Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon club notes for this week have just been released.
Football
It was a tense derby affair in Gaelic Park on Sunday afternoon and a marvellous appetiser for the upcoming clash of these sides in the opening round of the championship.
Bundoran got the run on Aodh Ruadh with an early goal, but the Ernesiders steadied the ship, and with David Dolan (3), Diarmaid McInerney (2), Shane McGrath and Nathan Boyle firing over, there was just a point between the sides at the interval, the hosts leading by 1-5 to 0-7.
Ballyshannon had the better of things in the opening minutes of the second half and a Kyle Murray score put in them in the lead for the first time in the game.
Bundoran quickly retook the lead though with their second goal of the game.
Diarmaid McInerney got John McNulty’s side back level as the sides went for a spell of tit-for-tat scoring.
With ten minutes remaining, the Seasiders struck for their third goal of the game, but Aodh Ruadh responded well with two Philip Patton points and a David Dolan free edging them in front with time running out.
Deep into injury time Bundoran managed salvage matters though as they worked a free which Gary Clancy pointed to leave the sides deadlocked at Bundoran 3-8 Aodh Ruadh 0-17 at the final whistle.
The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Peter Boyle; Callum O’Halloran, Conor Patton, Kyle Murray (0-1); Michael McKenna, Eddie Lynch, Mark McGlynn; Eamonn McGrath, Nathan Boyle (0-2f); Diarmaid McInerney (0-5, 4f), Philip Patton (0-2), Gary Carty; Shane McGrath (0-2), David Dolan (0-4, 1f), Niall Murray (0-1). Sub: Donagh McIntyre for Gary Carty 44 minutes.
Despite dropping the point, Aodh Ruadh are still in the hunt for a place in the Democrat Cup final against Naomh Conaill.
With one round of games to go, Ballyshannon are currently on 16 points, while their only rival for the final berth are Kilcar are on 18 points.
However, as Aodh Ruadh won the head-to-head against the Towney men 0-9 to 0-4 on the first weekend of the season, John McNulty’s side can make the decider if results go their way.
Basically, if Kilcar lose at Glenfin and Aodh Ruadh can beat Termon, that will be enough to see the Ernesiders into the final.
The action throws in this Saturday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 7pm with the Reserves throwing-in at 5.30pm in the curtain-raiser.
The 28th Infantry Battalion won the Defence Forces Medical Services Gaelic Football final for the first time ever last Wednesday.
Up against a combined Dublin team of Cathal Brugha and McKee Barracks they Donegal men won out on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-8 after extra-time.
There was a considerable Aodh Ruadh involvement in the victory with David Dolan, Eddie Lynch, Niall Murray and Ryan Granaghan among the playing personnel and Kerry Ryan, a mentor with the team.
Aodh Ruadh under 15s booked their place in the Division 2 county final with an impressive derby semi-final victory over Naomh Bríd in Bundoran last Wednesday. The first half was cagey enough, but the Ernesiders had the better of it and took a 3-3 to 0-3 in at the break. In the second half, Ballyshannon continued to build their tally and, despite a gallant effort by Ballintra, it finished 6-8 to 1-10 in Aodh Ruadh’s favour.
The Shams defence looked very strong with Rian McCauley and Dáithi Sheerin both featuring well, meanwhile up front Eoghan Gallagher Killian McPhelim and Max Roper all caught the eye in a free scoring attack. Now all eyes turn to the county final in Convoy this Wednesday, where the opposition will be Cloich Cheann Fhaola. Throw in is at 6.30pm, and Ballyshannon supporters are being encouraged to go down there to push the lads on in what will be the biggest game of the season so far.
The under 13s Division 1 team had no game this week. The Division 2 team hosted Killybegs on Monday evening. The development of the boys continues to be seen as they put in a good honest shift against the visitors. Playing against the breeze, they went in 0-8 to 0-3 behind at the break and were unlucky not to have a few more scores on the board in a very competitive first half. They started the second half well, only to be sucker punched by three early Killybegs goals.
The boys didn’t drop their heads and chipped away at the score board to the end, but ultimately were beaten by a stronger team. The Aodh Ruadh points came from Eoin McNulty and Anthony Duffy, who both put in a tremendous shift. Jack Gormley found the net with a well taken second half goal. The Kerrigan brothers at the back had really solid games, while Jack Hassett was an outlet for so many kick outs and setting up attacking plays.
Iarla Hartin and Darragh Patton battled all day in the half back line. All 16 players got at least a half of football as we continue to develop the whole under 13 squad. Next week both teams are at home, the Division 1 encounter against Naomh Conaill, preceded by the Divison 2 visit of Dungloe. Training as usual at 5.45pm on Wednesday and at 3pm on Saturday at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
The under 11s White squad are away to Kilcar on Wednesday evening. Players are to be in Kilcar for 6.30pm, with the game throwing in at 7pm. Both squads will have training on Saturday from 12 noon to 1pm.
The under 9s return to action on Saturday morning with an away fixture in Donegal Town at 11am. Training continues as normal on Friday evening at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6.45pm to 7.45pm.
Well done and best of luck to Erne Gaels’ Niall Cullen who has been appointed to take charge of the All-Ireland Minor Football Final between Galway and Mayo on Friday evening in Roscommon’s Dr Hyde Park. Our own Sylvester Maguire will on umpiring duties with Niall on the day.
Hurling
The senior hurlers hosted Omagh’s Saint Enda’s on Tuesday evening, but, despite a decent showing in the first half, the Tyrone team had the better of things in the second half and ran out comfortable winners. Things didn’t get much easier on Friday evening when the Ballyshannon men travelled to Dungloe for their latest Senior Championship tie.
As has been the pattern this season, Aodh Ruadh did manage to make a decent game of it the first half, with points from Rory Cullen (0-3) and Danny Breen (0-2) making it 2-8 to 0-5 at half-time. Unfortunately, Dungloe cut loose in the second half and, although Cullen and Breen did manage to register again, the homesters strolled to a convincing 8-12 to 0-8 win.
It was an early start on a quiet Sunday morning for the young hurlers, coaches and parents who travelled to Croke Park for the Juvenile Hurling Committee’s annual trip. With tour guide, Mark Sheerin, firmly ensconced on his foldable seat, and Paul Sheridan grudgingly taking on the role of the disciplinarian, they hit the road. On arrival in the Capital, they were greeted by the sun and treated to fantastic display of hurling. The lads were half cheering for Limerick and half cheering for Galway.
The under 17s were denied the honours after a hard-fought Division 1 county final in the County Centre of Excellence. It finished 2-8 to 1-9 in favour of Carndonagh after 60 pulsating minutes of hurling. Ballyshannon had the wind in the first half and raced into a 1-2 to 0-2 lead thanks to points from Cian McKenna and Corey Sheridan and a scrambled Killian McPhelim goal. More points from Sheridan helped the Ballyshannon lads to 1-6 to 0-4 lead at the interval. Aodh Ruadh continued to dictate proceedings until the three-quarters mark, when they lead 1-9 to 0-6, however a disputed call by the referee saw Carndonagh grabbing a goal, which gave them the momentum for the remainder of the game as they went on to hit an unanswered 1-2 and claim the county title.
The wind on the day was no friend either, and Aodh Ruadh saw a number of frees and 65s go wide on the night. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Kenzie Ayres; Garreth Brennan, Cillian Bradshaw, Cian McDonald; Lennon Canny, Michael Doogan, Matthew Tierney; Tommy Winters (0-2, 1f), Jun Hui Lin; Cian McKenna (0-1), James Gallagher, Rian Kane; Corey Sheridan (0-5, 3f), Killian McPhelim (1-0), Liam Doogan (0-1). Subs: Shay Winters for Rian Kane (46).
There was no match action for the under 15s this week. They are still in training and focusing ahead to the Táin Óg semi-finals. The under 15 league start date has been announced and all the county action for these players will commence on Wednesday July 27th. Training continues this Tuesday in Páirc Aodh Ruaidh from 5.50pm to 7pm.
The under 11s are eagerly awaiting the beginning of their 2022 season. They will start next week, Thursday the 14th July. In the meantime, training continues with all details posted regularly to the team WhatsApp group.
The under 7s and under 9s enjoyed a great morning of hurling in the Centre of Excellence last Sunday at the under 8 all-county blitz. Many thanks to all the parents for travelling to Convoy. Training continues for this group on Sunday, with all information in the team WhatsApp group.
Anyone looking to join up and take part with our underage squads is more than welcome. Contact John Larkin on 086-1076883 for more information.
Ladies
Aodh Ruadh had a challenge against Derrygonnelly on Sunday afternoon. Megan McGee and Fiona McGonigle were very steady in defence, while Tara Khan worked hard throughout in midfield. Up front, Mary Flora Scott and Cadhla Dolan both had excellent games. The next fixture for the senior ladies is the Division 2 league semi-final which takes place in Páirc Aoidh Ruadh this Sunday at 10.30am against Carndonagh. All are welcome to get behind the girls as they look to book their place in the league final.
Our minors had their first outing of the season last Thursday when they hosted Saint Eunan’s in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The first half proved hard going, with only a goal from Cadhla Dolan and a Katie O’Brien point all they had to show for their efforts. Meanwhile, the Letterkenny girls had been making hay and hit 2-5. Aodh Ruadh rang the changes in the second half and Ciara Larkin, Andrea Moore and Katie McGowan all made a huge impression on their introduction. They were a lot more dynamic going forward and Katie O’Brien, Cadhla Dolan, Aoibhínn McGarrigle landed points as they steadily found their attacking groove. With the clock running down, goals from Niamh Hughes and Cara O’Loughlin helped Aodh Ruadh slash the Eunan’s lead, however the whistle beat the girls on this occasion and the visitors held on for the win on a final scoreline of 5-11 to 5-7.
Aodh Ruadh had a great defensive display from a high-quality full back line of Ciara Caldwell, Grainne Maguire and Megan Murphy. Emer O’Brien was sensational at half back, and we wish her well on her recovery from injury. As ever, Cara O’Loughlin, worked tirelessly in the middle third. Up front Katie McGowan was a revelation, with Andrea Moore also making a huge impression and Katie O’Brien popping in some lovely scores. The minors are away to Ardara this Tuesday for their next outing, 7pm the throw-in time.
The under 14s are back in action this Saturday as they travel to Letterkenny to take on Saint Eunan’s. Throw-in at O’Donnell Park is at 1pm.
The under 10s had an enjoyable day on Saturday in Kinlough at the blitz organised by Melvin Gaels. The girls played a lot of good football and looked very impressive in their games against the other attendees at the competition, Melvin Gaels, Bundoran and Glencar Manorhamilton. The squad are taking a summer break now and will return to action on Thursday 4th August.
The under 6 and under 8 girls and coaches are now taking a deserved break for the summer before going back at it again in September.
Aodh Ruadh Golf Classic
The weather saw last weekend’s Aodh Ruadh Golf Classic postponed to this coming Friday. To book a tee time, contact the club on 071-9841302 or William Doogan on 087-2799855. Prizes include fourballs at Ballyliffin, Murvagh and Slieve Russell, as well as vouchers for Bundoran Golf Club, golf bags, golf shoes and many more great goodies.
Aodh Ruadh Summer Camp
The 30th annual Aodh Ruadh Summer Camp, sponsored by McDevitt and McGlynn Accountants, commenced on Monday and will run until Friday the 14th of July for boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 14. Activities include skills training, fun and games, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders, hurling and lots more. Bookings are still being taken for week two which runs from Monday the 11th to Friday the 15th of July.
Each day there will be a morning session from 9.30am to 12.30pm and an afternoon session from 1pm to 4pm. The cost per session per week is €50 per child which includes a sports pack at the end of the week. They have reduced rates available for parents or guardians sending more than one child. Two children: €90. Three children €120. To avail of these discounted rates please contact Sylvester Maguire on 086-0532495. No cash will be taken on the day and places will be booked on a first come, first served basis. Children are encouraged to come suitably attired as all activities will take place outdoors. To book your child’s place, go to the Aodh Ruadh page on klubfunder.com.
Clothes collection
Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling committee are collecting for their annual cash for clothes fundraiser. This is a great chance to get rid of any unwanted clothes, shoes, belts, bed linen, towels, etc., and help raise some much-needed funds for promotion and development of underage hurling in the club. For any information regarding this campaign or arrange drop off of clothes, contact any of the following: John Larkin (086-1076883), Daithí Breen 087 928 7965 Paul Sheridan (087- 657 2157) Orla Bannon (086-8035316), or Gregory Gallagher (087-2210570).
Ballyshannon Bingo
Congratulations to all 38 winners of the hybrid bingo that took place last Friday night, with half of the prizes won in the bingo hall. Marie Gallagher took home the Jackpot prize as well as a house, with the other houses won by Jude Concannon, Molly Ferguson (plus a line), Gwen Johnston, Noeleen O’Brien and Lesley Lynch and Mary Reynolds shared, Michael Doherty, Joan Keaveney and Molly Kerrigan.
The cash winners on the lines were Marion McAndrews (twice), Owen Duffy, Avril O’Brien, Marie Ward, Christina Mulligan, Margaret McGarrigle, Caroline Murphy, Martina Brady, Vincent Keown, Kathleen McCormack, Gerard Cullen, Leah Travers and Paul Ward. The snowball again survived, so it rolls on to €800 on 48 numbers or less this week as over €2,500 is being played for.
Spread the word and bring a friend as the hybrid bingo takes place again this Friday night. Online players should buy their books by the 4.30pm deadline on Friday. Anyone looking for their books early should purchase by lunchtime Thursday to get delivery Thursday afternoon, otherwise books will be emailed between 5-6pm Friday. Books can be purchased online at Klubfunder.com. Players coming to the Abbey Centre can buy their books at the front desk from 8.15pm. Eyes down for first game at 9pm.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of the Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €6,600. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 9, 10, 13, 14 and 17. In the lucky dip, prizes of €25 were won by Patrick O’Malley-Daly, Maria Doherty, and Síofra, Niamh and Sadhbh Hughes. The next draw is for a jackpot of €6,700 on Sunday at 8.30pm in Pat’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.
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra on Saturday is: BORD NA NÓG.
