FOOTBALL
Played in foundering conditions throughout and a strong, biting wind in the first half, Saint Naul’s turned in a powerful and effective performance to see off the challenge of a young Aodh Ruadh outfit last Saturday on a scoreline of 1-11 to 1-8. 
Aodh Ruadh trailed by 0-4 to 1-5 at the end of a first half where they had faced into a stiff breeze and looked to be in good position to mount a serious challenge in the second half with the following wind.
However a serious back injury to Saint Naul’s Adrian Kennedy meant the commencement of the second half was significantly delayed, during which time the wind dropped greatly and became less of a factor.
Ballyshannon won the second half, but couldn’t get close enough to really make Mountcharles sweat.
There was much for Aodh Ruadh followers to take encouragement from. David McGurrin’s 1-4 in his first game of senior football heralded the emergence of a major new talent for the club, while right across the pitch there were promising displays from young Ballyshannon men.
We have a full match report and pictures from the game up at aodhruadh.org.
Aodh Ruadh reserves came close to turning over Saint Naul’s despite fielding with the bare 15 last Saturday.
They played a super game against a considerable breeze in the first half and, thanks to goals from James McIntyre and Fiachra McIntyre, were able to go in at the break leading by 2-1 to 0-6 with the wind at their backs in the second half.
Ballyshannon did well on limited possession in the second half, but Saint Naul’s were able to introduce second half substitutes who were able to exploit the visitor’s weakness in that sector and that was enough to see Mountcharles take the points.
James McIntyre had a good game in attack, finishing with a goal and a point. Anthony Coughlin got through a lot of ball and finished with two points to his credit, while Ruairí Drummond was a cut above at half forward and also chipped in with a point.
Defensively David McLoone had an excellent outing, while in the half back line Chris Goan was as industrious as ever and Peter Horan’s speed was a valuable asset.
There are pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The division three leagues continue this Saturday, 6th April with Aodh Ruadh hosting Naomh Colmcille.
The senior game throws in at 6.45pm and is preceded by the reserves at 5.30pm. We also have fixtures for round three of the leagues.
These will see Aodh Ruadh travel to Naomh Padraig, Lifford on Saturday 13th April. The reserve game throws in at 5.45pm and is followed by the seniors at 7pm.
The minors lost at home to Dungloe 0-6 to 1-9 last Tuesday. It was a very youthful team with injuries taking a heavy toll on the homesters in recent weeks.
Nevertheless many of the younger players drafted in gave very good accounts of themselves. Kevin Warnock was very good in goals while defenders Paddy Gillespie and Ryan Patton were both steady on their return from long term injuries.
The irrepressible Niall Harley played a great shift at midfield while up front Oisín Roper and Philip Patton were impressive inside.
The minors next fixture is slated for Wednesday 3rd April when Naomh Conaill are down to provide the opposition in Father Tierney Park at 7pm.
The under 14s lost out 3-3 to 4-13 in a game, played in blisteringly cold conditions at Father Tierney Park on Easter Monday.
Aodh Ruadh played in patches, but never anywhere near long enough to trouble a decent Naomh Conaill outfit.
Mark Gallagher had a good game between the posts for Aodh Ruadh, pulling off a string of excellent saves.
Barry Kelly and Conal Sweeny both put in creditable performances while Sean Taylor put in a great shift at midfield and was a great attacking threat too.
Meanwhile up front Shane Dorrian was the most dangerous of Ballyshannon’s attackers. We have a full match report up on aodhruadh.org.
Aodh Ruadh’s are at home once again for their next fixture, this time against Saint Naul’s on Monday 8th April at 7pm.
Under 6 and under 8 training recommences on Friday, 12th April from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
There is no charge for this training. Parents/guardians are reminded it is an essential insurance requirement all players are registered.
As such we cannot allow players who are not registered to take part in the blitzes and will be enforcing this requirement strictly.
Bord na nÓg host a céilí, old time barn dance in the Rock Hall, Ballyshannon this Saturday 6th April at 9.30pm. Music by The Assaroe Céilí Band. Supper Served. Admission €8.
HURLING
The senior hurlers commence their league with a home game against MacCumhaill’s this Wednesday 10th April at 6.30pm at Father Tierney Park.
We also have a fixture for round two of the league, that will see Aodh Ruadh at home once more, this time to Strabane Shamrocks on Wednesday 17th April with the throw in at 6.45pm.
The full senior and under 21 fixture list has been released and is as follows:
Senior Hurling League Fixtures 2013
Round 1 Wednesday 10th April: Aodh Ruadh V MacCumhaill’s
Round 2 Wednesday 17th April: Aodh Ruadh V Strabane Shamrocks
Round 3 Wednesday 24th April: Setanta V Aodh Ruadh
Round 4: Bye
Round 5 Wednesday 8th May: Aodh Ruadh V Saint Eunan’s
Round 6 Wednesday 15th May: MacCumhaill’s V Aodh Ruadh
Round 7 Wednesday 22nd May: Aodh Ruadh V Strabane Shamrocks
Round 8 Wednesday 29th May: Aodh Ruadh V Setanta
Round 9: Bye
Round 10 Wednesday 19th June: Saint Eunan’s V Aodh Ruadh
Senior Hurling Championship Fixtures
Round 1 Wednesday 3rd July: Setanta v Aodh Ruadh
Round 2: Bye
Round 3 Wednesday 24th July: Aodh Ruadh v MacCumhaill’s
Round 4 Wednesday 31th July: Burt v Aodh Ruadh
Round 5: Wednesday 21st August: Aodh Ruadh v Saint Eunan’s
Final: Saturday 14th September
U21 Championship dates
Quarter-finals: Wednesday 28th August
Semi-finals: Saturday 21st September
Finals: Saturday 12th October
The seventh Annual hurl-a-thon takes place in the Mercy Hall this Saturday with the fun and action beginning at 10am and continuing non-stop throughout the day until 10pm.
Along with being the underage hurlers main fund-raiser for the year it is also a great day of craic for all both young and old.
As always refreshments will be served throughout the day and there will be a cup of tea for all. So drop into the Mercy Hall this Saturday at any stage to see all the thrills and spills associated with this fun filled event.
If you have never tried playing our ancient game, a game unique to Ireland, Saturday is your chance to start. Come along and bring your friends, the more the merrier! Time table for the day is as follows.
10am to 1pm: Under 8s and 10s
1pm to 3pm: Under 12s.
3pm to 6pm: Under 14s
6pm to 10pm: Under 16s, minors, parents, friends and families.
Please support the juvenile hurler’s with this fundraiser as they are out and about seeking sponsorship!
The hurling season began last Thursday. Unfortunately the minors saw no action as MacCumhaill’s were unable to field.
The under 14s travelled to MacCumhaill Park to play the home team. MacCumhaill’s had a few very strong players down the middle and got off to a good start and led at half time 1-5 to 0-2.
Early season rustiness showed in Aodh Ruadh’s play and this young team were unable to take a number of scoring chances in the second half.
The physically stronger MacCumhaill’s lads were able to take their scores easier and they ran out convincing winners 3-7 to 0-3.
Credit to the Aodh Ruadh lads, many of them playing their first game at this level and on a full size pitch they never gave up and continued battling to the end.
Many thanks to the parents who drove the squad to this game their efforts in saving the club the expense of a bus are much appreciated.
This Thursday the minors are due to play Setanta in Father Tierney Park with throw in at 6.30pm. The under 14s travel to the Cross to take on Setanta on the same evening with throw-in 6.30pm
The Donegal minors travelled to the Glens of Antrim last Saturday to take on the home team in the Ulster minor league.
They were comprehensively beaten, Division 1 is a big step up and the majority of the panel are under age again next season so hopefully playing at this level will improve their game.
Aodh Ruadh had three starters on the team Tommy Gillespie, Eugene Drummond and Eddie Lynch, Donal Sweeney and Oisín Rooney came on in the second half. This Saturday they play Armagh in Letterkenny.
We host the first under 12 blitz of the year this Sunday with play beginning at 11am it’s hoped that five teams will be taking part on the day.
Training continues for all other age groups at 12 noon we would especially like to see an increase in numbers at under 8 and under 10 level, come along and try this great game of hurling.
You’ll be surprised at the amount of fun you will have and the new friends you’ll make. No experience necessary hurls and helmets will be provided for training.
LADIES
There is a course next Saturday April 6th for anyone interested in reffing ladies football. If you would like to hear more details contact Terence McShea on 087-2360815.
Training for senior ladies continues on Tuesdays at 7pm and Saturdays at 11am.
The under 16 girls got their season off to a good start last Tuesday evening with a home win over Four Masters. This Tuesday they make the trip to Mountcharles to face a strong Saint Naul’s team. Throw-in is at 6.30pm.
Training for under 8s, 10s and 12s will be back next week and hopefully the weather will have improved by then so as we can train out-doors.
Well done to Maeve Liston who flew the Aodh Ruadh flag with the Donegal minor ladies on Easter Monday as they beat Tyrone in the championship on a scoreline of 2-13 to 2-6.
MEETING
There is a full club meeting this Thursday, 4th April at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.
FIGHT NIGHT Club members are requested to make Fight Night returns immediately – sold or unsold – to Mary Matthews at Shannon’s Corner Restaurant.
As work on the lighting of the Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh training pitch is underway it is vital members co-operate with efforts to finalise accounts.
LOTTO
Have you ever forgot to do the weekly club lotto only to see your numbers appear? Well you no longer need to worry with the introduction of our yearly lotto ticket.
Your numbers will remain the same for the duration and will run in conjunction with the membership year, that is, from April 2013 to March 2014.
If you do one line it will cost just €90 a saving of €14 (13.5 percent), equivalent to 7 weeks free.
If you do the three lines it will cost €220 a saving of €40 (29.5 percent), equivalent to 8 weeks free.
If you are interested in the scheme you can contact lotto@aodhruadh.org or any club member. Scheduled payments can also be arranged.
The first draw starts on 7th April 2013 and runs for 52 weeks. Remember if you’re not in, you can’t win.
There was no winner of the €3,100 Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot last Sunday. The numbers drawn were 1, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 16.
In the lucky dip €20 each went to: Marie Gallagher, Erne Street. €20 each went to: Shane Duffy, Kinlough; Ann Friel, Rathmullan; and Eleanor McCosker, The Mall.
Next draw is in the Owen Roe’s on Monday at 8.30pm. The jackpot is €3,200 so get out there and buy your ticket; if you’re not in, you can’t win!
The lotto team for the Saimer Court this Saturday is: BORD NA NÓG.