FOOTBALL
Aodh Ruadh’s prospects of promotion in 2013 drifted into the realms of mathematical theory with a 1-15 to 1-8 loss away to Downings last Friday evening.
It was vital that Ballyshannon get a win to prevent the top three from cutting loose, but defeat means that promotion is now a effectively matter for Downings, Saint Naul’s and Fanad Gaels to decide among themselves.
Aodh Ruadh began the game well, as they have tended to do all season and were unlucky not to be leading by more than two points at half time, 0-6 to 1-5. David Dolan and Peter Boyle got the opening three scores of the game.
The sides exchanged further scores before David McGurrin’s dropping shot which deceived the keeper and dropped under the crossbar for the first goal of the game and give the Ernesiders a four point lead.
Downings were level within ten minutes of the break and with only Peter Boyle, Diarmaid McInerney and Anthony Coughlan registering points in the second half Aodh Ruadh were never going to be coming away with the points.
We have team sheets and pictures from Cathal Maguire up on aodhruadh.org.
The division three leagues continue this Saturday, 18th May with Aodh Ruadh hosting Carndonagh in Father Tierney Park. The reserve game throws in at 6pm and is followed by the seniors at 7.30pm.
The final fixture in the under 14s league programme was postponed to this coming Wednesday 15th May when they take on Naomh Mhuire in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 7.30pm. The lads had an excellent work out against Derrygonnelly Harps on Sunday evening and will be going into this fixture in fine form, so come and get behind the lads for this one.
Under 12 training takes place this Wednesday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 7pm and also on Saturday morning at 11am.
The under 10s had their first blitz of the year last Saturday with Bundoran and Naomh Bríd the guests.
There was a great performance from the all the players, with Aodh Ruadh getting the better of all their contests on the day. Thanks to everyone who helped put together the wonderful spread of food after and served up tea.
Thanks also to our referees on the day Conor Patton and Niall Murray. Under 10 training continues as usual this Friday in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh from 6pm to 7pm.
Under 6 and under 8 training continues this Friday, 10th April from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Father Tierney Park this week. Please note the change of venue.
Training will continue remain in the park unless games necessitate relocating to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
The under 8s first blitz will be in Donegal Town on Saturday 1st June, with Dungloe and Four Masters also taking part.
HURLING
Aodh Ruadh enjoyed a fine 2-12 to 1-8 win over Saint Eunan’s in the senior hurling league last Wednesday.
Ballyshannon got off to a fine start and were in control of the game from an early stage. Christopher Kilgannon was immense in the middle of the field, always at the heart of the action and bringing real quality to proceedings.
Peter Horan’s sharp running caused the Letterkenny men endless headaches, as did Aidan Begley’s unerring free taking.
The pair were both also on the mark for Aodh Ruadh’s goals.
This Wednesday, May 15th, Aodh Ruadh are back in senior hurling league action again when they travel to MacCumhaill Park to take on Ballybofey in a game with a 7.15pm throw-in
The minors play a very strong Buncrana team in the League final this Thursday venue and throw in time is yet to be confirmed.
This is very young team and with only one full minor have done very well to get to the final. The lads will be up against a very experienced Inishowen team.
It’s an indication of the work going on in both clubs that they had ten players on the recent Donegal team that won the Ulster Shield final, and this final is another chapter in the healthy rivalry that has built up between both clubs since they first met in an under 14 final in 2009.
Our under 14s were back in league action last Thursday in Father Tierney Park against Letterkenny Gaels. In a much improved performance from their showing in the County Féile the lads showed a willingness to contest and fight for every ball.
They had their fifth win in a row in the league running out convincing winners on a 4-6 to 2-5 score line. They are at home again this Thursday where they will meet a very good Buncrana team.
Well done to Conall Sweeny, Stephen Anderson and Ryan Ayres who took part in the Féile na nGael skills final on Sunday in Letterkenny the lads did very well and enjoyed the experience.
Our under 12s took part in a blitz in MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey on Sunday morning along with MacCumhaill’s, Setanta and Dungloe, the lads did very well and won all their six games.
Many thanks to parents Tara Keenaghan, Susan O’Sullivan and Peter Horan who drove the lads to the blitz, your support is much appreciated.
Thanks to Rossa McCosker and Eamon Cleary of Centra, Ballyshannon, we were delighted to have the Liam MacCarthy Cup in Ballyshannon for the weekend of Saturday, 4th May.
It was a great honour for us to have this famous trophy visit us for the weekend and attend the County Féile on Saturday and the Alan Ryan/Seamus Grimes tournament on Monday. Kerry Ryan took pictures of some of those who took the opportunity to touch a piece of history.
Training as normal on Sunday at 12 noon. We would still like to see more numbers at under 8 and under 10 level. Come along and give it a try you’ll be surprised at the amount of fun you’ll have learning the skills of the fastest field game in the world.
LADIES
There was no confirmed fixture for the Ladies team this weekend at time of writing but training continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm.
The under 16 girls played out a very tough game last Thursday evening in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh against a very hungry Ardara team.
The conditions were blustery to say the least, but it didn’t spoil a very competitive game which the home team won by a couple of points.
This result sees the girls through to the county semi-final where they will meet Fanad Gaels. The fixture has not been confirmed yet, but is likely to be on Monday evening in Glenfin.
The under 14s and under 12s train on Tuesdays and Fridays at 5.45pm.
The under 8 and under 10s continue to train on Wednesdays at 6-7pm and the under 10s have a second session on Mondays also from 6-7pm.
Best of luck this weekend to Maeve Liston who lines out for the county minor team in the Ulster final against Tyrone, the details for this game weren’t available at time of writing.
Well done to Mary Flora Scott who was part of the under 14 county panel last Saturday when they beat Armagh 6-5 to 2-5. Best of luck to her and her team mates this weekend when they travel to Kinnegad for the annual All-Ireland blitz.
The annual Duck Race will take place this Saturday at 2pm down the East Port at McKenna’s Brook. Come along and enjoy the quack.
DONEGAL V TYRONE
Aodh Ruadh’s allocation of tickets for the Donegal v Tyrone Ulster championship game was over-subscribed.
The club will now proceed through its distribution procedures and a list of successful applicants will be published on aodhruadh.org later this week.
FANTASY RACE FOR SAM 2013
It’s that time of year again and the championship is only weeks away. The fantasy race for Sam 2013 is about to begin in earnest too.
The rules are simple. For your €20 entry fee you will receive a team and a scorer from each province.
Every time your team wins you earn 10 points. Also every time your player scores a point you will get a point.
There are bonus points on offer for county’s which win the provincial title as well as the All-Ireland. The winner will receive €500 with a consolation prize of €100 for whoever finishes in last place.
The deadline for entry is the 17th May and the draw for teams/players will take place in the Bridgend Bar on Saturday 18th May. A league table will appear on the website every Tuesday morning.
Entries are available from most committee members as well as in the following outlets: Bridgend Bar, Owen Roe’s Bar, Sean Óg’s and Ballybookies.
If anyone wishes to enter online, drop an email to info@aodhruadh.org. Come on and see if you can beat the reigning champion Rory O’Neill and his team of Ice Cream Rovers!
OFF THE PITCH
Donegal Creameries 5K Fun run / jog / walk in aid of Special Olympics Ireland takes place at Crossroads, Killygordon on Tuesday 28th May 2013 at 7pm. Register via e-mail at dc5kfun@gmail.com or register at Donegal Creameries up to 6.30pm on Tuesday.
Entry fee of €5 payable on registration which includes entry into a prize draw. Refreshments will be served.
LOTTO
There was no winner of the €3,700 Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot last Sunday. The numbers drawn were 1, 4, 7, 9, 11 and 13. In the lucky dip €20 each went to: Lorraine Ryan, Wardtown; Melissa Granaghan, Erne Dale Heights; Richard McDevitt, c/o Pat’s Bar; Eileen McIntyre, Assaroe View; and the Kane Family, Cluain Barron.
Next draw is in Dicey Reilly’s on Sunday at 8.30pm. The jackpot is €3,800 so get out there and buy your ticket; if you’re not in, you can’t win!
The lotto team for Kernan’s Spar this Saturday is: SENIOR FOOTBALLERS.