Club meeting

The monthly club executive meeting takes place this Thursday at 9.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend. Any items for any other business should be sent to club secretary Lisa McTernan by 3pm on Wednesday.

 

Football

Aodh Ruadh eased into the IFC quarter-finals with a 3-21 to 0-7 win over Downings. Johnny Gethins served notice of what was in store for the visitors with an early goal. Ballyshannon scored freely across the course of the half while Downings struggled to make much of an impression up the other end. The sides turned around with Aodh Ruadh holding a 1-12 to 0-3 lead. In the second half two Shane McGrath goals put the gloss on what was an emphatic victory for Barry Ward and Philip O'Reilly's men in a display which will give the Ernesiders great heart as the championship moves into the knock out stages. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were: Peter Boyle; Callum O’Halloran, Colm Kelly, Johnny Gallagher; Shane Gillespie, Conor Patton, Sean Taylor (0-1); Cian Dolan 0-1, Eamonn McGrath; Nathan Boyle (0-2), Philip Patton (0-9, 4f), Diarmuid McInerney (0-1); Johnny Gethins (1-1), Niall Murray (0-1), Shane McGrath (2-4). Subs: Paddy Gillespie 0-1 for Taylor HT; Michael Ward for J Gallagher HT; Ryan McKenna for E McGrath 38m; E McGrath for Dolan 59m.

 

Downings conceded their game against the reserves and so both Aodh Ruadh adult sides have progressed to the quarter-final stages. The draw for the last eight stages saw Aodh Ruadh seniors drawn to face Naomh Muire at 12.30pm on Saturday, while the reserves will take on Gaeil Fhánada at 3pm on Saturday. We await confirmation of venues for those games, so keep an eye on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page for word on those.

 

It was a busy week for our under 13s beginning with a clash against Naomh Columba on Friday. Aodh Ruadh ran out four point winners on a scoreline of 4-12 to 3-11 after an entertaining game of football. Liam Doogan was superb at corner back, while Darragh O'Mahoney did really well when he was sprang from the bench. Barry Campbell put in a strong shift around the middle third, with James Monaghan having a great second half in midfield. Up front Oran Gillespie scored very heavily, contributing handsomely to Ballyshannon's final tally. The full panel got game-time on Sunday when Aodh Ruadh hosted Grange for a challenge. Then on Monday the team recorded their second league win of the week, this time against the visitors from Kilcar. There was little to separate the sides over the course of the first half and as the teams turned around Aodh Ruadh lead by a point, 2-3 to 1-5. It was a similarly competitive second-half, but Aodh Ruadh shaded matters to run out 3-9 to 1-12 winners. Killian Bradshaw pulled off a number of vital stops in goals, with Tommy Clyne and Eoin Doogan supplying great cover in defence. Jun Hui Lin put in a storming performance in midfield, eventually coming to dominate in this sector. In the attacking third Barry Campbell pulled the strings as Ballyshannon picked some timely scores. The team are now awaiting confirmation on their next fixtures.

 

With heavy Aodh Ruadh involvement, it is natural we are particularly proud of the Donegal Masters All-Ireland final victory over Dublin's ten-in-a-row chasing side. Played in Ballyleague, Roscommon, Donegal had the wind in the first half, but only lead by two at half-time in a low scoring encounter, 0-4 to 0-2. The Tir Chonaill men had a good start to the second half with two early points and maintained a decent cushion over much of the second half. However, with time running out, the Dubs came with a late charge and there was only a point between the sides as the game moved into injury time. It fell to Michael 'Sticky' Ward to hit the insurance point and cap a man of the match display which saw him bag five points, four from frees. The final whistle sounded with Kerry Ryan the last man on the ball as he broke out with possession after helping to thwart a desperate last gasp attempt on goal by Dublin. Joint captain Packie McGrath helped lift the trophy as Donegal emerged victorious on a scoreline of 0-9 to 0-7. The win was masterminded by manager Val Murray with support from Aidan Murray. Dermot Slevin also played a crucial role in helping get Donegal to the decider. Well done lads, as they say, class is permanent!

 

Ladies

The minor ladies made the long trip to take on Moville on Sunday morning for their latest league assignment. It was a testing outing for the girls, but they battled hard. Their best spell came shortly after half-time when they fired in three goals. However, with the homesters sitting top of the division it was always going to be a big ask for a scratch Ballyshannon side to take anything from the game. We wish Chantelle Timoney the best for a speedy recovery following the injury she sustained in the game. Next up for Aodh Ruadh is Ardara on Sunday 6th October in Father Tierney Park at 12 noon.

 

Aodh Ruadh's under 16 girls are in A county final action this Sunday, with Saint Naul's the opposition in Tir Chonaill Park at 12.30pm. This is a big game for the team and the club and we'd really appreciate a huge Ballyshannon support down in Donegal town to get behind this great squad of girls. Wear your club colours with pride and be our 16th player on the day. The team will have training this Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm.

 

The under 13s had a very busy week with two league games in the all county league. The first of the games saw Aodh Ruadh welcome Naomh Conaill to Father Tierney park last Tuesday. The Ballyshannon girls took some time to settle into the game and the first half proved to be a close affair with the home side only two points up at half-time. The second half began at an electric pace and the Aodh Ruadh girls produced a fantastic all round team performance with all 21 girls getting their chance to impress. The home side eventually ran out 16 point winners to the delight of the enthusiastic home support. It was hard to single out anyone on the night, such was the display across the pitch, but special mention needs to go to Aisling Patton who was superb in goals, unfortunately picking up a foot injury for her troubles. Ciara Larkin worked tirelessly and was well supported by the three Orlaiths, Gallagher, O’Neill and Toland.

The team then travelled to Ballybofey on Saturday morning to take on a much fancied MacCumhaill's side. This proved to be a thrilling match played out in warm September sunshine. The sideline support from both clubs were treated to a fantastic spectacle of football. MacCumhaill's began the stronger side and were dominating the play up to the first half water break. The Ballyshannon ladies then took control and points from Jodie Meade, Lauren Foy and a goal from Fódhla Sheerin saw Aodh Ruadh finish the first half stronger  and a few points to the good. The second half began with both sides trading points before Cádhla Dolan made a wonderful run to get on the end of a measured pass from Dairín Sweeney and finish to the net. This really lifted the Ballyshannon side and despite the relentless efforts by MacCumhaill's to claw back the lead the Ernesiders were having none of it and they stood up strong and absorbed the pressure before breaking away to score the last point of the match and run out one point winners. There were heroes all across the pitch. Fódhla Sheerin gave a masterclass in defence and was supported by brilliant displays from Jessica O’Mahoney and Pearl McHugh. Orlaith Gallagher worked continuously, making runs and linking up with what's becoming a very formidable partnership pairing of Dairín Sweeney and Lauren Foy. Up front Jodie Meade was unstoppable and was a constant thorn in the side of the MacCumhaill's defence. As the game went on Cádhla Dolan grew on confidence and made numerous  runs and Aoife Travers saved her best play for this match and was gutsy against a tough defence. All in all the girls showed great determination and intensity, and their support play and resolve was nothing short of inspirational. In a similar way to the previous match the girls who were called in from the bench did a terrific job and contributed to a tremendous victory. Thanks to the parents who helped out at the home game and to those that drove to Ballybofey on Saturday morning. The under 13s next outing will see the squad travel to take on Dungloe on Saturday morning.

 

Hurling

The under 16s played Buncrana in the semi-final of the championship on Sunday in Father Tierney Park. This was a great game were both teams battled it out for a place in the county final. There was some great score taking and defending from both teams. The sides were level at half-time, Aodh Ruadh 1-7 Buncrana 2-4. The home side hit the ground running in the second half and rattled off some early scores. Buncrana fought right to the end, but the home side were deserving winners on a 3-11 to 2-9 scoreline. They take on Setanta in the final on Thursday in Donegal Town. Throw in is at 6pm and all support would be most welcome as the lads hope to complete the league and championship double.

 

Five of our under 12 hurlers had the great honour of playing in Croke Park on Saturday last. Dara McGloin, Liam Doogan, Ben Daly, Garvey Meade and Rian McCauley were among 36 hurlers from all over Donegal who were selected to take part in the activity day. Along with getting to play for 90 minutes on the hallowed turf they also had a tour of the famous stadium. All-in-all the lads had a great day in what was hopefully the first of many appearances in Croke Park for them.

 

We have our final tournament of the season on Sunday as we host the Aodh Ó Dálaigh under 12 tournament. This is always a great days hurling. The tournament has been in existence since 1982 and teams taking part this Sunday are Abbeyknockmoy (Galway), Ballycastle (Antrim), Ballinascreen (Derry), Dungannon (Tyrone) with MacCumhaill's and Aodh Ruadh flying the flag for Donegal. The action gets underway at 10.30am.

 

A celebration of Scór

A celebration of Scór in Donegal over the last 50 years takes place at An Grianán Theatre this Sunday, September 29th. It is hosted by Donegal GAA and sponsored by Donegal Connect. It will include past Donegal, All-Ireland and Ulster winners. Our very own Pat Sweeny, an All-Ireland winner in 1991 in the recitation category, will be performing. It starts at 8pm and a good night is assured. Admission is €10 and tickets can be purchased online directly from An Grianán or on the door.

 

Youth Matters conference

CLG Dhun na nGall are hosting a Youth Matters conference on the health and well-being of our youth on Saturday, 12th October in Letterkenny IT. Jason Quigley will be guest speaker and a number of county players from both ladies and men’s football and hurling teams will also be in attendance. The event will run from 9.30am to 2pm. Clubs are asked to send delegates from age groups 12 to 15, and 15 to 18. Each delegate will get a courtesy pack sponsored by O'Neill's. If interested in attending on behalf of Aodh Ruadh please contact club secretary Lisa McTernan.

Building mental resilience

A course delivered by Shane Martin entitled The Psychology Of 'Bouncibility': How To Build Resilience Within Ourselves' will take place on Thursday 26th September from 7pm to 9pm in  Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. The event is been ran in partnership with Connect Mental Health and more information on the course can be found at their website, connectmentalhealth.ie. We would be love to see as many of our members and members of the wider community attend for what promises to be very interesting evening.

 

Schools Coach

We are keen to fill the schools coaching post before the end of September. Community Employment Scheme eligibility criteria apply. Contact Tom Daly if interested.

 

Diary dates

Dates have recently been confirmed for a couple of the club's big annual social events. The club dinner dance will take place on Saturday, December 7th, while the underage football awards evening for boys and girls takes place on Saturday, 26th October, in the Abbey Centre.

 

September Big Bingo

The September big bingo takes place this Friday night at the Abbey Centre with a whopping €4,100 prize fund up for grabs. The €1,000 super jackpot must be won and we also have the mighty snowball of €1,400 to play for, so we're in for another great night. First game at 9pm. Books priced €15 or get the book and a half deal for just €20.

 

Abbey Centre Bingo

Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Jackie Egan of Bundoran. The stand-up game prize of €150 was won by Teresa Campbell of Ballyshannon. House winners included Katie McEniff (twice!), Margaret Byrne, Angela Gaye, Mary B Kerrigan, Anna Daly, Marie Gallagher and Angela Rooney. Yet again the snowball survived so it rolls to €1,400 for this week's big bingo!

 

Aodh Ruadh Lotto

There was no winner of last week's Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €8,200. The winning numbers drawn were 4, 9, 11, 14, 16 and 17. In the lucky dip €20 went to Andrea Gallagher, Margaret Meehan, Daniel O'Mahoney, Pat Melly, and Noelle Downey. Next draw is in Dorrian's Hotel with a jackpot of €8,300 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! You can play also play the lotto online. Log onto klubfunder.com and then search for and select Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon.

The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra on Saturday is: SENIOR FOOTBALLERS.

 

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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