Aodh Ruadh GAA Club Notes



All-Ireland ticket draw

Anyone wishing to have their name included in the draw for an All Ireland Hurling Final Ticket is asked to please contact Lisa Mc Ternan by Thursday, 9pm.

 

Football

No one could pretend Sunday’s fare in Ballyshannon was particularly appetising, but it was capped with a moment of magic when Philip Patton nailed a last minute free to grab Aodh Ruadh the win. The final scoreline of Aodh Ruadh 0-13 Naomh Ultan 2-6 sees the Ernesiders on full points as they prepare to take on winless Carndonagh in the last round of fixtures. Long swaths of the game against Dunkineely were turgid stuff, with Naomh Ultan deploying defensive formation which at times saw the front 65 metres entirely devoid of amber and black jerseys. It mightn’t have been pretty, but it almost proved effective as an Alan Lyons point with seconds of normal time left put the sides level. However Patton’s point earned Ballyshannon they deserved on the balance of play over the 60 minutes. It was a game where every score was hard won, but once again the experience, strength and footbally brain of Sticky Ward was priceless, eking out openings where there seemed to be none. Philip Patton also showed well hitting some great passes and really standing up to the mark with his last gasp free. In midfield Darren Drummond was in his element in the uncompromising exchanges, while further back Nathan Boyle and Damian Cleary expended serious energy for the cause. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

 

The Naomh Ultan reserves also embraced a defensive philosophy. Aodh Ruadh’s reserves proved rather more adept at penetrating them though and were worthy 2-15 to 2-4 winners. That result sees Aodh Ruadh now well placed to progress, sitting top of the table on three points. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

 

This weekend a long trip to Carndonagh beckons as the round robin stages of the intermediate championship conclude. The games are on Saturday with the senior game at 7pm. We are still waiting for confirmation on the throw-in for the reserve match.

 

The Rock played host to the PJ Roper Tournament on Saturday afternoon. Remarkably, after an atrocious week of weather, PJ pulled a few strings and we were blessed with a great day for the tournament. In addition, despite the downpours, the pitches were in great condition. Kilcar, Derrygonnelly and a Naomh Bríd, Bundoran and Pettigo amalgamation were the guest. After the round robin fixtures Aodh Ruadh faced up to Derrygonnelly in the final. Senan Rooney got the hosts off to a great start with a lovely point, but then Derrygonnelly hit an answering 1-1. A Shane Brady free was the only other Aodh Ruadh score of the half, but the Harps added a further two points to go in leading 0-2 to 1-3. This game proved more evenly balanced than the round robin game which the Erne men won convincingly. This time out though Aodh Ruadh showed their improvement to win the second half. Derrygonnelly got the opening two points of the half, but Aodh Ruadh dominated from there to then end with Shane Brady and Senan Rooney (2) on the mark for Ballyshannon. It wasn’t quite enough though as Derrygonnelly held on to take the PJ Roper trophy on a scoreline of 0-5 to 1-5. Presentations were made afterwards in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Aodh Ruadh manager John Hughes thanked the teams who took part in a great day of football. He paid tribute to the people behind the hatch who had put a great spread of food and refreshments. He spoke about PJ Roper and his contribution to the club before introducing his son, Brian Roper, to make the presentation to the winning Derrygonnelly captain. They are the second successive Fermanagh team to win the trophy after Enniskillen Gaels in 2015. Indeed it was double delight for the Fermanagh men with the Harps centre half forward, Micheál Glynn, also picking up the player of the tournament award. With that the curtain came down on an enjoyable tournament and a great tribute to the memory of PJ Roper. We have a full report from the tournament and pictures up at aodhruadh.org. Under 16 training continues this Wednesday at 6.30pm.

 

The under 14 division one side completed the league and championship double last Friday after an enthralling game of football. It was Aodh Ruadh who lead 1-4 to 0-5 at the interval, and they pushed on in the second half to look best placed to finish it in regulation time. However a well-struck goal by Four Masters’ Mark Jordan three minutes from the long whistle forced an extra 20 minutes. The Ballyshannon lads fitness and physique stood to them in that period as they hit an unanswered 1-2 to clinch the Southern league and championship double. There were great celebrations at the final whistle by the large Ballyshannon contingent present and Aodh Ruadh captain Kyle Murray collected the championship trophy to add to the league cup claimed against the same opposition in Ardara earlier this season. Cian Rooney was Ballyshannon’s man of the match, but he was run very close by Aaron Horan with Aaron Neilan, Kyle Murray, Ryan Keenaghan and Darragh Flood-Dolan also playing out of their skins for Gerald McGloin’s side. We have a full match report and some pictures up on aodhruadh.org. The Aodh Ruadh under 14 division 2 team were in championship action on Monday when they travelled to the Rosses to take on Naomh Mhuire. Getting a result was always going to be a tall order for the Ernesiders, but they battled gamely despite the odds and played with great character despite coming up short at the final whistle. Jamie McGee-Gilmore had a great game, battling hard around the midfield before being moved to centre back where he did some of his best work. Padraig Daly did well in the central third through and continues to show good promise. Meanwhile the multi-talented Aaron Horan did well in goals, before switching to the attack in the second half and picking off some nice points.

 

The under 13 league is due to start this Saturday with Aodh Ruadh making the trip to Dungloe. The games throws in at Rosses Park at 12 noon.

 

The under 10s were in Trillick last Saturday for a well-run tournament. Aodh Ruadh put in a number of great team performances to win the shield competition with captain Donagh Kelly raising the trophy. Thanks Trillick for the invitation and great hospitality on the day. This Saturday the team are away to Four Masters for another blitz. Players are to be in Donegal town for 10.30pm. Under 10 training continues from 6.15pm to 7.15pm on Mondays and Fridays.

 

Under 8 training continues as usual on Fridays at 6.15pm.

 

There is Bord na nÓg meeting on Tuesday at 8pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.

 

Ladies

Under 16 training continues on Thursday at 7.45pm.

 

Aodh Ruadh under 13 get their league campaign up and running this Saturday when they entertain Ardara in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. All players are to be up at the park for 11am with the game throwing in at 12 noon. Training continues this Wednesday at 7.15pm.

 

Hurling

The under 16s had a busy week with two games. First up on Tuesday was a game at home to Setanta. It was the first time all season we had our full squad of 15 available to us. On a terrible evening for hurling this young squad with seven under 14s on the panel of 15 gave it their all. They battled for every ball as if their lives depended on it. At half time they trailed by two points 1-3 to 0-4. Both teams gave it their all in the second half and we came out on top 1-7 to 1-5 to claim a great win. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. The lads were in action again on Thursday evening when table toppers Saint Eunan’s came to town. The Eunan’s lads were a physically strong team and they played some great hurling to lead at half-time by 2-6 to 1-1. Credit to the lads they kept battling throughout the second half although the result was never in doubt as Saint Eunan’s won 4-13 to 1-3. Great credit is due to this squad for continuing to field for their games which is a great achievement considering the small panel available.

 

On Thursday the under 12s were up against Burt. Goals proved the difference in this game as the Inishowen lads got eight of them to run out winners on an 8-0 to 5-3 scoreline. Like the under 16s, the under 12s have small numbers, but they’re very keen and give it their all in every game.

 

On Sunday the under 14s had an entertaining challenge game against Erne Gaels which the visitors won by a couple of goals.

 

The All-Ireland development squad blitzes are on this Saturday. Best of luck to our representatives on these squads: Under 16s Adam Rami, Adam Clarke and Senan Rooney; and under 14 Shane Duffy. The lads have been dedicated to training and it’s a great honour for them make these squads.

 

The under 8s and under 10s have a blitz in Convoy this Sunday. Full details will be circulated during the week.

 

Training as normal for under 8s, under 10s and under 12s on Sunday at 12 noon.

 

Sheerin class at Community Games final

Well done to young club members Dáithí and Fódhla Sheerin on winning All-Ireland Community Games gold medal winners in the traditional music category at the finals in the National Sports Campus in Dublin. Dáithí on the banjo and bodhrán and Fódhla on the fiddle impressed the judges with their renditions of Biddy’s a Darlin and Tobin’s Favourite.

 

Aodh Ruadh gear

Chris Kelly has a new range of club gear available now. There are images available to view on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page where the post is currently pinned at the top. There’s some amazing value for the stuff you’re getting and there should be something there for everyone. Please note that a 50 percent deposit is required with the balance to be paid on delivery. Sizes available are as follows. Hoodies run from 7-8 to 2XL and are available in ladies sizes. Quarter zip tops run from 7-8 to 2XL. Skinny bottoms run from 5-6 to XL. Polo Shirts run from S to 2XL. Green / lime green Tees run from 5-6 to 2XL. Anyone looking for more information on the gear can reach Chris at 086-8813553.

 

Abbey Centre Bingo

Last week’s €400 bingo jackpot was won by Paddy McAndrews of Pettigo. There was no winner of the summer snowball which is now up to €425 on 47 numbers or less. Bernie Foley of Kinlough took the stand-up game of €150. The August Big Bingo is this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre has a mighty €3,200 prize fund which includes the €1,000 jackpot game. Books priced €15 or get the book and a half deal for €20.

 

Aodh Ruadh Lotto

There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €4,200. The winning numbers drawn were 2, 5, 7, 11, 14 and 15. In the lucky dip €20 went to Trevor O’Mahoney, c/o Pat’s Bar; Terri Buckley, Rochestown, Cork; Cainnecka Ferguson, Belleek; Olivia Magee, Assaroe View; and Peter Ferguson, Garrison. Next draw is in Dicey Reilly’s with a jackpot of €4,300 on Sunday at 8.30pm. Tickets are now available in the following outlets: Seán Óg’s, The Market House, 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 and weekly bingo in the Abbey Centre. If not in, you can’t win!

 

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

 

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