Club Notes Archive - 2021

Notes navigaion

Click on a year to select a month.

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

November

2 November

Hurling
It wasn't to be for Aodh Ruadh in Saturday's Junior Hurling Championship decider against Dungloe. There wasn't much to separate the teams over the 60 minutes, but Dungloe were able to get scores when they needed them and that proved the major difference as the title went West. Aodh Ruadh took time to settle and had couple of Gareth Sheerin frees before striking for the game's opening goal. A free from Senan Rooney didn't make the distance, but Ciaran Kilgannon was on hand to rap the ball to the net. to make it 1-2 to 0-4 and thrust the Ballyshannon men into the lead for the first time. The sides then swapped scores, Stephen Connolly raising a white flag for Aodh Ruadh, before Dungloe found the net themselves. The Ernesiders dusted themselves down though and by the half-time break they had pulled themselves back to parity thanks to the free-taking of Gareth Sheerin, the sides going in at 1-7 apiece. The sides went hard at it in the second half, but it was game's third goal which eventually proved decisive. It arrived with ten minutes left on the clock and came as a result of quick thinking from a Dungloe free, Shaun McGee hitting the net to make it 2-10 to 1-10. With time running out Aodh Ruadh battled hard to get back on terms, but Dungloe were able to keep them at arm's length and see out a 2-14 to 1-13 and capture their first ever junior hurling championship. Gareth Sheerin was excellent from frees and finished with ten points to his credit. Senan and Oisin Rooney both gave it their all throughout, while Damien Cleary did well when tasked with curbing the influence of Dungloe's key man, Ritchie Ryan. Heartbreak for the team and management after investing a huge amount of work and effort over the course of what has been a tough and at times frustrating season. Doubtless they will come back stronger again in 2022. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were Ryan O’Brien; Conor Kennedy, Jack Matthews, Peter Horan; Stephen Connolly (0-1) Damien Cleary, Cáelán Drummond; Brendan Gillespie, Conor McNeely; Gareth Sheerin (0-10f) Ciaran Kilgannon (1-0), Senan Rooney (0-2); Ryan Ayres, Oisin Rooney, Patrick Cassidy. Subs: Eugene Drummond for Horan HT; Kieran Kelly for Gillespie HT; Rory Cullen for Cassidy 37 minutes; Pauric Keenaghan for Kilgannon 54 minutes. We have a substantial gallery of pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org. We take this opportunity to thank the players and management for all they work they have put in over the course of 2021.

This week our under 17 squad are making their final preparations for their county final this Thursday at the Donegal Centre of Excellence in Convoy at 6.30pm. As always we hope to see a large Ballyshannon contingent down to support this great team.

We will have a full report on the Juvenile Hurling AGM in next week's notes.

Football
Congratulations to the Donegal Masters and especially the Aodh Ruadh trio of Dermot Slevin, Kerry Ryan and Anthony Coughlan who claimed the All-Ireland Shield on Saturday with a 1-14 to 2-6 victory over Westmeath in Templeport.

The Bord na nÓg AGM takes place this Tuesday at 8pm in Aras Aoidbh Ruaidh. Anyone with an interest in the promotion of underage football in the area is invited to attend.

Ladies
Aodh Ruadh travelled to Annagry on Sunday morning for their final fixture of the Division 2 season, with promotion to Division 1 for 2022 in the mix. The elements played a considerable role in the encounter and Ballyshannon had them at their back for the first 30 minutes. They made great use of them to go in with a 3-5 to 1-3 lead at half-time. Elaine Dorrian and Terri Gallagher both netted, before Donna Martin was illegally grounded as she broke through on goal and Dorrian did the honours from the penalty spot. In the second half Aodh Ruadh faced the breeze and a Naomh Muire side with the bit between their teeth. The visitors fought hard, but were hampered by a small bench with saw Kate Cunningham and Aoibheann McGarrigle both having to return to the fray after sustaining injuries. Despite a fantastic defensive shift by Ciara Caldwell and points from Elaine Dorrian Donna Martin, Terri Gallagher, Aoibheann McGarrigle and Katie O'Brien it was Naomh Muire who emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins after a tough, sporting contest. This wraps up the adult ladies action for 2021, a historic year for ladies football in the club with two adult teams fielded for the first time ever. We extend our thanks to all the players who lined over the course of the year for their efforts as well as the management for the hard work through the season.

The Ladies Football AGM took place in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh last Tuesday. Club chairman William Doogan was present and commended the work being done to develop ladies football in the club. Reports were submitted and reviewed and the following officers were returned: Chairwoman, Sarah Daly; Secretary, Louise Larkin; Registrar, Linda Clyne. Team managements for the coming season will be discussed at the first meeting of the incoming committee.

Ballyshannon Bingo is back!
Congratulations to all our bingo winners on Friday night! Paddy Sexton won €250 on the €500 Jackpot Game while Lisa McTernan took €140 on the lucky numbers game. The other house winners were Teresa Campbell with two houses, Jim McGarrigle, Kathleen Hughes, Danielle McDonagh, Mary McGonigle, Conor Hallett, with both Marie Ward and Sharon Reynolds taking a house and a line. The other line winners were Doreen McDonald, Caroline Keown, Mary Gallagher, Linda Breen, Nyoka Walker, Reisna Doran, Farrah Bogle, Michelle Quinn, Josie Lynch, Siobhan McBrearty and Thomas Sweeney. The Snowball survived on its return, so it increases to €900 on 48 numbers or less next week. We're looking forward to doing it all again this Friday night at the same time of 8.30pm with a total of over €2,500 up for grabs. Be sure to follow our like and share competition during the week to be in with a chance to win free books! We will play 10 games of bingo including our snowball, jackpot and lucky numbers games. Books are now available and can be purchased up to 4.30pm on Friday. Click this link to buy a SINGLE BOOK for €10.
Click this link to buy a DOUBLE BOOK for €15.
As before, books bought by 9am Thursday morning will be emailed at lunchtime on Thursday. Books bought by 9am Friday will be emailed at Friday lunchtime. Books then bought before the 4.30pm deadline will be emailed by 6pm Friday. The Zoom invite will be circulated with your books. The Zoom call will open at 8pm with the first game starting at 8.30pm. Make sure to check your spam or junk folder if you don’t think you received your books. We’re looking forward to meeting you all again and thank you as always for your continued support!

Support the Ladies
The Aodh Ruadh Ladies are currently out and about selling tickets for the Donegal club draw. There are some great prizes up for grabs including a 55 inch smart TV, two All-Ireland 2022 football final tickets with overnight hotel stay, two All-Ireland 2022 hurling final tickets with overnight hotel stay, hotel breaks, vouchers and cash prizes. ALL returns will go to support Aodh Ruadh Ladies Football. The draw takes place on 31st October with a closing date of 25th October for returns. All support for this fund-raiser is very much appreciated. Anyone with returns can make them to Sara Gallagher, Anna Rafferty, Amanda Mahon or Sarah Daly.

Heart Screening session
Aodh Ruadh are hosting a heart screening service this Sunday. 76 players and members from all codes have signed up for the screening so far and appointment slots will be texted out over the next few days. Healthy Hearts / Healthy Lives, a company operated by Crossmaglen star and cardiologist Tony McEntee, will be on site for the day. This service is available to players and members aged between 14 to 35. Please note, the minimum age of 14 is strictly enforced. The screening involves a questionnaire, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and a review by a cardiac consultant. Should further examinations or investigations be required Healthy Hearts / Healthy Lives will arrange for this. The aim of the screening is to detect any cardiac abnormalities. These can often be entirely symptomless. Most sporting organisations recommend periodic heart screenings. These screenings can be availed of at a club-subsidised rate of €50 per person.

Support Tanya's Hope For Cancer
Aodh Ruadh are taking part in a fund-raising blitz this Sunday in aid of Tanya's Hope For Cancer in Gaelic Park, Bundoran. Immensely popular, Tanya Dunne lined out for Aodh Ruadh for many years, and we hope to see this event extremely well supported by club members. Entry is €5 per player and spectator with all proceeds going towards the fund.

Premier League Snowball
Our senior and reserve men's footballers are back with their Premier League Snowball. This was a fairly embarrassing event for some of us last time around, so this is a great chance to salvage some wounded pride. Cards are available from any senior or reserve player. You also purchase via Klubfunder, just message Lisa McTernan for details on this option. The deadline for entries is Wednesday 17th November. Ádh mor!

Sponsor A Sod. How do to do it and who to contact
Those with returns to make are asked to get them to Tom Daly, Michael Daly or David McLoone by Friday of this week. This will help with the administration of this important fund-raiser which is quite time-consuming. Thanks to all who have supported this venture so far and to our committed group of sellers. We encourage anyone interested in viewing the project to use the safe viewing area which we have provided for this purpose.
Aodh Ruadh have launched one of their biggest fund-raising efforts in decades, asking the public to ‘Sponsor A Sod’ at €50 each to help meet the costs of this ambitious plan. A permanent display bearing the names of donors will be erected in a prominent position at the Park. More than 25 Aodh Ruadh club members have joined the working group to actively promote this fund-raising campaign and to sell sods. The working group is as follows: Sabrina Brosnan, Michael Daly, Sarah Daly, Tom Daly, William Doogan, Gerard Ferguson, Conal Gallagher, Johnny ‘Mannix’ Gallagher, Paul Gillespie, Jim Kane, Donagh Keon, Diarmaid Keon, Patsy Kilgannon, John Larkin Jr, Dinny Loughlin, Sylvester Maguire, Brian Murray, Val Murray, Mick McGrath, Packie McGrath, Pat McGrath, David McLoone, Philip McLoone, Pauric McShea, David O’Donnell, Sean O’Mahoney, Barry O’Neill, John Patton and Gregory Sweeney.
Please contact any of the following if you wish to volunteer: Tom Daly (087-2390410), David McLoone (087-7760172), Philip McLoone (086-4053008), Conal Gallagher (086-2112812), Patsy Kilgannon (087-2372128), or Michael Daly (086-9171949).
Those living away from Ballyshannon, whether in Ireland or across the world, should note that they can purchase sods, and little bit of club immortality, on Klubfunder.com. Any questions or enquiries can be sent to aodhruadhbuyasod@gmail.com.
For further information on any aspect of the Sponsor A Sod please contact the Aodh Ruadh Park / Development Committee officers - Tom Daly (087-2390410), David McLoone (087-7760172), Philip McLoone (086-4053008), Conal Gallagher (086-2112812), Patsy Kilgannon (087-2372128), or Michael Daly (086-9171949).

Club AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the Aodh Ruadh club takes place on Sunday, 21st November.

Back to the top

9 November

Hurling
All roads led to the Donegal Centre of Excellence last week as our under 17s finished their season in style, completing a league and championship double. Carndonagh got into the match very early with a couple of early goal chances, however our goalkeeper Tommy Clyne saved well to keep us in contention in the early exchanges. Our opponents crowded the midfield, and limited the ball going in to our full forward line, but in spite of the limited opportunities, the Ernesiders still went in at the water break leading on a scoreline of 1-5 to 0-3. There were already some excellent performances right across the team, with Kyle McNulty working his socks off at midfield. Ballyshannon kept the score board ticking over, and went in at half time leading by six points. Aodh Ruadh's main scoring threat came from Aaron Cullen, who had another excellent outing. We lead comfortably at the second water break, but Carndonagh worked their way back in to the game as the full time whistle neared, but Aodh Ruadh had the hard work done and held on to win out on a scoreline of 5-9 to 3-9. Man of the match Jun Hui Lin, put in an epic performance, and was deserving of the award, a great honor for a player still under 15. For some of these lads, this will be their last game at underage level, they have represented themselves and the club with distinction. They have won everything at underage level, not to mention reaching a Fáile semi-final, where they lost narrowly to Galway outfit Kiltormer. This year they gave back to club with many of them attending our Sunday morning hurling training for the under 5s to under 9s and helping out with the coaching. We hope to see many of these promising young men progressing to adult hurling next year.

The Juvenile Hurling Committee AGM was held last in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh last Monday, 1st November. It proved a great success and we had a large turn out present in the Aras, and the welcome sight of fresh faces in the crowd. Both the Chairman and secretary reflected on the hugely successful season 2021 proved to be for our young hurlers. Sincere thanks were extended to everybody who helped make this possible and all were encouraged to continue in their efforts to keep hurling thriving in south Donegal. The election of officers saw no changes for the 2022 season with the following returned: Chairman, John Larkin; Secretary, Orla Bannon; Vice-Chairman, Gregory Gallagher; Vice-Secretary, John McCadden.

Football
The Bord na nÓg AGM took place in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh last Tuesday with 23 in attendance. Secretary Lisa McTernan gave a summary of the year's activity on and off the pitch and thanked all who helped make it happen. Chairman David O'Donnell commended the great work being done at all levels. He concluded by stating his intention to step down and thanked all the managers and coaches for their support over the years and thanked Lisa for all her hard work. Reports were then read and discussed for all grades from under 5 to minor. Brian Gillespie and Packie McGrath then gave a synopsis of the Academy for the 2021 season. Before the election of officers took place, David stepped aside and club chairman, William Doogan, took over. William began by thanking David for all his effort and hard work over the last seven years and that with him, Lisa and all the dedicated managers and coaches, that Bord na nÓg had a solid structure in place. The election of officers then proceeded with Lisa McTernan being returned as Chairwoman and Brian Gillespie returned as Secretary. The meeting wrapped up with a discussion of some of the issues facing the underage football in the club presently and the coming years.

Our under 21s have been drawn to face Saint Eunan's in the A Championship second round. The game will be played at a neutral venue over the next few weeks. The club would like to thank Emerald Hygiene Stores and Sean Brosnan for coming on board as team sponsor. Keep an eye on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page for some shots of the new jerseys.

Supporting Tanya's Hope4Cancer drive
Well done to all the Aodh Ruadh ladies and girls who, along with their comrades in Bundoran, Erne Gaels and Melvin Gaels, participated in a wonderful afternoon of football in Bundoran's Gaelic Park. We would like to extend special thanks to all those in Bundoran who ensured the day went off so well. The proceeds of the event are helping to support Tanya Dunne's Hope4Cancer fund-raiser. Speaking of which, we encourage all club members to support the next event in the programme this Friday, a night of Live local bands including The Trutones, Jason Paul Kelly, The Screaming Orphans and DJ David Smith in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran. Doors open at 7pm and tickets price €20 are available at the door.

Upcoming coaching programmes
Donegal GAA winter coaching programme Donegal GAA is running a practical coaching programme this winter. This coach the coaches workshop programme targets club coaches working with under 7 to under 13 age groups in both football and hurling. The workshops will create the opportunity for coaches to learn new coaching methodologies and practices around four key areas: Warm-up games and activities; Fundamentals and physical literacy; Technical football and hurling skills; as well as Fun games and modified games. Coaches who attend will also receive an eight-week programme booklet with all the activities integrated which they can then put into practice with their teams and players. The workshops are taking place in locations around the county this month, with Ballyshannon's Mercy Hall staging a workshop on 22nd November from 7pm to 9pm. The recent guidelines issued by the GAA for indoor events will apply and an EU Digital Covid Certificate will be required for access. Go to the event website to register for the workshop.

Sport Ireland Coaching Workshop programme Donegal Sport Sports Partnership have organised a useful Sport Ireland Coaching Workshop programme. The programme commences on Tuesday, 9th November and consists of four modules designed to provide candidates with a basic understanding of children’s sport and physical activity and best ways to optimise children’s enjoyment, participation and positive outcomes. The concepts of physical literacy and holistic development run throughout the series of workshops and will be covered in detail. The workshops are interactive and practical in nature, and provide opportunities for coaches to network with other coaches. Workshop one looks at coaching children successfully in sport. Workshop two turns its attention to child-centred coaching. Understanding child development and learning and its impact on how we coach. The third workshop focuses on developing physical literacy through Sport and coaching children to move. The final workshop expands upon this theme, with an emphasis on coaching children to think. The workshops take place between 7pm and 9pm on Tuesday 9th, Thursday 11th, Tuesday 16th, Thursday 18th, Tuesday 23rd and Thursday 25th November. Participants must take part in all dates in order to get a certificate from Sport Ireland Coaching. Coaches can register for the programme by going to the Eventbrite website and clicking on the green 'Tickets' button. The cost of the programme is €20 plus fees.

Coaching Girls in Sport The Coaching Girls in Sport workshop has been developed by Sport Ireland Coaching to provide a professional development opportunity for coaches working in the area of sport and physical activity, and is specifically aimed at those coaching girls aged between 12 and 17. This workshop series is aimed at coaches working in the area of children and youth sport. Although the workshops have been specifically designed for those working with 12 to 17-year-old females, coaches working younger girls may also benefit from attendance. Previous coaching experience is required and candidates must have a foundation level qualification at the very least to attend the course. Sport Ireland Coaching strongly recommends that candidates complete the relevant National Governing Body (NGB) qualification before they start coaching in the field. Go to the Eventbrite website and click on the green 'Tickets' button to register for these workshops. The cost of the programme is €5 plus fees. The workshops take place on Tuesday 30th November and Thursday 2nd December from 7pm to 8.30pm. Participants must attend both workshops in order to gain certification from Sport Ireland Coaching.

Ballyshannon Bingo is back!
Well done to our winners from last week's bingo on Friday night. Mark Newell took €250 on the 50/50 Jackpot game. The Snowball survived so it rolls to a cool €1,000 on 50 numbers this week. The house winners were: Donna McGarrigle, Susan Lynch, Ailish Ward, Jeanette Lowden, Susanna Cassidy, Rosie Branley, Pat Quinn (twice!), Geraldine Gallagher and James Gallagher. Winners of the lines were: Margaret Quinn, Patrick Boyle, Sally Burrows, Deirdre Clarke, Mary Griffin, Josephine McDonagh, Aislinn Quinn, Kate McDonald, Ann Gilfedder, Conor Gallagher, Ailish Ward, Justine Sheerin and Margaret Meehan.
We're looking forward to doing it all again this Friday night at the same time of 8.30pm with a total of over €2,500 up for grabs. Be sure to follow our like and share competition during the week to be in with a chance to win free books! We will play 10 games of bingo including our snowball, jackpot and lucky numbers games. Books are now available and can be purchased up to 4.30pm on Friday. Click this link to buy a SINGLE BOOK for €10.
Click this link to buy a DOUBLE BOOK for €15.
As before, books bought by 9am Thursday morning will be emailed at lunchtime on Thursday. Books bought by 9am Friday will be emailed at Friday lunchtime. Books then bought before the 4.30pm deadline will be emailed by 6pm Friday. The Zoom invite will be circulated with your books. The Zoom call will open at 8pm with the first game starting at 8.30pm. Make sure to check your spam or junk folder if you don’t think you received your books. We’re looking forward to meeting you all again and thank you as always for your continued support!

Sponsor A Sod, how do to do it, and who to contact
Those with returns to make are asked to get them to Tom Daly, Michael Daly or David McLoone by Friday of this week. This will help with the administration of this important fund-raiser which is quite time-consuming. Thanks to all who have supported this venture so far and to our committed group of sellers. We encourage anyone interested in viewing the project to use the safe viewing area which we have provided for this purpose.
Aodh Ruadh have launched one of their biggest fund-raising efforts in decades, asking the public to ‘Sponsor A Sod’ at €50 each to help meet the costs of this ambitious plan. A permanent display bearing the names of donors will be erected in a prominent position at the Park. More than 25 Aodh Ruadh club members have joined the working group to actively promote this fund-raising campaign and to sell sods. The working group is as follows: Sabrina Brosnan, Michael Daly, Sarah Daly, Tom Daly, William Doogan, Gerard Ferguson, Conal Gallagher, Johnny ‘Mannix’ Gallagher, Paul Gillespie, Jim Kane, Donagh Keon, Diarmaid Keon, Patsy Kilgannon, John Larkin Jr, Dinny Loughlin, Sylvester Maguire, Brian Murray, Val Murray, Mick McGrath, Packie McGrath, Pat McGrath, David McLoone, Philip McLoone, Pauric McShea, David O’Donnell, Sean O’Mahoney, Barry O’Neill, John Patton and Gregory Sweeney.
Please contact any of the following if you wish to volunteer: Tom Daly (087-2390410), David McLoone (087-7760172), Philip McLoone (086-4053008), Conal Gallagher (086-2112812), Patsy Kilgannon (087-2372128), or Michael Daly (086-9171949).
Those living away from Ballyshannon, whether in Ireland or across the world, should note that they can purchase sods, and little bit of club immortality, on Klubfunder.com. Any questions or enquiries can be sent to aodhruadhbuyasod@gmail.com.
For further information on any aspect of the Sponsor A Sod please contact the Aodh Ruadh Park / Development Committee officers - Tom Daly (087-2390410), David McLoone (087-7760172), Philip McLoone (086-4053008), Conal Gallagher (086-2112812), Patsy Kilgannon (087-2372128), or Michael Daly (086-9171949).

Club AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the Aodh Ruadh club takes place on Sunday, 21st November. Sub-committee secretaries are reminded that the deadline for the receipt of reports is Friday, 12th November.

Heart Screening
We had a great turn-out at our heart-screening session on Sunday. It was a long hard day for our volunteers and helpers, but with almost 100 attendees through the doors over the course of today it was a very worthwhile exercise. Those who need follow up sessions will be contacted in due course. Those involved in organising the event would like to extend their thanks to everyone who attended on the day. The club also thanks Brian Gillespie for pulling this event together.

Back to the top

16 November

Club AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the Aodh Ruadh club takes place this coming Sunday, 21st November in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel at 5pm. This change of venue from Aras Aoidh Ruaidh is intended to allow for adequate social distancing of attendees. The AGM is an open meeting for all those with an interest in the pursuit and development Gaelic games and culture in Ballyshannon. Find out what the club is doing for you, your children, your community. The AGM is the forum for change so why not attend and get involved? If you feel you have something to contribute don't sit on the sidelines. Put your ideas forward, get your point across. This is an exciting time to be part of the club on a number of fronts and we want as many as possible to play their part. Why not become an activist for your club and make a difference to people's lives? Please note, only those registered by the 31s March deadline are eligible to vote on motions and appointments at the club AGM.

Premier League Snowball
Only a few days left now to get your entries in for the senior and reserve men's footballers Premier League Snowball. Think you know your Premier League, then picking ten different winners over ten weeks will be no bother to you. Cards are available from any senior or reserve player. You can also purchase via Klubfunder, just message Lisa McTernan for details on this option. The deadline for entries is this Wednesday. Ádh mor!

Football
Our under 21s have been drawn to face Saint Eunan's in the A Championship second round. As Saint Eunan's seniors are out in Ulster action this weekend against Derry champions, Glen Maghera, the game will not take place this weekend and will be played at a neutral venue over the next few weeks.

Hurling
A massive thank you to Michael Martin Sr and Jr from the Tyre Specialist Centre for their sponsorship of our under 13s end of season meal. They were both very impressed to hear of their successes this year and the work of our Juvenile Hurling Committee, and have agreed to come on board as a jersey sponsor for 2022. We would encourage all our members to support this excellent local business! We look forward to unveiling our new set of jerseys in 2022!

Upcoming coaching programmes
Coaching workshop Last Saturday club senior coach Aaron McGowan took a kick out strategy workshop with our underage club coaches. It was an extremely enjoyable and informative workshop. Huge thanks to Aaron, and the underage players who helped in the demonstrations. This Saturday we have county coach Paddy Hegarty coming to give a coaching workshop to our underage coaches. All coaches in the club are invited to attend what promises to be another great learning opportunity. All coaches are asked to be in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh for a 1pm start.

Donegal GAA winter coaching programme Donegal GAA is running a practical coaching programme this winter. This coach the coaches workshop programme targets club coaches working with under 7 to under 13 age groups in both football and hurling. The workshops will create the opportunity for coaches to learn new coaching methodologies and practices around four key areas: Warm-up games and activities; Fundamentals and physical literacy; Technical football and hurling skills; as well as Fun games and modified games. Coaches who attend will also receive an eight-week programme booklet with all the activities integrated which they can then put into practice with their teams and players. The workshops are taking place in locations around the county this month, with Ballyshannon's Mercy Hall staging a workshop on 22nd November from 7pm to 9pm. The recent guidelines issued by the GAA for indoor events will apply and an EU Digital Covid Certificate will be required for access. Go to the event website to register for the workshop.

Fueling for success - Understanding sports nutrition
Sports nutritionist Ronan Doherty is coming to Ballyshannon's Mercy Hall to give a presentation on sports nutrition for players. Ronan has great experience and pedigree in this area, having worked with the Donegal senior team for several years. This promises to be a hugely informative and beneficial event for all our club players and managers, and the good news is it’s free admission. We encourage players and mentors from all our squads, as well as parents and guardians to attend. The event will begin with a presentation from Ronan, which will then be followed by an open-floor question and answer session.

Ballyshannon Bingo
Well done to all our bingo winners on Friday night. Michelle Quinn and Kathleen Brennan shared €250 on the jackpot game, with Michelle also scooping two line prizes! The snowball had no winner so rolls to €1,050 next week. The other house winners were Mary Travers (twice!), Willie Deacon, Collette Roper, Margaret McGarrigle, Noreen O’Brien, Charlene Simpkin, Christina Gallagher, with Mary Patton and Josie Lynch both taking a house and line prize. The other line winners were Lauren Downey, Joan Keaveney, Ann Patterson, Teresa Richardson, Lesley Lynch, Rosaleen O’Brien, Paul Ward, Denis Sheerin, Siobhan Friel, Ursula McGreevy and Brid Barrett. Keep an eye out for our like and share competition during the week for your chance to win a free book for next week's bingo!
We're looking forward to doing it all again this Friday night at the same time of 8.30pm with a total of over €2,500 up for grabs. Be sure to follow our like and share competition during the week to be in with a chance to win free books! We will play 10 games of bingo including our snowball, jackpot and lucky numbers games. Books are now available and can be purchased up to 4.30pm on Friday. Click this link to buy a SINGLE BOOK for €10.
Click this link to buy a DOUBLE BOOK for €15.
As before, books bought by 9am Thursday morning will be emailed at lunchtime on Thursday. Books bought by 9am Friday will be emailed at Friday lunchtime. Books then bought before the 4.30pm deadline will be emailed by 6pm Friday. The Zoom invite will be circulated with your books. The Zoom call will open at 8pm with the first game starting at 8.30pm. Make sure to check your spam or junk folder if you don’t think you received your books. We’re looking forward to meeting you all again and thank you as always for your continued support!

Ballyshannon Squash Club
With the darker evenings here, the squash season is well under way. It is a great way to keep fit and good exercise too. Social squash takes place on a Wednesday from 8pm to 11pm with ladies only social squash on a Thursday from 7pm to 9pm. Everyone is welcome including beginners. Come along either night. Racquets are provided for these nights. The squash court are located at bottom of the Mercy Hall in Coláiste Cholmcille.

Christmas Market
The Creevy Community Group are having a Christmas Market on Saturday 4th December from 12pm to 4pm in the Creevy Pier Hotel. We would ask club members to come out and support this worthy cause.

Congratulations
Congratulations to our neighbours in Belleek on capturing the Fermanagh Intermediate Championship. We wish Erne Gaels the best of luck in their Ulster campaign. Commiserations to our other neighbours in Garrison who contributed well to a great game of football. Congratulations also to Paddy Gillespie and Wolfe Tone's on winning the senior Meath county title.

Back to the top

23 November

Club AGM
A socially distanced Aodh Ruadh AGM took place in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel on Sunday afternoon. Over 30 attended as we looked back on a successful 2021, crowned by our senior footballers' return to top flight football, and made plans for the coming season. Detailed reports were submitted by all sub-committees and these were followed by an address from club chairman William Doogan, reflecting on what had been an unusual and at times difficult season, and thanking all those who had played a role in steering the club successfully through the various challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic.
The AGM then proceeded to the election of officers with the following posts being filled. Patrons: Father Ó Fearrai and Canon McGroarty; President: Owen Roe O'Neill; Vice Presidents: Peter Conlon, PJ Buggy, John Magee, Michael McLoone and John Murphy; Chairman: William Doogan; Vice-Chairman: Diarmaid Keon; Secretary: Lisa McTernan; Assistant Secretary: Paul Gillespie; Treasurer: Sabrina Brosnan; Assistant Treasurer: Liam Hassett; PRO: John Hughes; Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Paddy Kelly and Eamonn Martin Maguire; Substitute County Board Delegates: John Travers and Diarmaid Keon; Health and Well-being Officer: Maura Gallagher; Child Protection Officer: Paul Touhy. Coaching Officer: Packie McGrath and Brian Gillespie. Also voted onto the committee on the evening were those present at the AGM, with allowance made for further members to be appointed at the January executive meeting. Congratulations and best wishes to all those who have taken up a post for 2022.

Football
Our under 21s christened their swanky new jerseys with a dominant display against Melvin Gaels on Sunday afternoon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. There were impressive displays in every sector. Defensively, Damian Weber, Colm McGloin and Ryan Keenaghan calmly dealt with anything that came their way. Aaron Cullen made one outstanding save and was unlucky not to hit the net up the other end. Still, it's hard to take the ball off Cian Rooney with the scoring form he's in at the minute for club and college. Odhran and Marty McGarrigle also swung over some nice scores. Meanwhile Michael McKenna was playing liquid football in the middle of the park. Big thanks to Emerald Hygiene for sponsoring the lovely new set of jerseys. Hopefully the jerseys will continue to bring luck as the lads take on Saint Eunan's in the county under 21 quarter-final this Sunday in Convoy at 2pm. As ever, we encourage a good vocal Ballyshannon crowd to get down the road and get behind this talented bunch of lads.

The coming weekend will see the conclusion of the 2021 edition of the Bakery Cup competition. The Cup finals will see James Monaghan's side taking on Eoghan Doogan's outfit. Meanwhile the Shield final between Morgan McNamee and Caolan McCauley promises to be a close fought contest. Keep an eye on the club's social media output this week for fixture details and build up ahead of finals day.

Fueling for success - Understanding sports nutrition
Sports nutritionist Ronan Doherty is coming to Ballyshannon's Mercy Hall this coming Sunday 28th November to give a presentation on sports nutrition for players. Ronan has great experience and pedigree in this area, having worked with the Donegal senior team for several years. This promises to be a hugely informative and beneficial event for all our club players and managers, and the good news is it’s free admission. We encourage players and mentors from all our squads, as well as parents and guardians to attend. The event will begin at 5pm with a presentation from Ronan, which will then be followed by an open-floor question and answer session.

Upcoming coaching programmes
Donegal GAA winter coaching programme Donegal GAA is running a practical coaching programme this winter. This coach the coaches workshop programme targets club coaches working with under 7 to under 13 age groups in both football and hurling. The workshops will create the opportunity for coaches to learn new coaching methodologies and practices around four key areas: Warm-up games and activities; Fundamentals and physical literacy; Technical football and hurling skills; as well as Fun games and modified games. Coaches who attend will also receive an eight-week programme booklet with all the activities integrated which they can then put into practice with their teams and players. The workshops are taking place in locations around the county this month, with Ballyshannon's Mercy Hall staging a workshop this Tuesday, 22nd November, from 7pm to 9pm. The recent guidelines issued by the GAA for indoor events will apply and an EU Digital Covid Certificate will be required for access. Go to the event website to register for the workshop.

Ballyshannon Bingo
Well done to all our Bingo winners last Friday. Mark Newell won €250 on the jackpot game. The snowball survived another week so rolls to a mighty €1,100 on 51 numbers or less next week. The Coughlin household had a successful haul, with Lisa, Sean and Peggy all checking! House winners were Doreen Patton, Peggy Coughlin, Mary McGonigle, Mary Travers, Regina Dolan, John Rooney, with Kathleen Keown, Ursula McGreevy, Siobhan Friel, Margaret Gallagher, Mary Roper, Ellen Cullen and Monica Quinn sharing house prizes. The line winners were Doreen McDonald, Lisa Coughlin, Avril O’Brien, Letitia Doherty, Sandra Nolan, Margaret Meehan, Kathleen Brennan, Margaret Quinn, Sean Coughlin, Sarah O’Shea, Peggy Coughlin, Sharon McDonald and John McGreevy. Free book prizes for next week were won by Margaret Meehan, Christina Mulligan and Emer Molloy. Keep an eye out for our like and share competition during the week for your chance to win a free book for next week's bingo!
We're looking forward to doing it all again this Friday night at the same time of 8.30pm with a total of over €2,500 up for grabs. Be sure to follow our like and share competition during the week to be in with a chance to win free books! We will play 10 games of bingo including our snowball, jackpot and lucky numbers games. Books are now available and can be purchased up to 4.30pm on Friday. Click this link to buy a SINGLE BOOK for €10.
Click this link to buy a DOUBLE BOOK for €15.
As before, books bought by 9am Thursday morning will be emailed at lunchtime on Thursday. Books bought by 9am Friday will be emailed at Friday lunchtime. Books then bought before the 4.30pm deadline will be emailed by 6pm Friday. The Zoom invite will be circulated with your books. The Zoom call will open at 8pm with the first game starting at 8.30pm. Make sure to check your spam or junk folder if you don’t think you received your books. We’re looking forward to meeting you all again and thank you as always for your continued support!

Scór
Well done to our Scór Sinsear Tráth na gCeist team of Paddy Kelly, Sylvester Maguire, Eamonn Martin Maguire and John Hughes on their performance at the All-Ireland Scór finals at the Connacht Centre of Excellence at Bekan on Saturday. They came fourth overall, just missing out on the final stages by two points.

Premiership Snowball
Our Premiership Snowball got under way this week with 170 entrants pitting their wits against the slings and arrows of outrageous Premier League fortunes. There were heavy casualties the first week with Manchester United's shambolic defeat putting paid to 22 competitors, among them our club chair William Doogan, who can take comfort in the fact that he's not the only man the Man Utd players have shafted this week. The West Ham result saw off another 12, with Southampton's loss to Norwich seeing a further seven exiting, including your humble correspondent, who will be getting a monkey to pick the teams next year.

Congrats
Well done to Derrygonnelly and our own Shane Ward on victory in the Fermanagh senior football championship final against Enniskillen Gaels. Best of luck in the Ulster campaign.

Back to the top

30 November

Football
Aodh Ruadh came off second best in their under 21 county quarter-final against Saint Eunan's in Convoy on Sunday afternoon. The concession of two early goals were heavy blows, and any thoughts there may have been of an upset against a side liberally manned with senior panellists was snuffed out with those concessions. Aodh Ruadh found themselves 4-5 to 0-2 adrift at the break Dylan Gallagher and Cian Rooney with the points. The Ernesiders went a considerable stretch of the second half without troubling the score board while Saint Eunan's steadily extended their lead. When Cian Rooney managed to clip over some nice points in the final quarter it was just a case of playing out time, Eunan's progressing on a scoreline of 4-10 to 0-5. Colm McGloin was his side's man of the match, with a courageous display around the half back line. A good display from Aaron Cullen helped keep mitigate the scoring damage wrought by the lively Letterkenny attack, while up front Cian Rooney did well with the very limited ball which came his way.

Coaching Girls in Sport
The Coaching Girls in Sport workshop has been developed by Sport Ireland Coaching to provide a professional development opportunity for coaches working in the area of sport and physical activity, and is specifically aimed at those coaching girls aged between 12 and 17. This workshop series is aimed at coaches working in the area of children and youth sport. Although the workshops have been specifically designed for those working with 12 to 17-year-old females, coaches working younger girls may also benefit from attendance. Previous coaching experience is required and candidates must have a foundation level qualification at the very least to attend the course. Sport Ireland Coaching strongly recommends that candidates complete the relevant National Governing Body (NGB) qualification before they start coaching in the field. Go to the Eventbrite website and click on the green 'Tickets' button to register for these workshops. The cost of the programme is €5 plus fees. The workshops take place on Tuesday 30th November and Thursday 2nd December from 7pm to 8.30pm. Participants must attend both workshops in order to gain certification from Sport Ireland Coaching.

Sports nutrition presentation
Many thanks to sports nutritionist for an interesting and informative session on sports nutrition on Sunday afternoon. Thanks also to Packie McGrath for organising, and all who attended the event. Ronan's presentation can be viewed in our coaching corner section.

Ballyshannon Bingo
What a great night of bingo on Friday night! Huge Congratulations to Marion Matthews, winner of the €1,100 Bingo Snowball. Congrats too to Mary McGloin of Kinlough on taking €250 in the Jackpot game! Other house winners were Willie Deacon, Mary Cleary, Mary Flannelly, James Sweeney, Jude Concannon, Aoife Branley, Caroline Javed and Carrie O’Brien. Winners of the line prizes were Mary Griffin, Margaret Meehan, Mary Travers (twice!), Josie Lynch, Lisa Coughlin (twice!) Laura Griffin, Patrice Cox, Aislinn Quinn, Mary Roper, Kathleen McGee, Sally Burrows and Nyoka Walker. Free books went to Doreen Payton, Maureen Connolly, Caroline Javed and Margaret McGarrigle. Keep an eye out for our like and share competition during the week for your chance to win a free book for next week's bingo!
We're looking forward to doing it all again this Friday night at the same time of 8.30pm with a total of over €2,500 up for grabs. Be sure to follow our like and share competition during the week to be in with a chance to win free books! We will play 10 games of bingo including our snowball, jackpot and lucky numbers games. Books are now available and can be purchased up to 4.30pm on Friday. Click this link to buy a SINGLE BOOK for €10.
Click this link to buy a DOUBLE BOOK for €15.
As before, books bought by 9am Thursday morning will be emailed at lunchtime on Thursday. Books bought by 9am Friday will be emailed at Friday lunchtime. Books then bought before the 4.30pm deadline will be emailed by 6pm Friday. The Zoom invite will be circulated with your books. The Zoom call will open at 8pm with the first game starting at 8.30pm. Make sure to check your spam or junk folder if you don’t think you received your books. We’re looking forward to meeting you all again and thank you as always for your continued support!

RIP Michael McCafferty
The club extends our condolences to the family and friends of Michael McCafferty on his passing last Saturday. Mickey played a central role in the capture of Aodh Ruadh's last senior county hurling title in 1977, putting in a starring performance at wing back. He continued his commitment to the GAA after his playing days, refereeing across the county for number of years. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

Premiership Snowball
Our Premiership Snowball rolled into match week two and after the first week bloodbath it was a rather less sanguinary few days for our competitors. Just three exited the race, leaving 126 still standing as we go into week three of the ten week event.

Back to the top