Gillespie says Aodh Ruadh win is ‘great for ladies football in the area’

Delighted Aodh Ruadh manager Paul Gillespie paid a big tribute to the serious effort put in by his charges in their LGFA Intermediate Championship final win over Ardara.

It was 2010 the last time that the Intermediate Championship came back to the Erne town with one sole survivor from that side. 

“We are over the moon and the last time that we won this title was back in 2010 and Donna Martin is a survivor,” Gillespie said following the 6-11 to 1-6 win on Sunday. “I know we were the hot favourites, but these girls have put in a huge effort, and it is always on the day,” Gillespie said. “These are a great bunch of girls with a mighty attitude and a great work ethic. They are very well conditioned, and they have trained hard.

“Our target was to win Division Two and we achieved that and now we are back playing senior championship next year which is very good progress. We are looking forward to that”.

Stylish Aodh Ruadh clinch LGFA Intermediate title with win over Ardara

Aodh Ruadh struck six goals to claim victory in the Donegal LGFA Intermediate final against a young Ardara team

Aodh Ruadh scored six goals and had plenty of chances for others on the day at O’Donnell Park.

“We were very happy with the way we managed to create all those chances,” Gillespie added. “But they always put in a great effort, and we are massively proud of them”.

And he also paid tribute to trainer Ciaran Smyth for the immense fitness shown by the Aodh Ruadh side, with international athlete Lucy McGlynn giving some x-factor.

“Ciaran has done a great job training this team and he has brought us to another level,” Gillespie said. “His approach to training is just phenomenal and the girls are very fit and many of them are naturally fit as well.

“Lucy was unlucky as she would love to have been playing with us, but she was involved in athletics, and she is delighted to be back with us and we are glad to have her. This win is a great boost for ;ladies football in the area and for the first time we have been able to field two teams which is very encouraging also.”