Club Notes Archive - 2016
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DECEMBER
- 6 December
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Football
The Aodh Ruadh AGM took place on Sunday in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. There were over 30 present as we looked back on a successful 2016 and made plans for the coming season. With promotion to division 2 for the senior footballers, an under 21 county final appearance, an impressive haul of underage silverware in football, hurling and ladies, it was as good a year to look back on as the club has had in some time. Detailed reports were submitted by all sub-committees and those were followed by an address from Club President, Owen Roe O'Neill. He looked back over the year and made the astute point that we should measure success first and foremost by participation and enjoyment. He praised the dedication and commitment of all involved in club activities over the course of the year as well as those who promoted our games in the local national schools and in Colαiste Cholmcille. He spoke about his great pride in seeing players from the club representing Donegal. He congratulated the Park Committee on another year of impressive work on the Rock providing first rate facilities. The President concluded his address by remembering all those associated with the club in any way who had passed away over the course of 2016. Chairman Gerard Ferguson, made a brief address before the AGM proceeded to the election of officers with the following posts being filled. Patrons: Father Ó Fearrai and Father F Fee; President: Owen Roe O'Neill; Vice Presidents: Peter Conlon, PJ Buggy, John Magee, John Murphy, Alan Kane and Billy Finn; Chairman: Gerard Ferguson; Vice-Chairman: Tom Daly; Secretary: Lisa McTernan; Assistant Secretary: Ronan Drummond; Treasurer Catherine McKee; Assistant Treasurer: Sean O'Mahoney; PRO: John Hughes; Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Sean O'Mahoney; Assistant Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Alan Sweeny; Substitute County Board Delegate: John Travers; Health and Well-being Officer: Gerard Ferguson; Child Protection Officer: John Travers; Director of Coaching: Brian Roper. Also elected on to the committee were Jim Kane, Diarmaid Keon, Dinny Loughlin, Betty McIntyre, Louie Boyle, Mike Lynch, Terence McShea, Sylvester Maguire, John Keon, Mick McGrath, Ronan Drummond, Kevin Loughlin, Peter McKenna, Maurice McLaughlin and Peter Boyle.
The Park Committee AGM was also held at the club AGM, with the following officer posts being filled. Chairman: Tom Daly; Secretary: Conal Gallagher; Assistant Secretary: Peter Conlon; Treasurer: David McLoone; Bingo Treasurer: Cathal Gallagher; PRO: Michael Daly.
Motions were then considered with the following motions being passed: Motion three on reducing the fee for under 12 membership to 15; motion five on managers being present to submit reports to monthly club meetings; and Motion six on officers not able to attend meetings being required to forward a report to the committee. The following motions were left over to the first meeting of the incoming committee in January: Motion one concerning lotto prizes; Motion two relating to the extension of the Realt Ruadh senior ladies amalgamation arrangement; and Motion four on the creation of a committee to oversee finance. Motion seven on having the full 26 man panel present for all pre-match activities at inter-county games was to be put forward for consideration at County Convention 2017.Aodh Ruadh looked back over a year of underage football in the Abbey Centre on Saturday afternoon, with a little help from county legend Michael Murphy. The theatre was packed when Michael entered to a rapturous reception. The first half of the evening saw a reflection on each team's year. All players present received medals to recognise their exertions all year on behalf of Aodh Ruadh. There were also county medals for the girls under 12 and under 13 teams and the boys under 12 reserve county champions and under 12 Southern Divisional champions. After that compere Michael Daly put Michael through his paces, that saw Neil McGee, Brian Roper and a few other getting a fair touch of the Glenswilly maestro's tongue.
Following that we were in to the individual awards for each grade. The under 13 ladies were up first. Players' player of the year was Caitlin McGarrigle, Manager's player of the year was Ella Clancy, most improved player of the year was Eilish Gallagher. Next up were the under 16 girls. Players' player of the year was Saoirse McDevitt, Manager's player of the year was Mary Flora Scott, most improved player of the year was Andrea McGlynn. They were followed by the under 12 girls. Players' player of the year was Katie O'Brien, Manager's player of the year was Emer O'Brien, most improved player of the year was Cara Davitt.
Then it was the turn of the boys teams, starting with the under 8s. Players' player of the year was Corey Sheridan, Manager's player of the year was Joe Gibbions, most improved player of the year was Fionn Hartin. Next up were the under 10 boys. Players' player of the year was Barry Campbell, Manager's player of the year was Killian Bradshaw, most improved player of the year was Matthew Fox. They were followed by the under 12 boys. Players' player of the year was Aaron Cullen, Manager's player of the year was Shane Delahunty, most improved player of the year was Séimí Campbell. Then it was on to the under 14 boys. Players' player of the year was Kyle Murray, Manager's player of the year was Mark McGlynn, most improved player of the year was Nathan Owens-Kelly. We had the under 16 boys after that. Players' player of the year was Shane Gillespie, Manager's player of the year was Michael McKenna, most improved player of the year was Odhran McGarrigle. The final awards of the evening went to the under 18 boys. Players' player of the year was Shane McGrath, Manager's player of the year was Jason Granaghan, most improved player of the year was Patrick McCaffrey.
The evening was a great success with Michael Murphy superb ambassador for the game in every regard. The respect and appreciation all present had for him was palpable. Michael Daly did a great job of keeping the evening ticking along nicely. Thanks are due to the Bord na nÓg and Ladies officers and managers who pulled the event together. Thanks to the Abbey Centre for making their wonderful facility available and to Chris Dykes and Martin Ferris for assisting with the technical aspects of the evening. We are also very grateful to those in charge of the switch on of the Christmas lights for keeping everything to time and allowing the under 13 girls, who were switching them on with the help of the under 12 Erne Wanderers boys, as well as the many underage footballers present to hightail it up to the Abbey Centre for the awards evening.
Finally a very special thanks to all the players who lined out for Aodh Ruadh all year and turned up on the evening and behaved themselves so well, helping to make it an event to remember. Thanks also to the parents who lifted and laid all year, helped out with refreshments, did lotto shifts, bought gear and generally supported Aodh Ruadh any way they could. It is hugely appreciated and we look forward to going out and doing it all over again in 2017!
We have just shy of 300 pictures from the evening up on aodhruadh.org.Hurling
The Juvenile Hurling Committee held their AGM on Tuesday last. There was a disappointing crowd present. We reflected on 2016, a year that saw county titles at under 12 and under 16 return to the club along with the under 14 Féile B title. We were also delighted to see the completion of the hurling wall. All managers gave detailed reports of their activities for 2016. Going forward we face a lot of difficulties concerning shortage of playing numbers and adults willing to help, but all involved are willing to put in the hard work to keep underage hurling alive in Aodh Ruadh. The following officers and managers were elected on the night. Chairperson, John Rooney; Vice Chairperson, John Larkin; Secretary, Denis Daly; Assistant Secretary Lorraine Duffy; Minor management, Peter Horan, John Rooney and Mike Lynch; Under 16 management, John Rooney, Peter Horan and Mike Lynch; Under 14 management, Denis Daly; Under 12 management to be appointed in January 2017. Anyone interested is asked to contact John Rooney; Under 10 management, Peter Horan and Gregory Gallagher; Under 8 management John Rooney and Pauric Keenaghan.Our under 12s travelled to Letterkenny on Sunday for a trip to Arena 7 as a reward for their great efforts all year. Well done to Denis Daly who organised the trip and thanks to all the parents who helped out on the day.
Our annual quiz takes place in Owen Roe's on Thursday 15th December, it's always a great nights fun and craic hope to see you all there.
Ladies
The Donegal LGFA Development Officer has booked two coaching courses for early in the New Year, with dates and venues to be confirmed. The first is a LGFA Level One coaching course. This is a two day course with a six week break between day one and day two. Both days must be completed to gain LGFA Certification. This course has a minimum 12 and maximum of 20 places available. The second course is a LGFA FUNdamentals Coaching one day course. This course has a minimum 12 and maximum of 20 places available. Anyone wishing to take on these courses is asked to notify Willie Scott on 087-9538516, wsargyll@gmail.com. We need to book early to ensure places on both courses.Our next generation of stars is a workshop aimed at coaches working with players from under 6 to under 10. This workshop will be a practical guide for coaches working in their clubs and will help them deliver a FUNdamentals programme in their own clubs. The workshop is expected to run on Wednesday 25th January from 7.30pm to 9pm, with the venue to be confirmed. This workshop will be delivered by the Ulster LGFA Development Officer Ciaran Murtagh. It is a practical indoor session where a squad of under 10 and under 12 girls will be put though a short session and games demonstrations. Donegal LGFA need to get a fix on the number of coaches likely to take part before they decide to go ahead with the workshop. With this in mind anyone with an interest in attending is asked to notify Willie Scott on 087-9538516, wsargyll@gmail.com.
We were remiss last week in failing to salute the under 12 girls who were selected for the 2004 county development squad. Aine Hill, Katie O'Brien, Emer O'Brien, Lucy McGlynn and Aoibheann McGarrigle all made the panel. In truth there are a good number of other Aodh Ruadh players who would be very worthy of places on the panel, but we have to recognise that a club getting five players onto any county squad is great and rare achievement in itself.
Scór na nÓg
There was no luck for Amy Carney in the Scór na nÓg county final held in Glenfin on Sunday. She improved on her performance from the semi-final with another splendid performance of the William Allingham poem Abbey Assaroe. However the depth of talent in the county is immense and Amy just came up short on the night. Many thanks to her parents who drove her down.Next up is the turn of Scór Sinsear, the semi-final will be taking place in early February and any interested parties are asked to contact Sean O'Mahoney.
It's back
'Wreckreational' football will return next week. A WhatsApp group is being set up to establish numbers and most suitable day and time for a regular session. If you'd like to dust off the old boots or your just looking to keep things ticking over on the off season and get some exercise just let John, David or Alan know and we'll add you to the group.Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's 400 jackpot was won by Damian McGurn of Bundoran. There was no winner of the winter snowball so it now stands at 325 on 46 numbers or less. Bingo as usual at 9pm on Friday at the Abbey Centre. Books cost just 10 for 11 games. The Christmas bumper bingo will take place on Friday 16th December at the Abbey Centre with a massive prize fund plus lots of festive spot prizes.
- 13 December
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Football
Congratulations to Eamonn McGrath who made his county debut against Sligo in a challenge match at the weekend. Eamonn, along with Peter Boyle, was a second half sub in the match played at Colαiste Ailigh.Hurling
Our annual quiz takes place in Owen Roe's on Thursday 15th December, it's always a great nights fun and craic hope to see you all there.Colman's Charity Kickabout
The annual Kickabout for Colman returns this year and will take place on Wednesday 28th December with the first games throwing in at 1.30pm as Aodh Ruadh once again takes on the Rest of the World. Anyone interested in lining out for the Rest of the World Football Selections is asked to email Simon Gillespie at nygaagdo@gmail.com or text him on 0019145738761 so we can get an idea of numbers. This year it is in aid of two charities. First is the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), the only organisation of its kind providing care and support to people with Motor Neurone Disease, their families, friends and carers. As some of you may know, John Larkin gets his care through this great organisation. The second good cause is Cancer Care West, a charity dedicated to providing support to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis in a safe, nurturing and accessible environment. There will be buckets doing the rounds on the day so please give generously.Big Bad and Back
Come to Dicey Reilly's on Wednesday December 28th for some festive craic as Aodh Ruadh's Big Bad Interactive YouTube Pub Quiz comes blazing back. Using the big screens in Dicey's there will be five live action rounds on comedy, advertising, music, what happens next and a movies round. The quiz gets rolling at 9pm and we'll have big prizes on the night and loads of great spot prizes to be won. All funds go to support the work of Aodh Ruadh.Scór na nÓg
The semi-final of Scór Sinsear will be taking place in early February. Any interested parties are asked to contact Sean O'Mahoney.Recreational football
'Wreckreational' football will return shortly. A WhatsApp group is being set up to establish numbers and most suitable day and time for a regular session. If you'd like to dust off the old boots or your just looking to keep things ticking over on the off season and get some exercise just let John, David or Alan know and we'll add you to the group.Donegal Yearbook
The 2016 Donegal yearbook is now available to purchase online. Head along www.donegalgaa.ie to pick up your copy.Abbey Centre Bingo
The winner of last week's 400 bingo jackpot was Gena Fitzgerald of Dunkineely - well done to her. There was no winner of the winter snowball so it rolls on another week.Bumper Christmas Bingo
This Friday night is the Bumper Christmas Bingo at the Abbey Centre with a mighty 2,750 prize fund and guaranteed pay out of 2,500. Prizes include two 500 jackpot games, one in each half. In addition the winter snowball will be in play, which now stands at 350 on 46 numbers or less. There'll also be heaps of festive goodies and spot prizes between each game and Santa will be given away if he's not won before the final game. Books cost 15 for full book, 8 for half book, or get a book and a half special deal for just 20. First game at 9pm sharp. It's sure to be a great night, hope to see you there!Rockfield Christmas Ceilidh
This Sunday, 18th December, Rockfield Community Co-Op will be hosting a Christmas Ceilidh at 4pm, free of charge to all its existing members as a thank you for their great support over the year. Non-members are more than welcome and can make a small donation on the door. They will have an afternoon of traditional music with tea and sandwiches being served. It will be great to get the whole community together along with our friends from the Belleek and Ballyshannon areas as well as further afield. Hope to see you there for a bit of Christmas craic!
- 20 December
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Hurling
We held our annual fun quiz on Thursday last. It was a great evening of craic in Owen Roe's. Thanks to all who turned up on the night and all those who supported the event. It was won by Sylvie's Sledgers, made up of Paddy Kelly, Stephen Carty, Eamon Maguire and music supremo Sylvie Maguire. Eugene Perry did a great job as quiz master and as usual Karl Duggan set some very interesting questions.Thanks to all our loyal sponsors who made the quiz such a success. The support of Belleek Pottery, Cara Pharmacy, Star Bingo, William Doogan, Abbey Garage, Rooney's Butchers, Declan Cleary, Seαn Ógs, Bundoran Cinema, Pillbox, Market House, Francis McGinley, Slevin's, Kevin Byrne, O'Neill's Sports Shop and the Fiddlestone is much appreciated. We would ask that all these businesses are supported in the run up to Christmas and encourage all to shop local. We wish all a happy and peaceful Christmas.Colman's Charity Kickabout
The annual Kickabout for Colman returns this year and will take place on Wednesday 28th December with the first games throwing in at 1.30pm as Aodh Ruadh once again takes on the Rest of the World. Anyone interested in lining out for the Rest of the World Football Selections is asked to email Simon Gillespie at nygaagdo@gmail.com or text him on 0019145738761 so we can get an idea of numbers. This year it is in aid of two charities. First is the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), the only organisation of its kind providing care and support to people with Motor Neurone Disease, their families, friends and carers. As some of you may know, John Larkin gets his care through this great organisation. The second good cause is Cancer Care West, a charity dedicated to providing support to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis in a safe, nurturing and accessible environment. There will be buckets doing the rounds on the day so please give generously. This year we are also running a prize raffle in association with the Kickabout so that those who mightn't be able to make it along can still support the good causes. We have a great line up of prizes including a signed Donegal jersey, a hamper from Teeling Whiskey, Sunday lunch for two in the Silver Tassie, a mini Tea Hamper with a 30 Boots voucher, a 50 shop local voucher, a Newbridge necklace, a voucher for Ballyshannon Leisure Centre and a voucher for Finn Valley Leisure Centre. Keep an eye out for cards locally and support generously.Big Bad and Back
Come to Dicey Reilly's on Wednesday December 28th for some festive craic as Aodh Ruadh's Big Bad Interactive YouTube Pub Quiz comes blazing back. Using the big screens in Dicey's there will be five live action rounds on comedy, advertising, music, what happens next and a movies round. The quiz gets rolling at 9pm and we'll have big prizes on the night and loads of great spot prizes to be won. All funds go to support the work of Aodh Ruadh.Danny Murphy RIP
The club extends its sympathy to the family of Danny Murphy, Chief Executive of Comhairle Ulaidh CLG, and a native of Burren in Down who passed away recently. A frequent visitor to our club area over the years Danny's leadership and work for the GAA was acknowledged by the large attendance at his funeral of GAA members from all over Ireland and abroad. Aodh Ruadh were represented at the funeral in Burren by club vice chairman Tom Daly, former club secretary Seamus O'Donnell and Development Committee secretary Conal Gallagher. Ar deis Dhe go raibh a anam dhilis.Father Tierney Park
Re-sodding of goal mouths and other surface repairs are being completed at Father Tierney Park. As a result the pitch is not currently available.Donegal Yearbook
The 2016 Donegal yearbook is now available to purchase online. Head along to http://donegalgaa.ie/product/donegal-2016-yearbook/ to pick up your copy.Scór Sinsir
The club is looking for competitors to enter the Scór Sinsir once again this year. The county semi-final is due to take place in early February. Any interested competitors are asked to contact Sean O'Mahoney on 086-8553245. There are eight sections and we would welcome competitors to go forward and represent Aodh Ruadh in any or all categories. The sections are Céilí or figure dancing, Solo Singing, Recitation / Storytelling, Instrumental Music, Theatrical Presentation, Ballad group, Set Dancing and Quiz.Abbey Centre Bingo
We had a great Bumper Christmas Bingo at the Abbey Centre last Friday with 2,500 in prize money and over 400 worth of spot prizes given away. The 500 jackpots were won by Kathleen Keown of Belleek and Sheila Killalea of Ballyshannon. Many thanks again to our spot prize sponsors, Rooney's Butchers, Centra Ballyshannon, E&J Oil, The Abbey Garage, Kernan's Spar, Ballyshannon Coal, Bridgend Bar, BMG, McCaffrey Quarries and The Limit Bar and Restaurant. Please support our local sponsors in your festive shopping. There was no winner of the winter snowball so it now stands at 375 on 46 numbers or less. Normal bingo will take place this Friday night at 9pm, books priced at 10 for full book, 5 for a half. The monthly Big Bingo will take place on December 30th. If you're stuck for a Christmas present idea, why not buy bingo book vouchers for your nearest and dearest. They are available for sale on Friday night.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.Aodh Ruadh Christmas Lotto Extra
The winners of our Christmas hampers from McCosker's Centra and Kernan's Spar were Gerry McIntyre and Marie Gallagher respectively. Winners of our 30 shopping vouchers were Jack Keown, c/o Pat's Bar; Gerry Ferguson, Higginstown; Mark Vance, Carricknahorna; Orla Keon, Askill; Jean Murray, The Mall; Liam McGrath, c/o The Bridgend Bar; Rory Killelea, Finner Camp; Pat Melly, c/o Pat's Bar; Lillie Freeburn, Belleek; and Mary E. Patton, Lower Creevy.