Club Notes Archive - 2018

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NOVEMBER

6 November

Football
It wasn't to be for the Aodh Ruadh under 13s in their county final clash with Four Masters in Ballintra on Sunday afternoon. The Donegal town lads ran out 2-14 to 0-8 winners in front of a packed stand in Páirc Naomh Bríd. The opening quarter was nip and tuck with the Ballyshannon lads giving as good as they got. Four Masters led by a point, but just before the break they struck for a goal which sent them in with a 1-8 to 0-5 advantage. Shortly after the break Four Masters hit 1-1 to open a ten point gap and Aodh Ruadh just couldn't reel in the deficit, despite their best efforts. As ever, there was a courageous and committed performance from Eoghan Kelly, while Cian McKenna's shot-stopping was once again of the first order. Elsewhere Aidan Sweeny stood out in defence with his tenacious marking. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were: Cian McKenna; Aidan Sweeny, James Gallagher, Shane McGloin; Eoghan Kelly, Fionn Gallagher, Tommy Winters; Shane Delahunty, Aonghus Sweeny; Robbie Murphy (0-6, 5f); Jack Gallagher, Ryan Daly, Drew Ryan (0-1). Subs: Caolán McCauley, Tommy Clyne (0-1), Dara McGloin, Ted O'Donnell, Barry Campbell, Oisin McGlinchey, Kenzie Lee Ayres and Ronan Delahunty.

The closing event of the underage football season, the Bord na nÓg presentation evening, will take place on Saturday 24th November at the Abbey Centre. All players are to be at the Abbey Centre for 6.30pm sharp with proceedings getting underway at 7pm. Further details nearer the time.

Ladies
We were treated to a fantastic evening of skilful football and two highly competitive matches in the under 13 girls Joe Roper memorial cup competition on Monday. The first game saw Fódhla Sheerin's team managed by Antoin McGloin marginally losing out to Catherine Browne's team managed by Thomas O'Brien. It was end-to-end football, played with great heart and determination. The greater hunger to win together with a few cute tactical moves by Thomas O'Brien saw his team over the line to secure the victory.
The second match was the pairing of Michaela McCaffrey's team managed by Sandra Sheerin against the losing team from first match. Michaela's team was going into this match on the back of two defeats in round one and the team and manager had everything to prove. They did not disappoint and there was no holding back with these two evenly matched teams battling hard from the first whistle. They gave absolutely everything and the spectators enjoyed some fine battles, immense defensive efforts and some brilliant scores and none better that the magnificent goal scored by Cameron Gallagher which wouldn't have been out of place in any underage or senior game. But there was only one winner in this match and Michaela's team won comfortably in the end, much to the delight of the girls and the relief of the manager. All-in-all it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, with many of the parents and supporters commenting on the quality of the football and the level of improvement in all the girls. Thanks to those who braved the weather to offer support to the girls and a special thanks to Paul Gillespie for refereeing the two games. Finally we had a few girls unable to play tonight because they were sick or injured and all the managers wish them well and look forward to getting them all back playing again soon.

Scór na nÓg
The county Scór na nÓg semi-final takes place this Sunday in the Bluestacks Centre in Drimarone at 3pm. Aodh Ruadh is well represented with acts performing in three sections. Best of luck to Roís Cleary in the Amhránaíocht Aonair / Solo Singing, Dáithí and Fódhla Sheerin in the Ceol Uirlise / Instrumental group and Beth Flood, Laoise Kelly, Lauren McHugh and Clodagh O'Connor in the Tráth na gCeist / Quiz. They have all put in a lot of work and hopefully their effort will pay off on the day.

AGM season
The Aodh Ruadh Club AGM takes place on Sunday 25th November in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Club members can obtain nomination forms and motion forms by contacting club secretary Lisa McTernan. The deadline for submitting both these forms is Friday 16th November. All committee officers are notified that the deadline for reports is also Friday, 16th November.

The Bord na nÓg AGM will take place on Wednesday 21st November at 8pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. The deadline for manager's reports is this Friday, 9th November. The committee would like to invite all parents and guardians of our underage players to the AGM as well as anyone with an interest in football in Ballyshannon. The Bord na nÓg committee would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our managers and coaches who have dedicated their time to our underage players this year, to the parents for all your help and support throughout the year and to the players themselves for their commitment to their respective teams.

The Aodh Ruadh Ladies AGM will take place on Thursday 8th November at 8pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Ladies football in the club is in general good health at the minute, and that is thanks to the work of managers, mentors, officers, parents, guardians and, most importantly our brilliant players. We will look back over the efforts of the past year and make plans for 2019. We invite anyone with an interest in the Ladies game in the area to come along on the night.

Schools Coaching Scheme
Good luck to Sylvester Óg Maguire who takes up the schools coach role for the club this week. Over the coming weeks the programme will build up to cover all of the primary schools in the club area and there will be direct contact with individual schools to arrange this. In the interim queries can be directed to Tom Daly.

Aras Aoidh Ruaidh
There are a small number of chairs and trestle tables to be returned to the building. We would like to get them back ASAP as the AGM season gets into full swing. New maintenance arrangements for the Aras have been put in place this week.

Diary date
A date for your diary. The annual Aodh Ruadh dinner dance will take place on January 19th in Dorrian's Hotel.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Lisa Coughlin of Ballyshannon . The stand up game prize of €130 was won by Bridget Quinn of the Knather. The snowball had no winner so rolls over to €450 next week. Bingo as usual this Friday at the Abbey Centre at 9pm. Books cost just €10 with €2,150 in prizes up for grabs.

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20 November

National Club Draw launched, now with big local prizes
The club is asking all members, players, former players and supporters at home and abroad to help it maximise the sale of Club National GAA Draw tickets over the next eight weeks. There is an array of wonderful prizes in the National Draw. This year they will be complimented by a fantastic range of prizes exclusively for those purchasing from Aodh Ruadh ticket sellers. Many sponsored, these include two overnight stays in a classic room and breakfast with one dinner in The Croke Park Hotel for two people; A trailer load of firewood; A pair of tickets for either 2019 hurling or football finals; Overnight and breakfast in Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast; Two tickets for the 2019 All-Ireland camogie final; A €250 his and hers hamper from Cara Pharmacy; Four tickets for the 2019 Rory Gallagher Festival; Two tickets for the 2019 All-Ireland Ladies Football Final; A White Hotel Group voucher for three nights B&B and two dinners for two people your choice of Lisdoonvarna or the Earl of Desmond, Tralee.
Tickets are €10 each with five in a book. We urgently need people to step forward and push the sale of this draw as ALL proceeds stay within the club. The funds raised will be retained to provide initial partnership funding to match the €100,000 grant aid negotiated for the provision of a new sand-based playing surface on Father Tierney Park, such a central part of GAA life in the northwest.

Club AGM
The Aodh Ruadh Club AGM takes place on Sunday 25th November in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 7pm. All interested in the pursuit and development Gaelic games and culture in Ballyshannon are warmly invited to attend. Please note, only those registered by the 31s March deadline are eligible to vote on motions and appointments at the Club AGM.

Bord na nÓg AGM
The Bord na nÓg AGM will take place on Wednesday 21st November at 8pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. The committee would like to invite all parents and guardians of our underage players to the AGM as well as anyone with an interest in football in Ballyshannon.

Draw Committee
The initial Steering Committee for the National Club Draw is Gerard Ferguson, Tom Daly, Lisa McTernan, David McLoone, Conal Gallagher and Sarah Daly. There is an open invitation to all members and supporters to come forward and join this group as draw promoters at a meeting in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 9.30pm this Wednesday night after the Bord na nÓg AGM. It is important that representatives of all aspects of the club and its many teams take part.

Ladies
There was an excellent attendance at the Ladies AGM on Thursday, 8th November. After a full review of activities in 2018, matters proceeded to the election of officers. The following posts were filled. Chairperson, Patricia Hill; Secretary, Sabrina Breen-Brosnan; Vice-Secretary Jo Jo Warnock Under 6 managers, John Britton and Jo Jo Warnock; Under 8 managers, Caroline McGrath and Eamonn O'Donnell; Under 10 Lorraine McPhelim and Andrea Rogers; Under 14, Sandra Sheerin, Anton McGloin and Thomas O'Brien; Under 16 Paul Gillespie, Sylvester Maguire and John Hughes. The posts of under 12 manager and minor manager remain vacant. If interested in these posts please contact a member of the Ladies committee. It was decided to defer discussion regarding the future of the senior team until a specifically convened meeting to address the matter.

Presentation evening
The closing event of the underage football season, the presentation evening, takes place this Saturday at the Abbey Centre. All players are to be at the Abbey Centre for 6.30pm sharp with proceedings getting underway at 7pm.

Scór na nÓg
The quiz team of Beth Flood, Laoise Kelly, Lauren McHugh and Clodagh O'Connor performed superbly in the quiz section of the Scór na nÓg semi-final in Drimarone on Sunday 11th November. They won their semi-final with an excellent score of 25 out of 30. They proceed to the county final on Sunday 25th November at 3pm in the Amharclann theatre in Gaoth Dobhair. Roís Cleary made her Scór na nÓg debut and performed a beautiful rendition of Táimse im Chodladh in the solo singing, but just missed out on qualification for the final. Dáithi and Fódhla Sheerin represented the club in the instrumental group and the young duo played Planxty Irwin and Aaron's Key. They were also unlucky not to qualify, but have many years left at this age level. Big congratulations to all who participated as a lot of work is put into preparing for Scór na nÓg and the best of luck to the quiz team on Sunday as they seek to win the county title.

Aodh Ruadh gear
We have a few items of Aodh Ruadh gear available to purchase at the minute. Aodh Ruadh hats in adult or kids sizes are now available to order and you can see samples on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page. These are €20 each or five €90. Orders for these can be placed with Lisa Mc Ternan, Kerry Ryan or Alan Sweeny or on Facebook. Order now for Christmas delivery. Profit from sales of hats will go to Bord na nÓg. Coláiste Cholmcille company Tharr an mbarr Sports are also offering Aodh Ruadh socks. Kids sizes from 1-5 are priced €10 while adult sizes from 6-12 are priced €12. Place your order on the Tharr an mbarr Sports page on Facebook.

Christmas is coming
With Christmas just around the corner Ballyshannon Business Chamber is gearing up for its festivities. The town is being dressed with beautiful lights and decorations and the Christmas tree, always spectacular, should be in place soon. Santa Claus will come to town on Saturday 1st December and the Town Christmas lights will be switched on. On the day there will be plenty to do with a market planned for the Gables and music and song from the Samba band, Ballyshannon Brass and Reed band as well as the Bel Canto choir. We are inviting people to come along to enjoy the day and browse our shops or enjoy some food and drink in one of our fine local establishments. We also hope to launch our Christmas draw and giveaways shortly with free entry with every purchase. This is to thank you, our loyal customers who keep it local this Christmas. Happy Christmas from Ballyshannon, Ireland's Oldest Town.

Diary date
The annual Aodh Ruadh dinner dance will take place on January 19th in Dorrian's Hotel.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 jackpot was won by Donna McGarrigle of Ballyshannon. The stand up game prize this week was €130 with a single winner. Winners of the €100 houses included Amanda Byrne, Caroline Finnerty, Barney Cullen, Bridie Patterson and Mary Kane. Winners of the €70 houses included Kevin O'Connor, Mary Cleary, Celine McGrath and Patsy Downey. Rita Touhy took home a house and a line. There was no winner of the winter snowball so it rises to a juicy €500 next week. Bingo as usual this Friday night at the Abbey Centre at 9pm, books priced just €10 with a great €2,200 prize fund to win.
The €400 bingo jackpot for Friday November 9th was won by Anne Grey of Belfast. The stand up game prize of €140 was won by Dolores Kelly of Limerick. Our new winter spot prize teddy 'Snowy', went on the first night. We'll have to get another one!

Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of the Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €3,700 drawn on Sunday 11th November. The winning numbers drawn were 3, 4, 9, 10, 16 and 17. In the lucky dip €20 went to Gary Morris, Kinlough; Mary E Patton, Lower Creevy; Ita Doherty, Cluain Barron; Deirdre A McGonigle; and Gary Carty, c/o McGinley's.

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27 November

Club AGM
The Aodh Ruadh AGM took place on Sunday in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. There were almost 40 in attendance as we looked back on a successful 2018 and made plans for the coming season. Detailed reports were submitted by all sub-committees and these were followed by an address from outgoing club chairman, Gerard Ferguson, reflecting on his three years in office, thanking all those who had made it such an enjoyable tenure.
Motions were then considered. Motion one seeking that development coaches be put in place at underage level in all codes was passed, seconded by Mick McGrath. Motion two was taken as part of motion one. Motion three on establishing an up to date coaching register was passed on to the first meeting of the incoming committee. Motion four, that the club establishes a presence on the O'Neill's online store, was passed, seconded by Peter Boyle. Motion five on establishing an online lotto offering was passed on to the first meeting of the incoming committee. Motion six requesting that the club implement an online facility to allow existing members to pay membership fees was passed, seconded by Sarah Daly. Motion seven on creating a club / school link co-ordinator was passed on to the first meeting of the incoming committee. Motion eight regarding the creation of a mechanism to investigate address drop-off between under 14 and minor was passed, seconded by Philip O'Reilly. Motion nine which sought the creation of a sub-committee to deal matters of community engagement was passed on to the first meeting of the incoming committee.
The AGM then proceeded to the election of officers with the following posts being filled. Patrons: Father Ó Fearrai and Fr McGroarty; President: Owen Roe O'Neill; Vice Presidents: Peter Conlon, PJ Buggy, John Magee, Michael McLoone, Tom Gallagher, John Murphy and Alan Kane; Chairman: William Doogan; Vice-Chairman: Tom Daly; Secretary: Lisa McTernan; Treasurer: Sabrina Brosnan; Assistant Treasurer: Sarah Daly; PRO: John Hughes; Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Alan Sweeny and Eamonn Martin Maguire; Substitute County Board Delegates: John Travers and Diarmaid Keon; Health and Well-being Officer: Philip McLoone; Child Protection Officer: John Travers; Director of Coaching: Brian Roper. The only post left unfilled was that of Assistant Secretary. It was hoped to have this position filled for the first meeting of the new committee in January. Also voted onto the committee on the evening were Pat McGrath, Dinny Loughlin, Brian Gillespie, Anthony Coughlin, Peter Horan, Sylvester Maguire, Gerald McGloin, Maurice McLaughlin, Gerard Ferguson, Catherine McKee and Mick McGrath, with allowance made for further members to be appointed at the January executive meeting.
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: David McLoone; PRO: Michael Daly.
Congratulations and best wishes to all those who have taken up a post for 2019. The club extends its gratitude to those outgoing officers who have stepped down from posts after working hard for the club over the past season and beyond.

Bord na nÓg AGM
A very well attended Bord na nÓg AGM took place last Wednesday in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. With over 30 present, reports on the previous year's activity were read and considered with some interesting and engaging discussion on the matters arising. The following appointments were made on the evening. Chairman, David O'Donnell; Secretary, Lisa McTernan; Under 8 management, Packie McGrath and Liam Hassett; Under 10 management, Damian Conlon and Niall McCready; Under 12 management, Paul Gillespie and David O'Donnell; Under 14 management, Alan Sweeny and Kerry Ryan; Minor management, Peter Boyle. The posts of under 6 and under 16 management remain to be filled. Anyone interested in these positions is asked to contact either David O'Donnell on 087-7972101 or Lisa McTernan on 086-2338636.

Juvenile Hurling AGM
The Juvenile Hurling committee held their AGM last Monday. While the attendance was small, all present were very enthusiastic about keeping underage hurling alive in the club. All managers delivered detailed reports as we reviewed 2018. This season saw a number of successes for the underage hurlers the most notable being the capturing of the under 14 A league and championship titles. As we head for 2019, we face a number of hurdles in regard to playing numbers and mentors willing to get involved. We face challenges at under 14 and minor and will be meeting in early January to address them. The following positions were filled on the night. Chairman, John Rooney; Secretary, Denis Daly; Assistant Secretary, Lorraine Duffy; Lotto Co-ordinator, Teresa Maguire; Under 8 management, John Larkin, Liam Mealiff and others to be appointed; Under 10 management, Peter Horan and Gregory Gallagher; Under 12 management, Paul Sheridan and Mark Sheerin; Under 14 management will be discussed at the January meeting; Under 16 management, Denis Daly; Minor management will be discussed at the January meeting. If anyone is interested in getting involved in underage hurling please contact John Rooney on 086-2587793.

Presentation evening
The closing event of the underage football season, the presentation evening, took place last Saturday in an Abbey Centre packed to capacity. Presentations were made to all male and female footballer aged 16 and under by county star Jamie Brennan. Jamie was then grilled by master of ceremonies Michael Daly before giving the audience some guidance and advice on developing and improving their game. After that, individual awards were made.
The winners were as follows. U8 girls: Player's player: Lexi Mae Roper; Most improved player: Kali Gallagher; U8 boys: Player's player: Anthony Duffy; Most improved player: Oisin McGrath; U10 girls: Player's player: Niamh Duffy; Most improved player: Louisa McCusker; U10 boys: Player's player: Joe Gibbions; Most improved player: MJ Ward; U12 girls: Team One Player's player: Maura O'Sullivan; Team One Most improved player: Roise Conlon; Team Two Player's player: Cameron Gallagher; Team Two Most improved player: Orlaith Toland; U12 boys: Player's player: Caolan McCauley; Most improved player: Morgan McNamee; U13 girls: Player's player: Annie Keon; Most improved player: Orlaith O'Neill; U13 boys: Player's player: Eoghan Kelly; Most improved player: Aidan Sweeny; U14 girls: Player's player: Caoimhe Hughes-O'Brien; Most improved player: Ciara Caldwell; U14 boys: Player's player: Aaron Cullen; Most improved player: Aaron Neilan; U16 girls: Player's player: Caoimhe Keon; Most improved player: Caoimhe McCauley; U16 boys: Player's player: David Doherty; Most improved player: Mitchell McLaughlin; The final award of the night was for the Bord na nÓg personality of the year and the worthy, if surprised, recipient was Paul Gillespie. That brought the curtain down on a great celebration of underage football in the magnificently refurbished Abbey Centre. A gallery of almost 350 pictures from the night will be online in the next few days.

Ladies
The curtain came down on the under 13 season last Friday evening when Michaela McCaffrey's team played Fódhla Sheerin's team in the final of the Joe Roper Memorial Cup. On a beautiful cool and crisp November evening the large crowd who turned out to support the girls were treated to a wonderful display of football. From the first whistle every girl from one to 15 played their part. The sheer determination and commitment of the players was evident in every single move, tackle and score.
It was a close contest with the sides going in at the break all square at five scores each. The second half began with the same level of intensity as the first had ended, with no-one giving an inch. Eventually Michaela's team edged ahead and never lost the lead and ran out winners by two points.
Football was the real winner on the night and this group of girls must be commended for their work ethic and dedication to developing their playing skills. The overall improvement compared to their first outing back in August was evident to everyone and we look forward to the potential of this young team coming to fruition next year.
After the match everyone came together in the Aras for the presentation which was made to the winning captain Michael McCaffrey by Áine Cronin on behalf of the Roper family. The girls were then treated to hot food while the parents and other family members enjoyed refreshments which were supplied and served by the parents. The under 13 management team would like to take the opportunity once again to thank the Roper Family for their generosity in sponsoring the tournament in memory of the late Joe Roper. It was an honour for the managers and the girls to play the games in Joe's memory and undoubtedly he would have been very proud of his grand-daughter Aimee who played so well on Friday evening . Thanks must also go to the parents who unselfishly continued to bring the girls to training, travelled to matches, gave support on the sideline and helped out in the kitchen and clean up in Aras on a number of occasions. Finally thanks to Paul Gillespie for refereeing the games and to Patricia Hill and the ladies committee for their continued support.

National Club Draw tickets available, now with big local prizes
The club is asking all members, players, former players and supporters at home and abroad to help it maximise the sale of Club National GAA Draw tickets over the next eight weeks. There is an array of wonderful prizes in the National Draw. This year they will be complimented by a fantastic array of prizes exclusively for those purchasing from Aodh Ruadh ticket sellers. Many sponsored, these include two overnight stays in a classic room and breakfast with one dinner in The Croke Park Hotel for two people; A trailer load of firewood; A pair of tickets for either 2019 hurling or football finals; Overnight and breakfast in Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast; Two tickets for the 2019 All-Ireland camogie final; A €250 his and hers hamper from Cara Pharmacy; Four tickets for the 2019 Rory Gallagher Festival; Two tickets for the 2019 All-Ireland Ladies Football Final; A White Hotel Group voucher for three nights B&B and two dinners for two people your choice of Lisdoonvarna or the Earl of Desmond, Tralee.
Tickets are €10 each with five in a book. We urgently need people to step forward and push the sale of this draw as ALL proceeds stay within the club. The funds raised will be retained to provide initial partnership funding to match the €100,000 grant aid negotiated for the provision of a new sand-based playing surface on Father Tierney Park, such a central part of GAA life in the northwest.

Christmas is coming
With Christmas just around the corner Ballyshannon Business Chamber is gearing up for its festivities. The town is being dressed with beautiful lights and decorations and the Christmas tree, always spectacular, should be in place soon. Santa Claus will come to town this Saturday 1st December and the Town Christmas lights will be switched on. On the day there will be plenty to do with a market planned for the Gables and music and song from the Samba band, Ballyshannon Brass and Reed band as well as the Bel Canto choir. We are inviting people to come along to enjoy the day and browse our shops or enjoy some food and drink in one of our fine local establishments. Memory bulbs are available to purchase in Dorrian's Pharmacy or Le Fleur, a great way to remember loved one who have passed away or cannot be with us this Christmas. We also hope to launch our Christmas draw and giveaways shortly with free entry with every purchase. This is to thank you, our loyal customers who keep it local this Christmas. Happy Christmas from Ballyshannon, Ireland's Oldest Town.

Diary date
The annual Aodh Ruadh dinner dance will take place on January 19th in Dorrian's Hotel.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 bingo jackpot went to Belleek, With Katie Tierney winning. The stand up game prize of €125 was won by Teresa Campbell. The winter snowball remains unclaimed so rolls up to €525 this week. The November Big Bingo will be this Friday at the Abbey Centre at 9pm. There'll be over €3,200 in prizes up for grabs, including the €1,000 super jackpot which must be won. Books are priced €15, or get the book and a half special for just €20.

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