Aodh Ruadh GAA News
Monthly club meeting
The monthly meeting of the club executive takes place this Thursday at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruadh. All committee members are asked to attend.
Football
Aodh Ruadh definitively secured division three status for 2014 with an impressive away performance against Carndonagh.
Ballyshannon had the breeze at the backs in the first half, but despite competing well, only held a two point advantage at the break, 0-7 to 0-5 the scoreline.
Despite facing into the wind, Aodh Ruadh opened strongly in the second period and an early goal from Anthony Boyle shook the home sides resolve, allowing the Ernesiders to assert their authority from there on in.
A second goal from David Dolan ended the match as a contest.
This was a badly needed win in tricky circumstances and it took a solid team performance to deliver the two points. Peter Boyle was impeccable between the sticks and received good cover from Ciron Whoriskey, ably assisted by Damien Cleary.
Conor Patton, Kieran Keown and Anthony Boyle all worked tirelessly, as did Gary Carty when introduced as a sub.
Around the centre of the field, Kerry Ryan contested well, while David Dolan did a magnificent job of winning first phase ball.
Up front David McGurrin gave another fine display as did Brian Roper on his introduction. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
Aodh Ruadh return to league action this Saturday when they host Downings in Father Tierney Park. The reserve game throws in at 4.45pm and is followed by the senior game at 6pm.
The under 16s championship play-off game with Naomh Columba has finally been refixed for this Wednesday, 25th September under lights in Ardara.
Throw in is at 7pm, Ian Molloy to ref.
Everyone knows the old saying about a game of two halves and that is exactly what it was for the Aodh Ruadh under 13s who were at home last Saturday to Saint Naul’s.
In another absolute thriller of a match the Ballyshannon boys got straight down to business taking a huge lead with scores from captain Dylan Gallagher (1-2), Evan McTernan (2-0), Michael McKenna (3-3), John Connor McGarrigle (0-1), Owen Doherty (0-1) and a cracker of a goal from a very difficult angle by corner forward Caolán Dolan (1-0).
After an outstanding performance the score stood at 5-5 to 1-3 in favour of the Aodh Ruadh men at the half time whistle.
The second half started with Saint Naul’s coming back very strong and they closed the gap very quick with no reply coming from the Aodh Ruadh lads for the first ten minutes.
Vital decisions were going against the lads and the loss of Dylan Gallagher did not help matters.
However the home team dug deep and a touch of brilliance came from Evan McTernan at full forward who made a beautiful high catch and buried the ball in the back of the net for a goal that sealed the win for the Ernesiders.
The final whistle saw a final score line of Aodh Ruadh 7-7 Saint Naul’s 5-9 and the homesters earn a hard fought four point win.
Outstanding performances on the day came from Mark Gallagher in goals who saved a penalty in the dying minutes of the game, Pauric Keenaghan, Odhran Kennedy, Aaron Peach, Cianán Roper and Senan Rooney who were all great in defence.
That win puts the lads into the league semi-final, most likely against Naomh Conaill, and we await confirmation of fixture details.
Under 13 training continues on Wednesdays at 4.30pm to 5.45pm.
Hurling
On Thursday night last the under 12s and under 16s contested their county finals in the Centre of Excellence in Convoy.
The under 16s renewed their rivalry with Buncrana. These two clubs have contested county finals for the last number of years at all levels and would be the leading clubs in underage hurling in Donegal.
On a very blustery evening Aodh Ruadh were very slow to get out of the blocks and seemed to lack self belief as they found themselves 3-1 to no score down after ten minutes.
They finally started to play the hurling they’re capable of and the clawed their way back into the game and for the rest of the first half they were on top and went in four points down at half time 3-2 to 1-4.
Buncrana started the second half with renewed vigour and got an early goal and a point, it was nip and tuck for most of the second half but Buncrana’s ability to score goals always left them the likely winner.
Credit to the lads, they never gave up and the exertions of their first half comeback caught up with them as Buncrana got two late goals to put a gloss on the final score line of 6-9 to 2-6.
The slow start was to prove very costly in this hard fought game where every challenge was ferociously contested.
This small dedicated squad put in a tremendous effort all year and their discipline and dedication were a credit to themselves their families and the club.
Best wishes to Darragh Cleary and Conal Sweeney who suffered bad injuries in this game, it’s hoped the lads will make a speedy recovery and will be back in action soon.
Thanks to all the parents who supported the lads all year and who drove them to games throughout the year, your support is much appreciated by all associated with the squad.
Highlighting the great work being done in underage hurling in both clubs, the under 12B final was contested by Aodh Ruadh and Buncrana.
In contrast to the under 16s, the under 12s got off to a great start with the aid of the breeze and showed no nerves to race into an early lead.
They held the Buncrana lads scoreless in the first half and scored three very nice points themselves to leave the half time score 0-3 to 0-0.
Similar to the under 16 game, the Buncrana boys had the ability to score goals at vital times in the second half.
Two goals within a minute midway through the second half turned the game in their favour.
This very young Aodh Ruadh team, which contained four under 10s never gave up and played some lovely hurling in probably their best performance of the year, but as the saying goes goals win matches and Buncrana won a great game 3-1 to 0-6.
Like the under 16s the parents of the under 12s have been a great help all year and drove to games whenever asked, and always gave great support to the lads in their games both home and away.
This squad improved as the year progressed and it’s hoped that they will continue to improve in 2014.
On Sunday morning a very young minor team, essentially our under 16s plus three minors, headed to Eyrecourt in Galway for two great challenge games with Meelick/Eyrecourt and Killimor minor teams, both these teams are from the hurling heartlands of East Galway, Meelick/Eyrecourt played in the Minor A championship this year in Galway and Killimor are playing in the B semi final shortly.
The Aodh Ruadh lads, while losing both games showed some great skill and were well able to compete with these teams and improved the longer the games went on.
Both Galway clubs were very impressed by the lads determination and their commitment to hurling.
It was a great experience for the lads to play at this level and hopefully the Galway lads will travel to Ballyshannon in the coming seasons.
This Sunday we host the annual Aodh Ó Dálaigh under 12 tournament. This tournament is in existence since 1982 and this year we have eight teams confirmed for the event including, for the first time, an inter-county development squad from Cavan.
Play begins on what is sure to be a busy day of hurling at 11am.
Ladies
We have a solid fixture for the minors. They are playing Four Masters this Sunday, 29th September in Father Tierney Park at 12.30pm.
Training continues on Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm.
Well done to the under 12s who saved their best till last with great performances against Four Masters, Saint Naul’s and Bundoran out at the blitz in Bundoran on Friday evening. Thanks to Bundoran for a well run blitz.
Well done and thanks also to the coaches Bernie Maguire and Grace Meade. The squad that travelled to Bundoran were: Caoimhe Keon, Shona Slevin, Cáit Gillespie, Sorcha McGonigle, Caitlin McLaughlin, Erin McGowan, Bridín Maguire, Siofra Hughes, Sorcha Sweeny, Caoimhe Sheerin, Siobhan Gallagher, Amy Gallagher, Katie Peach, Grace McCaffrey and Dearhla McGuckin.
We have a picture of the team up on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page.
Training for under 10s and under 8s continues this Saturday afternoon from 1pm to 2pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Fantasy race for Sam
After a great win by the Dubs in the All-Ireland final, it is Joe Gillespie’s M Team who have come out on top in the Fantasy Race for Sam 2013.
He was greatly helped by Dublin beating Mayo. His final tally of 333 points has give him the coveted title for this year.
In second place was Caoimhín MacAoidh (An Giotoz) with 310 points followed closely by Tommy McCafferty (Foaling Around) on 308.
In joint fourth was long time leader Sean McKenna (McKenna’s Machine) and Gráinne McIntyre (Stephens Ramblers) on 287 points.
The race at the bottom has long since been settled with Bobby Murphy (Chunky Chips) finishing in last place with 36 points.
A huge thank you goes out to all the entrants and their aptly named teams, and also to the sellers.
The final leader board is available on aodhruadh.org and also in Owen Roe’s Bar, the Bridgend and Ballybookies.
Caps for gear
We now have collection points in Pearse O’Neill’s, Centra, Spar, Colaiste Cholmcille and Scoil Catriona for the Lucozade Sports caps for gear promotion.
Anyone with caps can also bring them to their team manager.
We can then exchange these bottle caps for gear or equipment. The promotion runs till 31st October.
Storytelling through theatre workshop in the Abbey Centre
A free storytelling through theatre workshop takes place in the Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon on Sunday 29th September between 10.30am and 5pm.
Smashing Times Theatre Company is seeking individuals or an existing adult group in Donegal to take part in a Storytelling through Theatre Workshop.
The Storytelling Workshop uses theatre games and exercises to explore personal memories and experiences of people in the North of Ireland and the border counties.
No experience of drama or storytelling is necessary and the workshops are open to all.
The focus is on discovering and sharing our stories.
The workshop aims to acknowledge different experiences and discuss participants shared hopes and vision for the future.
The Storytelling Workshops are conducted by a professional artist from Smashing Times Theatre Company and are open to individuals, organisations, artists, community and youth leaders, teachers and all those interested in using the arts to work in community settings.
Participants do not need to have any previous knowledge of drama.
The storytelling workshop requires active participation in theatre exercises and improvisations.
As part of this project we are making a television documentary about our work.
The television crew will film part of the workshop and may talk to some participants but we will accommodate anyone who may not wish to be filmed.
This workshop is free but places are limited so please book by calling 01-8656613 or emailing info@smashingtimes.ie.
Lotto
There was no winner of the €5,600 Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot last Sunday. The numbers drawn were 6, 7, 13, 14, 16 and 18.
In the lucky dip €20 each went to: Margaret Barrett; Sean & John, c/o The Bridgend; Monagh McDermott; Eamonn Daly, Bundoran Road; and Magellan Gethins, Tullyhorky. Next draw is in Owen Roe’s Bar on Sunday at 8.30pm.
The jackpot is €5,700 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: BORD NA NÓG.
The lotto team for Kernan’s Spar this Saturday is: RESERVE FOOTBALLERS.