Club Executive meeting
The monthly Aodh Ruadh club executive meeting will take place via Zoom this Thursday at 9pm. All club executive committee members are asked to attend. Items for any other business should to be submitted to club secretary Lisa McTernan by 3pm on Wednesday.
Football
The first senior championship game on the Rock in over a decade wasn't graced with clement weather, but that didn't faze a gritty Aodh Ruadh side who dug in and were full value for a share of the points against the reigning county champions, Naomh Conaill. There was a steady downpour throughout this contest and the greasy conditions didn't make for flowing football. In the first half there were nerves apparent in the Aodh Ruadh ranks as Glenties eased themselves into the game. By the first water break the visitors were 1-4 to 0-2 ahead and looking very slick. Oisin Rooney (mark) and Nathan Boyle (45) got the Ernesiders' scores. Martin Regan's men pushed on after the water break with a further 1-1 taking them nine points clear in the run up to half-time. With game looking like it might run away from them, Aodh Ruadh finally threw off the shackles. Points from Nathan Boyle and Philip Patton helped them settle before David Dolan gathered a long ball in from Darren Drummond and sent a stinging shot just over the bar. Naomh Conaill's luck deserted them not long after though when Michael McKenna was the creator for Dolan to smash to the net as Marc Brown's half time whistle sounded with the scores reading Aodh Ruadh 1-6 Naomh Conaill 2-5. Having found their rhythm, Aodh Ruadh were much more like their normal selves in the second half. Philip Patton ate away at the deficit with an early point before Michael McKenna flighted over the score of the game to make it all square. The sides then swapped scores with a Philip Patton free cancelling out a Charles McGuinness point. Ethan O'Donnell then edged the county champions in front again, but another Philip Patton dead ball levelled matters once more. Neither side could find a winner in the remaining time, but Ballyshannon had Karl O'Brien to thank for an outstanding save on that count. Up the other end, Glenties rode their luck too when Mark McGlynn looked to have won a free which could have clinched the game for Aodh Ruadh, but play was waved on and the sides had to settle for a share of the spoils. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows:- Karl O'Brien; Jason Granaghan, Colm Kelly, Conor Patton; Eddie Lynch, Johnny Gethins, Kyle Murray; Eamonn McGrath, Nathan Boyle (0-2); Philip Patton (0-4, 2f), Darren Drummond (0-1), Mark McGlynn; Oisin Rooney (0-1 m), David Dolan (1-1), Shane McGrath. Subs: Michael McKenna (0-1) for Murray; Ryan Granaghan for Nathan Boyle (injured). We have a gallery of pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The reserve clash was a rather more one-sided affair, although the final scoreline of 2-17 to 0-3 in favour of the Glenties men doesn't reflect the amount of good football played by a depleted Aodh Ruadh side. The homesters had a reasonable amount of possession, but time and again their attacking forays broke down on the opposition 45 metre line and counter-attacking scores followed for a Naomh Conaill side augmented by a number of former county players and senior championship winners. Credit must go to those Aodh Ruadh young guns in their first year of adult football like Colm McGloin, Matt Gillespie, Conor Foy, Daire Gallagher, Kyle McCaffery, and Conall Bradshaw who stuck to their task in difficult circumstances and fought to the end. The older guard of Gary Carty, Brian Gillespie, Diarmuid Slevin and Kerry Ryan also worked hard to stem the tide, with Mark Gallagher showing well again between the posts. We have a gallery of shots from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The championship action continues this weekend with Aodh Ruadh on their travels to Letterkenny's O'Donnell Park. The action gets under way on Sunday with the reserve fixture at 2.30pm, and that is followed by the meeting of the senior sides at 4pm.
The minors concluded their league campaign with a big win over a spirited Dungloe team in Páirc Aodh Ruadh last Saturday. A lively first quarter saw a clinical Dungloe outfit build an early cushion as Aodh Ruadh struggled to make their possession count on the score board shooting into a tricky breeze. It looked like it was going to be one of those days, but a well-engineered goal from Robbie Murphy steadied Aodh Ruadh and after that the lads found their range and began to get on top with successive scores from Damian Weber and Jack Gallagher. Dungloe were game opposition in the first half and were always dangerous going forward, putting over some excellent long-range scores. Dungloe registered 1-10 in the first half with only two wides which goes some way to show how dangerous the Rosses men were in front of the posts. The score of the half went Aodh Ruadh’s way though, with Eoghan Kelly finding the top corner from 20 metres with a sublime finish to send Aodh Ruadh in with a three-point lead at the half time interval. Dungloe tired after half-time and were made pay by a lively Ballyshannon with the wind at their backs. The hosts built up a significant head of steam and killed the game as a contest with a number of well taken goals. Shane Delahunty was best for Aodh Ruadh with an exceptional display from midfield - particularly in the first half when the game was up for grabs, and his appetite for breaking ball around the middle third helped to turn the tide in favour of the Ernesiders. Robbie Murphy also grew into the game after a difficult start and can be very happy with his 2-9 contribution to the win. Damian Weber was also in fine form in front of the posts, contributing 1-5 to the final scoreline of 7-11 to 1-14. The lads have now qualified for the A championship and have been drawn to play against unbeaten Sean MacCumhaill's in MacCumhaill park next Monday evening, 8th October.
The Aodh Ruadh under 15s have their final game of the round robin league stages at home this Tuesday when Ardara are the guests in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 6pm. With the official programme now complete, the lads attention will be turning to the Bakery Cup over the next few weeks.
The under 11s train as normal this Thursday from 6pm to 7pm at Coláiste Cholmcille. On Saturday we conclude our under 11 internal league, with three finals taking place. These should be very hotly contested deciders, after five group stage matches. Iarla Hartin v Darragh McCready will surely be a close affair, with the bare minimum between them when they met in the group stages, in favour of Iarla’s team. Next up will be Manus Conlon v Anthony Duffy. Again, this is expected to be a close match, with both men probably picking each other up in a midfield battle. And finally, it’s a battle of the defenders, Darragh Patton v Markko Branley. Both men will be leading from the back, in a final which again is too close to call. The action throws in at 2pm on Saturday, in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. All boys are asked to be up for 1.30pm. There will be cups and medals presented afterwards, with a special award for most the improved player on each team.
The under 9s finished up for the season with a fun session last Friday. Huge credit to all the boys who put in a tremendous effort all year. Thanks also to the management and mentors who gave of their time this year to train and develop these players.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh are scheduled to take on Dungloe / Gaoth Dobhair in the last round of Junior Hurling Championship group games down in Dungloe this Friday at 6pm.
The under 17s will have their A league final this Thursday evening in the Centre of Excellence in Convoy, throwing in at 8.15.pm. This team have enjoyed a great year so far, and it would be great to see some travelling support for the lads. Best of luck to Denis, Daithi and all the team.
The under 15s are training at their usual times this week as we step up our preparations for our league semi-final against Saint Eunan's provisionally fixed for Sunday 10th September at 1pm in Letterkenny. Training continues at 6.30pm Tuesday and 6.15pm on Thursday.
Pride of place this week goes to our under 13 hurlers who qualified for their third final of the year. They took on Carndonagh in a reprise of their recent league final clash, where Aodh Ruadh took the spoils. Once again, the Ernesiders had too much for the Inishowen men and ran out winners on a 4-9 to 3-4 scoreline. Our lads were in control for most of the game, but shipped some late goals in the final quarter to allow Carndonagh back into the match. The squad will be working hard in preparation for their championship final over the next couple of weeks, starting with a blitz this Sunday at 1pm in Páirc Aodh Ruadh. There will be teams from Dungannon, Ballinascreen and Keady travelling to take part and we look forward to a great day of hurling. In previous years, we have honoured Aodh Ó Dálaigh, Alan Ryan and Seamus Grimes, and Billy Finn and John Larkin, and their contribution to hurling in our club through their tournaments. We had hoped to be in a position to run all of these tournaments again this year, but unfortunately weren’t able to do this as Covid restrictions and the compressed sporting calendar limited our options. Sunday's blitz will allow us the opportunity to remember these great men – and we look forward to being able to run their respective tournaments again in 2022.
Our under 11s had their last training session to prepare for their first game out this year. That takes place this Sunday at 10am they face Four Masters in Páirc Aodh Ruadh, with throw in at 10am.
Ladies
The senior ladies booked their place in the semi-finals of the intermediate championship with a hard-fought victory over Saint Eunan's in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Sunday morning. The Ernesiders had the edge right through this encounter, but it was slight, and the game could easily have gone either way. In the end Ballyshannon hit the tape with a finishing spurt to take a merited win. A goal by Cáit Gillespie in the first half thrust Aodh Ruadh into the lead and with Donna Martin and Terri Gallagher picking off points the hosts hit the interval leading by a point. Over the course of the second half Saint Eunan's continued to give it everything, but Aodh Ruadh just held them at arm's length with some fantastic defending from Saoirse McDevitt, Sara Gallagher, Anna Rafferty and Hannah Doherty. The decisive score of the half came from Caoimhe Keon as it finished Aodh Ruadh 2-7 Saint Eunan's 1-8. The result sees Aodh Ruadh book a home semi-final. We have a great gallery of pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
Meanwhile, up in Burt the reserve ladies worked, just as hard, but this time they came out on the wrong end of the two-point margin. Aodh Ruadh got off to a flying start with Meabh Rooney, Grainne Maguire and Sarah Daly (2) hitting unanswered points. Burt got off the mark with a point, quickly following by a goal, but Ballyshannon quickly cancelled that out with an answering point followed by a brilliant Sarah Daly goal to make it 1-5 to 1-1 at the first water break. Aodh Ruadh pushed on again after the break with Grainne Maguire firing over before Meabh Rooney hit the back of the net. Burt answered that with a 1-1 burst, but again Aodh Ruadh repaid with interest, Grainne Maguire striking for 1-2 in short order. The hosts were reeling, but they managed to get a goal just before the break to make it 3-8 to 3-3 as the sides turned around. Aodh Ruadh had the breeze in the second half, but as is so often the case, the elements didn't prove as decisive as might have been expected. Burt came out and landed 2-1, and with Aodh Ruadh struggling to get on the ball it was a welcome sight to see Kate Cunningham charging down the centre of the pitch and placing a low hard shot into the bottom left corner. Niamh Hughes added a point, but Burt raided for another goal. Niamh Hughes then added another point as the sides went to the water break deadlocked at 6-4 to 4-10. Aodh Ruadh got a great start to the final quarter as Grainne Maguire converted a free, but then Burt hit their stride and hit 1-2 to put themselves in the driver seat with time running out. Niamh McGloin slipped over a lovely point to put three between them and then Meabh Rooney was really brave to win a penalty in the dying moments. Grainne Maguire's shot went over rather than under the bar, but there was still time for Aodh Ruadh to take the win if they could manage to fashion a goal scoring chance. Unfortunately, Burt hung on and the chance never came. Nevertheless, Ballyshannon exited the junior championship having brought massive credit to the club with the spirit they have shown this year. Roisin Maguire was very strong between the posts. Shauna Dolan and Megan McGee were a powerful defensive duo. In front of them Nicole McCabe was fearless at centre back and used the ball very well. Kate Cunningham was a real powerhouse in the middle of the pitch. Up front Sarah Daly was magnificent before having to go off with injury, while Grainne Maguire caused the Burt girls endless problems. This brings the reserve ladies season to a conclusion, and the club is very proud of everyone who lined out with the team this year and ensured that not only did we fulfil all fixtures, but we played some great football along the way.
Our adult ladies have a well-deserved rest this coming weekend.
The under 10 season will be wrapping up with an in-house tournament this Tuesday at Coláiste Cholmcille. The action starts at 6.15pm and that will be followed by a trophy presentation and medals for the winners with goodie bags for all the participants.
Support the Ladies
The Aodh Ruadh Ladies are currently out and about selling tickets for the Donegal club draw. There are some great prizes up for grabs including a 55 inch smart TV, two All-Ireland 2022 football final tickets with overnight hotel stay, two All-Ireland 2022 hurling final tickets with overnight hotel stay, hotel breaks, vouchers and cash prizes. ALL returns will go to support Aodh Ruadh Ladies Football. The draw takes place on 31st October with a closing date of 25th October for returns. All support for this fund-raiser is very much appreciated. Anyone with returns can make them to Sara Gallagher, Anna Rafferty, Amanda Mahon or Sarah Daly.
AGM Season
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Aodh Ruadh club has been set for Sunday, 21st November. Nomination papers and motion forms will be circulated to all current club executive committee members in due course. Any other club members looking for forms should email [email protected]. The deadline for return of nominations and motions is Friday, 29th October. Nominations are being sought for Health and Well-being Officer.
The Ladies Football AGM will take place on Tuesday 26th October at 8pm. It is initially pencilled in for Aras Aoidh Ruaidh, but may revert to an online format should circumstances require. Details will be circulated closer to the time.
The Bord na nÓg AGM will take place on Tuesday 2nd November. Nominations being sought for the positions of Chairperson and Secretary. These should be submitted to [email protected] by Friday, 22nd October.
All sub-committees should have arranged to have held their AGMs by Sunday, 7th November. All sub-committee reports should be sent to club secretary Lisa McTernan by Friday, 12th November.
Father Tierney Park redevelopment
Good progress is being maintained on this major project with the base for the new playing field and a substantial part of the drainage system taking shape. We encourage anyone interested in viewing the project to use the safe viewing area which we have provided for this purpose. To help with the administration of the Sponsor a Sod campaign sellers are asked to make returns regularly and as soon as possible to Tom Daly, Michael Daly or David McLoone.
Sponsor A Sod. How do to do it and who to contact
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. 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.
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).
Aodh Ruadh lotto
There was no winner of last week's Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €2,900. The winning numbers drawn were 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 16. In the lucky dip cash prizes of €25 went to Paul O'Laughlin and Jim McGrath. Many thanks to Brendan Gillespie for performing the draw this week. The next draw is for a jackpot of €3,000 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: RESERVE FOOTBALLERS.
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