Football
Sitting on a two goal lead with 15 minutes left to play, Aodh Ruadh looked to be coasting to the win in their Division 3 clash with Buncrana in Father Tierney Park on Saturday afternoon. However, Erneside talisman Diarmaid McInerney pulled up with an injury and after that the hosts had to ride their luck for their 3-8 to 0-13 win, Buncrana left to curse a slew of squandered opportunities. Aodh Ruadh saw the game out though and were well worth the points over the 60 minutes. Best for the hosts were the irrepressible Diarmaid McInerney, Seamus Kane who was a great outlet up front and the ever menacing David Dolan. Elsewhere it was another sound outing from Michael Ward at corner back while Damien Cleary and Calum O’Halloran were well on top of their men in defence. We have a full report up on aodhruadh.org with pictures to come in the next day or so.
Aodh Ruadh reserves picked up their first win of the season at home to Buncrana with the match played at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Ballyshannon ran out victors on a comfortable 4-3 to 0-7 scoreline and the reserves enjoyed having a strong squad out, with more subs togged than were able to get on. Mickey Dolan, Kieran Keown and Kerry Ryan added some steel through the spine of the team, while Jason Granaghan and PJ Gillespie linked play up well between the half backs and half forwards. Daniel Warnock and Oisin Kerr can both be happy with their work after they came on in the second half, each being very solid and comfortable on the ball. All in all a very satisfactory start at home to the 2016 campaign. Check out aodhruadh.org for an extended report on the game.
Aodh Ruadh’s next opponents will be Downings in Páirc Na nDunaibh on Sunday, 17th April. The Reserve game throws in at 1.30pm, followed by the seniors at 3pm.
The minors got back to winning ways last Wednesday when they defeated Saint Naul’s on a scoreline of 1-9 to 0-11. Peter McKenna’s men now travel to Donegal town this Wednesday, 20th April for their next fixture in Division 1B, Four Masters the opposition.
The under 14s levelled the score with Four Master last Friday, running out worthy winners after an entertaining and feisty encounter with the Donegal town men in front of a large attendance in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. It was a game where Aodh Ruadh showed all their battling qualities, refusing to take a backward step in the face of a determined Four Masters challenge. There were a lot of good displays up front with Harry Howarth and Shane Brady showing well, while in the central third Eugene Doherty, Cian Barden and Senan Rooney all stood up to the mark. Next up for Ballyshannon in the league is the trip to Dungloe next Monday 18th April. Under 14 training continues on Wednesday at 4.15pm sharp.
Under 12 training continues on Mondays and Fridays from 5.15pm to 6.30pm, in Páirc Aoidh Ruadh.
The under 10s have their first game of the new season when Glencar Manorhamilton are the guests in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this Saturday. Throw in at 10am and all players to be at the park for 9.30am at the latest.
The under 8s will also have their first competitive outing of the season when they take on Derrygonnelly at 11.30am. All players to be up for 11am.
Under 10, under 8 and under 6 training continues as usual this Friday from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Páirc Aoidh Ruadh. We will be presenting the results from last week’s under 8 skills test at this Friday’s training.
There is a child protection course being organised for the this weekend. Places are limited, so anyone interested in taking the course should let Brian Roper know as soon as possible on 0876139065.
Ladies
Well done to our representative on the Donegal senior ladies team, Sarah Patton and the rest of the squad who have finished top of the Ladies NFL Division 2 table unbeaten. They now have an All-Ireland league semi-final in two weeks against Cavan.
The under 14s have a challenge game this Wednesday against Drumcliffe / Rosses Point, throw-in at 7pm. We are travelling for this game and we would appreciate if parents / guardians could help with transport for players to the away venue. We will be leaving the park at 5.45pm. There will be no under 14 training this Thursday. There will be training on Saturday at 10.30am.
Under 12 training continues this Thursday from 6pm to 7pm. We will have a challenge game against Grange this Saturday at home, throw in at 10am, all players to be at the park for 9.30am at the latest.
Indoor training for under 8s [2008s and 2009s] and under 10s [2006s and 2007s] continues this Wednesday from 7pm to 8pm at the Mercy Hall. The cost is €2 and remember to bring a bottle of water. If you have further enquires please contact Gabby on 0872902245 or Louise on 0876388562.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh lost on Sunday in their Ulster Táin League Division 2B clash with Castleblayney in Monaghan on 0-14 to 0-8 scoreline. Next fixture for the seniors is this Sunday, 17th April, in Father Tierney Park at 4pm against Tyrone outfit, Naomh Columcille.
Thursday night saw contrasting fortunes for our under 14s and minors. The under 14s were at home to near neighbours Four Masters. The lads continued their rich vein of form and were much too strong for the Donegal town lads. This Thursday the under 14s are at home again this Thursday as they take on Setanta.
The minors travelled to Ballybofey and took on a strong MacCumhaill’s team, we just had the bare 15, the majority of whom were under 16. Unfortunately we could not match the physicality of the Ballybofey lads. We have another difficult game ahead this Tuesday away to Saint Eunan’s.
Training for all ages continues on Sundays at 12 noon, all welcome especially beginners. Hurls and helmets are provided for training. Come along and enjoy learning the skills of our ancient game in a fun filled environment.
We are holding our annual Cash for Clothes Collection for the month of April. All unwanted clothing, shoes, handbags and belts will be gratefully accepted. For any information in relation to this fund-raiser please contact Denis Daly 0863269550, Tara Keenaghan 0863331903, John Rooney 0862587793 or John Larkin 0861076883.
Recreational football
Recreational football returns to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this Saturday at 6.30pm for the warm with the game getting going at 7pm. If you haven’t pulled on the boots in a while, it’s a great opportunity to get out and active. It’s excellent value at just €3 for the session. For more information text or call Alan on 0868052816.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week’s €400 bingo jackpot was won by Breege Gormley of Belleek. There was no winner of the spring snowball so next week’s snowball prize will be €350 on 46 numbers or less. Bingo as usual at 9pm this Friday at the Abbey Centre. Books priced at just €10.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €4,000. The winning numbers drawn were 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 12. In the lucky dip €20 went to Peggy Coughlin, Erne Dale Heights; Fidelma McKenna, East Port; Pat Gruddy, Assaroe View; Mark Vance, Carricknahorna; and Mickey The Coalman. Next draw is on Sunday in The Bridgend Bar with a Jackpot of €4,100 on Sunday at 8.30pm.
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra Saturday is: RESERVE FOOTBALLERS.
Ten years ago…
The u-12s recorded another impressive victory on Monday night when they beat Saint Naul’s by 5-3 to 2-4. The defensive unit of Eamonn McGrath, Thomas Anderson and Darren Gethins, PJ Gillespie, Alan Finan and Kieran Keown worked hard to keep the strong Saint Naul’s challenge at bay. Up front, Jonathan Gethins was top-scorer for the third game in a row with 2-1. Also on the score sheet were Fergal Meehan with two goals, David McGurrin with 1-1 and Thomas Hughes who picked off a point. Colm Kelly also played his heart out.
You can receive the club notes by e-mail every Tuesday morning. To subscribe, enter your details on the website, www.aodhruadh.org, or e-mail your request to info@aodhruadh.org.
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