Football 

Aodh Ruadh make their long-awaited return to senior championship this weekend. Four Masters will be the opposition for both our seniors and reserves. The seniors take on the Donegal town men in Tir Chonaill Park on Sunday at 2pm, with that game being followed by the reserves at 3.30pm. We wish Barry Ward, Peter Gallagher and both squads all the very best. 

  

The minors took on one of the front runners for Division 1 honours last Friday. The Ballyshannon lads put in a mighty effort, but in the end MacCumhaill's just had too much for them and it finished MacCumhaill's 3-15 Aodh Ruadh 3-7. Aodh Ruadh put in a good performance and managed to stick with a talented Ballybofey outfit for much of the fixture. However, as time marched on MacCumhaill's were able to pull away with the help of two quick-fire goals. Best for the Ernesiders on the evening was Damian Weber, who never took a backward step all game. Meanwhile Pauric Daly and Shane Delahunty both also gave their absolute all and ensured that Aodh Ruadh garnered a respectable scoring return. Next up for the minors is a home fixture - at long last - this Friday. The opposition will be another tough prospect in the shape of Termon. Throw in for that game will be 6.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. 

 

The under 15 boys came up second best against Ardara in their league clash Wednesday with the final score 4-12 to 1-5 in favour of the homesters. The scoreline doesn't tell the full story of what was a positive display by the Ballyshannon lads. Corey Sheridan was in goals, and showed he is a man of many talents with an excellent outing. He had great cover in front of him too, with Jun Hui Lin dominating things at full back. Further up the pitch there was an excellent display by Killian McPhelim at corner forward. He didn't manage to get on the score sheet himself, but he was a very creative influence and set up a lot of Aodh Ruadh scores. Next up is a home fixture against Naomh Conaill on Wednesday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 6.30pm.

 

It has been a busy few days for our under 12 squad. On Saturday they were on their travels to take on Glencar / Manorhamilton with 22 boys making the journey. Two tough physical games were played with very little between the teams at the end. On Monday evening we had our final Go Games blitz at home against Ardara. We had 26 players lining out in this fixture, again playing two matches. We played some brilliant football on both pitches, with some outstanding scores and performances. The under 12s train again on Thursday, 6pm, at the Coláiste Cholmcille field. 

  

The under 9s had a busy weekend of action. On Friday evening they had a very enjoyable coaching session with Donegal star Ryan McHugh. We have some good pictures on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page of that event. On Sunday 42 boys showed off their new found skills and came out on top in three very competitive games against Glenties. There is one remaining fixture scheduled at home against Ardara which down to take place Saturday, 18th September. Ahead of that we would like to extend our best wishes to the boys who are making their First Holy Communion this Saturday. 

 

Our under 7s had a great evening at their last session of the year. Well done to the players on all their hard work all season, and also to the managers, coaches and mentors. It's great to see so many people invest their time and energy into these future stars.

 

Hurling 

Aodh Ruadh enjoyed a facile win over a very weak MacCumhaill's outfit in round four of the Junior Championship. It was a good all-round team performance from Ballyshannon, but the lads are well aware tougher challenges are ahead. Check out aodhruadh.org for a gallery of pictures from the game. Next up for Aodh Ruadh is a local derby on Friday against Four Masters. Throw-in at Tir Chonaill Park is 7pm.

 

Our under 17s continued their great run with another victory, this time over the Burt in the Donegal league. Burt held a one point lead as the teams went in for the first water break and both sides performed well for the remainder of the second half.  A few changes at half-time freshened our boys up, and left Ballyshannon in a strong position as the second half wore on. Some great performances across the team enabled us to run out winners on a scoreline of 5-14 to 2-10. Next up the boys face Erne Gaels in the Táin Óg league, followed by Saint Eunan's in the Donegal League. Good luck to Denis, Daithi and the squad in these fixtures.

 

Our under 15s had no game last week, and trained at their normal times. This week they are getting geared up to play in their Táin Óg league final at the Sligo Centre of Excellence in Scarden. Throw in on Saturday is at 3pm and a big support would be appreciated to get behind the lads.

 

Our under 13s had an emphatic win against Saint Eunan's in the Donegal Championship on Sunday.  With some fantastic performances across the team our lads led right from the off, and by the half-time break had built up a comfortable lead. All players got meaningful game time, with Sunday's victory down to a real panel performance and this handsome victory can be attributed to each and every player involved. We have a great gallery of pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. A draw in the other semi-final has left some doubt as to who Aodh Ruadh will face in the county final, with the original date fixed for the final now being required for the replayed semi-final.

 

Under 11 hurling will start this Sunday at 11.15am. Having had very low numbers earlier in the year, we have had a number of players either join up with our under 13s, our under 9s, or express an interest in taking part. This is a huge positive considering the low numbers at this group earlier in the year. Anyone else interested in joining in should contact John Larkin on 086-1076883. We will run a training group for the next three weeks with a view to a couple of under 11 games after that.

 

Our youngest hurlers, the under 7s and under 9s, finished their season on Sunday morning. We had a fantastic year, with over 70 different players taking part over the year, the vast majority of whom have stuck with it and come up consistently for their Sunday morning hurling. All the players were presented with medals for taking part in their blitzes throughout the season, and some treats to reward them for their efforts at training through the year. A huge thanks to all the parents for bringing the players to training, our Covid officers and the team of coaches we had through the year. A particular mention to our under 17 hurlers who were a huge support in terms of helping us throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming back all of these players in 2022, and as always – all new comers will be welcome. We have a lovely gallery of pictures from the final day up on aodhruadh.org. 

  

Ladies  

Adult championship action continues this coming Sunday. The seniors will be away to Killybegs in the Intermediate Championship, while the Reserves will be at home against Muff in the Junior Championship. Both games will throw in at 11am. 

 

It wasn't to be for the minor ladies last Thursday as they faded out in the final quarter against Saint Eunan's in a tie which looks likely to have settled the destination of the league title. Played in perfect conditions in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, the first half was an evenly fought affair. The hosts got off to the perfect start when a surging run by Emer O'Brien was halted illegally and the referee had no option, but to point to the spot. Caitlin McGarrigle coolly dispatched the penalty and that was quickly followed by a point for Erin O'Loughlin. Lucy McGlynn and Katie O'Brien then tagged on scores and with eight minutes played Aodh Ruadh lead 1-3 to no score. In a four-minute spell from the 9th to 13th minute St Eunan's catapulted themselves into the lead with a strike for 2-1, an advantage they carried into the first water break. The second quarter was tense and error strewn. Katie O'Brien levelled matters on 24 minutes, but Eunan's pointed on the stroke of time to lead by the minimum at the turn around. Aodh Ruadh had created a lot of chances, but hadn't made full use of them, while the Letterkenny girls would have known they were very fortunate to be in the lead having lived on scraps for much of the first half. In the second half it was role reversal with Eunan's hitting the ground running, landing 1-2 before a Niamh Hughes point opened Ballyshannon's second half account Katie O'Brien and the visitors swapped points before Grainne Maguire crashed home a spectacular goal. Eunan's pointed again though and at the last water break it was Aodh Ruadh 2-6 Saint Eunan's 3-7. Ballyshannon needed a big final quarter, but it never materialised. Their opponents hit a goal shortly after the resumption and heads dropped. Katie O'Brien did fire home a well taken goal, but it was a case of too little too late and it finished Aodh Ruadh 3-6 Saint Eunan's 6-9. As ever Caitlin McGarrigle gave her absolute all, while Erin O'Loughlin and Niamh Hughes also worked hard, but Saint Eunan's superior hunger was the difference on the day. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. This Thursday the minors have a home tie against Killybegs at 7pm.

 

Our underage ladies have come up short in two major finals in the past month, but that wasn't to be the case with the under 16s who took on Urris in their long-delayed Division 3 decider. The game was played on lovely Saturday afternoon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. With Donegal LGFA electing not to play finals at underage level, this delayed league round robin game became a final by default, with the winner topping the division. Aodh Ruadh took a firm grip of proceedings from the very start and never relinquished it at any point. The irrepressible Cádhla Dolan hit the net a minute in for the first of what was to be a 5-5 haul in this match. She quickly added 1-1 before Jodie Meade opened her account with a point. Dolan then completed her hat-trick just seven minutes in with a quick-reaction fisted goal. Meade added a free before Urris hit their first point of the day on 14 minutes. Annie Keon cancelled that out though and it was 3-4 to 0-1 at the first water break. Aodh Ruadh were taking some fine points, and Michaela McCaffrey, Hannah McGuinness and Annie Keon were all on the mark after the restart. Cádhla Dolan then added another 1-1 before Urris managed to find the net. Aodh Ruadh got the last couple of points of the half though from Cara O'Loughlin and Hannah McGuinness to leave it Aodh Ruadh 4-10 Urris 1-1 at the interval. Ballyshannon eased off the gas a bit in the third quarter, and a plucky Urris outfit managed to edge the scoring in this spell. Annie Keon, Cádhla Dolan, Cara O'Loughlin and Lauren Foy kept the score board ticking over, but Urris struck back with 1-4. The visitors kept battling hard right to the end, but Aodh Ruadh weren't going to be denied here. Cara O'Loughlin was on the mark again and, with Cádhla Dolan fittingly have the final say with a 1-2 salvo, Eugene McHale's long whistle saw it finish Aodh Ruadh 5-17 Urris 3-7. It was a well-deserved win for the girls and capped an undefeated run through the division. Aodh Ruadh were superb in every section of the pitch, showing quality passing and proving economic with their score taking opportunities. In the rearguard Mollie Travers was brilliant between the posts, her kick outs were measured to perfection, and she made some brilliant stops. Fódhla Sheerin and Orlaith Toland hoovered up any ball that came their way, and Dairín Sweeny made a number of good relieving runs from defence. Andrea Moore and Ciara Larkin were immense. Moore may be small in stature, but she stood tall and absorbed a great deal of opposition physicality without ever giving in, tormenting them for the full match. Ciara Larkin chased down every ball like her life depended on it. Cara O'Loughlin and Lauren Foy dominated the middle third. Up front Annie Keon and Cádhla Dolan were an unstoppable scoring axis. The Division 3 winning team and scorers were Mollie Travers; Orlaith Toland, Fódhla Sheerin, Christina McCaffrey, Andrea Moore, Ciara Larkin, Dairín Sweeny; Cara O'Loughlin (0-3), Lauren Foy (0-1); Michaela McCaffrey (0-1), Annie Keon (0-3), Joe Meade (0-2, 1f); Niamh McGloin, Cádhla Dolan (5-5), Hannah McGuinness (0-2). Subs: Orlaith Gallagher, Kelly Irwin, Orlaith O'Neill, Shauna McGloin, Emer McDevitt, Cara Davitt. The Urris club special deserve praise for travelling the long distance to make this fixture happen and putting up a real battling performance to the end. The only disappointing aspects of the day were that the Division 3 trophy was unavailable for presentation, nor was there an official present from Donegal LGFA. The joint captains Fódhla Sheerin and Jodie Meade were presented with a trophy sourced locally and made fine speeches thanking everyone who had contributed to the success. Well done to all the players and management on finally taking home some silverware for the Ladies club.

 

Our under 12 girls have a challenge at home this Wednesday against Four Masters at 5.45pm. Training for the team continues on Saturday from 11am to 12pm.

 

Pitch Bookings 
With light fading, games have to start earlier and it is becoming difficult to take two matches on the same evening. Timely booking is essential so clashes can be resolved quickly. The starting times for underage training in the evening times should be reviewed to ensure the main field in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh is available to take games from 6.30pm over the coming weeks.

 

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).

 

Helping to manage a youth mental health crisis

Connect Mental Health have confirmed a Youth Mental Health First Aid Course for September with Mental Health First Aid Ireland. The course is designed for adults who live with, work with or support young people aged between 12 and 18. This course teaches participants how to assist a young person who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves, using a practical, evidence-based action plan. The course will take place online over two consecutive full days on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th September. It is limited to 15 people, and Aodh Ruadh have three spaces reserved. Please contact Philip McLoone if you would like to attend.

 

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 €2,600. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 2, 6, 8, 13 and 18. In the lucky dip cash prizes of €25 went to Martin Travers and Shane Gallagher. Thanks to Sean Travers, Tom Travers and Hugh Mealiffe for performing the draw. The next draw is for a jackpot of €2,700 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: JUVENILE HURLERS.

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