Football
Aodh Ruadh got their intermediate championship bid off to the ideal start with a 1-9 to 0-10 away win over Naomh Muire. Conditions were difficult down at the Banks with wet weather making handling and shooting difficult. Ballyshannon were the more economical side in front of the posts and did much of the heavy lifting in the first half. Shane McGrath played a big role in the game, getting the all-important first half goal after being set up thanks to good work from Nathan Boyle and Niall Murray. Points from Nathan Boyle, Darren Drummond and David McGurrin helped the Ernesiders into a 1-5 to 0-6 half-time lead. While McGurrin hit the first point of the new half the homesters were to dominate possession. Now it was time for Ballyshannon's defence to show their grit with Damien Cleary, Eamonn McGrath and Darren Drummond outstanding with Peter Boyle pulling off a series of top drawer stops. At the death points from David McGurrin and Shane McGrath saw Aodh Ruadh to a hard-earned opening win in Group B of the intermediate championship. The team was as follows. Peter Boyle; Callum O’Halloran, Damien Cleary, Eddie Lynch; Johnny Gethins, Darren Drummond 0-1, Eamonn McGrath; Conor Patton, Oisin Rooney; Darren Gethins, Shane McGrath (1-1), David McGurrin (0-5, 1f); Nathan Boyle (0-1, 45), Diarmaid McInerney (0-1f), Niall Murray. Subs: Sean Taylor for Murray 39m; David Dolan for McInerney 48m; Johnny Gallagher for Lynch 50m; Michael Ward for O’Halloran 51m.
The reserves had a comfortable win on the road at Annagry, winning their championship opener 1-11 to 0-5. The hard work was done in the first half as the visitors lead 1-5 to 0-2 at the break. Points from Cian Dolan, Kerry Ryan and Paddy Gillespie had Aodh Ruadh in front early on and leading 0-3 to 0-2 after 10 minutes. A strong run and clever ball from Paddy Gillespie cut open the defence for Anthony 'Waddle' Coughlin to slot home for the only goal of the game on 17 minutes. Further points from Waddle and Gillespie saw the teams in at the break with Ballyshannon holding a six point cushion. The second half continued much like the first, with Waddle Coughlin, Daniel Kelly and Gillespie again pointing before the hosts managed their third point of the game. Cian Dolan and Waddle Coughlin concluded the scoring for an Aodh Ruadh side which never really looked troubled.
Both sides will now be hoping to back up those victories when Gaeil Fhánada are the guests in Father Tierney Park this Saturday. The senior game throws-in at 6.30pm and is preceded by the reserve match at 5pm. We are accustomed to going to rival grounds and seeing enthusiastic and vocal support for the home teams. It would be great to see a big showing of Ballyshannon support making their way to the Rock on Saturday to get behind both sides as they seek to take the next step towards bringing intermediate honours back to the town.
It wasn't to be for the under 14s in their county final last Friday as a hungrier Dungloe / Na Rossa side took the county title. The opening stages were evenly fought with points from Robbie Murphy (2), Damian Weber and a superbly struck Aaron Neilan 45 taking Aodh Ruadh into 0-4 to 0-3 lead early on. However Dungloe / Na Rossa first levelled and then hit the game's first goal, after a brilliant save by Aaron Cullen to make it 1-4 to 0-4. From that point on Aodh Ruadh struggled to get to grips with their opponents who steadily increased their cushion on the score board. Ballyshannon, by contrast struggled to get fluency in their game. A brace from Danny Breen Brosnan was all the Ernesiders could muster in the run up to half-time, by which stage Dungloe / Na Rossa had pressed on to take a 2-8 to 0-6 advantage at the break. Aodh Ruadh weren't out of the reckoning by any means though and shortly into the new half good work from Shane Delahunty and Aaron Neilan released Robbie Murphy to hit the net. Aodh Ruadh's spirits were also raised by a spectacular save from captain Aaron Cullen in those opening stages. Ryan Daly was then fouled for a penalty, Dungloe / Na Rossa's physical approach to matters being something of a feature in this game. However the chance went unconverted and the Gaeltacht men seemed to take heart from the let off. Aodh Ruadh had points from Danny Breen Brosnan (2) and an excellent individual effort from Jack Gallagher which had to be deflected over for a point. However Dungloe / Na Rossa's scores were coming with greater ease and regularity and despite a well struck, defiant final point from Ryan Keenaghan, it was the team in red which took the county title. A hard blow to take for an Aodh Ruadh side which showed so much heart and conviction to reach the county decider and which experienced final heartache at this Donegal town venue previously. On the night the ever-reliable Aaron Neilan gave everything he had, and his discipline despite being the target of some very borderline challenges was a lesson older heads could observe and heed. Between the posts Aaron Cullen showed once again why he is one of the top rated shot-stoppers in the county at this grade. Darragh Flood Dolan outfielded his more robustly built opponent time after time and showed huge appetite for the battle as did Séimí Campbell. Shane Delahunty never wavered in the cause while up front Robbie Murphy made the most of the limited possession that came his way. Wing forward Jack Gallagher was another who stood up and was counted in a tough fought match. Fair play also to Aonghus Sweeny and Ryan Daly who both made a good contributions on their introduction. On a closing note it was great to see the big Ballyshannon crowd there to get behind the lads. On the basis of this display, it is a question of when, not if they will claim major county silverware. Full credit also to the team and management for all their hard work across the course of a busy season.
For many of the under 14s attention rapidly turned to the under 13 league with the first game of the programme taking place against Ardara on Monday evening in Father Tierney Park. The homesters played well and ran out 2-10 to 1-10 winners. Their next outing is on Friday when Aodh Ruadh travel to Glenties to take on Naomh Conaill at 6.30pm.
Under 11 training continues on Thursday from 6.15pm to 7.15pm.
The under 10s travelled to Ardara last Saturday for a blitz in Pearse Memorial Park. Our 2008 lads where in a tough group with Kilcar and Naomh Conaill. The Glenties side in particular were very strong. Finishing bottom of the group we when into the plate final against Dungloe. Dungloe were much better in first half, but we dug deep in the second half to draw the game at full-time. In extra time Ballyshannon really pushed hard to win the game by a point. Captain Fionn Hartin accepted the plate on behalf of the team. The 2009 boys played Naomh Conaill and Kilcar in the group stages. They won both games by a decent margin, finishing top of the group. This put the team through to the cup final against Four Masters. With a strong wind in their backs the Donegal town lads amassed a four point lead by half time. In the second half Aodh Ruadh matched Four Masters score for score, however the boys in Blue held on to win by three points. All in all it was a great performance by the boys over the three games and they can be really proud of themselves. Joint captains on the day of the 2009 team were Conor Greenan and Shaun McGarrigle. The under 10 team and management would like to extend their condolences to Andy Brennan on his father's sad passing. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. Under 10 training continues on Friday at 7pm. The next under 10 blitz is down for Donegal Town on Saturday, September 22nd.
Under 8 training continues on Wednesdays from 6.15pm to 7.15pm.
Ladies
Aodh Ruadh minors had their opening game of the season on Saturday morning against Saint Eunan's in Father Tierney Park. Both sides were fairly rusty in the first half, but the Letterkenny girls just about had the better of things to go in leading by 1-3 to 2-6. It took Aodh Ruadh 11 minutes to get off the mark with the tireless Eilish Gallagher sending over a nice point. Seven minutes later a good break by Andrea McGlynn created an opening in the Eunan's defence. The ball came across the face of goal to Aisling Gallagher who bundled home what could well be a career-first goal! A coolly struck free from Caoimhe Keon and a trademark Cáit Gillespie effort ensured there was little to separate the sides at the break. Despite creating some good early chances, Aodh Ruadh were again slow out of the blocks in the second half. The Ernesiders first score of the second period was again created by hard running from Andrea McGlynn who was unceremoniously hauled down for a penalty. A crisp strike from Caitlin McGarrigle dispatched the ball to the net. A free from Cáit Gillespie was Aodh Ruadh's only other score of the half. Despite a great deal of good defending from Aodh Ruadh the visitors ran out comfortable winners. The team's next game is against Termon in a few weeks time.
The under 13s entertained Ardara in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh for their second game of the league. The opposition were strong and physically very tall, but Aodh Ruadh battled manfully in wet conditions. Lauren Foy hit the net with a great strike and the tireless Annie Keon finished with two points to her credit. Along with Annie, Cameron Gallagher got through a lot of work in the middle third. Mollie Travers was in goals and did a super job with a number of great saves and great distance in her kick outs. Everyone in defence, especially in second half, played brilliantly. Special mention to Orlaith O’Neill who was in great form and showed courage in tackle after tackle. The team in general worked really hard and are improving with every game. Thanks to parents for refreshments and a special thanks to those who helped out in Aras after the game. The team are back out again on Wednesday evening with a challenge match against Naomh Bríd / Pettigo. Players are to be at park at 6.15pm with the match at 7pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Our next league game is scheduled to take place in Father Tierney on Friday at 6.30pm. Arrangements will be confirmed later in the week.
Hurling
The under 16s played Buncrana in the A league shield final in Father Tierney Park on Sunday. A strong crossfield breeze ensured it was a game of two halves. Aodh Ruadh lost the toss but they were determined that was all they were going to lose on the day. Buncrana opened the scoring with an early point followed up with a goal. Aodh Ruadh had plenty of possession, but were unable to turn it into scores. While they made plenty of mistakes in the first half their work rate was very good. Unfortunately Buncrana struck for a goal just before half time giving them a half-time lead of 2-4 to 0-3. Buncrana, as is typical of them, were full of commitment and fought for every ball and were determined to make the long trip back to Innishowen with the title. The second half saw some great hurling from both sides. There was some ferocious tackling, hooking and blocking. Both sides had great respect for each other and the large crowd were treated to a great battle. Aodh Ruadh got the margin back to two points, but again Buncrana struck for a goal to put the margin back out to five points. Our lads showed great character and tremendous heart for the last 15 minutes and every one of the 16 boys played their part in a great victory. At the end of a very exciting game between two very committed sides the score read Aodh Ruadh 5-10 Buncrana 5-4. A delighted Aodh Ruadh captain Senan Rooney accepted the trophy from club Secretary Lisa McTernan. The lads have worked hard this year with small numbers and it was great to see them getting their reward on Sunday. The large vocal home support played their part in this victory and their contribution was much appreciated by the lads. Next up for the under 16s is a difficult trip to Burt for the championship semi-final on Thursday, 20th September.
Training for all age groups on Sunday at 12 noon. All are welcome from 5 years upwards. For any information contact John Rooney on 086-2587793.
Lip Sync Battle
A date for your diaries as the club teams up with Ballyshannon Musical Society for a major fund-raiser this autumn. Friday 12th October sees Aodh Ruadh and the Musical Society join forces to stage a Lip Sync Battle in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran. On the night performers will be doing their best to wow the judges and audience with their moves as they bid to be crowned Lip Sync champions. Anyone interested in taking part and strutting their stuff can contact Lisa McTernan on 086-2338636. We already have two event sponsors lined up, but we have space for another three sponsors, so contact Catherine McKee on 086-3912941 if you would like to be part of what is sure to be a night of riotous fun and craic. Tickets out soon priced €12 or €10 on concession.
Interested in sports coaching?
Following the success of previous programmes, Donegal Sports Partnership's new Community Coaching Programme will commence on Monday September 17th in conjunction with Creevy Experience - Donegal Fun Adventures and will be based at Creevy, Ballyshannon. The course will run on Mondays from 10am to 4pm and Tuesdays from 10am to 1.30pm for 12 weeks. A combination of modules, both theory and practical, will be offered. These will include communication and social media training, first aid for sport, sports leadership, sports inclusion training, safeguarding, paddle sport skills, coaching children modules, athletics leader, working with specific target groups and other NGB accredited sport specific modules. Those interested can apply online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ccpcreevy.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was shared by Breege Gormley of Belleek and Fionnuala Mulgrew of Grange. The stand up game prize of €140 was shared by two winners. The snowball had no winner so rolls to €250 next week. Bingo as usual this Friday at the Abbey Centre at 9pm, books cost just €10 with almost €2,000 in prizes up for grabs.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week's Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €2,800. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 4, 5, 9, 13 and 16. In the lucky dip €20 went to Mary Conlon, Cornhill; Ivan O'Mahoney, Donegal Road; Mary Duggan, Cornhill; David McLoone, The Abbey; and Dympna Gilbride, Rossinver. Next draw is in Dorrian's Hotel with a jackpot of €2,900 on Sunday at 8.30pm. Tickets are now available in the following outlets: Seán Óg's, O'Donnell's, Dicey Reilly's, The Limit, Pat's Bar, The Bridgend, Owen Roe's, Fin McCool's, The Lantern, McGinley's, Pearse O'Neill's, McCosker's Centra and Kernan's Spar and at the weekly bingo in the Abbey Centre. You have to be in it to win it!
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra on Saturday is: LADIES.
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