Aodh Ruadh Club Notes
We have no details on adult fixtures for the coming weekend at time of sending.
The minors booked their place in the Southern Regional Board final with Four Masters with a 2-9 to 1-11 victory over Dungloe in Dunkineely on Monday evening.
It was a game Aodh Ruadh could have had no complaints about losing if they had come out on the wrong side of the result, but key players stood up and were counted in the closing stages to ensure Ballyshannon progress to the regional decider.
Aodh Ruadh got off to a flying start with Johnny Gethins finding the net and a series of rapid fire points putting them into and early 1-3 to no score lead.
However Dungloe fought back, hitting hard and fair and were leading going into the break only for Colm Kelly to come raiding forward and get a goal on stroke of half time to send the sides in at 2-5 to 1-6.
The second half was a gritty affair, but Aodh Ruadh showed character to make it over the line.
Ballyshannon were well served by Darren Gethins and Niall Harley in midfield. Daniel Kelly was in good form between the sticks, while in front of him Eugene Drummond and Matthew were both excellent in the corners.
The Southern Regional Final against Four Masters will take place this Wednesday 31st July at 7.30pm in Bundoran, and we would encourage a good crowd to make their to that game to get behind the lads.
A day of marvelous weather set the stage perfectly for the 56th Bakery cup with the finals commencing with the traditional parade around the town of Ballyshannon by the opposing teams.
First to take the field of play were the teams of Patrick McCaffrey and Sean Taylor.
It was an exciting start with Taylor’s team looking very strong for the first ten minutes and knocking up a few early scores, but McCaffrey’s net worked hard with Michael McKenna hitting the back of the net with a 45 which proved the turning point of the game.
More scores soon came from Odhran O’Neill and a beautiful goal from John Patton which left McCaffrey’s team well ahead at half time.
McCaffrey’s side started strong again in the second half with scores from James Sheerin and Caolán Dolan.
The last five minutes saw a huge push from Taylor’s lads as Mark Gettins, Cianán Roper and Sean himself did all they could to mount a comeback, but the final whistle sounded and left McCaffrey’s side winners of the plate final.
The second game saw Conal Sweeny take on Shane Dorrian. Sweeny was the strong favourite to lift the cup from early in the tournament, but was very slow to start, leaving Dorrian’s men coming out of the blocks like men on a mission, scoring 1-1 very quickly.
Dylan Gallagher took the wind from their sails hitting the back of Dorrian’s net and another goal soon followed for Sweeny.
It was score for score through the first half and Sweeny led by two points at half time.
The second half started as the first had ended, score for score with nothing between the teams.
Liam O’Sullivan was in top form up front for Sweeny, while Padraig Keenaghan and Tiarnan Dolan worked tirelessly at the back.
For Dorrian Cian McGloin, Shane Gillespie and Ryan McDonald put in a huge effort, but it was not to be for the underdogs with Conal Sweeny’s lads coming out well deserved winners at the final whistle.
After the finals presentations took place with Conal Sweeny becoming the 56th captain to lift the Bakery Cup.
There were special presentations of a trophy to each captain and a player of the tournament trophy which was awarded Tiarnan Dolan.
Thanks to the large crowd who supported at Bakery Cup finals. Special thanks are due to referees, photographers and all those who were responsible for preparing and serving a great spread of food afterwards.
Many thanks to Kernan’s Spar who sponsored the medals and trophies and also to McCaffrey’s Quarries who laid on the lorries for the parade. We have a great range of pictures from the day up on aodhruadh.org.
Aodh Ruadh under 13s have challenge this Wednesday against Bundoran in Father Tierney Park at 7.30pm. Eligible players for this grade are those born in years 2000, 2001 or 2002. All players to be at the park for 6.45pm.
The under 12s traveled to the Banks to take on Naomh Mhuire in the Southern Minor Board under 12 league plate final on Monday evening.
The homesters proved to be in a determined form and although Ballyshannon were down a few players they had no excuses as Naomh Mhuire delivered a commanding performance to take the honours.
The Annagry outfit got a couple of early goals and that set the tone for the ensuing 60 minutes. Aodh Ruadh kept going to the end though and managed to finish the game brightly.
The final item in the under 12 schedule for 2013 is the Willie Rogers tournament which is being held on Friday 9th August as part of the Ballyshannon 400 celebrations.
There will be no training this Wednesday on account of the under 13s challenge with Bundoran the same day, but the under 12s will be back training as usual on Saturday.
Under 10 training continues this Friday as usual in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh from 6pm to 7pm.
Under 8 training continues this Friday, 2nd August from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this week. The under 8s are scheduled to travel to Mountcharles for their next blitz on Saturday 10th August.
Hurling
The senior hurlers second championship outing saw them fall to a 1-8 to 2-8 defeat against MacCumhaill’s in Father Tierney Park last Wednesday.
The first half represented a much improved performance on the previous defeat to Setanta with the Ernesiders hurling with great conviction.
They trailed by a point at the break, but with Ciaran Masterson seeing red for Ballybofey just before the short whistle it was poised for a promising second half.
Aodh Ruadh started well and when Aidan Begley hit the net they moved two points into the lead. However MacCumhaill’s dug deep an managed to grind out a three point win.
It was a disappointing second half for Ballyshannon with conviction found wanting in certain quarters when the game was in the melting pot.
Best for Aodh Ruadh were Stephen Sheerin and Tommy Gillespie who put in a magnificent defensive effort and Damien Cleary who soldiered well in midfield.
The seniors are away to Carrickmore this Saturday with the next outing in the championship away to Burt on Wednesday 7th August, a critical fixture as the loser will go out of the championship reckoning.
We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
The under 16s continued their winning start to the league last Thursday with a comprehensive win at home to Carndonagh.
They have a difficult game this Thursday when Saint Eunan’s make the trip to Father Tierney Park.
Games over the years with Saint Eunan’s have always being close and this game is likely to be no different. Throw in is at 7pm for this encounter.
The under 12s made the long trip to Buncrana last Thursday and unfortunately came home empty handed.
There was little between the teams but the Scarvey boys ability to score goals was the difference between the sides.
The under 12s have no fixture this Thursday.
Our annual trip to the All-Ireland semi-final this year will take place on Sunday 18th August when we will attend the clash of Limerick and Clare, with what should be a great battle in store.
Training continues as normal on Sunday at 12 noon.
We will have over 50 pictures from the O’Keefe cup up shortly on aodhruadh.org.
Fantasy race for Sam 2013
After week 11 in the fantasy race for Sam, we are down to the quarter finals and only eight teams remain.
The top two in the leaderboard remain unchanged from last week, with Sean McKenna (Mc Kenna’s Machine) increasing his lead to seven points.
His total is now 236 points, ahead of Mick Melly (King of the Hill) on 229.
In third place is Niall Clancy (Run Forest Run) on 210, with Tommy McCafferty (Foaling Around) in fourth on 208. Joint fith sees Joe Gillespie (M Team) and Caoimhin MacAoidh (An Giotoz) on 207 points each.
The bottom two also reamin unchanged from last week with Shauna O’Mahoney (Girls Rule) on 34 points with Bobby Murphy (Chunky Chips) on 36 points. Philip Mulrone (Undertakers are go) remains in the bottom three with 50 points.
Patrica McGrath (The Bhoys o boys) remains in contention on 59 with Ciaran McLoone (Buckfast Athletic GFC) and Conor Gilmartin (Conor’s Heros) both on 60 points.
High score of the week was shared between eigth players, each with 29 points.
Ronan Drummond (Average Joes) Cavan-10, M Dunne-6, M Meehan-9, R Munnelly-4
Mick Conoulty (Ardee Bakers) Cavan-10, M Murphy-2, M Meehan-9, M Newman-8
Brian McCarty (Moy Maulers) Donegal-10, Cork-10, M Meehan-9
Packie McGrath (You can do its) Tyrone-10, M Murphy-2, M Meehan-9, M Newman-8
Owen Roe O’Neill (Vintage Team) Donegal-10, Cork-10, M Meehan-9
Cormac McCusker (The Fiddler) Tyrone-10, Cork-10, M Meehan-9
Aiden Cauldwell (Four Masters) Cavan-10, Cork-10, M Meehan-9
Katie O’Brien (Grandy OOO’s) Donegal-10, Cork-10, M Meehan-9
The leader board is be available every Tuesday in the Bridgend Bar, Owen Roes and Ballybookies, of course we also publish the leader board weekly on aodhruadh.org.
Annual Cash for Clothes Collection
There has been a very good response to the Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee collection and they have extended the closing date to Monday 8th July, so you’ve another few days to get rid of any unwanted clothes, shoes, handbags you might have lying about the house.
For any information contact Tara Keenaghan 086-3331903, Fionnuala Gillespie 087-6668634 or John Rooney 086-2587793.
Yes we can
The next collection for our aluminium fund raiser takes place on Saturday 3rd August from 12 noon to 1pm. All other scrap metal is welcome at this session.
For any information in relation to this campaign please contact John Rooney 086-2587793 or Kieran Drummond 086-2368295.
Recreational football
Recreational is up and running with a good interest so far. The next run out is this Saturday 6pm so if you’re interested in getting out for a bit ball and a bit of craic head along to the Park for a game.
For more information just text or call Peter (0879755466) or Alan (0868052816).
Anniversary mass
Colman Kerr’s anniversary mass will take place on Thursday August 8th at 7pm in Saint Patrick’s church, Ballyshannon.
Lotto
There was no winner of the €4,800 Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot last Sunday.
The numbers drawn were 3, 6, 10, 12, 16 and 17. In the lucky dip €20 each went to: Helen Danaher, College Street; Shane Gallagher, Erne Street; Mary Cleary, Erne Dale Heights; Liam Thomas, Abbeylands; and Fergal McCrea, Abbeylands.
Next draw is in the Mall Bar on Monday at 8.30pm.
The jackpot is €4,900 so get out there and buy your ticket; if you’re not in, you can’t win!
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra this Saturday is: LADIES.
The lotto team for Kernan’s Spar this Saturday is: SENIOR FOOTBALLERS.