Club Notes Archive - 2017

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3 January

Colman's Charity Kickabout
Many thanks to all who took part in whatever capacity in our annual Kickabout for Colman on 28th December. The weather was good and plenty of craic was had as Aodh Ruadh came out to help raise funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Cancer Care West. Well done to winning captain Michael Ward who collected the prestigious Colman Kerr trophy and thanks to our match referee Shane Toolan. We would like to thank Deirdre, Cliodna and Oisin Kerr and the Donagher and Kerr families for their support on the day. Thanks also to everyone who brought supplies on the day. As ever, people were very generous and there was a great lift for the good causes. If you would like to contribute we still have raffle cards out and about. 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. We have pictures from the craic up on aodhruadh.org.

Christmas quiz
Many thanks to everyone who attended the Big Bad Interactive Fun Quiz in Dicey's. Thanks everyone who helped out on the night and our prize sponsors Zuba, Stockhouse, Owen Roe's, Dicey's and the club. Almost 30 teams took part in a great night's craic which proved a big success. Congratulations to Bianca McLaughlin's team who were overall winners on the night. Also many thanks to our polished Master of Ceremonies Shane Toolan, Michael Liston who provided IT support and John Hughes who set the questions.

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.

National club draw
Players and officials are currently selling tickets for the GAA National club draw. All prizes are sponsored by Croke Park and Aodh Ruadh retains the proceeds of the draw. The top prizes this year include a new Opal Corsa, a trip to Australia in November with the 2017 All-Stars, travel and shopping vouchers and All-Ireland Final packages. Anyone with ticket stubs to return are asked to get them to Lisa McTernan or Gerard Ferguson at their earliest convenience.

Dinner Dance diary date
The annual club awards dinner dance is on Saturday 21st January in Dorrian's Hotel. Thankfully the club had a successful 2016, so we have much to celebrate as well as our usual individual awards on the night. After the awards we will have music by Inside Out. See next week's notes for full ticket details.

Abbey Centre Bingo
The December big bingo jackpot of €800 was won by Sean Coughlin of Ballyshannon. The jackpot on December 23rd was won by Gareth Brennan of Ballyshannon. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm in the Abbey Centre. Books €10 or a half book for €5. We wish all of our bingo goers a happy and prosperous 2017.

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10 January

Hurling
The Juvenile Hurling Committee held their annual presentation night last Friday in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. This year's special guest was Galway hurling captain and current All-Star David Burke. Chairman of the Juvenile Hurling Committee John Rooney acted as MC on the night. He thanked David Burke for taking time out of his busy schedule to come up for the underage hurlers special evening. Rooney said that while numbers playing hurling had dropped in the club and spoke of the difficulties they had fielding at some age groups it was a successful year for underage hurling in the club as county titles were claimed at under 12 and under 16 and the under 14s had qualified for the National Féile na nGael finals in Tipperary. He spoke of the pride the juvenile committee had in all their teams and explained that the night was about recognising the achievements of all the teams.
The first group of players to come forward to accept their medals from David Burke were the under 8s. Manager John Rooney spoke of how dedicated this group of lads were, the majority of whom have been hurling for three years now and are moving up to under 10 this year, they fielded two or three teams at each blitz this year and won all their games. He encouraged them to continue working hard at their game.
Under 10 manager Peter Horan was the next speaker, he gave details of the under 10 season. Numbers were disappointing at times, but they were very committed, took part in all the blitzes and competed well, with the majority of players being under 9.
John Rooney then called forward under 12 manager Denis Daly to outline the achievements his squad in 2016. Denis explained how they had worked hard all season and as a result got their rewards. They claimed the under 12 title, defeating Saint Eunan's in the final, our first success at this level. He went on to explain how they had won the Aodh Ó Dálaigh tournament defeating Galway's Abbeyknockmoy in the final, a result that impressed Burke. The under 12s proudly came forward to accept their county medals.
The under 14s only had a panel of 17 players yet they had a relatively successful season which their manager John Larkin outlined to the assembled crowd. The highlight of their season was qualifying for Féile na nGael in Tipperary where they acquitted themselves well and were worthy recipients of their Féile na nGael medals. Senan Rooney, captain of this squad, then made a presentation to John Larkin and his management team on behalf of the parents and players.
Under 16 manager John Rooney then spoke of the great season the under 16s had, despite only having a panel of 16 players, he spoke of how delighted all involved in underage hurling were when these lads claimed the Division 2 under 16 championship title and lift the Pat Butler Cup. A former Aodh Ruadh member who was a great worker for underage hurling in the club, and on that point he spoke of how great it was to see other tireless workers for underage hurling over the years Billy Finn, John Larkin, Owen Roe O'Neill and Kerry Ryan present on the night. A young under 16 squad then came forward to accept their medals.
The final team to be recognised on the night were the minors. Manager Peter Horan explained the team only had 18 players. Despite missing a number of players at different times during the season, they did well fielding for all their games and losing the B final to a strong Burt team. That finished the presentations to the teams.
John Rooney then spoke of the players who had represented the club in Development Squads. He encouraged more lads to try out for these squads. He said no matter what grade it was, every lad should be proud to wear their county jersey. Aodh Ruadh were represented on the under 12 squad by Aaron Cullen, Aaron Neilan, Danny Breen and Ryan Keenaghan who took part in the Croke Park activity day. Our under 14 representatives were Senan Rooney and Nathan Owens-Kelly while Eoin Doherty and Adam Rami were our under 15 representatives. We were delighted to have three lads, Stephen Anderson, Conall Sweeny and Brian McHenry on the county minor squad who won the Ulster Minor Division 2 league title. All our county players were presented with plaques by David Burke, and he also presented the minors with their Ulster League medals.
David Burke was then called on to address the large crowd, he spoke of how delighted he was to be asked to come to this event, he gave a great talk covering many aspects such as importance of club, family support, his club and county career, how impressed he was with Aodh Ruadh's facilities. He encouraged all the lads to continue working at their game and encouraged them all to try and represent their county. The final presentation of the night saw John Rooney present David Burke with a lovely piece of Belleek Pottery on behalf of the Juvenile Committee. Rooney said he hoped to see Aoghan Ó Fearghail present Burke with the McCarthy Cup in September.
The next stage of the evening saw refreshments for all present thanks to our great mothers, and lots of autographs and photographs with the Galway star who was a great ambassador for our great game, having time for everyone young and old. The final part of the evening was the eagerly awaited question and answer session, where all present got a great insight into life and times of a leading inter-county hurler. He showed himself to as comfortable dealing with the questions as he is on the hurling field and no question was dodged. It was a great opportunity for all to hear about how players prepare for big games, nutrition, most difficult opponents, highlights and disappointments. It was a great ending to a brilliant night. Saturday morning saw David Burke take a great coaching session. First off he did a session in the hurling wall which was a great success. He was very impressed with the wall and how it was finished. From the wall it was onto the field where for over a hour and a half he conducted a great session from which our players and coaches learnt a lot. All in all we had a great weekend with one of the legends of the game who has a left a lasting impression on everyone who met him over the weekend. This was David Burke's first time to visit Donegal and hopefully not the last time we'll see him in Father Tierney Park.
We have a great gallery of pictures from the weekend up on aodhruadh.org.

There is a Foundation Level Hurling Course in Ballybofey this weekend 7pm to 9pm on Friday and 9am to 3.30pm Saturday, cost €30. Anyone is interested in taking the course is asked to contact John Rooney.

Colman's Charity Kickabout
The annual Kickabout for Colman charity fund-raiser generated a great return this year for the nominated good causes. The raffle raised €1,150 for Cancer Care West and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, with a further €400 apiece raised on the day of the Kickabout itself. Cheques were presented last Friday night and Sean Coughlin and the Larkin Family were delighted to receive cheques for €1,550 each on behalf of Cancer Care West and IMNDA respectively. We have pictures of the presentations up on aodhruadh.org. Winners in the Kickabout for Colman raffle were as follows. Signed Donegal Jersey: Sheila O'Donnell; Teeling Whiskey Hamper, Jordan McNulty; Sunday Lunch at the Silver Tassie: Danny Gibbons; €50 Shop Local Vouchers: Dessy Gallagher; Men's Shed Wheelbarrow: Roisin Cleary; Mini Tea Hamper and €30 Boots Voucher: Doreen Rooney; One Month Ballyshannon Leisure Centre Membership: Karol McNern; Newbridge Necklace: Sandra McGuinness; Finn Valley Leisure Centre Family Swim: Chanice McBride; Bottle of Wine and Chocolates: Bridget Dolan. We would like to thank the people of Ballyshannon and all who contributed towards making the Kickabout such a success this year.

Football
There will be a Bord na nÓg meeting this Wednesday, 11th January. All committee members are asked to attend.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's bingo jackpot of €400 was shared by the Granaghans, with Marie and Catherine both checking out for €200 apiece. There was no winner of the winter snowball so it rises to €450 on 47 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm in the Abbey Centre. Books €10 or a half book for €5.

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17 January

Dinner Dance
If the anecdotal feedback is anything to go by, this year's Dinner Dance is generating unprecedented interest. Thankfully the club had a successful 2016 and that always helps things, so we have much to celebrate as well as our usual individual awards on the night. The big event takes place on Saturday 21st January in Dorrian's Hotel and dinner will be on the table at 8pm. After the meal, our esteemed Master of Ceremonies, Sean Perry, will introduce the awards and following those we will have music by Inside Out. Tickets are available now for €30 from Ferguson's Jewellers and Pearse O'Neill's.

Football
Indoor training returns this Friday 20th January. The 2017 Under 6s [Born 2011-2012] are in the Mercy Hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm, followed by the under 8s [Born 2009-2010] from 7pm to 8pm, also in the Mercy Hall, they are followed by the 2017 under 10s [Born 2007-2008] from 8pm to 9pm.
Because of the large numbers at under 12 level this season we are fielding teams in division one and division two to ensure all players get plenty of competitive football. For the purposes of indoor training the group will be split into under 12s [Born 2005] and under 11s [Born 2006]. The under 11s will train in the New Hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm. They will be followed by the under 12s from 7pm to 8pm. 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.

There will be a Bord na nÓg meeting this Tuesday, 17th January at 8pm. All committee members are asked to attend.

Ladies
The Ladies committee will resuming their AGM at Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Friday 20th January at 7.30pm. It is absolutely essential that a Chairperson is found to provide leadership, chair committee meetings, and represent the Ladies at club meetings. Without a chairperson the Ladies section cannot function and provide the organisation necessary to support players of all ages and ensure a successful future for Ladies football in Aodh Ruadh. Please play your part by putting yourself forward or encouraging someone who could fulfill this vital role. Otherwise, all the successes of 2016 may count for nothing. A chairperson must be elected soon as in order for the Ladies Committee to be properly constituted and allow Aodh Ruadh to enter this year's county competitions.

Hurling
Well done to Stephen Anderson, Conall Sweeney and Brian McHenry who have come through the recent trials and made the Donegal minor hurling panel for 2017.

Underage hurling resumes on Sunday 5th March for all age groups. All are welcome especially beginners from 5 years upwards. We are still looking for a management team for under 12 and anyone interested in the post is asked to contact John Rooney on 086-2587793.

Scór Sinsir
The county semi-final of Scór Sinsir takes place in Drimarone on Friday 10th February, with the county final set for Saturday 25th February in Glenswilly. The last date for entry is Friday 27th January. There are eight events in Scór and these include Céilí / Figure dancing, Solo Singing, Recitation / Storytelling, Ballad Group, Stage Presentation, Instrumental Music, and Set Dancing. Anyone wishing to take part in any of the events is asked to contact Sean O'Mahoney on 086-8553245.

Club Player Association
The launch of the Club Player Association (CPA) took place recently. The main aim of the CPA is to help deliver a more meaningful programme of games within a shorter season for both club and county players. Players can register for free online at www.gaaclubplayers.com.

Recreational football
Oul man football, as it's known in some quarters, made its long awaited return last Saturday with some truly beautiful football being played. It's on a break this week with the Dinner Dance, but if you want to keep up to date on the latest kickabout, contact Alan Sweeny, David McLoone or John Hughes and they will add you to the WhatsApp group.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's bingo jackpot of €400 was won by Agnes Hastings of Bundoran. There was no winner of the winter snowball so it rises to €475 on 47 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm in the Abbey Centre. Books €10 or a half book for €5.

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24 January

Dinner Dance
There was a fine crowd in attendance for the Aodh Ruadh Annual Dinner Dance staged in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel last Saturday night, with Sean Perry, once again taking the tiller for evening. Proceedings got underway with the presentations to the back-to-back 2016 All-Ireland under 21 C Hurling Championship Andrew O'Neill Cup winners. Kevin Loughlin was in the management while Aodh Ruadh's Matt Ahern, Tommy Gillespie, Eddie Lynch, Stephen Connolly, Ciaran Rami and Oisin Rooney were all members of the panel as Donegal crushed Fermanagh 3-7 to 1-2 in the final. That was followed by the presentation to the 2016 Aodh Ruadh members of the Ulster Minor Hurling League winning panel, Conal Sweeny, Stephen Anderson and Brian McHenry. Next up was a presentation to the club's 2016 Ulster Minor League and Championship double winners Shane McGrath, Nathan Boyle and Oisin Rooney. Two All-county league winning sides were then presented with their medals. First up were the men's League Division 3 winners and they were followed by the Ladies Division 2 champions. The evening then moved on to the individual awards section. Young ladies player of the year was Mary Flora Scott while Tara Khan scooped the Ladies player of the year award. The Young hurler of the year went to Stephen Anderson, with Ciaran Kilgannon collecting the Hurler of the year. The first of the football awards went to Eamonn McGrath who was named Under 21 footballer of the year. One of the highlights of the night was Christopher Goan receiving the Reserve team player of the year award. The Ciaran Keon senior player of the year went to Michael Ward, the young Michael Ward that is, with Sean Perry reassuring Sticky Ward that his day might still come. The Sean Slevin club person of the year caught Chris Kelly well off guard, but it was richly deserved for a great deal of selfless work on behalf of the club. Inducted into the Aodh Ruadh Hall of Fame on the night was John Travers. A tireless servant of the club, his contribution to Aodh Ruadh over the past decades has been immeasurable. After receiving the award John made a short address, thanking the club for the accolade and the great times he had enjoyed. However he added that the club had great times still to come and he wished all the best as we worked our way back to those heights. John's wife Maureen also received a bouquet and there was a large gathering present to support and congratulate him on a memorable night for him and his family. With the evening drawing to a close tokens of appreciation were presented to Terence McShea and Mick McGrath for their contribution to Donegal GAA, to outgoing Ladies Chairman Eoin O'Moore and to out-going senior football manager Peter Gallagher. Peter along with James O'Donnell also received tokens of appreciation from the senior football team for their work over the course of our promotion season. With the night's ceremonials complete it was time for Inside Out to take the stage and supply the music as Aodh Ruadh continued to mark the year past in appropriate style. You can check out all the style on aodhruadh.org.

Monthly Meeting
The January meeting of the club executive takes place this Thursday in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8.30pm. All committee members are asked to attend.

Football
With huge numbers at our under 6, under 8 and under 10 sessions, we have juggled the underage training venues for the coming week, so we ask parents and guardians to read the following carefully. Indoor training continues this Friday 27th January. The 2017 Under 6s [Born 2011-2012] are in the New Hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm, followed by the under 8s [Born 2009-2010] from 7pm to 8pm, also in the New Hall, they are followed by the 2017 under 10s [Born 2007-2008] from 8pm to 9pm, also in the New Hall. The under 12 boys will move to the Mercy Hall. Once again the group will be split into under 12s [Born 2005] and under 11s [Born 2006]. The under 11s will train in the Mercy Hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm. They will be followed by the under 12s from 7pm to 8pm in the Mercy 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 reconvened Ladies AGM last Friday saw Patricia Hill appointed as Ladies Chairperson. Congratulations Patricia and best wishes for a successful stint as chair. Anyone interested in taking on coaching positions is asked to contact Patricia or Willie Scott or email info@aodhruadh.org.

Preparations are now well under way for the Aodh Ruadh Ladies eagerly anticipated Boston Tea Party. The big night is on Friday 10th February in Coláiste Cholmcille with plenty of quality grub, music and craic guaranteed on the night. Tickets for this fine dining experience are a bargain at €20. Contact Barry Ward, Siobhan McGarrigle, Mairead Caldwell or Orla McGlynn to book your spot or for any further information on the event. This is a fund-raiser for the under 14 team's trip to Féile later this year and we would particularly ask parents to support this strongly. Féile requires significant financial outlay between, gear, transport and innumerable other expenses and we hope the Boston Tea Party will go a significant distance to meeting those demands.

We wish Teddy Kane all the best for a speedy recovery as he recuperates from a recent illness.

Hurling
Underage hurling resumes on Sunday 5th March at 12 noon. All welcome from 5 years upwards. Hurls and helmets provided for training. All enquiries to John Rooney 086-2587793.

Anyone who is interested in helping out with our under 12s is asked to please contact John Rooney.

Last Man Standing
Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee are running a Last Man Standing Competition based on Division 1 and Division 2 of the National Football League. The winner gets €200 and entries are €10. Test out your football knowledge. Cards are out this week and available from John Rooney, Denis Daly, Mike Lynch, Daithi Breen, Peter Horan, Gregory Gallagher and Pauric Keenaghan.`

Garda Vetting Session
It is now law that all coaches, managers, mentors and assistants involved with players under 18-years-old are Garda Vetted through the GAA. Aodh Ruadh are having a Garda Vetting Session on Tuesday 24th January, in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8.30pm. If you are currently involved or would like to be involved with coaching and need to be vetted, please come along on Tuesday evening. Anyone attending will need to bring two forms of identifications. Acceptable forms of identification include passport, drivers licence, Irish Public Services Card, birth certificate, or a utility bill with your name and address on it.

Registration 2017
Club membership for 2017 is now due and all club members are asked to submit their registration form and fee at their earliest convenience. Membership can be paid to Gerry Ferguson at Ferguson's Jewellers. Players can also download registration forms from aodhruadh.org and submit this along with the relevant fee directly to their manager. Registration sessions will be organised for teams over the coming weeks and it is essential all players are signed up club members. We will also be having a number of open registration sessions over coming weeks to facilitate members in the wider community.

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 for all returns is closing rapidly. Lisa can be contacted on 086-2338636 to arrange returns. Please note, ALL tickets must be returned, whether sold or unsold.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 Jackpot went to three homes, with Anne McGloin, Belleek, Stephen Brennan, Ballyshannon and Teresa McCaffrey, Ballintra, all getting €140. There was no winner of the winter snowball so it rolls up to a tasty €500 this week on 47 numbers or less. This Friday night is the January Big bingo with a massive €3,100 prize fund including the €1000 jackpot and a guaranteed minimum payout of €2500 on the night. Books priced €15 for a full book or get the book and a half special for €20. See you at 9pm at the Abbey Centre for a bumper night.

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31 January

Football
Congratulations to James O'Donnell who was ratified as senior manager at last week's executive committee meeting. Congratulations also to Aidan Murray and Anthony Coughlan who were also ratified as reserve managers.

Indoor training continues this Friday 3rd February. The 2017 Under 6s [Born 2011-2012] are in the New Hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm, followed by the under 8s [Born 2009-2010] from 7pm to 8pm, also in the New Hall, they are followed by the 2017 under 10s [Born 2007-2008] from 8pm to 9pm, also in the New Hall. The under 11s [Born 2006] will train in the Mercy Hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm. They will be followed by the under 12s [Born 2005] from 7pm to 8pm also in the Mercy 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.

There will be a Bord na nÓg meeting this Tuesday, 31st January at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All managers and committee members are asked to attend.

Ladies
Aodh Ruadh Ladies wish good luck and every success to the Coláiste Cholmcille under 20 ladies team who will be playing an Ulster Schools final against Saint Louise's, Belfast on Tuesday 31 January at 1pm at the Tyrone GAA Centre in Garvaghey.

Hurling
Congratulations to Kevin Kenny who was ratified as senior hurling trainer at last week's executive committee meeting.

Underage hurling resumes on Sunday 5th March at 12 noon. All welcome from 5 years upwards. Hurls and helmets provided for training. All enquiries to John Rooney 086-2587793. Anyone who is interested in helping out with our under 12s is asked to please contact John Rooney.

Question time
Hard luck to Aodh Ruadh quiz team of Paddy Kelly, Sylvester Maguire and Eamon Maguire who lost out to Grange in the Ocean FM Sports quiz.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last weeks big bingo jackpot of €800 went to two homes in Ballintra with Kathleen McGroary and Gavin Maguire sharing the prize. Winners of the €150 game prizes were Regina Dolan, Anne McAndrew and Margaret Brady. The €100 game prizes went to Rachel Patton, Julie Kane, Patrick Boyle, Kathleen McGloin and Darren Gethins. There was no winner of the winter snowball so it rolls up to €525 on 48 numbers or less. We also have our new spot prize on 42 on offer. Bingo as usual this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre. Books priced just €10.

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