Club Notes Archive - 2011
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NOVEMBER- 1 November
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~ AGM SEASON ~
The Aodh Ruadh CLG AGM will take place on Saturday 3rd December at 6pm in Dorrian's Hotel. Nomination and motion papers will be going out in the post shortly.The Bord na nÓg AGM takes place on Saturday 19th November. All team managers are asked to return their reports for the year to info@aodhruadh.org at their earliest convenience.
~ FOOTBALL ~
This Sunday our reserves bid to bring the first adult male footballing silverware back to the club since the thirds claimed the division four league title in 2008. The intermediate reserve final against Carndonagh takes place on Sunday at 2pm. The team have had a superb year and a win would be the cherry on the cake. We are still awaiting final confirmation on the venue, but we hope that a strong Ballyshannon support can make it down the road for this game. The seniors will be in division three league action on Saturday when they play their final away league game of the season. That takes them to Urris where the throw in will be at 3pm.Naomh Bríd played Aodh Ruadh for the Sean Slevin title on Sunday evening. While Saturday was one long downpour, Sunday proved a much more clement day and the pitch was in great condition for the game. Both sides competed manfully, but Aodh Ruadh just had a bit too much for their northern neighbours and reclaimed the Sean Slevin title they won against Naomh Brid last year. Best for the visitors was Eoin Quinn at half back who always used the ball economically and intelligently. Aodh Ruadh had a number of eye-catching performances, but Philip Patton played a real captain's role, pulling the strings at half forward. After the game the teams and supporters headed back to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh where a great spread had been laid on. Bord na nÓg chairman Paddy Kelly was master of ceremonies for the presentations. He began by praising the work of the Park Committee for having the pitch in such good order despite the exceptional weather conditions. Sylvester Maguire was thanked for his officiating. He thanked the parents for once again providing a great spread of food and drink. He then recalled the enormous contribution of Sean Slevin to football in the club at all levels, thanked the Slevin family for attending and called on Sean's son Kieran to present medals to the runners-up and plaques to the victorious Aodh Ruadh team. There is a team list and pictures from the game up.
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 ~
Under 16 league final was postponed on Saturday last due to MacCumhaill Park being unplayable, the game was refixed for the bank holiday Monday subject to a pitch being available, despite the fact that Tir Conaill Park, Donegal was made available to host this game, the game wasn't fixed for Donegal Town and the game wasn't played. We await a new date and venue to be set for this long awaited final.~ 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.~ PUB QUIZ ~
The quiz in Owen Roe's this Thursday, 3rd November is in aid of underage football in Aodh Ruadh. We appeal for all club members, in whatever discipline or capacity to come out and support the quiz this week. It gets under way at 10pm in Owen Roe's with Sylvester Maguire doing his Magnus Magnusson impression and plenty of prizes and craic on offer.~ 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.~ STRICTLY BALLYSHANNON ~
There were a lot of tired, but happy people around Ballyshannon on Sunday as the town basked in the afterglow of a great night's entertainment. There was a capacity audience in the Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran to watch as 20 local dancers put on a hell of a show. Every single couple put in a magnificent performance. In the end it was Mary 'Sandy' Hoey and Liam 'Danny' Thomas who took the top prize, but it would be fair to say that dancing was the ultimate winner! We have pictures from a marvelous and memorable night.~ VOTES OF SYMPATHY ~
There were votes of sympathy at the last Aodh Ruadh monthly meeting for The Drummond family on the death of PJ Drummond and the McHugh family of Kilcar.
- 8 November
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~ FOOTBALL ~
The weekend didn't begin too promisingly as our seniors made their way to Urris for their last away trip in division three in 2011. Urris needed the win to put themselves clear of relegation and played with commensurate vigour and enthusiasm. They led by 3-6 to 0-5 at half time. Both sides matched each other score for score in the second half, but Aodh Ruadh were unable to make any meaningful impression in the Urris lead and the homesters ran out 3-12 to 0-11 winners. Sticky Ward soldiered well up front and hit five of the Ballyshannon points, while there was also a good showing from Brian Roper who hit three. We have a longer match report and pictures from the game by Cathal Maguire.There was much better news in Convoy on Sunday evening when the reserves took on Carndonagh in the intermediate reserve championship final. A first half goal from Steven Perry helped Aodh Ruadh to a 1-5 to 0-4 lead and when Pauric Loughlin added a second 12 minutes from time to make the scores 2-9 to 0-7 it looked like the Ernesiders were home and hosed. However a penalty and a series of quick fire points saw the collective Aodh Ruadh heart rate going up a few notches. Aodh Ruadh survived Carn's late rally and a Dermot Slevin free was both the insurance score and the last kick of the game as Aodh Ruadh won the title 2-10 to 1-11. We have a full match report plus over 30 pictures up. Thanks also to Cathal Maguire whose video of the game with Sean Perry on commentary seems set to be one of the unexpected cinematic hits of the year after numerous viewings since the final whistle!
The under 16s are in the Ulster semi-final this weekend where they face tournament favourites O'Donovan Rossa of Belfast. The game throws in at 1pm this Saturday in Saint Dympna's park, Dromore. Rossa brought big support to their last game, but we hope to outnumber them for the semi-final and appeal for a big showing of Ballyshannon support in Tyrone. The Dromore website has a map of the grounds' location for anyone planning to travel. Our lads are in the shape of their lives and have put a lot into preparing for this game, we are quietly hopefully they will be rewarded by a place in the Ulster final.
Indoor training resumes this 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. 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.
~ HURLING ~
Saturday last in MacCumhaill Park, was another great day for underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh's history as our under 16 hurlers completed the double in Donegal hurling by adding the league title to the already captured championship title. The lads were facing Donegal, kingpins Burt and they were determined to win the double. On a beautiful day for hurling Burt showed they were up for the battle and opened the scoring. Aodh Ruadh began to show the form they had displayed all year and got a couple of goals and points. The lads were hurling well at this stage and fighting for every ball, all the training and effort they put in since March was coming to the fore. In another scoring burst they got another goal and 2 points leaving them ahead 3-4 to 0-1 five minutes before the break. Burt true to their great tradition were not going to go down without a fight and hit the Ernesiders for 2-1 in the space of a couple of minutes. The scene was now set for a gripping second half but just before half time Aodh Ruadh battled back to get a goal and go in at half time leading 4-4 to 2-2. The lads knew themselves at half time there was more hurling in them for the second half and they vowed they weren't going to come off the pitch beaten. from the throw-in they really upped their game, they never let their work rate slip and fought and supported each other to win every ball. To the delight of our loyal supporters who have been with this team since 2006 the lads ran out convincing winners on an 8-10 to 2-4 score line, and all 19 of the panel got playing in the final.
After the game the lads had a great sense of satisfaction and were thrilled as all the work and effort was rewarded by winning the double. It was a delighted captain Tommy Gillespie who accepted the trophy on behalf of his hard-working panel. Tommy thanked MacCumhaill's for use of the pitch, the referee for doing a good job, he thanked the management team of Peter Horan and John Rooney for all their work and he thanked all the panel for their efforts all year. Finally he called on all present to give three cheers for Burt. From Ballybofey it was back to Ballyshannon for a celebratory tour of the town.
This victory was built on hard work and discipline from all the panel, they remained unbeaten all year in Donegal both in league and championship. It was a very small panel and a very young panel with only four of the panel overage next year. The lads suffered a huge defeat in their first game this year versus Lisbellaw and their commitment and desire was questioned by management. In hindsight that defeat in Lisbellaw was a blessing in disguise as it united the panel and they realised the work and effort that was needed and the lads that wanted to hurl for Aodh Ruadh vowed that evening to put in the necessary work required and full credit to the lads that stuck with it they gave everything to the cause all year and thankfully they now have the rewards to show for their hard work. This league and championship double goes along with the league and championship double these lads won at under 14 in 2009 and 2010. These lads have a great passion for hurling and understand that they will have to continue working at their game to build on these successes, but we've no doubt these lads are up to the challenge. We have pictures from the presentations up thanks to Eddie Lynch and Bernie Kelly.Bright and early on Sunday morning the lads headed off on the road again for the Galway senior hurling final in Pearse Stadium, Salthill. On the way they stopped off to play Tuam in an under 16 challenge game. The lads were delighted to get a chance to pit their hurling skills against a Galway team and really tore into their opposition and ran out convincing winners. Tuam manager Mick Hehir, first cousin of Clare Legend Colin Lynch, was amazed at the lads level of hurling and complimented them on their great wins in Donegal and told them he looks forward to playing in the Alan Ryan / Seamus Grimes tournament in 2012. From Tuam it was further on the N17 to Pearse Stadium where the boys got to watch two great hurling finals. In the minor final Tynagh/Abbey Duniry containing three of the Galway All-Ireland winning minor team defeated Athenry managed by the former Galway great Eugene Cloonan. The scene was now set for the Galway senior final and with a crowd of over 8,000 in attendance the atmosphere was electric as Gort and All-Ireland club champions Clarinbridge went to battle. Gort got off to the better start and led at half time by a couple of points, Clarinbridge clawed their way back into the game and led by one point with less than ten minutes remaining. Gort fought tooth and nail for every ball and finished with a late scoring burst to knock out the reigning All-Ireland champions on a score line of 0-17 to 1-12 and bring the county title back to Gort for the first time since 1983. This was one of the best Galway hurling finals in living memory and the lads were delighted to have been present for such an occasion and as is the tradition in Pearse Stadium all got playing on the pitch before, at half time and after the game, this great day was a fitting end to a great year for the lads.
~ LADIES ~
Indoor training resumes this 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. 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.~ OFF THE PITCH ~
The Allingham Arts weekend has been a feature of the cultural calendar in Ballyshannon since the 1970s. The ideal of cultivating writing as an art form has been central to the weekend since that time. More recently fine art had been added to the programme as a feature of the weekend. A mixture of music, talks, readings and work shops provided the backbone of the festival. We have a selection of images to give a flavour of the weekend. First up are a couple of shots from the unveiling of a work in progress by Dermot Carney of club legend PJ Ferguson. The unveiling was attended by the Ferguson family. They are followed by some shots of the play Behind Every Man, a one act play by Ballyshannon Drama Society, written and directed by Bill Greaves. Those are followed by the junior prize presentations. Congratulations to all for a great weekend of the best of the arts in Ballyshannon.Timetable details, membership fees and information on fitness classes for the winter in Ballyshannon Leisure Centre are now available on aodhruadh.org.
~ AGM SEASON ~
In an amendment to last week's notes the Aodh Ruadh CLG AGM will now take place on Saturday 10th December at 6pm in Dorrian's Hotel. Apologies for any inconvenience. Nomination and motion papers will be going out in the post shortly.The Bord na nÓg AGM takes place on Saturday 19th November. All team managers are asked to return their reports for the year to info@aodhruadh.org at their earliest convenience.
- 15 November
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~ FOOTBALL ~
The seniors were in irresistible form as the accounted for the challenge of Naomh Colmcille last Sunday on a score line of 1-17 to 0-8. Aodh Ruadh made good use of having the wind at their backs in the first half, although it took a while to break down Newtowncunningham's resistance. A series of points from five David Dolan, Kerry Ryan, PJ McGee and Conor Gurn just before the break gave the Inishowen men a mountain to climb in the second half. Ballyshannon didn't take their foot off the pedal in the second half and pressed home their advantage. David Dolan was in particularly good form, giving an exhibition of points scoring and finished with eight to his credit. Brian Roper finished a good outing with a very coolly taken goal. Also in good form for the homesters were the brother Gurn. They, along with James O'Donnell, dominated the centre of the park and didn't allow Naomh Colmcille to gain any meaningful traction. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up. Aodh Ruadh's last game of the season is against Burt. It's possible that game won't take place until next February and so our league situation could potential remain unclear until then.The reserves showed the intermediate championship celebrations didn't knock too much out of them with a healthy 4-13 to 0-6 win over Naomh Colmcille in Father Tierney Park last Sunday. Ballyshannon dominated throughout and there was a very pleasing team effort. Ryan Granaghan went in at half back and did a great job bursting up the pitch. His father, Raymie was in the corner back berth and got forward himself on one occasion too. Matthew Turkey Thompson, Pauric Loughlin and Aidan Murray held sway in the middle of the pitch and Murray was able to gild a fine performance with a goal. Dermot Slevin was also among the goals as Aodh Ruadh ran out comfortable winners. We have pictures from the game up.
The under 16s produced a phenomenal display after a nervy opening half to take their Ulster semi-final against O'Donovan Rossa to extra-time and then a replay. Aodh Ruadh were hit for three first half goals and a series of points at the start of the second half put them ten points down. But the Ballyshannon lads found reserves of self-belief from somewhere and played their way back into the game. Calm and consistent score-taking by David McGurrin was a key aspect, as well as Jamie McDonald's ability to engineer and execute goals from out of thin air. Towards the end of normal time Rossa had a man sent off and the momentum was most definitely with Aodh Ruadh. A McGurrin penalty game back off the upright, but he was on hand to kick the leveler and send the game to extra time. Aodh Ruadh were four minutes down going into the last minute of extra time when Pauric Patton scored a truly outstanding goal to bring Ballyshannon back into the game. Collecting a Colm Kelly free he ran fully 50 metres before burying a sublime effort past the Belfast keeper. A Johnny Gethins goal in the early stages of the second half of extra time game Aodh Ruadh the upper hand again, but Rossa hit back with two points to level the game at 4-14 apiece. We have pictures and an extensive match report. We also have video of the second half of extra time which we are endeavoring to convert for web viewing, hopefully we should have that up over the course of the week. Thanks to Cathal Maguire for both the still images and the video work.
Indoor training continues this Friday 18th November. Under 6s are in the Marian Hall at Scoil Chatriona from 6pm to 6.45pm followed by the under 8s from 6.45pm to 7.30pm, also in the Marian 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. 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.
~ HURLING ~
Well done to Colaiste Cholmcille under 15 and a half hurling team who took part in an Ulster Colleges Blitz on Friday last in Annyalla in Monaghan. There was nonstop rain throughout the blitz and the pitch was very heavy, but the Colaiste lads put on a great display of hurling full of passion and hard work. Despite having a very young team and their opponents being much bigger the lads had convincing wins over St Pat's of Cavan and St Macartan's of Monaghan ensuring that they won the blitz. All of the panel play their club hurling with Aodh Ruadh.~ LADIES ~
There will be no girls training for the foreseeable future due to the unavailability of Mercy Hall. We hope to have a few sessions before Christmas, keep an eye on notes for further information. Apologies for any inconvenience.~ AGM SEASON ~
The Aodh Ruadh CLG AGM will take place on Saturday 10th December at 6pm in Dorrian's Hotel. Nomination and motion papers will be going out in the post this week.The Bord na nÓg AGM takes place on Saturday 19th November at 6pm. All team managers are asked to return their reports for the year to info@aodhruadh.org at their earliest convenience.
- 22 November
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~ FOOTBALL ~
The senior footballers appear to have kicked their last ball in anger in 2011. There will be no football played in December or January, as per county bye-law. With one remaining game, against Burt, yet to be played, and a number of other clubs with unplayed games, division three will not be resolved until 2012. On a more heartening note, we now have a copy of the county final on DVD and are working on putting it online.The under 16s were defeated in their Ulster under 16 championship semi-final against O'Donovan Rossa 1-11 to 0-7. Aodh Ruadh gave the Belfast side a nine point head start before Jamie McDonald got the Ernesiders off the mark with a point after 23 minutes. In the end it was a too high mountain to climb. Nevertheless two goal chances in quick succession early in the second half which were denied by the woodwork and a superb save respectively, and which could potentially have put a single point between the side means tantalising questions of what might have been still hang in the air. All said, it was a nervy display by Aodh Ruadh with a lot of errors, but it should prove a very valuable learning experience in the years to come. Best for Aodh Ruadh were Matthew Maguire, Eamonn McGrath and Colm Kelly in defence. Pauric Patton gave everything in midfield. Johnny Gethins delivered an improved performance on the first game, while Conor Gilmartin proved a real handful for Rossa and David McGurrin played with guts, skill and real heart and desire. This marks the end of the under 16 season. The team deserve huge credit for all they have achieved this year. They won a county title that will live long in the memory. Their defeat of Buncrana in the semi-final and their first match against O'Donovan Rossa were just about as good as football gets. Well done also to management and mentors; Shane Ward, Gregory Sweeney, Chris Kelly and Chris 'Spanny' Goan who have put a massive amount of work into the side this year and who will be taking them into minor in 2012. There is a full match report on the semi-final replay and pictures from Cathal Maguire.
Indoor training continues this Friday 25th November. Under 6s are in the Marian Hall at Scoil Chatriona from 6pm to 6.45pm followed by the under 8s from 6.45pm to 7.30pm, also in the Marian 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. 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.
The Bord na nÓg AGM took place last Saturday with the following appointments being made. Chairman: Shane Toolan (acting, to be ratified); Secretary: Tracy Flood; Southern Divisional Board Delegates: Shane Toolan, Paddy Kelly, Sylvester Maguire. Under 6 and 8 management: Ken Monaghan and David O'Donnell; Under 10 management: Gerald McGloin; Under 12 management: Sylvester Maguire and Raymond Granaghan; Under 14 management: Jim Kane and Barry Ward; Under 16 management: Packie McGrath and Peter Gallagher; Under 18 management: Shane Ward and Gregory Sweeney. Congratulations to all appointees and the very best wishes for success in 2012.
~ HURLING ~
Colaiste Cholmcille Under 15 and a half team are playing Abbey CBS, Newry in the Ulster C final. Date and venue to be arranged.Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee holds their AGM in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8 pm on Wednesday 30th November. Anyone interested in working to continue the development of underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh is asked to come to this meeting.
~ AGM SEASON ~
The Aodh Ruadh CLG AGM will take place on Saturday 10th December at 6pm in Dorrian's Hotel. Nomination and motion papers have been posted and should be with all paid up club members early this week. Anyone who fails to get papers by Friday should contact John Hughes on info@aodhruadh.org.
- 29 November
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~ FOOTBALL ~
The first half of the intermediate reserve final is now available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSrSTV2wxX4. We're working on getting the second half web-ready and hope to have it processed at some point this week.Indoor training continues this Friday 2nd December. Under 6s are in the Marian Hall at Scoil Chatriona from 6pm to 6.45pm followed by the under 8s from 6.45pm to 7.30pm, also in the Marian 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. 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.
~ HURLING ~
Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee holds their AGM to review 2011 and plan for 2012 in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8pm on Wednesday 30th November. Anyone interested in working to continue the development of underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh is asked to come to this meeting.It's hoped that the Ulster Colleges under 15 and a half C final will take place this Friday between Colaiste Cholmcille and Abbey CBS Newry. Venue yet to be arranged.
~ LADIES ~
Well done to Cliodhna Kerr who lined out for Donegal as part of the under 15 development squad in the Ulster blitz on Saturday. Congratulations also to Meave Liston who was also part of the panel, but was unable to attend on Saturday. The two girls have put in a huge effort every Saturday morning since last August, sometimes in very unfavourable conditions. This was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to experience inter-county football, and hopefully not be the last time we see the girls line out in the county colours.Senior, minor and under 16 training will take place on Thursday evening, meeting at Áras Aoidh Ruaidh at 7pm on Thursday evening. Players are asked to bring both indoor and outdoor gear. All new players are welcome to attend.
~ AGM SEASON ~
The Aodh Ruadh CLG AGM will take place on Saturday 10th December at 6pm in Dorrian's Hotel. Nomination and motion papers have been posted and should have arrived with all paid up club members. Anyone who did not receive papers should contact John Hughes on info@aodhruadh.org.