Club Notes Archive - 2017

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NOVEMBER

7 November

RIP John Larkin
It was with great sadness that the club learned the news of the passing of John Larkin Sr on Monday evening. John had been battling illness in recent years, bearing the trials that came his way with immense courage and fortitude. He had been a tireless servant of the club over the years and his passing will be deeply felt. However at this time our thoughts are first and foremost with the Larkin family, John's loving wife Theresa, sons John Jr and Martin, daughters Claire and Louise, and his young grandchildren. John reposes at the family home at 22 Assaroe View tomorrow, Wednesday, from 11am until 10pm. Mass of the resurrection on Thursday at 1pm in Saint Patrick's Church. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu if so desired to the Motor Neurone Association of Ireland, c/o Patrick McKenna Funeral Directors, Ballyshannon or any family member. House private to family on the morning of the funeral. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

Football
Aodh Ruadh saw off Saint Eunan's in a heroic under 21 championship first round game and so the large Ballyshannon support in Páirc Naomh Bríd on Sunday travelled in hope of a repeat of that sort of fighting spirit. Indeed when Aodh Ruadh hit the front ten minutes in it looked like they were set to push on and play the sort of champagne football they are capable of in this quarter-final clash. However, Naomh Conaill had different ideas and by the break it they were four clear with the foundation for a second half push for victory firmly laid down. The main damage was done in that second quarter where Glenties outscored Ballyshannon 1-5 to 0-1. It was 1-9 to 1-4 at the turnover and Aodh Ruadh desperately needed a few settling scores at the start of the second half. They weren't to materialise though. Instead Naomh Conaill hit four unanswered points to give their rivals a mountain to climb. Glenties final score came ten minutes from time and as they shut up shop, Aodh Ruadh added a good point from play by the hard working Colm Kelly and a Shane McGrath free. A minute into added time Michael McKenna also found the net with a lovely crisp strike, but it was a case of too little to late. Best for Ballyshannon were Colm Kelly and Jason Granaghan while up front Oisin Rooney did his best to offer an outlet in a suffocating Glenties rearguard. We have a full match report from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

After a cat and mouse first half in Killygordon, Aodh Ruadh put in a superb 30 minutes of football to power their way into the under 16 B championship county final against Red Hugh's. There was little to separate the teams in the first half with Malin punishing Aodh Ruadh in the final third with some high quality free taking. Aodh Ruadh got off to the perfect start with Shane Gillespie rattling to the back of the net with just seconds on the clock. A minute later Eoin Doherty added a point as the Ernesiders settled quickly. It was tit for tat from there to the break. When Senan Rooney floated over a nice shot after 27 minutes that saw the sides going in at 1-5 to 0-5 with the game there for either side. Aodh Ruadh came out with a real sense of purpose for the restart and four points in four minutes from four different scorers showed they meant business. Senan Rooney, Shane Gillespie, Cian Rooney with a free and Eoin Doherty from play were the men on the mark. Malin weren't about to give though and won a penalty 36 minutes in. Eoin Doherty pinged over an answering point to put five between the sides at 1-10 to 1-5 and set off another run of scores from Ballyshannon. Once again though Malin grabbed themselves a lifeline, raiding for a goal 13 minutes from time and that was followed two minutes later by a free to leave just four between the sides. Aodh Ruadh played superb controlled football in that closing ten minutes, hitting an unanswered 2-3 to secure the result. The defence were magnificent throughout and the attacking performance in the second half in particular was a delight. A magnificent display from every one of the Aodh Ruadh lads and a day where it really wasn't possible to pick out any one man for special mention. A real 19 man display. There is a full match report from the game up on aodhruadh.org. The county final against Red Hugh's will take place this Sunday at 2pm, venue to be confirmed. Wherever it is, we hope there'll be a big, vocal Ballyshannon support there to roar them on.

Not to be for the young footballers of Aodh Ruadh in the under 13 county final. They travelled with high hopes to Letterkenny on Saturday for the decider against Seán MacCumhaill's. They battled hard, but MacCumhaill's had more physicality and firepower on the day, running out 6-7 to 1-5 winners in O'Donnell Park. The Ballybofey boys were against the breeze in the first half but made light of the disadvantage and were able to punch holes in the Aodh Ruadh defence running fast and hard and causing problems for us all over the field. They got off to a flying start with a goal and a point and after that Aodh Ruadh were always playing catch up. By the break MacCumhaill's had built up a significant lead, 4-3 to 0-4 ahead at the interval. Aodh Ruadh got the first point of the new half and went from 11 points down to seven points down in the early part of the second half. However MacCumhaill's had significant cushion to protect and, despite Daniel Breen-Brosnan hitting the net, they were able to push on and claim the county title. Disappointment then for the Ballyshannon lads, but they can take great pride in their performances along the way to the final, which showed the real character in this side. Best on the day for Aodh Ruadh was Aaron Horan, once again magnificent between the posts. Further up the park, Shane Delahunty never gave up the fight while Damian Weber took two fine scores and Jack Gallagher soldiered bravely in the attack. Thanks to hosts, Saint Eunan's and to Mark Dorrian for an excellent job as referee. Special thanks to the supporters who travelled in great numbers. Congratulations to MacCumhaill's who were worthy winners on the day. The team's attention turns quickly back to divisional matters where they await confirmation of the play-off draw. Training resumes on Wednesday from 5.15pm to 6.30pm.

The third round of the Ballyshannon Shoe Company under 10 league took place last Friday evening and saw the semi-final pairings for Monday evening confirmed. The first semi-final saw Barry Campbell's side get the better of Ted O'Donnell's team. The second game saw the clash of Oran Gillespie's team and Dara McGloin's team with Dara's team coming out on top in that one. The finals will take place this Friday and players are to be up at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh for 5.45pm, with the first game throwing in at 6pm. The Shield final between Oran Gillespie's team and Ted O'Donnell's side is first up and is followed by the cup final between Barry Campbell's side and Dara McGloin's. Players are asked to bring €1 for lights and parents / guardians are also asked to bring some goodies for presentations after the football.

Ladies
The Ladies AGM has been rescheduled and will take place in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Thursday 23rd November at 8pm. Any team managers who have yet to submit reports are reminded to do so at their earliest convenience.

Bring and buy sale
The Bring and Buy Sale and Craft Fair is taking place this Sunday 12th November in the Mercy Hall from 11am to 3pm. Entry for adults is €2 and kids go free. With well over 20 stalls there will be something for everybody. From homemade cards, hand knits, local photography, embroidery, angel ways, musical instruments and yummy bakes to unused and used baby items, toys, clothes, jewellery, books, CDs, DVDs and lots more. We are also serving tea, coffee and hot chocolate so why not come along for a look and a wee chat. Big thank you to Liam from Mr G's for sponsoring the prize for our Guess the Marbles in the Jar competition. Hope to see you there on the day and thank as always for your support

Scór na nÓg
The county Scór na nÓg semi-final takes place this Friday in Moville at 7.30pm. Good luck to Eva Carney who is taking part in the Aithriseoireacht / Scéalaíocht section and to Beth Flood, Laoise Kelly, Lauren McHugh and Clodagh O'Connor who are taking part in the Tráth na gCeist. Daithi and Fódhla Sheerin are also taking part in the Ceol Uirlise competition on Friday 17th November in the other semi-final in Glenfin.

Running track fund-raiser
Thanks to the 15 or so club members who braved the elements on Saturday for the successful collection for the new running track / fitness trail at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Particular thanks to the public who donated, many of whom expressed their wish to see the new facility completed. To maintain momentum on gathering the funds to have this facility available early in 2018, a further fund-raiser will take place in Seán Ógs on Friday December 1st. About 20 club members will sell entries for a race night and club members are asked to generate as much support as they can for this venture. Anyone interested in sponsoring one of the 12 races or in taking an advert for the night can make contact with Tom Daly on 087-2390410.

Schools coaching initiative
Well done to Stephen McGurrin, our schools coach on the local coaching initiative organised by the Park / Development Committee who completed his Level 1 Coaching Qualification over past weekend in Armagh. Stephen provides regular coaching sessions in all of the primary schools in our club area.

Inter-county Season Tickets
Season Ticket pricing for 2018 has been confirmed by Croke Park. Adult Club+ season tickets are price €200. Adult season tickets are €120. Juvenile season tickets are €30. As in the season just past, The Club+ season ticket allows the owner to attend club fixtures within the chosen county. The grades and codes of club fixtures covered by the Club+ element of the ticket are determined by the individual county. Once the season ticket is correctly maintained throughout the season, the Club+ version will also guarantee the ticket holder an All-Ireland Final ticket should their county qualify, regardless of their attendance percentage. Clubs will receive €100 for every Club+ season ticket purchased by club members. Renewals and sales are now live.

National Draw 2018
The National Club Draw returns once again for 2018 and tickets are out now. The prizes are, as ever, spectacular. They include a new Renault Dynamique, a €2,000 travel voucher, various All-Ireland final ticket packages, and shopping vouchers ranging from €1,000 to €250 in value. To increase your chances of winning further there is also a Donegal County Board draw and an Aodh Ruadh draw for €100. Once again, Aodh Ruadh keeps 100 percent of monies raised by the club. Tickets are available from Lisa McTernan and Gerard Ferguson and committee members.

Diary dates
A few dates for your diaries. The underage football presentation night will take place in the Abbey Centre on Saturday 25th November. The Bord na nÓg AGM will take place on Tuesday 28th November. All team managers should have reports submitted to Lisa McTernan by Friday 17th November. The annual club dinner dance will take place on Saturday, 20th January 2018.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Bridie Corr of Bundoran. There was one winner of the stand up game, with Mrs Gavigan of Creevy taking the €175 pot. The snowball survived another week so it rises to a whooping €700 on 50 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at the Abbey Centre at 9pm, books cost just €10 with a €2,400 prize fund up for grabs.

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14 November

RIP John Larkin
The many hundreds who made their way to Assaroe View last week for the wake and who then turned out on Thursday for the Requiem Mass of John Larkin in St Patrick's Church told their own story. John lived a full life and he touched and enriched many people. He left an enduring and positive legacy and people wanted to make sure that was recognised and attempt, in some small way, to help the Larkin family in this time of their profound loss. The Aodh Ruadh club were fortunate to be one of the principle beneficiaries of John's diverse talents and desire to see people be the best they could be. We remember his contribution with fondness and gratitude and it was a privilege to have an Aodh Ruadh guard of honour on duty as John made his final journey to Abbey Assaroe. It will take some time yet to fully come to terms with his sudden passing, but we should reflect that if the measure of a life well lived is the quantity of good you left behind, then John lived very well indeed, and will richly merit his eternal reward. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

Football
What a final. The under 21 decider between Aodh Ruadh and Gaoth Dobhair was widely judged one of the games of the season last year. The under 16 B final played between Aodh Ruadh and Red Hugh's on Sunday wouldn't have been far behind for entertainment, quality, commitment and honesty. On this occasion though, it was the Ballyshannon men who came out on the right side of a narrow result against an excellent Killygordon outfit. The Crossroads men were quickest out of the blocks, hitting two points, but Aodh Ruadh had it back level after seven minutes. Red Hugh's kicked on again to go into a 1-3 to 0-4 lead at the end of the first quarter. Points from Shane Brady and Shane Gillespie reduced the margin to the minimum before a blistering shot from Harry Howarth put the Ernesiders into a two point lead. Red Hugh's responded well though, hitting the last three scores of the half to go in leading by a point. Ballyshannon fair tore the doors off the dressing room heading out for the second half and they hit Red Hugh's for six unanswered points to take a 1-12 to 1-7 lead into the final quarter. However Killygordon struck for 1-3 in a four minute spell to retake the lead with nine minutes left to play. Twice Aodh Ruadh levelled, only for Red Hugh's to edge back in front. Then deep into added time Shane Gillespie hit another equaliser and quickly followed that up with the lead point. Aodh Ruadh controlled play after that to see out the win. The final whistle was met with pandemonium. Fittingly, it was Shane Gillespie who gathered the trophy for Aodh Ruadh following a majestic midfield performance alongside the tireless Senan Rooney. That said, there wasn't a corner of MacCumhaill park where there wasn't a hero in this massively intense game of football. Matt Gillespie going through the pain barrier for much of the second half and still sticking his kick out. Kyle Murray proving on the biggest stage just what an exciting prospect he is. Adam Clarke making a battle of every ball that went into the Aodh Ruadh rearguard. Nathan Owens Kelly taking care of business in the corner. Tiernan Flood Dolan giving everything for the cause, just as he has all year, a class act. Eugene Doherty inflicting the most spectacular exhibition of half back play MacCumhaill Park has seen in some time. David 'The Catch' Doherty, the greatest warrior on the team. Odhran McGarrigle rising to the challenge in terrific fashion, using possession smartly. Mark McGlynn putting the body on the line all over the park and hungry for the battle. Harry Howarth, what a goal. Cian Barden a constant menace in the Red Hugh's defence. Shane Brady calming everything down with his cool free taking. Eoin Doherty, what is there to say, if he could have given a kidney to get Aodh Ruadh the win he would have done it. Game of his life. Then Cian Rooney and Aaron Neilan come on, each putting the ball over bar in a game where there was only the narrowest of margins between the teams. The bench quite literally won Aodh Ruadh this game. Later Marty McGarrigle and Ryan Keenaghan came on to a pitch populated with physically larger lads, but didn't let that deter them one iota. They got stuck into the exchanges with determination and a manliness which belied their age and physique. We can't forget the lads who played their part along the way, but who didn't get on the pitch. Niall Monaghan, one of the steadiest, honest and most committed men on the team, he was unfortunate to miss out on a starting place. Frankie McGinley who will forever be remembered for carrying Senan Rooney on his back in Dunkineely against Naomh Muire. Jack McCaffrey whose return to the squad later in the season helped add bite to training sessions and who will hopefully feature more strongly next year, as he certainly has the potential to do so. Colm McGloin likewise showed well in training and will be a big part of the under 16s in 2018. Finally a thought for JJ Goan, as committed a lad as you could get, a tenacious and stylish defender, his loss was felt in the semi-final and final as he was ruled out following surgery. Every man who takes to the field across a season plays their part in the ultimate outcome and in this case happily, it was a seven game unbeaten championship run which brought two pieces of championship silverware back to Ballyshannon. All players can take huge pride in what they have achieved this year and the memories they have made together. We have a full match report and pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

The under 13s won the Southern divisional Title on Saturday, making it two in a row as they also claimed the under 12 Divisional Championship last year. It was a tight competition this year with Dungloe, Ardara and Aodh Ruadh in a three way tie at the top of the table with ten points each at the end of the round robin stage. The three teams met in Ardara for a winner takes all decider series. There were three games of 15 minutes a side with Ardara prevailing over Dungloe in the first game. The Ernesiders then defeated Dungloe 2-7 to 0-5 to leave the final game of the day as the outright Divisional Final.
The Dungloe game was Ballyshannon's first outing since their disappointing performance in the county final a week earlier. They were quick to put it all behind them and get back to doing what they do best. Their passing was much improved and goals from Cian McKenna and Robbie Murphy and points from Shane McGloin, Danny Breen and Aaron Neilan lifted the hopes of the travelling Ballyshannon supporters.
It was Ardara in the final and following a number of great games against the Pearse Park lads over the past few years this game again proved to be a tight battle and was there for the taking for both teams. Aodh Ruadh were solid in defence and limited Ardara to only two points in the first half. Ryan Keenaghan and Damian Weber read the game expertly in the backs and snuffed out many of the Ardara attacks in their infancy. Ryan Daly got a lovely point and Aonghus Sweeny and Robbie Murphy both rattled the net to leave us five points up at half-time. The second half started well for Ardara who opened their scoring with a goal which nearly lifted the roof of the locals stand. Both teams traded points and Aodh Ruadh showed the grit which was lacking the week before to squeeze out the win that meant so much to the players.
Aaron Neilan, Aaron Cullen, Damian Weber and Danny Breen really lifted their game and showed real character. Some of the younger players were outstanding too with James Gallagher, Ryan Daly, Jack Gallagher, Robbie Murphy and Mr Determination - Shane Delahunty nailing their colours to the mast. Some 21 players were available to play on the day and everyone got on and played their part. Special thanks to all the supporters who followed the team so loyally all year. It was a great end to the under 13 season and the boys were a credit to the club and their families.

The under 10 league finished up last Friday night with two great games under lights in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. The Shield Final saw Oran Gillespie's team beat Ted O'Donnell's team in a competitive game to lift the Shield. Oran's team were three points up at half-time and they finished the second half strongly to claim victory. In the Cup Final Barry Campbell's team got the better of Dara McGloin's team. In the first half there was only a point separating the teams, however Barry's team took control in the second half and won by a few scores. Afterwards presentations of medals were made to all players by Gus Culkin of Ballyshannon Shoe Company. The shield was presented to Oran Gillespie's team by Gus Culkin. The cup was presented to Barry Campbell's team by Paddy Kelly who sponsored the cup. Management would like to thank Ballyshannon Shoe Company for sponsoring the league and Paddy Kelly for sponsoring the cup. Thanks also to parents for a great spread of food on the night. We have a great gallery of pictures from the finals up on aodhruadh.org.

Ladies
Recent weeks have seen the underage county squads taking shape for 2018 and Aodh Ruadh are proud to have quite a number of players called up to county colours. Congratulations to Briana Maher, Ana Keon and Cáit Gillespie who were selected on the 2018 provisional minor squad; Caoimhe Keon who will be on the under 16 squad; Eilish Gallagher, Orla Keon and Sarah Jane Keon who have made the provisional under 15 league squad; and Aoibhínn McGarrigle, Caoimhe Hughes O'Brien, Katie O'Brien and Lucy McGlynn who were selected for the next phase of the Donegal under 13 development squad. Well done to our players on their selection and our commiserations to those who did not make it. Anything worth having is worth fighting for, so try and use any disappointment you may feel to drive you on.

The Ladies AGM has been rescheduled and will take place in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Thursday 23rd November at 8pm. Any team managers who have yet to submit reports are reminded to do so at their earliest convenience.

Scór na nÓg
The Scór na nÓg county semi-final took place last Friday in Moville. The Tráth na gCeist team of Beth Flood, Laoise Kelly, Lauren McHugh and Clodagh O Connor performed well and narrowly missed out on a place in the county final, losing out by a single question. This is a team with a lot of potential and considering they were nearly three years younger than the other teams, the future is bright. Eva Carney was also unlucky to miss out in the recitation section. She performed an enthralling version of William Allingham's The Fairies and really brought the famous poem to life. Dáithí and Fódhla Sheerin will be performing in the other county semi-final in Glenfin this Friday in the Ceol Uirlise section and we wish them the best of luck.

Bring and buy sale
Thank you to everyone who supported our Bring and Buy Sale/ Craft Fair Fund-raiser for the u12 Girls team's new jerseys. Especially the local businesses An Colleen Deas, MacCoueran Music, Maddy's Sweet Treats, Andrea Whelan Photography, Seclusion Spa and Essential Healing and all the local crafters. A big thank you for their kind donations to Mary at A Novel Idea, Rory at Pearse O'Neill's Newsagents, Liam at Mr G's, Nuala at Nuala Foley Massage Therapy, Gabby McGloin, Louise Foy, Karen Vaughan-Doherty, AIB Ballyshannon and Chris Kelly. The winner of the Guess the Marbles competition, correctly guessing the correct number of 313 was Rebecca Downey. She won a €30 voucher for Mr G's. Enjoy your winning's Rebecca. Thanks also to Frances Daly for her lovely bakes, they went down a treat. Thank you to all who helped on the day Leia, Jake, Clare, Danielle, Rhiana, Kaila, Amy and Emma. We are nearly at the final figure for the jerseys and are now seeking a sponsor willing to provide the final bit of funding and have their name on the jerseys. Contact Karol Foley on 086-8780164 if interested.

Running track fund-raiser
To maintain momentum on gathering the funds to have the running track at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh available early in 2018, a further fund-raiser will take place in Seán Óg's on Friday December 1st. About 20 club members will sell entries for a race night and club members are asked to generate as much support as they can for this venture. Anyone interested in sponsoring one of the 12 races or in taking an advert for the night can make contact with Tom Daly on 087-2390410.

Five Kinds Of Silence
Ballyshannon Drama Society have qualified for the All-Ireland One Act Finals with their production of Five Kinds Of Silence by Shelagh Stephenson. The finals take place in An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny from December 1st to 3rd. The Society have won their three festivals to date, Ballina, Mullagh and Kiltymagh with Rachel O'Connor winning best actress and Michael McMullan best actor in all three Festivals. Anne McHugh won best Director in Ballina and Kiltymagh and Audrey Davitt and Louise Larkin won the adjudicator's award in Mullagh. Moya Ferguson and Terence complete an excellent cast. The final two festivals are in Tubbercurry on Friday 17th November and Manorhamilton on Sunday 19th November. The last performance before the finals is in the Abbey Centre on Sunday 26th November at 8.30pm. So don't miss this award winning production.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Philomena Ferguson, Garrison. Richie Newell of Ballyshannon took the stand up prize of €160. The snowball survived another week so it rises to €725 on 50 numbers or less. Bingo as usual this Friday at the Abbey Centre at 9pm. Books cost just €10 with a €2,400 prize fund up for grabs.

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21 November

Football
Donegal legend Frank McGlynn will be the guest of honour for the underage football presentation night in the Abbey Centre on Saturday. It is essential that all players, parents and guardian be seated for 6.30pm to allow proceedings to commence promptly and on schedule. Awards and medals will be presented to the under 8, under 10, under 12, under 13, under 14 and under 16 teams.

The Bord na nÓg AGM will take place on Wednesday 29th November at 8.30pm.

Ladies
Underage ladies players are warmly invited to attend the underage football presentation night in the Abbey Centre on Saturday at 6.30pm where Frank McGlynn will be guest of honour. Presentations will be made to the under 8, under 10, under 12, under 13, under 14 and under 16 teams on the night.

The Ladies AGM takes place in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh this Thursday at 8pm.

Hurling
On Thursday last there was an under 16 Schools Blitz in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh featuring Killybegs Secondary School, Abbey Vocational School and Coláiste Cholmcille. The local team, all bar one of whom were Aodh Ruadh players, won all their games comfortably.

On Monday a combined senior colleges team made up of players from Killybegs, Abby Vocational School and Coláiste Cholmcille played St Colm's of Derry in the Ulster C semi-final. Goals proved the difference as the Derry lads ran out nine point winners. Aodh Ruadh players Ryan McDonald, Adam Rami, Adam Clarke, Pauric Keenaghan and Senan Rooney all featured strongly on this team.

Billy Finn Memorial Concert
A commemoration concert in honour of Billy Finn will take place in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel on Saturday night, November 25th. Doors will open at 7.30pm with an 8pm sharp throw-in. The concert will be compered by Billy's good friend Sean McGinley. The featured artists include the Ballyshannon Comhaltas group and Friends. Billy was one of the first members of the group and hardly ever missed a session. The Con Brio Trio will then introduce a lively set of traditional tunes and will be followed by Siobhan Calpin on vocals. Following on from her tremendous performance at the Allingham Arts Festival, Marie Askin will play a selection of tunes on keyboards. After the interval will be a selection of songs from Billy's brother Johnnie. Johnnie has won a number of prestigious song competitions and is highly sought after as a performer. TG4's 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award winner is the renowned fiddler Danny Meehan. Danny will play a number of sets featuring tunes from Donegal as well as some from the famous composer William McGonagle. Master uilleann piper Leonard Barry will play many tunes on his beautiful new concert pitch pipes. Leonard is best known from both his solo work as well as with the sensational new band, The New Road. The night will be topped off with a grand finale from all the performers and at least one surprise guest.
The promoters are delighted to have this occasion to celebrate Billy Finn as he was a great musical stalwart of the town and dedicated his working life to teaching. He gave long standing service to Aodh Ruadh as well as to many of the heritage projects throughout Ballyshannon and in drama circles. The entry for this great night of music is a very modest €8 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated in the Finn family name to the Donegal Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association.

Diary dates
Two dates for your diaries. The club AGM will take place on Sunday 3rd December. The annual club dinner dance will take place on Saturday, 20th January 2018.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Dana Stack of Ballyshannon. The stand-up game prize of €160 was won by Mary Butler. The snowball survived another week so it rises to €750 on 50 numbers. We want to find 'Cuddles' a home for Christmas so he can be won now on a line or a house. The November Big Bingo is this Friday at the Abbey Centre at 9pm. Books cost €15 or get the book and a half special for €20. There's a great €3,500 prize fund up for grabs including the €1,000 jackpot. Looking forward to seeing you there.

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28 November

Aodh Ruadh AGM
A reminder that the Annual General Meeting of Aodh Ruadh CLG takes place on Sunday 3rd December in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 6pm. Anyone with an interest in Gaelic games and culture in Ballyshannon is warmly invited to attend as we look back over the year of activity just past and make preparations for another busy season ahead.

Underage Football Awards Night
Aodh Ruadh looked back over a year of underage football in the Abbey Centre on Saturday evening, with a little help from county legend Frank McGlynn. The theatre was packed to the rafters when Frank entered to a rousing 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 13 team and the boys under 13 and under under 14 Southern Divisional double champions and the under 16 Southern Divisional and County B champions. After that compere Michael Daly put Frank through his paces as he gave an insight into what it takes to make the grade at the very top of the inter-county game, not to mention what it's like to play with Wayne Rooney.
Following that we were in to the individual awards for each grade. The under 10 ladies were up first. Players' player of the year was Orlaith Gallagher, most improved player of the year was Niamh McNulty. The under 12 Players' player of the year was Annie Keon, most improved player of the year was Kelly Irwin. Under 13 Players' player of the year was Grainne Maguire, most improved player of the year was Clodagh O'Connor. The under 14 Players' player of the year was Grainne Maguire, most improved player of the year was Katie McMullin. Next up were the under 16 girls. Players' player of the year was Caoimhe Keon, most improved player of the year was Shóna Slevin.
Then it was the turn of the boys teams, starting with the under 8s. Players' player of the year was Daragh McCready, most improved player of the year was Markko Branley. Next up were the under 10 boys. Players' player of the year was Dara McGloin, most improved player of the year was Alan Vaughan. They were followed by the under 12 boys. Joint players' players of the year were Shane Delahunty and Robbie Murphy, most improved player of the year was Kenzie Lee Ayres. Then it was on to the under 13 boys. Players' player of the year was Aaron Cullen, most improved player of the year was Damian Weber. The penultimate awards were the under 14 boys. Players' player of the year was Cian Rooney, most improved player of the year was Padrraig Daly. The final awards of the evening went to the under 16 boys. Players' player of the year was Shane Gillespie, most improved player of the year was David Doherty.
The evening was a great success and 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 all who helped with the technical aspects of the 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 2018!
We have an absolutely huge gallery of images from the night up on aodhruadh.org.

Football
The Bord na nÓg AGM takes place this Wednesday at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. We will be reflecting on a packed 2017 and planning for 2018. Underage football has been making great strides in the club and it is great to be part of a project that is really going places. Fresh energy and ideas are always welcome though and anyone who has an interest in underage football in Ballyshannon is more than welcome to attend.

Ladies
The Ladies AGM took place in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh last Thursday. The following positions were filled Chairperson, Patricia Hill; Secretary, vacant; Treasurer, Siobhan O'Donnell; Senior manager, vacant; minor manager, vacant; under 16 manager, Barry Ward; under 14 management Paul Gillespie, Sylvester Maguire and John Hughes; under 12 manager, Karol Foley; under 10 manager, David Downey; under 8 manager, Eamonn O'Donnell. We wish all those appointed the very best for the coming season. Anyone interested in the vacant posts of secretary, senior manager and minor manager is invited to contact any committee member.

Hurling
The Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee will hold their AGM on Monday, 4th December at 8pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. We will review 2017 and plan for 2018. We encourage parents to attend this meeting to see how much work is put into juvenile hurling by this small committee. Anybody interested in getting involved in juvenile hurling is asked to come along on the night, any help keeping our great game alive in the club would be much appreciated.

Race night for the running track
To maintain momentum on gathering the funds to have the running track at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh available early in 2018, a further fund-raiser will take place this Friday in Seán Óg's. About 20 club members are selling entries for a race night and club members are asked to generate as much support as they can for this venture. Anyone interested in sponsoring one of the 12 races or in taking an advert for the night can make contact with Tom Daly on 087-2390410.

Billy Finn Memorial Concert
There was great attendance present in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel on Saturday night for the commemoration concert in honour of Billy Finn. Compered by Billy's good friend, Sean McGinley, there was a splendid array of talent on show as his memory was celebrated with a terrific exhibition of music. A portion of the proceeds from the night were donated in the Finn family name to the Donegal Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association. We have some pictures from the night up on aodhruadh.org.

Scór na nÓg
Despite stirring performances of Biddy The Darling and Tobin's Favourite Fódhla and Daithi Sheerin were unlucky not progress to the Scór na nÓg county final. Both are still only under 12 so they have time on their side and county honours are not far away for the pair.

Abbey Centre Bingo
For the second month running the Big Bingo jackpot of €800 went to Bundoran, this time being won by Bridie Corr. We also saw the snowball off, won in the grand amount of €750 and checked out on just 45 numbers! A new winter snowball returns this week. Katelyn O'Brien claimed the stand-up game, scooping a fine €150 pot. In all, a great night of prize giving, with €3,350 paid out! Bingo as usual this Friday at the Abbey Centre at 9pm, books cost just €10 with a €1,900 prize fund up for grabs.

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