Football

Aodh Ruadh said sayonara to life in Division 2 with style as they smashed six goals past Downings in their final league match of 2021. Philip Patton sealed his hat-trick with the last kick of the game while Colm Kelly, Shane McGrath and David Dolan also raised green flags. The scoreline probably does a disservice to a Na Dúnaibh side who battled manfully right through the game. After a few scores were exchanged Aodh Ruadh started to quickly pull away with a Patton goal putting five between the sides at the first water break. The pattern continued in the run up to half-time with a goal from David Dolan making it 2-11 to 0-8 on the turn around. Na Dúnaibh enjoyed their best spell of the game in the third quarter, hitting 1-4, however Colm Kelly had also netted and Ballyshannon continued to enjoy a comfortable margin on the visitors. In the final quarter Downings began to flag and goals from Patton (2) and Shane McGrath put the seal on a comprehensive 6-16 to 1-13 victory. The game was a fitting end to the season for a maturing Erneside team who now look every inch a Division 1 outfit, and there's great confidence that their stay in the top flight will be an extended one. Aodh Ruadh were on top all over the pitch. In the defence Colm Kelly and Eddie Lynch were both immaculate, while Nathan Boyle and Jonny Gethins ruled the roost in the middle of the field. Ryan Granaghan has a superb game in the final third as did David Dolan. We have a full match report and pictures from the game live on aodhruadh.org. After the game county chairman Mick McGrath presented the Division 2 Father McDyre trophy to the Aodh Ruadh captains Colm Kelly and Shane McGrath and we have pictures from the presentation ceremony up on aodhruadh.org.

 

The next action for our adult footballers will be their long-awaited return to senior championship. Four Masters will be the opposition for our seniors and reserves on the weekend of Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th September. We wish Barry Ward, Peter Gallagher and both squads all the very best in their preparations.

 

The minors were on the road again last Friday taking on Glenfin. It proved another fruitless trip though with the homesters taking the spoils on a scoreline of 3-13 to 2-7. The team face yet another trip on Friday, this time to Ballybofey to take on MacCumhaill's at 6.30pm.

 

The under 15 boys are back in action this week with an away game in Ardara on Wednesday. Throw-in is at 7pm at Pearse Memorial Park.

 

Under 11 training continues this week on Monday from 6pm to 7pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, and on Thursday in the Coláiste Cholmcille field from 6pm to 7pm.

 

Last week's under 9 fixture against Ardara was postponed and will be rescheduled for later in September. It is hoped that there will be a game against Glenties this weekend, but this will depend on pitch availability. Further details will be posted on the team WhatsApp group. Training continues as normal on Friday evening at 6.15pm.

 

Under 7s will conclude their season this Friday after a fun year of training, building skills and great craic. Thanks to all the players for the efforts, to all the coaches for all their hard work, and to the parents and guardians for their support right across the year. The session runs from 6pm to 7pm.

 

Congratulations to Declan Bonner on being reappointed Donegal senior manager for a two year term.

 

Hurling

Aodh Ruadh's Junior Championship clash with Dungloe / Gaoth Dobhair at Páirc na Rosann fell afoul of the weather on Friday evening. A dense sea fog rolled in and reduced visibility to such an extent that both sides agreed the game would have to be abandoned with 15 minutes left to play. At that stage the hosts were leading by a point on a scoreline of 0-9 to 0-8 and the result was very much up for grabs. This Friday the team are back in championship action, this time in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh against MacCumhaill's. Throw-in is at 7.30pm and it would be great to see a big support up for this game.

 

Our under 17s continued their run of wins with a victory over Manorhamilton in the Táin Óg League. Missing a number of players through work commitments, the lads showed great composure in front of goal and took some great scores. It’s great to see this squad getting a run of games again, particularly after Covid related stop-start nature of their campaign so far. This Thursday they play Burt down in the Centre of Excellence in Convoy.

 

The under 15s had a busy week, playing the same opposition twice in a 72-hour period. On Thursday we travelled to MacCumhaill's in the Donegal League. Our lads were slow to start and conceded 1-5 by the water break. The break allowed us to reset and regain a bit of composure, and rest of the first half saw us start to gain a foothold in the game, but scores were not easy to come by. Our second half performance saw us trying to work ourselves back into the game again, but as the tie wore on the gap between the teams increased and saw the Ballybofey lads pull further away. Not our best day at the office, but at least we didn’t have to wait too long for a shot at redemption.

On Sunday afternoon the sides met again, in the county semi-final. Our lads started much brighter than the previous game and were 1-2 up by the water break and dominant in almost every position.  After the water break MacCumhaill's started to come into the game a bit more, and our concession of some soft frees brought them back in to the game. The second half started brightly for us again, but more soft frees allowed MacCumhaill's to level up before taking the lead just before the water break. A goal left us chasing the game into the last 15 minutes, but as we tried to claw our way back MacCumhaill's kept the score board ticking over – and on the day our efforts just weren’t enough. We wish MacCumhaill's the best of luck in the county final. A much-improved performance from Thursday, but disappointing to have lost to opposition we beat only seven weeks previously. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org Training continues for the squad as they prepare for their Táin Óg League finals, and a league semi-final in the coming weeks.

 

Our under 13s are gearing up for their county semi-final against Saint Eunan's this Thursday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Throw in is at 6.45 for anyone looking to take in the action. Best of luck to all the players and management, as they look to continue their great season so far.  

 

Under 11 hurling will commence on Sunday 12th. Having had very low numbers earlier in the year, we now 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 is asked to please contact John Larkin on 086-1076883.

 

Our youngest hurlers, the under 7 and under 9s are coming to the end of their season and will be finishing up this week. We are looking forward to seeing as many of the boys and girls that took part this year as possible for our last training this Sunday! You can check out some of the action from last week's session on aodhruadh.org.

 

Ladies 

For the first time in the club's history Aodh Ruadh fielded two championship teams last Sunday. It was one win and one loss, but both teams gave their absolute all and the club can be very proud of getting 30 players out in championship football for simultaneous fixtures.

   

The senior game was a dogged battle with a big, strong and physical Carndonagh strengthened by the return of county player, Treasa Jenkins. Aodh Ruadh battled hard over the course of the first half to forge their way into a five point lead, helped by a goal from Cáit Gillespie. Over the course of the second half it was score for score as the Inishowen girls fought hard to get something from the fixture. In the end though Aodh Ruadh had that bit too much and a goal from Terri Gallagher helped ensure they prevailed on a scoreline of 2-10 to 0-11. Also on the mark with points for Aodh Ruadh were Donna Martin, Katie O'Brien and Tanya McPartland. It was a magnificent defensive display with Hannah Doherty a prominent contender for player of the match. Lucy McGlynn, Caitlin McGarrigle, Sara Gallagher and Anna Rafferty were excellent, while Orla Keon executed her role to a perfection. As a team, it was a very impressive performance which bodes well for the remainder of the championship campaign. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

 

Meanwhile the reserve ladies were in Letterkenny for their first ever Junior Championship match. Letterkenny Gaels were the opposition, and they were on a high after an under 16 title win the previous week. The Ernesiders got off to a great start and hit the break leading by eight points. The Gaels came out with a strong effort on the resumption and managed to pull themselves back level. However, Aodh Ruadh regrouped and went on the offensive to go six points clear again. Letterkenny weren't to be denied though and pushed on over the remainder of the game to win on a scoreline of 4-22 to 8-8. Amanda Mahon top scored with 2-2, while Meabh Rooney hit the net too and was a great outlet in the attack and Grainne Maguire also took some nice scores. Sarah Daly made some great saves between the post, and defensively Rionach Sheeran was outstanding and Ailbhe Treanor did an outstanding marking job.

 

With the Ladies All-Ireland finals taking centre stage this week, our adult ladies are enjoying a well-deserved rest. Championship action will resume again on Sunday, September 12th. 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.

 

The minor ladies made it three wins from three last week with a convincing win on road against Gaoth Dobhair. The Ernesiders were in free scoring form with Ciara Gillespie, Cara O'Loughlin, Katie O'Brien, Niamh McGloin and Dairín Sweeny all among the goals. Aoibhínn McGarrigle and Lucy McGlynn also chipped in with points. Ciara Caldwell was Lauren Foy with Tia McFarland deputising in goal.

This Thursday the minors have a home tie against Saint Eunan's at 7pm, all support would be much appreciated.

 

Our under 16s continue to prepare for their league final against Urris. The decider takes place this Saturday at 1pm in Páirc Aoidh. A big showing of Ballyshannon support would be very welcome.

 

Our under 12 girls have a challenge at home this Wednesday against Bundoran at 6.30pm. Training for the team continues on Saturday from 11am to 12pm.

 

Work progressing in Father Tierney Park  

During the past week the main drains have been laid and work commenced on the diagonal cross-field drains. Progress is steady and the next two weeks should see work on the pitch base well advanced and preparations for laying the new playing surface taking shape. Anyone interested in seeing this project as it moves forward can go the viewing area provided at Father Tierney Park and which is a safe place from which to observe the work. It is important this area is used as there are four track machines and other heavy plant currently on site. Michael Daly is providing regular video reports on the project which are popular and achieving a good reaction. These can be viewed on either the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page or on Daly's Donegal Facebook page where these mini reports have attracted over 1500 views in some instances. Over the next few weeks we are keen to make further progress on our Sponsor a Sod fundraiser and would ask those willing to support this to contact any of our Working Group members who are giving a lot of their personal time to maximise the return from this venture. The end product will be a top class Croke Park size playing field built to the highest standards to meet the modern requirements of competitive Gaelic games in all GAA codes and at both club and inter-county level.

 

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).

 

Local leagues and tournaments 
Any club unit wishing to run local leagues or tournaments should plan to complete them over the next four to five weeks as there are major maintenance works to be undertaken on both pitches at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh during October. Contact Tom Daly a soon as possible to discuss arrangements. 

 

Community Employment Scheme (CES)
The Department of Social Protection has formally approved the continuation of the CES which the Park / Development Committee manages on the club's behalf. This provides an employment platform for 36 people in a range of voluntary organisations in South Donegal. Having sponsored a number of small-scale Youth Employment Schemes in the late 1970s through to 1981, we first became a sponsor of the then Social Employment Scheme in 1981. Our recent approval marks a consistent 40 year-long involvement as an Employment Scheme Sponsor during which time hundreds of different people have worked to support voluntary activities in sport, social care, education, community business and the arts in Ballyshannon and other south Donegal locations. Thanks to everyone who has played a positive role as a worker, supervisor, administrator or as a Park / Development Committee Officer recruiting, directing, managing and accounting for all that is involved over the years. Particular thanks to the Department of Social Protection Officials with whom we work on a daily basis in relation to the Governance and financing of the CES.

 

Edward O'Donnell RIP
It is with sadness that the club has learned of the passing of Edward O'Donnell last Friday. Edward was a native of Ardara, lining out for the club, also donning the gold and green for the county as a minor at midfield in the 1965 Ulster Championship. Business brought him to Ballyshannon where he set down roots and made a huge contribution to the local community. Through O'Donnell's Bakery he provided a great deal of employment in the locality. His commitment to the GAA meant he was an obvious man to call upon when Aodh Ruadh set up the first Bord na nÓg committee in the county. A great man to do the quiet, behind the scenes work, his capacious car always had a big load any time Aodh Ruadh youngsters headed off to away games. He sponsored the first under 12 local league in the county in 1981. Auspiciously, it was won that year by John Duffy's team. That initiated a period where football saw an unprecendented flourishing of talent in the town. Among that talent were his own sons, Charlie and Eamon, stylish practitioners of the game in the mould of their father who went on to win every major honour Donegal has to offer at club level.  Edward passed after a long battle with illness, which he bore with fortitude and dignity. We extend our sincere condolences to the O'Donnell family and wide circle of friends at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

 

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 €2,500. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 6, 11, 13, 14 and 15. In the lucky dip cash prizes of €25 went to William Doogan and Mary Duggan. The next draw is for a jackpot of €2,600 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: BORD NA NÓG.

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