Ulster final
Congratulations to Declan Bonner and the Donegal seniors on booking their place in the Ulster Final against Cavan on Sunday, 23rd June. The club are now accepting orders for Ulster final tickets. These can be made by text to Lisa McTernan at 086-2338636. The deadline for orders is this Thursday, 13th June at 8pm. There will be no exceptions. Priority will be given to signed up club members.
Football
Aodh Ruadh entertained Dungloe in Father Tierney Park on Sunday, the sides fighting out a dogged encounter which the hosts just about edged. Ballyshannon had the better of things in the first half and went in at the interval leading by a point. On the resumption Dungloe came out like a team on a mission and pushed out into a two point lead. Shane McGrath was the man of the moment though, netting his second goal of the game to nose Aodh Ruadh back in front. The closing stages were far from comfortable for the homesters and Barry Ward's men found themselves reliant on the place kicking of Philip Patton who landed five frees. In addition a fearsome shift from the full back line of Colm Kelly, Calum 'Cookie' O'Halloran and Michael Ward was required to snuff out a number of dangerous Dungloe attacks. In the end Aodh Ruadh secured a 2-10 to 0-12 win which hoists them up to third in the Division 2 table with a game in hand.
The reserves had to do it the hard way against Dungloe too. They played with the aid of the breeze in the first half, but paid the price for a lot of poor, sloppy play and went in trailing by seven points at half-time. It was looking ominous then, but introduction of Cáelán Drummond and Odhran McGarrigle along with JJ Cassidy shifting to corner back revitalised the Ernesiders. They played much better into the wind with passes sticking, and better use being made of the ball. Sean Taylor started to lay down the law in the heart of the defence and Dungloe were only able to muster two points in the second half. Up the other end Michael 'Sticky' Ward chalked up 2-4 as Aodh Ruadh reeled in the visitors. It was Philip McLoone with a collector's item point who edged Aodh Ruadh in front with five minutes left to play. An insurance score was added with time almost up to leave the final score board reading Aodh Ruadh 2-9 Dungloe 1-10.
Dungloe are the opposition again for our adult footballers next Sunday when Aodh Ruadh make the trip to the Gaeltacht for the reverse fixture. Reserves go off at 1.30pm followed by the seniors at 3pm.
Aodh Ruadh under 14s registered their first league win against Ardara in Pearse Memorial Park on Monday evening. They were the stronger side throughout and were good value for their 4-9 to 9-12 winning scoreline. Oisin McGlinchey got the game's first goal and from there Ballyshannon were able steadily widen the gap. Further goals from Drew Ryan, Robbie Murphy, Tommy Winters and Fionn Gallagher helped keep Aodh Ruadh on top of a game Ardara side which never gave up. Aodh Ruadh had a fine game from Cian Duncan in midfield while further back it was another commanding display from Cian McKenna in goals. The team are in league action again this Friday when they host Ardara in Father Tierney Park at 7.30pm.
Under 12 training continues this Saturday from 9.45am to 11am.
The Aodh Ruadh under 10s were invited to the Joe Larry tournament last Monday in Ardara. Our A and B teams were in a group with MacCumhaill's and Killybegs. Our A team topped their group while our B team finished second. The A team bowed out at the Cup quarter-final stage to Dungloe while our B side did likewise to Na Rossa’s A team in their shield quarter-final. Pride of place went to our C team who, after finishing second in their group, qualified to the shield final where they beat Naomh Ultan eight scores to three. Top scorer was Iarla Hartin. There were good performances at midfield by Shaun McGarrigle and Ethan Kerrigan, in defence our captain Aaron McLoone kept most attacks away from our excellent keeper Aaron Reynolds. Thank you to the Ardara club and all involved at the Joe Larry tournament. 24 clubs had an excellent day's football as always in Ardara. Training continues Tuesday evening at 5.30pm.
Under 8 training continues this Friday from 6pm to 7pm. On Saturday morning the in-house games continue in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh from 10am.
Ladies
Minor and under 16 training continues on Mondays from 7pm to 8pm and Saturdays from 11am to 12 noon
Under 14 training continues on Tuesdays from 6pm to 7.15pm and Saturdays' from 9.45am to 11am.
The under 12s were in Letterkenny for their latest round of league games on Saturday. The juniors got the action going, and with big numbers again there were basically two different sides in each half. Lucy Cleary recovered from the bloody nose she received in Thursday night's challenge against Glencar Manorhamilton to turn in another outstanding display. Her defensive partner Sarah Begley had probably her best game so far this season with Leah Melly and Lucy Byrne both working hard at half back and putting in some great tackles. Nessa Warren and Katie McCaffrey both left everything on the pitch in midfield, while up front Rihanna Reynolds came closest to registering for the visitors. Despite that, Saint Eunan's were very strong and were good value for their win. The senior game was a more closely fought affair. Aodh Ruadh played with the breeze in the first half and had to work hard to make good use of it against a good Eunan's outfit. The accuracy of Cádhla Dolan, Orlaith Gallagher and Pearl McHugh helped Aodh Ruadh to a 3-6 to 1-0 lead at the interval. However with the wind in Saint Eunan's favour the second half was always going to be a different story. The Ballyshannon girls rose to the challenge in admirable style. Andrea Moore and Ciara Larkin hit superb individual points while Lauren Foy sacrificed her normal game and broke up attack after attack by the homesters. Further back Jessica O'Mahoney was peerless in the final line of defence with Emer McDevitt and Maura O'Sullivan also putting in solid shifts. Keeper Megan Murphy dealt well with a number of dangerous shots on goal. At the final whistle Aodh Ruadh had recorded a good win to extend their unbeaten record to four games. Best wishes to Niamh Duffy for a speedy recovery from her knee injury. Thank you to the parents and guardians who helped transport the players to the game. Thanks to Saint Eunan's for agreeing to get the games going an hour early to allow people to make the Ulster semi-final in Cavan. Thanks also to Saint Eunan's for organising the day so well and the post match refreshments. Thanks also to Karol Foley for refereeing Thursday's challenge with Glencar Manorhamilton. Training as usual this Wednesday from 7pm to 8.15pm. On Saturday Buncrana are the visitors to Ballyshannon in the next round of the league with both games to throw-in at 12 noon in Father Tierney Park. Players to be up at the park for 11.15am. Parents / guardians are asked to send refreshments with their child and help would also be appreciated with the catering upstairs in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh after the game.
The under 8 and under 10 girls are training from 5.45pm to 6.45pm on Wednesdays.
Under 6 training continues at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this Friday from 6pm to 6.45pm.
The Duck Race has been pencilled in for Friday, June 28th. All those with outstanding cards are asked to start getting them back to their managers.
Hurling
The seniors had a good win over MacCumhaill's on Friday in MacCumhaill Park in their final game of the Junior Hurling League. The lads finished in second place on 12 points with six wins from their eight games. This young squad have worked hard all season and it's great to see an adult hurling team fielding in the club again. Thoughts now turn to their opening game of the Championship at home to Carndonagh on Saturday 29th June.
The under 16s play their opening fixtures in the North West League in Dungannon on Sunday against Dungannon and Swatragh.
Our under 14s headed off bright and early last Friday for the long trip to Ballinspittle in Cork to take part in the National Finals of Féile na nGael. The lads competed in Division 5 and the standard of hurling was very high in the Rebel County. They played Sliabh Rua of Cork in their opening fixture. The effects of the long trip were obvious as the lads struggled to get into the game. The Cork lads had a comfortable win in this match. Next up that evening was a game against Wicklow champions Michael Dwyer's. They were a strong ,skilful outfit who had a convincing win over our young squad who couldn't match the physicality of the lads from the Garden County. The Donegal lads made their way to their host families and were glad to hit their beds as they were exhausted after the trip and the games. Saturday morning saw the lads take on host club Courcey Rovers. They put in a much improved performance in this game and were level at half-time before their homesters ran out winners in the second-half. The lads final game was the shield quarter-final against Swatragh of Derry. The lads gave it their all in this game and were narrowly defeated 0-6 to 0-2. This was the end of Féile on the playing field, but there was still lots of fun to be had with the host club who treated the lads very well all weekend. Courcey Rovers were very impressed with the lads behaviour and they were a credit to their club, town and families. Thanks to all the parents who made the trip to Cork to support the lads. The under 14s now take on Saint Eunan's in the A Championship Final this Thursday, venue to be confirmed.
Underage hurling training continues on Sunday for all teams at 12 noon.
Pitch bookings
Wednesday
Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, 9.30am to 2.30pm. Gaelscoil Sports Day
Thursday
Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, 9.30am to 1pm. Holy Family NS Sports Day.
Father Tierney Park, 5.30pm to 8pm. Creevy NS League Finals. Followed by presentations in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.
Friday
Father Tierney Park, 7.30pm. Under 16 football league - Aodh Ruadh v Ardara
Saturday
Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, 9am. County Board booking
Father Tierney Park, 12 noon. Under 12 ladies league - Aodh Ruadh v Buncrana
Fitness trail and running track
The past week has seen the final works on the fitness trail and running track in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh brought to a completion. Thanks to our workers, sponsors and all who supported the specific fund-raisers undertaken by our Park / Development Committee over the past few years to deliver this amenity. Some landscaping works will continue over the coming weeks. Thanks to all who have co-operated with the no cars / no dogs policy for Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh in order to maintain a safer and cleaner environment for the hundreds of users of these valuable club facilities.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Ann Granaghan of Bundoran. The stand-up game prize of €130 was shared by Caitlin O'Brien and Angela Nicholson. The summer snowball is rolling on nicely and sits on €650 this week. Bingo as usual this Friday night at the Abbey Centre with a €2,300 prize fund, first game at 9pm. Books priced just €10.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week's Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €6,700. The winning numbers drawn were 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 13. In the lucky dip €20 went to Anthony Coughlin, Ballyshannon; Michael Daly, Ballyshannon; Martha Campbell; Anna O'Brien; and Marian McLoughlin Saimer Drive. Next draw is in Dicey Reilly's with a jackpot of €6,800 on Sunday at 8.30pm. Tickets are 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: RESERVE FOOTBALLERS.
You can receive the club notes by e-mail every Tuesday morning. To subscribe, enter your details on the website, www.aodhruadh.org, or e-mail your request to [email protected].
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