Search the site >

Club Notes Archive - 2013

Notes navigaion

Click on a year to select a month.

Box. MARCH
5 March

~ FIGHT NIGHT ~
The countdown is on to the Aodh Ruadh v Killybegs Fight Night in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran this Friday 8th March. On the night Aodh Ruadh footballers and hurlers - male and female - will take on opponents from Killybegs in what will be a night of explosive entertainment. The rising excitement has also been fueled by the announcement of a special Sports Memorabilia Auction on the night which will feature boxing gloves personally autographed by two Olympic medalists, from different eras, together with a World Champion autographed snooker cue and a hurl signed by the Kilkenny team. Full details on these very special items can been found on aodhruadh.org. The weekly Fight Night meeting takes place on Tuesday at 10pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Ticket and advertising monies should be brought to this meeting. Mary Matthews will accept ticket returns at Shannon's Corner. Also Margaret Peach will also take returns at the club rooms from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 11am.

~ FOOTBALL ~
The senior league and championship programme has been released. The following are the projected fixtures for Aodh Ruadh.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Intermediate Football Championship quarter-final first leg July 6th/7th
Aodh Ruadh v Buncrana
Intermediate Football Championship quarter-final second leg July 27th/28th
Buncrana v Aodh Ruadh
Intermediate Football Championship quarter-final play-off August 10th/11th
Aodh Ruadh v Buncrana
Intermediate Football Championship semi-final August 31st/ September 1st
Intermediate Football Championship final September 29th / October 13th

LEAGUE
Round 1 - 30th March: Saint Naul's v Aodh Ruadh
Round 2 - 6th April: Aodh Ruadh v Naomh Colmcille
Round 3 - 13th April: Naomh Padraig, Lifford v Aodh Ruadh
Round 4 - 20th April: Aodh Ruadh v Naomh Columba
Round 5 - 27th April: Fanad Gaels v Aodh Ruadh
Round 6 - 4th May: Aodh Ruadh v Red Hugh's
Round 7 - 11th May: Downings v Aodh Ruadh
Round 8 - 18th May: Aodh Ruadh v Carndonagh
Round 9 - 25th May: Aodh Ruadh V Naomh Bríd
Round 10 - 1st June: Aodh Ruadh v St Naul's
June 8th - Backlog Games
Round 11 - 15th June: Naomh Colmcille v Aodh Ruadh
Round 12 - 22nd June: Aodh Ruadh v Naomh Padraig, Lifford
June 29th - Backlog Games
July 6th - Backlog Games
Round 13 - 13th July: Naomh Columba v Aodh Ruadh
Round 14 - 20th July: Aodh Ruadh v Fanad Gaels
Round 15 - 27th July: Red Hugh's v Aodh Ruadh
Round 16 - TBC: Aodh Ruadh v Downings
Round 17 - TBC: Carndonagh v Aodh Ruadh
Round 18 - TBC: Naomh Bríd v Aodh Ruadh

Aodh Ruadh minors commenced their league programme with a hard-earned victory over Killybegs / Naomh Ultan combination, Saint John's. St John's had the better of the opening exchanges edging into 0-3 to 0-2 lead and added to their advantage as the sides reached the break to go in leading by 2-7 to 1-6 thanks to goals from Eoghan Ban Gallagher. Aodh Ruadh were galvanised for action in the second half and clawed back level with the first goal and point before moving into a 3-8 to 2-8 lead. Saint John's had the better of the scoring from there to the long whistle, but Aodh Ruadh were able to claim a 3-11 to 2-12 victory and two precious league points. Aodh Ruadh were well served in defence by Eugene Drummond and Callum O'Halloran, while up front big shifts were put in by Philip Patton, Eddie Lynch and Jason Gallagher. Ballyshannon's goals came from Niall Harley - a typical rampaging effort, David McGurrin and Jason Gallagher. The Aodh Ruadh team was: Kevin Warnock; Eugene Drummond, Matthew Maguire, Conor Kennedy; Callum O'Halloran, Colm Kelly, Daniel Kelly; Niall Harley, Darren Gethins; Eddie Lynch, David McGurrin, Michael McNeely; Philip Patton, Jamie McDonald, Jason Gallagher. James Kelly. The next game for the minors is the visit of Dungloe to Father Tierney Park next Sunday at 2pm.

The under 14s had a comprehensive 8-15 to 1-7 win over Four Masters on their first outing of the season. Peter McKenna's lads delivered a marvelous performance, getting off to a great start and dominating throughout. Captain Cian McGloin lead by example on the day, representing all the values the team aim to be about. With such a fine all-round team performance it is perhaps unfair to single out players so we name the panel for the game: Mark Gallagher; Caolán Dolan, Barry Kelly, Patrick McCaffrey; Shane Gillespie, Cian McGloin (Captain), Pauric Keenaghan; Dylan Gallagher, Conal Sweeny; Odhran O'Neill, Sean Taylor, Odhran Kennedy; Shane Dorrian, Stephen Anderson, Michael McKenna. Substitutues were Ryan Ayres, Ciaran Meehan, Aaron Peach, Darragh Ward, Evan McTernan. The day also saw the team take delivery of their new jerseys, kindly sponsored by McCaffrey's Quarries. Gerard McCaffrey of McCaffrey's Quarry was on hand to present the jersey to team captain, Cian McGloin and manager Peter McKenna. We have pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org The under 14s next assignment is against Bundoran in Gaelic Park next Sunday at 1pm.

The indoor training programme continues this Friday 8th March. Under 6s are in the Mercy Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 8s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the Mercy Hall. Under 10s are training in the new hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm. That session is followed by the under 12s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the new hall. There is a charge of €2 per head to cover the cost of the hall. Please bring runners as no other footwear allowed. Under 8s will also be expected to wear mouth guards as per GAA policy. Any parent who would like to pitch in with traffic control or managing drills is more than welcome and asked to make themselves known to the coaches on the evening. These are primarily fun training sessions so no great coaching expertise is required. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished. We are also running a second-hand clothing collection fund raiser at these sessions to help defray coaching costs. Players are asked to bring back bags over the remaining three weeks of our tenure in the hall. Details of acceptable items are printed on the bags. Parents/Guardians help with this fund raiser would be greatly appreciated.

Advance notice of a Bord na nÓg fund raiser. There will be a céilí, old time barn dance in the Rock Hall, Ballyshannon on Saturday 6th April at 9.30pm. Music by The Assaroe Céilí Band. Supper Served. Admission €8.

~ LADIES ~
Indoor training for under 8s and under 10s resumes this Wednesday March 6th in the Mercy Hall from 6pm to 6.45pm. They are followed in the Mercy Hall by the under 12s from 6.45pm to 7.30pm. Membership for 2013 is now due and can be paid at indoor training. The fee for under 10s is €15, for players born between 2002 and 1995 the fee is €25.

The under 16 girls will be training this Thursday at 6.30pm.

~ HURLING ~
Aodh Ruadh lost out to Coleraine in their last fixture of the Táin hurling league on a scoreline of 5-7 to 1-9. However this was a game where Aodh Ruadh delivered a dramatically improved performance on their two previous outings. Coleraine got in for quick fire goals at the start of each half, but Ballyshannon showed character to battle their way back into the game on both occasions with only five points in the game at half time. In the second half there was only two goals in the game with five minutes left on the clock, before Coleraine gilded the scoreline. Michael Bowring popped up for Aodh Ruadh's goal while the points were spread among Paul Sheridan, Chris Kilgannon, Ciaran Kilgannon and Gary Loughlin. Once again Thomas Anderson was a defensive rock and Kevin McDermott pulled off a few sharp saves between the sticks while Damien Cleary's physicality was a definite addition for the Ernesiders. The next competitive fixture for the seniors is the visit of MacCumhaill's to Father Tierney Park on Wednesday, 17th April.

The first Sunday in March traditionally signals the beginning of the underage hurling season and yesterday was no different as over 60 hurlers took to the field in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh in a great start to what is hoped will be a fun filled season for all the players. Training continues for all age groups next Sunday at 12 noon all welcome especially beginners so spread the word and come along and enjoy learning the skills of our ancient game.

The seventh annual Hurl-a-thon takes place on Saturday 6th April in the Mercy Hall. This is the juvenile hurlers major fund-raiser of the year and we ask you to support the young hurlers who are out and about seeking sponsorship at the moment.

The fixtures for the minors, under 16s and under 14s have been published and are as follows.

Minor
Thursday 28th March Aodh Ruadh v MacCumhaill's
Thursday 4th April Aodh Ruadh v Setanta
Thursday 11th April Burt v Aodh Ruadh
Thursday 18th April Carndonagh v Aodh Ruadh
Thursday 25th April Aodh Ruadh v Saint Eunan's
Thursday 2nd May Aodh Ruadh v Strabane
Thursday 9th May Buncrana v Aodh Ruadh
Thursday 16th May League Finals
Championship Semi Final Sunday 7th July
Championship Final Sunday 14th July

Under 16 League
Thursday 4th July MacCumhaill's v Aodh Ruadh
Thursday 11th July Aodh Ruadh v Setanta
Thursday 18th July Burt v Aodh Ruadh
Thursday 25th July Aodh Ruadh v Carndonagh
Thursday 1st August Aodh Ruadh v Saint Eunan's
Thursday 8th August Letterkenny Gaels v Aodh Ruadh
Thursday 15th August Buncrana v Aodh Ruadh
Thursday 22nd August League Semi Finals
Thursday 29th August League Final
Thursday 12th September Championship Semi Final
Thursday 19th September Championship Final

Under 14
Thursday 28th March: MacCumhaill's v Aodh Ruadh
Thursday 4th April: Setanta v Aodh Ruadh
Thursday 11th April: Aodh Ruadh v Burt
Thursday 18th April: Aodh Ruadh v Dungloe
Thursday 25th April: Aodh Ruadh v Carndonagh
Thursday 2nd May: Aodh Ruadh v Four Masters
Saturday 4th May: All-County Féile being held in Ballyshannon
Thursday 9th May: Aodh Ruadh v Letterkenny Gaels
Thursday 16th May: Aodh Ruadh v Buncrana.
Thursday 23rd May: Saint Eunan's v Aodh Ruadh
Thursday 30th May: League semi-final
Thursday 6th June: League final
Thursday 13th June: Championship Semi Final
Thursday 20th June: Championship Final

Under 12 fixtures not yet finalised

A couple of dates to look forward to. Saturday 4th May sees the all-county Féile held in Ballyshannon. The annual Alan Ryan / Seamus Grimes under 16 hurling tournament takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 6th May. This tournament is in existence since 1998 and is one of the most prestigious hurling tournaments at this age group held in Ulster. Roscommon club Padraig Pearse's, All-Ireland Féile na nGael division four champions 2012, have confirmed they are taking part in this year's event along with Tuam of Galway and Easkey of Sligo. It promises to be another great tournament.

Nine of our minors lined out for Donegal in a challenge game in Easkey last Saturday, Eddie Lynch, Colm Kelly, Tommy Gillespie, Eugene Drummond and Ciaran Rami all started the game and Conor Kennedy, Donal Sweeney, Brendan Gillespie and Oisín Rooney all came on in the second half and played their part in a comprehensive win for Donegal. It's very encouraging to have so many of our minors involved with the county squad.

~ YES WE CAN ~
The next collection for our aluminium fund raiser takes place on Saturday 9th March at the usual times. There is now a drop off point for aluminium cans for recycling for Aodh Ruadh at Mace in the Saimer Court Shopping Centre. For any information in relation to this campaign please contact John Rooney 086-2587793 or Kieran Drummond 086-2368295.

~ SHAM TV ~
We have added a considerable amount of archive material to Sham TV over the past few weeks. It perhaps fitting that we should bring to your attention this week the video of the 2004 Fight Night staged in the Great Northern. Eleven Aodh Ruadh players and members headed to Andorra for a skiing holiday and came up with the idea of a fight night fund-raiser. It culminated in this glitzy event in the Great Northern, Bundoran, compèred by the incomparable Sean Perry. Fighting on the night were Anthony McGrath v James O'Donnell; Donna Martin v Marie Loughlin; John Muldoon v Barry Ward; Daniel McGarrigle v Packie McGrath; Ollie Doherty v Seamus Kane; Daniel Grimes v Brian Roper; Brian Murray v Gary Walsh. The event was a massive success, both in terms of entertainment and financial, raising over €25,000 for the club. This video was filmed at the end of by Billy Finn and give to us courtesy of Packie McGrath. The second item is a clips package from Ard San Aer which featured on TG4 chronicling Aodh Ruadh's run to the All-Ireland sevens final in September 2004. Aodh Ruadh faced Galway's Corofin in the final, losing out narrowly by 3-13 to 3-11. To date it is the only time Aodh Ruadh have participated in an All-Ireland final on the field of play. This video came from the archives of Peter Conlon. The third addition we are featuring this week is a highlights package from the 1994 Donegal senior football championship county final which saw Aodh Ruadh defeat Naomh Columba on a scoreline of 2-10 to 1-10 to claim the Dr Maguire cup. Sylvester Maguire captained Aodh Ruadh to this triumph and went on to win player of the year for 2004. Again, this video came from the archives of Peter Conlon.

~ OFF THE PITCH ~
Ballyshannon Drama Festival
The 61st Ballyshannon Drama Festival runs from March 9th to 17th in the Abbey Centre Ballyshannon. The programme of plays is as follows: Saturday 9th is Willy Russell's Blood Brothers by Holywood; Sunday 10th is Peter Fallon's Tarry Flynn by Pomeroy; Monday 11th is JB Priestly's When We Were Married by Dromore; Tuesday 12th is Jimmy Murphy's Brothers Of The Brush by Corn Mill; Wednesday 13th is Brian Foster's The Butterfly Of Killybegs by Coolera; Thursday 14th is Billy Roche's Poor Beast In The Rain by Phoenix Players; Friday 15th is Marina Carr's On Raftery's Hill by Yellow Moon; Saturday 16th Philip Ridley's Mercury Fur by Silken Thomas; Sunday 17th is Paula Vogel's How I Learned How To Drive by Braden Players. Plays show nightly at 8.15pm and 7.30pm on final night. Season tickets are available priced €90, with nightly tickets priced €12, €10 on concession. Bookings can be made 11am to 1pm daily at the Abbey Centre. Adjudicator is Martin Maguire and Festival Director is John Travers. For further information call 071-9851375 or 0863743207 or check online at www.abbeycentre.ie.

Daniel O'Donnell will be in concert with Mary Duff in the Great Northern Hotel on Wednesday 7th August in a special event with all proceeds going to the Donegal GAA Supporters Club. Tickets are available direct from the hotel

Back to the top Back to top.
12 March

~ FIGHT NIGHT ~
Club members are asked to return money for tickets sold and also unsold tickets immediately in order that accounts can be finalised. The Park/Development Committee can then proceed with the floodlighting of the training pitch. The return Fight Night is on in the Blue Haven on Saturday 23rd March. Tickets are available from committee members. Transport will be provided if numbers are sufficient. Contact Conal Gallagher on 0862112812. A full report on the Fight Night will be published next week. Well done to all the boxers on the night, especially Aodh Ruadh's representatives: Thomas Gallagher, Diarmaid McInerney, Niall Murray, Philip O'Reilly, Johnny Dolan, Maurice Kane, Tara Khan, Cian Dolan, Christopher Kilgannon, Packie McGrath and Aiden Murray. We have a good selection of shots from the night up on aodhruadh.org.

~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh minors clash with Dungloe didn't happen. The next outing for the minors is scheduled for this Saturday when they take on Naomh Mhuire up at The Banks at noon.

The under 14s made huge progress from their 2012 under 13 clash with Bundoran, but they still came up short at the last whistle, losing out by 4-10 to 5-3. Aodh Ruadh got off to the ideal start with a goal from Sean Taylor after three minutes, but Bundoran hit back with two majors of their own. After that the sides went score for score to the break. Shane Dorrian hit two beautiful points and Sean Taylor and Ryan Ayres got in for goals which left the half time score at 3-2 to 4-3 in favour of the homesters. Aodh Ruadh delivered an improved performance in the second half right across the pitch, Barry Kelly at full back delivering a particular tour de force. One disallowed goal, a number of shots off the woodwork and a Bundoran keeper in exceptional form ensured that Aodh Ruadh had to be content with a decent performance. The under 14s next fixture is an trip away to take on Ardara on Sunday 24th March at noon.

The indoor training programme continues this Friday 15th March. Under 6s are in the Mercy Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 8s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the Mercy Hall. Under 10s are training in the new hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm. That session is followed by the under 12s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the new hall. There is a charge of €2 per head to cover the cost of the hall. Please bring runners as no other footwear allowed. Under 8s will also be expected to wear mouth guards as per GAA policy. Any parent who would like to pitch in with traffic control or managing drills is more than welcome and asked to make themselves known to the coaches on the evening. These are primarily fun training sessions so no great coaching expertise is required. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished. We are also running a second-hand clothing collection fund raiser at these sessions to help defray coaching costs. Players are asked to bring back bags over the remaining two weeks of our tenure in the hall. Details of acceptable items are printed on the bags. Parents/Guardians help with this fund raiser would be greatly appreciated.

Under 12, 10 and 8 players are asked to assemble at the Gaelscoil at 1.45pm this Sunday 17th March ahead of the Saint Patrick's day parade. Parents and guardians are asked to please note that children should be collected at the Market Yard after the parade.

There will be a Bord na nÓg meeting this Wednesday at 7.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.

Advance notice of a Bord na nÓg fund raiser. There will be a céilí, old time barn dance in the Rock Hall, Ballyshannon on Saturday 6th April at 9.30pm. Music by The Assaroe Céilí Band. Supper Served. Admission €8.

~ HURLING ~
The seventh Annual Hurl-a-thon takes place in the Mercy Hall on Saturday 6th April in the Mercy Hall, this is the Juvenile Hurling Committee's major fund-raiser for the year. We ask everyone to support the underage hurlers who are out and about seeking sponsorship for this fun filled event.

It is just over a fortnight to the start of the competitive season with the leagues beginning on the 28th March. The minors are at home to MacCumhaill's that night while the under 14s are away to the same opposition on the same night.

There is no training this Sunday for the under 8s and under 10s due to their participation in the Saint Patrick's Day parade. Anyone interested in starting to play underage hurling with Aodh Ruadh is asked to contact John Rooney 086-2587793 for details of training.

On Saturday last the county under 16s played top Derry club Slaughtneil in a challenge game. It was the squad's first outing this year and, despite losing, they gave a good account of themselves. Aodh Ruadh was well represented with Eugene Drummond, Oisín Rooney, Donal Sweeny starting and Brendan Gillespie, Deva Ayres and Cian Duffy coming on, all of the lads performed well.

~ LADIES ~
Indoor training for under 8s and under 10s continues this Wednesday March 13th in the Mercy Hall from 6pm to 6.45pm. They are followed in the Mercy Hall by the under 12s from 6.45pm to 7.30pm. Membership for 2013 is now due and can be paid at indoor training. The fee for under 10s is €15, for players born between 2002 and 1995 the fee is €25.

The Senior Ladies team started their league campaign for 2013 on Sunday with an away win against Glenties on a scoreline of 1-9 to 1-2. Training for the Ladies is on Mondays at 7pm and Saturdays at 11am.

Reminder to all girls hoping to play football this season, Registration must be in before March 31st and can be paid to coaches or left in to Shannon's Corner.

~ SHAM TV ~
This week we continue with our run down on some of the archive material added to Sham TV over the past few weeks. The first is the Aodh Ruadh Centenary Year Banquet. Friday 7th December 1984 was a very special night for the club as it celebrated both 75 years of proud history and the GAA's centenary. PJ Buggy commentates on proceedings as they unfold in the Holyrood Hotel, Bundoran. This video is from the archive of John Travers. Next up is the 1994 Ulster Club Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final between Aodh Ruadh and Bellaghy. Aodh Ruadh take on Bellaghy at Páirc Seán de Brún in the quarter-final of the 1994 Ulster club championship. Aodh Ruadh lost by a point after an almighty battle. Bellaghy went from strength to strength afterwards, going on to claim the Ulster title. Unfortunately there's no commentary on the video, but the crowd certainly make up for that. The final video we'll trail this week is the 1988 Donegal minor football championship final between Aodh Ruadh and Saint Eunan's. This final saw Aodh Ruadh reclaim the minor football championship title for the first time since the final victory of the 1979-82 four-in-a-row. Ballyshannon prevailed in a close, hard-fought decider on a scoreline of 1-12 to 1-8. This video is from the archives of Peter Conlon. Mick McGrath tries his hand at a bit of commentary before handing over to Denis Doherty on 12 minutes.

~ OFF THE PITCH ~
Ballyshannon Drama Festival
The 61st Ballyshannon Drama Festival runs from March 9th to 17th in the Abbey Centre Ballyshannon. The programme of plays is as follows: Saturday 9th is Willy Russell's Blood Brothers by Holywood; Sunday 10th is Peter Fallon's Tarry Flynn by Pomeroy; Monday 11th is JB Priestly's When We Were Married by Dromore; Tuesday 12th is Jimmy Murphy's Brothers Of The Brush by Corn Mill; Wednesday 13th is Brian Foster's The Butterfly Of Killybegs by Coolera; Thursday 14th is Billy Roche's Poor Beast In The Rain by Phoenix Players; Friday 15th is Marina Carr's On Raftery's Hill by Yellow Moon; Saturday 16th Philip Ridley's Mercury Fur by Silken Thomas; Sunday 17th is Paula Vogel's How I Learned How To Drive by Braden Players. Plays show nightly at 8.15pm and 7.30pm on final night. Season tickets are available priced €90, with nightly tickets priced €12, €10 on concession. Bookings can be made 11am to 1pm daily at the Abbey Centre. Adjudicator is Martin Maguire and Festival Director is John Travers. For further information call 071-9851375 or 0863743207 or check online at http://www.abbeycentre.ie/.

Daniel O'Donnell will be in concert with Mary Duff in the Great Northern Hotel on Wednesday 7th August in a special event with all proceeds going to the Donegal GAA Supporters Club. Tickets are available direct from the hotel.

Back to the top Back to top.
19 March

~ REGISTRATION ~
Club membership for 2013 is now due and all club members are asked to submit their registration form and fee at their earliest convenience. Registration can now be paid at Pearse O'Neill's at the Bridgend, as well as to Mary Matthews in Shannon's Corner. Betty McIntyre is also taking registrations and can be contacted on 0872363879.

In order to be entitled to the rights of a full member, a person must have their fees paid to the club on a date before March 31st and be registered by the club on the online system in order to have a vote in the upcoming membership year.

Remember.

  1. 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.
  2. Registration is an important component in meeting the running costs of the club.
  3. Only fully paid up members will be eligible for the draw for tickets to the football and hurling All Ireland finals.
  4. Club membership will be displayed in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.
Membership rates are as follows: Adult Player (Includes insurance cover for the year), €60; Adult non-playing, €40; Underage (Born 1995-2002 inclusive) €25; Underage (Born 2003-2013 inclusive) €15. The club requires a fully registration form with each fee.

~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh enjoyed a good pre-Saint Patrick's day run out against Derrygonnelly Harps in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh last Saturday. It was an encouraging display from the Ernesiders with a lot of younger players showing they were well up to the mark of senior football. The match should be good preparation for the first game of the league which sees Ballyshannon travelling to Mountcharles on 30th March. We have some pictures from the contest up on aodhruadh.org.

The next league outing for the minors is scheduled for April 1st when they take on Naomh Conaill at Father Tierney Park.

The under 14s next fixture is an trip away to take on Ardara on Sunday 24th March at noon.

The indoor training programme concludes this Friday 22nd March. Under 6s are in the Mercy Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 8s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the Mercy Hall. Under 10s are training in the new hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm. That session is followed by the under 12s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the new hall. There is a charge of €2 per head to cover the cost of the hall. Please bring runners as no other footwear allowed. Under 8s will also be expected to wear mouth guards as per GAA policy. Any parent who would like to pitch in with traffic control or managing drills is more than welcome and asked to make themselves known to the coaches on the evening. These are primarily fun training sessions so no great coaching expertise is required. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished. We are also running a second-hand clothing collection fund raiser at these sessions to help defray coaching costs. Players are asked to bring back bags over the remaining two weeks of our tenure in the hall. Details of acceptable items are printed on the bags. Parents/Guardians help with this fund raiser would be greatly appreciated.

Advance notice of a Bord na nÓg fund raiser. There will be a céilí, old time barn dance in the Rock Hall, Ballyshannon on Saturday 6th April at 9.30pm. Music by The Assaroe Céilí Band. Supper Served. Admission €8.

~ HURLING ~
Well done to all the boys and girls and their coaches who took part in the St Patrick's Day parade. Training will resume as normal at 12 noon next Sunday for all age groups.

The seventh Annual Hurl-a-thon takes place in the Mercy Hall on Saturday 6th April in the Mercy Hall, this is the Juvenile Hurling Committee's major fund-raiser for the year. We ask everyone to support the underage hurlers who are out and about seeking sponsorship for this fun filled event.

It is just over a week to the start of the competitive season with the leagues beginning on the 28th March. The minors are at home to MacCumhaill's that night while the under 14s are away to the same opposition on the same night.

~ LADIES ~
The ladies committee have decided to break from tradition and not run the duck race on Easter saturday this year, there are several reasons for this but mainly it is to allow registrations to finish up, we will run the duck race sometime in the next 6 weeks when hopefully the weather will be a lot warmer.

Under 8 and under 10 girls will have their last hall session this Wednesday from 6pm to 6.45pm and then we will have a two week break for the Easter holidays. Training will resume on April 17th in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

The under 12s girls train as usual in the Mercy Hall this Wednesday from 6.45pm to 7.30pm.

The under 16s will train on Friday evening at 6.30pm at the park.

Senior Ladies training takes place on Tuesday at 7pm in the park.

Reminder to all girls big and small if you want to play football in 2013 membership must be paid before March 31st and can be given to your coach or left in to Shannon's Corner or Pearse O'Neill's.

~ YES WE CAN ~
The next collection for our aluminium fund raiser takes place on Saturday 30th March at the usual times. There is now a drop off point for aluminium cans for recycling for Aodh Ruadh at Mace in the Saimer Court Shopping Centre. For any information in relation to this campaign please contact John Rooney 086-2587793 or Kieran Drummond 086-2368295.

~ SHAM TV ~
This week we continue with our run down on some of the archive material added to Sham TV over the past few weeks. The first sees Aodh Ruadh take on Errigal Ciaran at Father Tierney Park, Ballyshannon in the preliminary round of the 1994 Ulster club championship. Aodh Ruadh won by 0-15 to 1-10 and progressed to take on Bellaghy of Derry in the Ulster quarter-final. Commentary by Tom Daly on this video which came from the archives of Peter Conlon. We have some very special videos provided to the club courtesy of Brian Tuohy close to going live, so keep an eye out for those on Sham TV.

~ OFF THE PITCH ~
It mightn't have looked too promising in the morning, but Saint Patrick's day 2013 in Ballyshannon saw beautiful weather and a well attended parade which featured a big Aodh Ruadh participation in one form or another. Our marchers also the prize for best club float with underage footballers, hurlers and ladies taking part. We have over 30 pictures from the afternoon's festivities up on aodhruadh.org.

CLG Gaeil Fhánada are holding a 5k Run/ Walk on Saturday, March 23rd in Kerrykeel. The race will begin at 11.00am with registration taking place in the Kerrykeel FC clubhouse in Rabs Park from 9.30am. The cost of the race will be €2 for under 8s and 10s, €3 for Under 12s -Under 16s and €8 for adults. There will also be a family rate of €10. For further information contact race Co-ordinator Aidan Mc Ateer on 0877765540 or check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/gaeil.clg.

Back to the top Back to top.
26 March

~ LAST CHANCE FOR REGISTRATION ~
There is less than a week remaining to pay your club membership for 2013. There will be an open registration session for all comers this Wednesday 27th March in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh from 7.30pm to 8.30pm Apart from this session, registration can be paid at Pearse O'Neill's at the Bridgend, as well as to Mary Matthews in Shannon's Corner. Betty McIntyre is also taking registrations and can be contacted on 0872363879.

In order to be entitled to the rights of a full member, a person must have their fees paid to the club on a date before March 31st and be registered by the club on the online system in order to have a vote in the upcoming membership year.

Remember.

  • 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.
  • 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.

Membership rates are as follows: Adult Player (Includes insurance cover for the year), €60; Adult non-playing, €40; Underage (Born 1995-2002 inclusive) €25; Underage (Born 2003-2013 inclusive) €15. The club requires a fully registration form with each fee.

~ FIGHT NIGHT ~
There was a big crowd in the Blue Haven, Killybegs, for round two of the Aodh Ruadh v Killybegs fight night. While Killybegs took most wins in the Great Northern, last Saturday saw Aodh Ruadh take the crown. Well done to all our boxers: Thomas Gallagher, Diarmaid McInerney, Niall Murray, Philip O'Reilly, Johnny Dolan, Maurice Kane, Tara Khan, Cian Dolan, Christopher Kilgannon, Packie McGrath and Aiden Murray, who have represented the club with great passion, dedication, commitment and pride over the two night. We have pictures from the night up at aodhruadh.org.

~ FOOTBALL ~
Aodh Ruadh took on Tyrone outfit Urney in Father Tierney Park in their build-up to the league last Sunday. It was another encouraging display from ahead of the first game of the league which sees Ballyshannon travelling to Mountcharles this Saturday 30th March. The senior game throws in at 5.15pm and is preceded by the reserves at 4pm. We have picture from the Urney game up on aodhruadh.org.

Aodh Ruadh are down for two minor fixtures this coming week. The under 18s are slated to host Dungloe this Tuesday 26th March at 6.30pm in Father Tierney Park. Then they are down to travel to Glenties on Easter Monday 1st April where they will take on Naomh Conaill at 12 noon.

The under 14s had a mixed day at the office during their trip to Ardara last Sunday. It was a game played in frigid conditions with a strong breeze manifesting a pronounced influence on proceedings. Aodh Ruadh lost the toss and had to play into the wind for the first half. Three quick-fire goals within the first five minutes did much to take the wind out of the Aodh Ruadh challenge, but the Ernesiders rallied well for the rest of the half and played some fantastic defensive football. Ballyshannon got to the break with the scores at 4-4 to 1-2 and looked set to mount a strong challenge in the second half with the wind at their backs. It failed to materialise however and Ardara kicked on to see out the game. Aodh Ruadh's best displays came in defence with Ryan Ayres and Patrick McCaffrey both outstanding. Up front Shane Dorrian was the pick of the attackers, hitting 3-2. Sean Taylor with a goal and Odhran O'Neill with a point picked off the balance of the Ballyshannon scores in a game which finished 7-12 to 4-3 in favour of the homesters. Aodh Ruadh's next assignment is at home against Naomh Conaill on Easter Monday, 1st April at 12 noon.

The indoor training programme for under 6s, 8s, 10s and 12s has concluded. Under 6 and under 8 training takes a break for two weeks for Easter and training will recommence on Friday, 12th April from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. There is no charge for this training. Parents/guardians are reminded it is an essential insurance requirement all players are registered. As such we cannot allow players who are not registered to take part in the blitzes and will be enforcing this requirement strictly.

Advance notice of a Bord na nÓg fund raiser. There will be a céilí, old time barn dance in the Rock Hall, Ballyshannon on Saturday 6th April at 9.30pm. Music by The Assaroe Céilí Band. Supper Served. Admission €8.

~ HURLING ~
Our under 14s and minors begin their league campaigns this Thursday, with the minors playing MacCumhaill's in Father Tierney Park and the under 14s travelling through the gap to play the twin town men.

The seventh Annual Hurl-a-thon takes place in the Mercy Hall on Saturday 6th April in the Mercy Hall, this is the Juvenile Hurling Committee's major fund-raiser for the year. The juvenile hurlers are out and about busily seeking sponsors for this event. Please support this fun event all monies raised goes towards the promotion and development of underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh.

While the Donegal minors were well beaten by Down in the Ulster league on Saturday last in Newry, we were proud to have Tommy Gillespie, Colm Kelly, Jamie Brennan and Eddie Lynch in the starting line up all the lads performed well against a very good Down team, Conor Kennedy came on as a sub, next up for the minors is another tough battle against Ulster kingpins Antrim this Saturday.

Training as normal for all age groups this Sunday at 12 noon.

~ LADIES ~
Under 8 and under 10 girls are taking a break from training during the Easter holidays and expect to move outdoors when we return to training. This will, of course, depend on the weather improving.

The under 16 girls kick off their season today, Tuesday, 26th March with a home game against Four Masters. Throw for that game is 5.15pm.

Senior Ladies training continues on Tuesdays at 7pm and Saturdays at 11am.

The Ladies committee have decided to postpone the Duck Race this year. It is traditionally run every year on Easter Saturday. However with Easter being so early this year we felt putting it off for a few weeks might just suit everyone better.

~ YES WE CAN ~
The next collection for our aluminium fund raiser takes place on Saturday 30th March from 12 noon to 1am. All other scrap metal is welcome at this session There is now a drop off point for aluminium cans for recycling for Aodh Ruadh at Mace in the Saimer Court Shopping Centre. For any information in relation to this campaign please contact John Rooney 086-2587793 or Kieran Drummond 086-2368295.

~ SHAM TV ~
This week we have a very special addition to Sham TV which will be of interest to Donegal Gaels far beyond Ballyshannon. Weighing in at two and half hours it is the tale of Donegal's 1982 odyssey which took them to under 21 Ulster and All-Ireland glory. The video features two games. The first is the Ulster final which was played in Healy Park, Omagh, Donegal defeating Derry on a scoreline of 0-10 to 1-5. The second game is the unforgettable All-Ireland final against Roscommon which was played in Carrick-on-Shannon. Donegal prevailed by 0-8 to 0-5 to claim the county's first All-Ireland title at this level. The All-Ireland final commences at 1.07.20 in the video. Our own Brian Tuohy, who kindly donated this footage, was Donegal's captain on both historic occasions.

Back to the top Back to top.