Football

Sunday saw Aodh Ruadh book their place in the intermediate championship semi-finals with a 4-9 to 0-7 victory over Gaeil Fhánada. Despite the pre-match chat in some quarters chalking this one up as a foregone conclusion, the Gaels gave Ballyshannon a right go of it, especially in the first quarter. Across the game Peter Boyle had to be at his acrobatic best to keep the Portsalon men at bay, as it wasn’t for want of trying that the boys in Blue failed to raise a green flag. Indeed, they opened the better of the sides at Convoy and lead by 0-3 to a point at the end of the first quarter. James O’Donnell’s men knuckled down though and when Nathan Boyle teed up Shane McGrath to net they were into their groove and reached the break leading by 1-6 to 0-3, five of those points coming from David McGurrin. Aodh Ruadh were hit by the loss of David Dolan with ankle injury at the start of the second half, but another Shane McGrath goal pushed Ballyshannon 2-8 to 0-5 ahead. As Fanad’s challenge wilted Aodh Ruadh plundered late goals from David McGurrin and Michael ‘Sticky’ Ward to seal a 14 point win. Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were Peter Boyle; Michael Ward, Damien Cleary, Johnny Gallagher; Colm Kelly, Darren Drummond, Eddie Lynch; Conor Patton, Eamonn McGrath (0-1); Darren Gethins, Shane McGrath (2-0), David McGurrin (1-6, 1f); Nathan Boyle, David Dolan, Oisin Rooney. Subs: Diarmaid McInerney (0-2f) for Dolan (inj) 33m; Jason Granaghan for Gethins 46m; Philip Patton for Gallagher 46m; Michael ‘Sticky’ Ward (1-0) for Kelly (inj) 53m.

 

In the curtain raiser Aodh Ruadh reserves also registered 4-9, and while Gaeil Fhánada second string did manage to hit the net, their 1-7 haul wasn't enough to halt the Ernesiders progression to the semi-final. Ballyshannon got off to the perfect start as Kerry Ryan walked through the Fanad defence to slot in a goal for the opening score. Ryan was in the mood for goal as a few minutes later he was pulled down en route to the posts again. Dermot Slevin duly dispatched for a 2-0 lead. It took Fanad until the 16th minute to open their account. Two well taken points by Ryan Granaghan either side of another Fanad score left it 2-2 to 0-2 after 20 minutes. Cian Dolan raised a third green flag and that was followed by another Kerry Ryan goal to put Aodh Ruadh in full control. The Fanad goal was under siege now and Anthony ‘Waddle’ Coughlin saw his effort tipped around the post. Kerry Ryan was on the end of the resultant 45 to leave it 4-3 to 0-3 at the break. A brace from Dylan Doherty and another from Dolan extended the lead before Fanad hit back with 1-5 in response. Any hope of a comeback however was quashed as another pair from Dolan and a fine Ryan Granaghan score made the game safe at a final score of 4-9 to 1-7. Great work rate all around with the experience through the spine of the team telling yet again. The Aodh Ruadh team were Karl O’Brien; Dan Warnock, Packie McGrath, Conal Sweeny; Christopher Goan, Martin Gallagher, Mickey McNeely; Cian Dolan, Kerry Ryan; Michael McKenna, Dermot Slevin, Ryan Granaghan; Philip McLoone, Anthony 'Waddle' Coughlin, Aidan Murray. Subs: Dylan Gallagher for Murray 15m; Cian McGloin for Philip McLoone 45m; Aiden Murray for Coughlin; David McLoone for McNeely.

 

This Saturday sees both the Aodh Ruadh seniors and reserves making tracks to Donegal town's Tir Chonaill Park where Naomh Columba will be supplying the opposition. The reserve game throws in at 2pm and will be followed by the senior clash at 4pm. Naomh Columba will be tough opponents, but both games should be evenly fought and entertaining. It goes without saying that we want to see as big a Ballyshannon crowd down in Donegal town as possible to get behind both our teams.

 

The Aodh Ruadh under 13s recorded a good 3-12 to 2-8 away victory over Dungloe in their last league outing.

 

Aodh Ruadh staged the Willie Rogers under 11 tournament on Saturday with teams from Mullahoran, Derrygonnelly, MacCumhaill's and Aodh Ruadh taking part. Aodh Ruadh's opening game saw them draw with MacCumhaill's in the Donegal derby. Then the Ernesiders had a rematch with a Mullahoran side they had lost to in a recent competition in Cavan. This time the Aodh Ruadh boys got the better of the Breffni outfit. Ballyshannon then defeated Derrygonnelly in the last round robin game to set up a final against Mullahoran. This time honours went the way of the Cavan lads after a hard fought decider. In the shield final Derrygonnelly prevailed against MacCumhaill's. After the action on the pitch it was up to the Aras for a great spread of food by the parents. Rene Rogers was on hand to make the presentations to the winning captains from Mullahoran and Derrygonnelly. Thanks to the referees, the parents and guardians for assistance with refreshments, and to everyone else who helped make the tournament a success. Under 11 and under 12 training continues this Thursday from 6pm to 7pm.

 

The Ballyshannon Shoe Company under 10 Winter League started on Monday night. It lived up to its name with the winter weather, but it takes more than that to put off our lads and there was a great turn out. The first game saw Tomás Keown's team taking on Bobby Melly side. Tomás was down Gareth Brennan with sickness and Bobby's team ended up winning well. The second game was between Jayden McGrath Clyne and Joe Gibbions teams. This was a really close match, ending with a one point win for Joe  Gibbions team. The lads are back up on Friday evening at 7.15pm when the first game will be Tomás v Joseph followed by Bobby v Jayden. The mentors state of play after the first round of games is Paul 0; Nichlos 1; Andy 1; Seamus 0.

 

Congratulations go to our under 8s who came home with two trophies from their end of year blitz. The senior team got to the cup final against Four Masters. It was a draw after full time and even extra time could separate the sides so the sporting decision was made to share the cup. The intermediate team played well, reaching the shield final where they lost out to Dungloe. The junior team won their shield final in great style. This was a great tournament and a wonderful way to end the season. The Aodh Ruadh lads ended the year on a real high with some excellent skills on display with the young boys showcasing their football ability to the large crowds in attendance.

 

Ladies

The Aodh Ruadh minors season came to an end on Saturday following a 3-12 to 0-6 away defeat to Termon. The side were badly impacted by absences due to injury, college and work against Saint Eunan’s in their first game and that was the case even more so against Termon. With the majority of the side under 16, they put in a great opening quarter to let the hosts know they were really in a game. Nevertheless the homesters steadily picked off scores to lead by 1-3 to 0-0 with 17 minutes played. Aodh Ruadh then found their shooting boots and points from Briana Maher and Cáit Gillespie (2) made it 1-4 to 0-3 at the break. The turnaround saw Termon get the backing of the wind and they made use of that advantage to hit 2-1 before Ana Keon got a deserved point. Three further Termon points following before Cáit Gillespie got her third point of the game on 48 minutes. While Caoimhe Keon also split the posts before the final whistle, it was the Burn Road girls who were dictating matters and they ran out deserved winners. Best for Aodh Ruadh on the day was the faultless Caitlin McGarrigle, while Síofra Hughes showed great fighting spirit and Cáit Gillespie was a consistent threat. Thanks to Tanya O’Shea and Aidan Murray for their hard work with the team and thanks to the girls for their commitment this season.

 

The under 13s had two outings in the past week. The first was a challenge match against Saint Naul's on Tuesday evening  in Mountcharles. That was followed by the team's  last league game in Convoy on Saturday morning. The girls played brilliantly in both  games and the performances showed how much this squad has developed over the last five or six weeks. We just came up short against Saint Naul's who play in a higher division. The girls then put in a fantastic team performance against Convoy and ran out impressive winners in the end. Everyone on the panel played their part in both games, but a special mention must go to the younger girls including Aimee Roper, Saoirse Daly, Cádhla Dolan, Shauna McGloin and Aisling Patton who showed very well in Convoy. We are back out training on Wednesday from 5.45pm to  6.45pm.

 

Hurling

Last Thursday the under 16s met Setanta in the A county championship final in Donegal Town. Unfortunately on the night we never performed and were up against an excellent Setanta team who were determined to complete a League and Championship double and maintain their 100 percent record for the season. Setanta started the game in whirlwind fashion and were dominant throughout the game, they were physically stronger than our lads. They ran out convincing winners 4-17 to 1-6. Our lads deserve great credit for battling to the bitter end. It was a tough evening for a young side - nine of the starting 15 were under 14, but they never gave up and hopefully the experience will stand to them. Many thanks to the parents who drove the lads down and all who turned out to support the lads on the night.

 

On Sunday we hosted the Alan Ryan / Seamus Grimes under 16 tournament. Ballycastle (Antrim), Keady (Armagh), Tooreen (Mayo), Loch Mor Dal gCais (Antrim) and Aodh Ruadh took part on the day. The tournament was played in a round robin format and it was clear from the opening game that Ballycastle were determined to win the cup. One of the games of the day was the meeting of Tooreen and Aodh Ruadh with the winner of this game qualifying for the Alan Ryan Final. This clash was played in Father Tierney Park with the wind making it a game of two halves. It was a hotly contested game with nothing between the teams and the half-time score rea Aodh Ruadh 2-7 Tooreen 4-1. The hosts were against the gale in the second half, but they put in an heroic performance. A goal from a 20 metre free gave Aodh Ruadh a famous win on a 4-10 to 4-9 scoreline. At this stage the pairings for the finals were confirmed with Ballycastle and Aodh Ruadh making the Alan Ryan Final, while Keady and Tooreen qualified for the Seamus Grimes Final. The Ballyshannon lads were out on their feet as on the day they only had 12 players, eight of whom were under 14. However they were determined to give it one mighty effort against the Antrim League Champions. They started with the aid of the gale and were well in the game at half-time Ballycastle, using their full panel of 21 players, knew they were in a battle. Their slicker team work, physicality and ability to score from long range proved the difference as they claimed the title on a 3-11 to 1-4 scoreline. This completed a hattrick of wins for the club from the Glens of Antrim at Aodh Ruadh tournaments this year. Our lads can hold their heads high after this game. They had the gap down to nine points at one stage in the second half when the Ballycastle goalie made two great saves preventing two certain goals. The lads really enjoyed playing a quality team like Ballycastle and it was a great lift after the disappointment of Thursday's final. All eyes were now on the Alan Ryan Final across the road in Páirc Aodh Ruaidh where there was another titanic battle going on between Keady and Tooreen. The Mayo lads led by five points at half-time, but again with the aid of the gale force wind the Armagh lads stormed back into the game and claimed the Seamus Grimes Trophy on a 3-7 to 3-4 scoreline. From the pitches it was up to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh where the Ryan and Grimes families along with the mothers of the under 16's put on a huge array of food for all. John Rooney welcomed all to the tournament and thanked all the clubs for coming. He spoke of the contribution Alan Ryan and Seamus Grimes had made to hurling in Aodh Ruadh and of how proud they would have been of the days hurling. Eddie Grimes and Martin ‘Kerry’ Ryan spoke on behalf of the families and presented the trophies. Rooney concluded proceedings by thanking the Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee, the referee's on the day Pat Maguire, Aidan Ferguson and Chris Kelly, all who had done a great job with the catering, and the Aodh Ruadh Park Committe.

 

Well done to under 12 hurlers Tommy Clyne, Hugh Óg Maguire, Cillian Bradshaw, Michael Clancy and Caelum McNulty who took part in the Activity Day in Croke Park on Saturday. The lads got to play on the hallowed Croke Park for a couple of hours and got to enjoy a tour of the stadium. It was a great experience for the lads.

 

The underage hurling season has now come to an end for 2018. Thanks to all who have put in huge efforts to keep hurling alive in the club and thanks to all the parents who gave great support to all our managers.

 

Lip Sync Battle

Tickets for the Lip Sync Battle are out now and already selling well. They are available in Pearse O'Neill's, McCosker's Centra, Kernan's Spar and The Great Northern Hotel. Lisa McTernan, Audrey Davitt and Catherine McKee also have tickets for sale. There is great buzz about the big night in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran on Friday 12th October so get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. The tickets are priced €12 or €10 on concession. On the night there will be 12 acts doing their best to wow the judges and audience with their moves as they bid to be crowned Lip Sync champions, with some big local personalities revealing hitherto hidden talents. The performers will be staging pieces running the spectrum from Tina Turner, to the Spice Girls, to Abba, to Michael Jackson and Bucks Fizz. In other news, the line-up of event sponsors was completed in recent days and Aodh Ruadh and Ballyshannon Musical Society are both delighted to confirm the support of Cuttin' Crew, Bundoran, Erne Foods, Rosanno's, Erne Print, AIB - Ballyshannon, Ballyshannon Credit Union, The Marine Spa, The Sandhouse Hotel and Bank of Ireland - Ballyshannon for the Lip Sync Battle. It's looking like it'll be a night of riotous fun and great craic, so make sure you get your tickets sorted good and early.

 

Abbey Centre Bingo

The latest bingo thousandaire is Marie Gallagher of Erne Street as she scooped the September Big Bingo super jackpot of €1,000, congratulations Marie. Caitlin Matthews took home €250, and the €150 houses were won by Sonia Kelly of Belleek and Pauric McGlinchey. The stand up game prize of €150 went to Ardfarna, shared by Maureen Coughlin and Mary McCann. The snowball had no winner so rises to €325 on 45 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at the Abbey Centre at 9pm, books cost just €10 with a €2,000 prize fund up for grabs.

 

Aodh Ruadh Lotto

There was no winner of last week's Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €3,100. The winning numbers drawn were 4, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 18. In the lucky dip €20 went to Carl, Shane & Charlotte Gillespie, Cornaglagh; Mary Alice Patton; Daniel Warnock. Woodlands; Una Grennan, The Mall; and John Joe McGarrigle, Cashelard. Next draw is in The Lantern Bar with a jackpot of €3,200 on Sunday at 8.30pm. Tickets are now 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!

 

The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra on Saturday is: BORD NA NÓG.

 

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