Club meeting

The monthly meeting of the club executive takes place in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh this Thursday at 9pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.

OsKaRs update

Aodh Ruadh OsKaRs fund-raisers are in full swing around the town. You are invited to keep an eye on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page for updates on upcoming events and support as and when you can. Filming is also underway and the action is looking very promising! The night itself takes place on Saturday, 18th May in the Great Northern. Tickets priced €25 are now available to buy in Gerry Ferguson's Jewellers. Tickets are also available from Lisa McTernan via messager, text or WhatsApp, or from any of our participating actors. Tickets are also available to buy from our page on Klubfunder.com priced €26 to cover online processing fees. Follow the OsKaRs Facebook page for the latest updates.

Football

Aodh Ruadh were well worth their six point victory on a sun-splashed Good Friday evening in Father Tierney Park. Philip Patton was the architect of the win, pulling the strings in the attack throughout as well as finishing with a personal tally of 1-5. The hosts had their three goals netted with barely five minutes played and they reached the break with an eight point cushion. Saint Naul's continued to battle hard in a second half where they put Aodh Ruadh to the pin of their collar. However the loss of John Rose to injury going into the last quarter and the lengthy delay required by his treatment took the wind out of their sails and Ballyshannon finished the game comfortably in control winning 3-11 to 1-11. Aodh Ruadh had great displays right across the park. Philip Patton we have already mentioned for his star turn. Further back Peter Boyle had to be in top form too, pulling off a string of second half stops to deny Saint Naul's a way back into the game. Michael Ward, Nathan Boyle and Shane Gillespie were in the best traditions of rugged Aodh Ruadh defenders. In the centre of the pitch Johnny Gethins had an outstanding 60 minutes. Up front there were six superb showings, but Michael McKenna's hard work and willingness to put his body on the line deserve mention, while Shane McGrath was really in his element. We have a full match report and gallery live on aodhruadh.org.

There was less good fortune on Easter Monday as Aodh Ruadh made the trip to Ardara. Ballyshannon led 0-8 to 0-7 at half-time and the second half evolved into a contest of wills at a breezy Pearse Memorial Park. An Eamonn McGrath point made it 0-10 apiece with four minutes left to play, but the last two scores of the game went the way of the hosts, Aodh Ruadh not being helped by the late black card dismissals of Colm Kelly and Johnny Gethins. Team and scorers were as follows: Peter Boyle; Callum O’Halloran, Colm Kelly, Michael Ward; Johnny Gallagher, Shane Gillespie, Nathan Boyle (0-1); Johnny Gethins, Eamonn McGrath; Michael McKenna, Cian Dolan (0-1), Oisin Rooney (0-1); Philip Patton (0-3f), Shane McGrath (0-3) Darren Drummond (0-1). Subs: Conall Sweeny for Nathan Boyle 50m; Diarmaid McInerney for Michael McKenna 52m, Daniel Warnock for Colm Kelly (BC) 56m, Paddy Gillespie for Johnny Gethins (BC) 59m.

The reserves enjoyed a good Easter weekend getting their first points of the season on the board with a draw on Good Friday against Saint Naul's and recording their first win in four at Ardara on Easter Sunday. Friday's game was played in very warm conditions at Father Tierney Park. Anthony ‘Waddle’ Coughlin opened the scoring but Saint Naul's enjoyed a dominant spell putting three unanswered points on the board as well as seeing a smashing shot rebound off the bar.  It took until the 24th minute before until the hosts scored again, the start of a three point run by Michael ‘Sticky’ Ward which brought the teams in at 0-4 a piece at the break. A brace from Sticky Ward after the break opened a two point lead only for Saint Naul's to pull level. However, a fine JJ Cassidy point and another from Ward re-established the two point lead. Then came a moment of class from the hosts as Conor Patton went on a strong run and played in Kerry Ryan, who duly slotted home into a tight corner for the game's first goal. Naul's replied swiftly and managed to scuff home a goal of their own to bring it back to two points. It was certainly advantage Aodh Ruadh as Ward put another over and the visitors were reduced to 14 men, but credit to Naul's who dug deep to finish with three unanswered points to level the game at 1-9 each at the final whistle. A decent performance in all, with a really good shift put in by some younger lads, with Adam Clarke catching the eye, and Oisin Roper, JJ Cassidy and Ryan McKenna working tirelessly throughout. Team: Karl O’Brien; Daniel Warnock, Adam Clarke, Christopher Goan; Oisin Roper, Niall Murray, Ryan O’Brien; Kerry Ryan (1-0), Conor Patton; Odhran McGarrigle, Anthony Coughlin (0-1), Ryan McKenna; Cáelán Drummond, Michael Ward (0-7, 1f), JJ Cassidy (0-1). Subs: Martin Gallagher for Cáelán Drummond, Ronan Drummond for Niall Murray, Jack Darbin for Anthony Coughlin, Dermot Slevin for Odhran McGarrigle, James O’Donnell for Ryan O’Brien (BC), Aaron Brennan for JJ Cassidy, Gary Ward, Darren McNulty, David McLoone, Raymie Granaghan.

A strong reserve team travelled to Ardara on Easter Sunday determined to get their first win. Playing with a strong first half wind, Sticky Ward opened proceedings with a brace, but two quick fire goals in response from the hosts turned the game in their favour. Kerry Ryan pointed in reply, follow by a great palmed goal from Ward after Paddy Gillespie played a deep ball to JJ Cassidy who laid on the opportunity to draw level. Cassidy then got a point for himself before three points from Ward made it 2-1 to 1-7. Sticky Ward was in the mood for this one, and as the ball broke loose on the floor he had the speed of mind dribble past two Ardara backs to bury a low shot to the net, a quality goal more likely seen at the Lakeside. Two more Ward frees, a good score from Eoin Doherty and a Ryan McKenna point had Aodh Ruadh in control at the break at 2-3 to 2-11. It could have been more had Paddy Gillespie not twice been denied a goal by the post.  The Ernesiders controlled the game well into the second half against the wind with Paddy Gillespie and JJ Cassidy pointing. An Ardara goal looked to have brought them back into the tie, but Waddle Coughlin made no mistake with his second attempt at goal to make it 3-4 to 3-13. Ardara rallied to within four points as Aodh Ruadh tired against the wind, but Cáelán Drummond's late score settled it as the visitors held out for a 3-10 to 3-14 win. A great result in all, Adam Clarke again solid at the back along with Cian McGloin, Kerry Ryan and Conor Patton labouring hard in the middle and Sticky Ward unstoppable landing a whooping 2-7. Team: Karl O’Brien; Christopher Goan, Cian McGloin, Adam Clarke; Paddy Gillespie (0-1), Niall Murray, Ryan O’Brien; Kerry Ryan (0-1), Conor Patton; Eoin Doherty (0-1), Anthony Coughlin (1-0), Ryan McKenna (0-1); Oisin Roper, Michael Ward (2-7), JJ Cassidy (0-1). Subs: Dermot Slevin for Niall Murray, Odhran McGarrigle for Eoin Doherty, Gerry Curtis for Anthony Coughlin, Cáelán Drummond (0-1) for Paddy Gillespie, David McLoone for Christopher Goan, Aaron Brennan, Jack Darbin, Gary Ward, Aiden Murray.

There is a bit of a break in adult action. In the seniors case it is a rather lengthy one, with their next outing on Sunday, 12th May away to Naomh Columba. The reserves don't have to wait quite so long with Termon the guests in Father Tierney Park on Saturday, 4th May.

Aodh Ruadh under 16s got their Division 1A Championship group off to a great start in Father Tierney Park last Wednesday, defeating Termon 4-10 to 2-9. This was a highly entertaining clash between two good sides in front of a big crowd in the Park. Aodh Ruadh needed a goal of the season from Marty McGarrigle to go in level at the break, 2-3 to 1-6. He picked the ball up deep in his own defence before going the length of the field and sticking the ball in the top corner of the net. Things were evenly balanced in the second half, but going into the closing stages a goal shot Termon into a two point lead. Aodh Ruadh were composed though and a couple of coolly taken Marty McGarrigle points restored parity before Mitch McLaughlin released Cian Rooney with a delightful dink pass to smash past the Termon netminder. With Matt Gillespie and Aaron Neilan working hard around the middle of the pitch Aodh Ruadh pushed on for the win. Then on Easter Monday the team made the long trip to Inishowen to face Carndonagh. Again it was another rollercoaster encounter with Ballyshannon facing into a strong wind in the first half. Aodh Ruadh made light of it though to go in leading 2-5 to 1-4. The second half turned into something of a shoot out with Eoghan Kelly, Colm McGloin and Aaron Neilan having to be at their very best to parry the hosts attacking thrusts. Cian Rooney was strong up front with Mitch McLaughlin once again providing excellent support and Marty McGarrigle chipping in with some timely scores to keep the Ernesiders in the ascendant. It finished 8-10 to 4-10 in Inishowen to all but secure Aodh Ruadh's place in the semi-final stages of the competition. Aodh Ruadh's last game of the round robin stages is against Gaoth Dobhair on Tuesday, 30th April in Magheragallon at 7pm.

The under 12s are in action this Wednesday at 7pm for a challenge against Robert Emmet's. Players to be at the Park for 6.30pm.

Congratulations to Cian Rooney and Kyle Murray who have been called up into the Donegal minor team. We wish Cian, Kyle, Senan Rooney and the rest of the Donegal team the very best as they take on Tyrone this Saturday in the first round of the minor championship in Ballybofey at 6pm.

Ladies

The Aodh Ruadh senior ladies had a break over the Easter weekend, but they have two games this coming week. The first is away to Four Master on Friday at 7pm. That is followed by a home game against Naomh Mhuire on Sunday at 11am.

The under 16 girls made the trip to Mayo on Easter Monday for a tournament in Knockmore. The girls gave a great account of themselves, beating Westport and then Caherlistrane, both by a point. In their third game they lost to an excellent Lucan outfit to reach the Cup semi-finals. There the girls lost out to Corofin. Best for Aodh Ruadh on the day was Áine Hill who was excellent between the posts. In front of her Dearbhla Hughes-O'Brien and Ciara Caldwell were super in defence. Caitlin McGarrigle got through a heap of work in midfield while Tia McFarland was in good form up front. Training continues on Monday at 7pm.

It was back to the good weather last Saturday for the last round of group games in the under 12 mini league. With everything still to play for the Lions defeated the Pumas, while the Tigers made it three wins from three as they got the better of the Jaguars. That leaves the pairings for the finals clear with the Tigers taking on the Lions in the senior final and Jaguars taking on the Pumas in the junior final. Finals day takes place this Saturday at 4pm in Father Tierney Park. We have trophies for both winning teams, a player of the competition trophy and medals for winners and runners-up. We are doing the presentations up in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh and parents / guardians are asked to bring some refreshments for after the finals. Training continues as usual this Wednesday at 7pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. 

Training for under 10s continues this Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

Under 8 girls training continues this Wednesday at 5.45pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

Hard luck to Megan Kane and the under 14 Donegal girls who lost out narrowly in their Ulster final against Armagh.

Hurling

The senior hurlers suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday against Carndonagh in Fodden. We traveled with the bare 15 and our cause wasn't helped when five minutes into the game when we lost goalkeeper Paul Cummins with a broken wrist. The fired up Carn team proved too strong and ran out 5-12 to 2-10 winners. Next up in the league is a game against MacCumhaill's in Fr Tierney Park this Friday at 7.15pm.

Our under 14s had a great win over Saint Eunan's in O'Donnell Park last Thursday. The lads fought for every ball and ran out convincing winners 7-9 to 3-8. They are up against Dungloe this Thursday in Father Tierney Park and then on Saturday they are taking part in the County Féile in Letterkenny.

On the same evening our minors were up against a strong Setanta team. Our young squad were unable to match the physicality of the lads from the Cross and we suffered a 2-19 to 0-5 defeat. We have a gallery of pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

Well done to our under 8s who took part in an all-county blitz in Convoy on Easter Monday. They had three games and did well in all of them. Well done to John Larkin and Liam Mealiff who looked after the squad and thanks to all the parents who brought the lads down.

Underage hurling training continues on Sunday for all teams at 12 noon. 

Fitness Trail safety notice

From Wednesday this week and extending into next week heavy vehicles and plant will be accessing and working at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh to lay the final surface layer on the new Fitness Trail. Over the past few months the club's Park / Development Committee has been pushing this work forward with extra drainage works and kerbing now fully completed. The 630m long trail will be a significant addition to the club's facilities, both for team training and individual fitness. Until these works are completed those organising training sessions or games during the working day are asked to co-operate in ensuring the safety of all using the grounds. With the commissioning of this new amenity no cars will be admitted to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The co-operation of everyone with this new arrangement would be appreciated.

Aodh Ruadh gear

Chris Kelly will be up in the Aras Aoidh Ruaidh this Thursday between 6pm and 7pm for anyone interested in ordering a puff jacket. Chris also have club shorts available. Sizes 24 and 26 are €19 euro. Size 28 to 38 are €24.

Also, you can now order Aodh Ruadh O'Neill's training tops. Kids sizes are €39 with adults price€49. These are suitable for boys, girls and adults. Name or initials on back is optional for €8 extra. To see a sample or place an order message Alan Sweeny, Kerry Ryan or Lisa McTernan on Facebook.

Booked games

Booked games for the coming week are as follows.

Wednesday

Father Tierney Park, 7pm

Under 12 football - Aodh Ruadh v Robert Emmet's

Thursday

Father Tierney Park, 7pm

Under 14 hurling league - Aodh Ruadh v Dungloe

Friday

Father Tierney Park, 7pm

Junior Hurling League - Aodh Ruadh v MacCumhaill's

Saturday

Father Tierney Park, 4pm

Under 12 Ladies Football League finals

Sunday

Father Tierney Park, 11am

Ladies Football Division 2 Shield South - Aodh Ruadh v Naomh Mhuire

Monday 29th April

Father Tierney Park, 7pm

Under 13 Táin Hurling League - Saint Eunan's v Glencar / Manorhamilton

Tuesday 30th April

Father Tierney Park, 6.30pm

Under 14 Ladies Football - Aodh Ruadh v Glenswilly

 

 

Coaching and training

Where a team manager wishes to fit in an extra or unscheduled training or coaching session please use the school field so as not to impinge on the arrangements agreed for other teams in the club. We have a lot of competitive games running on the same nights, and with many teams training at the present time all three pitches are busy and any departure from the agreed rota causes disruption.

 

 

Park / Development Committee quiz

Thanks to those who supported the Table Quiz last Thursday night in Owen Roe's and also to those who donated prizes. Thanks to quiz master Sylvester Maguire and to the O'Neill family for their customary hospitality.

 

April Big Bingo

The April Big Bingo takes place this Friday night at the Abbey Centre with a mighty €3,100 in the prize fund including the €1,000 jackpot which must be won. The snowball this week will be €400. Books priced just €15, or get a book and a half special at just €20. First game at 9pm.

 

 

Abbey Centre Bingo

The Easter bingo was held on Good Friday with Easter eggs galore making it a good nights fun! The €400 jackpot was taken by Denise McGlinchey of Ballyshannon, whilst the stand up game prize of €130 and a Lilly O'Brien's hamper went to Teresa Campbell. There was no snowball winner. Winners of the €100 houses included Molly Ferguson, Angela Nicholson, Marian Matthews, Carl O'Loughlin (2 houses!) and Noelle Gillen. Winners of the €70 houses included Vincent Keown and Margaret Meehan.

 

 

Aodh Ruadh Lotto

There was no winner of last week's Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €6,000. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 3, 9, 10, 14 and 15. In the lucky dip €20 went to Padraig Reilly, Mountcharles; Catherine McKee, Ballyshannon; Gregory Sweeney, Tullyherk; Eileen Kane, Cluain Barron; and Barry Jordan. Next draw is in Dicey Reilly's with a jackpot of €6,100 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].

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