaches who made the day possible. We have some lovely pictures from the day up on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page. Under 11 training continues as normal on Monday and Wednesday evening from 5.45pm to 6.45pm.
Ladies
The reserve ladies had a sobering opening to their championship campaign against one of the hot competition favourites on their home turf. Aodh Ruadh travelled to Towney on Sunday morning and, although the rain largely stayed away, there was a gale driving in off the sea which Kilcar had behind them for the first half. The hosts got the ideal start with an early goal and added two further points over the next couple of minutes. The Shamettes steadied the defence after that, but with the wind behind them Kilcar were able to maintain sustained pressure on the Ballyshannon defence. The visitors’ cause wasn’t helped when they were reduced to 14 midway through the half after the referee saw only one side of a tangle between opposing players. Had Aodh Ruadh kept the full complement of 15 players, the half-time deficit of 2-5 to 0-0 was far from insurmountable, but the numerical advantage was a big help to Kilcar in the second half. The hosts picked up where they left off in the new half and had 2-11 chalked up before Aodh Ruadh landed their first score of the game. That came in the 51st minute courtesy of under 16 star Katie McGowan after a good team move. It was promptly followed by a goal, with Mary Flora Scott tapping home after great work from Anna-Lisa Rabbitte. Scott then won a free which Ciara Larkin converted. By that stage the verdict was decided though, and the final whistle sounded on a 2-11 to 0-2 win for Kilcar. It was a very tough day for the reserves, but they showed a lot of grit in tough circumstances. Anna-Lisa Rabbitte had one of her best games in an Aodh Ruadh jersey, while Lauren Foy also gave her absolute all for the cause. Fiona McGonigle did a great man-marking job, while Shauna Dolan did well in an over-worked defence. Up front Terri Gallagher and Donna Martin grafted hard, but the subs deserve a special mention with Lauren Moore, Mary Flora Scott and Katie McGowan all contributing well on their introduction. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Brídín Maguire; Shauna Dolan, Shelly Loughlin, Grainne Maguire; Roisin McGloin, Fiona McGonigle, Hannah Doherty; Lauren Foy, Annalisa Rabbitte; Kate Cunningham, Ciara Larkin (0-1f), Amanda Mahon; Niamh Hoey, Terri Gallagher, Donna Martin. Subs used: Katie McGowan (0-1), Lauren Moore, Mary Flora Scott (1-0), Meabh McCloskey, Hannah McGuinness, Ciarde Sheerin, Megan Murphy, Aoife Bromley, Emily McNamee. Congratulations to Katie McGowan, Megan Murphy and Emily McNamee on making their senior championship debuts.
This Sunday both our senior and reserve sides will be out in championship action. The seniors will be travelling to take on Naomh Conaill in their opening tie of the competition, which will be under lights at 8pm in Glenties. Meanwhile the juniors will be hosting Termon 2 in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 10.30am. Please note adult admission for the Juniors’ game in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh will be €5.
The minor ladies had to work for the result in their most recent league outing, a trip to Killygordon last Tuesday. The visitors had a slow start with Red Hugh’s raiding for three goals in quick succession. Aodh Ruadh then started to settle and come back into the game and got a few scores on the board through Cadhla Dolan and Ciara Larkin. As ever Lauren Foy was a giving her all and steadied things in the middle of the pitch. Katie McGowan cleared up a lot of ball around the back line while Emily McNamee and Niamh McGloin helped give their side attacking momentum with their forward runs. The Shamettes were down by seven points at half-time, but really knuckled down in the second half and pushed on to win by 12 points. The player of the match award had to go to Andrea Moore for her work-rate and man marking one of Red Hugh’s best players. Up front Faye Gillespie and Cadhla Dolan along with Rachel Gillespie who came off the bench worked really well together. Aodhbha O’Donnell and Megan Murphy did a great job in the defence, giving their side a solid platform to work from after a tricky start. Next up for the minors is a home match against Kilcar in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this Tuesday at 7pm.
The under 14s Division 1 Shield final against Robert Emmet’s fell foul of Storm Betty on Saturday morning. We await details for the refixed decider.
Hurling
It was a quiet week for our minors last week. Preparations and training are still ongoing for their third appearance in a final this season; the County Championship final. Date and other fixture details are still to be confirmed.
The under 15s were on the road to Carndonagh last Thursday. The long trip didn’t prove too much for our lads as they ran out comfortable winners on a scoreline of 2-14 to 1-10 and maintained their 100 percent record so far this year in the County League. Next up is a home match against Setanta this Thursday at 7pm.
The under 11s face up to Dungloe this Thursday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh with throw in at 7pm. The players are also looking forward to the Aodh Ó Dálaigh Shield blitz which is set to take place on Sunday 3rd September in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. We will have eight teams taking part including ourselves. The action is set to throw-in at 11am and we are looking forward to a great day of hurling action.
Well done to our under 11 players Shay McNulty, Eanna Redden, Freddie Knott and Daire Reynolds who were part of the Donegal Hurling group that took part in the annual Croke Park Activity day last Thursday. They got to play on the hallowed turf and even go up the steps of the Hogan Stand and lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup. All-in-all, the boys had a fantastic day and enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to 2024 already. Check out the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page for some great pictures from the visit.
The under 9s travelled to Convoy for the all-county blitz on Friday evening. Conditions could be best described as damp, but the boys enjoyed a great evening of hurling. Aodh Ruadh fielded two teams, and both were very competitive throughout. Training continues for the squad on Sunday mornings at 11.45am in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Our under 7s are coming toward the end of their season. This week they will take part in the all-county blitz in Convoy on Friday at 7pm. Training continues on Sunday mornings at 11.45am.
Camogie
Training continues this week with the senior ladies training at the Coláiste Cholmcille pitch on Wednesday at 7.15pm and Saturday at 11am. Underage training continues on Sundays in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 11.45am. As ever, new recruits are welcome, whatever the age!
With the return of school not far off we are hoping to see Camogie reintroduced into PE activities in the local schools in the new year.
Scór Sinsir
We are looking for people to represent Aodh Ruadh in Scór Sinsir this year. Scór aims to promote Irish culture and tradition in areas such as music and drama and we are hoping the club will be represented in as many disciplines as possible. Entry is open to any club member over the age of 17. The county final is scheduled for Sunday, 17th September in Letterkenny. We are looking for acts to represent the club in the following categories:-
• Céilí Dancing
• Set Dancing
• Recitation / Storytelling
• Ballad Group
• Instrumental Group
• Historical Presentation
If you’re interested in taking part or have any queries, please contact Eamonn-Martin Maguire at eamonnmartinmaguire@gmail.com.
Aodh Ruadh 2023 Golf Classic
The club are hosting their Golf Classic in Bundoran Golf Club this Friday. This year’s Classic will be staged in conjunction with Connect Mental Health, as we work to promote positive mental health in Donegal. Tee times are available from 8am to 5pm and can be booked through Bundoran Golf Club on 071-9841302 or the in Pro Shop. Entry is €120 per team of four. We will have a full run down on prizes as we near the big day. To obtain a tee sponsorship contact William on 087-2799855.
Sunrise walk
Last year we had amazing support for our Sunrise for STOP NorthWest walk. Please join Aodh Ruadh again this year in supporting our Sunrise for North West STOP this Saturday, meeting at 6am. You can register online at https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/Sunrise4STOP.
Dogs on club grounds
There has been a rising incidence of dog fouling in the club grounds, particularly on the playing surface at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. This has resulted in some very unpleasant incidents involving young players. This is absolutely unacceptable. At the last monthly club executive meeting a policy of zero tolerance on dogs in club grounds was passed. This is a restatement of the existing policy. However, in view of the escalating dog fouling problem, strict enforcement must now take place. We ask all patrons to respect this policy and assist in spreading awareness of the regulations.
Ballyshannon Bingo
Congratulations to Gemma Carroll of Kildare who scooped the €1,000 Snowball prize on her trip to the Northwest last week at the Tuesday, 15th August bingo! Well done also to Mary Reynolds winning the Bingo Jackpot. The house winners were Sean Coughlin, Owen Doherty (twice!), Kay Kilvarry, Joseph McGowan, Helen Smith, Maureen Flynn and Kathleen McGroary. The Line winners were Ellen Lawne, Karen Gallagher, Chrissy Roper, Margaret O’Connor, Molly Kerrigan, Mary Donagher, Nicola McNulty, Madeline Gibbions, Sharon McDonald (on a lucky number trebler for €90!), Mary McGowan and Josie Lynch, with Mary Faith taking the €50 double line. Anne McManus won a whopper stand up prize of €180. We start a new €1,000 Snowball this week as we have up to €2,800 to be won again. Bingo at the usual time of 8.30pm Tuesday at the Abbey Centre, door open at 7.45pm and books costing just €10. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Aodh Ruadh lotto
There was no winner of the Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €10,000. The winning numbers drawn were 2, 6, 9, 10, 14 and 18. In the lucky dip prizes of €20 were won by Carmel Mc Cadden, Sean O’Mahoney, John McFadden, Fiona O’Doherty and Betty McIntyre. The next draw is for a jackpot of €10,000 on Sunday in the McGinley’s. 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 FOOTBALLERS.