Club Notes Archive - 2011
Notes navigaion
Click on a year to select a month.
OCTOBER- 4 October
-
~ FOOTBALL ~
The seniors made it home and away division three defeats to Naomh Bríd last Sunday. Down at Bridgetown Ballintra were always going to be a tough proposition, but Aodh Ruadh never looked to have the stomach for the battle. It was 0-2 apiece near the end of the first half but a Shane Walsh goal gave Naomh Bríd daylight going into the break. The homesters put on a spurt at the start of the second half to take the game away from Aodh Ruadh and a second goal from Walsh on 34 minutes put seven points in the game and effectively ended it as a contest. A James O'Donnell goal five minutes from time sent some last minutes jitters through the home support, but Aodh Ruadh couldn't capitalise and lost by 2-9 to 1-7. Best for Aodh Ruadh were Ciron Whoriskey had a good solid day in defence. Kerry Ryan, Michael Gurn and James O'Donnell competed well in the middle third while Sticky Ward did as best he could on limited ball. We have a full match report and pictures.The reserves also lost to Naomh Bríd, albeit by a slightly narrower margin. They trailed for much of the game, but a good third quarter and a goal from Martin Gallagher saw Aodh Ruadh edge into the lead. As time ebbed away it was Ballintra who kicked on though and they got the scores to run out two point winners.
The fixtures for this weekend see the reserves in intermediate reserve championship semi-final action this Saturday, 8th October against Urris in Convoy at 5.30pm. The seniors are in division three action on Sunday 9th October, when they travel to Mountcharles to take on Saint Naul's at 3pm.
The under 16s were drawn against the Down champions in the Ulster club championship. The Down championship is still in progress so it is likely to be a few weeks yet before we have a firm fixture.
The under 13s were defeated 7-6 to 3-14 by Ardara last Friday. As is their trade mark they started. Ryan McKenna and Shane McGrath won good possession in the middle of the field and the introduction of Oisín Rooney to the full forward line very nearly paid big dividends as his impact very nearly turned the game in favour of Ballyshannon, but time ran out. Their next game is next Friday, 7h October at 6pm away to Killybegs. Bus leaving the park at 4.30pm.
~ HURLING ~
Aodh Ruadh under 16 hurlers played Burt in the long awaited quarter final championship replay in Father Tierney Park on Saturday last. As Scrap Saturday was taking place the lads put on a great display of hurling, full of passion and steel. The lads put in a great team performance, they were determined that their championship dreams weren't going to end up on the scrapheap. They got off to a great start and ran into an early lead which they held throughout and crushed Burt's championships hopes. The lads showed great commitment and discipline and put on a great display of hurling which was greatly enjoyed by the large crowd present and Aodh Ruadh ran out worthy winners on a 3-15 to 2-4 score line. There are pictures of win up. They have now qualified for the championship semi-final which sees them face Setanta in Father Tierney Park this Saturday at 3pm.~ SCRAP SATURDAY ~
A big thank you to all who helped make Scrap Saturday a roaring success. Those who donated items and those who helped out on the day. It was a great day's fun and the craic was enjoyed by all. We have pictures up. The scrap yard is open again for business on Saturday next, 8th October, from 9am to 5pm. Members of the public from the general area are asked to bring their unwanted scrap metal items to Father Tierney Park. Items include old washing machines, scrap cars, scrap steel, copper, brass, stainless steel, aluminium, scaffolding, electric cables, lead, lead acid batteries, engines, electric motors, old wheels (without tyres), old machinery of any kind, etc.Aodh Ruadh volunteers will also be out and about collecting throughout the locality. For a collection service for heavy items, or if you require assistance, please contact any of the following volunteers:
John Rooney, Corker
086-2587793Conal Gallagher, Coolcholly
086-2112812Kieran Drummond, Finner
086-2368295Dinny Loughlin, Higginstown
086-8438781Terence McShea, Tully
087-2360815Sylvester Maguire, The Mullans
086-0532495Patsy Quinn, The Mullans
086-3438485Hugh McGarrigle, Connacht Gold/Cashelard
071-9851296Tom Daly, Abbeylands
071-9852595Teddy Kane, Erne Dale Heights
087-6851393All funds raised from donated items will go towards the development costs of Páirc Aodh Ruaidh (Munday's Field) playing fields.
Club members willing to help with this fund-raiser are asked to be at the Fr. Tierney Park at 9am. on Saturday morning. All collectors will wear Aodh Ruadh bibs and should come with protective gloves and working boots. Those who can should come with jeeps/cars and trailers. Arrangements are in place to avail of a front loader for particularly heavy items.
~ STRICTLY COME DANCING ~
Aodh Ruadh dancers are rehearsing for their performances in the Strictly Come Dancing gala in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran, on Saturday, 29th October. Tickets will be available shortly. We will have details of the Aodh Ruadh representatives and tickets in the next notes.~ OFF THE PITCH ~
The Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival, funded by Donegal County Council, began last Saturday and runs throughout the week. Featuring a host of shows events and exhibitions the festival promises to have something for all. We have details on the action in Ballyshannon as well as download version of the festival programme on aodhruadh.org. We also have pictures on aodhruadh.org from the festival opening night at the Abbey Centre where there was a performance of The Glenveagh Suite and the unveiling of a portrait of the composer, the late Margaret McGinley, painted by artist Barry Sweeney, by Frankie McGinley.Gaelscoil Éirne have a Big Bad Interactive YouTube Fun Quiz in Dicey Reilly's this Friday, 7th October at 9pm. Live action music, film, comedy, advertising and name that year rounds with great prizes on the night and plenty of fun.
There is a Céilí Old Time Barndance in Jamesie's Bar in Ballintra this Saturday, 8th October at 9.30pm with music from the Assaroe Céilí Band in support of the Niall Mellon Township Trust. A great night's craic for a great cause.
There was a strong club representation at the Kilometres for Kids at the Mall Park, Ballyshannon on Sunday. Monies raised are for Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Ronald McDonald House, Crumlin and Paediatric Department, Sligo General Hospital. We have some pictures of the event up.
~ VOTES OF SYMPATHY ~ Votes of sympathy were made for the following at the September monthly meeting of Aodh Ruadh. The family of Liam Browne, Donegal Town; The family of PJ Lynch, Benildus Avenue; The family of Jimmy Holland, Market Street; The McCloskey family on the death of Patricia Hannon, Bundoran; The family of Roly Gallagher, Kilbarron.
- 11 October
-
~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh booked their place in the intermediate reserve championship final with a good win over Urris last Saturday. They will meet Inishowen opposition in the decider once again in the shape of Carndonagh, who won their clash with Naomh Columba. The semi-final in Convoy was played in pretty dreadful conditions and both side struggled to gain much traction on the score board. Thankfully for Aodh Ruadh Steven Perry was in fine form and he executed his chances clinically. The first half was tit for tat, but it was Perry's goal on 20 minutes which was the defining score of the half. That left the sides going in with Ballyshannon leading by a point 1-2 to 0-4. Aodh Ruadh tagged on a further four points in the second half, but a stupendous defensive performance saw Urris confined to just a solitary point in the final 30 minutes. Diarmuid McInerney and Dermot Slevin were both in fine form up front, but the man of the match would probably have to come from the back division. In the end it was impossible to separate Michael Ward and Rian Treanor, both having outstanding games. We have pictures and a full team list.The seniors' game against Saint Naul's was postponed due to an unplayable pitch at Mountcharles. Apologies for any inconvenience this might have caused.
Aodh Ruadh travel to Buncrana this Saturday 15th October to take on Buncrana in division three. The reserve game throws in at 3.45pm and is followed by the reserves at 5.15pm.
The Bakery cup final will take place in Father Tierney Park on Sunday 16th October at 1pm. The referee will be Terence McShea. This historic tournament was first contested in 1957; the captain that year was Padraig McGarrigle. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Pauric McShea's victory in the Bakery Cup. We hope Pauric will be on hand to assist in the presentations after the final. There is a picture of the 1961 winning team on and team lists for the 2011 edition up.
The under 12s travelled to the Tracey Memorial Tournament in Garrison last weekend where they competed for honour against Erne Gaels, Kinlough and Devenish. Aodh Ruadh came through the round robin stages to meet Erne Gaels in the final. The lads saved their best for last and delivered a great team performance to take the title back to Ballyshannon. The winning team were John Conor McGarrigle; Shane Gillespie, Pauric Keenaghan; Cian McGloin, Nathan McNeely; Michael McKenna, Dylan Gallagher; Odhran O'Neill, Shane Dorrian (captain); Odhran Kennedy and Jack McSharry. Well done to all the lads.
~ HURLING ~
The under 16s are training away at the minute they have qualified for the under 16 championship and league finals against Buncrana and Burt respectively. It is hoped that these finals will be played shortly as the lads have had a very long season from the beginning of March and playing conditions are getting very poor. We expect the championship final will be this weekend.~ SCRAP SATURDAY ~
Over the last two weeks Aodh Ruadh have been running this event, gathering unwanted scrap metal to raise much needed funds for the club. It was planned to run this event over two Saturdays but due to overwhelming public demand we are running a third Saturday. This Saturday 15th October our scrap yard is open again for business from 9am to 5pm. You can save the expense of hiring a skip and paying recycling fees by bringing your unwanted scrap metal to Father Tierney Park to help raise much needed funds for the club. We'll take washing machines, car batteries, copper pipes, lead, old machinery, radiators, etc. It's a great chance to get rid of the clutter from around your house, sheds and land, and help clean up the environment. We are also operating a collection service just call and we'll haul. Huge thanks to everyone who has already donated and all those who have put their shoulders to the wheel over the past couple of Saturdays and all who have helped make this a very enjoyable fund-raiser for Aodh Ruadh. Contact any of the following volunteers for the collection service.John Rooney, Corker
086-2587793Conal Gallagher, Coolcholly
086-2112812Kieran Drummond, Finner
086-2368295Dinny Loughlin, Higginstown
086-8438781Terence McShea, Tully
087-2360815Sylvester Maguire, The Mullans
086-0532495Patsy Quinn, The Mullans
086-3438485Hugh McGarrigle, Connacht Gold/Cashelard
071-9851296Tom Daly, Abbeylands
071-9852595Teddy Kane, Erne Dale Heights
087-6851393~ STRICTLY COME DANCING ~
Ballyshannon Musical Society in association with Aodh Ruadh, Abbey Centre Panto and Dark Daughter Productions are hosting Ballyshannon's Strictly Come Dancing. It takes place on Saturday 29th October in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran at 8pm. Come along and support these local voluntary groups. Tickets are available from the dancers, Abbey Centre and Aodh Ruadh.~ OFF THE PITCH ~
There is a Céilí Old Time Barndance in Jamesie's Bar in Ballintra this Saturday, 15th October at 9.30pm with music from the Assaroe Céilí Band in support of the Niall Mellon Township Trust - Building Houses in Africa. A great night's craic for a great cause.The Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival concluded last Saturday with the spectacular Carnival parade through Donegal town. It was a wonderful spectacle and featured some amazing performances. It was a fitting end to a great celebration of art and culture in the region. Well done to everyone involved. We have pictures up.
- 18 October
-
~ FOOTBALL ~
The seniors sank to their third successive loss against Buncrana last Saturday on a score line of 1-12 to 0-7. It was a disappointing outing for Aodh Ruadh as Buncrana dictated the agenda. Ballyshannon had the benefit of the wind in the first half, but they failed to take advantage and went in trailing at the break by 1-6 to 0-4. Aodh Ruadh needed to start the second half strongly, but it was the homesters who took charge and they comfortably saw out the game. Best for Aodh Ruadh were James O'Donnell and Kerry Ryan who both tried hard at midfield. We have pictures from the game up.The reserves had a comprehensive win over Buncrana, running out 4-16 to 0-0. The visitors shot a lot of wides in the first ten minutes before settling into their rhythm. Ryan Granaghan was in excellent form up front and after he rattled home Aodh Ruadh's first goal the flood gates opened. Garret Blake hit two further goal, with Diarmaid McInerney scoring the fourth. There was an impressive defensive performance from the Ernesiders, with half backs Alan Finan and Aidan Murray putting in an eye-catching shift. and well defensively at half back. Ryan Granaghan had a great game got a goal in the forward line. Garret Blake hit two goals. We have some images from the action up
Aodh Ruadh travel to Mountcharles this Saturday 22nd October to take on Saint Naul's in division three. The reserve game throws in at 3.30pm and is followed by the seniors at 5pm.
The under 16s make history this Saturday when they become the first side from the club to take part in the Ulster club under 16 championship. They face Ramor United from Virginia in Cavan this Saturday at the grounds of Dromore Saint Dympna's in Tyrone. The throw-in is at 2pm and with a trip of less than an hour to Dromore we would encourage a good travelling support to get behind the lads.
Jason Gallagher's team won the 2011 Bakery cup in Father Tierney Park on Sunday afternoon. We have pictures up and should have a more detailed report later in the week.
Indoor training resumes on Friday 11th November. Under 6s are in the Mercy Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 6.45pm followed by the under 8s from 6.45pm to 7.30pm, also in the Mercy Hall. 2011 under 10s are training in the new hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm. That session is followed by the 2011 under 12s and under 13s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the new hall.
~ HURLING ~
Our under 16s take pride of place this week after putting on a tremendous show of hurling in MacCumhaill Park on Saturday last, to capture the under 16 championship title. This young panel put in serious work and commitment since the start of March and on Saturday last they got their reward when they ran out convincing winners over old rivals Buncrana on a 3-11 to 0-3 score line. It was the best performance produced by this particular bunch of lads since they came together five years ago. Such was their dominance the only surprise was that the winning margin wasn't greater. Aodh Ruadh were very quick out of the blocks and played a game of high intensity hurling for the full 60 minutes. Every man on the 20 man panel played their part and it was a really great team performance which provided the foundation for this success. Aodh Ruadh led at half time 2-5 to no score. The lads were determined to keep playing the game at a high tempo as they knew their old rivals from Buncrana would punish any slip in their performance. The Ernesiders showed great discipline despite being on the receiving end of some heavy tackles. The lads hurled as if their lives depended on this game and they held Buncrana scoreless till the 47th minute when they got their opening score from a free. Aodh Ruadh put on the tremendous display of hurling which their management always knew they were capable off, and when the referee blew the full time whistle Aodh Ruadh were ahead by 3-11 to 0-3. This was a tremendous achievement by this very young team only four of whom are overage next year, they put in serious work this year and bounced back from the serious hammering they got in their first game of the year against Lisbellaw. Over the last couple of years these lads have shown great commitment to training and the improvement in their game is reflected in the fact that only one point separated these teams in the under 14 county final in 2009.At the final whistle there were great scenes of celebration as the under 16 county title was returning to Ballyshannon for the first time since 2006. Donegal Hurling Board Chairman Donal McLaughlin presented the shield to Aodh Ruadh's inspirational captain Tommy Gillespie, who gave a great speech - similar to his performance on the field nothing fancy just straight to the point. The boys were clapped of the field by our loyal band of supporters who have followed us through thick and thin. From Ballybofey it was back to Father Tierney Park where Scrap Saturday was just finishing up. Thanks to the great efforts of these lads Aodh Ruadh could now celebrate a unique under 16 double championship success in hurling and football, showing the importance of promoting dual players in the club. A huge cavalcade toured the town and then back to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh for much deserved refreshments for the 2011 County champions. Thanks to Eleanor Rooney and Eddie Lynch we have some pictures from the day.
The under 16 league final against Burt takes place on Saturday 29th October with a 2pm throw. The venue has yet to be confirmed.
~ LADIES ~
Indoor training resumes on Wednesday 9th November. Under 8s and under 10s are in the Mercy Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 6.45pm followed by the under 12s from 6.45pm to 7.30pm, also in the Mercy Hall.~ STRICTLY COME DANCING ~
Aodh Ruadh in association with Ballyshannon Musical Society, Abbey Centre Panto and Dark Daughter Productions are hosting Ballyshannon's Strictly Come Dancing. The dancers are training away diligently for the big night which takes place on Saturday 29th October in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran at 8pm. Come along and support these local voluntary groups. Tickets are available from the dancers, including Val Murray, Aidan Murray, Padraig Loughlin, Emma McPhelim and Emma Gaughan. Tickets can also be bought in The Abbey Centre, Pearse O'Neill's, the Bridgend bar or any Aodh Ruadh committee member or team manager.~ SCRAP SATURDAY ~
Scrap Saturday has been running for the last three Saturdays and has proved to be a very successful and enjoyable fund-raiser for Aodh Ruadh. Due to continuing demand we are still collecting any unwanted scrap material: Washing machines, car batteries, copper, lead, cars, old machineryc etc. up till 12 noon on Friday 21st October when the last truck of scrap will leave Father Tierney Park bringing to an end a very enjoyable few weeks for all involved in this project. Items can be brought to Father Tierney Park any day this week up till 12 noon Friday. You can also contact any of the usual people to organise collection. Save yourself the expense of hiring a skip or paying recycling charges and your help raise much needed funds for the club.We want to thank all club volunteers who gave so much of their time to this project over the last month, those who used their vehicles to collect items and all those who donated items to raise much needed funds for Aodh Ruadh.
- 25 October
-
~ STRICTLY COME DANCING ~
Aodh Ruadh in association with Ballyshannon Musical Society, Abbey Centre Panto and Dark Daughter Productions are hosting Ballyshannon's Strictly Come Dancing. We won't deny that nerves are becoming frayed as dancers rehearse frantically in the final few hours ahead the big night. The moment we're all waiting for is 8pm on Saturday 29th October in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran, when we will finally get to see whether they will flabbergast us with their footwork or fall flat on their faces. The pen pictures for each of the dancers are now up and make for compromising reading for some of the partners! Come along and support these local voluntary groups. Tickets are available from the dancers, including Val Murray, Aidan Murray, Padraig Loughlin, Moya Ferguson, Emma McPhelim and Emma Gaughan. Tickets can also be bought in The Abbey Centre, Pearse O'Neill's, the Bridgend bar or any Aodh Ruadh committee member or team manager.~ MONTHLY CLUB MEETING ~
The monthly club meeting takes place on Thursday 27th October in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8.30pm. All committee members are asked to attend. Anyone with items for the agenda is asked to e-mail them to info@aodhruadh.org.~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh finally got the better of Saint Naul's at the fourth time of asking this year. The Mountcharles men were down a few men, including main score getter Stephen Griffin. Ballyshannon got stuck into their job well though and were deserved 1-5 to 3-13 winners. Donagh McIntyre prospered under the high ball and hit 2-1, while Ronan McGurrin notched up 1-1 in what was a man of the match performance. The midfield pairing of James O'Donnell and Conor Gurn had the better of the exchanges with their Mountcharles opposite numbers. Meanwhile at the back Johnny Gallagher was back to something approaching his best form and also hit 0-2. We have pictures from Cathal Maguire and a short report.The reserves had convincing win over Saint Naul's last weekend, running out victors on a score line of 5-11 to 1-10. Ballyshannon had the heavy lifting done in the first half, racking up 4-8 by the break. Saint Naul's fought back, but Aodh Ruadh eased home in the second half. It was a impressive performance from the attack, with Garret Blake, Ryan Granaghan and Diarmuid McInerney among the goals. Aidan Murray and Pauric Loughlin were totally dominant at midfield, with Loughlin also managing to get among the goals. The Ernesiders defence wasn't really tested at any point during the game.
There were no fixtures to hand at time of mailing.
The under 16s enjoyed a successful debut in the Ulster championship with good win over Ramor United last Saturday. The lads took a while to get their bearings in Saint Dympna's park in Dromore, and the treacherous underfoot conditions certainly didn't help. Ramor presented a vigorous challenge, but Aodh Ruadh were able to book their place in the Ulster under 16 club championship semi-final on a score line of 3-11 to 2-3. An extensive match report and pictures are available via our Facebook page. Login into Facebook and join the "Aodh Ruadh CLG" Group.
The Sean Slevin under 14 tournament takes place this Sunday, 30th October at 12 noon. Sides from Erne Gaels and Naomh Brid have already committed to attend and at the time of writing we are waiting on a further two confirmations. Parents/guardians are asked to send a loaf of sandwiches with each player to help with the catering for the day. Any parents available to give their time to help with the catering would be gratefully appreciated. Please contact Jim Kane (086-2849425) if you are available to assist.
Indoor training resumes on Friday 11th November. Under 6s are in the Mercy Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 6.45pm followed by the under 8s from 6.45pm to 7.30pm, also in the Mercy Hall. 2011 under 10s are training in the new hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm. That session is followed by the 2011 under 12s and under 13s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the new hall.
~ HURLING ~
The much-anticipated and long awaited under 16 league final between Aodh Ruadh and hurling kingpins Burt takes place this Saturday,29th October with a 2pm throw in. The venue remains to be confirmed, we will notify you as soon as it comes to hand. The lads are bidding for a double, but will face a tough battle in their attempts to add the league title to the championship title which they won recently against Buncrana. A good show of Aodh Ruadh support would be much appreciated.~ LADIES ~
Indoor training resumes on Wednesday 9th November. Under 8s and under 10s are in the Mercy Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 6.45pm followed by the under 12s from 6.45pm to 7.30pm, also in the Mercy Hall.~ ORAL HISTORY ~
The GAA Oral History Project is coming to an end and will finish collecting material on the 31st December 2011. This project has already produced some wonderful publications such as The GAA: A People's History and The GAA: County by County. If you would like to share the story of your involvement with Aodh Ruadh and the GAA with the project e-mail info@aodhruadh.org and we will send you on the documentation to get involved in this wonderful repository for posterity. The more club members who contribute, the better the story of the GAA in Ballyshannon will be represented.~ SCRAP SATURDAY ~
The last load of scrap left Father Tierney Park on Friday last bringing to an end this very successful fundraiser which saw Aodh Ruadh enter the scrap business. Over the last month club volunteers have being working tirelessly sourcing and gathering scrap metal. It was a very enjoyable fund-raiser and many hours craic were had out and about on the road. Thanks to all in the community who supported this fund-raiser, donating items of scrap metal. Thanks also to all club volunteers who helped with this event and special thanks to all club volunteers who used their vehicles so willingly for this venture. It was very heart-warming and encouraging to see such club spirit in these difficult times.~ SUMMER MEMORIES ~
Aodh Ruadh is extremely fortunate to have Sean Perry as a club man. His hatchet man persona on the pitch could not be further removed from his poise, polish and professionalism behind the mic. His rare skill with an audience has been made manifest on the countless club occasion he has held the crowd in the palm of his hand. But it is in his role as a match commentator he is best known and this week we get the opportunity to relive some of the highlights of the championship summer through his inimitable and evocative commentary on Ocean FM. Ó Muircheartaigh himself could surely not have painted the picture better, or sweeter. Thanks for the clips Sean.