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Club Notes Archive - 2016

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Box. FEBRUARY
2 February

Donegal v Cork National Football League game
Following Donegal's blistering start to the 2016 NFL, with their comprehensive win over Down, there is big interest in this Sunday's Division 1 game against Cork which takes place in Father Tierney Park at 2pm. All Aodh Ruadh key stewards and organisers are required at the grounds before 12 noon and all helpers including programme sellers should be present by 12.30pm. A 32 page souvenir match programme has been produced for the game by the club's Park / Development Committee and this will be on sale outside and within the grounds. Good luck to Donegal who face a Cork team which had a very impressive victory over Mayo at the weekend. TG4 will be televising this Sunday's game for deferred broadcast.
Advertising hoardings at Father Tierney Park are currently being replaced and renewed. Any business interested in taking a hoarding there should make direct contact with David McLoone, Conal Gallagher or Tom Daly.

Football
Well done to our own Peter Boyle who kept a clean sheet in Páirc Esler last weekend and saved a penalty from Down's attacking ace Donal O'Hare into the bargain in Donegal's NFL opener. Here's to a good turnout in Ballyshannon on Sunday when we hope Peter will once again get the nod from Rory Gallagher in the number one jersey and get the opportunity to represent the county at the highest level in front of his own people.

Indoor training makes its long awaited return this Friday 5th February. The 2016 Under 6s [Born 2010-2011] are in the Hall at Creevy National School, please note the change of venue, from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 8s [Born 2008-2009] from 7pm to 8pm, also at Creevy. 2016 under 10s [Born 2006-2007] are training in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm. That session is followed by the 2016 under 12s [Born 2004-2005] from 7pm to 8pm, also in the new hall. There is a charge of €2 per head. Please bring your own water and wear runners as no other footwear allowed. Parents / Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.

Ladies
The Donegal v Cork game is this Sunday and any girls helping out with programme sales are asked to meet at park at 12.30pm and dress warm as it gets cold standing about.

We need help with the club lotto on Saturday 13th February. So far only one person has offered to help. We need three more people please. Contact us on the Ladies Facebook Page or aodhruadhladies@gmail.com.

Hurling
Underage hurling makes a welcome return on Sunday 6th March at 12 noon. The lads have a month to get a bit of practise in and be ready to hit the ground running that day. Hopefully we'll have another fun-filled season. We hope to field teams at under 8, under 10, under 12, under 14, under 16 and minor level. Beginners especially welcome. For any information regarding underage hurling please contact John Rooney on 0862587793.

Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee wish to acknowledge the great work being done on the construction of the hurling wall. We thank the Park / Development Committee and the workers on the scheme for their support with this project. This will be a great addition for current and future generations of Aodh Ruadh hurlers.

Community Employment Scheme
There is one current vacancy for a tradesman on the Community Employment Scheme at Father Tierney Park and there is also a remaining coaching vacancy. Contact Tom Daly for further information.

Time to get those National Draw tickets back
Those with ticket GAA National Draw tickets to return are asked to get them to either Lisa McTernan or Gerard Ferguson as soon as possible. The deadline is Friday 12th February for all returns. Lisa can be contacted on 0862338636 to arrange returns. Please note, ALL tickets must be returned, whether sold or unsold.

Scór
Hard luck to the Aodh Ruadh Scór Sinear Tráth na gCeist team who came second in the county final at Glenswilly by two points last Saturday. Best of luck to Fanad Gaels who now go forward to represent Donegal in the All-Ireland final.

Abbey Centre Bingo
The January big bingo jackpot of €800 was won by Annie Cassidy of Ballyshannon, checking on just 51 numbers. The winter snowball prize of €600 was won by Damien McGurn of Bundoran, checking on just 49 numbers. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre. Books priced at just €10.

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9 February

Donegal v Cork National Football League game
Donegal had an impressive win against Cork on Sunday and the supporters who travelled in bad weather conditions made it a great occasion. We had a huge turnout of Aodh Ruadh members from all parts of the club to help out on the day. It was a real team effort and thanks to all. Our workforce at the grounds deserve special mention as the pitch played well despite the huge rainfall of the preceding days. Thanks to our advertisers who supported the publication of the souvenir match programme which was commended by many on Sunday. Congratulations also to our own Peter Boyle who once again impressed between the posts for the county. We have a huge gallery of pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

Football
Under 10 and under 12 indoor training takes a short break this week. However indoor training continues this Friday 12th February for under 6s [Born 2010-2011] in the Hall at Creevy National School, from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 8s [Born 2008-2009] from 7pm to 8pm, also at Creevy. Please bring your own water and wear runners as no other footwear allowed. Parents / Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.

Ladies
A big thank you to the girls who helped out selling programmes. It was good fun even though it rained on us.

We are still looking for parents to help out with lotto at Centra this Saturday. E-mail aodhruadhladies@gmail.com if you can spare an hour.

We would like to congratulate Naimh Gallagher and Peadar McKeever on the birth of their son Pearce just before Christmas and also Shauna Slevin and Craig on the birth of their daughter Evie just after the New Year. All the girls here wish both families a happy and healthy future. Bring them home to Aodh Ruadh!

Handball
Congratulations to Rachel Patton of Rockfield National School who was recently crowned under 11 Cumann na mBunscol handball county champion. This is the first time this championship title has left the Glenfin area. Rachel is coached by Mr Byrne at Rockfield NS and heads to Belfast on Thursday 11th February to represent Donegal in the Ulster finals.


County under 11 handball champion Rachel Patton pictured with her teacher and coach Mr Byrne and Donegal star Frank McGlynn. Click for larger version.

Father Tierney Park hoardings
Businesses are invited to contact Tom Daly, David McLoone or Conal Gallagher directly to arrange for an advertising hoarding at Father Tierney Park.

Club kit
There will be sizing and ordering sessions for club gear in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Saturday and Sunday this weekend between 6pm and 7pm.

Time to get those National Draw tickets back
ALL GAA National Draw tickets should already have been returned, whether sold or unsold. If you still have not made your returns these are now due as a matter of urgency. Contact Lisa McTernan or Gerard Ferguson to arrange for immediate return.

Old Times at the Abbey Centre
Ballyshannon Drama Society presents Harold Pinter's Old Times this week in the Abbey Centre with Rachel O'Connor, Trisha Keane and Richard Hurst in the starring roles. Showings commence on Tuesday 9th February with performances on Wednesday 10th, Thursday 11th and Saturday 13th. Curtain up is at 8.30pm each night. Tickets can be booked at the Abbey Centre or by calling the box office on 9851375.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot winner was Mrs Dobson of Bundoran. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre. Books priced at just €10.

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16 February

Awards night
The annual Aodh Ruadh awards night takes place in the Rock Hall this Saturday, 20th February. There will be all the usual awards with light refreshments served. The event will be free to attend with the action getting under way at 8pm.

Football
All Bord na nÓg managers are asked to attend a meeting this Thursday night in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8pm to settle training schedules and pitch access for the coming year.

Indoor training returns to normal this week with the under 6s in the Hall at Creevy National School from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 8s from 7pm to 8pm, also at Creevy. The under 10s are training in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm and 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. Please bring your own water and wear runners as no other footwear allowed. Parents / Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.

Ladies
As people are aware Aodh Ruadh senior ladies team has depleted somewhat over the years due to work commitments, college, travel, emigration and retirement and in recent years we have depended on minors and under 16s to help us to field a team. Our neighbours in Bundoran have not been so lucky as they have had no senior team for the last three years. With that in mind the two committees have come together over the last couple of months to discuss the possibility of an amalgamation and the motion was brought to the Donegal Ladies County Board meeting on Monday 8th February where the motion was passed unanimously. On foot for that ratification Aodh Ruadh and Bundoran are pleased to announce the return of Saint Joseph's senior ladies team. The finer details are still under discussion between both committees and these will be sorted over the coming weeks. For now though if you are interested in a manager or Selector role please contact aodhruadhladies@gmail.com or bundoranladiesgaa@hotmail.com.

Well done to Sarah Patton who came on for the Donegal Ladies on Sunday as they defeated Sligo by 4-17 to 2-4 in the Ladies National Football League.

Ladies Secretary, Willie Scott, would like to remind anyone who still has to submit Garda vetting forms to get in touch with him on 0879538516).

A big thank you to all those who helped out with the club lotto on Saturday at Centra.

Hurling
Aodh Ruadh will be hurling in Division 2B of the Ulster Táin League this season. Their opponents will be Saint Eunan's and MacCumhaill's of Donegal, Naomh Colm Cille from Tyrone, Lurgan Sean Treacy's from Armagh and Monaghan outfit Castleblayney. Their fixtures commence with a home game against Saint Eunan's on Easter Monday, 28th March at 4pm. After that the fixtures schedule maps out as follows: Sunday, 3rd April, 4pm
MacCumhaill's v Aodh Ruadh
Sunday, 10th April 4pm
Castleblayney v Aodh Ruadh
Sunday, 17th April, 4pm
Aodh Ruadh v Naomh Colum Cille
Sunday, 29th May, 4pm
Sean Treacy's v Aodh Ruadh
Sunday, 3rd July, 4pm
Saint Eunan's v Aodh Ruadh
Saturday, 16th July, 4pm
Aodh Ruadh v MacCumhaill's
Saturday, 23rd July, 4pm
Aodh Ruadh v Castleblayney
Saturday, 30th July, 4pm
Naomh Colum Cille v Aodh Ruadh
Saturday, 6th August, 4pm
Aodh Ruadh v Sean Treacy's

Well done to Stephen Anderson, Conall Sweeny and Brian McHenry who are on the Donegal minor hurling panel for 2016. They were part of the team that beat Sligo in a challenge game on Sunday.

Training for under 8s, under 10s and under 12s resumes on Sunday March 6th at 12 noon. The following managers are in place for those squads. Under 8: John Rooney 086-2587793; Under 10: Peter Horan 087-1326786; and under 12 Denis Daly: 086-3269550. If you have any queries in relation to any of these age groups contact any of the managers. All are welcome, especially beginners.

Training for under 14s, under 16s and minors will be starting shortly with details to be circulated in due course.

Celebrating our language
With the anniversary of 1916 and Seachtain na Gaeilge fast approaching, there are some events of note coming up in relation to our native language. There is a bilingual workshop taking place in the club house of St Eunan's GAA club on Saturday 20th February from 11am to 1.30pm. This workshop is set up to help people to try and encourage the Irish language use within clubs. Representatives of Líofa which strives to generate a greater number of fluent Irish speakers, will give a brief talk on the day.

Following on the recent agreement between the GAA and Glór na nGael to work together to increase the use of Irish language in GAA clubs, a representative of Glór na nGael will be present to assist clubs in setting up Irish language related activities such as Ciorcal Comhrá and Oíche Ghaelach. This workshop is open to anyone in the locality to attend and is a bilingual workshop. It would be of interest to anyone who wishes to promote the Irish language in any way and Glór na nGael will provide ongoing assistance in this regard. Anyone looking any further information, please contact Sean O'Mahoney on 0868553245

Also on Friday February 26th at 8pm, the club will participate in Tráth na gCeist in the Mount Errigal Hotel. Teams of four will compete with 100 questions all as Gaelige. The winner will be crowned county champions, with the top three teams going forward to the Ulster finals in Armagh on Friday, 4th March.

Handball
Unfortunately our under 11 handball county champion Rachel Patton had no luck in the Ulster finals last Thursday in Belfast. Considering she is only playing the game two months, it is still a great achievement to become the Donegal champion. Thanks to her coach and teacher Mr Byrne at Rockfield national school for all his hard work.

Training times for teams
All training times for Aodh Ruadh teams will be finalised over the coming days. Team managers should ensure that all club property is secured, and lights and heating is switched off before they leave the club grounds. If managers have to leave the premises before their team, they should delegate responsibility to another responsible adult.

Advertising in the Park
Any businesses interested in placing an advertising hoarding at Father Tierney Park should make direct contact with David McLoone, Tom Daly or Cònal Gallagher.

The Addams Family at the Abbey Centre
Ballyshannon Musical Society are presenting The Addams Family - A new musical comedy in the Abbey Arts Centre. Shows will run from Tuesday 23rd February to Saturday 27th February, 8pm nightly, with a matinee on Saturday 27th at 3pm. The booking office opens Thursday 18th February, 1pm-4pm, or call 071-9851375. Tickets are priced €10 or €8 on concession.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot winner was Darren Gettins, Finner, Ballyshannon. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre. Books priced at just €10.

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23 February

Annual Awards night
Aodh Ruadh hosted their annual awards night a stone's throw away from Father Tierney Park, in the Rock Hall. There was a good turnout as the club gathered to mark team and individual achievement on the field of play across 2015. Sean Perry was Master of Ceremonies and got the night going with recognition of our silverware winning county stars. First up was a presentation Sarah Patton who was a member of the 2015 Ulster Ladies senior championship winning team. She was followed by the Aodh Ruadh members of the 2015 Under 21 All-Ireland C Hurling championship winning team; Oisin Rooney, Rory Cullen, Eddie Lynch, Ciaran Rami and Conor McNeely. We moved on to club awards after that and pride of place was taken by the 2015 Southern Minor League champions. It was double joy for Philip Patton who also picked up the Minor footballer of the year award. The individual awards continued after that with Shelly Loughlin named Ladies player of the year, Oisin Rooney selected as Minor hurler of the year, Under 21 hurler of the year going to Conor McNeely, Ciaran Rami picking up Young hurler of the year and Stephen Sheerin scooping the prestigious Hurler of the year award. After that proceedings moved on to the football awards. The Under 21 footballer of the year award went the way of Eamonn McGrath, while Reserve team player of the year was picked up by Anthony Coughlin. The Young footballer of the year award went to rising star Calum O'Halloran, meanwhile the The Ciaran Keon senior player of the year was presented Diarmaid McInerney after a season of heavy scoring and impressive performances. The Sean Slevin club person of the year was awarded to David McLoone in recognition of a diligent year in the service of the club in various different guises. The night concluded with tokens of appreciation being presented to the outgoing chairman and secretary, Diarmaid Keon and Emma Gaughan. There were also presentations to the outgoing senior management of Packie McGrath, Val Murray, Sean O'Mahoney, Damian Conlon and Jim Kane. That drew the curtain on a great night and a year the club will remember with many fond memories. We have pictures from the night up on aodhruadh.org.

Club meeting
The monthly club meeting takes place this Thursday, 25th February, in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8.30pm. All committee members are asked to attend.

Football
The first five rounds of league fixtures have been published and the opening to Peter Gallagher and James O'Donnell's campaign looks like this.
Sunday, 20th March, 3pm
Aodh Ruadh v Burt
Easter Monday, 28th March, 3pm
Fanad Gaels v Aodh Ruadh
Sunday, 10th April, 3pm
Aodh Ruadh v Letterkenny
Sunday, 17th April, 3pm
Downings v Aodh Ruadh
Sunday, 24th April, 3pm
Aodh Ruadh v Naomh Colmcille

The monthly Bord na nÓg meeting will take place this Wednesday night, 24th February, in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8.30pm. All committee members are asked to attend.

Indoor training continues this week with the under 6s in the Hall at Creevy National School from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 8s from 7pm to 8pm, also at Creevy. The under 10s are training in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm and 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. Please bring your own water and wear runners as no other footwear allowed. Parents / Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.

Ladies
Congratulations to Sarah Patton and Shelly Loughlin on the well deserved recognition they received at the Club Awards Night.

The first training session of the new season for senior and minor players will take place in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh this Saturday, 27th February, at 6pm.

Ladies committee members are reminded to attend the monthly meeting in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Tuesday 23rd February at 7pm.

Hurling
Training for under 8s, under 10s and under 12s resumes on Sunday March 6th at 12 noon. The following managers are in place for those squads. Under 8: John Rooney 086-2587793; Under 10: Peter Horan 087-1326786; and under 12 Denis Daly: 086-3269550. If you have any queries in relation to any of these age groups contact any of the managers. All are welcome, especially beginners.

Training and fixtures schedule
The Park / Development Committee have now met most team managers to agree the rota for use of the club's facilities including the school field. All team physical training and preparation is confined to the Prunty Training pitch, the top field at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and to the school field. Official games will be allocated to either Father Tierney Park or the main field in the Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, taking account of weather and fixtures pressure. Official fixtures will be diarised by Peter Conlon based on the official fixtures lists provided to him. Changes of dates or times should be notified to Peter without delay by the relevant team managers or committee secretary. The allocation of team gear lockers is being reviewed as some team managers are holding multiple lockers.

End of Scrap Fund-raiser
Thanks to everyone who supported the scrap fund-raiser over the past few years and to John Rooney for his central role in getting the ball rolling. This has contributed to fund-raising in a significant way. The initiative has now come to an end and no further scrap items should be left at our grounds.

Inter-County Fixture
The Park / Development Committee will require some stewarding help on Sunday, March 6th for a Ladies NFL Division 2 game between table-toppers Donegal and Clare.

Advertising in the Park
The advertising hoardings at Father Tierney Park are being renewed and replaced currently. Any business interested in taking one should contact Tom Daly, David McLoone or Conal Gallagher.

National Draw winners
The draw for the Aodh Ruadh element of the National Club Draw took place last week. First prize of €100 went to Carmel Boyle, Laghey while the four €50 prize winners were Kate Slevin, Kathleen Grimes, Annie Doherty and Martin Larkin.

Recreational football
Recreational football returns this Saturday at 6.30pm under the lights at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and once again the emphasis is very much on the craic. If you haven't pulled on the boots in a while, it's a great opportunity to get out and active. It's excellent value at just €3 for the session. Text or call Alan on 0868052816 if you need any further information.

Kickabout For Colman
Aodh Ruadh were delighted to hand over the proceedings of the Kickabout For Colman over to nominated charities, Grasp and Hand in Hand, last week. Each group received €700 thanks to the festive kickabout in memory of Colman Kerr. Pictured below at the presentation are Oisin and Deirdre Kerr, club secretary Lisa McTernan and her daughter Anna and chairman Gerard Ferguson.

Click for larger version.

The Addams Family at the Abbey Centre
Ballyshannon Musical Society are presenting The Addams Family - A new musical comedy in the Abbey Arts Centre. Shows will run from Tuesday 23rd February to Saturday 27th February, 8pm nightly, with a matinee on Saturday 27th at 3pm. The booking office opens Thursday 18th February, 1pm-4pm, or call 071-9851375. Tickets are priced €10 or €8 on concession.

Celebrating our language
With the anniversary of 1916 and Seachtain na Gaeilge fast approaching, there are some events of note coming up in relation to our native language. Following on the recent agreement between the GAA and Glór na nGael to work together to increase the use of Irish language in GAA clubs, a representative of Glór na nGael will be present to assist clubs in setting up Irish language related activities such as Ciorcal Comhrá and Oíche Ghaelach. This workshop is open to anyone in the locality to attend and is a bilingual workshop. It would be of interest to anyone who wishes to promote the Irish language in any way and Glór na nGael will provide ongoing assistance in this regard. Anyone looking any further information, please contact Sean O'Mahoney on 0868553245

Also on Friday February 26th at 8pm, the club will participate in Tráth na gCeist in the Mount Errigal Hotel. Teams of four will compete with 100 questions all as Gaelige. The winner will be crowned county champions, with the top three teams going forward to the Ulster finals in Armagh on Friday, 4th March.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 jackpot prize was shared between Noelle Gillen and Mary McWeeney of Ballyshannon. Bingo this week will be at Coláiste Cholmcille due to the musical being held at the Abbey Centre. It will be a normal bingo prize fund this week, starting at the usual 9pm. The February €2,700 big bingo will be held on our return to the Abbey Centre on March 4th.

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