Football

A double round of fixtures for the seniors began on Thursday evening where Aodh Ruadh were worthy winners at a well attended Father Tierney Park. Barry Ward and Philip O'Reilly's charges defeated Glenfin 2-10 to 0-10, however the hosts were perhaps guilty of keeping the visitors alive in the contest a little longer than strictly necessary. Aodh Ruadh dominated possession in the first half, but some casual play in the attack saw them going in at half-time with just a three point lead. Over the course of the third quarter the Ernesiders passed up chances and took some poor shooting options and despite owning the ball for long stretches it was Glenfin who opened the second half scoring. That served as a shot in the arm for Ballyshannon and they upped the tempo over the closing ten to 15 minutes to register two goals and secure two valuable league points. Oisin Rooney was probably man of the match with a hard working and effective shift up front. Diarmaid McInerney was superb in the first half. Unusually Shane McGrath finished scoreless, but regular fouls on the attacker provided a rich seam of scoreable frees for Aodh Ruadh to exploit. Brother Eamonn was in dominant form out in the middle third. Further back Sean Taylor got through a lot of work, with Michael McKenna again showing himself to be a neat, stylish footballer. In defence Colm Kelly was immense, with a polished, unfussy display at number three. We have a full match report and pictures live on aodhruadh.org.

On Sunday Aodh Ruadh made the journey to Termon's Burn Road grounds for their second game in four days. Ballyshannon created a lot of scoring chances in the first half, but luck, wayward shooting and some good defending combined to see them only score five points in the first 30 minutes. Diarmaid McInerney and Cian Dolan hit early points before Termon raided for a goal. Shane McGrath answered with a point before a Philip Patton free and a Michael McKenna score made it 1-4 to 0-5 at the turnaround. Aodh Ruadh drew first blood in the new half with Cian Dolan fisting over. Dolan then added his third of the game before Nathan Boyle landed a magnificent long range score. Johnny Gethins pointed after a rapid counter attack before Nathan Boyle edged Aodh Ruadh into the lead with an exquisite shot. Termon got back level, but Conor Patton fisted over to restore the lead. That was to be the Ernesiders last score though as Termon hit 1-2 in the last five minutes to run out 2-10 to 0-12 winners. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were Peter Boyle; Johnny Gethins (0-1), Colm Kelly, Michael Ward; Shane Gillespie, Sean Taylor, Michael McKenna (0-1); Eamonn McGrath, Cian Dolan (0-2); Niall Murray, Diarmaid McInerney (0-1), Philip Patton (0-1); Nathan Boyle (0-2), Oisin Rooney, Shane McGrath (0-1). Subs: Darren Drummond, Paddy Gillespie, Conor Patton (0-1).

 

The reserves were also in action last Thursday. Once again, goals were the big scores, but unfortunately this time they went the way of the visitors from Glenfin as they ran out winners on a scoreline of 1-11 to 4-11. We have pictures from the game up onaodhruadh.org.

 

Aodh Ruadh are on their travels north again this week, this time the opposition are Buncrana. The senior game goes off in Scarvey at 3pm, with the reserve curtain-raiser throwing in at 1.30pm.

 

Aodh Ruadh minors are in championship action this Wednesday 31st July when they take on Naomh Conaill down in Glenties. Throw in is at 7.30pm and we urge supporters to make the trip and get behind the lads.

 

The under 14s are also in championship action this week. They travel to Glenswilly for a 7.30pm throw in.

 

The under 13 boys travelled to take on Letterkenny Gaels on Monday evening, enjoying two good competitive games. In the first game Eoin Doogan worked hard in defence, while the McCauley brothers, Caolan and Rian, also worked their socks off. Tommy Clyne put in a great shift at midfield, while up front Dara McGloin had definitely brought his shooting boots with him. In the second game Ben Daly had a sterling game between the posts with James Ward putting in an eye-catching stint in the defence. Matthew Fox played really well in the middle third, while Darragh O'Mahoney and Stephen Doran chipped in with some nice scores.

 

Our under 8 boys travelled to the Ardara blitz with four teams on Saturday. The Ardara club ran a brilliant tournament, hosting 54 teams in total, with proceedings running like clockwork. The Ballyshannon lads did really well all round, but special mention to the Aodh Ruadh C team who collected the C competition plate, and the Aodh Ruadh B team who won their group. Under 8 training continues as normal on Friday evening from 6pm to 7pm. Our next game will be posted on the parents group as soon as the fixture is confirmed.

 

Val Murray's Masters defeated Antrim and Cavan over the past week to keep their hopes of an All-Ireland semi-final berth alive. Antrim were easily disposed of and Murray's Tir Chonaill charges were similarly dominant against Cavan on Saturday. They defeated the Breffni men 2-15 to 0-9 in Ballybofey with Kerry Ryan on duty in midfield scoring two points and Michael 'Sticky' Ward banging in 1-1.  Donegal will now play the winners of Galway and Laois, with the winners of that game joining Dublin, Tyrone and Roscommon in the All-Ireland last four.

 

Ladies

Aodh Ruadh senior ladies are in action this Friday in the Donegal LGFA Division 2 Shield and League competitions. They play Naomh Muire with 7pm throw-in, venue to be confirmed.

 

Aodh Ruadh under 16s made it five wins from five with a good win away win over Downings. It was a hot evening on the Rosguill peninsula but that didn't deter Eilish Gallagher who ran her heart out up and down pitch in a player of the match performance. The similarly energetic Aoibhínn McGarrigle top scored for Aodh Ruadh with 2-3, while Emer O'Brien capped a fine personal display with a haul of 1-2. Katie O'Brien finished with five points to her credit, with Chantelle Timoney and Demi McFarland bagging a goal apiece, and Niamh Hughes, Caitlin McGarrigle, Sarah Jane Keon and Laoise Kelly adding points to complete a convincing victory for the visitors. Elsewhere, keeper Áine Hill made fine stop in the closing stages of the game, while further up the pitch Lucy McGlynn and Tia McFarland got through a sight of work. Next up for the under 16s is the penultimate game of the league programme on Tuesday evening away to Gaoth Dobhair at 7pm.

 

Under 13 training continues on Tuesdays in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 5.45pm.

 

The Aodh Ruadh under 12 girls wrapped up their competitive season with two good games against a sporting Urris outfit on Saturday. There was serious heat and it was exhausting even watching the girls play, but they gave all they had, and more in many cases. The junior game was nine-a-side which made it harder again for them. Katie McCaffrey ran herself into the ground in midfield and was at the centre of much of the side's best play. Nessa Warren took two brilliant scores. Up front Ellie Brennan and Leah Melly worked hard. Player of the match was probably Laura Crossan, who swept up everything that came her way, ably supported by Cora McGowan McGinley. The senior game was a tensely fought game of football. Aodh Ruadh edged in front with points from Abbie Gallagher and Andrea Moore, before Urris leveled the game. Points from Ciara Larkin and then 1-1 from Lauren Foy gave the Shamettes a two point half-time lead. The toll of the hot weather told on both sides in the second half, and it really was amazing to watch these two groups of girls continuing to go at it hard despite the conditions. Aodh Ruadh had points from Niamh Duffy and Abbie Gallagher and a second goal from Lauren Foy to just about edge the win against a determined and skilful Urris outfit. Special mention to Ava Duncan, Roise Conlon and Lucy Byrne who did a great job in the defence and Megan Murphy who was safe as houses between the posts. Thanks to the parent and guardians who brought refreshments and especially those who helped behind the hatch and tidied up afterwards. Thanks to Val Murray and Sylvester Maguire for reffing. The under 12s are wrapping up the season with the challenge and fun games against the under 11 boys this Wednesday with things getting going at 7pm.

 

The annual Aodh Ruadh Ladies Duck race will now take place on Saturday, 10th August at 11am. All cards should be returned to Patricia Hill, Sabrina Brosnan or the relevant team manager as soon as possible.

 

Hurling

Aodh Ruadh senior hurlers recorded their third win in the Donegal Junior Championship against a resilient MacCumhaill's in Ballybofey on Friday evening. Aodh Ruadh withstood a strong second half effort by the home side, but finished with a flourish of late scores to secure the win on a scoreline of 1-18 to 1-3. Aodh Ruadh have now qualified for the championship semi-final. That is due to take place on Friday 9th August, with opposition and venue to be confirmed.

 

Last Thursday saw two more wins for our under 12s and under 16s

 

The under 16s were at home to Saint Eunan's they continued their rich vein of form to maintain their 100 percent start to the league with a 2-10 to 1-5 victory. They sit proudly on top of the league. We have a large gallery of pictures from the game up onaodhruadh.org. The lads will be bidding to keep their run going this Thursday as they make the long trip to Carndonagh for a 7.30pm throw-in.

 

The under 12s made their way to Letterkenny to take on Letterkenny Gaels. The lads played well and ran out comfortable winners. They are joint second in the league and are at home this Thursday at 7pm to table toppers MacCumhaill's. It promises to be a close battle and all support is welcome.

 

Best of luck to Aaron Cullen, Aaron Neilan and Danny Breen who have made the Ulster under 15 squad. This is a great achievement for the lads. They take on the Dublin under 15 team in Abbotstown on Tuesday.

 

A full bus of 38 adults and children made their way to Croke Park on Sunday for the Juvenile Hurlers annual trip All-Ireland hurling semi-final trip. This year we witnessed another classic match where Tipperary narrowly defeated Wexford.

 

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

 

Pitch bookings

The level of club activity continues at an all time high. The month of July will have seen the hosting of 33 matches in Father Tierney Park and Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Advance booking in good time is critical to leave adequate preparation time to have the playing fields in top order. Thanks to our workforce for their continuing efforts. Confirmed bookings this week are as follows.

Wednesday

Father Tierney Park, 7pm. Under 12 girls v under 11 boys

Thursday

Father Tierney Park, 7pm. Under 12 hurling league - Aodh Ruadh v MacCumhaill's

 

Relive the OsKaRs magic!

Aodh Ruadh OsKaRs DVDs are now on sale! Remember a great night of craic and savour those spectacular acting talents once again in the comfort of your own home! DVDs are only €10 each. You can message or text Lisa McTernan (086-2338636) or Sabrina Brosnan (086-8241297) to book your copy!

 

Abbey Centre Bingo

The newest bingo thousandaire is Gerry Quigley who scooped the €1,000 big bingo jackpot, well done to Gerry. There was no claim on the snowball so it hits the €1,000 mark this week. Bingo as usual at 9pm this Friday at the Abbey Centre.

 

Aodh Ruadh Lotto

There was no winner of last week's Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €7,400. The winning numbers drawn were 2, 7, 8, 12, 15 and 16. In the lucky dip €20 went to Bridie Corr, Bundoran; Mary McCauley, Mulleek; Janette McTernan, c/o Seán Óg's; Mary Granaghan, Erne Dale Heights; and Bridget Quinn, The Knather. Next draw is in Dorrian's Hotel with a jackpot of €7,500 on Monday 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: BORD NA NÓG.

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