RIP Tom Gallagher
Close on the heels of the passing of Alan Kane, Aodh Ruadh lost another club stalwart last week with the passing of Vice President Tom Gallagher, Cluain Barron. Tom was a man of many arts and parts, and his involvement with Aodh Ruadh was just one of a number of strings to his bow. As a player he made his debut for Aodh Ruadh in the late 1940s in a Democrat Cup match against Glenties. It was a debut to remember as he was knocked out and spent the night in the old Glenties hospital. In fact, such was the nature of the injury and the lack of medical assistance at the game that he was supposed to have been anointed on the sideline! He came through that trauma though, and was a member of the team that won the 1951 county final, playing throughout the championship and lining out at right corner forward in the final against Saint Eunan's. When Aodh Ruadh next won the championship in 1986, some 31 years later, his two sons Thomas and Seamus were involved. Tom also went on to play in the 1955 league final victory over Saint Eunan's. Aside from his onfield activities, Tom was an avid photographer and captured many great moments in the club's history. He was also ever-willing to help on lotto shifts or in any other capacity he could be of assistance to the club. Of course music and verse were also great passions of his, and his exploits in that field with the Brass and Reed Band, as well as various other local groups and bands and the Musical Society have been extensively chronicled in the past few days. Tom's gentle manner will be much missed in Ballyshannon and beyond. The club offer our deepest sympathies to Tom's wife Angela, his children, Geraldine, Christine, Thomas, Seamus, Deirdre, Marion, Lorraine and their families, as well his many friends. We would also like to thank all those who turned out for the guard of honour at Tom's funeral mass on Monday. Rest in Peace Tom. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
Football
Aodh Ruadh had to work all the way on Saturday evening to keep their undefeated league run going against Milford in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh with a 0-15 to 1-11 victory. The visitors made the early running against a Ballyshannon side down a few regulars, leading by 0-6 to 0-2 at the first water break. The Ernesiders lifted their game after that though and rallied into a one-point lead courtesy of points from Nathan Boyle, Niall Murray and Johnny Gethins before Milford clipped their only score of the quarter to leave it seven points apiece at the turnaround. Aodh Ruadh started the second half well with points from Darren Drummond and Philip Patton, but a Darragh Black goal for Milford levelled matters once more. Again Aodh Ruadh went three clear through Diarmaid McInerney and two quick scores from Cian Rooney, but they were dealt a blow when Kyle Murray picked up a second yellow. The closing phase of the game was intense, end-to-end stuff, and hugely entertaining for the vocal support in the Páirc. As the clock ticked down Aodh Ruadh patiently worked an opening to allow Philip Patton the chance to split the posts for the lead score. Milford had time for one more attack though and had an opportunity to tie the game up with a free. The ball dropped in dangerously, but Karl O'Brien stood firm and made a brilliant fetch to ensure Barry Ward's men extended their winning run to five on the bounce. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were: Karl O'Brien; Jason Granaghan, Colm Kelly, Michael McKenna; Niall Murray (0-2), Eddie Lynch, Kyle Murray; Conor Patton, Shane Gillespie; Philip Patton (0-5, 2f), Shane McGrath, Diarmaid McInerney (0-1); Nathan Boyle (0-2), Darren Drummond (0-2), Cian Rooney (0-2, 1f). Subs: Johnny Gethins (0-1) for Shane Gillespie 15m; Senan Rooney for Diarmaid McInerney 47m; Ryan Granaghan for Cian Rooney 58m. We have pictures from the game live on aodhruadh.org.
The Aodh Ruadh reserves delivered another solid team performance to earn a 0-19 to 2-6 win over a dogged Milford side. Aodh Ruadh built their winning tally primarily with a barrage of long-range points aided and abetted by the aerial power of Donagh McIntyre who impressed along with the ageless Johnny Gallagher. The ex-county man was on for the last 20 minutes as he continued his rehabilitation in preparation for a return to the senior ranks. Colm McGloin was immaculate at centre half as was Gary Carty at full back, while we had a man of the match performance from 18-year-old Conor Foy. Saturday's result was Peter Gallagher's side third on the trot and sends Ballyshannon to joint top of the league with next week's opponents, MacCumhaill's. Check out our gallery of pictures from the game which is live now on aodhruadh.org.
The seniors and reserves will be hoping to extend their winning runs further this weekend in Ballybofey. The senior game throws in at 7pm on Saturday in MacCumhaill Park, with the reserve match getting the action under way at 5.30pm.
The minors followed up on their good victory in Ardara by comprehensively beating Gaoth Dobhair in Father Tierney Park last Tuesday. As with the previous match Jack Gallagher helped to get Aodh Ruadh off to a perfect start winning the ball from the throw in and driving through the Gaoth Dobhair defence to set up Robbie Murphy who coolly despatched to the back of the net and followed up with a point from play soon afterwards. The next 20 minutes was a tale of good Aodh Ruadh pressure, but without the finishing touch - missing a number of good opportunities as Gaoth Dobhair grew into the game and clinically sent over four successive points to leave the teams at level pegging at the water break. On the resumption, a Robbie Murphy point from a free was cancelled out by a fine effort from Gaoth Dobhair. However, Aodh Ruadh’s continued pressure finally reaped rewards, an Aodh Ruadh free was converted by Murphy and Aodh Ruadh turned over the Gaoth Dobhair restart. After good defensive pressure by Darragh Dolan, Cian McKenna off-loaded slickly for Eoghan Kelly to drive through and set up Jack Gallagher who sent a fierce shot to the back of the Gaoth Dobhair net to leave the scores at 2-3 to 0-5 at the interval. Aodh Ruadh began the second half with real intent with the tireless Shane Delahunty driving over immediately on the restart. Further points followed from Murphy and Jack Gallagher as Aodh Ruadh calmly worked the ball, picking off their scores, controlling the game and not allowing Gaoth Dobhair a foothold to get back into the game. The excellent Damian Weber played a captain's role, chasing lost causes and showing great leadership throughout, closed out the game with two pointed frees as it finished 2-11 to 0-7. Robbie Murphy was in good form helping himself to 1-7, but this was a team victory founded on a high work rate across the pitch. There were notable performances from Ryan Keenaghan and Eoghan Kelly who calmly controlled the game showing a maturity beyond their years, Pauric Daly at corner back putting in the hard yards, the excellent midfield pairing of Jack Gallagher and Shane Delahunty, and Darragh Dolan who filled in a number of positions. There was a nice link from past to present as James Gallagher (grandson of Jim ‘The Natch’ Gallagher) and Jack Gallagher (grandson of Kieran Blake) all played in what was the last game of football played on the ‘old field', where the aforementioned played with distinction so often in the past. The last football team to play on the old pitch was: Aaron Cullen; James Gallagher, Ryan Keenaghan, Pauric Daly; Aidan Sweeny, Eoghan Kelly, Aaron Neilan; Jack Gallagher, Shane Delahunty; Darragh Owens, Cian McKenna, Darragh Dolan; Damian Weber, Robbie Murphy, David Roper. Subs: Kian Duncan for Aaron Neilan; Tommy Clyne for David Roper; Caelan McCauley for Darragh Owens. The lads have a bit of a break now until their next outing, which will be away against Glenfin on Friday 23rd July.
The under 15s had a difficult trip to Glenties on Friday evening, coming off on the wrong end of an 8-15 to 1-4 scoreline. The squad are in action this Wednesday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh where Killybegs will be the visitors and the throw-in at 7.30pm.
It was a tough night at the office for the under 13s on Monday evening as they came off second best against a strong Naomh Conaill side. Jayden McGrath Clyne played really well in goals and made some fantastic saves. Further out the pitch Sean O'Neill and Fionn Harten played really well in tough circumstances. The Aodh Ruadh scorers were Corey Sheridan (0-4), MJ Ward (0-3), Joseph Gibbions (0-1) and Sean O'Neill (0-1). The reserve game was a bit closer, but once again it was the boys in blue who came away with the result, the game finishing 3-5 to 1-5 in favour of Naomh Conaill. The Ballyshannon lads put in a mighty performance though. Shaun McGarrigle scored a scorcher of a goal, and Eoghan Blake Gallagher and Finn Doogan were both outstanding. Next Monday sees the lads on their travels to Ardara with the action getting under way at 7.30pm at Pearse Memorial Park.
The under 11s played Ardara away last Saturday morning. We played two very entertaining and hotly contested matches, with some spectators having the end result as draws, others saying Aodh Ruadh just shaded it. Either way, it was another great run out against evenly matched opponents. We were privileged to have Brian Roper training the squad on Monday evening, as part of the club support scheme. We thank Brian and the county board for their support with this very worthwhile scheme.
Under 9 training continues as normal on Friday evening. On Saturday Dungloe will be the visitors to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh for a biltz with the action getting under way at 11.30am.
Hurling
The senior hurlers were without a game last weekend. They will be entertaining Carndonagh this Friday at 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Our under 17s are getting their season underway this Thursday, away to Letterkenny Gaels. Best of luck to Denis, Daithi and the lads in their first game of the year!
Our under 15 team faced last year's county finalists, MacCumhaill's, in a gripping contest and what will be the last game played on the old Father Tierney sod on Thursday night. Having taken the lead early on, our lads led throughout the game. However, both teams had their periods of dominance, and for most of the game there was little more than a point or two between the sides. MacCumhaill's will rue their missed frees in the second half as they were starting to dominate the game, however our lads showed great composure to steady themselves, winning by four points in the end. Every player contributed, and it was great to see everyone getting game time. We have a gallery of pictures from this small bit of sporting history live on aodhruadh.org now.
The under 13s have continued their excellent start to their season with another fine victory at home to Saint Molaise Gaels in the Táin Óg league. This team has had a fantastic start to the year with comprehensive wins in all their games so far, both locally and in the Táin Óg League. They are a credit to their parents and to their management team. We have pictures from the game live on aodhruadh.org. They continue their season with a trip to MacCumhaill's this week, in what should prove to be this team's biggest challenge so far this year.
Our first under 11 Give-It-A-Go session took place last Friday, and we had a few new recruits on the evening. Unfortunately, we didn't get any one at the main age group we are targeting, those who would be under 11 currently. We will run a second similar session in August, with all details to follow!
We had a fantastic morning of hurling in Páirc Aodh Ruadh on Sunday when we welcomed Four Masters for our return fixture with them. We had five games going simultaneously, with three under 7 teams and two under 9s - in total we had 40 hurlers, including some recent new recruits play, and everyone got plenty of game time. Next week we travel for another blitz to Setanta. Anyone interested in joining up should contact John on 086-1076883.
Ladies
It was honours even on Sunday morning as Aodh Ruadh reserves took on Dungloe in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The visitors were quickest out of the traps, steadily picking off the points before hitting the net to go in with a 1-6 to 0-4 half-time advantage. Aodh Ruadh got the bit between their teeth in the second half and, aided by spectacular individual effort from Orla Keon to hit the net, got the game back to parity at 1-7 to 1-7. The tie could have gone either way in the closing few minutes, but Pat Walsh whistled before a decisive score could be landed and it finished honours even. Saoirse McDevitt had an outstanding match for the homesters sweeping up ball around half back line, as did Megan McGee at full back. Orla Keon worked tirelessly in the middle of the pitch while Katie O'Brien was a magnificent outlet and finished with 0-5 to her credit. Terri Gallagher and Síofra Hughes also hit a point each. We have pictures from the match live on aodhruadh.org now. The reserves have a break this weekend while the seniors face Saint Naul's on Sunday morning at 10am in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh for their rescheduled fixture.
The under 16 girls made the 260 kilometre round trip to Malin last Tuesday and came home with a well engineered victory. The girls were slow out of the blocks and were a few points down by the end of the first quarter. After a bizarre refereeing decision which resulted in the official starting the second quarter before the Aodh Ruadh girls took to the pitch seemed to ignite the fire in the bellies of the Ballyshannon ladies and they never looked back. The girls went from strength to strength, and they took every opportunity to turn around a first quarter deficit of three points to build up a 14-point advantage by the end of the third quarter. There were many great individual performances, but the grit of the team and the combined determination and spirit of the 20 girls who has travelled to Malin was the real winner on the night. As always, we want to thank the parents who travelled and gave great support to the team. Unfortunately, the girls scheduled league clash against Downings on Tuesday evening has been postponed.
It was the proverbial game of two halves in Machaire Gathlán on Saturday, with the Aodh Ruadh under 14s staging a storming comeback from 18 points down to earn a two-point win. The slight hill proved an out-sized factor with almost all the scoring taking place into the lower goals. The Ballyshannon girls got the first point courtesy of Cádhla Dolan, but from there to half time Gaoth Dobhair seized control. They ran in 7-4 with Aodh Ruadh only able to strike back for sporadic scores. At the interval it was 7-4 to 1-4 in favour of the Gaeltacht girls. Ballyshannon had solved a few problems in the lead up into half-time though and began the second half with a purposeful demeanour. By the second water break it 7-7 to 4-6, and in the final quarter Aodh Ruadh were attacking in waves. The crucial score came when Andrea Moore was brought down after a surging run for a penalty which Cádhla Dolan clinically stroked home. That left the visitors just two points in arrears with the momentum behind them. They pushed on to take the lead 8-8 to 7-9, but Gaoth Dobhair could have snatched victory in the dying seconds only for a last ditch save on the line by defender Hannah Downey. It was a full panel effort from the Aodh Ruadh girls and a magnificent spectacle of a game for the assembled spectators. Captain for the day Jessica O'Mahoney was outstanding, as was attacker Cádhla Dolan. Lauren Foy rose in stature with each passing minute of the game. Defensively Áine Neilan was outstanding. As was the case in the Naomh Conaill game, the subs made a real difference when they came on, Roise Conlon and Katie McCaffrey giving the side a new dimension in attack. Tara Gallagher was very solid in defence and Grace Dolan had a great game between the posts. The girls have a break this weekend before another away assignment, this time against Saint Eunan's.
The under 12s are away to Red Hugh's this Thursday for the second game of their league programme. Throw-in down at Killygordon is at 6.30pm.
Our under 10s are away to Glenfin for this Wednesday, with throw-in at 7pm. There will be no training on Tuesday on account of the game the following day.
Sponsor A Sod
As the 70th anniversary of the opening of Father Tierney Park approaches in 2024, a massive programme of work commenced last week at the grounds which will result in a new sand-based playing field and associated building works. To fund this development Aodh Ruadh have launched one of their biggest fund-raising efforts in decades, asking the public to ‘Sponsor A Sod’ at €50 each to help meet the costs of this ambitious plan. A permanent display bearing the names of donors will be erected in a prominent position at the Park.
Our Working Group members are out and about promoting our Buy a Sod campaign Any club member who can help to promote this should contact any member of this Group or any of the Park / Development Committee Officers for brochures and vouchers. Likewise if you would like to become part of the Working Group to act as a key seller. There is a lot of interest locally and further afield in seeing the Father Tierney Park project succeed. Thanks to all who have supported the campaign so far.
More than 25 Aodh Ruadh club members have joined the working group to actively promote this fund-raising campaign and to sell sods. The working group is as follows: Sabrina Brosnan, Michael Daly, Sarah Daly, Tom Daly, William Doogan, Gerard Ferguson, Conal Gallagher, Johnny ‘Mannix’ Gallagher, Paul Gillespie, Jim Kane, Donagh Keon, Diarmaid Keon, Patsy Kilgannon, John Larkin Jr, Dinny Loughlin, Sylvester Maguire, Brian Murray, Val Murray, Mick McGrath, Packie McGrath, Pat McGrath, David McLoone, Philip McLoone, Pauric McShea, David O’Donnell, Sean O’Mahoney, Barry O’Neill, John Patton, Gregory Sweeney and Barry Travers.
Please contact any of the following if you wish to volunteer: Tom Daly (087-2390410), David McLoone (087-7760172), Philip McLoone (086-4053008), Conal Gallagher (086-2112812), Patsy Kilgannon (087-2372128), or Michael Daly (086-9171949).
Those living away from Ballyshannon, whether in Ireland or across the world, should note that they can purchase sods, and little bit of club immortality, on Klubfunder.com. Any questions or enquiries can be sent [email protected].
For further information on any aspect of the Sponsor A Sod please contact the Aodh Ruadh Park / Development Committee officers - Tom Daly (087-2390410), David McLoone (087-7760172), Philip McLoone (086-4053008), Conal Gallagher (086-2112812), Patsy Kilgannon (087-2372128), or Michael Daly (086-9171949).
Father Tierney Park works commence
Prunty Contracts moved in last Friday to commence their work to provide us with a new sand-carpet playing field at Father Tierney Park. Alongside this major project our own work teams continue with the terracing project to modernise our spectator facilities. Over the next two weeks we will provide an access / viewing point so that anyone interested can see the work progressing over the coming months. From now on the playing field and town-side terracing are out of bounds for health and safety reasons and all are asked to observe site safety notices which will be put in place over the coming period.
Defibrillator / CPR workshop
Did you know that in recent years 42 lives have been saved by defibrillators located on GAA club premises? To sustain this valuable work of helping people in cardiac emergencies Donegal Sports Partnership are staging a CPR / Defibrillator Awareness Workshop this Tuesday, 13th July, from 7pm to 8.30pm. The event takes place via Zoom and is open to GAA club members and members of the wider sports community and cost €5 plus booking fee. Online registration is open now. The workshop will be delivered by Aiden Thompson from Donegal Safety Training Solutions. The workshop will cover the following areas: How and when to make an emergency call; When and why to use CPR; Introduction to defibrillators and their safe use; Storage and access to defibrillators in your club; Signs and symptoms of a heart attack and stroke; and What you can do while you wait for the emergency services to arrive.
Ballyshannon Bingo
Well done to our 24 winners at this week's bingo, another fun night was had by all! Congratulations to Carrie O’Brien on winning €400 on the Jackpot Ladder Game. Congrats also to our other house winners on the night: Sally Burrows, Ailish Ward, Teresa Rooney, Helen Coughlin, Patricia Bradshaw, Lisa Coughlin, Martin Travers, Mary McLoughlin and Karl O'Brien. The €500 snowball lives another week so rolls to €600 on 46 numbers or less next week. We’re looking forward to doing it all again next week as we have the €1,000 Jackpot Ladder game, €600 Snowball game and Lucky Numbers game all as part of a possible €2,800 prize fund. Once again we will be back broadcasting to the world from Bingo HQ via Zoom at 9pm. If you haven't already played, you can find full details on the Ballyshannon Bingo Facebook page. Books are available to buy on our Klubfunder.com page right now. Remember, if you don't have access to a printer, Mary in A Novel Idea will be happy to print your book for a small fee.
Click this link to buy a SINGLE BOOK for €10.
Click this link to buy a DOUBLE BOOK for €15.
The delivery schedule for Ballyshannon Bingo books as follows:
• Books bought by 9am Thursday will be emailed by lunchtime Thursday.
• Books bought by 9am Friday will be emailed by lunchtime Friday.
• Books bought by Friday's final 4.30pm deadline will be emailed by 6pm on Friday.
It is very important players enter the email address they need the book to be sent to. Late changes are problematic and we cannot guarantee they will be facilitated.
Look forward to seeing you all again this Friday evening!
Boot exchange
Our boot exchange programme is now up and running. Anybody who wants to exchange boots going forward, please text Packie McGrath on 087-9794696.
Old hurleys home
A number or parents have kindly donated hurleys and helmets that are no longer in use. If you have any hurls and helmets you would like to see used, please let us know and we will put them back into use!
Aodh Ruadh lotto
There was no winner of last week's Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €1,800. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 3, 4, 7, 9 and 16. In the lucky dip cash prizes of €25 went to Mary Conlon and Celine Downey. Thanks to Dylan Gallagher and Marty McGarrigle for performing the draw, and thanks and to all who played the lotto last week. The next draw is for a jackpot of €1,900 on Sunday at 9pm. 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. Users can now avail of the auto-renew option to play the same line every week until they decide to stop when they pay using Stripe. Give it a go, you never know!
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra on Saturday is: LADIES.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tweet