Monthly club executive meeting

The Aodh Ruadh monthly Club Executive meeting will take place this Thursday, 26th August, at 9pm via Zoom. All club executive members are asked to attend. Items for any other business should be with club secretary Lisa McTernan by 3pm on Wednesday.

 

Football

On Saturday Aodh Ruadh will be presented with the Division 2 trophy at the home game against Na Dúnaibh. The match throws in at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 5.30pm. We would welcome a big attendance to salute this magnificent achievement. The reserves are also slated to take on Na Dúnaibh at home on Saturday.

 

The minors lost out by the minimum in a competitive game in Glenswilly in difficult conditions last Friday. Both sides showed initial signs of rustiness following a lengthy lay off of club activity as the county under 17s team progressed to the Ulster final. Glenswilly started the brighter and bagged a three pointer when a typically brilliant save from Aaron Cullen rebounded to an in-rushing Glenswilly attacker. Aodh Ruadh stayed in touch however with pointed efforts from Cian McKenna and Damian Weber before bagging a goal for themselves to leave the scores at 1-4 to 1-2 at the first water break. The key moment of the game came directly after the water break. Despite Aodh Ruadh players adhering to the referees first whistle and clearly making their way back to the field referee Declan Callaghan elected to allow Glenswilly to restart from their own kick out and make their way up their pitch when many of Aodh Ruadh’s defenders and goalkeeper were not in position having had to come from the opposite end of the pitch. Glenswilly profited with a point squeezed over from distance and, with Aodh Ruadh clearly rocked, followed up with a quick-fire goal when the lively Donal Gallagher slalomed through the Aodh Ruadh rearguard to fire to the top corner from 20 metres. This put Glenswilly 2-5 to 1-2 ahead and with the hosts proceeding to pull 14 men behind the ball it left Ballyshannon with an uphill struggle on their hands. Thereafter, though, it was all Aodh Ruadh and pointed efforts from Robbie Murphy and Damian Weber left just a goal between the sides at half time. Aodh Ruadh dominated the ball in the second half, and, up against a formidable Glenswilly defensive unit, slowly reeled the homesters back in and managed to draw level thanks to an excellent effort from Shane Delahunty. However, the Ballyshannon lads just couldn’t find the extra score they needed to get their noses in front despite a host of good opportunities and Glenswilly tagged on a winner late in the game as it finished 2-6 to 1-8. Aodh Ruadh may feel somewhat disappointed coming away with nothing despite keeping the opposition to one score in the final 40 minutes of the game. However, a number of good scoring chances weren’t taken and some kickable frees sailed past the post on one-of-those-days in front of the sticks for the Ernesiders. Damian Weber with five points was best for Aodh Ruadh on an evening when scores were at a premium, as were Ryan Keenaghan and Aaron Cullen who really took the game to Glenswilly and drove on from the back with vigour. Next up for the minors is another away assignment this Friday, Glenfin the opposition.

 

Under 11 training continues this week on Monday from 6pm to 7pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, and on Thursday in the Coláiste Cholmcille field from 6pm to 7pm.

 

Our under 9s, short of 17 players were still able to field four teams on Saturday in four very competitive games against Four Masters. The lads are at home this Saturday for their reverse fixture against Ardara. Throw in is at 11.30am. All support appreciated. Training continues as normal on Friday evening at 6.15pm.   

   

Hurling

Our senior hurlers had a rest week last week, but they are set to return to action this Friday in the next round of the championship when they travel to take on the Dungloe / Gaoth Dobhair combination.

 

Our under 17s travelled to the Centre of Excellence in Convoy to face Buncrana in the Donegal League last week. Some fine points by our lads set us up well in the opening minutes, and by half time we had a comfortable lead. The second half saw the gap between the sides widen, and in the end we won by a comfortable margin. There were some fine performances right throughout the team, and all who travelled got meaningful game time. On Wednesday evening we welcome Manorhamilton in the Táin Óg league, with a 7.30pm throw-in.

 

Our under 15s had a week off last week, and this week return to action in the Donegal League against MacCumhaill's. This should be a real tough encounter, as both these teams clashed in last year’s county final, and had a real ding dong battle in the home fixture earlier in the season. As fate would have it, or the luck of the draw, three days later we will face the same opposition in the semi-final of the under 15 A championship. That last four clash throws in on Sunday at 3.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and obviously we would like to see a big, vocal Ballyshannon support up to get behind this team who have had an excellent year to date.

 

Our Táin Óg finals weekend fixture which clashed with confirmation has now provisionally been rescheduled for Saturday, 11th September. More details will follow once this date has been confirmed.

 

After a busy couple of weeks, the under 13s enjoyed a well-earned break this week, with their final league game having to be rescheduled due to confirmation rehearsals on Thursday.  They are now awaiting a slot in the coming weeks when this match can be refixed to.

 

Our under 9s had a very enjoyable in-house game on Sunday, where they played their first game under full rules. It was great to see their hard work and efforts over the last few months come to fruition. There was a great display of catching, striking, scoring, hooking, blocking, soloing and pick-ups. A big well done to all the players.

 

Our younger hurlers are coming towards the end of their season, with training running until the first week of September. Any parent who wants their child - boy or girl - to try hurling for the last few weeks with a view to playing next year is more than welcome - just contact John Larkin on 086-1076883.

 

Ladies 

Aodh Ruadh made the long trip to Carndonagh on Sunday morning and were rewarded with a hard-earned victory. The first half was a tense affair, and it took a goal from Tanya McPartland to ensure that the visitors went to the interval with a slim one-point advantage. In the second half a splendid defensive performance with Caitlin McGarrigle, Sara Gallagher and Rionach Sheerin at the heart of the action ensured that the Inishowen girls were restricted to only one further point, while Aodh Ruadh hit 3-3 to clinch the win. At the long whistle it was Aodh Ruadh 4-6 Carndonagh 0-6.

 

The reserve ladies took on MacCumhaill's on Saturday evening in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. It was the visitors who settled the quickest, racing into a 0-5 to 0-2 lead, however Aodh Ruadh began to get to the pace of the game after the second water break and at the interval it was Aodh Ruadh 0-4 MacCumhaill's 0-6, Síofra Hughes with all the Ballyshannon scores. In the third quarter the Ballybofey girls pushed on again, scoring six points, with only two Roisín Maguire frees in response. The Ernesiders continued to battle right to the end though and were rewarded by a spectacular goal from Ana Keon - a score which now means Anna Rafferty owes her a car. It finished Aodh Ruadh 1-7 to 0-16. Despite coming out on the wrong side of the result the Shamettes showed plenty of character. Shauna Dolan and Rionach Sheerin were magnificent in the defence. Kate Cunningham was immense around the middle third with great support coming from Bronagh Kelly, Ailbhe Treanor and Roisin McGloin. Up front Síofra Hughes was excellent both in terms of finishing and creating chances despite being very closely marked. A notable aspect of the game was two sets of three sisters lining out with Roisín, Bridín and Gráinne Maguire fielding alongside Rionach, Ciarde and Fódhla Sheerin.

 

This Sunday it is all about championship, with the seniors and reserves both in action as the round robin stages get under way. The seniors entertain Carndonagh in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh in the Intermediate championship, while the reserves make their championship bow away against Letterkenny Gaels. Both games throw in at 11am and we would love to see both teams getting plenty of support.

 

The minor ladies finally got their league campaign under way last Thursday with a comprehensive victory over Na Dúnaibh. The first half was even enough fare, with goals from Abi Barrett, Katie O'Brien and Orla Keon helping the homesters to a 3-6 to 1-6 half-time lead. In the second half Ballyshannon moved up a gear and scored freely with Abi Barrett, Caoimhe Hughes O'Brien, Orla Keon and Aoibhínn McGarrigle hitting the net with points registered by Erin O'Loughlin, Katie O'Brien, Caitlin McGarrigle, Ciara Gillespie and Annie Keon. It was a great team performance from the homesters. Lauren Foy between the posts saved a penalty. Grainne Maguire was superb in defence. Emer O'Brien and Caoimhe Hughes O'Brien were tireless in the central third, while up front Abi Barrett and Katie O'Brien proved a lethal combination.

The minors followed that up with another convincing win on Monday evening, away in Termon. They picked off scores over the first quarter to head out into a five-point lead, but the home side hit a purple patch on the resumption when they rocked Aodh Ruadh for a 1-1 salvo. The Ballyshannon girls regrouped though and hit another four unanswered points along with a brilliantly taken Katie O'Brien goal to lead by eight at the break. There was little scoring over the course of a third quarter which Termon edged thanks to their second goal of the game. Aodh Ruadh kept pressing right to the end though and they took some lovely points over the final quarter to see out a deserved win. The visitors had a great spread of scorers on the night with Katie O'Brien, Abi Barrett, Ciara Gillespie, Cara O'Loughlin, Lucy McGlynn, Aoibhínn McGarrigle and Niamh Hughes all on the mark. Defensively there was a phenomenal display from Caitlin McGarrigle, with Erin O'Loughlin and Caoimhe Hughes O'Brien very dominant in the central third. 

The games keep coming for the minor girls with another long trip on Thursday evening to take on Gaoth Dobhair. 

 

Our under 16s are currently gearing up for their league final against Urris. The decider will take place on Saturday 4th September at 1pm.

 

The under 12 girls were on the road on Monday evening to take on their more youthful counterparts in Glenfin. They recorded a good victory on the night, with the Ballyshannon girls putting on a great display of football at the home of the reigning senior county champions. Training continues on Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm.   

    

Under 10 training continues as usual on Tuesday at 6.15pm at Coláiste Cholmcille. 

 

Work progressing in Father Tierney Park  

The major works involved in constructing the new playing field at Father Tierney Park are continuing apace and progress is to be seen as each week goes by. This is a good time to see the nature and scale of the project with Prunty Contracts still working on the new platform on which the playing field will be built. This entails major rock-breaking and movement of materials on site. Work is about to commence on breaking ground for the main drains. We have provided a safe viewing platform just past the Aras building which is being accessed regularly by many local people - including players young and old - who are interested in seeing this important project for Aodh Ruadh and the GAA in the northwest move forward. 

 

Sponsor A Sod     

To fund the development at Father Tierney Park, 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 and Gregory Sweeney. Those promoting this fund-raiser can make any returns they have at Sunday's games in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. See David McLoone, Michael Daly or Tom Daly.

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 to [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).

   

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 €2,400. The winning numbers drawn were 5, 8, 10, 15, 16 and 17. In the lucky dip cash prizes of €25 went to Dolores Gillespie and Jimmy Gethins. Thanks to Colm McGloin and Tiernan Flood Dolan for performing the draw, and thanks and to all who played the lotto last week. The next draw is for a jackpot of €2,500 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.

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