Football

Congratulations to Donegal on their demolition of Down in the Ulster semi-final. It sets up a derby decider against our neighbours in Fermanagh and there should be plenty of craic ahead of the final on Sunday 24th June in Clones. Ticket orders for the Ulster Senior Football Championship Final can now be texted to club secretary Lisa McTernan on 086-2338636. Deadline is 9pm on Thursday and NO orders can be taken after this. Those who wish to show their support for the county are invited to get an official Donegal GAA supporters car sticker from Pearse O'Neill's. These are priced €20 with all proceeds going to the running of county teams.

 

Donegal were also in winning form in Greenford, London on Saturday evening where Val Murray's Masters made it three wins from three games to maintain their unbeaten start to the season  with a ten point win over London. There was heavy Aodh Ruadh representation on the team with Packie McGrath and Kerry Ryan up the spine, but the plaudits went to Michael 'Sticky' Ward who hit eight points in the 0-15 to 0-5 victory. The side's next outing is against Down on the Saturday before the Ulster final.

 

Aodh Ruadh adult footballers return to action this Sunday when Cloich Cheann Fhaola are the visitors to Father Tierney Park for what is a huge game at the bottom end of the Division 1 table. The senior game is at 3pm and is preceded by the reserves at 1.30pm.

 

Since the last under 14 update the side have played Ardara. Aodh Ruadh lead the game by two points at half-time on a scoreline of 2-4 to 1-5. The second half was tightly contested, but Ardara got the last three scores of the match, three goals, one of which was a questionable penalty to snatch a draw. Danny Breen Brosnan and Robbie Murphy got two goals each with Ryan Keenaghan, Jack Gallagher and Damian Weber finding the range with points. Further out the pitch there was good play from Pauric Daly on his debut as a midfielder. Following that a severely under strength side travelled to Dungloe on Wednesday last with just the bare 13 players. This was a case where Aodh Ruadh needed to show different qualities, and they did so manfully. Despite losing 5-12 to 2-6 they kept the heads up and played to the very end. The character and manner they played was very pleasing to the management and the players were all a credit to the jersey. On Monday Dungloe were the guests in Father Tierney Park. This time Aodh Ruadh were back to the full compliment and they turned over the previous result to win by 3-11 to 2-8. Shane Delahunty was absolutely superb in the middle of the field while Jack Gallagher was very good at half forward. Danny Breen Brosnan got a lot of joy full forward. Pauric Daly and Aaron Neilan both put in big shifts for the team in defence. The next assignment for the team is next Monday against Four Masters in Ballyshannon at 7.30pm. Training continues on Friday at 4.45pm. There was a minute of silence ahead of Monday evening's game for Conor Morgan, a player with Dundalk Gaels who died in Cyprus recently who has links with the Aodh Ruadh club.

 

The under 10s have a challenge against Derrygonnelly on Wednesday. Time is still to be confirmed. Training returns this Friday at 7.15pm. The team's next blitz away to Donegal Town on Saturday. Times remain to be confirmed. The following Saturday June 23rd sees us stage our annual Mick Shannon tournament. We will have big numbers up at the Park so lots sandwiches and refreshments will be required.

 

Under 8 training continues on Thursdays from 6.15pm until 7.15pm. Under 6 training continues on Fridays from 6pm to 6.45pm at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

 

Ladies

The under 16s have training this Wednesday at 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

 

Under 14s played Robert Emmet's in their first league outing of the year on Monday evening. Aodh Ruadh delivered a fine team performance with nine different players getting on the score sheet on the way to a good victory. Many thanks to Emmet's for their post match hospitality. The side's next outing is on Tuesday 19th June away to Gaeil Fhánada. The under 14 Community Games side captured the county title on Friday evening following a sporting contest against a lively Buncrana outfit. Aoibhínn McGarrigle was player of the match, while Megan Kane and Annie Keon both put in star turns. Lucy McGlynn, Niamh McGloin, Rihanna Masterson Burrows were also in fine form. There is under 14 training on Thursday at 7pm. Thanks to all the players and parents who helped out last Saturday for the bucket collection at the bridge in Ballyshannon. Special thanks to Paul, Dolores and Ciara Gillespie who covered multiple slots. Thanks also to the generous people of the town and area who really got behind our trip to Féile on the day, your contributions are deeply appreciated.

 

The under 12s have training on Wednesday at 5.30pm. We are awaiting blitz fixtures and confirmation from the county board meeting. As soon as we know more we will text parents.

 

The under 10 girls have a game against Four Masters at home this Tuesday, 12th June. Players are to be at the park for 6pm.

 

The under 8s are also taking on Four Masters in a challenge on Tuesday at 6.30pm. The girls are really looking forward to the game. Girls are to be up at 6.15pm and don't forget gum shields.

 

Hurling

Last Tuesday we had a Féile send off in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh for the under 14s. The  squad were presented with the gear for their trip to Féile na nGael and wished the best of luck for their weekend in Galway. Another important feature of this event was to recognise our generous sponsors and acknowledge the support they gave the squad. On behalf of the Juvenile Hurling Committee chairman John Rooney thanked the local businesses who came on board and sponsored the gear for the squad. Terry Hughes of Straddle Filling Station sponsored the quarter zips, Eugene Gallagher, Nirvana Restaurant sponsored the bags while Colin Maguire, Mr Oilman sponsored the T Shirts. Rooney acknowledged the importance of the support of the sponsors and called on all present to support these businesses. As always the mothers provided refreshments for all present. There are photos of the event on Facebook.

Early on Friday morning Denis Daly, Daithi Breen and Kieran Daly headed off for Skehana, Galway with their talented squad to begin what was an unforgettable weekend. The lads arrived in Fohenagh, Galway for their opening games in Division 5 of National Finals  Féile na nGael. The beautiful sunshine of the previous few days had been replaced by heavy rain and lightening, but thankfully the rain cleared for their opening game against Ahascragh. Aodh Ruadh got off to a brilliant start and led by a goal midway through the first half. The local lads realised they were in for a battle and upped their game and got a couple of goals within a few minutes. Our lads heads dropped and the effects of the long trip took effect in the second half as Ahascragh ran out comfortable winners 4-7 to 1-5.

The lads were disappointed with their performance in the second half and were determined to put it right in the second game. Before that game the great Galway hurlers Padraic and Cathal Mannion spoke to the lads about their careers and how important it is to continually work at your game. For the second game against Broadford of Kildare it was a more determined Aodh Ruadh team that took the field. As the Kildare lads had also lost their opening game there was  a lot at stake in this game. Scores were at a premium as they both sides gave it their all. There was never more than a score between the teams, as the game headed into injury time we led by a point, but a controversial free gave Broadford lads the opportunity to equalise which they did. As the ball was pucked out the final whistle went leaving the full time score Aodh Ruadh 2-4 Broadford  1-7. At this stage the lads headed to Skehana with their host families, a long day came to an end, but all thoughts were on the following morning's game with their hosts which all expected to be a close affair.

On a beautiful Saturday morning the lads lined up against their hosts, interestingly this game was preceded by the meeting of Skehana and Burt in a camogie match which Skehana won, but fair play to Burt who stayed on to support our lads. Those who predicted this was going to be a close affair were proved right as both teams gave it their all to make the cup quarter-finals. At this stage of the competition Aodh Ruadh were playing a good direct style of hurling, and their physicality was proving a handful for the Galway lads and their ability to score long range points proved to be the main difference between the teams  as they ran out winners on a 0-8 to 1-3 scoreline, ensuring we qualified for the cup quarter-final.

The cup quarter final was fixed for Four Roads in Roscommon against Kilconerion from east Galway. This was going to be another step up for the boys against the table toppers from Group 2, who were unbeaten in their three group games, but the boys were looking forward to the challenge. In sweltering heat on a big pitch the lads played their hearts out. Kilconerion opened up an early two point lead and were threatening to pull away. The Ballyshannon backs threw their bodies into tackles and gradually Aodh Ruadh's midfield began to get a grip on the game, ensuring more ball for the forwards and we began registering some nice points. A goal early in the second half for Aodh Ruadh proved the decisive score of the game and put Aodh Ruadh into the lead for the first time. Try as hard as they could Kilconerion couldn't break down the Ballyshannon lads and they held on for a famous victory on a score line of 1-6 to 0-7. There were great scenes of jubilation at the end for Aodh Ruadh and their supporters while there was heart break for the Galway lads who very sportingly acknowledged the better team had won.

After defeat in their opening game the lads had battled their way through to the cup semi-final which was to be played on Sunday morning in The Downs, Mullingar. Another long trip lay ahead for the lads as they headed back to their host families for dinner and then onto Menlough Hall for the traditional Féile disco. By the look of the lads their fancy footwork was being saved for the hurling field. Following the disco Skehana and Aodh Ruadh clubs exchanged mementos of a great weekend. Skehana also accepted Aodh Ruadh's invitation to travel to our tournaments in September.

Bright and early on Sunday morning our trusty bus driver Kevin Byrne headed for Mullingar with a determined squad hoping to become the first Aodh Ruadh hurling team to make an All-Ireland final, they were up against a strong amalgamation of Mullagh / Kiltormer from the hurling heartland of east Galway. As chance would have it, Kiltormer is the home club of the late John Larkin RIP who was a great worker for hurling in Aodh Ruadh. There was a large and vocal crowd present for this game. This was hurling in its truest form, hard fair hits, bodies thrown into tackles excellent blocking and hooking everything you would expect of an All-Ireland semi-final. We got off to a great start with an early goal by our captain Danny Breen Brosnan. At half time we led by the minimum 1-2 to 0-4. There was a serious battle taking place at this stage, as the clock ticked towards the final whistle and you had two teams and their supporters contesting every ball in an effort to make the All-Ireland final. As the clock headed for the end of normal time we led by a point. Due to a number of injuries there was close to five minutes injury time played and the Galway lads dug out victory in a wonderful game 0-7 to 1-3. The lads were devastated as they had given it everything they had. They were out on their feet, they had come within minutes of making an All-Ireland final, it was heart breaking for them, but the large travelling support know the lads put in a huge effort, they were a credit to themselves, their families and Aodh Ruadh. They gave it everything and no one could have asked for any more. Sport is wonderful and also cruel, but these lads should hold their heads high. Along with showing some great skill, passion and effort, they also showed tremendous sportsmanship. They were a credit on and off the field. Huge credit to Dennis, Daithi, Kieran and the lads themselves for all their work this season. The parents who travelled over the weekend also played their part in the great journey as they encouraged the boys every step of the way. All in all a great weekend of joy, sadness, laughs and tears, and new friendships formed. I don't think anyone that was in Galway, Roscommon and Westmeath with the lads this weekend will ever forget their trip West as the well known saying goes Up Skehana!

The lads are back in action this week where they will be hoping to complete the league and championship double as they play Saint Eunan's in the championship final on Thursday, time and venue to be confirmed.

 

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.

 

Abbey Centre Bingo

Congratulations to Margaret McCaffrey of Killeen who cleaned up at the bingo last week, scooping not only  the €400 jackpot, but also the €140 stand up game, plus a €50 line to cap it off - a nice belated birthday present for Margaret. Other €100 winners on the night were Mary Butler, Vincent Keown, Gerry Monaghan, Molly Kerrigan and Mary McGonigle, with €70 winners; Josie Lynch, Mary B Kerrigan, Breege Gormley and Marian Matthews. There was no winner of the new summer snowball, so it rises to €225 this week. Bingo as usual this Friday night at the Abbey Centre at 9pm, so come along for a good night of craic and excitement and your chance to win our great prizes. Books priced just €10.

 

Aodh Ruadh Lotto

There was no winner of last week's Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €1,500. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 2, 5, 6, 10 and 17. In the lucky dip €20 went to Valentine Gallagher, Cluain Barron; Gerry Quigley, Dunkineely; Eamon McGrath, Carrickboy; Rose Gallagher, Portnason; and Ann, Mark and Mena Granaghan. Next draw is in The Bridgend Bar with a jackpot of €1,600 on Monday 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: RESERVE FOOTBALLERS.

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