Aodh Ruadh’s will face early division 3 pace-setters Buncrana this Saturday in the Park at 6.45pm.
The team had an excellent win against Fanad Gaels the first day out and we’d like to see a big, vocal support up in the park to get behind Peter Gallagher’s men in their first game on home turf this season. The Reserve game will take place in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 5.15pm.
Congratulations to Ballyshannon exile PJ McGee who starred at half forward as Oisin’s CLG Manchester swept to victory over St Peter’s in the final of the Senior Pennine League at Old Bedians in Didsbury on Sunday. We taught you well Sham.
Derby bragging rights went to Bundoran as their minors got the better of Aodh Ruadh on a scoreline of 2-15 to 1-10 in Gaelic Park last Wednesday. Next up for the minors is the visit of Saint Naul’s to Father Tierney Park on Wednesday.
The under 14s had two games over the past week. The first was played last Saturday and saw the lads go down to a narrow two point defeat in Tir Chonaill Park, Four Masters winning on a scoreline of 5-9 to 5-7.
Better news from the second though, with the Ernesiders recording a good 4-13 to 4-4 victory over Saint Naul’s in Mountcharles on Monday evening. The game in Donegal town saw the Ernesiders slow to start and the hosts were ahead by 4-4 to 2-4 at the break.
However Aodh Ruadh steadily clawed their way through the deficit over the course of the second half, but time just ran out with Four Masters still two points to the good. Most of Aodh Ruadh’s best performances on Saturday were in the rearguard. Jake Foley was excellent in goals with Kyle Murray also outstanding at full back.
There was good assistance Calum Craig Doherty and Mark McGlynn too. Up front Cian Barden was the best attacker on show for the visitors. On Monday evening the scoreline doesn’t quite tell the full story with Aodh Ruadh only really getting on top of Saint Naul’s in the closing moments of the game.
The Mountcharles men lead at half-time on a scoreline of 1-5 to 3-3, but Ballyshannon really upped their game in the second half and outscored Naul’s 3-8 to 1-1 to secure the win. Shane Brady and Eugene Doherty were among the goals while Cian Barden again shone in the attack.
Meanwhile there was a tenacious display from Marty McGarrigle in defence. Aodh Ruadh now sit second in the table on four points, but with a game in hand on Naomh Conaill on six points.
The under 14s are back in action this Friday when they entertain Four Masters in Father Tierney Park. Under 14 boys training continues on Wednesday at 4.15pm sharp.
Under 12 training continues on Mondays and Fridays from 5.15pm to 6.30pm, in Páirc Aoidh Ruadh.
Under 10, under 8 and under 6 training continues this Friday from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Páirc Aoidh Ruadh. Running in parallel with the under 8 training will be our first skills test of the season, so it is important we get full attendance on Friday. We will also need some parents to mark at each station. It’s very simple and full instructions will be given, so don’t be afraid to put the hand up for this one.
Ladies
Realt Rua played their first challenge as a team at the park on Saturday against Glencar Manorhamilton. This was the first game played by the new team and although it ended in a loss it was a great workout.
Realt Rua take on Grange in a challenge game on Tuesday 5th in Bundoran at 7pm. We will be meeting at park at 6.20pm for anyone needing lifts. The season gets off to a start this Sunday 10th away to Ardara and we wish Realt Rua all the best.
Aodh Ruadh under 14s got their competitive season off the mark on Saturday afternoon when they entertained Four Masters at Father Tierney Park.
The game ended in a draw after a match where the hosts dictated for a long spells and hit the woodwork on no less than five occasions. Aodh Ruadh were leading at half time and after an even second half there was some confusion over the final score, which the home support and management had down as a one point win, but the referee called as a draw game.
Aodh Ruadh had a good performance from Áine Hill between the posts, saving a second half penalty and being secure under the high ball.
Alicia Clyne did a great job holding the defence together with support Leah Travers and Orla Keon. The half back line of Síofra Hughes, Lucy McGlynn and Caitlin McGarrigle got through a mountain of work while Caoimhe Keon and Ella Clancy covered every corner of the pitch.
Leah O’Brien, Roisín Daly and Sarah Jane Keon played a lot of good direct ball into the forward line. Up front Brídín Maguire was a potent scoring threat and brought in other players well too. Eimear O’Brien and Laoise Kelly showed well up front too.
Substitutes Gráinne Maguire, Eilish Gallagher, Sorcha McGonigle, Alana Gallagher, Katie O’Brien, Chloe Connolly and Aideen Walsh all contributed well on their introduction. Under 14 training continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Páirc Aoidh Ruadh at 5.45pm.
Under 12 training continues Thursday from 6pm to 7pm and again on Saturday from 10am to 11am.
Indoor training for under 8s [2008s and 2009s] and under 10s [2006s and 2007s] continues this Wednesday from 7pm to 8pm at the Mercy Hall. The cost is €2 and remember to bring a bottle of water. If you have further enquires please contact Gabby on 0872902245 or Louise on 0876388562.
Hurling
Aodh Ruadh sank to a second successive loss in Ulster Táin league Division 2B. MacCumhaill’s were the victors in Ballybofey, 3-14 to 1-4 the scoreline. Their next assignment is another away trip, this time to take on Castleblayney next Sunday 10th April.
Our minors were up against a strong and highly motivated Carndonagh squad in Father Tierney Park on Thursday last.
The Carn lads started brightly and got the first couple of scores of the game. Our younger and lighter team were finding it very hard get into the game and it took nearly 20 minutes for them to get their opening score. Carndonagh were well on top at half time and led 0-4 to 0.2.
Aodh Ruadh were rocked by a Carn goal early in the second half which saw them stretch their lead to seven points. This was the wake up call our lads needed.
From there till the end of the game they batted ferociously for every ball and began believing in themselves. They were well on top for the remainder of the game and ran out worthy winners 0-13 to 1-5, this was a great game between two very committed teams.
The lads deserve great credit for battling away in the game and never giving up and overcoming a five point deficit to turn the game around. Next up for the lads is a difficult trip to Ballybofey this Thursday to take on an unbeaten MacCumhaill’s team.
The under 14s had no league game this week, on Sunday they played a challenge game against Drumcliff / Rosses Point in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. We were down a number of players due to other sporting commitments and holidays, but the 12 lads who played gave it their all.
They were up against a much stronger team physically, but our lads put in a great first half performance and led at half-time by a point. The efforts of the first half took their toll on the lads in the second half, when the older and physically stronger Sligo team got on top. The lads never gave up and it was only a few late goals which gave the Sligo boys the win.
As is often the case you learn more in defeat, and the lads will have learned a lot from this game which should stand to them later in the year. We play Four Masters in the league this week.
On Saturday Donegal under 17s finished their Celtic Challenge Cup campaign with a great victory at home to Armagh. They were convincing winners 0-21 to 0-17. Our three lads on the team were Stephen Anderson, Conal Sweeny and Brian McHenry. All played their part in this significant win.
We are holding our annual Cash for Clothes Collection for the month of April. All unwanted clothing, shoes, handbags and belts will be gratefully accepted. For any information in relation to this fund-raiser please contact Denis Daly 0863269550, Tara Keenaghan 0863331903, John Rooney 0862587793 or John Larkin 0861076883.
Training for all ages continues on Sundays at 12 noon, all welcome especially beginners. Hurls and helmets are provided for training. Come along and enjoy learning the skills of our ancient game in a fun filled environment.
NHL play-off
Croke Park has fixed the Tyrone v Fermanagh NHL Division 3A / 3B Promotion / Relegation play-off for Father Tierney Park this Saturday at 3.30pm.
The usual key stewards are asked to report by 2pm. With Aodh Ruadh and Buncrana playing senior and reserve games on Saturday also, access priority to all changing rooms will go to the six competing teams. Team managers with training arrangements on Saturday should note this and adjust their arrangements accordingly.
Membership
The main membership drive for this season is now concluded. Any players who register from this point on will be subject to a five day moratorium before they are eligible to play. Adults registered after 31st March will have no vote at the club AGM.
Many thanks to all those who paid their membership for the 2016 season. This is a major help in meeting large early season bills such as competition and affiliation fees. Thanks also to all those who helped out in gathering membership.
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week’s €400 bingo jackpot was won by Martina Brady of Manorhamilton, checking on just 41 numbers. There was no winner of the spring snowball so next week’s snowball prize will be €325 on 46 numbers or less. Bingo as usual at 9pm this Friday at the Abbey Centre. Books priced at just €10.
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €3,900. The winning numbers drawn were 5, 6, 8, 11, 13 and 14. In the lucky dip €20 went to Sean & John, c/o The Bridgend; Mickey the Coalman; Nadine Collins, Dunmuckrim; Patsy McShea, Ballintra; and Eamonn & Anne Maguire. Next draw is on Sunday in McGinley’s Bar with a Jackpot of €4,000 on Sunday at 8.30pm.
