Club Notes Archive - 2011

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MARCH

1 March

~ MEETING ~
The monthly club meeting takes place on Thursday 3rd March at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.

~ REGISTRATION ~
Registration forms are being distributed in the coming week to teams throughout the club. Forms will be taken up, with payment, on Friday March 11th. Forms will be collected at that Friday's training in the Mercy Hall and the new Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille. There will be a later registration session on Friday March 11th in Aras Aoidh Ruadh between 9pm and 10pm for anyone else seeking to pay membership.

~ FOOTBALL ~
A well drilled Watty Graham's Glen Maghera outfit gave an assured display of football to win the PJ Roper under 16 tournament run by Aodh Ruadh last Saturday. We have a report on the action and lots of pictures from the day . Also the under 16 football fixture schedule has been released today by the Southern Minor Board. The schedule for Aodh Ruadh's games, which commence on Sunday, March 13th against Dungloe, can now be viewed on aodhruadh.org.

Indoor underage training resume for under 10s this Friday 4th March in the New Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille between 6pm and 7pm. They are followed by the under 12s and under 13s between 7pm and 8pm. There is a charge of €2 per head. Please bring runners as no other footwear is allowed. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.

There is no under 6 or under 8 training this week due to exams in the Mercy hall.

~ HURLING ~
Underage hurling training for all age groups resumes on Sunday 6th March at 12 noon at Father Tierney Park, notes and registration forms will be distributed to local schools in the next couple of weeks. We will be fielding teams at all ages from under 8 to minors. Everyone welcome from 6 years of age up, especially beginners. For any information in relation to underage hurling please contact John Rooney 086-2587793.

The fifth annual Hurl-A-Thon takes place on Saturday 2nd April with the fun beginning at 10am and continuing throughout the day till 10pm. All are welcome to come along and try their hand swinging the ash.

~ LADIES ~
Aodh Ruadh Ladies are holding a 12 hour sponsored Cyclothon on Saturday, 19th March outside the Saimer Court shopping centre. The girls will all be busy in the coming weeks with their sponsorship cards, all support will be greatly appreciated!

Senior and under 16 ladies training will take place Saturday morning at 11am in the Park, there's no indoor training this week. There will be a charge of €2 on Tuesday evening to help cover the cost of the hall.

Girls indoor underage training continues this Wednesday, 2nd March, in the New Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille. Under 10s are training between 6pm and 6.45pm. They are followed by the under 12s between 6.45pm and 7pm. 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.

~ BEER TASTING ~
Many thanks to everyone who attended the beer-tasting event in Dicey Reilly's last Friday, there was a great turn out for what was an educational and entertaining evening in the company Dean McGuinness. Many thanks to Dicey Reilly's also for hosting a great night's craic. We have a few shots from the evening up. The Ballyshannon Regeneration Group are hosting the quiz in Dicey Reilly's this Friday.

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8 March

~ MEETING ~
ALL team managers, underage and adult, are asked to attend a meeting this Tuesday 8th March in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8.30pm to discuss training times. Managers who are unable to attend must nominate a representative to attend on their behalf.

~ CALLING BUDDING REFEREES ~
There is a course for anyone interested in becoming a referee this Saturday 12th March in Ballybofey. The club needs to get more people to take up the whistle. If anyone is interested, please contact Terence McShea on 087-2360815 for more information.

~ REGISTRATION - THE ONUS IS ON YOU ~
Registration forms are being distributed in the coming week to teams throughout the club. Forms will be taken up, with payment, on Friday March 11th. Forms will be collected at that Friday's training in the Mercy Hall and the new Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille. There will be a later registration session on Friday March 11th in Aras Aoidh Ruadh between 9pm and 10pm for anyone else seeking to pay membership.

Membership rates are as follows: Adult, €30; Adult Player (Includes insurance cover for the year), €50; Underage (Under 18 years-of-age) €15. Registration can be paid to Mary Matthews in Shannon's Corner or Assistant Secretary, Marita Maguire, Cloghore, Ballyshannon. The club requires a fully registration form with each fee. Registration forms can be downloaded from aodhruadh.org. Underage members will receive a specially commissioned membership card and wallet when they submit their registration.

~ FOOTBALL ~
The championship draws saw our seniors and reserves pitted against Fanad Gaels in the preliminary round of the intermediate championship. Fanad, were the side which defeated Aodh Ruadh in the division two relegation play-off last October, so it promises to be a feisty encounter. Our under 21s were pulled out against Naomh Chonaill.

Our under 16s become the first Aodh Ruadh team out in competitive action in 2011 this weekend when they make the trip north to take on Dungloe. The game throws in at 12 noon on Sunday 13th March, and is likely to take place at Naomh Mhuire's pitch at the Banks, Mullaghderg, due to the projected unavailability of Dungloe's home ground. The very best of luck to the lads.

Indoor underage training resume for under 10s this Friday 11th March in the New Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille between 6pm and 7pm. They are followed by the under 12s and under 13s between 7pm and 8pm. There is a charge of €2 per head. Registration will also be collected on the night. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.

Indoor underage training resumes this Friday 11th March for under 6s and under 8s in the Mercy Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille. Under 6s are training from 6pm to 6.45pm followed by the under 8s from 6.45pm to 7.30pm. Registration will be collected on the night. Newcomers are encouraged to join. Any parents who would like to help are more than welcome to lend a hand. There is a charge of €2 per head. Please bring runners as no other footwear is allowed. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.

~ HURLING ~
Underage hurling returned on Sunday last. There was a great crowd of very enthusiastic young hurlers present. It was very encouraging to see so many under 8s at this first session. Training as normal this Sunday at 12 noon, all welcome, especially beginners. Any enquiries to John Rooney 086-2587793.

Many thanks to Sean Nugent of Nugent Construction for his generous sponsorship of a set of jerseys for the under 16 hurlers. In these hard economic times it's great to see local businesses willing to support our efforts.

Our fifth annual Hurlathon takes place in the Mercy Hall on Saturday 2nd April, it promises to be great family fun day. The fun begins at 10am and continues throughout the day till 10pm and all money raised goes towards the promotion and development of underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh so please support generously. If you have any enquiries about Hurlathon contact John Rooney or any of Aodh Ruadh juvenile hurling committee.

Senior and under 16 ladies training will take place on Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm in the park as well as on Saturday morning at 11am also in the Park, there's no indoor training this week. There will be a charge of €2 on Tuesday evening to help cover the cost of the hall.

Girls indoor underage training continues this Wednesday, 9th March, in the Mercy Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille. Under 8s and under 10s are training between 6pm and 6.45pm. They are followed by the under 12s between 6.45pm and 7pm. 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.

~ COMMUNITY NOTES ~
59th annual Ballyshannon Drama Festival in the Abbey Centre from Saturday 12th to Sunday 20th March, 8.15pm nightly and 7.30pm on the final night.

~ VOTES OF SYMPATHY ~
Votes of sympathy were made for the following at the January and February monthly meetings of Aodh Ruadh. The family of Tommy McGroarty; Donegal town; Danny McNamee on the death of his mother; Frank Cassidy; The Grimes family; The Harley family; The family of John Gallagher, East Rock; The family of Seamus Dillon, Kiltyclogher; The family of Tommy Mulhern, Saint Benildus Avenue; and the family of Brendan Magill, formerly of West Port.

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15 March

~ REGISTRATION - THE ONUS IS ON YOU ~
There is a three hour open session for anyone who wants to sign up for Aodh Ruadh membership this Friday March 18th in Aras Aoidh Ruadh between 7pm and 10pm. The deadline for registration is Thursday, 31st March. The club has received notice from Croke Park that late registration will not be allowed this year as was the case last year. This being the case we urge anyone interested in club membership to register before time runs out. We CANNOT facilitate registrations after this date.

Some points to note in relation to club membership.

Only fully registered players on the GAA online registration system are allowed to take the field for the club. If your name is not in this system you are ineligible. That has repercussions in terms of insurance cover for injuries and jeopardizes any competitive success the club may enjoy.
Registration is an important component in meeting the running costs of the club.
Only fully paid up members will be eligible for the draw for tickets to the football and hurling All Ireland finals.
Club membership will be displayed in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.

~ SAINT PATRICK'S DAY PARADE ~
Underage hurlers and under 8, under 10 and under 12 footballers will be taking part in the Saint Patrick's day this Thursday. All players are asked to meet at the Gaelscoil at 1.30pm prior to the parade which will be commencing at 2pm. The parade will be terminating in the Market Yard, and parents should collect their children there.

~ FOOTBALL ~
The seniors travelled to Derrygonnelly last Sunday for their first challenge of the season. Before proceedings got under way Philip O'Reilly was named as senior captain for the season, with Ciron Whoriskey named as vice-captain. The game saw an Aodh Ruadh side with a good blend of youth and experience getting a good work out from the Fermanagh outfit. One of the high points was when Kerry Ryan opened Aodh Ruadh's scoring for 2011 with a 45. Ciron Whoriskey was full back flanked by Conor Patton and Michael Ward, and that unit showed impressively over the course of the game. The new captain had to go off injured with a dead leg half way through the first half and was replaced by Ronan Matthews. James O'Donnell had a good shift in midfield alongside Kerry Ryan. Up front Fiachra and Donagh McIntyre provide good attacking options, while PJ McGee was very industrious. Diarmuid McInerney cracked over two points and Chris Goan also got a point coming off the bench. We have some pictures of the action at Canon Maguire park. The next fixture for the seniors is against last year's county finalists, Killybegs, on St Patrick's Day with the throw in at 11am. Why not watch the game and then head on to watch the parade at 2pm?

The CCC have released the first five fixtures of the division three league. Aodh Ruadh's schedule for those games is as follows.

Round 1 - 27th March
Aodh Ruadh v Naomh Bríd

Round 2 - 2nd April
Aodh Ruadh v Downings

Round 3 - 9th April
Naomh Mhuire v Aodh Ruadh

Round 4 - 16th April
Aodh Ruadh v Buncrana

Round 5 - 23rd April
Milford v Aodh Ruadh

The draft fixture calendar for the year sees Aodh Ruadh's preliminary round first leg intermediate championship clash with Fanad Gaels penciled in for 21st May, with the second leg down to take place the following weekend. The first round of the under 21 championship is slated to take place on Tuesday 26th July.

The under 16s had a tough start to the season in every respect. They travelled to Annagry to play Dungloe in some of the worst conditions seen since the snow earlier in the year. The pitch was lashed with wind and rain and the grim conditions were matched by the grim football. Aodh Ruadh were defeated by 1-1 to 1-5, Dungloe just able to adapt to the conditions better. Still, a depleted Aodh Ruadh team showed some good spirit, in particular Ryan Patton at full back and Matthew Maguire beside him in the corner. Another who did well in a defensive capacity was Matthew Gethins, he also chipped in with the Ernesiders solitary point, James Kelly raising the green flag from the penalty spot. Johnny Gettins soldiered well in the centre of the park and Paddy Gillespie gave it his all up front, but the trip, the conditions, the loss of a few key players and the opposition got the better of Aodh Ruadh in the end. Next up for the under 16s is the visit of Killybegs to Father Tierney Park. The game throws in at 12 noon on Sunday 20th March, come out and get behind the lads for this game.

Indoor underage training has concluded for under 12s and under 13s. Outdoor training for these teams begins on Monday 21st March and continues on Wednesday 23rd March in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 4.15pm. Training will continue thereafter every Monday and Wednesday at 4.15pm for the foreseeable future. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children no later than 5.30pm.

Indoor underage training continues this Friday 18th March for under 6s and under 8s in the Mercy Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille. Under 6s are training from 6pm to 6.45pm followed by the under 8s from 6.45pm to 7.30pm. Registration will be collected on the night. Newcomers are encouraged to join. Any parents who would like to help are more than welcome to lend a hand. There is a charge of €2 per head. Please bring runners as no other footwear is allowed. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.

Aodh Ruadh are still trying secure an under 14 manager and a secretary for the football committee for 2011. If anyone is interested in either of these posts, or knows someone who might be interested in them, please contact John Hughes on 087-6431805.

~ HURLING ~
All underage hurlers are welcome to take part in the Saint Patrick's Day Parade. We will assemble at the Gaelscoil at 1.30pm. Please wear club socks and shorts if possible and bring your hurl.

Underage hurling training continues on Sunday at 12 noon in Father Tierney Park. All are welcome, especially beginners. If you have any enquiries, please contact John Rooney 086-2587793.

Plans are well underway for the fifth annual Hurlathon which will take place in the Mercy Hall on Saturday, 2nd April from 10am to 10pm. This promises to be a great day's fun for all the family. It is the juvenile hurlers' main fundraising drive of the year so we would call on everyone to support this event.

~ LADIES ~
Aodh Ruadh Ladies are holding a 12 hour sponsored Cyclothon on Saturday, 19th March outside the Saimer Court shopping centre. The girls are filling the last few lines on their sponsorship cards, please give generously.

All girls are reminded that membership is now due, €15 for underage players and €50 for senior players. This may be paid to Karol Foley, Katie Flood or any of the underage managers.

Senior and under 16 ladies training will take place on Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm in the park. Not training on Saturday as there'll be plenty of exercise at the Cyclothon!

Under 12 and under 10 girls outdoor training will start on Wednesday 23rd at 5.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Thereafter under 12 training for girls will be at 5.30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Under 10s will train on Wednesdays at 5.30pm only.

On the inter-county scene, Donegal bounced back from last week's heavy defeat to Cork with a hard-earned win over a Cora Staunton powered Mayo outfit. The result puts Donegal joint second with Cork in division one, Monaghan lead the way on full points after four games. We have some pictures from the action on Erneside.

~ COACHING CORNER ~
There will be a meeting Monday, 4th April to begin drawing up a five year plan for underage coaching in Aodh Ruadh. The meeting will take place in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh from 7-9pm with an Ulster Council facilitator directing the discussion. All club coaches in hurling, football and ladies are asked to attend this vital gathering.

~ COMMUNITY NOTES ~
59th annual Ballyshannon Drama Festival in the Abbey Centre from Saturday 12th to Sunday 20th March, 8.15pm nightly and 7.30pm on the final night.

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22 March

~ REGISTRATION - THE ONUS IS ON YOU ~
The final open session for anyone who wants to sign up for Aodh Ruadh membership take place this Friday March 25th in Aras Aoidh Ruadh between 7pm and 9pm. The deadline for registration is Thursday, 31st March. The club has received notice from Croke Park that late registration will not be allowed this year as was the case last year. This being the case we urge anyone interested in club membership to register before time runs out. We CANNOT facilitate registrations after this date.

Some points to note in relation to club membership.

Only fully registered players on the GAA online registration system are allowed to take the field for the club. If your name is not in this system you are ineligible. That has repercussions in terms of insurance cover for injuries and jeopardises any competitive success the club may enjoy.
Registration is an important component in meeting the running costs of the club.
Only fully paid up members will be eligible for the draw for tickets to the football and hurling All Ireland finals.
Club membership will be displayed in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.

~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh's division three season commences this Sunday in Father Tierney park when we host our neighbours, Naomh Bríd. The senior game throws-in at 3pm and is preceded by the reserves at 1.30pm. This is the beginning of a big season for Aodh Ruadh and we would appeal for people to really get behind our senior and reserve footballers for this campaign.

In preparation for Sunday, Aodh Ruadh had their second challenge of the year against Killybegs on Saint Patrick's day morning. The relaxed mood of the day found its way into some of the football, nevertheless there was a good showing from Ciron Whoriskey at full back. James O'Donnell did well in midfield and Kerry Ryan put in a good shift at full forward. We have pictures from the game up.

There was a rather more competitive meeting between Four Masters and Aodh Ruadh in Tir Chonaill. Four Masters might have been the senior reserve champions last year, but the Ernesiders gave a very gritty display against them. The two corner backs, Kieran Keown and Brian Dorrian stood out, while the midfield pairing of Martin Gallagher and Matthew Thompson also had impressive outings. Up front, Turlough McIntyre was Aodh Ruadh's main danger man. We also have pictures from that meeting up.

Congratulations to Peter Boyle on yet another clean sheet in a Donegal jersey. He was custodian last Wednesday night as the Tir Chonaill men saw off the challenge of Antrim by 0-8 to 0-5. Indeed it was a great save from Peter which helped to turn the tie in Donegal's favour. We wish Peter all the very best this Wednesday night in Brewster Park when Donegal take on Cavan in a rematch between last year's Ulster final pairing.

Aodh Ruadh's under 16s got their first win of the season last Sunday with a 4-10 to 0-6 victory over Killybegs in Father Tierney Park. A disallowed goal meant the excellent Jamie McDonald was denied a double hat-trick, chalking up 2-3. Jamie was part of a very effective attacking unit, with Johnny Gethins also contributing 2-2. The win was built on solid support, particularly from half back where Paddy Gillespie, Darren Gethins and Colm Kelly kept Aodh Ruadh on the front foot. Ryan Patton also had a very good game at full back. The dominance of Eamon McGrath and Pauric Patton in midfield was another important contributor the homesters victory. Next up for the under 16s is the visit of Bundoran to Father Tierney Park. The game throws in at 12 noon on Sunday 27th March. We'd like to see good support for this derby clash.

Outdoor training continues for under 12s and under 13s on Wednesday 23rd March and on Monday 28th March in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 4.15pm. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children no later than 5.30pm.

~ HURLING ~
The fifth annual Hurlathon takes place on Saturday 2nd April from 10am to 10pm in the Mercy hall, Ballyshannon. This is the juvenile hurling committee's major fund-raising event for the year. This promises to be a great day's fun for all the family and we would ask everyone to support this event generously.

Aodh Ruadh juvenile hurlers have taken delivery of two HERBs - portable hurling walls. They are a great addition to our young hurlers and were sponsored by Ulrika Vaughan of Seaview Veterinary Clinic. We are all very grateful to her for this sponsorship.

Underage hurling training continues for all ages this Sunday at 12 noon in Father Tierney Park, we've had record numbers attending the first few weeks and encourage all to attend especially begineers. If you have any enquiries, please contact John Rooney 086-2587793.

~ LADIES ~
Many thanks to Ballyshannon Shoe Company who have come on board as sponsors of the senior ladies team. Gus Culkin of Ballyshannon Shoe Company presented the new jerseys to Teddy Kane, Terence McShea, Fionnuala Gill, Karol Foley and Elaine Dorrian of the ladies team. The club is very grateful for this generous sponsorship and we appeal to club members to remember and support all our sponsors. We have a picture of the new shirt.

A huge thank you to all who came out and helped with the Cyclothon last Saturday. It proved a great success. Thanks to everyone who supported the fund-raiser, it's much appreciated, particularly in these tough times. We have a few shots of some of the cyclists and their support up. We would ask anyone with outstanding sponsorship cards to return them as soon as possible.

Congratulations to Catherine Lloyd and the Royal College of Surgeons ladies team who were crowned All-Ireland champions recently when they captured the O'Donaghy cup last week.

Well done also to Dearbhaile McNeill who lined out for Donegal minor ladies on Saturday. They had a comprehensive win over Cavan in the minor championship. The game finished Donegal 4-15 Cavan 1-05

All players are reminded that membership is now due and can be paid to Karol Foley, Katie Flood or any of the team managers. It costs €50 for all senior players and €15 for all players under 18! Any unregistered players will not be eligible to play for the 2011 season!

Senior and under 16 training continues on Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm in the park. It is hoped that the ladies will commence their campaign this weekend with a challenge on Saturday, more details to follow.

Under 12 and under 10 girls are training this Wednesday 31st March at 5.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The under 12 girls will be training again at 5.30pm next Mondays.

~ PARK/DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ~
The Park/Development Committee of the Club is producing a match programme for the Donegal Antrim National Football League game which will take place in Father Tierney Park on Sunday, April 3rd. Advertisements can be booked by contacting Peter Conlon, Conal Gallagher, Terrence McShea or Tom Daly. All advertisements to be provided to any of the above-named by this weekend. Rates are as follows: Full page - €80; Half page - €45; Quarter page - €30.

The Officers of the Park/Development Committee will meet in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 9pm on Tuesday, 29th March to finalise arrangements for the Donegal Antrim game and deal with other current matters.

With the impending change in hour, the next 10 weeks will be a hectic period at both Páirc Aodh Ruaidh and Father Tierney Park. We insist that pitch bookings be routed through Peter Conlon. External bookings, that is, bookings for teams other than Aodh Ruadh or local school sides, must be made to either the Chairman or Secretary of the Park/Development Committee.

~ COACHING CORNER ~
We have turned up some video footage from strength and conditioning Tommy Stevenson's visit to Aodh Ruadh last year. Tommy went through a day of drills and spoke inspirationally about core strength, flexibility and its importance to GAA players in both reaching their potential and staying injury free. This video segment is just a small example of the work Tommy did, but gives you an idea of some of the drills and equipment on show. Well worth checking out as a refresher about the kind of areas Tommy was addressing, and checking out how far certain boys have come on since last year!

~ OFF THE PITCH ~
Saint Patrick's day 2011 in Ballyshannon saw a bumper parade and a big Aodh Ruadh participation in one form or another. We have nearly 70 pictures from the afternoon's activity up.

You may have noticed a few Aodh Ruadh players going about with rather strange hair-dos recently, and some with no hair at all. It's not some bizarre deviant Jedward-style viral outbreak, there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for it all. Conor Gallagher organised a group of young lads to get together to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society, under the umbrella of Today FM's Shave or Dye appeal. The lads who signed up were Philip McGowan, Peter Boyle, Oisín O'Malley-Daly, Chris McCauley, Slim Langan, Jack Gallagher, Keelan Waters, Ronan Drummond, Liam Devanney, Marty McGrath and Conor Gallagher himself. We have some before and after pictures of the hair-raising exercise last Friday night. The lads raised a good sum for a great cause, at no small personal embarrassment. If you'd like to donate further, then don't hesitate to contact the lads with your contribution, I think it's fair to say they've earned it the hard way.

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29 March

~ REGISTRATION - TIME HAS ALMOST RUN OUT ~
There are only three days left to become a member of Aodh Ruadh in 2011. The deadline for registration is midnight Thursday, 31st March. The final opportunity to pay membership will be from 8pm to 8.30pm, prior at the monthly club meeting on Thursday, 31st March The club has received notice from Croke Park that late registration will not be allowed this year as was the case last year. This being the case we urge anyone interested in club membership to register before time runs out. We POWERLESS to facilitate registrations after this date. Much though we might like to facilitate people, Croke Park simply won't allow us.

Some points to note in relation to club membership.

Only fully registered players on the GAA online registration system are allowed to take the field for the club. If your name is not in this system you are ineligible. That has repercussions in terms of insurance cover for injuries and jeopardizes any competitive success the club may enjoy.
Registration is an important component in meeting the running costs of the club.
Only fully paid up members will be eligible for the draw for tickets to the football and hurling All Ireland finals.
Club membership will be displayed in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.

~ MONTHLY CLUB MEETING ~
The monthly senior club meeting takes place on Thursday 31st March in Aras Aoidh Ruadh at 8.30pm. All committee members are asked to attend. Anyone with items for the agenda is asked to mail them to info@aodhruadh.org.

~ DONEGAL V ANTRIM ~
Father Tierney Park hosts Donegal and Antrim this coming Sunday, April 3rd at 2.30pm in the National Football League. Stewards and programme sellers are asked to assemble in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 12.30pm. Bord na nÓg are running a half time draw and a large turnout of sellers is requested for 1.30pm. The under 12 footballers will be playing half time exhibition games against Four Masters. They are asked to assemble at the park for 2pm and bring their usual playing gear. Limited advertising slots in the programme remain available to purchase. A full page advert costs €80, half page €45 and quarter page €30. You can book your advert with Tom Daly, Terence McShea (087-2360815) or Peter Conlon (087-6838024).

~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh got a jarring introduction to division three football last Sunday as Naomh Bríd were justified 1-12 to 2-6 winners in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Naomh Bríd's superior ability to create scoring chances and keener cutting edge was the difference. The opening exchanges saw David and Shane Walsh proving very troublesome, but Aodh Ruadh were two up after the first quarter thanks to a well finished goal from Turlough McIntyre. Naomh Bríd upped in the second quarter and pinned on a string of scores before the break to go in 1-3 to 0-8 in the lead. It seemed as if the game has swung in Aodh Ruadh's favour when the Ballintra full back, Clint Walsh, was dismissed after fouling to give the homesters a penalty. Sticky Ward finished crisply to give Aodh Ruadh a two point cushion. Naomh Bríd showed great hunger and just when a superb Kerry Ryan point seemed to have secured the game with a minute on the clock, they came back with a goal and a point to clinch the two points. Best wishes to Conor Gurn for a speedy recovery from his ankle injury. We have a full match report and pictures from the game. Thanks to Cathal Maguire for supplying some of the pictures from the senior and reserve games.

The reserves had a barn-storming 2-21 to 1-5 win over their Naomh Bríd counterparts. Things were tight enough in the opening exchanges, however after a superb goal from Steven Perry Aodh Ruadh moved up a gear and had too much firepower for the Ballintra/Laghey men. Chris 'Spanny' Goan cracked over four mighty points in the first half. There was plenty of good work in defence too. Barry Travers went through an ocean of ball at centre half back, while Ronan McGurrin made a number of well-read interceptions at full back. Another young player, Alan Finan also shone defensively and on the break. Around the centre of the pitch Martin Gallagher and Matthew Thompson were well on top, with Pauric Loughlin and Diarmuid McInerney hoovering up a lot of ball. That pair of half forwards accounted for 1-6 between them and they set-up many of Aodh Ruadh's other scores. We also have a match report from that game and pictures.

The seniors and reserves are penciled in to face Downings at home this Saturday. No times have been confirmed for these fixtures, but they will be circulated as soon as we receive them.

The minor league gets under way this Friday, 1st April. Aodh Ruadh's campaign opens with Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh playing host to Saint John's, the amalgamation of Killybegs and Naomh Ultan. The game throws in at 6.30pm and we'd like to see a good crowd up at the park to support the lads as they get their season underway.

Aodh Ruadh's under 16s got their second win on the bounce with a 6-15 to 3-9 victory over Bundoran in the opening game of the triple header in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh last Sunday. Ballyshannon ran out into an early 1-5 to a point lead with Johnny Gethins firing home the goal. However Bundoran were up for the game and came back with a few scores. Ryan Patton and Niall Harley did great work during that period to steady the ship for Aodh Ruadh and the homesters were able to push on from there for a good win in the end. Ryan Patton was outstanding at full back as was Matthew Gettins at wing back. Pauric Patton and Eamon McGrath were a powerhouse pair in midfield, they covered miles ground, set up a number of scores and controlled the game from start to finish. Both got on the score sheet with a goal apiece. All the forwards saw a lot of the ball. Mickey McNeely showed well at corner forward, grabbing a goal, while James Kelly also capped a fine performance with a three pointer. We have some pictures from the game up. Next up for the under 16s is a trip to Ardara. That game throws in at 6.30pm on Monday, 4th April.

The Donegal Antrim game on Sunday will see the under 12 footballers playing half time exhibition games against Four Masters. They are asked to assemble at the park for 2pm and bring their usual playing gear. Outdoor training continues for under 12s and under 13s on Wednesday 31st March and on Monday 4th April in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh from 4.15pm to 5.15pm. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children no later than 5.30pm.

The under 10 are training on Saturday morning from 11am to 12 noon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

The under 6s and under 8s go outside this Friday from 6pm to 7pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

~ HURLING ~
The under 14 and minor hurlers open their league campaigns this Thursday, 31st March. The under 14s are at home to MacCumhaill's, while the minors make the trip to MacCumhaill Park to take on the twin town side. The throw-in for both games is 6.30pm. Best of luck to both teams for the season.

The fifth annual Hurl-a-thon in aid of juvenile hurling takes place in the Mercy Hall this Saturday 2nd April. This is the underage hurlers main fund-raiser of the year and has proved to be a great fun event for all the family. Play begins at 10am sharp and continues non-stop throughout the day until 10pm. All are invited to attend the event and to enjoy the craic and maybe take part themselves. Like Daniel O'Donnell's mammy's house there will be a cup of tea for everyone! The following is a rough time table for the day, but the lads and parents are welcome any time if the following times don't suit.

10am - 12 noon: Under 8s
12 noon to 2pm: Under 10s
2pm to 4pm: Under 12s
4pm to 6pm: Under 14s
6pm to 10pm: Under 16s, minors, parents, grandparents and supporters.

Indoor hurls will be provided on the day. We would ask everyone to support this event, and to support the young hurlers efforts on and off the field. Any enquiries please contact John Rooney (086-2587793) or any of the underage hurling managers.

A number of our underage hurlers were in action for Donegal last Saturday. Conor McNeely, Aaron Fannon, Rory Cullen and Pat Faherty made the trip to Clones with the Donegal minor team. All four lads made appearances in a disappointing defeat to the Farney men. Also on Saturday the Donegal under 16 development squad took part in an Ulster coaching session in Dromore, county Tyrone under the tutelage of National Hurling Director, Paudie Butler, and former Antrim hurling manager, Dominic McKinley. Tommy Gillespie, Ciaran Rami, Eddie Lynch and Conor Gilmartin took part in this session.

The under 10 hurlers are taking part in a blitz hosted by Setanta in Killygordon this Sunday, 3rd April, commencing at 11am. MacCumhaill's, Gaoth Dobhair and Dungloe will also be participating in this blitz. Eddie Lynch will notify parents with the travel arrangements.

Underage training continues on Sunday morning at 12 noon, all welcome especially beginners.

~ LADIES ~
Aodh Ruadh Ladies senior team will commence their league campaign this Saturday evening when they travel to Moville for the first round of the 13-a-side league. The game will throw in at 7pm.

All players are reminded that registration MUST be paid this week as no unregistered player will be eligible to play for the coming season. Membership can be paid to any of the team mangers.

Senior and under 16 training will continue in the park on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

The under 14 girls will travel to Belcoo this Wednesday evening for their first outing this year in a challenge game.

This week's table quiz in Owen Roes is in aid of the Aodh Ruadh Ladies. It's sure to be a great night's craic, as usual, and all support would be greatly appreciated!

Under 12 and under 10 girls are training this Wednesday 31st March from 5.30pm to 6.30pm in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The under 12 girls will be training again at 5.30pm next Monday.

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