Football

Aodh Ruadh eased to an unexpectedly comfortable 5-12 to 0-7 championship win over Gaeil Fhánada in Father Tierney Park on Saturday evening. Fanad were down a few key operators, but Aodh Ruadh were full value for their second successive win of the group stages. Ballyshannon were quick off the mark, a Nathan Boyle point quickly followed by a palmed goal from David Dolan. Aodh Ruadh continued to dominate, but massed Fanad defence made scores hard come by and it was 1-6 to 0-2 at the turn around. James O'Donnell's men found the key for the lock in the second half and three quick-fire goals from Nathan Boyle, David Dolan and Johnny Gethins effectively put the game to bed with 20 minutes left to play at 3-8 to 0-3. The highlight of the closing stages was the return to the fray of Michael 'Sticky' Ward from the bench as he sent over a late point. Team and scorers were as follows. Peter Boyle; Jason Granaghan, Damien Cleary, Michael Ward; Darren Gethins, Darren Drummond, Eddie Lynch; Conor Patton (0-2), Eamonn McGrath (0-2); Johnny Gethins (1-0), Shane McGrath (0-1), David( McGurrin 0-1f); Nathan Boyle (1-2), David Dolan (3-3), Niall Murray. Subs: Colm Kelly and Johnny Gallagher for Lynch and Ward 35m; Oisin Rooney for Murray 38m; Sean Taylor for  D Gethins 39m; Diarmaid McInerney for McGurrin 45m; Michael 'Sticky' Ward (0-1) for S McGrath 54m.

 

The Aodh Ruadh reserves also had a convincing win in their second match of the championship, winning out on a scoreline of 2-15 to 1-4. It was an even enough contest for most of the first half as both sides spurned good scoring chances, Aodh Ruadh being just slightly more economical. Dylan Gallagher pointed just seconds into the game before Fanad levelled. A free and a point from Gallagher and one from Paddy Gillespie stretched Aodh Ruadh ahead on 10 minutes. Fanad replied with three points with Cian Dolan responding to leave the game at 0-5 to 0-4 after 23 minutes. Dylan Gallagher was running riot and made an excellent solo run to finish for the game's first goal. An Anthony ‘Waddle’ Coughlin point saw the home side in at the break leading 1-6 to 0-4. Paddy Gillespie got the score of the match shortly after the restart with a 35m effort off the outside of the boot, but Fanad were still plugging away and managed a goal from their full forward six minutes into the half. That however was to be their final score, as Aodh Ruadh started to dominate across the pitch and made use of a very strong bench. Another from Coughlin and a Dermot Slevin free made it a five point game at 1-9 to 1-4. The contest was ended when Kerry Ryan palmed in for a green flag, after Dan Warnock collected his own rebound off the upright to play the ball across to the unmarked Ryan. Two more each from Dylan Gallagher, Daniel Kelly and Cian Dolan sealed the win for the home side and secured safe passage to the quarter-finals. An assured performance overall, with a healthy blend of experience through the spine and youth on the wings. Dan Warnock and Conal Sweeny offered great running support from the back, Paddy Gillespie worked tirelessly for the 60 minutes as did Ryan McKenna until he was replaced. Hats off to Dylan Gallagher for a man of the match display ending the day with 1-5. The team were as follows. Karl O’Brien; Dan Warnock, Packie McGrath, Conal Sweeney; Paddy Gillespie (0-2), Martin Gallagher, Ryan O’Brien; Kerry Ryan (1-0), Cian Dolan (0-3); Mickey McNeely, Dermot Slevin (0-1f), Ryan McKenna; Dylan Gallagher (1-5), Anthony Coughlin (0-2), Christopher Goan. Subs: Daniel Kelly (0-2) for McNeely, Michael McKenna for Ryan McKenna, Ryan Granaghan for Anthony Coughlin, Phillip McLoone for Christopher Goan, David Finnerty, David McLoone, Raymie Granaghan, Aidan Murray.

 

While our seniors and reserves have both enjoyed straight wins in their championship group stage outings so far, progression to the knock-out stages is not yet fully assured for the seniors. That makes a positive result this Sunday essential. Once again Ballyshannon enjoy home comforts, and this time the guests are Na Dúnaibh. The senior game throws-in at 3pm and is preceded by the reserve match at 1.30pm. Again we would love to have another big local crowd up at Father Tierney Park to get behind both our teams.

 

Aodh Ruadh under 13s recorded a good away win in Glenties last Friday, defeating Naomh Conaill 2-10 to 1-6. The victory sees Ballyshannon join Four Masters with full points at the top of the table as early pace-setters after two games. Aodh Ruadh's next outing is another trip, this time away to Dungloe on Wednesday, 26th September.

 

Under 11 and under 12 training continues on Monday from 6.15pm to 7.15pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruadh. Aodh Ruadh will be hosting an under 11 blitz on Saturday 29th September.

 

Under 10 training continues on Monday at 6.15pm.

 

Under 8 training continues on Wednesdays from 6.15pm to 7.15pm.

 

Ladies

Aodh Ruadh minors had a useful run out against Saint Naul's on Monday evening, doing well despite being down a number of players. The team's next game is against Termon in a few weeks time.

 

An under 14 sevens team travelled to take part in the Kilmacud competition at the weekend. They lost their first game to an excellent Westport side, but wins over Tinahely and Ballinascreen put the Donegal girls in to the Cup competition. They met Adamstown in the knock out stages, but after an evenly fought first half, the Wexford side went on to win well in the end. The players represented the club and county with pride and the parents provided plenty of enthusiastic support. Thanks to Paul Gillespie and Sylvester Maguire for organising what was a memorable outing for the team.

 

The under 13 girls have continued to attend training in big numbers. The team recently had two challenge matches and a league game. They played Ardara on Sunday evening and Ballintra on Wednesday and put in two super team performances. On Friday evening they played Naomh Columba and were disappointed to lose by a few points after a very committed performance. It was definitely the game of two halves. Aodh Ruadh went in 3-6 to 2-2 at half time, but Glen had a strong breeze in the second half and they used it effectively and ran out winners in the end by four points, 5-16 to 7-6, in what was a very entertaining match. Mollie Travers in nets, and Orlaith Gallagher, Fódhla Sheerin, Annie Keon and Ava Doherty were great in defence. Cameron Gallagher and Lauren Foy worked tirelessly in midfield, and up front Dairín Sweeney and Niamh Irwin had their best games. Megan Kane and Cara Davitt also worked hard. Training continues this week in preparation for an away match with Convoy in a few weeks. As usual thanks to parents / guardians for their support at the games, in providing refreshments and to the ladies who worked in Aras after the matches.

 

The ladies committee will be inviting potential managers to put their names forward in October to take on teams for the 2019 season. In doing so we hope to ensure managers and mentors will have the necessary qualifications and courses completed before they commence training next year. Management and mentoring is a exciting and rewarding way to get involved in the community so if that appeals to you, why not give it some thought over the next few weeks?

 

Hurling

The under 16s travel to the ancestral home of Donegal hurling, Burt, this Thursday to take on the Inishowen lads in the A championship semi-final. It promises to be a tough battle, but hopefully the lads will perform on the night and make the final.

 

The Aodh Ó Dálaigh under 12 tournament takes place this Sunday. This tournament is in existence since 1982 to remember the late Hugh Daly and acknowledge the contribution he made to the GAA in Aodh Ruadh, Donegal and further afield. The following teams have committed to taking part in this year's competition, Abbeyknockmoy (Galway), Claremorris (Mayo), Saint Eunan's (Donegal), Keady (Armagh), Ballycastle (Antrim) and Aodh Ruadh. The action gets underway at 10.30 am and should make for great viewing.

 

Lip Sync Battle

The acts are coming together and the rehearsals are starting in earnest. As you can see from some of the trails on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page, it's all sizing up as a night not to be missed. As you know, Aodh Ruadh and Ballyshannon Musical Society are joining forces to stage a Lip Sync Battle in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran on Friday 12th October. 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 still interested in taking part and strutting their stuff can contact Lisa McTernan on 086-2338636. We have nearly completed our line up event sponsors, but we have an opening or to remaining, 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.

 

Abbey Centre Bingo

Last week's €400 Jackpot went three ways between Ballyshannon and Donegal Town. Mary McGonigle of Ballyshannon won the stand up game for €150. Winners of €100 houses included Joe Smyth, Jean Murray, Gerry Quigley and Kevin O’Connor. The snowball survived so it rolls onto €275 this week on 44 numbers. Bingo as usual this Friday night at the Abbey Centre, with €2,000 in prizes to be won. Books priced just €10, first game at 9pm.

 

Aodh Ruadh Lotto

There was no winner of last week's Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €2,900. The winning numbers drawn were 5, 6, 7, 9, 12 and 17. In the lucky dip €20 went to Dawn Gallagher, Knather Road; Nellie Blake, Parkhill; George Lyons, Woodlands; Frank Timoney, East Rock; and Margaret Meehan, Rockfield Park, Belleek. Next draw is in McGinley's Bar with a jackpot of €3,000 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: JUVENILE HURLERS.

 

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 [email protected].

Tweet

Most Read Stories