OsKaRs night!
The countdown is well and truly on to the OsKaRs gala night this Saturday in the Great Northern Hotel. Tickets are really starting to fly now. They are priced €25 and cover the cost of entry, a complimentary drink on arrival and free shuttle service to and from Ballyshannon, Creevy and Cashelard. There's only so many we can take in the venue, and demand is unprecedented, so we would really urge people to secure tickets early to avoid disappointment. You can buy your tickets in Gerry Ferguson's Jewellers, from Lisa McTernan via Facebook messenger, 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. We would like to thank our sponsors Kevin Byrne, Seamie McPhelim and Simon Foley for generously supplying the shuttles. Leave the car at home and come a enjoy the night without the hassle of parking and trying to find your way home after the craic. Follow the OsKaRs Facebook page for the latest updates.
Football
It was double deadlock down in Glen as the seniors and reserves both drew with the hosts. It was frustration for the seniors as a late score for the hosts denied them victory. They had the better of things in the first half and points from Shane McGrath and Nathan Boyle helped Aodh Ruadh to a 0-7 to 0-2 half-time lead. Daniel Warnock pointed shortly after the resumption, but five unanswered points from Naomh Columba made it game on with Ballyshannon's lead now down to just a point. Barry Ward's men responded well with Diarmaid McInerney, Darren Drummond and Nathan Boyle firing over to lead with time running out. However Gavin McGinley hit for an equalising point and the Ernesiders had to settle for a share of the spoils. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were: Peter Boyle; Calum O’Halloran, Colm Kelly, Michael Ward; Daniel Warnock (0-1), Johnny Gallagher, Johnny Gethins; Cian Dolan, Eamonn McGrath; Diarmaid McInerney (0-1), Niall Murray, Nathan Boyle (0-6, 3f, 1 45); Michael McKenna, Darren Drummond (0-1), Shane McGrath (0-2). Sub: Paddy Gillespie for Niall Murray.
The reserves travelled with the bare minimum to Glen on Sunday and the 13 men put up a gallant display to come away with a hard earned point. First half scores from Michael 'Sticky' Ward, Oisin Roper along with a 1-1 from Anthony 'Waddle' Coughlin had the visitors in front as half time approached, but Glen raided for a good goal of their own to lead 1-5 to 1-4 at the turnaround. Aodh Ruadh responded to that reversal well and a penalty dispatched by Ward along with points from Kerry Ryan and Ryan McKenna had the visitors back in front by three. Glen kept within reach and made the most of a full bench to bring on fresh legs. When Sticky Ward found the net again with a tight angled shot in off the butt of the post, it looked like enough was done to win the match. However Glen finished the stronger and pulled back a goal with ten minutes to play and hit two late points to level the game at 2-12 to 3-9 as tiredness took its toll on the Ballyshannon men. Trojan work done by all for the 60 minutes. Kerry Ryan and Philip McLoone covered the entire field from midfield, whilst Sticky Ward's clinical finishing got the scores needed. Adam Clarke did an immense job at the back and halved the average age of the back two in the process! Chris Goan, Oisin Roper and Ryan O’Brien also worked their socks off. All in all a very satisfactory trip west. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were: Karl O’Brien; Adam Clarke, David McLoone; Christopher Goan, Ryan O’Brien, Oisin Roper (0-1); Kerry Ryan (0-2), Philip McLoone; Ryan McKenna (0-1), Dermot Slevin, Aiden Murray; Anthony 'Waddle' Coughlin (1-1), Michael 'Sticky' Ward (2-4).
Aodh Ruadh have a break again this weekend and are back out in action on Saturday, May 25th when Termon are the visitors to Father Tierney Park. Reserves go off at 5.30pm followed by the seniors at 7pm
Aodh Ruadh under 12s entertained Dungloe on Friday evening with both sides earning wins against the visitors. The Bs edged the verdict by three points in an entertaining battle. Stephen Doran and Dara O'Mahoney had great games in defence, while Shay Winters and Max Roper played really well in midfield. Up front Donagh Kelly and Finn Doogan were in accurate form for the homesters. Aodh Ruadh won the A game convincingly with Jun Hui Lin and Tyler Connolly coming off the bench to score three goals between them. Next up is another home fixture this Friday, this time against Ardara. Players are to be up at the park for 6pm.
The under 8s next fixture is at home this Friday with Naomh Columba the guests in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. There will be four games on the go with the action getting under way at 7pm so why not come up and give the lads your support?
Ladies
Best of luck to the senior ladies who are back out in competitive action when they make the trip to take on Gaeil Fhánada this Sunday.
The under 14 girls enjoyed another victory in the all Donegal League last Tuesday when they entertained Saint Michael's Dunfanaghy in Father Tierney Park. The Ballyshannon girls were the better team from the first whistle, but despite their dominance on the ball they failed to capitalise on their possession and only went in three points ahead at half time. The second half began in a similar fashion with the Ernesiders putting relentless pressure on the Saint Michael's defence, but failing to capitalise on the numerous chances they created. That said the large home support were treated to some fantastic support play, some creative passing and a strong and robust defence. The young Ballyshannon team remained focused and resilient against a very physically strong visiting side who became increasingly frustrated with the hosts determination as the game drew to a close. A wonderful free from Annie Keon about 10 minutes from the end found its way to the back of the net to give Aodh Ruadh some breathing space as they eventually ran out 2-8 to 2-1 winners on the night. A county board meeting on Monday night will decide how the remaining fixtures are played, but in the mean-time the girls will travel to Donegal Town on Tuesday evening to play Four Masters in a challenge match with a 6.15pm throw-in. Players are to meeting at park at 5.15pm to arrange transport.
The under 12s started their league in Buncrana on Saturday. The juniors got the show on the road, giving their all against a strong home side, but just came up short. Ellie Lilly was star of the show in nets with some great saves and excellent kick outs. In midfield Nessa Warren was outstanding and really got through a mountain of work, ably assisted by Katie McCaffrey. In defence Nessa Mitchell and Niamh McNulty both did really well under a lot of pressure. The seniors were impressive in their game and came away with a good win. Great displays all over the pitch. Jessica O'Mahoney deserves special mention for a simply sensational exhibition of football at full back. Further up the pitch Andrea Moore was handed a tough task, but delivered a display of great authority. Elsewhere scores from Cádhla Dolan, Lauren Foy, Pearl McHugh, Orlaith Gallagher and Roise Conlon kept the score board ticking over while Áine Neilan was a real warrior in the attack. Thanks a million to the parents for getting 25 players down the road, to Mairead Gallagher for taking care of the dressing room and to Claire and the Buncrana club for looking after us so well. Training as usual this Wednesday from 7pm to 8.15pm. We are at home this Saturday when Saint Eunan's are the visitors to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Junior game throws in at 12 noon followed by the senior game at 1pm.
Under 10 training continues on Wednesdays from 5.45pm to 6.45pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Under 8 training continues this Wednesday at 5.45pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Commiserations to Caoimhe Keon, Cáit Gillespie and the Donegal minor ladies who lost out to a late rally from Monaghan in the Ulster final on Sunday. Donegal lead 1-6 to 0-7, but Monaghan hit six unanswered points to take the title. The Donegal under 14 girls were in action on Saturday in Cavan, taking on Monaghan, Laois and Kildare. They drew against Monaghan and defeated Laois in a cracking game, but just ran out of steam against Kildare. Aodh Ruadh's Megan Kane was playing full back. The side are in action again in two weeks when the All-Ireland series commences.
Hurling
The Aodh Ruadh senior hurlers are in Junior League action this Friday when they travel to take on Omagh Saint Enda's at 7.30pm.
The under 14s continued their good form with a comprehensive victory over Buncrana on Thursday in Father Tierney Park. They are in second place in the league and travel to Inishowen to take on Burt in their final league game this Thursday.
Our young minor team are up against a very strong Dungloe / Gaoth Dobhair amalgamation in the B league final in the Cross this Sunday, time to be confirmed.
Well done to Aaron Neilan, Aaron Cullen, Troy Killalea, Danny Breen Brosnan, Pauric Daly and Kyle McNulty who were part of the Donegal under 15 team who had a big win over Tyrone in the Hibernian Cup on Saturday. Our own Denis Daly is also part of the squad management. The Donegal under 14s also had a big win over Tyrone and we were represented on this panel by Cian McKenna, Tommy Winters, Mickey Doogan, James Gallagher and Kenzie Lee Ayres.
Aodh Ruadh under 14 hurlers are heading to Cork for the Féile na nGael National Finals on the weekend of 7th to 9th June. Our main fund-raiser for this trip will be our annual clothes collection. All unwanted clothes, shoes, bags and belts are welcome. No duvets or pillows please. To arrange collection contact any of the following please: Lorraine Duffy 087-6874393, Teresa Maguire 086-3983076, Denis Daly 086-3269550 or John Rooney 086-2587793.
Underage hurling training continues on Sunday for all teams at 12 noon.
Pitch bookings
Friday
Father Tierney Park, 7.15 pm. Under 12 boys football league - Aodh Ruadh v Ardara.
Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, 6pm. Under 8 boys blitz - Aodh Ruadh v Naomh Columba.
Saturday
Father Tierney Park, 12 noon to 3pm. County Board booking.
Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, 12 noon to 2pm. Under 12 girls football league - Aodh Ruadh v Saint Eunan’s.
Sunday
Father Tierney Park, Afternoon - Community Games athletics
Monday 20th May
Father Tierney Park, 7.30pm - Under 14 boys football league - Aodh Ruadh v Ardara
Tuesday 21st May
Father Tierney Park, 7pm. Minor boys football league - Aodh Ruadh v Dungloe.
Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh fitness trail
The Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh fitness trail is almost complete. From now on vehicles are not allowed into Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh to ensure a safe environment for all users of the facilities there, young and old. The track is 630m in length and will have marker boards to indicate various distances. The club appeals to dog owners to respect the club's request not to bring dogs into our grounds at any time of the day or night.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Regina Dolan of Ballyshannon. Margaret Meehan of Belleek took the stand up game prize in the amount of €110. The €100 house winners included Teresa McCafferty, Madeline Gibbions, Monica Quinn and Kevin O’Connor of Belleek. Angela Nicholson and John McFadden both took home a house and a line. Jean Sheerin and Mary Gallagher were among the €70 house winners. There was no winner of the snowball so it rolls on to €475 this week. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre with a fine €2,200 in the prize fund. Books priced just €10.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of 7th May Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €6,200. The winning numbers drawn were 8, 9, 10, 12, 15 and 16. In the lucky dip €20 went to Imelda McLoone, Abbeylands; Elaine McLoone, Abbeylands; Maurice McLoughlin, c/o Seán Óg's; Martin Flanagan, Brollagh; and Patsy McShea, Ballintra. There was no winner of last week's Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €6,300. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 2, 6, 9, 13 and 18. In the lucky dip €20 went to Bernadine Connolly, Kinlough; Michelle Daly, Cluain Barron; Imelda McLoone, The Abbey; Lorraine McCurtin, Rockview; and Kathleen Lawless, Dunmuckrim. Next draw is in McGinley's with a jackpot of €6,400 on Sunday at 8.30pm. Tickets are 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: SENIOR HURLERS.
Tweet