Club Notes Archive - 2020

Notes navigaion

Click on a year to select a month.

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

March

3 March

Football
Competitive football is finally due to commence this week. Our under 14s are set to get the ball rolling when they travel to Glenties on Saturday to take on Naomh Conaill at 12 noon. Then on Sunday it is the turn of the minors to start their league campaign when they host Ardara in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh at 11am. That game will be followed by a senior challenge between Aodh Ruadh and five-in-a-row Fermanagh champions Derrygonnelly at 1pm.

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.

Ladies
Ballyshannon hosts the postponed Ladies NFL Division 1 meeting of Donegal and Cork this Sunday. Throw in at Father Tierney Park is 2pm and we'd love to see a strong local support up to get behind the Tir Chonaill ladies as they take on the Rebelettes.

Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon overcame Saint Patrick's High School, Keady to claim the under 16 D Ulster Colleges ladies title on Tuesday afternoon. It was a great performance by the girls in the typically difficult weather conditions which prevail at Tyrone's Centre of Excellence in Garvaghey. Coláiste Cholmcille played with the gale force wind in the first half and made super use of it to go in leading 3-8 to 0-2 at the interval. The second-half saw Ballyshannon much more on the defensive, but they continued to pick off scores on the break and this effectively determined the game in the Donegal girls' favour, 4-15 to 3-10 the final score. Aoibheann McGarrigle netted two goals with Katie O'Brien and Ciara Gillespie on the mark with Ballyshannon's other majors. Orla Keon, Lucy McGlynn, Emer O'Brien and Niamh Hughes were among those to chip in with points for the Ernesiders. After the final whistle team captain Ciara Caldwell collected the trophy, and it says something for the pressure Keady were under for much of the game that their goalkeeper was named player of the match. The winning team, all but one of whom are Aodh Ruadh players, was: Aine Hill; Ciara Caldwell, Gráinne Maguire, Clodagh O'Connor; Emer O'Brien (0-1), Lucy McGlynn (0-1), Eilish Gallagher; Niamh Hughes (0-1), Caoimhe Hughes O'Brien; Chantelle Timoney, Orla Keon (0-2), Sarah Jane Keon; Katie O'Brien (1-3), Aoibheann McGarrigle (2-6), Sorcha Feehily. Subs used: Ciara Gillespie (1-2), Demi McFarland, Katie McMullin, Megan Kane, Cara Davitt. Subs not used: Fódhla Sheerin, Niamh McGloin.

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.

The under 14s league opener against Fanad Gaels was cancelled last weekend due to the adverse weather conditions. The team have a bye this weekend. Training is continuing in the Breezy centre every Tuesday from 6pm to 7pm and we are delighted with the big numbers attending every week. The management team are currently looking to arrange a challenge. Parents and guardians will be notified of details by text.

Training for under 8s and under 10s continues 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.

It has been a great few weeks of fund-raising for the ladies committee with good sums raised at our recent quizzes, as well as at the soup stall and bucket collection at Sunday's NFL game. We have three further fund-raisers coming up we'd like you all to get behind. The first of these is the Guess The Score competition for the Donegal v Cork Ladies NFL Division 1 game this Sunday. We need all cards and cash back with their manager or to a ladies committee member by this Saturday. Following that we look ahead to the Darts Exhibition with PDC sensation Fallon Sherrock in Seán Óg's on Friday March 27th. Our senior ladies are out and about selling tickets for that exciting event now. Finally we have our annual Duck Race which we are hoping to run in its traditional Easter Saturday slot. We thank all those who have supported our fund-raising efforts so far this year, your help is hugely appreciated.

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 coming at 12 noon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh (Munday's field). Come along and learn the basic skills of our great game in a fun filled environment. 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.

National League fixture
Father Tierney Park hosted a bumper crowd of 4,621 for the NFL Division 1 meeting of Donegal and Monaghan. Once again Ballyshannon proved a fortress as Declan Bonner's men seized a vital 2-12 to 0-8 victory. Thanks to the many stewards who ensured the day went off smoothly. Thanks also to the programme sellers; half-time draw sellers; soup, tea and coffee makers and servers; those who manned the shops; and our players who entertained the crowds with the half-time games. You all did the club proud. We have a great gallery of pictures from the day up on aodhruadh.org.

Underage county action
Best of luck to the Donegal under 20s, and our own Sylvester Maguire who is a team mentor, as they take on Tyrone in the Ulster final this Saturday. Throw-in is at 3pm in Saint Tiernach's Park, Clones and we'd urge as many club members as possible to make the trip and support the team. They aren't the only only Donegal side taking on Tyrone this Saturday with the minors and under 16s also facing the Red Hands in their respective Ulster League fixtures. Aodh Ruadh has strong interest in the minor squad with Kyle Murray and Cian Rooney both members. The team were in action last Saturday against Sligo in Ballyshannon's Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh where Kyle got the full game at wing back, with Cian being introduced as a second half sub. The game finished in a draw, Donegal 1-5 Sligo 0-8 the final score. We will have pictures from that game up on aodhruadh.org later in the week.

Local National Club prize draws made
The local leg of the National Club Draw took place on Friday evening in Dicey Reilly's at the Mobile Phone Quiz. The lucky winners were as follows: Prize 1 - House Draw Ticket - Mark Cummins, Strandhill, Sligo; Prize 2 - House Draw Ticket - Lisa McTernan; Prize 3 - House Draw Ticket - Michael McLoone Sr; Prize 4 - Two nights stay in Croke Park Hotel - Kieran McShea; Prize 5 - Trailer of turf - Zola Flynn, Sligo; Prize 6 - Two tickets to either the All-Ireland Hurling OR Football Final - Michael Ward, Tonery; Prize 7 - Three nights B&B and two dinners in Earl of Desmond, Tralee - Patrick McGovern, New York; Prize 8 - Two tickets to concert in Croke Park - Joey Daly; Prize 9 - All Ireland Camogie Final tickets - Sabrina Brosnan; Prize 10 - Four Rory Gallagher festival tickets - M O'Rourke, Clyhore; and Prize 11 - Ladies All-Ireland Final tickets - Marie Neilan. We also had two local winners in the county leg of the National Club Draw. They were Josie Lynch of Benildus Avenue and Nora Roper from Rossnowlagh who both won €100. Congratulations to all our winners. Many thanks to every one who bought National Club Draw tickets and made this a very successful fund-raiser for the club. The National Club Draw itself will take place on March 3rd, in Croke Park.

Drugs and alcohol education programme
Thanks to all the dedicated young people who attended last week's Drug and Alcohol Education programme in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. We are now in week two and all young people aged between 13 and 16 are welcome to come along after school on Thursday 5th March for a cuppa and the programme will run from 5pm to 6pm. This programme is being hosted by Aodh Ruadh and delivered by Foróige. It is a fun, interactive and fact-based programme which will give young people all the information they need to make healthier choices about drug and alcohol use. Thank you to parents, coaches and managers for encouraging your young people to come along. If a young person does't have a consent form, they can take one home with them on Thursday evening and return it the following week. The prevailing culture regarding drug and alcohol use is putting our teens at risk, this a starting point to change that. If you need any further information please contact Cara Currid, Foróige's Drug and Alcohol Education worker on 086-0481977 or Maura Gallagher, Foróige Donegal on 086-3840099 or Philip McLoone, Aodh Ruadh Health and Well-being Officer on 086-4053008.

Heart Saver AED course
The club has organised a Heart Saver AED course for Friday 13th March in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh from 7pm to 10pm. The cost has been kept to a minimum of €20. Money will have to be paid prior to the course start date. If anyone would like to book their place on the course please send your name to Chris Kelly 086-8813553. A minimum of 16 people are required to run the course.

Last one standing
Father Tierney Park proved a fortress again as Donegal had a big win over Monaghan to the delight of the many entrants who picked them. Clare's narrow victory over Cavan was the only upset in our competition this weekend. Galway and Kildare were also popular picks and both had good wins. After this weekend's action there are 61 still left standing.

Scór
We wish our Tráth na gCeist team of Paddy Kelly, Sylvester Maguire, Eamonn Martin Maguire and John Hughes the best of luck as they fly the flag for Donegal at the Ulster finals at the Truagh Gaels club rooms in Monaghan on Friday evening.

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.

Club Newsletter
The GAA's February Club Newsletter has been published and once again covers a number of interesting topics. Some of the subjects addressed include Congress; Membership, communication, and data protection; Social media policy and guidelines; as well as the Club Leadership Development Programme. You can view or download the newsletter at gaa.ie.

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.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Congratulations to Celine McGrath of Ballyshannon who became the latest bingo thousandaire after winning the February big bingo €1,000 jackpot. Bernie Price of Kinlough won the stand-up game prize of €140. Winners of the €150 houses were Hugh McNulty, Teresa Anderson and Jean Murray. The €100 house winners were Dessie Blake, Marian Matthews, Roseanne Martin, Sabrina Dykes, Noelle Gillan, Rosaleen O'Brien and Breege Gormley. The new spring snowball survived its first night so rolls to €350 this week. With the musical taking place in the Abbey Centre this week, please note that bingo will take place at Coláiste Cholmcille at 9pm this Friday.

Back to the top

10 March

Football
Our seniors had a good work out against Fermanagh county champions, Derrygonnelly in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Sunday afternoon as they fine tuned preparations for the opening league game of the season against Saint Naul's in Mountcharles on Sunday, March 29th. We have a gallery of shots from the game up on aodhruadh.org.

A late goal was all that separated Aodh Ruadh and Ardara minors after a tough encounter in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh as it finished 2-5 to 3-5 in favour of the visitors. An evenly matched encounter saw Ardara, playing against the wind in the first half, use possession smartly and pick off their scores well under pressure from a well organised Aodh Ruadh defence. A fortuitous Ardara goal saw them go into the break with a lead despite the best efforts of Robbie Murphy in the Aodh Ruadh attack. The second half saw a refreshed Ballyshannon really up the tempo and take the game to Ardara with strong running and some great passages of counter-attacking play. In fact, Aodh Ruadh were desperately unlucky not to put the game to bed in the early stages of the second half with a thunderous shot at goal coming back off the upright with the Ardara keeper helpless. Another shot at goal was frantically cleared off the line. Aodh Ruadh, driven on by the strong running of Senan Rooney and inventive use of possession from Marty McGarrigle, turned the screw and confidently reeled Ardara back in to take a deserved lead going into the final stretch. Ardara stayed in touch though with a couple of pointed frees and deep into the game a long ball in assisted by a strong breeze fell kindly for Ardara to finish to the net with the brilliant Aodh Ruadh net-minder Aaron Cullen getting agonisingly close to keeping it out. Unfortunately the clock was against the homesters and Ardara ran out the victors by that solitary goal. This was the first day out for this minor outfit and while there was naturally some rustiness, there were promising signs for this group especially in their work rate and commitment for the entire game. We have a great gallery of images from the game up on aodhruadh.org. Next up for the minors is the visit of Naomh Muire to Father Tierney Park on Sunday at 11am.

The under 14s open their season this Saturday when Ardara are the visitors to Father Tierney Park. Throw in is at 12 noon so players should be at the park for 11.15am. Training continues on Mondays from 6pm to 7.30pm at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.

Training for under 12 boys continues on Thursday at the Breesy Centre, Cashelard at 7pm. It's great to see good numbers up. We ask players dress for the weather and ensure they have gum shields. Also, with the various bugs about at the minute, please remember to bring your own water bottle. 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 on Mondays from 8pm to 9pm at the Mercy Hall, Coláiste Cholmcille. On Friday there is a switch of venue with training taking place at the Lakeside from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

The under 14s had an excellent outing against the under 13 boys last Saturday in very testing conditions. It was the first opportunity we had to play some competitive football and despite the awful weather it was an enjoyable and entertaining match. Training continues on Tuesdays in Breesy Centre from 5.50pm to 7.15pm as we prepare for our first league game on Sunday afternoon against Muff.

Training for under 6 girls starts this Friday in the Rock Hall at 5.30pm and runs to 6.30pm. €2 per child and remember to bring your own water bottle.

The buzz is building ahead of our Darts Exhibition with PDC sensation Fallon Sherrock in Seán Óg's on Friday March 27th. The senior ladies are out and about selling tickets for that exciting event now. In addition we have our annual Duck Race which we are hoping to run in its traditional Easter Saturday slot. We thank all those who have supported our fund-raising efforts so far this year, your help is hugely appreciated.

Aodh Ruadh extends Donegal's own Michael Naughton congratulations on becoming LGFA President over the past weekend.

Hurling
The senior hurlers have their opening game in the Junior Hurling League on Sunday away to Omagh St Enda's. Time to be confirmed.

Under 8 and under 10 hurling training continues on Sunday from 12 noon. Come along and learn the skills of our ancient game in a fun-filled environment. Hurls and helmets will be provided.

Booked games
The following official bookings have been made for club playing facilities this week.
Saturday
Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh, 12 noon. Under 14 Football League - Aodh Ruadh v Ardara
Father Tierney Park, 3pm. Senior Football Challenge - Aodh Ruadh v Killybegs
Sunday
Father Tierney Park, 11am. Minor Football League - Aodh Ruadh v Naomh Mhuire
Páirc Aoidh Ruadh, 11am. Senior Ladies League - Aodh Ruadh v Ardara

Ladies NFL fixture
Thanks to our usual stewards and helpers who assisted with preparations and running of the ladies county game at Father Tierney Park last Sunday. A special word of thanks to our workforce at our grounds who have been very busy over the past month preparing for high profile games here during poor weather conditions. Donegal ladies had a terrific victory on Sunday, recording a 2-6 to 0-8 win over Cork in their Ladies NFL Division 1 clash. It was great to see a big local support up at the game. There was also a large group of university students from Hastings College, Nebraska who are visiting the area at the game and they joined the local supporters in cheering on Donegal. A particular well done to our under 10 ladies footballers who put on a great display of football at half-time. Check out our image gallery on aodhruadh.org for some shots from the game.

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.

Kerry v Donegal offers
A bus has been organised for those planning on heading to Donegal's NFL Division 1 clash against Kerry in Tralee on Sunday 22nd March. To book your place call John Thomas on 086-3974468. Anyone planning on staying over can contact the Rose Hotel on 066-7199100 and use the discount code DL20 to avail of a special match price.

Underage county action
Commiserations to the Donegal under 20s, and team mentor Sylvester Maguire as they went down fighting against a strong Tyrone side in the Ulster final last Saturday. It was hard lines also for the county minors with Kyle Murray and Cian Rooney featuring as the county lost out to the Red Hands 1-8 to 1-10 on Saturday. We have the pictures from the team's victory over Sligo in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh the week previous live on aodhruadh.org now. The O'Neill county men made it three-in-a-row as they also defeated the under 16 Buncrana cup side 0-8 to 1-6 with a late point. Aodh Ruadh had Aaron Cullen, Aaron Neilan and Kyle McNulty starting on that team.

Drugs and alcohol education programme
The drug and alcohol education programme continues on Thursday evening at 5pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. These are informative, fact based evenings in a fun environment. We'd encourage as many 13 to 16-year-olds to attend as possible, newcomers always welcome. This week there is a chance to win a €50 voucher for the Ballyshannon Shoe Company for anyone who has taken part in the first three weeks. Thank you to all the dedicated young people who attended the first two weeks and also to the parents, coaches and managers for encouraging our young people to come along. If a young person doesn't have a consent form, he or she can take one home with them on Thursday evening and return it the following week. The culture regarding drug and alcohol use is putting our teens at risk, this a starting point to change that. If you need any further information please contact Cara Currid, Foróige's Drug and Alcohol Education worker, on 086-0481977 or Maura Gallagher, Foróige Donegal, on 086-3840099 or Philip McLoone, Aodh Ruadh Well-being Officer, on 086-4053008.

Seachtain na Gaeilge
Ádh mór to all those competing in the Comórtas idir scoile de Céadaoin in Páirc Aodh Ruadh as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge.

Heart Saver AED course
The Heart Saver AED course starts at 7pm on this Friday and runs until 10pm. We ask that all those registered for the course be up in the club for 6.50pm. If anyone is interested in taking the course we still have places available. Text Chris on 086-8813553. Fees will need to be paid for by Friday.

Scór
Congratulations our Tráth na gCeist team of Paddy Kelly, Sylvester Maguire, Eamonn Martin Maguire and John Hughes who came third in the Ulster semi-final in Monaghan last Friday to secure their place in the Ulster final and a spot at at the All-Ireland Tráth na gCeist finals.

Coronavirus / Covid 19
Ballyshannon's annual Saint Patrick's Day parade has, unfortunately, fallen foul of the Coronavirus / Covid 19 outbreak. This ongoing threat to public health may yet have further impact on the club's day-to-day business, and we will be guided by the relevant authorities in this regard. In the meantime we have some guidance on basic hygiene measures to take on board on our Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page which are well worth reviewing.

Coaching workshop
Many thanks to Joe McBrearty who took a fantastic workshop last Saturday for all our underage coaches.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week's €400 jackpot was won by Rita McGullion of Belleek. Mary McGonigle took the stand-up game prize of €120. Winner of the €100 houses were Margaret Gilmartin, Molly Kerrigan, Mary B Kerrigan, Angela Nicholson, Paddy Kane and Kathleen Fallon, with the €70 houses going to Sharon Kiely, Patricia Downey, Helen McMullin and Kevin O'Connor. There was no winner of the snowball so it rolls to €400 this week. Bingo returns to the Abbey Centre this Friday at 9pm. Books just €10, with €2,100 in the prize fund.

Back to the top

17 March

We're all in this together
As you will be aware, all GAA facilities and activities are in lock-down for the foreseeable future. Here in Ballyshannon we are part of a wonderful close-knit community. Given the unprecedented times we are in we need to look out for those who are most vulnerable, the sick and elderly. The situation with the coronavirus outbreak is rapidly evolving and as a community club Aodh Ruadh will always be available to offer our assistance to those who need it. If you find yourself needing assistance - be it collecting and delivering groceries, prescriptions or any other such daily essentials, just let us know and we can arrange help. It doesnâ€™t matter if you are not a member of the club. We have a club full of volunteers who will be happy to help out the local community. Contact William Doogan (087-2799855), Lisa McTernan (086-2338636), Sabrina Brosnan (086-8241297), Patricia McShea Hill (087-6874389), John Rooney (086-2587793) or message us on our Facebook page, Aodh Ruadh CLG. If any club member would like to add themselves to the list of volunteers available to lend a hand, just message William or Lisa.

Club facilities
With all GAA activities suspended, all of our buildings at both Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and Father Tierney Park are closed and this will regrettably remain the case until further notice. Where issues arise please contact Park / Development Committee Officers Tom Daly, Conal Gallagher, David McLoone. We are endeavouring to continue some maintenance and development works. As the Day Centre is closed, contacts relating to the Community Employment Scheme can be made by phone with the Supervisor or with Tom Daly, as the need arises.

Seachtain na Gaeilge
Bhí 6 scoileanna ag ceiliúradh Seachtain na Gaeilge de Ceadaoin seo caite. Míle buíochas do na daltaí agus na múinteoirí ó Scoil Chaitriona, Rockfield, Holy Family, Gaelscoil Éirne, Creevy agus Killymard. Buíochas fresin do William, Sabrina agus Lisa ón gClub agus na réiteoirí Martín, Dara, Lauren agus Clodagh ó Choláiste Cholmcille.

Club registration
We ask all club members to submit their registration form and fee at their earliest convenience as the registration deadline of March 31st nears. With the ongoing coronavirus situation we particularly encourage people to use online option on Klubfunder.com. 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, Kernan's Spar or at Pearse O'Neill's. 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.

Abbey Centre Bingo
Bingo fell foul of the coronavirus outbreak last Friday, and there will be no bingo for at least the next two weeks. We will keep our loyal bingo players posted as the situation evolves.

Back to the top

24 March

Club registration
We are in the last week for club membership and so we ask all club members who have not yet done so to complete their registration using our online option on Klubfunder.com. Click on the link or search for 'Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon' on the Klubfunder.com site. 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.

We're all in this together
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, we reiterate our statement from last week. If you find yourself needing assistance - be it collecting and delivering groceries, prescriptions or any other such daily essentials, just let us know and we can arrange help. It doesnâ€™t matter if you are not a member of the club. Contact William Doogan (087-2799855), Lisa McTernan (086-2338636), Sabrina Brosnan (086-8241297), Patricia McShea Hill (087-6874389), John Rooney (086-2587793) or message us on our Facebook page, Aodh Ruadh CLG. If any club member would like to add themselves to the list of volunteers available to lend a hand, just message William or Lisa.

Fitness Trail / Running Track
Staying fit and active is an important contributor to our health and our capacity to deal with the health risks of the current virus. There is a notable increase in the use of our fitness track at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh in the past week both by individuals and small family groups. In line with advice from the GAA at national level we are keeping this facility open and available for now as a resource for our members and the community. This is conditional on all users following best practice in relation to social or physical distancing, keeping a minimum of two metres between each other. To help achieve this all walkers should start their circuit by going to their right - towards the town, when they enter the track. Thank you for your co-operation. Ní neart go cur le chéile. Any issues of concern should be brought to attention of the Park / Development Committee officers.

Back to the top

31 March

Club registration
The deadline for club registration is tomorrow, Tuesday, so we ask all club members who have not yet done so to complete their registration using our online option on Klubfunder.com. Click on the link or search for 'Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon' on the Klubfunder.com site. Alternatively, membership forms and fees can be put in an envelope and marked for the attention of Lisa McTernan and left in Kernan's Spar. Forms can be downloaded and printed from aodhruadh.org. 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.

Closure of club facilities
As a response to the latest instructions from the GAA at National Level our Park / Development Committee has had to take the regrettable step of completely closing all club facilities with effect from last Wednesday, March 25th. We particularly regret having to close the fitness trail at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh which was being used in a very responsible way by individual players, club members and the local community. The instructions received are explicit as clubs must, "Close their facilities completely, including the use of all pitches and property for recreational purposes including walking, casual games or gatherings." Our properties have been secured to comply with the new directive. Notices have been placed on our properties to inform users of this latest development in the fight against the pandemic. It should be noted that there will be some activity at Aras Aoidh Ruaidh as a HSE request to use the building as a training centre for some of its frontline personnel has been approved. In the event of queries or concerns in relation to this latest development please make contact with any of the Park / Development Committee Officers - Tom Daly, Conal Gallagher or David McLoone.

Condolences
Aodh Ruadh extends our sincere sympathies to the Monaghan and Gavigan families of Tonagree on the passing of Sean Gavigan. Sean played for the club in his youth and also served as a committee member over the years and will be remembered a passionate Donegal supporter. His funeral took place on Monday and was private to family only. A Memorial Mass for Sean will take place at a later date. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

Back to the top