Club Notes Archive - 2009
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OCTOBER- 5 October
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~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh suffered a 1-10 to 0-5 defeat in Annagry against a hungrier Naomh Mhuire outfit. It was a very disappointing performance by the Ernesiders, but more importantly it now leaves Aodh Ruadh flirting dangerously with relegation. The next two games against Saint Naul's and Buncrana are of vital importance. The Saint Naul's game takes place in Mountcharles this Saturday, 9th October at 5.30pm.The clash with the carnival made it very difficult to pull a third team together so their match against Glenties went unplayed last Saturday. This Saturday they play MacCumhaill's away with the time yet to be decided at time of sending.
The biggest news in the club over the weekend was the victory of our under 14s over Buncrana in the county championship final at Convoy last Saturday. The Championship and League double was secured thanks to a powerful second half display where the Ernesiders brought their dominance to bear on proceedings. However, the spade work was done in the first half when Aodh Ruadh delivered a fantastic defensive performance in the face of a very significant wind. In that respect this was very much a team performance. There are two match reports on aodhruadh.org along with nearly 30 pictures from the final, not to mention the semi-final match report from the Saint Eunan's game promised in last week's notes.
Under 8 training, i.e. all players in first and second class, has moved to a Saturday morning at 11 and will now take place in the Mercy Hall or, weather permitting, on the school field at Colaiste Cholmcille. Well done to our player of the week this week Owen Doherty. Pictures of blitz with Dromore which took place on Saturday 26th September can now be viewed on aodhruadh.org.
Well done to all those who participated in the first under 6 FUNdamentals evening last Friday night. FUNdamentals training involves teaching our youngest children the basic skills of agility, balance and coordination and so on through fun station based games. Any child in junior or senior infants is welcome to attend. Well done to our stars of the week, Mitchell and Jack. Training takes place every Friday evening from 6pm to 7pm in the Mercy Hall. Newcomers are encouraged to join. As always any coaches willing to give a hand are welcome to join in.
~ LADIES ~
The Intermediate ladies travelled to Dunfanaghy on Sunday, 4th October, to take on the challenge of the home side, Saint Michael's. From the throw in it was clear to everyone that this was going to be a close one. Ballyshannon were on the score board first with a great point and kept in the scoring mood when, early in the first half, they sent a goal sailing into the net. However, Michael's never lost their cool and instead responded with a string of fine scores which remained unanswered by the visitors for some time. With a strong wind sending some of the home side's efforts wide of the mark, the Aodh Ruadh girls were lucky not to be trailing by a substantial margin at half time. Tensions rose as the Aodh Ruadh players became frustrated and with only a minute left to go in the first half, Dearbhaile McNeill saw yellow and was consigned to the side line. At half time the score line read: Aodh Ruadh: 1-4, Saint Michael's: 0-8.Both sides ran out onto the pitch after half time with a renewed sense of purpose and, already a man down, the Ernesiders needed to dig deep and produce something special. And dig deep they did. The visitors made the most of the wind and sent the points sailing over while a fantastic goal was swiftly buried in the net by Frances Hoey. The Ernesiders saw their tally creep up and with this, they took the lead for the second time. Leading by four, Aodh Ruadh desperately needed to keep a firm grasp on their lead but despite the re-introduction of McNeill, this wasn't to be. A scuffle in the square saw the ref award the home side a penalty, mid way through the second half. It was sweetly stuck and nestled itself in the corner of the Aodh Ruadh goal. The visitors were just leading by one, but this wasn't enough as the home side, boosted by the penalty took their chances and found the back of the net for a second time. Aodh Ruadh surged on, looking for the final score that would assure them the league title but it was too late. Saint Michael's ran out winners on a score line of 2-8 to 2-6.
~ HURLING ~
Several tranches of hurling related images have been published to aodhruadh.org over the past week. There is a report on the Aodh O Dalaigh tournament plus pictures. Pictures from the skills competition are also available for viewing. There are some belated images of the underage hurlers trip to Croke Park. Finally there are some pictures taken at under 10 hurling blitzes earlier this year. Many thanks to John Rooney and Brian Drummond for these images.~ COACHING CORNER ~
There will be a coaching seminar run by the Ulster Council in Glenswilly GAA ground on Saturday, 10th October. The seminar will demonstrate various football drills and games appropriate to all age groups from under six to minor. Anyone with an interest in coaching would be advised to attend. The seminar will spend an hour on each age group and should provide current and prospective coaches with many new ideas. The seminar starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm.~ CENTENARY CELEBRATION NIGHT ~ Tickets are now available for Aodh Ruadh's Centenary Celebration Night, a very special event to celebrate 100 years of Gaelic Games in Ballyshannon. The event begins with an multi-media exhibition and awards presentation ceremony in the Abbey Centre, which is followed by a Gala Banquet in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel. The night finishes up with music from The Mucky Ducks. Admission will be by ticket only and third party security will be in place to ensure no exceptions. Capacity is limited and with interest very high in this once-in-a-lifetime event it is important to secure your ticket early. Tickets, priced €40, are available from Shannon's Corner or Mojo's or you can also contact Terence McShea 087-2360815 or John Magee 086-2263105. The underage presentations take place on 26th October, Bank Holiday Monday afternoon in the Abbey Centre, admission to this event will be free. Anyone who might have photographs or memorabilia they might like to see included in the Centenary Celebration exhibition in the Abbey is invited to bring them to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Thursday 8th October between 9pm and 10pm. Items will be scanned and returned there and then. If you would like to e-mail on your photos, send them along to info@aodhruadh.org.
- 12 October
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~ CONDOLENCES ~
Aodh Ruadh extends its sincerest sympathies to our senior player, Niall McCready, on the passing of his sister, Brigid McCready, last Saturday in New York. Her remains are expected back in the country for Wednesday and full burial details will arranged later in the week. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh postponed their match against Saint Naul's last Saturday because of the passing of Niall McCready's sister. The game will now take place this Saturday in Mountcharles at 5.30pm.The third team traveled to Ballybofey last Saturday to take on MacCumhaill's. They lost by 1-14 to 2-8, but the main damage was done in the first half when they conceded 1-10 and only notched four points. There was a great comeback in the second half, but the clock just ran out at the end. There was a great performance from Ronan Drummond at centre half back. Ramie Granaghan started in forwards, but ended up doing a fine marking job in the backs. Up front Sean Perry had a good outing while Myles Dougan and Gerard Ferguson also starred.
Well done to all those who participated in the first under 6 FUNdamentals evening last Friday night. Fundamentals training involves teaching our youngest children the basic skills of agility, balance and co-ordination, etc., through fun station based games. Any child in junior or senior infants is welcome to attend. Well done to our stars of the week Tiernan and Neo. Training takes place every Friday evening at the new time of 6.30-7.30pm in the Mercy Hall. New comers encouraged to join. As always, any coaches willing to give a hand are welcome to join in.
Under 8 training, i.e. training for all players in first and second class, has moved to a Saturday morning from 11.15am to 12.15pm and will now take place in the Mercy Hall or, weather permitting, on the school field in Colaiste Cholmcille. Players and coaches are asked to come for 11am.
~ HURLING ~
Aodh Ruadh Hurling Committee would like to offer many thanks to councilor Barry O'Neill who again this year has allocated €500 from his development fund towards the promotion and development of underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh. In these tough financial times this grant is much appreciated.~ LADIES ~
There is under 10 training on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm in the Mercy Hall. There is a charge of €2 per head. Please bring runners, no other footwear allowed. There is also training for under 14s and under 16s from 7pm to 8pm in the Mercy Hall.~ CENTENARY CELEBRATION NIGHT ~
Tickets are now available for Aodh Ruadh's Centenary Celebration Night on Sunday 25th October. We are pleased and honoured to announce that Christy Cooney, President of the GAA, will be guest of honour on the night. This is a very special event to celebrate 100 years of Gaelic Games in Ballyshannon. The night begins with an multi-media exhibition and awards presentation ceremony in the Abbey Centre, which is followed by a Gala Banquet in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel. The night finishes up with music from The Mucky Ducks. Admission will be by ticket only and third party security will be in place to ensure no exceptions. Capacity is limited and with interest very high in this once-in-a-lifetime event it is important to secure your ticket early. Tickets, priced €40, are available from Shannon's Corner or Mojo's or you can also contact Terence McShea 087-2360815 or John Magee 086-2263105.The underage presentations take place on 26th October, Bank Holiday Monday afternoon in the Abbey Centre, admission to this event will be free.
Anyone who might have photographs or memorabilia they might like to see included in the Centenary Celebration exhibition in the Abbey is invited to bring them to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Thursday 15th October between 9pm and 10pm. Please note, this is the last opportunity to have your items will be scanned for inclusion in the multimedia presentation. If you would like to e-mail on your photos, send them along to info@aodhruadh.org.
- 19 October
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~ CENTENARY CELEBRATION NIGHT ~
The night of the century is almost upon us and the final few tickets for Aodh Ruadh's Centenary Celebration Night on Sunday 25th October are rapidly running out. We are pleased and honoured to announce that Christy Cooney, President of the GAA, will be guest of honour on this special occasion for the club. This is a very select event to celebrate 100 years of Gaelic Games in Ballyshannon. The night begins with an multi-media exhibition and awards presentation ceremony in the Abbey Centre commencing at 7.30pm. That is followed by a Gala Banquet in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel. The night finishes up with music from the legendary Mucky Ducks. Admission will be by ticket only and third party security will be in place to ensure no exceptions. Capacity is limited and with interest very high in this once-in-a-lifetime event you will be lucky to get a ticket at this late stage, although some may still be available. Tickets, priced €40, are available from Shannon's Corner or Mojo's or you can also contact Terence McShea 087-2360815 or John Magee 086-2263105.The underage presentations take place on 26th October, Bank Holiday Monday afternoon in the Abbey Centre, admission to this event will be free.
~ FOOTBALL ~
It was a bad day at the office for the seniors as they went down by 0-12 to 0-9 in Mountcharles against a hungrier Saint Naul's outfit. That result makes things decidedly uncomfortable as Aodh Ruadh enter the last round of games in division two for 2009. Ballyshannon are on 13 points with MacCumhaill's and both sides are just above Naomh Mhuire on nine points and Saint Naul's on eight points. MacCumhaill's play Naomh Mhuire in their last match, while Aodh Ruadh face Buncrana at home. The Inishowen men are on 14 points so they aren't exactly out of the woods yet either. Aodh Ruadh's match against Buncrana throw's in at 4.45pm in Father Tierney Park. Needless to say this is a vital game for Aodh Ruadh and big showing of Ballyshannon support is essential.The thirds lost by 1-9 to 1-13 against Naomh Chonaill last Saturday in Father Tierney Park. They were blitzed by Glenties in the first half, but fought back well in the second half and the clock just ran away from them as they battled to close the gap.
Under 10 and under 12 training boys football training commences in the new hall at Colaiste Cholmcille this Friday, 23rd October. Training for under 10s will take place between 6pm and 6.45pm. Training for under 12s will take place between 6.45pm and 7.30pm. There is a charge of €2 per head. Please bring runners as no other footwear allowed. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.
Under 8 training continues this Saturday morning. Players are asked to be on the Colaiste Cholmcille school field or in the Mercy Hall ready to go at 11am. Well done to our players of the week David, Shane and Jack. Remember to keep working on all things practiced in training.
Please note there will be NO under 6 fundamentals this Friday night. Training resumes the following Friday, October 30th from 6.30pm to 7.30pm inside in the Mercy Hall. Well done to our stars of the week - Shane and Gavin.
~ LADIES ~
There is under 10 training on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm in the Mercy Hall. There is a charge of €2 per head. Please bring runners, no other footwear allowed. There is also training for under 14s and under 16s from 7pm to 8pm in the Mercy Hall.
- 26 October
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~ CENTENARY CELEBRATION NIGHT ~
Aodh Ruadh celebrated their centenary last Sunday with a night will linger long and fondly in the memory. The festivities commenced with a special bi-lingual mass in Saint Patrick's which was concelebrated by Father O Fearraigh, Father McManus, Father Burke, Father Daly, Father Bromley and 93-year-old Father Ambrose O'Gorman, a former playing member of club. The ceremony was opened with some tokens representative of the GAA being brought to the altar. Niamh Gallagher and Patricia Slevin read the lessons while Father O Fearraigh and Father McManus spoke of the central role played by the GAA and Aodh Ruadh in Ballyshannon. After mass it was on to the Abbey Centre for the awards presentation ceremony which was preceded by a wine and cheese reception. There was an extensive exhibition of club history throughout the Abbey Centre with pictures, medal displays and newspaper clippings providing plenty of talking points. A presentation of photographs from right across the club's 100 year history in all codes was projected onto the screen in theatre two, while in the main theatre there was a pictorial review of the year. It was 8.30pm before the 300 seats in the main auditorium were filled and Sean Perry was able to get proceedings under way. Chris 'Spanny' Goan won the first award of the evening, the young player of the year. Next up was the hurler of the year which went to Kevin McDermott. Ladies player of the year went to Niamh Gallagher, while Ronan Drummond collected the third team player of the year award. Reserve team player of the year went to David Dolan. In a most fitting gesture, the senior team player of the year award has been named the Ciaran Keon award in memory of the a club man whose recent loss is still so keenly felt. Tigerish half back Philip O'Reilly was the thoroughly deserving winner. Next up was a special award for our representatives on the Donegal All-Ireland winning minor team: Anna Rafferty, Dearbhaile McNeill and Tara Khan. John Travers got a pleasant surprise when he was presented with a special appreciation award. It was then time to salute the 2002 All-Ireland Scor na nÓg winners: Turlough McIntyre, Naomi Campbell and Pauric Buggy. They were followed by 1991 champion Pat Sweeny. After receiving her award she spoke and exhorted the audience to enjoy things three times over, advice they were to take to heart in Dorrian's later on! The next part of the ceremony paid tribute to Aodh Ruadh's past championship winning hurling teams. Jim Daly, the 1929 championship winning captain, was represented by his son, Father Gerard Daly, Josie Boyle captained the 1975 champions and Seamus Grimes captained the 1977 champions - he was represented by his sister Mary McSharry. Then it was the turn of Ballyshannon's captains on the legendary Saint Joseph's side. 1975 captain Alan Kane was still recuperating in hospital but, happily, well on the mend so his award was collected by his daughter Fiona Feeney. The 1973 captain, Teddy Kane, was present to receive his award. Next up was Pauric McShea who was celebrated for his role in captaining the 1974 Ulster champions. Brian Roper's achievement in becoming the Donegal player with most appearances, currently at 159, was recognised. The Ballyshannon members of the 1992 All-Ireland championship winning team. Brian Murray, Gary Walsh and Sylvester Maguire were next onto the stage and they were followed by Frances Hoy, captain of the 1995 championship winning team. That lead on to the Aodh Ruadh football championship captains. The 1929 captain Aidan Sweeny was represented by his grand-nephew, Alan Sweeny; the 1932 captain Terry McDermott was represented by his daughter Eileen Kennedy; the 1937 captain, John McDermott was represented by his son Jackie McDermott; The 1939, 1942 and 1943 captain, Mick Slevin, was represented by his cousin Barney Drummond; the 1951 captain was Jim 'The Natch' Gallagher, Tommy McDermott captained the 1986 champions, Brian Touhy captained the 1987 champions, Sylvester Maguire captained the 1994 champions, Charlie O'Donnell captained the 1997 champions and 1998 captain, Val Murray, concluded this section of the ceremony, walking up to the strains of 'You'll never walk alone' and saluting the crowd with peace signs, presumably as a gesture of reconciliation to the Man United fans. In another fitting gesture it was decided that the Club Person of the Year should henceforth be known as the Sean Slevin award in memory of a true club stalwart who passed to his eternal reward in the last days of 2008 after decades of tireless service to Aodh Ruadh. An utterly stunned and humbled John Hughes was then presented with the Club Person of the Year award. Tom Daly collected a richly deserved Hall of Fame award to conclude the presentations. The ceremonials in the Abbey Centre concluded with speeches from President of the GAA, Christy Cooney, President of the Ulster Council, Tom Daly, and club chairman, Terence McShea. The magnificent Sean Perry drew the curtain down on yet another suave and polished performance and then it was on to Dorrian's. In Dorrian's there was a little food and a lot of drink and bonhomie. There was fine entertainment from the Mucky Ducks while the non-dancers were able to view some vintage images from Aodh Ruadh history on the plasma screen in the small function room, while in the foyer a video of the 1984 GAA centenary dinner dance revived many happy memories. The revelry continued long into the night, a night that will surely endure long in the memory. Tremendous thanks has to go to the large team of volunteers that put in so many hours to make the evening such an outstanding success. The result of their work was a celebration of everything that is great about the GAA, about Ballyshannon and about our club. You can be rightly proud of efforts. A DVD of events in the Abbey Centre is already in the works, expect further news on its availability for purchase in future club notes. Pictures and more extensive coverage of the night will appear on aodhruadh.org over the course of the coming week.After the high of Sunday there was a second triumph on Monday afternoon when the underage award presentation ceremony took place in the Abbey. Again, this was a wonderful event, although rather different in tone. Bord na nÓg chairman Paddy Kelly and Hurling chairman John Rooney co-presented in front of another full house in the Abbey Centre's main theatre. Once again, David O'Donnell's rattling soundtrack gave the event a real injection of razzamatazz. We were privileged to have Ulster Council President, Tom Daly, on hand to present medals. The all-conquering under 14 footballers collected no fewer than six medals apiece, the spoils of divisional and county victories in the Féile, league and championship competitions. The under 14 hurlers made it a double double for the club as Aodh Ruadh became the first team in Donegal to enjoy championship and league success in both football and hurling at the one age grade and at the top level. John Rooney pointed out there were a number of dual players involved and added that this was the future for the club. The under 16 footballers collected their hard-won Southern Divisional league medals and there was a special presentation for water carrier extraordinaire Dara Gallagher. The successful under 8 and under 10 hurlers who took part in county blitzes and the under 12 Fermanagh league hurling champions were also saluted in fine fashion. With such youth, verve, vibrancy and enthusiasm on show it was a really heartening occasion and a sign that the long term future of the club is very promising indeed. Once again deep thanks has to go to everyone who contributed to making the event such an impressive and uplifting experience.
~ FOOTBALL ~
There was a collective sigh of relief as the final whistle went at Father Tierney Park to bring the curtain down on the senior footballers season. A 2-6 to 0-7 victory over Buncrana in a game played in dreadful conditions ensured division two safety. The work rate of Brian Roper was one of the main differences between the side, along with an outstandingly committed defensive performance marshaled splendidly by Niall McCready. Barry Mulligan capped an intelligent and perceptive performance with a well taken goal, while Paul Kane maintained his habit of keeping Aodh Ruadh in games with one particularly stupendous save. With the game level at four points apiece at half time the game was there to be won or lost in the second half. Thankfully it was Ballyshannon who pushed on for the win, a Sticky Ward fisted goal as full-time loomed helping ease Aodh Ruadh nerves in the final moments.Under 10 and under 12 training boys football training continues in the new hall at Colaiste Cholmcille this Friday, 30th October. Training for under 10s will take place between 6pm and 6.45pm. Training for under 12s will take place between 6.45pm and 7.30pm. There is a charge of €2 per head. Please bring runners as no other footwear allowed. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.
Under 8 football training continues this Saturday at 11am. Well done to all those who braved the elements last Saturday including our players of the week Nathan, Donagh and Cian.
Under 6 Fundamental training resumes this Friday night at 6.30 in the Mercy Hall. Fundamental training involves learning the basic skills of both hurling and football through a series of station based activities. Training finishes at 7.30pm and players may be collected then.
The annual Bord na nÓg quiz will take place in Owen Roe's on Thursday, October 29th. A great night of craic is in store with a raffle and spot prizes on the night. We're hoping for a big turnout on the night, particularly from parents so your support would be greatly appreciated.
~ LADIES ~
There is under 10 training on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm in the Mercy Hall. There is a charge of €2 per head. Please bring runners, no other footwear allowed.~ MEETING ~
The monthly senior club meeting takes place on Thursday 29th October in Aras Aoidh Ruadh 8.30pm. All committee members are asked to attend.