Aodh Ruadh GAA News
Football
A late and controversial Milford goal followed by a quickfire point saw Aodh Ruadh leaving with nothing to show for a solid performance.
Both sides were cagey from the start, with not too many scoring chances in the opening stages.
However Aodh Ruadh worked well and made the most of their opportunities and a Jamie McDonald goal sent the sides in with the visitors holding the advantage, 0-5 to 1-4 at the break.
Ballyshannon were the dominant side in the second half and in the dying moments of the match held a three point advantage.
But a harshly awarded late goal for the homesters, followed rapidly by a clinching point saw Aodh Ruadh leaving empty-handed.
There were some fine Aodh Ruadh performances, with the two Pattons, Conor and Pauric, along with Damian Cleary and Eamonn McGrath in the spine of defence, getting a real hold on the game for long spells.
We have pictures from the game up and a full match report on aodhruadh.org
The Aodh Ruadh reserves travelled to Milford on Friday evening with a young and energetic team.
It was a game where a number of players were asked to slot into new positions, notably Mickey McNeely into midfield, Cookie O’Halloran into corner forward, and Daniel Kelly getting a rare opportunity to vacate the goals by going to corner back.
All three put in commendable performances and enjoyed the challenge presented to them.
They, along with the rest of the team, had their resolve tested on a number of occasions, particularly close to the end as Milford mounted a late rally.
As well as the solid performances from Cookie and Dano, there were also good shifts put in by Bradley, Matthews and Patton in defence.
Aodh Ruadh used their bench well to mitigate the heat of the evening sun, and welcomed Eugene Drummond onto the scene as he made his reserve debut in the second half.
We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The way results have fallen mean that this Saturday’s game against Naomh Colmcille in Newtowncunningham is likely to have a decisive impact on the promotion race.
Aodh Ruadh currently have a much superior scoring difference, +73 to Naomh Colmcille’s +31, but the other metric that may come into the equation if there is a tie at the top at the end of the table is head-to-head results and Newtown currently have the edge here, having beaten Ballyshannon 1-13 to 0-7 in Father Tierney Park back in May.
A win for Aodh Ruadh is essential. The senior game throws-in this Saturday at 7.30pm and is preceded by the reserves at 6pm and a large showing of Ballyshannon support would be most welcome down in Inishowen for this crucial match.
The under 16s enjoyed a 3-18 to 2-9 victory over a physically very imposing Ardara side in Father Tierney Park on Friday evening.
The first half was a case of getting to know you, and the ref for that matter, as he was quick to give frees for both sides.
Aodh Ruadh went in at the break leading by a point and a hard-fought second half seemed to be in prospect.
As things transpired a combination of superior play from the Ernesiders and the rub of the green saw Aodh Ruadh home with some comfort.
Ardara battled well and kept in touch for much of the half, but the main turning point came when they won a penalty about 45 minutes in.
The place kick would have put a point between the sides and made for a frenetic closing quarter.
However it was put wide and Aodh Ruadh sped the kick out up the pitch for a point which essentially represented a four point turnaround.
After that the homesters put the squeeze on and eased away from Ardara. Man of the match for Aodh Ruadh was Nathan Boyle.
He never stopped all day, was at the heart of everything and scored probably the point of the day into the bargain, a real peach from distance.
His midfield partner Oisín Rooney was also in fine form with some classy fetching.
Shane Dorrian’s steady place kicking and scoring economy ensured that every Ardara lapse was punished to the full, while Michael McKenna squeezed home a late goal to cap an impressive outing.
Shane McGrath went well too, hitting a fine goal and a few points.
Defensively Sean Taylor’s kick out’s were spot on and Jason Granaghan was excellent, with a really eye-catching shift at number three.
Dan Warnock drove forward with regularity and great effective, bagging himself an excellent goal. Gareth Sheerin was another who had an excellent game.
Aodh Ruadh will be at home once again this Friday when they host Naomh Muire with the throw-in set for 7.30pm.
Aodh Ruadh under 12s hosted Ardara in our fourth league game in Father Tierney Park on Tuesday evening. In our first game we got off to a good start with Harry Howarth hitting the onion bag early on, three points followed from Mark McGlynn with all the lads playing well. Senan Rooney struck over two great 45s and a point from play before Cian Rooney stepped up and hit the back of the net. In the second half though Ardara came back strong hitting two goals and a point without reply. The lads rallied with Mark McGlynn hitting a goal and Cian Rooney, Harry Howarth and Senan Rooney hitting a point a piece. The game finished 3-8 to 2-6 in a hard fought battle. In goals Bridín Maguire was in total charge with Kyle Murray and Matt Gillespie in very good form in the full back line. Eugene Doherty marshaled the half back line and Philip Cassidy worked tirelessly in midfield. Up front Calum Ayres and Daire Gallagher played very well linking up with their midfield and other forwards.
In our second game we started with a strong line out, Shane Whelan back from injury played a great game in goals. In the full back line David Doherty and Adam Hoey were very solid. In the half back line Nathan Owens-Kelly, Daire Warren and Conal Bradshaw were excellent closing down all attacks. In midfield Kyle McCaffrey and Shane Duffy dominated play, linking up with their forwards. Up front Frankie McGinley took a great goal and was unlucky not to get a second, Mitch McLaughlin hit a fine goal too while Jake Foley and Diarmaid Dolan put in a great shift taking some good scores also
Training as usual Wednesday 6.15pm to 7.30pm.
There was further good news for the under 12s with Kernan’s Spar coming on board as jersey sponsor for the team. Pictured at the official presentation of the jerseys to the club are under 12 team were manager Martin McGlynn and David O’Donnell who is an under 12 mentor and manager of Kernan’s Spar Ballyshannon. The presentation image can be viewed on aodhruadh.org. Kernan’s are great supporters of the club, hosting one of our weekly lotto sales outlets every Saturday
Under 10 training continues on Wednesday at 6.30pm and we are hoping to have a game this Saturday, further details at Wednesday training so a good turn out important.
Under 8 and under 6 training continues this Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 6.30pm.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh are back in Ulster Táin hurling league division three action this Saturday when they will be taking on Killeavy at 4pm.
The third all county hurling blitz for under 8s and 10s took place in Convoy on Sunday morning. Again Aodh Ruadh were well represented. We fielded three teams at under 8 with 23 players in total, while we had 13 under 10s. The under 8s did very well in all games winning, losing and even managing a couple of draws, the main thing was all the boys and girls had great fun and have shown continued improvement since the start of the season. The under 10s continued their rich vein of form as this very talented squad won all eight games at the blitz and they played some lovely hurling throughout the day. Thanks to all the parents of both squads who brought the players to Convoy and gave them great support throughout the day.
Hopefully this Thursday the under 12s and under 16s will begin their league campaigns. They had no games last week as MacCumhaill’s were unable to field. The under 12s are due to play Dungloe in Father Tierney Park while the under 16s are away to Setanta.
Ladies
Aodh Ruadh hosted Naomh Conaill in Father Tierney Park on Sunday. We have some pictures from the match up on aodhruadh.org and on our Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page.
The Aodh Ruadh under 12s were in Mountcharles last Friday for their first blitz of the season. The girls played games against Saint Naul’s, Bundoran, Killybegs and Four Masters, playing some super football over the course of the competition. The Aodh Ruadh that travelled were: Eva Breen-Brosnan, Ella Clancy, Alicia Clyne, Aisling Gallagher, Síofra Hughes, Laoise Kelly, Caoimhe Keon, Orlaith Keon, Ciara Lynch, Bridín Maguire, Danielle Masterson-Burrows, Katie McMullin, Caitlin McLaughlin and Leah O’Brien.
Summer camp
Aodh Ruadh Summer Camp 2014 runs on Monday 7th July-11th July and Monday 14th July-18th July. The camp runs from 10am to 3pm daily. For further information contact Sylvester Maguire on 0860532495.
Cash for Clothes
We’ve had a great response to this campaign so far and it continues till the 7th July, it’s a great chance to get rid of any unwanted clothes, shoes, hand bags, bed linen etc and also raise funds for Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee. To arrange collection of bags please contact Fionnuala Gillespie 087-6668634, Tara Keenaghan 086-3331903 or John Rooney 086-2587793.
Fantasy race for Sam
After another seven games this weekend, it’s the two Gerrys show. Gerry Gallagher and his team Belleek Boys who are top this week on 126 points with the other Gerry Gallagher and his team, Ardara Forever hot on his tail with 123 points. It’s hardly the last time we will see these 2 fighting it out for top spot. In third place this week is John Patton Jr and his team Yes Patsy on 118 with Michael Clancy and his team Clyhore Champs on 113 points. Rounding out the top five is Pat Gruddy and his team Mayo this time on 111 points. Pride of last place this week is Jim McGrath and I’d say so on 31 points. The gap has narrowed somewhat to Dan Warnock and his team Dan’s Ur Man on 33, with Michael Dolan and his team of Dolan’s Dragons on 35 points. Jean and Eoin and their team The Royal Blues on 40 points. Rounding out the bottom five for this week is Pearse O’Neill and his team, Best Cones Around, on 42 points. High score of the week goes to Kevin and Catherine McKee and their team Lola Zola with 31 points. (Down-10, Carlow-10, Mc Curry-6, Mulligan-5). As always the leader board is available every Tuesday on aodhruadh.org, as well as Ballybookies, The Bridgend Bar, Owen Roe’s Bar and upstairs in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.
Bingo
The winner of the June Big Bingo €800 jackpot was Denis Sheerin, Rossinver. Normal bingo returns on Friday at 9pm in the Abbey Centre, €10 books and €5 half book, with a total prize fund of over €2,000. The Game Five summer snowball is still waiting to be won, sitting at €380 on 54 numbers or less.
Lotto
There was no winner of the €1,100 Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot last Sunday. The numbers drawn were 1, 2, 5, 7, 13 and 16. In the lucky dip €20 each went to: Margaret McCauley, Mulleek, Belleek; Gerry Timoney, Belcoo; Edward Gillespie, Coolmore; Michelle Mahon, Lantern Bar; and Caroline McGarrigle c/o Bridgend Bar. Next draw is in the Lantern Bar on Sunday at 8.30pm. The jackpot is €1,200 so get out there and buy your ticket; if you’re not in, you can’t win!
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra this Saturday is: LADIES.
The lotto team for Kernan’s Spar this Saturday is: SENIOR FOOTBALLERS.
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