Aodh Ruadh GAA Notes
Football
After securing the under 21 B title last year Aodh Ruadh made an impressive return to the a grade with a convincing 1-14 to 1-6 win over Letterkenny Gaels in Father Tierney Park last Tuesday evening.
The homesters faced into a tight wind in the first half and made the most of their opportunities to go in leading by 1-6 to 1-2 at the break.
Niall Murray was the man with the goal, a reaction volley from the edge of the area. Aodh Ruadh capitalised on the wind at the start of the second half, playing some smart football to run up seven unanswered points and definitely take the game from the Letterkenny lads’ grasp. It was a win built on a fine defensive display with Colm Kelly impressing at full back and Eamonn McGrath and Pauric Patton not far behind. Up front David McGurrin and Ronan McGurrin were the cutting edge, accounting for eight points between them, with Jamie McDonald and Ryan Granaghan also causing considerable problems for the visitors. We have some pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
A gutsy away win by the Aodh Ruadh minors sees them take Naomh Conaill to a third game in their first round championship contest. Ballyshannon turned over a six point second half deficit to run out 1-15 to 2-9 winners. The Ernesiders goal arrived from the piston-driven boot of Nathan Boyle in a first half where the visitors were well on top until the dying moments. Naomh Conaill hit the net just before the half-time whistle and the managed to goal again directly from the kick-out to leave the half time score 2-6 to 1-6 in their favour. It got worse before it got better for Ballyshannon, Glenties reeling off three points early in the second half to put six between the sides. However Aodh Ruadh took control in the last 20 minutes and hit nine unanswered points to take it to the third game. Shane McGrath initiated the comeback, pointing after a one two with Philip Patton from a free. Patton finished as Aodh Ruadh’s top scorer with six points, one of them an exceptional effort just in from the sideline 30 metres out. Oisín Roper and Colm Kelly were among the scorers as the Ernesiders rallied with Conal Sweeny also hitting a point coming off the bench. Cookie O’Halloran put himself in with a good shout for the man of the match accolades. He was industry personified, constantly breaking up Glenties attacks and sending Aodh Ruadh off on the offensive. Eddie Lynch also starred in the defence in a game where every Ballyshannon man showed real bottle to secure the win. As things stand now, it is unlikely that the play-off game will happen before Donegal minors exit the All-Ireland championship, so an extended lay off is in prospect, but the play-off is sizing up to be an epic encounter and we whould
The under 16s are down to travel to Dungloe in the championship first round second leg this Friday, 22nd August with the throw in at 7.30pm. Ballyshannon already have a 5-11 to 2-15 win from the first leg under their belt. Also on the radar is the divisional league final against Ardara next Monday, venue and time to be confirmed.
The under 13s have endured a tough start to their season, losing 6-15 to 3-7 against Ardara before going down to Killybegs on a scoreline of 1-6 to 6-16. They will be hoping to turn things around when they host Saint Naul’s this Wednesday in Father Tierney Park. Throw in for that game is 6.30pm.
It was a disappointing night for the Aodh Ruadh under 12s. In poor conditions for football they were unable match a strong Naomh Conaill side in the Southern League final at Davy Brennan Memorial Park. The homesters eventually ran out comfortable winners on a scoreline of 3-20 to 0-2. The juniors continued their rich vein of form however, winning their game well.
The under 10s blitz in Ardara was postponed so training will be at the usual time of 6.30pm this Wednesday. We will have a blitz in Donegal town this Saturday with Four Masters, Naomh Bríd and Bundoran providing the opposition. We will be looking for parents/guardians to assist with transport. All players and parents/guardians able to help with transport are asked to assemble at Father Tierney Park. We will be departing Ballyshannon at 10.00am sharp.
The under 8s were in Dunkineely on Saturday at a blitz. The juniors had two good wins against Dungloe and Naomh Ultan. While the seniors mightn’t have got the scores their play deserved they put in a really strong committed performance and did themselves huge credit. We had great 22 players down in Dunkineely, but with Dungloe and Naomh Ultan thinner on numbers we weren’t able to give all the lads as much football as we would have liked. We will have a few more blitzes before the end of the season and we aim to ensure everyone gets plenty of football before we wrap up. Thanks are due to the Naomh Ultan club for their hospitality on the day too. The Aodh Ruadh team was: Killian Bradshaw, Eoin Cassidy, Tommy Clyne, Ronan Delahunty, Eoin Doogan, Liam Doogan, Stephen Doran, Cormac Finnegan, Tom Holland, Donagh Kelly, Micheál Keown, Hugh Óg Maguire, Jack McCadden, Cian McDonald, Garvey Meade, James Monaghan, Tom Murphy, Ted O’Donnell, Conor O’Mahoney, Daire O’Mahoney, Cillian Slevin and James Ward.
Under 8 and under 6 training continues this Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 6.30pm.
Hurling
The under 12s suffered another defeat at home to Gaoth Dobhair on Thursday. Still without a number of players for a variety of reasons it was an improved performance against a strong team who pulled away in the second half after a very even first half. They are away to Four Masters this week.
The under 16s play Saint Eunan’s in the league semi-final in O’Donnell Park tomorrow night, Tuesday. The Letterkenny men are a very good outfit and a tough battle lies ahead for our lads, but as always they will give it everything they have, throw in at 7.15pm.
On Sunday our under 10s took part in the all-county blitz in Convoy. unfortunately only two other teams took part in the blitz and Aodh Ruadh recorded victories over Burt and Setanta. Thanks to all the parents who drove the lads to Convoy your support is much appreciated.
Unfortunately there was no under 8 blitz as Aodh Ruadh and Burt were the only teams who were going to take part. Hopefully the next blitz on 14th September will be better attended.
Bingo
The winner of last week’s €400 jackpot was Majella Gethins of Tullyhorky. Bingo this Friday night at the Abbey Centre at 9pm. Books priced at €10 for full book, €5 for a half book.
Lotto
There was no winner of the Aodh Ruadh Lotto Jackpot of €1,900. The numbers drawn were 1, 6, 9, 15, 16 and 18. In the lucky dip €40 went to Marie Gallagher, Erne Street; €20 went to Ann Ward, Erne Dale Heights; Bridie Killalea, Carricknahorna; and Mary McElwaine, Cashelard. Next week’s draw for a jackpot of €2,000 takes place at 8.30pm in Owen Roe’s bar on Sunday.
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra this Saturday is: JUVENILE HURLERS.
The lotto team for Kernan’s Spar this Saturday is: SENIOR HURLERS.
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