Football

Pride of place this week belongs to our senior footballers who booked their place in the county final with an immensely hard-fought victory over Naomh Columba in Fintra on Sunday. It was clear even before the throw-in that the gale driving in from the sea would have a major say in proceedings. Aodh Ruadh faced it in the first half, and so damage limitation looked like the priority. Naomh Columba duly went into a four point lead before David Dolan did really well to win a free which Philip Patton converted for Aodh Ruadh's first score of the game 17 minutes in. Glen hit three answering points, interspersed with some poor wides, to go in at the break leading 0-7 to 0-1. Given the strength of the breeze that looked unlikely to be adequate. Nevertheless, Naomh Columba really upped their game and were as good in the second half as they were indifferent in the first. Diarmaid McInerney got Ballyshannon's first point on the resumption and then he fired over a free after a foul on Shane McGrath. Glen hit a point in reply and then had their keeper to thank for denying a thumping shot from Eamonn McGrath. Diarmaid McInerney eased over the 45 to make it double scores after 40 minutes 0-8 to 0-4. Coming up to the second half water break it looked like the game was slipping away from Aodh Ruadh, but Oisin Rooney got on the end of a ball in and smashed to the back of the net to bring his side right back into it. The Ernesiders had their tails up now and restarted with the score of the game. A sensational 40 metre pass from Nathan Boyle was flighted in on a low trajectory to David Dolan who fielded superbly and hoisted over a glorious point. Cian Dolan then followed up with a fine score to leave the minimum between the sides with seven minutes of normal time remaining. Naomh Columba answered that with a sucker-punch goal, but the reintroduction of Philip Patton was to prove decisive as he first pulled back a point before powering a shot to the net to make it 2-7 to 1-11. Aodh Ruadh managed play well over the closing stages to create a levelling opportunity for Diarmaid McInerney, which he seized with both hands to the delight of the small but vocal support in Killybegs. Aodh Ruadh faced the wind again in the first half of extra-time and although Naomh Columba landed the opening score they were clawed back when Nathan Boyle won and converted a priceless free. In the second half there was only one further score and, thankfully from a Ballyshannon perspective, it came from the boot of Shane McGrath. Later Cian Dolan seemed to rather unjustly get the line, but the sending off of two for Naomh Columba shortly after mitigated the impact of that decision somewhat. There was jubilation at the final whistle and now Barry Ward and his men can start planning for a county final against Cloich Cheann Fhaola. It was a display of serious grit from Aodh Ruadh, with Darren Drummond's display emblematic. He was in fearsome form in a defence which was littered with eight and nine out of ten performances. For a young man, Nathan Boyle has established himself as a real leader in this team and he did a great job in setting the tempo. Up front David Dolan looked to be in pain at times, but he didn't let that stop him giving a performance which will rank as among his best. Diarmaid McInerney and Philip Patton made telling contributions in the attack, while Shane McGrath had the Glen defence at sixes and sevens all day. This Sunday Aodh Ruadh return to regional league action, when they are in Ballybofey to take on MacCumhaill's at 3.30pm.

 

The reserves championship opener against Burt on Saturday fell by the wayside when the Inishowen men failed to field. The squad await confirmation of their next fixture.

 

It proved a bad day at the office for our minors in the regional final against Dungloe. We started brightly, with our full forward line of Cian Rooney, Harry Howarth, and Kyle McCaffrey setting the tone with plenty of energy and high pressing pinning Gaeltacht boys back. The sides went tit for tat with the scores level pegging at three points apiece early on. Aodh Ruadh had chances to go into the lead, but just forced a couple of balls when Harry Howarth had made clever runs in behind. The Ernesiders probably didn’t make the most of the opening quarter and a second quarter surge from Dungloe aided by a strong breeze was damaging. Everything Dungloe touched seemed to come off. While Aodh Ruadh dominated possession, they were unable to make it count in attack. Trailing 1-9 to 0-3 at half-time the lads really stepped up and came back to within four points of the leaders in the second half and looked increasingly like being able to rescue something from the evening. Unfortunately, a sloppy pass coming through midfield on a counter attack allowed Dungloe to charge through to hit an outstanding goal from all of 21 yards into the top corner. That was a bridge too far and Ballyshannon struggled to shake off the impact of that blow. Dungloe only scored twice in the second half and Aodh Ruadh dominated the ball for the entire game, but poor decision making proved costly and it just didn’t happen for the lads in attack. The main damage was done in the last 15 minutes of the first half, a costly lesson. Despite a disappointing evening there were some positives in the form of top performances. Credit to Ryan Keenaghan, who is developing into a really promising full back who never threw in the towel and was always trying to drive his team on. Daire Gallagher is a tigerish corner back who never let his man get anything easy, the assured Kyle Murray, and Mark McGlynn who played through the pain barrier on more than one occasion for the team this year. The management would like to thank all the minor players for their positive attitude, commitment to training, and willingness to work on their game. The improvement the minors have made in the past two years under Peter Boyle’s tutelage should be noted and although there is no silverware to show for it all those players eligible for adult football have made the step up, be it with the seniors or the reserves. This should be commended and we look forward to seeing the next crop of these minors representing the club at adult level next year and into the future. We have gallery of pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

 

The under 16s got their season off to the perfect start with a convincing win over Bundoran. The hosts were quick out of the blocks and clipped over the first score, ironically from Kyle McNulty. The Aodh Ruadh lads responded with three unanswered points from Damian Weber before bagging the game's first goal. Drew Ryan was out around the middle helping out and put in a fine shift. He fielded a number of kick outs and finished with a goal and a point. Keeper Aaron Cullen kept on top of his back line and ensured everything was nice and tight in that sector. He hit an Aodh Ruadh jersey every time with his precision kick outs. Shane Delahunty put in his usual all-action performance and linked up with Jack Gallagher for a score. Robbie Murphy hit the net, getting on the end of a ball which fell short and popped out of the keeper's hands. Like any good full forward, Murphy pounced and flicked the ball to the net. There were polished outings from Séimí Campbell and James Gallagher who kept their forwards quiet. All-in-all this was a good team performance by the full Ballyshannon squad, the subs introduced helping to keep the score board ticking over as it finished Bundoran 0-8 Aodh Ruadh 5-12. Next up for the under 16s is the visit of Saint Naul's to Father Tierney Park this Wednesday with the throw-in at 6.15pm. 

 

The under 12s had a terrific duel with Saint Naul's on Saturday morning in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The visitors just about edged the first two thirds, but the Ballyshannon boys pulled out all the stops and in a fabulous final third they came out on top. The squad of 28 players all enjoyed what was a real tough test and a great game of football. This Saturday it will be Four Masters who are making the trip down the N15 to Ballyshannon for an 11am throw-in. Under 12 training continues on Tuesday evening at 7pm.  

 

Under 10 training continues this Tuesday at 5.45pm. There is no training this Thursday as the squad will be travelling to Donegal town on Friday evening to play neighbours Four Masters. All players are asked to be down at Tir Chonaill Park for 6.15pm at the latest, with the games throwing in at 6.30pm. 

 

Our under 8s train as usual this Friday from 6.15pm to 7.15pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Our match against Four Masters last Saturday was postponed, and will now be played this Saturday, players to be up at the Park for 11.45am.

 

Ladies

It promises to be a real feast of ladies football this Saturday as close on 60 players will take part in the Colman Kerr tournament. The matches will get under way at 1pm with the first round of the group stage games and will continue until the cup and shield finals bring the curtain down on the action. The teams are as follows.

Team 1: Captain: Sara Gallagher, Vice-Captain: Rionach Sheerin, Dearbhla O'Moore, Cáit Gillespie, Sarah Daly, Eva Moore, Roisin Maguire, Caitlin McGarrigle, Caoimhe Hughes O'Brien, Orla Keon, Danielle Gallagher, Ciara Gillespie, Fódhla Sheerin, Niamh McGloin.

Team 2: Captain: Sara Patton, Vice-Captain: Hannah Doherty, Terri Gallagher, Shauna Dolan, Bridín Maguire, Sarah Jane Keon, Eilish Gallagher, Niamh Hughes, Katie O'Brien, Hannah Gallagher, Cara O'Loughlin, Cara Davitt, Lauren Foy, Orlaith Toland.

Team 3: Captain: Áine Gilmore, Vice-Captain: Amanda Mahon, Dearbhla Hughes O'Brien, Bronagh Kelly, Gráinne Maguire, Meadb McCloskey, Ella Clancy, Lauren McHugh, Saoirse McDevitt, Erin O'Loughlin, Chantelle Timoney, Dairín Sweeny, Katie Gallagher, Síofra Hughes.

Team 4: Captain: Anna Rafferty, Vice-Captain: Kate Cunningham, Elaine Dorian, Orla Gallagher, Ciara Caldwell, Clodagh O'Connor, Andrea McGlynn, Caoimhe Keon, Ana Keon, Leah O'Brien, Aoibheann McGarrigle, Caoimhe McCauley, Jodie Meade, Annie Keon.

 

It just wasn't to be for Aodh Ruadh on Saturday morning as they came up short against Saint Naul's in the minor county final. Played at a windy Páirc Naomh Bríd in Ballintra, the elements had a considerable impact in how the game unfolded. Saint Naul's had the wind behind them in the first half and that was a big plus for the Mountcharles side who favour a defensive approach to the game. Aodh Ruadh probably played their best football in the first half, containing Saint Naul's attack, and contriving to mount a number of forays into the final third themselves. One of those ended with a reaction goal from Aoibheann McGarrigle, a major which looked like it might prove a crucial score in the prevailing conditions. Saint Naul's had been restricted to 1-5 for much of the first 30 minutes, but with half-time closing in they grabbed two more goals to give themselves a more substantial cushion to defend as they turned to face the breeze. The Ballyshannon girls had to go on the offensive in the second half, but it was the Saint Naul's girls who were able to make the most of their scoring chances. Although Bridín Maguire hit 2-1 in the second period, Mountcharles scored freely and claimed the county title on a 5-11 to 3-6 scoreline. Katie O'Brien was probably Aodh Ruadh's player of the match, taking some excellent scores and kept carrying the game to the opposition right through, while Tia McFarland was another who could be very happy with her individual display in the final, and Síofra Hughes really played her heart out in the attack. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows: Bridin Maguire (2-1, 1 pen); Ciara Caldwell, Grainne Maguire, Eva Moore; Erin O'Loughlin, Lucy McGlynn, Ella Clancy; Caitlin McGarrigle, Caoimhe Keon; Niamh Hughes, Aoibheann McGarrigle (1-0), Tia McFarland; Orla Keon, Síofra Hughes, Katie O'Brien (0-5, 2f). Subs: Áine Hill, Cara O'Loughlin, Sarah Jane Keon, Katie McMullin, Eilish Gallagher. Not the way we wanted the season to end, but a big thank you to the management, players and mentors for all their hard work this year.

 

The under 16s get their season underway this Sunday with a trip to Bundoran, throw-in at 10.30am in Gaelic Park. The following Sunday the girls are away to Saint Naul's. On Sunday 4th October they are home against Naomh Bríd / Pettigo. On Sunday 11th October they entertain Four Masters, before wrapping up the group stages with a trip to Ballybofey to take on MacCumhaill's on Sunday 18th October.

 

Under 13 training continues this week on Thursday. Anyone interested in playing under 13 football should contact John Hughes.

 

The under 12s had a real ding dong battle of game on Saturday against Four Masters. In the first half the attack of Niamh Duffy, Rachel Gillespie, Megan Murphy and Emily McNamee combined beautifully and the end product came in the shape of goals for the Duffer (2) and the Red Rocket. Ciara Larkin also raided up from midfield for a lovely point to leave it 3-1 to 1-3 at half time in Tir Chonaill Park. It was defences on top in the second half and on that score Katie McGowan and Áine Neilan were both immense once again. Ciara Larkin added another point to her tally, but credit to Four Masters who kept plugging away and got a goal with the last kick of the game to leave it honours even at the final whistle. The girls played some of their best football of the season here, with Lucy Byrne covering every blade of grass while Ellen Monaghan, Saoirse Gallagher, Caitlin McGuinness and Sarah O'Brien all put in eye-catching displays. We now await confirmation of our opponents in the knock out stages. Training continues this week Tuesday at 7pm. 

 

Our under 8 and under 10 girls finished the season on a high with a mini blitz last Wednesday against Four Masters.  We fielded two teams in both age groups and the girls played extremely well considering it was their first competitive game of the year. For some of our under 8s it was their first ever game in the Aodh Ruadh jersey and they all had great fun. Our under 10s are a more serious outfit and are extremely competitive. We put out two equally matched teams and they were both victorious in their respective matches. We have to extend a massive thanks to the Four Masters club for bringing their two teams up. Like ourselves, they are the only club in the area who have under 8 and under 10 squads. The future looks bright for the Aodh Ruadh girls' football. There's a lot of potential and interest among the under 8s and the under 10s are an exceptional team. There are a lot of girls underage again next year and for those moving up to under 12 the transition will be an easy one for them if they put in the same effort as they did this year, even though it was a fractured season. We have a lovely gallery of shots from the games up on aodhruadh.org. 

 

Hurling

The senior hurlers take on Carndonagh in the Junior Championship semi-final this Sunday in Burt, with the throw-in at 1.45pm. This is a repeat of last year's final, and the lads will be up against it to retain their title as they suffered a 17 point defeat against the Inishowen men earlier in the season. We wish the management and players the very best of luck.

 

The under 14s are up against MacCumhaill's in the county A final in Tir Chonaill Park, Donegal Town, this Thursday. In their group game MacCumhaill's won a keenly contested game by two points. There has been little between these teams over the years, and our young squad, have trained hard all season. They are really looking forward to this game. On the same evening in The Cross the minors are up against Letterkenny Gaels, and the lads will be hoping to build on their recent victory over Buncrana.

 

We offer our sincere sympathy to Pat Haran and his family on the death of his Dad, Seamus. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this very difficult time for them. 

 

Club kit for Christmas

The club is hosting sizing sessions for club kit over this Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm in the changing rooms at Father Tierney Park. Social distancing will be in place and please wear your mask. Here is what we have available. Half zip top: adult €40, youth €35; Crew neck top: adult €40, youth €35; Hoodie top: adult €40, youth €35; Academy jersey: adult €31, youth €27; Club jersey: adult €31, youth €27; Skinny bottoms: adult €33, youth €29; Leggings: adult €43, youth €35; Gear bag: €28; Bobble hat: €15. All prices include club crest and initials, ladies gear will also include the LGFA logo. We also have a multi-buy special on offer. if you buy three items you can get a €15 bobble hat free! This is all top quality kit and would make great gifts for Christmas. Payments will be taken in dressing room three and will have to be made in full on order. Where paying in cash we would appreciate correct change is brought to reduce handling required. We will be able to take card payments via Klubfunder.com. Check out the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page for further information and some images of the gear we have available.  

 

Tournaments

With the Joe Roper tournament successfully completed, the Colman Kerr Tournament taking place this Saturday and the Willie Rogers tournament set for Saturday October 10th we are making good progress on getting these important local competitions played in what has been a challenging year. If there are plans for further tournaments the weekends of September 26th and 27th and October 3rd and 4th should be considered. Plans for all outstanding tournaments need to be finalised without delay and contact should be made with Tom Daly to confirm arrangements.  

 

The Billy Finn Sessions

The Billy Finn Sessions, part of Donegal Bay and Bluestacks Festival, take place on Saturday in the Abbey Centre at 8pm. Billy, a true stalwart of the Aodh Ruadh club, was also a founding member of the Phil Rooney Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in Ballyshannon. An accomplished uilleann piper and flute player, his various sets of pipes and chanters have been generously loaned by his family to the Billy Finn Trust, whereby many young Donegal uilleann pipers are now learning to play the instruments. There will be an amazing line up of talent on show on the night. Robbin Hannan, Shauna Mullin, Damien McGeehan, Dara Gallagher and Caoimhin MacAoidh will all take the stage in the Abbey Arts Centre. Admission is €15 and pre-booking is essential. Call Ailis or Linda on 071-9851375. 

 

Aodh Ruadh lotto   

There was no winner of last week's Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €3,900. The winning numbers drawn were 2, 4, 7, 9, 12 and 15. In the lucky dip a Donegal GAA Draw Ticket valued at €100 went to Cian Dolan. The next draw is for a jackpot of €4,000 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. You have to be in it to win it!       

        

The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra on Saturday is: LADIES.       

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