Club Notes Archive - 2023

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December

5 December

Football
Aodh Ruadh exited the under 21 championship at the quarter-final stages with an away defeat to Glenswilly. The Ballyshannon lads had the better of it for much of the game, although scores were hard come by. They led by the odd score in five at the turnaround and kept their noses in front for much of the second half. Heading into the final quarter they were ahead by 0-7 to 0-5 with Damian Weber, Jack Gallagher and Cian Rooney all registering. From there to the final whistle though it was all Glenswilly. The homesters hit an unanswered six points to secure their place in the last four. The Aodh Ruadh team and scorers were as follows. Aaron Cullen; Daire Gallagher, Ryan Keenaghan, Aidan Sweeny; Darragh Flood Dolan, Kyle Murray, Senan Rooney; Colm McGloin, Eoghan Kelly; Mark McGlynn, Jack Gallagher (0-2), Matt Gillespie; Damian Weber (0-4, 3f), Cian Rooney (0-1), Marty McGarrigle. Subs: Harry Howarth, James Gallagher, James Monaghan, Rory Gethins, James Ward, Diarmuid Dolan. Many thanks to the management, mentors and team for their hard work over the past few months.

Best of luck to Eoghan Kelly who will be lining out for Ulster University in the All-Ireland Freshers final against the University of Limerick on Wednesday, 6th December. You can follow the game live on the TG4's YouTube stream.

Hurling
The under 21s finally made it into championship action on Sunday after a long delay. They were up against Saint Eunan's after a lapse of a few years since the club last took part in this grade, so it was great to field a side. Aodh Ruadh had 16 players togging out and were without a few more with county training and injuries, but the lads gave their all against a very good Eunan's side. The Letterkenny lads were quick out of the blocks and lead well at half-time, but the Ernesiders never gave up and got two goals in the first few minutes in the second half. However, Ballyshannon struggled from there on and Saint Eunan's kicked on near the end to win well. The team now await the conclusion of other fixtures to see who their next opposition will be.

The underage awards season wraps up this Saturday 9th December when the Juvenile Hurlers host their awards night in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel. Guest of honour on the night will be county star and Champion 15 award winner, Danny Cullen, while Michael Daly will once again be master of ceremonies for the evening. The action gets underway at 6pm, and with plenty of silverware to be presented it promises to be a real night for our young hurlers to remember.

Ladies
The under 13s are preparing for their Silver county final. Date, venue and time remain to be confirmed. Keep an eye on the club's social media channels for updates.

Donegal v Roscommon in the Park
Aodh Ruadh are proud to announce the return of inter-county football to Father Tierney Park on Sunday, 17th December. Donegal will be the hosts for a challenge game against Roscommon with a share of the proceeds from the game going to North West Hospice, an organisation which has given great service to people from across both counties. The last time Ballyshannon played host to the senior county side was on 1st March 2020 when Declan Bonner's men saw off Monaghan in the Division 1 of the National Football League on a scoreline of 2-12 to 0-8. Indeed, the Erneside ground has generally proved a happy hunting ground for Donegal down the years and we hope that will continue in next month's challenge with the action getting under way at 1.30pm. Put it in your diary and spread the word as Jim McGuinness's Donegal mark two make their first inter-county outing. You can get your tickets online now at futureticketing.ie.

Christmas quizzing
A couple of dates for the festive diary for the quizzers out there. The Park Committee will be hosting a quiz in Seán Óg's on Tuesday, 19th December. There will be loads of prizes to be won, even if you can't make it on the night. Tickets are available for the raffle from any of the bar staff in Seán Óg's, with the prizes including a huge Christmas hamper. The action gets under way at 9pm with entry €20 for a table of four.

Then on Thursday, 21st December, the famed Juvenile hurling quiz takes place in Owen Roe's. The action starts there at 9.30pm, with the huge raffle likely to draw plenty of interest.

Finally, after the turkey has been taken care of, the Ladies will be running a quiz in Dicey Reilly's on Thursday, 28th December. More details to follow in coming weeks.

Millstone reunion nite!
Bord na nÓg are hosting a Millstone reunion party on Friday 29th December, in Dicey Reilly’s. Herman will be on the decks playing all the hits from the 70s, 80s and early 90s, and he might even rock the boat! Sure to be a great night full of memories and laughs! Paper tickets are only €10, and can be bought from all Aodh Ruadh underage football managers. Sure they would make great Christmas gifts! Tickets can also be bought on line at klubfunder.com.

Suim agat sa Ghaeilge?
Interested in using your own level of Irish in a relaxed, enjoyable conversation group? Aodh Ruadh GAA Club invite you to GAEILGE DO GACH DUINE. Join us in Dorrian's Hotel, Ballyshannon where we will meet every Tuesday for six weeks commencing Tuesday 14th November from 8.30pm to 9.45pm. All levels of Irish are welcome to join in, speak, listen, or just do whatever you are comfortable with. This event is free of charge. Bain triail as, beidh fáilte romhat.

New arrival
Many congratulations to Sarah and Darren Drummond on their latest addition to the clan, Robyn!

Ballyshannon Bingo
Last week's Ballyshannon Bingo on Tuesday, 28th November, was another craic-packed night in the Abbey Centre. The jackpot was won by Jean Brolly, while the House winners were Mary McGonigle, Mary B Kerrigan, Marion Matthews, Anne O’Reilly, Michael Keating, Sarah Brady Coughlin, Geraldine Kane, Jude Rooney and Packie Johnston (with two lines as well!), whilst Teresa Campbell took the €100 Game 6 house. The Line winners were Maureen Coughlin, Jean Murray, Breige Kelly, Patricia Downey, Marie Gallagher (twice!), Josie Lynch and Francis Brennan, with Regina Dolan taking the €50 double line. The €1,000 Winter Snowball escaped so rolls over for another week and is in play on 49 numbers this week. Well done to Bridget Quinn on winning €150 on the Stand-Up game. Bingo take place at the usual time of 8.30pm this Tuesday at the Abbey Centre with doors open at 7.45pm, as we play for a €2,800 prize fund including the €500 50/50 Jackpot and €300 Lucky Numbers Game. Books cost just €10! Come along a bring a friend for a great night of craic and prizes!

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12 December

Hurling
The Senior Hurling committee are inviting nominations for the position of chairperson and a secretary. Nominations should be sent to secretary.aodhruadh.donegal@gaa.ie by Wednesday, 3rd January 2024.

The under 21s contest the championship semi-final this Saturday against Buncrana. Throw in is at 2pm with venue to be confirmed.

Ladies
The under 13 girls Silver final will take place this Wednesday, 13th December, against Saint Mary’s Convoy. The game will be at their home ground, Saint Mary's winning the toss for home advantage. There will be a 6.30pm throw-in and we hope to see a big travelling support in Convoy to get behind the girls.

GOAL mile
Aodh Ruadh are hosting the GOAL Mile walk this Christmas. Shake of the festive cobwebs with a few laps of Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh for a good cause. It takes place on Friday, 29 December from 11am to 2pm in Munday's. We'll have the síopa open serving coffee, tea and treats to keep you going. ALL funds raised will go to disadvantaged people in some of the most vulnerable countries in Africa, the Middle East and South America. To sign up just head along to goalmile.org. You can also just come along on the day as we are fully set up for tap-and-go donations from you phone or card.

Club gear
Chris Kelly is expecting a delivery next week and will have a limited number of new bobble hats available at €15 each. There will also be club socks available sizes at €9 for sizes 11-2 and 2-5.5; and €10 for sizes 6 plus. To place an order send a text to Chris on 086-8813553. Orders already placed should start arriving from Monday, 18th December onwards.

Then on Thursday, 21st December, the famed Juvenile hurling quiz takes place in Owen Roe's. The action starts there at 9.30pm, with the huge raffle likely to draw plenty of interest.

Finally, after the turkey has been taken care of, the Ladies will be running a quiz in Dicey Reilly's on Thursday, 28th December. More details to follow in coming weeks.

Ballyshannon Bingo
Last week's Ballyshannon Bingo on 5th December saw Mary McGonigle having a great night taking the Jackpot and two lines as well. The House winners were Caroline Finnerty, Patricia Downey, Rosemary Roper / Regina Dolan shared, Patsy Dowd / Tracy Singh shared, Lorraine McGarrigle, Eileen Maguire, Marie Ward / Margaret Gallagher shared, and Ellen Maguire, whilst Gerard Cullen won the €100 house. The line winners were Mary Reynolds, Celine McGrath, Tracy Singh, James Monaghan (twice), Kathleen Keown, Kathleen Fallon, Majella Gettins, and Mary Donagher, with Marie Ward taking the €50 double line. The €1,000 Winter Snowball escaped so rolls over for another week and is in play on 50 numbers this week. Well done to Breda Herrity on winning €130 on the Stand-Up game. Bingo is at the usual time of 8.30pm Tuesday at the Abbey Centre with doors open at 7.45pm, as we play for a €2,800 prize fund including €500 50/50 Jackpot and €300 Lucky Numbers Game. Books cost just €10! Come along a bring a friend for a great night of craic and prizes! DATE FOR YOUR DIARY – Our big Christmas Bingo with extra prize money and plenty of spot prizes on offer too. Wear something fancy if you like!

Lotto Christmas Hampers up for grabs!
Aodh Ruadh have teamed up with McCosker’s Centra and Kernan’s Spar to bring our loyal lotto players some seasonal cheer. We have FOUR festive hampers filled with Yuletide goodies up for grabs. Lotto tickets bought this week will be entered in a draw for the hampers in our Christmas lotto draw at the Bridgend on Sunday. Four more reasons to get your club lotto ticket this week, apart from the hefty €5,200 jackpot!

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19 December

Donegal v Roscommon
The conditions couldn't dampen the excitement and enthusiasm on the Rock on Sunday, with the second coming of Jim McGuinness getting under way in fine fashion at the revamped Father Tierney Park. The Tir Chonaill men continued their winning run at the Erneside venue with a six point win over a game Roscommon outfit. Many thanks to everyone who helped make sure the day ran off so smoothly and made it such a success. We have a great gallery of shots from the game up on aodhruadh.org now.

Ladies
Our under 13 girls travelled to Convoy on Wednesday night last for their Silver county final against the Saint Mary's who had won the toss for home venue. It was a perfect night for football, with little or no wind and the pitch was in great condition for a December final. Aodh Ruadh and Saint Mary’s looked well matched in the opening ten minutes, trading scores leaving it two points a piece. Aodh Ruadh then took control of the game, with two quick fire goals and two points putting the Shamettes 2-4 to 0-2 ahead. More goals followed for Aodh Ruadh, but Convoy scored a fortuitous goal themselves just before the interval to give them hope for the second half. The score at the turn-around readAodh Ruadh 4-4 Convoy 1-3.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Aodh Ruadh dominating. Emma Travers at full forward scored her second goal of the game, and Kali Gallagher hit 1-1 to put Ballyshannon within touching distance of lifting the title. Convoy didn’t give up and kept battling, putting several points on the board. In the end though, Aodh Ruadh were full value for their win on a score line of Aodh Ruadh 6-9 Saint Mary's, Convoy 2-6.
That triumph finished off the under 13 season on a high for these girls who have improved greatly as the season has gone on. This was an all-round strong performance by the team, but special mention to Erin Gallagher in goals who was again superb, Lexi Roper and Olivia Coyle were rock solid in defence, Leah Roper in the heart of defence, Niamh McGrath and Faye Gillespie dominated at midfield, Kate McGrath at centre forward and Jenna Britton was brilliant in attack as well as using her athletic ability to get back and help her defence also. Faye Gillespie was the main score getter chipping in with 1-6. Niamh McGrath collected the trophy on behalf of the team, and the team returned to Ballyshannon for a celebration which was enjoyed by the girls, parents and coaches. Many thanks to Brian Roper, Packie McGrath, Seamus Roper and Karol Roper for their coaching of this team over the course of a long season. Thanks also to the parents and guardians for their invaluable support.

The under 21s bowed out of the championship at the semi-final stages on Saturday. Ballyshannon travelled to the Centre of Excellence in Convoy with 15 players to take on Saint Eunan's. The elements were to have a big say in proceedings and Aodh Ruadh had the benefit of the strong breeze in the first half. They made good use of it to go in at the break with a seven point cushion. The Letterkenny lads came out with the bit between their teeth in the second half though, and picked off their scores to run out 3-9 to 1-8 winners at the final whistle.

The juvenile hurlers enjoyed a fantastic presentation evening recently in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel. After a prolonged hiatus, it was just great to be back celebrating the successes of 2023 and looking forward to what might be in 2024! The large turn-out was treated to the wisdom and advice of Danny Cullen, freshly returned from Setanta's remarkable win in the Ulster Intermediate Final. Interviewed by Michael Daly, Danny informed all our young players that hard work and dedication pays off and that Setanta's story of growth and success over the past few decades was testament to this. He was so impressed with the number of players receiving awards and encouraged all our young hurlers to continue practising and honing their skills with the small ball. Juvenile Hurling Chairperson, Eoghan Ruadh O'Neill, thanked all involved in helping to grow hurling in Aodh Ruadh before handing over to Danny and the respective managers to present the players with their awards. All the non-competitive age grades, from under 7 to under 11, received a medal for their participation throughout the year. The under 15s received medals for winning the County Féile title and the Táin Óg tournament. The minors received their medals for winning the Táin Óg tournament and the Donegal League. There were special awards on the night for the older lads - a manager's choice for most improved player and a team choice for players' player of the year. The season saw the under 15 most improved award going to ace goalkeeper, Jayden McGrath Clyne and the players' player of the year was scooped by Corey Sheridan. On the minor panel, most improved player was awarded to Dara O'Mahoney and the players' choice went to captain, Cian McDonald. Photos on the night were kindly taken by the ever helpful, Ellen McGarrigle.

No Shame in asking for Help!
In these uncertain economic times, and Christmas nearly here, many people may be challenged in ways they have rarely been before, mostly due to circumstances beyond their control. The cost of oil and heating, groceries, some increases in mortgage repayments - it can be a lot for some people to manage. No family should ever have to choose between food and heat! Many people are in the same boat - more than you imagine! So, please get the help and guidance you need at this time - for your own sake and the sake of your family. Why suffer in silence when help is out there for you? Contact any of the numbers below - all of whom are awaiting your call to help, and who will help you in the strictest confidence.
Saint Vincent de Paul Confidential 087-6628833
MABS (Money, Advice, Budgeting) 081-8072480
Credit Union 071-9852288
If you are comfortable. please support the Saint Vincent de Paul Appeal 2023 Envelopes available at the back of Saint Patrick's Church, Ballyshannon. All monies collected here will he spent here. Share a little of what you have with those who have not! Reproduced from Kilbarron Parish Ballyshannon notes.

Christmas quizzing
A few of dates for the festive diary for the quizzers out there. The Park Committee will be hosting a quiz in Seán Óg's this Tuesday. There will be loads of prizes to be won, even if you can't make it on the night. Tickets are available for the raffle from any of the bar staff in Seán Óg's, with the prizes including a huge Christmas hamper. The action gets under way at 9pm with entry €20 for a table of four.

Then this Thursday the famed Juvenile hurling quiz takes place in Owen Roe's. The action starts there at 9.30pm, with the huge raffle likely to draw plenty of interest.

Finally, after the turkey has been taken care of, the Ladies will be running a quiz in Dicey Reilly's on Thursday, 28th December. More details to follow in coming weeks.

Ballyshannon Chrimbo Bingo
We hope you're all in a festive spirit for this Tuesday's Bumper Ballyshannon Bingo. Our Santa's sack is bulging with a hefty €3,000 prize fund. The €500 jackpot must be won, while the snowball is sitting at huge €1,000 and ready to go on 51 numbers. As ever we'll get you in Yuletide mood with heaps of great spot prizes and festive treats! It's eyes down at 8.30pm, with books priced €10 or €18 for a double. We warmed up in fine fashion last week and well done to our winners on the night. Sonia Kelly scooped the Jackpot prize. Packie Johnston had a good night taking a line and a house, whilst Denis Sheerin also had a good night winning €140 on the stand-up game, a house prize and a free book! The other house winners were Ann Lowther, James Gettins, Jean Brolly, Marie Ward (with a line), Bridget Quinn, Eoin Doherty (with a line too), Ann Gallagher / Mary Donagher shared, whilst Margaret Meehan took the €100 house. The other line winners were Sean Coughlin, Mary Roper (twice), Karen Coughlin, Patricia O’Connor, Ellen Maguire and Gerard Kane, with Teresa Anderson winning the €50 line.

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26 December

Christmas quizzing
This Thursday the Ladies will be running a quiz in Dicey Reilly's plenty of prizes and loads of craic guaranteed. The action gets under way at 9.30pm.

The Park Development Committee quiz was held las Tuesday night in Seán Óg's and it raised a staggering €1,265 for the park development at Aodh Ruadh. Well done Peter Gallagher on a fantastic quiz and well done too to all the sponsors, to Maurice McLaughlin and his staff, to Sylvester Maguire who was quizmaster and John Hughes who did the score-keeping. David McDonagh did the computer visuals which came up on all the TV screens - another nice touch. Sean Gibbons provided the PA and the teams turned up early and there was a great atmosphere and good craic. It was particularly nice to see a good turnout of our younger adult players there supporting the quiz. The quiz was won by Daithí Breen, Sabrina Brosnan, Lisa McTernan and Ayiesha McLaughlin who were presented with beautiful polo tops by Park Development Committee Chairman, Tom Daly. The runners up were David McCadden, Fiona Colley, Marie McGee and Thomas McNeely. There was an incredible array of top class raffle prizes and these were won as follows: Giant Hamper, John McCadden; €100 voucher for the Abbey Hotel, Brendan Maguire. Other winners were: Tom McNeely, Madison O’Connor, Kevin Harley, Jim Kane, Aaron Cullen, Ben Daly, Neil O’Malley, Mary Kilgallon and Frances Daly.

There was a massive turnout for the Juvenile Hurling committee's end of year quiz in Owen Roe's last Thursday. Thanks so much to all for braving the elements and coming along for some great festive fun. A grand total of €905 was raised on the night for our club funds. Thanks to the following for their support with prizes and spot prizes; The Rory Gallagher Festival Committee for 4 x Rory Gallagher festival weekend tickets and four official festival hoodies; William Doogan and MCM Spirits for four bottles of wine; Owen Roe's Bar for four bottles of wine; the Juvenile Hurling Committee for a €100 eVoucher for McElhinney's; Paul Sheridan Construction for a €50 Elevery's voucher; Paul and Fran Duffy for a €50 Tete a Tete voucher; Ballyshannon Folk Festival Committee for two weekend passes for the 2024 festival; Patrick McGarrigle for a €30 Aurivo Homeland voucher; A Novel Idea for a €30 voucher; Decorworld for a €20 voucher; Kenneth Neilan and Keycall for a twin wine set; Sinead Keown for a Belleek Parian China boxset; Orla Bannon for a mini hamper; Sharon Reynolds for a bottle of Bailey's; John Larkin for a bottle of wine; Liam Gallen at Mr Gs for a radio; Centra Ballyshannon for a bottle of wine; and John McCadden for two tins of biscuits. Huge thanks to Chairperson Eoghan Ruadh for organising and marking on the night and to quizmaster, Michael Daly - thankfully he didn't give away too many answers! The committee would like to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

The Juvenile Hurling committee were delighted to be able to see the reinstatement of our annual awards presentation night this year. There was a great turnout on the night in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel where we welcomed Danny Cullen from county champions Setanta as our special guest. Danny is part of the record breaking Setanta team that recently bagged the Ulster Intermediate Championship. As a recipient of a Champion 15 award this year and others, Danny's advice and tips to all our aspiring young players was both inspiring and insightful, and as Master of Ceremonies Michael Daly interviewed him there was a hushed silence throughout the room. Coming from a hurling only club, it was great to see that Danny was impressed with the sheer number of boys and girls involved in hurling and camogie in Aodh Ruadh. He gave some background to his team's success and talked about the dedication and commitment involved. He recognises that hurling is growing in the county and encouraged all our players to continue practising and improving their skills so they too can be a part of this hurling revival.

Danny then got to meet all our managers and players and presented each with their individual awards. Each manager gave a short overview of their year and praised all their players for their performances, attitude and behaviour both on and off the pitch. There were medals for all our under 7, under 9 and under 11 players. There were special awards for our four under 11 players; Freddie Knott, Daire Reynolds, Shay McNulty and Eanna Redden, who represented Aodh Ruadh at the Croke Park Skills Day during the summer. The under 15s received their County Féile medals to compliment the Táín Óg medals they got earlier in the year when they won the competition. Special under 15 awards on the night went to ace goalkeeper, Jayden McGrath Clyne as most improved player and the under 15 players' player of the year award was bagged by top player, Corey Sheridan. The under 17s received their County League medals, having already received their winning Táin Óg medals earlier in the year. The minor most improved player was won by Dara O'Mahoney and the players' player of the year went to the minor captain, Cian McDonald. Reflecting on a successful year, Chairperson Eoghan Ruadh O'Neill, outlined the many highlights of the year including the annual trip to Croke Park, the under 15 trip to Féile, the extensive fund-raising undertaken, the work and efforts of all the committee and managers and our fantastic players. He congratulated newly appointed Chairperson, Lisa McTernan and thanked her and the Executive for their help and assistance throughout his first year. He thanked all our sponsors for the continued support incl. Mr G's, Nugent Construction, Rathmore Mechanical Services, Centra, Spar, CJ Farrell and Circle K, Belleek. Thanks too went to Tom Daly and the Park Committee for their assistance throughout the year and of course to all the parents for their continued support and commitment. The evening ended with a call from secretary, Orla Bannon, for our ever supportive parents to get behind our next two fund-raising initiatives - the Christmas quiz on 21st December and the Last Man Standing competition in the New Year. A presentation was made to Danny Cullen to thank him for attending - which he declined to accept as he was just happy to have been invited and be able to support hurling in Aodh Ruadh. A pure gentleman, he stayed behind for a time to the delight of some of our younger players and was happy to pose for photos and sign shirts, hurls and sliotars! We would like to sincerely thank him for taking the time out to attend and wish him, his wife and their recent arrival a very happy Christmas. The committee would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody in the hurling community and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I'm sure Santa will be busy delivering hurls and sliotars all around the town!

Ballyshannon Bingo
We had a bumper Christmas bingo with bigger cash prizes and loads of festive spot prizes last Tuesday! Thank you to all our local sponsors of spot prizes – please support them and shop local this Christmas. The €500 Jackpot was won by Celine McGrath. The €150 house was shared by Una McGarrigle and Maureen Coughlin, with Jean Murray winning the €100 house. The other house winners were Frances Murphy, Caroline Murphy, Lesley McNeely, Sean Coughlin, Teresa Anderson and Kathleen McDaid, with Finbar Torney and Caroline Rooney sharing Game 9. The €50 line winners were Ellen Maguire and Mary Donagher, with the €40 lines being won by Joseph Darcy, Claudia McCrea, Ann Patterson, Rachel Anderson, Mary Coughlin, Denis Sheerin, Antoinette McKinney and Majella Gettins, with a three way share on Game 7. The €1,000 Winter Snowball survived another week and will be played on 52 numbers next week. There was also a juicy Stand-Up prize of €180, with Ellen Maguire last on her feet to scoop that. We also had six free book winners! There will be no bingo on Saint Stephen's Day, so we return to the Abbey Centre on Tuesday January 2nd for the usual time of 8.30pm. So in the meantime, We wish all our bingo players and supporters a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Club Calendar
The 2024 Aodh Ruadh Calendar is now on sale! The calendar can be purchased at Kernan's Spar, A Novel Idea and Pearse O'Neill's shop. Copies will also be available this Saturday at the lotto stand at McCosker's Centra, as well as at Aodh Ruadh fund-raising events over Christmas.

Nollaig shona
Aodh Ruadh wishes all associated with the club and everyone in the wider Ballyshannon community a happy, peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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