Football
As expected, it was a tough championship derby battle on Sunday between Aodh Ruadh and Naomh Bríd, but it was the Ernesiders who came out with the result, 1-18 to 2-7 the final scoreline. The pattern of the previous week's victory over Burt was repeated somewhat, with a blistering Ballyshannon start followed by a lull where the opposition were able to pull themselves back into the game. Points from Michael McKenna, Philip Patton (2) and Johnny Gethins had Aodh Ruadh into a 0-4 to 0-2 lead by the first water break. Not long after the restart Oisin Rooney tapped in a goal on the rebound to put the visitors into the driving seat with Philip Patton and David McGurrin making it 1-6 to 0-2. Nathan Boyle, Michael McKenna and Philip Patton added further scores before the interval to leave it Aodh Ruadh 1-9 Naomh Bríd 0-4 at the turnaround. As had happened against in their championship opener, Aodh Ruadh took their foot off the gas in the third quarter with two Patton points answered by three from the homesters. However, when Peter Boyle belted over a 55 metre free after the water break and David McGurrin and Patton pointed to make it 1-13 to 0-7 it looked like it was all over bar the shouting. Naomh Bríd had other ideas though and with a two goal salvo and a point in quick succession they were suddenly back to within two points of Aodh Ruadh with plenty of time still left to play. Aodh Ruadh rallied well though, closing out the tie with points from David McGurrin, Philip Patton (2) and Shane McGrath. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows. Peter Boyle (0-1f); Colm Kelly, Sean Taylor, Johnny Gethins (0-1); Johnny Gallagher, Eddie Lynch, Michael McKenna (0-2); Darren Drummond, Eamonn McGrath; Diarmaid McInerney, David McGurrin (0-3), Philip Patton (0-10, 4f); Shane McGrath (0-1), Oisin Rooney (1-0), Nathan Boyle. Substitutes: Conor Patton for Johnny Gallagher 41 minutes; Cian Dolan for Darren Drummond 49 minutes; Ryan Granaghan for Nathan Boyle 50 minutes. This Sunday the opposition are a Cloich Cheann Faola side still undefeated after their opening two games and who we had two tough battles against in last year's IFC semi-final. To apply for a ticket for this game, please text Lisa McTernan by 5pm this Wednesday. Priority will be given to adult members. Information regarding juvenile tickets will follow later in the week. Unfortunately, we will be unable to live stream this game as Cloich Cheann Faola have declined permission.
The reserves took a notable scalp in the regional league last Tuesday when they defeated Saint Eunan's 0-9 to 0-7 in Father Tierney Park. The rain made it a fairly slow going affair, but Aodh Ruadh played the hand dealt better and by half time they lead 0-6 to 0-3, marksman Odhran McGarrigle punishing Letterkenny looseness in the tackle with a half dozen dead balls. Over the course of the third quarter Aodh Ruadh turned the screw with Eoin Doherty and Daniel McGullion registering to leave five points between the side's going into the second half water break. Saint Eunan's made a determined effort in the last quarter and Peter Gallagher ran the bench, bringing in Dermot Slevin, Ciaran Slevin and Anthony Coughlin to help steady matters. The final say went to the homesters with Gary Carty stroking over a ball rolling towards him on the ground over the bar soccer style for the clinching score. A great win for Aodh Ruadh in tricky weather conditions and high quality opposition. An impressive rearguard of Damien Cleary at full back, with Michael Ward and Daniel Warnock gave Saint Eunan's few glimpses of the posts. Kerry Ryan and Tiernan Flood Dolan might have been at opposite extremes of the age range, but formed a formidable midfield partnership. The full team was as follows: Karl O'Brien; Michael Ward, Damien Cleary, Daniel Warnock; Gary Carty, Daniel McGullion, Paddy Gillespie; Kerry Ryan, Tiernan Flood Dolan; Eoin Doherty, Darren Gethins, Odhran McGarrigle; Niall Murray Jamie McDonald, Ryan McKenna.
The minors got the better of a dogged Saint Naul's challenge in Father Tierney Park last Wednesday. It was first blood to Ballyshannon when Senan Rooney drilled over point direct from the throw in. However, two minutes later Saint Naul's had the ball in the net, adding a point not long after to seize the early initiative. Aodh Ruadh pulled their way back to parity by the tenth minute though. Senan Rooney pointed from a free awarded for a foul on Harry Howarth. Howarth then lobbed over a point after sustained pressure on the visiting defence. A Cian Rooney free then had the sides level before Rooney laced over a trademark left-foot effort to take Ballyshannon back into the lead. Aodh Ruadh dominated for the next ten minutes, but struggled to pierce the Mountcharles cover. Instead, with nine minutes to run to the break, it was Naul's who registered, finding the net following a rapid counterattack. The visitors built on that with two points to go four points clear with the break beckoning. Just before Eugene McHale blew for half-time Matt Gillespie pointed what was to prove a vital free. The second half continued with Aodh Ruadh finding it difficult to penetrate the blanket defence, but eventually Colm McGloin came on to the ball in midfield and fed Senan Rooney, Rooney broke a number of tackles before laying off to McGloin who picked his spot and fired to the net to make it a level game once again. Saint Naul's came back with a free, but Senan Rooney then teed up Conor Foy to point and make it 1-7 to 2-4 with 47 minutes played. The final quarter saw Aodh Ruadh dominating possession, finally getting their reward when Harry Howarth popped over after some good build up. Two minutes later Senan Rooney slotted over to give the Ernesiders a bit more breathing space. Saint Naul's did manage to pull one back when they pointed from a free with the last kick of the game, but Aodh Ruadh had done enough to take a deserved victory. Aside from his goal, Colm McGloin was probably man of the match with an outstanding shift in the half back line. Also in defence Kyle Murray's positional second sense also proved priceless with Ryan Keenaghan making some clever interceptions. Further up the pitch Harry Howarth worked himself into the ground trying to create space in a congested Saint Naul's defence and took some crucial scores. Around midfield Senan Rooney and Matt Gillespie grafted hard right through the 60 minutes. Next up for the minors is the visit of Four Masters to Father Tierney Park this Wednesday at 7.30pm.
Under 16 training continues on Wednesdays and Mondays at 4.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
The under 14s made it two wins from two last Tuesday with a hard earned victory over Saint Naul's. Despite Dara McGloin landing the first two points for Aodh Ruadh, the visitors had the better of things over the first quarter. By the time the water break came around they lead by 1-5 to 0-2 and looked well in control of proceedings. The Ballyshannon lads found the second quarter tough going and it looked like an Oran Gillespie point would be the only impact on the score board in that period. Thankfully Ted O'Donnell struck for a crucial goal just before half-time to bring his side back into the game and leave just two points between the teams, although Saint Naul's would have the backing of the wind in the second half. Mountcharles promptly hit two points on the resumption, but from there on Aodh Ruadh flipped the script. Points from Garvey Meade and Dara McGloin made it 1-5 to 1-7 and then Saint Naul's were reduced to 14 men when one of their players received a second yellow card. That blow was amplified when James Monaghan went on a storming run through the Naul's defence before blasting to the back of the net and propelling the Ernesiders back into the lead. A free for Saint Naul's made it all square again, but another spectacular goal, this time from Barry Campbell fired Aodh Ruadh clear again. A run of three unanswered points for Ballyshannon, two of those off the boot of Dara McGloin, had the hosts in the comfort zone as the final whistle neared. The coup de grace came when Eoin Doogan danced through a series of Saint Naul's tackles before slamming home a fantastic finish to leave the final score Aodh Ruadh 4-8 Saint Naul's 1-8. A great attacking display by the Ballyshannon lads, while further back Tommy Clyne and Darragh Summerville performed strongly in midfield, while in defence Rian McCauley put in a star turn, snuffing out a series of Saint Naul's danger men, and Morgan McNamee kept his marker quiet, with keeper Killian Bradshaw doing a great job of finding his man from the kick out. The team will be aiming to build on that opening win when they host Saint Naul's this Tuesday in Father Tierney Park at 6.15pm. Training continues on Wednesdays 4pm to 5.30pm and Saturdays from 5.45pm to 6.45pm.
The under 12s were blessed with lovely sunny conditions for their away meeting with Saint Naul's on Saturday morning. Aodh Ruadh raced into big lead in first 20 minutes, playing some superb football. The Mountcharles lads made it a tighter contest in second and third periods, but Aodh Ruadh were able to keep danger at arm's length thanks to great goals by Jayden McGrath Clyne and Joey Daly, as well as a couple of nice points from defender Fionn Hartin. Many thanks to Sean Campbell who reffed. Training continues on Tuesday evening at 7pm. The team are back on the road this Saturday, Tir Chonaill Park the venue for a clash with Four Masters at 11am.
The under 10 footballers have had a busy start to the month. Saturday 1st August they travelled to Saint Mary's of Sligo for two very competitive games. Both teams putting in strong performances. Last Friday they visited our neighbours Naomh Bríd for another good run out. This week training continues on Tuesday 5.45pm with Naomh Bríd visiting us on Thursday evening. All players to be up in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh for 5.45pm, throw-in will be at 6pm.
Under 8 training continues as normal this Friday from 6.15pm to 7.15pm.
Also on Friday the under 6s will be training on the top field in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 6pm.
Aodh Ruadh Academy
A date for your diaries folks. Aodh Ruadh Academy will be having a meeting in the Rock Hall on Friday, 21st August at 9pm, for all underage managers, coaches and mentors. Items on the agenda will include the following. Skills tests from under 6 to under 12, their results and analysis; The set up of an online club coaching page, with input needed from managers, coaches and mentors; Upcoming coaching courses, as well as other areas of discussion. The monthly Bord na nÓg meeting will follow directly afterwards. Lisa McTernan will send full details in due course.
Ladies
Aodh Ruadh came up against a defensive Ardara outfit at Pearse Memorial Park on Sunday. In a low scoring game it was the homesters who made the most of their chances to take a 1-5 to 0-3 lead in at the interval. The Ernesiders threw everything at Ardara in the second half, but despite edging matters in the scoring stakes, too many chances went a-begging, including a late penalty. In the end it was Ardara who claimed victory on a 1-9 to 0-10 scoreline. Defensively, Ballyshannon had immense displays from Anna Rafferty and Ana Keon, with full back Sarah Gallagher giving a player of the match performance. Midfielders Caoimhe Keon and Sarah Patton left absolutely everything on the pitch. Meanwhile, up front Áine Gilmore, Cáit Gillespie and Terri Gallagher took some good scores, as did sub Briana Maher, who played through the pain barrier. Aodh Ruadh are due to play their postponed championship game against Carndonagh this Thursday, time and venue to be confirmed. The ladies will be back in championship action once again on Sunday when they face Gaeil Fhánada in Father Tierney Park at 10.30am.
There will be training for the under 16, under 18 and seniors ladies in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this Tuesday at 8.30pm.
The minor ladies have a county semi-final to prepare for against Saint Eunan's on Tuesday, 18th August.
The under 14 girls put in a great effort in Gaoth Dobhair last Tuesday, but unfortunately on the night we met a much stronger side who took all their chances and ran out convincing winners in the end. With a number of girls unavailable to travel we had to make a number of changes at the last minute and everyone who came gave 100 percent for the cause. The defence was well marshalled by Fódhla Sheerin, ably supported by Ciara Larkin who put in a great shift. The midfield pairing of Cara O’Loughlin and Lauren Foy were really impressive and never stopped from start to finish, with Lauren managing to net two goals and up front. We were also treated to some fabulous goal taking by Jodie Meade and Cádhla Dolan. All in all the final scoreline didn’t really reflect the what was a very competitive match, but the best side won out on the night and the Ballyshannon girls now need to put all their focus and energy into the Division 1 Plate final which is scheduled for this Saturday, time and venue to be confirmed. A big thank you must go to the parents who undertook the long drive to Gaoth Dobhair on a midweek night. Finally we all want to send best wishes to Orlaith Gallagher who sustained a nasty injury towards the end of the game, we hope she has a speedy recovery.
The under 12s have a challenge against Four Masters this Tuesday at 7pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. All players should be up at the pitch for 6.20pm.
The under 10 ladies train on Wednesdays at 7pm at the top field in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The under 8 ladies train on Wednesdays at 6pm at the top field in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Hurling
The senior hurlers took on local rivals Four Masters in their final game in the group section of the Junior Hurling Championship. The first half was nip and tuck as the Donegal Town lads fought ferociously for every ball, Aodh Ruadh found it hard to get going and led at half time 0-8 to 0-3. The home side put in a much improved second half and ran out comfortable winners 2-17 to 1-4. We have a great gallery of pictures from the game up at aodhruadh.org.
The minor hurlers had their first win of the season on Thursday. The team was short a couple of players, and 14 lads made their way to the Cross to take on Burt. The Inishowen men were physically stronger than the Ballyshannon lads, but the superior skills of the Aodh Ruadh proved the difference as we ran out comfortable winners 5-16 to 2-8. Thanks to all the parents who drove the lads to the game.
The under 16s open their league campaign this Thursday with a trip to the Cross to take on Setanta.
The under 14s game against Setanta last Thursday was postponed.
Mizen to Malin
Local women Julie McMullin and Loretta Cullen are training hard for their run from Mizen Head to Malin Head over five days from 18th to 22nd August to raise funds for The Donegal Hospice, The Northwest Hospice and the Irish Cancer Society. Both lost their mothers to cancer and know first hand the wonderful work the hospice movement and the Irish Cancer Society do and their ongoing need for donations. This is another great cause well worthy of your support. If you would like to sponsor the pair, please visit their GoFundMe page to make a donation.
Aodh Ruadh Golf Classic
The club are hosting a Golf Classic in Bundoran Golf Club on Friday, 28th August. Places can be booked through the golf club on 071-9841302, or on the Aodh Ruadh Klubfunder page. We have eight team prizes, as well as prizes for the longest male and female drives, and nearest the pin. Up for grabs are fourballs at Portnoo, Murvagh, Ballyliffin, and Slieve Russell; Vouchers for Druids Golf, Fletcher Golf and Bundoran Golf Club, plus loads more prizes. To obtain a tee sponsorship contact William on 087-2799855.
Aodh Ruadh lotto
There was no winner of last week's Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €3,400. The winning numbers drawn were 2, 3, 6, 8, 12 and 17. In the lucky dip €25 went to Sean O'Boyle, Abbeylands and Noelle Downey, Higginstown. The next draw is for a jackpot of €3,500 on Sunday at 8pm. Tickets are available in Kernan's Spar and Pearse O'Neill's. You can play also play the lotto online. Log onto klubfunder.com and then search for and select Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon. The club appreciates all support members can offer during this ongoing pandemic. You have to be in it to win it!
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra on Saturday is: SENIOR FOOTBALLERS.
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