Club Notes Archive - 2020
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February
- 4 February
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Óige Aodh Ruadh launch
Last Saturday saw a big crowd packed into Aras Aoidh Ruaidh for the launch of our underage football academy Óige Aodh Ruadh. On the night we had a draw for Academy gear which was sponsored by our Sham in Toronto, KJ Graham, with Oisin Sweeny and Rian Kane the lucky lads getting their fee back. Due to large crowds on Friday night some entries were not in before draw was made so the club did a second draw on Saturday evening and this time the winners were Luka Connolly and Rory Gethins. Well done lads, please contact our secretary Lisa McTernan to arrange return of your fee. Check out our image gallery on aodhruadh.org where we have a great range of images for a very encouraging event.Football
Indoor football training will begin this week for under 6 boys [2014 and 2015], under 8 boys [2012 and 2013] and under 10 boys [2010 and 2011]. For the first two weeks, Friday 7th February and Friday 14th February, the details are as follows.
The under 6s are in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 6.50pm. Text Ivan O'Mahoney on 086-1714701 to join the under 6 WhatsApp group.
The under 8s are in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 7pm to 8pm. Text Packie McGrath on 087-9794696 to join the under 8 WhatsApp group.
The under 10s are in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 8pm to 9pm. Text Damian Conlon on 087-2750986 to join the under 8 WhatsApp group.
For the six weeks from Friday 21st February onwards, the details are as follows.
The under 6s are in the Mercy hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 6.50pm. The under 8s are in the new hall from 6pm to 7pm. The under 10s are in the new hall from 7pm to 8pm.
Please note, there is a €3 charge for indoor training, to cover the cost of the halls.
Training for under 12 boys continues on Thursday at the Breesy Centre, Cashelard at 7pm. Text Stephen Ward on 087-64437778 to join the under 12 WhatsApp group. Please note, there is a €3 charge to cover the cost of the Breesy Centre pitch.
We would love to see all players from previous years and would particularly welcome any new players who would like to come and try football for the first time. We would also love to welcome back any boys who have played in the past, but have left football for whatever reason.
Ladies
Training continues for senior, minor and under 16 ladies in the Mercy Hall on Monday evenings from 8pm to 9pm. Players are asked to bring €2 to cover the cost of hall hire. Training also continues at Pro Fitness on Friday evenings from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.With big numbers turning out for the first week of under 14 training we are moving to the Breesy Centre from 6pm to 7pm on Tuesdays. Girls should dress warmly, arrive by 5.50pm, bring their own water bottle and have €2 to help cover pitch hire.
Congratulations to the Donegal ladies on their win against Waterford at the weekend. Our own Aine Gilmore is on the panel.
Training arrangements
All teams doing early season training are encouraged to use the new running track. As weather permits, maintenance work is continuing on both main pitches. The floodlit pitch in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh is reserved for club adult teams. Where under age club teams need field work the school field is available.National League fixtures in Ballyshannon
We host Ladies NFL Division 1 meeting between Donegal and Cork and the NFL Division 1 game between Donegal and Monaghan on March 1st. A panel of stewards to assist at these games is being put together. Club members willing to steward, sell programmes and generally help on the day are asked to text to David McLoone, Conal Gallagher, Michael Daly, Philip McLoone, Tom Daly or Willie Scott before February 14th after which a local co-ordinating meeting will take place. Those interested in taking an advert in the match programme is asked to contact any of the above named.Park-Development Committee AGM
Officers elected at the re-convened meeting of the Park /Development Committee for 2020 were as follows: Chairman, Tom Daly; Secretary, Conal Gallagher; Assistant Secretary, Philip McLoone; Treasurer, David McLoone; Assistant Treasurer: Patsy Kilgannon; PRO, Michael Daly.Ballyshannon to host Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Championships
Ballyshannon will be hosting the 2020 All-Ireland and All-Nations Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Championships on 6th and 7th June. This is Ireland's biggest sheep event and sees over 100 professional shearers battling it out across 15 categories for the honour of being an All-Ireland Sheep Shearing Champion. The event is a long standing fixture in the agricultural calendar and is being held in Ballyshannon for the first time ever. Footfall over the two days is expected to be around 12,000 and there will be an Animal Health Village and a Food Village promoting the best of Donegal lamb and other local produce. The event will be hosted in collaboration with Castle Open Farm and Aodh Ruadh with Father Tierney Park a main site. We will have more details on the championship over the coming months.Club registration
We ask all club members to submit their registration form and fee at their earliest convenience. To facilitate registration we have an online option on Klubfunder.com available. Click on the link or search for 'Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon' on the Klubfunder.com site. Membership can also 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. It is essential all players are signed up club members. Non members are not covered by the GAA's injury insurance scheme and cannot line out for the club. Adult members will receive first priority for the club's allocation of All-Ireland final tickets in the event of Donegal contesting the decider. Only adult members registered by 31st March may vote at the club AGM.Last one standing
Our Last One Standing competition sponsored by Liam Gallen Mr Gs got underway this weekend with 414 entrants this year. The dreaded draw proved costly as a lot of entrants had picked Roscommon. Scores by David Clifford and James Durcan ended the hopes of those who picked Dublin and Donegal. RTE's Jaqui Hurley has reason to smile as she picked Galway while Marty Morrissey went out after picking the Dubs. Thanks to all who supported this fund-raiser. Best of luck to the 268 entrants still standing in round two this weekend.National and Local Draw
All with tickets for the National Draw are asked to begin returning their stubs. There is a lot of work to be done to enter the returns on the National database so it would be helpful to our club officers if everyone could co-operate on this. Proceeds from this draw are ring fenced to build a new playing surface on Father Tierney Park in 2020. Further tickets are available from any member of the draw committee. For those not living locally who wish to support the Father Tierney Park project, tickets can be purchased on the Aodh Ruadh page on Klubfunder.com.Abbey Centre Bingo
Julie Kane of Belleek defied all odds by following up her December Big Bingo Jackpot win by also winning the January €1,000 Big Bingo Jackpot on Friday night. Well done Julie. Mary Butler of Ballyshannon took the stand-up game prize of €150. Winners of the €150 houses included Sheila Killalea, John McFadden and Majella Gettins, with €100 houses going to Marie Gallagher, Josie Lynch, Kathleen Allen, Meave Conway, Denise McGlinchey and Christine Keown. There was no winner of the winter snowball so it rolls to €900 this week. Bingo as usual this Friday night at the Abbey Centre, with a great €2,600 prize fund. First game at 9pm, books just €10.
- 11 February
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Football
Under 14 outdoor training starts next Monday at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and runs from 6pm to 7.30pm. Gym training continues on Sundays from 11.30am to 12.30pmIndoor football training continues this week for under 6 boys [2014 and 2015], under 8 boys [2012 and 2013] and under 10 boys [2010 and 2011]. The under 6s are in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 6.50pm. The under 8s are in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 7pm to 8pm. The under 10s are in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 8pm to 9pm.
For the six weeks from Friday 21st February onwards, the details are as follows. The under 6s are in the Mercy hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 6.50pm. The under 8s are in the new hall from 6pm to 7pm. The under 10s are in the new hall from 7pm to 8pm. Please note, there is a €3 charge for indoor training, to cover the cost of the halls.
Training for under 12 boys continues on Thursday at the Breesy Centre, Cashelard at 7pm. Please note, there is a €3 charge to cover the cost of the Breesy Centre pitch.
Ladies
Training continues for senior, minor and under 16 ladies at Pro Fitness on Friday evenings from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. There is a senior challenge game on Sunday. Players should be at the dressing rooms in Father Tierney Park for 10.15am.Under 14 training continues at the Breesy Centre from 6pm to 7pm on Tuesdays. Girls should dress warmly, arrive by 5.50pm, bring their own water bottle and have €2 to help cover pitch hire.
Hard luck to the Donegal ladies who were defeated by Galway 3-12 to 4-5 on Sunday in the Ladies NFL Division 1. Congratulations to Áine Gilmore who became the first Aodh Ruadh player to line out for the senior county ladies in a number of years when she was introduced as a second half substitute for the injured Geraldine McLaughlin.
Club registration
We ask all club members to submit their registration form and fee at their earliest convenience. To facilitate registration we have an online option on Klubfunder.com available. Click on the link or search for 'Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon' on the Klubfunder.com site. Membership can also 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. It is essential all players are signed up club members. Non members are not covered by the GAA's injury insurance scheme and cannot line out for the club. Adult members will receive first priority for the club's allocation of All-Ireland final tickets in the event of Donegal contesting the decider. Only adult members registered by 31st March may vote at the club AGM.Last one standing
Week three took its toll in our Last One Standing competition. Again we had a dreaded draw which saw a lot of entrants who had picked Dublin leave the competition. Roscommon proved a popular choice for many with a comfortable win over Clare. Galway's narrow win in Letterkenny also saw many leave our competition. After week three we are down to 108 left standing.National and Local Draw
All with tickets for the National Draw are asked to begin returning their stubs. There is a lot of work to be done to enter the returns on the National database so it would be helpful to our club officers if everyone could co-operate on this. Proceeds from this draw are ring fenced to build a new playing surface on Father Tierney Park in 2020. Further tickets are available from any member of the draw committee. For those not living locally who wish to support the Father Tierney Park project, tickets can be purchased on the Aodh Ruadh page on Klubfunder.com.Operation Transformation walk
This Thursday will be our last week of Operation Transformation Ireland Lights Up. We are aiming to finish on a high with a 5k walk. There will be a nutritionist and a nurse on hand to give walkers advice and take your BMI in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh from 6pm. That means you've an hour before the walk gets going at 7pm. No need to book, just show up. After the walk we will have we will have tea and refreshments in the Aras to to mark the end of the programme. All welcome including new-comers and first timers. See you on Thursday. Registration at 6.55pm, heading off shortly after 7pm.National League fixtures in Ballyshannon
We host Ladies NFL Division 1 meeting between Donegal and Cork and the NFL Division 1 game between Donegal and Monaghan on March 1st. A panel of stewards to assist at these games is being put together. Club members willing to steward, sell programmes and generally help on the day are asked to text to David McLoone, Conal Gallagher, Michael Daly, Philip McLoone, Tom Daly or Willie Scott before February 14th after which a local co-ordinating meeting will take place. Those interested in taking an advert in the match programme is asked to contact any of the above named.Bobble hats
Chris Kelly is selling some stylish Aodh Ruadh bobble hats at the minute price €14. If you would like to place an order, just message Chris on Facebook or text him on 0868813553. All profits go back to the club.Educate yourself about drugs and alcohol
Aodh Ruadh are running a drug and alcohol education and prevention programme in partnership with Foróige for 13-16 year olds. Cara Currid, Foróige's drug and alcohol education and prevention youth worker funded by the Drug Task Force, will facilitate a six to eight week programme beginning on Thursday 20th February in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh for an hour to a hour and a half each Thursday. There may be a possible break for mid-term. We are encouraging around 25 to 27 of our members to sign up to the programme. Each night a different topic will be covered. For example, cocaine use, cannabis use, over the counter drugs, beer and drug goggles, etc. There will be an information evening in advance of the first session. Any questions can be directed to Philip McLoone 086-4053008.Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 jackpot was won by Roseanne Martin of Belleek. Antoinette Gallagher of Ballyshannon won the stand-up game prize of €140. Winners of the €100 houses included Denise McGlinchey, Róisín McGowan, Jack Gallagher, Sarah O'Shea, Patricia Cox and Marian Matthews, whilst €70 houses went to Bridie Patterson, Patricia O'Reilly, Denis Sheerin and Mark Granaghan. There was no winner of the winter snowball so it rolls to €950 this week. Bingo as usual this Friday night at 9pm at the Abbey Centre with a great €2,650 prize fund. Books just €10.Mobile phone quiz night
A date for your diary. Ballyshannon’s first ever Mobile Phone Quiz Night in Dicey Reilly's, Friday, 28th February, 9pm. Easy to play. Just bring an Apple or Android device (Phone or tablet) and we’ll talk you through it. Entry €5 per player. Teams of three, four or five. Proceeds will support ladies football in the club.
- 18 February
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Football
Indoor football training continues this week for under 6 boys [2014 and 2015], under 8 boys [2012 and 2013] and under 10 boys [2010 and 2011]. The under 6s are in the Mercy at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm. The under 8s are in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm. The under 10s are in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 7.15pm to 8.15pm. We remind all boys to wear their academy jersey and bring their O'Neill's football with them to training. Please note, there is a €3 charge for indoor training, to cover the cost of the halls. Membership forms and fees can be returned to managers at training.Training for under 12 boys continues on Thursday at the Breesy Centre, Cashelard at 7pm. Please note, there is a €3 charge to cover the cost of the Breesy Centre pitch.
Under 14 training continues at the Breesy Centre from 6pm to 7.15pm on Fridays. Please bring €2 to help cover pitch hire. Strength and conditioning training continues on Sundays at Pro Fitness from 1.30am to 12.30pm.
Ladies
Training continues for senior, minor and under 16 ladies in the Mercy Hall on Monday evenings from 8pm to 9pm. Players are asked to bring €2 to cover the cost of hall hire. Training also continues at Pro Fitness on Friday evenings from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.Under 14 training continues at the Breesy Centre from 6pm to 7.15pm on Tuesdays. Girls should dress warmly, arrive by 5.50pm, bring their own water bottle and have €2 to help cover pitch hire.
Hurling
Under 8 hurling training commences on Sunday 23rd February at 12 noon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh (Munday's field). Under 10 hurling training commences on Sunday 8th March at 12 noon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh (Munday's field). All returning players and new-comers welcome. Hurls and helmets will be provided.Coaching workshop
We will be hosting an outdoor coaching workshop with Joe McBrearty in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Saturday 7th March from 10am to 12pm. All club coaches at all levels, from under 6 and up, are invited to attend in what should be an enjoyable and informative workshop.Club registration
We ask all club members to submit their registration form and fee at their earliest convenience. To facilitate registration we have an online option on Klubfunder.com available. Click on the link or search for 'Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon' on the Klubfunder.com site. Membership can also 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. It is essential all players are signed up club members. Non members are not covered by the GAA's injury insurance scheme and cannot line out for the club. Adult members will receive first priority for the club's allocation of All-Ireland final tickets in the event of Donegal contesting the decider. Only adult members registered by 31st March may vote at the club AGM.National and Local Draw
All with tickets for the National Draw are asked to begin returning their stubs. There is a lot of work to be done to enter the returns on the National database so it would be helpful to our club officers if everyone could co-operate on this.Training facilities
All club teams are encouraged to use the fitness trail, including the 100m sprint section, for pre-season stamina training. This new facility at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh is a valuable all weather resource at a time when pitches everywhere are unplayable due to adverse weather. The floodlit training field is reserved for adult team use. Where under age teams need field work, the school field is available. All three club pitches have been professionally verti-drained recently in preparation for official fixtures in March and other maintenance works are continuing as weather permits.Scheduling meeting
A meeting with the Officers of the Park / Development Committee has been scheduled for 8pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Tuesday 25th February to arrange outdoor training slots for the 2020 season. All team managers from all codes should attend. Please bring changing rooms keys as some key exchange will be necessary.National League fixtures in Ballyshannon
We are preparing a full match programme for the Donegal v Monaghan NFL Division 1 game which will be preceded by the Ladies NFL Division 1 game between Donegal and Cork on March 1st. Club members are asked to assist with sourcing advertisements for the programme and to link in with Tom Daly, Michael Daly, Conal Gallagher and David McLoone.
All those available to assist with the arrangements on March 1st should come to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8.30pm on Tuesday 25th February for a short meeting.Bobble hats
Chris Kelly is selling some stylish Aodh Ruadh bobble hats at the minute price €14. If you would like to place an order, just message Chris on Facebook or text him on 0868813553. All profits go back to the club.Give blood
There will be an opportunity to give blood this Wednesday at the Mercy Hall, Coláiste Cholmcille between 3pm and 5pm and again from 7pm to 9.30pm. It is worth noting the restriction on donors who had been resident in the UK has now been lifted, so if you had been previously turned away on this basis now is an opportunity to rejoin the ranks of local donors.Educate yourself about drugs and alcohol
Aodh Ruadh are running a drug and alcohol education and prevention programme in partnership with Foróige for 13-16 year olds. Cara Currid, Foróige's drug and alcohol education and prevention youth worker funded by the Drug Task Force, will facilitate a six to eight week programme beginning this Thursday in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh for an hour to a hour and a half each Thursday. There may be a possible break for mid-term. We are encouraging around 25 to 27 of our members to sign up to the programme. Each night a different topic will be covered. For example, cocaine use, cannabis use, over the counter drugs, beer and drug goggles, etc. There will be an information evening in advance of the first session. Any questions can be directed to Philip McLoone 086-4053008.Basic Life Support course
The club are looking at running a Basic Life Support (BLS) course. As part of the chain of survival in a cardiac arrest you will learn, recognition of cardiac arrest, CPR and defibrillation. We will need a minimum of 16 participants. There will be a minimal charge between €15 to €20. If interested please send a text to Chris Kelly on 086-8813553. We are also hoping to organise a BLS course for underage members.Congratulations
Congratulations to senior players Darren Drummond and Sarah Daly on the recent birth of their first child, Danny. With DNA like that, he's sure to have a great future with the club ahead of him!Win a house
We invite our members to support Donegal GAA's house draw. You could win a four bed semi-detached home in Dublin with Club Donegal. With over 134 square metres of living space, this four bed semi-detached home is located in Brownsbarn, adjacent to Citywest. On 9th May one very lucky person will win this brand new house in our capital. Second prize in the draw is a brand new Mazda 2. Tickets, priced €100, are available to buy online now at winyourhouseindublin.com.Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 jackpot was won by Angela Nicholson of Drumcliff. Sheila Killalea of Ballyshannon won the stand-up game prize of €130. Winners of the €100 houses were Sean Coughlin, Molly Ferguson, Noelle Newell and Mary Cleary, with Mark and Anne Granaghan keeping it family by sharing a house. The €70 houses went to Mary B Kerrigan, Jean Murray, Kathleen Fallon and Andy Patterson. There was no winner of the winter snowball so it rolls to a mighty €1,000 this week. Bingo as usual this Friday night at 9pm at the Abbey Centre with a great €2,700 prize fund. Books just €10.Mobile phone quiz night
A date for your diary. Ballyshannon’s first ever Mobile Phone Quiz Night in Dicey Reilly's, Friday, 28th February, 9pm. Easy to play. Just bring an Apple or Android device (Phone or tablet) and we’ll talk you through it. Entry €5 per player. Teams of three, four or five. Proceeds will support ladies football in the club.
- 25 February
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Club meeting
The monthly club meeting takes place this Thursday at 9pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All committee members are asked to attend.Football
Our under 16 and minor footballers and management travelled to Dublin last Saturday. All-in-all 33 players spent the afternoon at the GAA National Games Development Centre at Abbottstown. Making the most of the excellent facilities, and making light of the strong wind on the day, all who travelled took part in a good pitch session for a little under two hours. After their training session the players took part in a self-analysis session and identified their own areas to work on over the coming months. It was then off to Croke Park - with a detour to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, to watch Donegal take on the All-Ireland Champions. Although the result didn't go Donegal’s way it was great to be at such an entertaining game where Donegal were on top for long periods. Management would like to thank all 33 players for training exceptionally hard in the afternoon and for representing the club in the proper manner through their behaviour for the entire day. See the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page for some pictures from the day's craic.Indoor football training continues this week for under 6 boys [2014 and 2015], under 8 boys [2012 and 2013] and under 10 boys [2010 and 2011]. The under 6s are in the Mercy at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm. The under 8s are in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm. The under 10s are in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 7.15pm to 8.15pm. We remind all boys to wear their academy jersey and bring their O'Neill's football with them to training. Please note, there is a €3 charge for indoor training, to cover the cost of the halls. Membership forms and fees can be returned to managers at training.
Training for under 12 boys continues on Thursday at the Breesy Centre, Cashelard at 7pm. Please note, there is a €3 charge to cover the cost of the Breesy Centre pitch.
Under 14 training continues at the Breesy Centre from 6pm to 7.15pm on Fridays. Please bring €2 to help cover pitch hire. Strength and conditioning training continues on Sundays at Pro Fitness from 1.30am to 12.30pm.
Ladies
Training continues for senior, minor and under 16 ladies in the Mercy Hall on Monday evenings from 8pm to 9pm. Players are asked to bring €2 to cover the cost of hall hire. Training also continues at Pro Fitness on Friday evenings from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.Under 14 training continues at the Breesy Centre from 6pm to 7pm on Tuesdays. Girls should dress warmly, arrive by 5.50pm, bring their own water bottle and have €2 to help cover pitch hire.
Training for under 8s and under 10s commences this Tuesday in the Mercy Hall at Coláiste Cholmcille. The under 8 session runs from 6pm to 7pm, and is followed by the under 10 session from 7pm to 8pm. Players should bring their own water bottle and have €3 to help cover the cost of hiring the hall.
Hurling
Under 8 hurling training continues on Sunday at 12 noon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh (Munday's field). Under 10 hurling training commences on Sunday 8th March at 12 noon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh (Munday's field). All returning players and new-comers welcome. Hurls and helmets will be provided.Mobile phone quiz night
Ballyshannon’s first ever Mobile Phone Quiz Night takes place this Friday in Dicey Reilly's at 9pm. We've had a few test runs already and it looks like it's going to be brilliant craic. It's really easy to play. Just bring an Apple or Android device (Phone or tablet) and we’ll talk you through it. If you want to help expedite set-up on the night, you can head along to where you usually get your apps and download and install the SpeedQuizzing Virtual Buzzer ahead of time. Entry is €5 per player. Teams of two, three, four or five. The ladies senior squad are due to attend after Friday night training so it's highly unlikely you'll finish last. Proceeds will support ladies football in the club.National League fixture
All those available to assist with arrangements for the NFL Division 1 meeting of Donegal v Monaghan on Sunday are asked to come to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8.30pm this Tuesday night for a short meeting. Key stewards should report to the Park no later than 11am on Sunday and all other helpers no later than 12 noon. As there will be a large crowd in attendance club members are asked to park away from the grounds. The Ladies NFL Division 1 fixture between Donegal and Cork which had been planned as a double header for this Sunday and has been deferred to Sunday, March 8th as Cork have back-logged games to catch up on.Ulster Minor League
Sunday's big game is not the only county match the town will be hosting at the weekend. On Saturday Donegal will be taking on Sligo in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh in the Ulster Minor League. Throw-in at 12 noon.Scheduling meeting
All team managers in all codes and age groups are invited to a meeting with the officers of the Park / Development Committee this Tuesday, February 25th, at 8pm to arrange outdoor training slots for the 2020 season. Please bring changing room keys as some key exchange may be necessary.Training facilities
All club teams are encouraged to follow the example of our senior and reserve footballers and use the fitness trail, including the 100m sprint section for pre-season training. This new facility at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh is a valuable all weather resource, particularly during this time of year and with the persistent adverse weather we are enduring. Just short of eight laps on the track is a 5k run, and the track has distance markers to aid training individual and team programmes. Thanks to Eamonn Harvey of Tirconaill AC who supervised the marking out of the trail. The floodlit training field is reserved for club adult teams.History made at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh
Donegal's win over Monaghan in the Ulster under 20 Football Championship at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Saturday made a bit of history with the game eventually decided on penalties, 3 to 1 in Donegal's favour. It was level at the end of normal time and after 20 minutes of extra-time the sides could still not be separated. Aodh Ruadh was asked to host this game as both MacCumhaill Park and O'Donnell Park were unplayable and Ulster GAA switched the fixture to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh late on Wednesday. As this was a championship match we owe a debt of gratitude to our workforce at our grounds and to some of our volunteers who spent Thursday and Friday working in dreadful weather conditions to put arrangements in place.Club registration
We ask all club members to submit their registration form and fee at their earliest convenience. To facilitate registration we have an online option on Klubfunder.com available. Click on the link or search for 'Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon' on the Klubfunder.com site. Membership can also 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. It is essential all players are signed up club members. Non members are not covered by the GAA's injury insurance scheme and cannot line out for the club. Adult members will receive first priority for the club's allocation of All-Ireland final tickets in the event of Donegal contesting the decider. Only adult members registered by 31st March may vote at the club AGM.Coaching workshop
We will be hosting an outdoor coaching workshop with Joe McBrearty in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Saturday 7th March from 10am to 12pm. All club coaches at all levels, from under 6 and up, are invited to attend in what should be an enjoyable and informative workshop.Scór success
Congratulations to Sylvester Maguire, Paddy Kelly, Eamonn Martin Maguire and John Hughes who won the Donegal Scór Sinsir Tráth na gCeist title on Friday evening in Ballybofey's Balor theatre. Hopefully just the first of many county titles coming to Erneside in 2020.Drugs and alcohol education programme
The drug and alcohol education and prevention programme in partnership with Foróige for 13 to 16-year-olds will begin this Thursday. If you have not already registered your interest please contact Philip McLoone on 086-4053008, or attend on the evening. Please note, we will be requesting parents sign a consent form in advance of any minor beginning the programme. Everyone registered at the end of the first evening will be entered into a draw for a €50 Ballyshannon Shoe Company voucher. The programme will run for six weeks each Thursday from 5pm to about 6pm.Last one standing
Kerry were the safe pick this week, Galway continued their good form with a big win over Tyrone. Not for the first time Mayo supporters were left disappointed as they lost away to Monaghan, Roscommon knocked out a lot of our entrants with a big win over Kildare. As we head for week five of our competition sponsored by Liam Gallen of Mr G's we now have 71 left standing.Win a house
We invite our members to support Donegal GAA's house draw. You could win a four bed semi-detached home in Dublin with Club Donegal. With over 134 square metres of living space, this four bed semi-detached home is located in Brownsbarn, adjacent to Citywest. On 9th May one very lucky person will win this brand new house in our capital. Second prize in the draw is a brand new Mazda 2. Tickets, priced €100, are available to buy online now at winyourhouseindublin.com, or you can pop into the Bridgend Bar where County Chairman Mick McGrath will be more than happy to sort you out.February Big Bingo
The February big bingo takes place this Friday at the Abbey Centre. The €1,000 super jackpot has to be won and a new Spring Snowball will be in play, starting at €300. All houses either €150 or €100, with a total of €3,000 in the prize fund. First game at 9pm.Abbey Centre Bingo
Congratulations to Agnes Hastings of Bundoran who won the €1,000 winter snowball checking out on just 44 numbers. Hugh McNulty of Donegal Town took the €400 jackpot, with the €140 stand-up game prize going to Mary Fletcher of Sligo. A great night in all, with €2,700 paid out in prizes.