Club Notes Archive - 2012

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DECEMBER

4 December

~ AGM ~
The club AGM takes place this Sunday 9th December at 5pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Anyone with an interest in Gaelic Games and culture in Ballyshannon is warmly invited to attend.

~ WINE TASTING ~
Aodh Ruadh are hosting a Christmas wine tasting night in Dicey Reilly's this Saturday 8th December from 8pm-10.30pm. Come along and try some new wines for Christmas and get some seasonal gift ideas. Music after with John Meehan. Tickets are available now priced €10.

~ HERE COMES YOUR SAM ~
Sam Maguire will be a guest of Ballyshannon for the next few days. His first stop will be Aras Aoidh Ruaidh, tomorrow night, Tuesday, 4th December. The trophy will be available for pictures and there will also be refreshments served. Youngsters are invited to attend between 6pm and 8pm, with all comers invited from 8pm to 10pm. Wednesday and Thursday will see the trophy touring schools, hospitals and other such venues throughout the locality, but it will be available for open view again on Thursday, 6th December in the Abbey Centre from 9.30am to 10.30am.

~ COACHING SEMINAR ~
Aodh Ruadh are hosting a coaching seminar in the Breesy Centre, Cashelard this Saturday, 8th December from 5pm. Ulster GAA's Terence McWilliams will be present to speak on coaching strategy, with other guest speakers also contributing. We would ask all coaches in the club to make a special effort to attend this seminar as it will play a significant role in helping to map the club's coaching development and strategy for coming five years. If you care about how the club's onfield fortunes will take shape in the next half decade then we hope to see you in the Breesy Centre this Saturday. Light refreshments will be served.

~ FOOTBALL ~
Indoor under 10 and under 12 training concludes for the season this Friday 7th December. Under 10s are from 6pm to 7pm. They are followed by the under 12s from 7pm to 8pm. There is a charge of €2 per head to cover the cost of the hall. Please bring runners as no other footwear allowed. Also remember to hydrate well before coming to training. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.

The Bord na nÓg AGM took place on Friday last with a good attendance present. The following appointments were made. Chairman: Shane Toolan; Secretary: Tracey Flood; Under 8 management: John Hughes and Ken Roper; Under 10 management: Declan Rooney; Under 12 management: Peter Gallagher and Diarmuid Keon; Under 14 management: Peter McKenna and Alan Sweeny; Under 16 management: Raymie Granaghan and Jim Kane; Minor management: Shane Ward and Gregory Sweeney.

~ HURLING ~
Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling committee held its AGM on Tuesday last. There was a good crowd present and it was pleasing to see a number of parents attend and involved. We had a review of a successful and busy year on and off the field and we made plans for 2013. The following positions were filled on the night Chairman: John Rooney; Assistant Chairperson: Fionnuala Gillespie; Secretary: Eddie Lynch; Assistant Secretary: Pauric Keenaghan; Under 8 management: Dennis Daly and Aidan Begley; Under 10 management: Pauric Keenaghan and Chris Kelly; Under 12 management: Michael Ayres; Kevin McDermott and Eddie Lynch, under 14 management Michael Ayres and Kevin McDermott under 16 management: John Rooney, Peter Horan and Mike Lynch; minor management: Peter Horan, John Rooney and Mike Lynch. Committee: All the above plus Frances Drummond, Billy Finn, Mandy Gilmartin, Paul O'Sullivan and Pat Faherty.

A date for your diary. A table quiz in aid of Juvenile Hurling will take place in Owen Roe's on Thursday 13th December. A great night's crack to start your Christmas celebrations. Lots of raffle prizes to be won!

~ MOUTHGUARDS NOW MANDATORY ~
Following the GAA's Annual Congress in April 2012 a rule came into force making it mandatory to use a mouth guard in all Gaelic football matches and training sessions from 1st January 2013 for all age grades up to and including minor. Players will not be allowed to field without mouth guards so it is essential that all ensure they make themselves compliant with this rule at their earliest convenience. With Christmas coming up and this now a compulsory piece of kit for the footballers in your family, it might make a timely stocking filler. For those who wish to avail of the service, Eugene Loughlin (071-9851394) will provide personally fitted mouth guards at reduced rates for Aodh Ruadh club members. We have a full information sheet detailing the GAA's mouth guard policy.

~ CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FAYRE ~
Ballyshannon Businesses are hosting their Christmas Shopping Fayre in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel on Sunday 9th December between 12 noon and 4pm. Local businesses will display and sell their goods and show people what is available to purchase on the run up to Christmas. There has been huge interest in this event so far, so hopefully there will be a great crowd. Come and support your local businesses and soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Thanks from all the businesses in Ballyshannon.

~ FUN RUN/WALK ~
A 5K Santa Fun Run/ Walk takes place in Ballyshannon on Sunday 16th December. Registration commences from 12 noon at Gaelscoil Eirne. There will be prizes up for grabs in mens, womens, family and best dressed Santa categories. Refreshments will be served at end of your run/walk. This event is organised as part of Ray Gallagher's Baron of Ballyshannon bid. Please support what will be a great family event. Keep an eye on next week's notes for further details.

~ BALLYSHANNON LEISURE CENTRE SPECIALS ~
Ballyshannon Leisure Centre are running some great offers at the moment. There are Family Fun Sunday's were the whole family can get admission for €10. Social Parent and Tot Thursday's run from 11am to 1pm and for only €5 you can enjoy a tea and coffee afterwards while your child has fun with the toys. Gym workouts with the Leisure Centre's personal trainer are available for €25 or you can buy five for €100 and get the sixth session free. If you are over 60 Leisure Centre membership is only €60 for the gym and/or swim Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. For those looking ahead to getting fit in the new year the Leisure Centre is also currently running free gym induction. Look out on Facebook for the One Day Surprise Specials. For more information call 071-9852818 or e-mail linnshamha@eircom.net.

~ BINGO ~
On Friday, 7th December, and every two weeks from now to Christmas, the Abbey Centre plays host to a bumper bingo with a jackpot prize of €1,000 in last game on 50 numbers or less and six games with house prize of €100 and four games with house of €150. All lines are €40. The action gets under way at 9pm with books priced €15. Bring a friend for a great night of craic and prizes.

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12 December

~ CLUB AGM ~ Aodh Ruadh CLG held its AGM on Saturday 10th December in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. There was an attendance of almost 60 present for what was a constructive and positive AGM. The following officers were appointed:

Patrons: Father Ó Fearraigh and Father McManus
President: Jim 'The Natch' Gallagher
Vice Presidents: Peter Conlon, PJ Buggy, Jackie McDermott, John Murphy and John Magee
Chairperson: Diarmaid Keon
Vice-Chairperson: Michael McLoone
Secretary: Emma Gaughan
Assistant Secretaries: Betty McIntyre, Mary Matthews and Barry Ward
Treasurer: Catherine McKee
Assistant Treasurer: Sean O'Mahoney
PRO: John Hughes
Oifigeach na Gaeilge/Scór: Betty McIntyre
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Officer: Emma Gaughan
Child Protection Officer: John Travers
Director of Coaching: Shane Ward

Also voted onto the club committee were: Mary Grimes, Chris Kelly, John Magee, Dinny Loughlin, Pat Malaniff, Gerard Ferguson, Mike Lynch, Mick McGrath, Peter Gallagher, David McLoone, Sylvester Maguire, John Keon.

The motions progressed as follows.

All membership to increase by €10 apart from under 10 and below. This would leave membership prices as follows:
U10 and under €15
U12 - U18 €25
Adult player €60
(Includes coverage by the GAA's player injury insurance scheme)
Adult member non player €40 PASSED
1 lotto entry per week: 52 x €2 = €104
Available for €90 (Saving of €14 per year)
lotto entry per week: 52 x €5 = €260
Available for €220 (Saving of €40 per year)
Entries will be included in lotto draw in conjunction with membership year. (From 7th April 2013 - 30th March 2014)
Discount price available if paid up by start date.
If there are 50 of these lotto entries, they will be included in a separate draw (If no jackpot winner) for a €20 prize. This will leave only 4 x €20 prizes for all other weekly entries. If there is less than 50 entries they will be included in the normal weekly prizes (5 x €20 draw). Entrants lotto numbers to remain the same for the year. PASSED
That members appointed to the club committee in addition to those automatically appointed be proposed and seconded individually at the AGM. PASSED
That a member of a club committee who misses a third consecutive meeting without a reasonable excuse be removed from the committee except where they have notified the club secretary of the reason for the third such absence and it is considered a reasonable excuse. If such removal results in any subcommittee of the club being inadequately represented by such action that such sub-committee be authorised to appoint a replacement. PASSED
That Donegal County Board develop a strategy to restore adult hurling in a number of clubs that have ceased to field an adult team and that these clubs receive encouragement and support from the County Board, and that competitions are created to facilitate these clubs. TO BE TAKEN FORWARD BY COUNTY BOARD DELEGATE
That a charge be put on training for all players, with a suggested charge of €1 for Bord na nÓg members and €2 for senior members per session. WITHDRAWN
That adult non-playing membership be increased to €40 TAKEN WITH MOTION 1
That the Assistant Secretary post be divided between two people, one for adult membership and the other for adult players and underage players. PASSED
That the assistant treasurer take on the role of transport officer. PASSED
That the club constitution be located within three months of this AGM, updated with those motions were passed in the intervening period since its drafting, where these can be established, and made available for public view on aodhruadh.org. In the event the constitution cannot be located the incoming executive be empowered to write and bring into force a new club constitution. TO BE REVISITED AT MARCH COMMITTEE MEETING
That a formal policy be drafted for the allocation of All-Ireland hurling and football tickets and incorporated into the club constitution. NOT TAKEN
That the club draw up a policy on the various aspects of sponsorship, without prejudicing the club executive's ultimate power of decision on such matters. NOT TAKEN

~ FOOTBALL ~
Three months after their drawn game, Aodh Ruadh minors booked their place in the county league final with a 1-13 to 2-7 replay victory over Saint Eunan's in Convoy. It was a display of real guts and commitment from the Ernesiders against a talented Letterkenny outfit, a number of whom had booked their place in the county under 21 final the day previous. Ballyshannon got the dream start when David McGurrin showed his football smarts to deliver a 13 metre free from an acute angle into the chest of the unmarked and onrushing Michael McNeely who duly slammed it to the back of the Eunan's net. Letterkenny weren't long fashioning a response though and went straight up the field for a goal of their own. After ten minutes Aodh Ruadh were trailing by 1-0 to 1-2 and things took a turn for the worse when Jamie McDonald, who had the beating of his man on every occasion up to that point, saw the line with a red card. Forced to play the remaining three quarters of the game with 14 men Aodh Ruadh rose to the challenge in some style. They had the better of the second quarter to send Ballyshannon in at the break with a slim half time lead of 1-5 to 1-4. Aodh Ruadh continued to dominate in the second half with Darren Gethins and Niall Harley having the better of things around the centre of the park. When Saint Eunan's did get their second goal in the second half to narrow the gap back to a point, Aodh Ruadh rallied immediately with two quick fire points. The final blow to the Letterkenny outfit's hopes came when they had a man sent off with ten minutes remaining and Aodh Ruadh saw the game out for a impressive victory and a passage into the county league final. It was a win built from the back with Thomas Anderson, Colm Kelly and Ryan Patton outstanding in the full back department. The half back line showed great aggression in bringing the game to Saint Eunan's with PJ Gillespie in particular having a thoroughly excellent 60 minutes alongside Kieran Keown and Eamonn McGrath. Up front David McGurrin clipped over five points, four from frees and his partnership with James Kelly against three opponents in the last quarter broke Saint Eunan's hearts. Michael McNeely shone at various points in the game with his opening goal and then his quick-fire three successive points in the second half. Pauric Patton and Ryan Granaghan finished with two points apiece while Niall Harley finished with a point to add to another impressive outing at centre field with Darren Gethins. We have pictures from the game up, thanks to Cathal Maguire. The county final takes place this Saturday, 15th December, in Convoy at 2pm. The opposition will be a highly-rated Cloughaneely who accounted for the county champions, Kilcar, in the other league semi-final. The last minor silverware claimed by Aodh Ruadh was back in 1992 when we won the championship, but our last league title was back in 1986, so a win on Saturday would see us bridging a gap of over a quarter of a century. All support would be greatly appreciated down in Convoy for what is a historic opportunity for the club.

~ HURLING ~
Annual table quiz in aid of Juvenile Hurling will take place in Owen Roe's this Thursday. It's always a great night's craic. The fun and questions start at 9.45pm with Eugene Perry acting as quiz master. As usual there are loads of lovely prizes in the raffle and with Christmas approaching they would make great presents. Anyone who can't make it but would like tickets for the monster raffle please contact John Rooney 086-2587793.

~ KICKABOUT FOR COLMAN ~
A date for your diary over Christmas takes place on Thursday 27th December when Aodh Ruadh stages the inaugural Colman Kerr Charity Match. The main event will be the Aodh Ruadh Select team taking on the Rest Of The World at 3pm, but we are also working on a few surprises for the day, so keep an eye on notes for further information. All proceeds will go to the Kerr family's nominated charity, the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, so we hope to see a big turnout on the day to support this great organisation and this great family. Anyone interested in togging out for either team who hasn't already made themselves known to Simon Gillespie or Philip O'Reilly are asked to e-mail info@aodhruadh.org. Indeed anyone who wants to help out in any way on the day can also make themselves known to this address.

~ COACHING SEMINAR ~
There was a excellent attendance of over 30 football, hurling and ladies coaches at the coaching seminar in the Breesy Centre Cashelard last Saturday. It was a productive session and will do much to inform the future development of coaching in the club. Many thanks to all the coaches who took time out of their weekends in the run up to Christmas to be part of the event. Thanks also to Terence McWilliams of Ulster GAA who directed the discussion with great insight and knowledge. Thanks to Pauric McShea who provided valuable sponsorship for the event. Finally thanks also to the staff at the Breesy Centre who helped the event run so smoothly.

~ YES WE CAN ~
The last collection of aluminium cans for recycling for 2012 takes place at Father Tierney Park on Saturday 22nd December from 12 noon to 1pm. This campaign has helped raise much needed funds for Aodh Ruadh and has also helped protect the environment. Other items of scrap metal are also welcome. It is planned to continue this campaign in 2013. Any enquires in relation to this campaign please contact John Rooney 086-2587793 or Kieran Drummond 086-2368295.

~ PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM ~
Last Tuesday saw Sam Maguire make landfall in Ballyshannon. The trophy was on display in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh with Anthony Thompson, one of Donegal's leading performers in 2012 run to the All-Ireland, on hand to meet and greet. We have a great selection of photographs from the evening up. Thanks to everyone who contributed to what was a memorable night in the club.

~ FUN RUN/WALK ~
A 5K Santa Fun Run/ Walk takes place in Ballyshannon on Sunday 16th December. Registration commences from 12 noon at Gaelscoil Eirne, with the gun going at 1pm. There will be prizes up for grabs in mens, womens, family and best dressed Santa categories. Refreshments will be served at end of your run/walk. This event is organised as part of Ray Gallagher's Baron of Ballyshannon bid. Please support what will be a great family event. Keep an eye on next week's notes for further details.

~ BINGO ~
On Friday, 21ST December, and every two weeks from now to Christmas, the Abbey Centre plays host to a bumper bingo with a jackpot prize of €1,000 in last game on 50 numbers or less and six games with house prize of €100 and four games with house of €150. All lines are €40. The action gets under way at 9pm with books priced €15. Bring a friend for a great night of craic and prizes.

~ ALL-IRELAND MEMENTO ~

Limited edition, professionally framed, oil paintings of Michael Murphy lifting the Sam Maguire are now on sale. There are only 100 of these pictures. Each one is an original oil painting, started from scratch each time, and is not a print. They are approved and endorsed by the county board, and each sale will see a contribution made towards the county team training fund. Each one has been signed by Michael Murphy, and each one has a special plate with our county crest, and individually numbered from 1 to 100. These beautiful paintings would look well in any club house, or indeed in your own homes. They would also make a super Christmas present for any Donegal fan that enjoyed the GAA journey of 2012. At this time of year many of us are preparing for our club dinner dances. It would be a great piece for a presentation, for appreciation to any club manager, club person of the year etc. Please contact Packie McGrath on 087-9794696 for further details.

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18 December

~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh bridged a 26 year gap to capture their first league honours since 1986. It was a game where Aodh Ruadh were dominant throughout, but never entirely succeeded in snuffing out the challenge of a determined Cloughaneely outfit. It was a well balanced performance from the Ernesiders with defence and attack giving a good account of themselves. Defensively Ryan Patton, Colm Kelly and Kieran Keown were excellent Niall Harley and Darren Gethins had the better of proceedings in the middle of the park, while in the forward division Pauric Patton, Michael McNeely, James Kelly and David McGurrin were superb in creating and executing chances against a well drilled Cloughaneely defensive unit. McGurrin's nine points probably marked him out at the MVP. A word too for the Convoy club who had their pitch in incredible condition for half way through December. There is a full match report and some pictures from Cathal Maguire up. We received the following kind words from RTE's Martin Carney on the win. "I'd like to congratulate the minor team on their fantastic achievement in winning the County Minor League title. Hopefully this will whet their appetite for more success and act as a springboard for the future. The town is overdue reasons to celebrate and be proud, so to see a clutch of successful footballers emerging again is really encouraging. Well done to all - mentors, parents and members of the squad. Keep up the good work." We are working on getting video for both this game and the reserve intermediate championship final up on Sham TV over Christmas.

~ HURLING ~
The following officer board was appointed at the recent Senior Hurling committee AGM. Chairman: Aidan Begley; Vice Chairman: Kevin Loughlin; Secretary: Conal Gallagher; PRO: Conal Gallagher; Treasurer: Stephen Sheerin; Assistant Treasurer: Thomas Gallagher (Coolcholly).

Aodh Ruadh have entered the Táin Hurling League and will also compete in the Donegal Senior Hurling Championship for 2013. We are currently seeking applications for the position of senior team manager. If anyone is interested in the position please contact Conal Gallagher on 086-2112812.

Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling committee held their annual quiz on Thursday last. As usual it was very well attended with 12 tables taking part. We want to thank all who attended on the night and thank those who couldn't attend but made contributions towards the fund. Many thanks to Eugene Perry who did a great job as quiz master and thanks also to Karl Duggan who set the questions. Thanks to Belleek Pottery who once again sponsored the prizes for the winners, beautiful pieces of pottery from their world famous collection. We thank them for their continued support which is much appreciated. Once again the local business community provided us with a huge amount of prizes for the raffle again we thank them all and encourage everyone to support our local businesses in the run up to Christmas. The following businesses donated prizes which were much appreciated. Kieran Barron, William Doogan, Mace, Centra, Sean Rooney Butcher, Kate's Kitchen, JR's, Ballyshannon Shoe Company, Bernie's Hair Affair, Sean Óg's, O'Neill's Sports Ballyshannon, Mr G's, Novel Idea, Tommy's Tuck Shop, Spar, Abbey Garage, Sean Nugent, Pillbox Pharmacy, James Kerrigan Photography and Pearse O'Neill. A great night's craic was had by all and well done to the winning team led by Strictly Come Dancing champion Emer O'Shea.

~ KIT FOR CHRISTMAS ~
The Aodh Ruadh Kit for Christmas has arrived. For those who placed orders the kit will be distributed this Friday, 22nd December, in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh from 6pm to 7pm. There was no excess stock ordered so please do not come unless you placed an order. Full payment on delivery. We will be putting together a second order towards the end of January.

~ KICKABOUT FOR COLMAN ~
The Kickabout for Colman is rapidly taking shape. This charity event in support of the Kerr family's nominated charity, the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, takes place on Thursday 27th December at Father Tierney Park. The curtain raiser game, throwing in at 2pm, will see Cliodha Kerr and Oisín Kerr captaining mixed teams of under 16 girls and under 14 boys. That will be followed by the inaugural Colman Kerr Charity Match. This encounter will see an Aodh Ruadh Select team taking on a the Rest Of The World team, made up of emigrants home for the festivities and representative of the Fanad Gaels club, at 3pm. This game will be played very much in a fun spirit and Sean Perry and Billy Grimes will be on hand to supply live commentary on proceedings. Anyone interested in togging out for a few minutes is asked to e-mail the relevant team managers; Philip O'Reilly (philiporeilly1@gmail.com} for the Aodh Ruadh XV and Sylvester Maguire for the Rest Of The World XV (smaguire@ccbs.ie). Deirdre Kerr has very kindly sponsored a beautiful trophy for the winning team and the club will also be presenting a small token of our appreciation to the Kerr family. We are lucky to have the services of Terence McShea and Shane Toolan who will be sharing reffing duties on the day. Paddy Kelly is preparing a quiz for the youngsters and we will also have other fun activities on the day. Food will be available in the Aras and Maurice McLaughlin is also providing hot food after the match in Sean Óg's. We are also indebted to the Park Committee who have made Father Tierney available for what promises to be a memorable day of craic. All proceeds will go to a great cause so we hope to see a big turnout on the day to support this great organisation and this great family.

~ BINGO ~
On Friday, 21st December the Abbey Centre plays host to the final bumper bingo of the year with a jackpot prize of €1,000 in last game on 50 numbers or less and six games with house prize of €100 and four games with house of €150. All lines are €40. The action gets under way at 9pm with books priced €15. Bring a friend for a great night of craic and prizes.

~ YES WE CAN ~
On Saturday 22nd December at Father Tierney Park we will have our final collection of aluminium cans for recycling for 2012 between 12 noon and 1pm. We intend to continue with this recycling campaign for 2013 so keep all your aluminium cans from the Christmas and New Year festivities and bring them to Father Tierney Park on 5th January between 12 noon and 1pm. Thanks to all the community who backed this campaign in 2012 it helped us raise much needed funds for Aodh Ruadh and also helped to protect the environment so continue to recycle your aluminium cans for 2013 we will also take any other items of scrap metal. For any information in relation to this campaign please contact John Rooney 086-2587793 or Kieran Drummond 086-2368295.

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23 December

~ KICKABOUT FOR COLMAN ~
The final few details for the Kickabout For Colman are falling into place. This charity event in support of the Kerr family's nominated charity, the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, takes place this Thursday 27th December at Father Tierney Park. The curtain raiser game, throwing in at 2pm, will see Cliodha Kerr and Oisín Kerr captaining mixed teams of under 16 girls and under 14 boys. Farah Bogle will then perform the anthem ahead of the inaugural Colman Kerr Charity Match. This encounter will see an Aodh Ruadh Select team taking on a the Rest Of The World team, made up of emigrants home for the festivities and representatives of the Fanad Gaels club, at 3pm. The Rest of the World team will field in Fanad Gaels jerseys. This game will be played very much in a fun spirit and Sean Perry and Billy Grimes will be on hand to supply live commentary on proceedings. Anyone interested in togging out for a few minutes is asked to e-mail the relevant team managers; Philip O'Reilly (philiporeilly1@gmail.com} for the Aodh Ruadh XV and Sylvester Maguire for the Rest Of The World XV (smaguire@ccbs.ie). Deirdre Kerr has very kindly sponsored a beautiful trophy for the winning team and the club will also be presenting a small token of our appreciation to the Kerr family. We are lucky to have the services of Terence McShea and Shane Toolan who will be sharing reffing duties on the day.

There will also be plenty to keep younger spectators entertained. We will have free face painting by Rosemary Downey and helpers as well as pin the tail on the donkey in the dressing rooms under the Aras. Paddy Kelly has prepared a quiz for the youngsters. Light refreshments will be available for all in the Aras after the games, where we also hope to have the presentations. We are also indebted to the Park Committee who have made Father Tierney available for what promises to be a memorable day of craic. The suggested admission fee is €5 for adults and free for children with donations welcome for the kids activities. All proceeds will go to a great cause so we hope to see a big turnout on the day to support this great organisation and this great family.

~ BIG BAD INTERACTIVE FUN QUIZ ~
The best excuse to get out of the house over Christmas is back! Aodh Ruadh are once again running their Big Bad Interactive YouTube Pub Quiz in Dicey Reilly's this Thursday 27th December. Using the big screens in Dicey's there will be live action rounds on a comedy, advertising, music and what happens next. The emphasis is very much on fun, craic and having a much needed laugh in these recessionary times. We'll have big prizes on the night and some refreshing spot prizes to be won too. This is an important fund-raiser for the club at this time of year so we hope to see a good turn out. The action gets under way at 9pm, see you there!

~ NOLLAIG SHONA ~
Aodh Ruadh wishes all associated with the club and everyone in the wider Ballyshannon community a happy, peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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31 December

~ KICKABOUT FOR COLMAN ~
Last Thursday we paid tribute to the memory of Colman Kerr with our inaugural Colman Kerr Charity Match. It was a wonderful day in so many respects and one which saw all the values on show which Colman so strongly embodied; A passion for sport, a love of the craic and, most importantly, consideration for those less fortunate. The day started with Colman's children, Cliodhna and Oisín, taking on each other in a mixed game between the under 14 boys and under 16 girls. It was a great curtain raiser and thanks are due to Claire Flood and Barry Ward who pulled the teams together for the day. There were a few aerial acrobatics before a splendid rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann was sung by Farah Bogle and then it was on to the main game of the day. This saw an Aodh Ruadh selection take on the Rest of the World, who lined out in the blue and white of Colman's native Fanad. Four quarters were played with the final quarter seeing the ladies take to the field. In all, over a hundred players lined out over the course of the day. The senior game was greatly enhanced by the commentary of Sean Perry and Billy Grimes who didn't sugar-coat their views on the unfolding action. Big thanks to the pair from all in the club for the huge part they played in making the day a real fun event. After the action concluded presentations took place on the pitch, compÃ¨red by our recently installed club Chairman, Diarmaid Keon. The first presentation was to captain of the Aodh Ruadh side who overpowered the Rest of the World in the senior game, Paul Kane stepping up to receive a beautiful trophy kindly donated by Deirdre Kerr, a wooden ball with a dedication and featuring the crests of Aodh Ruadh and Fanad Gaels. That was followed by the presentation of commemorative pictures to the Kerr family on behalf of the club. The family were also presented with a signed Aodh Ruadh jersey. Patrick McBrearty of the Bluestacks Special Needs Foundation then came forward to say a few words before the Kerr family presented him with the proceeds of the day's fund-raising, a sum of just over €3,000. It was a profoundly enjoyable and moving day in so many respects and one that no one would have appreciated more than Colman. Great thanks are due to all who took to the field, the managers who gathered the teams for the day and also to Terence McShea and Shane Toolan who shared reffing duties. Thanks also to all those who helped out with the catering in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh throughout the day and did such a great job of foddering the athletes! Thanks to Rosemary Downey and Pauline Faherty who did a powerful job on the face-painting. Thanks to Emma Gaughan and her team of helpers on the shop. Thanks to Paddy Kelly, whose kids quiz proved very popular. Thanks also to Cathal Maguire who videoed the day's events and hopefully we'll have that up on Sham TV in coming weeks. Form is temporary, class is permanent I think is the phrase! Finally thanks to everyone who helped on the gate, gathering the money up, to the Park Committee for making Father Tierney Park and having it in such good condition, and anyone else who helped in any other capacity whatsoever. It was really a great club effort and a day that will live long in the memory. We have images from the day up.

~ LADIES ~
The Ladies AGM takes place this Sunday 6th January at 2pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All with an interest in the ladies game are welcome to attend.

~ YES WE CAN ~
There is now a drop off point for aluminium cans for recycling for Aodh Ruadh at Mace in the Saimer Court Shopping Centre. All aluminium cans from Christmas and New Year's celebrations can be left there. The next collection day in Father Tierney Park takes place this Saturday 5th January from 12 noon to 1am. Chocolate tins and any other scrap metal can be brought to the pitch that day for recycling and to help raise much needed funds for the club.

~ VIDEO ~
We uploaded two extended videos to Sham TV in the past few days. The first was Cathal Maguire's full video of the minor league final which saw Aodh Ruadh bridge a gap of over a quarter a century to bring minor league honours back to Ballyshannon. Unfortunately the full Intermediate Reserve Championship final filmed by Cathal Maguire seems to have choked on the upload, so it will be a little while yet before that one is live. The second video which successfully uploaded was the first entry in the Billy Finn archive, on the history section of aodhruadh.org. A club legend in his own right, Billy Finn has had a number of videos available and we have commenced processing them in order to make them available for public view on aodhruadh.org. The first video is a fascinating one hour 15 minute interview with three men who loom large in the lore of Ballyshannon football; Alan Kane, Mick Melly and Sean Slevin.

~ BIG BAD INTERACTIVE FUN QUIZ ~
Big thanks to everyone who turned out last Thursday and made our annual interactive Bord na nÓg quiz such good craic. Once again it was great to see so many of those who have be compelled to leave us returning and enjoying a good night in the company of family and friends. We had a brilliant 29 tables taking part with Moya Ferguson's team emerging victorious. The club raised €1,400 on the night. Thanks to Shane Toolan, our question master on the night, and everyone who helped out on the night marking, collecting admission, selling the raffle and producing the quiz and helping in any other way. We have a few shots from the evening up.

~ BARN DANCE ~
There is a Céilí Old Time Barn Dance in the Rock Hall Ballyshannon this Saturday, 6th January at 9.30pm with music from the Assaroe Céilí Band. Supper served. Admission is €8 and all proceeds are in support of The Rock Hall. Come on out for a great night's craic for a great cause.

~ CONGRATULATIONS ~
Many congratulations to our minor and reserve manager and Director of Coaching Shane Ward who tied the knot with Gráinne O'Connor on New Year's Eve.

~ HAPPY NEW YEAR ~
Aodh Ruadh wishes all associated with the club and everyone in the wider Ballyshannon community a healthy and prosperous New Year.

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