Club Notes Archive - 2024
Notes navigaion
Click on a year to select a month.
March
- 5 March
-
Football
Aodh Ruadh are delighted to confirm the appointment of Conor Cunningham as senior football manager. A Kilcar man, Cunningham has managed his native club over the past couple of years into the latter stages of the championship. He is now looking forward to the challenge of taking the Aodh Ruadh senior team to the next stage in their development as they bid to build on recent years of steady progress in league and championship. We wish Conor and the squad the very best of luck for the coming season.The snowfall over the weekend saw the Donegal minors clash with Cavan on Saturday postponed. We wish Barry Ward and his side all the best as they look to get their competitive season up and running against Fermanagh this Wednesday. Throw-in at Ballybofey is at 7.30pm.
Our under 16s had two useful challenge games this week. The first was away to Kilcar on Tuesday night, while we entertained Urris on Sunday morning. Training continues as normal at the Lakeside this week.
Congratulations to MJ Ward, Eoghan ‘Blakey’ Gallagher and Callum Dorrian on their progression to the under 15 county development squad. This is an important milestone in these young players' development and well deserved for their hard work and commitment.
All boys underage teams are returning to training in the coming weeks. Outlined below are the arrangements for each team
Boys under 5, Mercy hall, Coláiste Cholmcille, Fridays from 6pm to 6.45pm. Commenced Friday 9th February
Boys under 6, Mercy hall, Coláiste Cholmcille, Fridays from 7pm to 7.45pm. Commenced Friday 9th February.
Boys under 8, New hall, Coláiste Cholmcille, Fridays from 6pm to 7pm. Commenced Friday 2nd February.
Boys under 10, New hall, Coláiste Cholmcille, Fridays from 7.15pm to 8.15pm. Commenced Friday 9th February.
Boys under 12, Lakeside, Fridays 5.45pm from 7pm. Commenced Friday 9th February.
Boys under 14, Lakeside, Mondays and Wednesdays from 8.15pm to 9.15pm. Commenced Monday 5th February.
Boys under 16 and boys under 18, Lakeside Centre, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8.15pm to 9.45pm. Commencing Tuesday 6th February. Gym sessions on Fridays have also commenced.Hurling
We wish Cian McDonald a speedy recovery after he was injured in the county under 20 match against Tyrone on Sunday. The team had a great, hard-earned win over the Red Hands at Garvaghy.The county under 17 team's Saturday fixture against Fermanagh fell foul of the wintery weather and was cancelled. The lads will take on Armagh at home in Convoy this coming Saturday. Throw in at 12pm.
Training for under 16s continues this week. Training for other age groups will resume soon. See the relevant team WhatsApp groups for details.
The Juvenile Hurling Committee are looking for volunteers to get involved with coaching and mentoring at under 6, under 12 and minor level. All interested parties will have support and assistance from current mentors at all age grades. Please contact Chairman Eoghan Ruadh O'Neill on 087-9786568 or Secretary Orla Bannon on 086-8035316 for more details.
Ladies
Well done to Caoimhe Keon who once again got the full game for Donegal against Tyrone in the National League. Meanwhile our senior ladies were in Mountcharles for a useful challenge on Sunday morning. Thanks to Saint Naul's for hosting us. Thanks are also due to the great crew who put a shoulder to the wheel at the National League game between Donegal and Louth in the Park on Sunday, your help and time is really appreciated.Best of luck to Ciara Larkin and Andrea Moore who have been nominated for the Queen's University, Belfast Future Stars programme. The pair have attended trials for the programme at the Monaghan Centre of Excellence in Cloghan earlier this week.
The under 16s preparations for the imminent commencement of competitive action are ramping up, and they now have confirmation of their programme of fixtures for the season.
Monday, 18th March - Na Dúnaibh v Aodh Ruadh @ 4pm
Tuesday, 2nd April - Aodh Ruadh v Naomh Conaill @ 6.30pm
Tuesday, 9th April - Aodh Ruadh v Dungloe @ 7pm
Tuesday, 16th April - Aodh Ruadh v Buncrana @ 7pm
Tuesday, 30th April - Ardara v Aodh Ruadh @ 7pm
Tuesday, 7th May - Saint Naul's v Aodh Ruadh @ 7pm
Tuesday, 21st May - Semi-finalsExecutive committee meeting
All managers are asked to give at least 72 hours notice of any challenge game they are playing, home or away. The administration surrounding challenge games is significant, so good advance notice is required in order to ensure games can proceed without issue.At January's executive committee meeting Louise Larkin was ratified as Rúnaí, Aodh Ruadh CLG, while William Doogan was ratified as Rúnaí Cúnta. We wish Louise and William the every success in their tenures. The January meeting also saw the Bord na nÓg, Camogie, Juvenile Hurling, and Disciplinary committees being ratified. We wish all officers the best for 2024.
Donegal v Louth
Congratulations to Donegal on their win against Louth in Father Tierney Park on Sunday as National League football returned to Ballyshannon. The victory continues the county's rich vein of success at the Erneside venue. Thanks to all who co-operated with arrangements on the day. It was encouraging to see so many of our players, young and old coming along to help. Thanks to the businesses who took advertisements in the match programme, allowing us to produce a high-quality programme for Sunday’s game. Please support those who support us. A special word of thanks to the Gardai for their help with traffic management and other arrangements. We have a great gallery of pictures from the game for you to view up on aodhruadh.org now.Scór Sinsear
Congratulations to our Scór Sinsear Tráth na gCeist team of Paddy Kelly, Sylvester Maguire, Eamonn Martin Maguire and Peter Campbell who retained their county title in an extremely tight county final last Friday. With all the rounds completed Ballybofey's Balor Theatre they had only one point to spare over their nearest rivals, Gaeil Fhánada. We wish the team the best of luck as they progress to the provincial stages.Last one standing
Last weekend's round of Last One Standing sponsored by Liam Gallen and Mr G's proved to be a good one for the punters with only six bowing out of the competition. Monaghan's defeat to Galway did most of the damage. We still have 46 participants left going into week six with the majority backing Tyrone and Kerry, so it could be interesting if either side happens to lose.Question time
There will be a quiz in Owen Roe's on Thursday, 7th March, in support of Scoil Chaitriona. There'll be lots of fun and spot prizes on the night. Come along and bring a friend!Another quiz for your diaries takes place on Friday March 22nd in Dorrian's Hotel. This is a smartphone quiz and game show in support of North West Hospice and the Irish Cancer Society's night nurse service. Entry is €10 per person with a maximum of six per team. There'll be a raffle and plenty of great prizes on the night, all for a good cause, so come along for the craic and spread the word.
Club membership
We ask all club members to submit their registration for 2024. This year we are moving to Foireann for processing of club membership. This is the official GAA online platform, and many will have already used it during COVID. To obtain or renew membership online go to foireann.ie, and your membership status will be displayed on the dashboard after you login, with the option to register, if you have not yet paid your membership for 2024. Anyone running into problems with Foireann can contact Lisa McTernan or Louise Larkin for assistance. Alternatively, membership can also be paid to Gerry Ferguson at Ferguson's Jewellers. All players, without exception, must be 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.Bingo
We had another busy night at last Tuesday's bingo on 27th February. Mary McGonigle took home the big money on the night, scooping €250 the jackpot in game 10! Our other House winners were Gerard Cullen, Celine McGrath, Madeline Gibbions, Angela Gaye, Rosemary Roper (twice), Ann Gallagher, Catherine McGroary, and Jack McCadden. Our Snowball survived for another week with Mary McGonigle claimed the €100 euro prize. Teresa Campbell was last on her feet to take €120 in the stand-up game. The line winners were Kathleen Foley (twice), Suzanna Cassidy, Ann Lowther, Teresa Campbell, Catherine McGroary, Irene Anderson, Porsche Henry, Kay Kilvarry and Mary Browne, with Kathleen Fallon taking the €50 line. The €1,000 Winter Snowball escaped another week so is in play on 46 numbers or less this week. Bingo at the usual time of 8.30pm this Tuesday with doors open at 7.45pm. Books cost just €10! Come along a bring a friend for a great night of craic and prizes!
- 12 March
-
Saint Patrick's Day
Aodh Ruadh are delighted to be taking part in the annual Saint Patrick's Day parade. Under 10, under 8 and under boys and girls footballers, and all our young hurlers - are invited to represent the club this Sunday. Players are to assemble at Gaelscoil Éirne at 1.40pm. Jerseys will be provided. Parents / guardians can collect players at the Market Yard after the parade. We encourage club members to support fund-raising by the Saint Patrick's Day organising committee.Football
The clubs minors headed for the Connacht Air Dome in Mayo on Saturday to face Castlerea of Roscommon. It was the first time that many of the panel had visited the Dome and it was a real treat to get a run out in it. On the day, an under strength Aodh Ruadh team came up short, trading scores for the first 45 minutes of the contest, but with the Roscommon lads getting three goals in the last quarter, the game was then out of reach. Overall, though, it was a very worthwhile trip to the Dome for the young Aodh Ruadh minor team, with strong performance from Eoin Cassidy and James Monaghan, with the young lads such as Callum Dorrian, Finn Doogan, Eoghan Gallagher and MJ Ward coming in doing a solid job. Next up is a challenge versus Naomh Bríd over the Bank Holiday weekend, with the southern league action commencing the week commencing 24th March.Well done to Barry Ward and the Donegal minors who opened their campaign with a 2-9 to 0-5 win over a defensive Fermanagh outfit last Wednesday. Best of luck to the squad in this Wednesday's rescheduled fixtures against Cavan. Throw in is at 6.30pm on the Breffni Park 3G pitch.
Our under 16 boys are away to Belnaleck this Tuesday for a challenge as they continue their build-up to the competitive season. Training continues as normal this Thursday.
All boys underage teams are returning to training in the coming weeks. Outlined below are the arrangements for each team
Boys under 5, Mercy hall, Coláiste Cholmcille, Fridays from 6pm to 6.45pm.
Boys under 6, Mercy hall, Coláiste Cholmcille, Fridays from 7pm to 7.45pm.
Boys under 8, New hall, Coláiste Cholmcille, Fridays from 6pm to 7pm.
Boys under 10, New hall, Coláiste Cholmcille, Fridays from 7.15pm to 8.15pm.
Boys under 12, Lakeside, Fridays 5.45pm from 7pm.
Boys under 14, Lakeside, Mondays and Wednesdays from 8.15pm to 9.15pm.
Boys under 16 and boys under 18, Lakeside Centre, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8.15pm to 9.45pm.Congrats to former player and Ulster minor winning captain Niall Harley who married Briar Mielke in New Zealand last Saturday.
Hurling
Congratulations are extended to Cian McDonald and all the County under 20 team on winning the Ulster League following on from their win over Armagh last Saturday in Convoy. Donegal, comforably ahead for much of the game, won by the tightest of margins after Armagh made a late comeback and managed to find the back of the net near the end. The final score was Donegal 1-11 to Armagh 1-10. A fantastic achievement for this group of lads.The county minors also recorded a win over Armagh at the same time in Convoy on Saturday. Against a stiff breeze in the first half, the Donegal lads fell behind and went into the break down 1-7 to 0-5. It wasn't long into the second half before they found the back of the net and turned it around. Another successful shot on goal extended their lead further and they eventually won out on a scoreline of 2-12 to 1-8. The team have a break over the Saint Patrick's Weekend before returning to Convoy on 23rd March to take on Louth. A big well done to all the Aodh Ruadh lads lining out last Saturday - Joe Gibbions, Corey Sheridan, Jun Hui Lin, Daithi Sheerin, Shay Winters, Liam Doogan, Rory Cullen and Sean Maguire.
All our hurlers are encouraged to come out decked in their green and white to take part in this year's Saint Patrick's Day parade.
The Juvenile Hurling Committee are looking for volunteers to get involved with coaching and mentoring at under 6, under 12 and minor level. All interested parties will have support and assistance from current mentors at all age grades. Please contact Chairman Eoghan Ruadh O'Neill on 087-9786568 or Secretary Orla Bannon on 086-8035316 for more details.
Ladies
Good luck to the under 16s who will be getting their competitive season up and running next Monday, 18th March when they travel to take on Na Dúnaibh at 4pm.Question time
Advance notice of a quiz which takes place on Friday March 22nd in Dorrian's Hotel. This is a smartphone quiz and game show in support of North West Hospice and the Irish Cancer Society's night nurse service. Entry is €10 per person with a maximum of six per team. There'll be a raffle and plenty of great prizes on the night, all for a good cause, so come along for the craic and spread the word.Club membership
We urge all club members to submit their registration for 2024 promptly. This year we are moving to Foireann for processing of club membership. This is the official GAA online platform, and many will have already used it during COVID. To obtain or renew membership online go to foireann.ie, and your membership status will be displayed on the dashboard after you login, with the option to register, if you have not yet paid your membership for 2024. Anyone running into problems with Foireann can contact Lisa McTernan or Louise Larkin for assistance. Alternatively, membership can also be paid to Gerry Ferguson at Ferguson's Jewellers. All players, without exception, must be 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.Bingo
The Jackpot was won at Tuesday's Ballyshannon Bingo on 5th March, with Joe McGowan taking the spoils. The House winners were : Emma Keating, Mary McGloin, Kathleen Keon, Christine Mulligan and Joseph McGowan, Mark Granaghan, Anne Mulhern, Caroline Murphy, and Rosaleen O'Brien. The Snowball rolls over for another week, with Irene Anderson winning the €100 prize on that game. The Line winners were Louise Keating, Mark Granaghan, Marie Gallagher, Marian McGloin and Anne McKenna, Ann Lowther and Jude Rooney, Mary Browne, Antoinette McKinney, Rosemary Roper, Aggie Ryder, and Jean Brolly. Mary Cleary, Patsy Dowd and Mary Alice Patton shared the €50 double line prize in game 10. Jean Murray and Gerard Kane won the free books for next week's bingo in our half time book draw. Angela Gaye took the Stand-Up game prize of €145. The €1,000 Winter Snowball escaped another week so is in play on 47 numbers or less this week, all as part of a €2,800 prize fund including €500 50/50 Jackpot and €300 Lucky Numbers Game. Bingo at the usual time of 8.30pm Tuesday with doors open at 7.45pm. Books cost just €10! Come along a bring a friend for a great night of craic and prizes!
- 19 March
-
Football
Donegal booked their spot in the Ulster semi-final with an impressive 2-13 to 0-13 win over Cavan in Breffni Park last Wednesday. Down will be the opposition for Barry Ward's side in the Ulster Minor League semi-final which takes place this Saturday at 12 noon in Father Tierney Park. Club stewards will be required at grounds before 10.45am. Please text your availability by this Thursday to either Tom Daly or Michael Daly. Well done to Eoghan Kelly who put in a strong display as the Donegal under 20s scored a 2-15 to 0-16 win over Cavan last Wednesday.Our under 16 boys had a challenge game away to Naomh Conaill on bank holiday Monday. It was played in poor conditions, but was a useful outing with our league opener only a few weeks away. Training updates for the week ahead are on the team WhatsApp group.
All boys underage teams are returning to training in the coming weeks. Outlined below are the arrangements for each team
Boys under 5, Mercy hall, Coláiste Cholmcille, Fridays from 6pm to 6.45pm.
Boys under 6, Mercy hall, Coláiste Cholmcille, Fridays from 7pm to 7.45pm.
Boys under 8, New hall, Coláiste Cholmcille, Fridays from 6pm to 7pm.
Boys under 10, New hall, Coláiste Cholmcille, Fridays from 7.15pm to 8.15pm.
Boys under 12, Lakeside, Fridays 5.45pm from 7pm.
Boys under 14, Lakeside, Mondays and Wednesdays from 8.15pm to 9.15pm.
Boys under 16 and boys under 18, Lakeside Centre, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8.15pm to 9.45pm.Ladies
It was a Saint Patrick's Day to remember for Kyra McNulty, Emer McDevitt, Andrea Moore and Aoife Travers as they made their senior debuts for Aodh Ruadh in a sporting challenge against Naomh Columba. Thanks to Glen for travelling to Ballyshannon for the match.Well done to Caoimhe Keon who put in a player of the match performance as the Donegal senior ladies defeated Cavan 4-20 to 0-5 on Sunday. Well done to the Donegal under 16 ladies who made a great start to their campaign with a comprehensive win over Fermanagh in Father Tierney Park. Aodh Ruadh had strong involvement with Ciara Larkin and Katie McGowan lining out and Paul Gillespie, Eamonn O'Donnell and Niamh Hoey on the sideline. We have a great gallery of shots from the game up on aodhruadh.org.
Aodh Ruadh under 16s made the long trip to Downings on Bank Holiday Monday for the first competitive outing by any team in the club for 2024. The weather was very poor and the conditions didn't contribute to flowing football. The Ernesiders just about shaded matters in the first half to turn around with a 2-2 to 1-3 lead. The game was still very much in the melting pot right to the end with Na Dúnaidh trailing by just three points five minutes from the final whistle. Aodh Ruadh finished with a flourish though to claim a 3-7 to 1-4. Faye Gillespie, Ciara Larkin and Emily McNamee all raised green flags in what was a very strong squad effort. Next up for the team will be the visit of Naomh Conaill to Father Tierney Park on Tuesday, April 2nd at 6.30pm.
Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh
In the past ten days Prunty Contracts and our own workforce have undertaken significant maintenance works on the playing surface which has been damaged by the huge volume of activity and continuous use over the winter. On Thursday March 28th the Park / Development Committee is holding its annual quiz in Owen Roe's to help defray the cost of these works. Club members from all sectors of the club are asked to participate and make this a successful night.American Tours
In 2024 we will again host over 100 American tour groups at Father Tierney Park where they learn about the GAA role at community level and experience Gaelic games. We need two or three more people to train as Tour Guides and to take the pressure off the small number of volunteers who are carrying the workload at present. It involves about four hours of voluntary time for each tour. If interested speak directly to Patsy Kilgannon, Michael Daly or Tom Daly.Question time
There will be a smartphone quiz and game show in support of North West Hospice and the Irish Cancer Society's night nurse service this Friday in Dorrian's Hotel. Entry is €10 per person with a maximum of six per team. There'll be a raffle and plenty of great prizes on the night, all for a good cause, so come along for the craic and spread the word.Club membership
We urge all club members to submit their registration for 2024 promptly. This year we are moving to Foireann for processing of club membership. This is the official GAA online platform, and many will have already used it during COVID. To obtain or renew membership online go to foireann.ie, and your membership status will be displayed on the dashboard after you login, with the option to register, if you have not yet paid your membership for 2024. Anyone running into problems with Foireann can contact Lisa McTernan or Louise Larkin for assistance. Alternatively, membership can also be paid to Gerry Ferguson at Ferguson's Jewellers. All players, without exception, must be 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.Saint Patrick's Day
Saint Patrick's Day once again saw the town staging a fantastic parade with plenty of colour and craic. It was great to see the parade so well supported by spectators and floats. As usual, our young footballers and hurlers came out in large numbers for the parade. Well done to all who helped make the day such a fun and enjoyable occasion. Thanks especially to all those who helped pull together a great display by the club. We have a great colourful gallery of pictures from the day up on aodhruadh.org.Last one standing
Week six proved to be a good one for the punters with only seven people bowing out of the Last Man Standing sponsored by Liam Gallen Mr G's. Heading into week seven with much too high a figure of 39! The majority of players are banking on a Dublin, Derry or Kildare win to see them through to the finals, so it promising to be an interesting last round to the competition.Bingo
Well done to Ann Gallagher on scooping last week's Jackpot Prize over at the school. Thank you to Coláiste Cholmcille on accommodating us in great comfort whilst the drama festival was on. The €1,000 Snowball escaped another week, with Finbar Torney taking the €100 house instead. Next week's Snowball will be played on 48 numbers or less. The other house winners were Tracy Coban, Mary McGloin and Jenny Real shared, Bridget Quinn, Paddy Sexton, Mary McGloin, Marie Gallagher, Carmel McGloin and Margaret Gallagher, with Margaret also taking €140 on the Stand-Up game! The line winners were Jackie Egan, Melina McManus and Pheobe Gaughan on a share, Margaret McBarron, Jenny Real, Emma Keating, Rosaleen O’Brien and Margaret Meehan shared game five, Breege Kelly, Jack McCadden, Anne Patterson and Noreen Cullen shared game eight, Marion Deacon and Sean Coughlin, with Gerard Kane taking the €50 double line. We return to the Abbey Centre this Tuesday night where again we put €2,800 up for grabs including that €1,000 Snowball, €500 50/50 Jackpot and €300 Lucky Numbers game. So come along and spread the word for a great night out. Doors open at 7.45pm, books just €10.
- 26 March
-
Club membership - Time is running out!!!
It is imperative all club members who have not already done so submit their registration for 2024 now, with the 31st March deadline approaching rapidly this Sunday. This year we are moving to Foireann for processing of club membership. This is the official GAA online platform, and many will have already used it during COVID. To obtain or renew membership online go to foireann.ie, and your membership status will be displayed on the dashboard after you login, with the option to register, if you have not yet paid your membership for 2024. Anyone running into problems with Foireann can contact Lisa McTernan or Louise Larkin for assistance. Alternatively, membership can also be paid to Gerry Ferguson at Ferguson's Jewellers. All players, without exception, must be 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.
One of the benefits of membership includes discounts on selected GAA events, such as this weekend's National League finals. Registered club members can avail of a €5 discount on adult and student or OAP match tickets for the upcoming League Finals using your GAA Ticket Discount Code. You’ll find your discount code in one of three ways:- Log in to https://www.foireann.ie and click on your green membership chip
- In your confirmation email from the time of registration
- Ask your club registrar / secretary to get it for you
For visual instructions on the three possible ways to get your GAA Ticket Discount Code, please see this online help guide
Please use the links below with your code to purchase discounted League Final tickets
Division 1 and 2 Football League Finals
Division 3 and 4 Football League Finals
Division 1 Hurling League Final
Please keep an eye on GAA.ie/tickets for any future GAA ticket benefits for club members.Football
League football is back this Sunday! Aodh Ruadh welcome Na Dúnaibh to Father Tierney Park this Saturday for the opening round of All-County league fixtures. The seniors throw in at 5.30pm, with the Reserves getting action going at 4pm. We wish senior manager Conor Cunningham, reserve manager Paul O'Loughlin and both squads the very best as the bid to make it a successful 2024. The seniors warmed up for this weekend's opener with a useful challenge against Cookstown on Sunday in the Park. We have a gallery of shots from that outing live now on aodhruadh.org.The minors started their season on Sunday with a fine 4-10 to 2-14 win over Saint Naul's in a contest that could have swung either way right until the final whistle. Aodh Ruadh got off to a brilliant start knocking up 2-4 in the opening 15 minutes with the long ball into danger men Eoin Cassidy and Callum Dorrian getting reward early on. But the hosts didn't have it all their own way with Saint Naul's kicking accurately throughout, and only notching three wides the entire game with a fine kicking display from their full forward, Tommy Friel. The Ernesiders weathered a difficult patch in the last ten minutes of the first half and went in two points up at the break. Aodh Ruadh came out rejuvenated in the second half with the introduction of Joe Gibbions helping tremendously in the middle third. Points from Ted O'Donnell and a Liam Doogan effort beautifully struck from the outside of the boot helped the forwards in the second half. Rian McCauley and Garreth Brennan were determined in defence with gritty performances in front of MJ Ward who played in goal and himself had an assured display under various spells of pressure in the game. James Monaghan, Garvey Meade and Barry Campbell emptied the tank around the middle over the course of the 60 minutes. Ultimately it was a good over-all team display with a wide range of scorers that got the team up and running with two points on their board on their first day out. Check out aodhruadh.org where we have a gallery of pictures from the game including our very first official team shot of the year! The lads are back in action next Easter Monday, 1st April when they make the short trip up the N15 to take on Naomh Bríd at 12.30pm.
Our under 16s will be contesting in All-County Division 2 this season. They get underway when Ardara are the guests in Father Tierney Park on Monday, 8th April, throw-in at 6.45pm. Best of luck to team and management for the year ahead.
The under 10s travelled to the Connacht Air Dome on Saturday for the culmination of their pre-season league with a blitz involving teams from Donegal, Fermanagh and Tyrone. A great time was had by all and many thanks to all the parents for travelling this past few weeks. Indoor training has now finished and training will commence outdoors on Tuesday 2nd April.
Big congrats to MJ Ward who started his first game for Donegal last Saturday in Convoy as he lined out for the county under 15 development squad at full forward, picking off four points against a strong Derry outfit.
The county minor Ulster league campaign ended on Saturday with a narrow 1-8 to 2-6 defeat to Down in Father Tierney Park. Thanks to everyone who helped in any capacity on the day and made sure everything went off so well. We have a gallery of pictures from the game up on aodhruadh.org now.
Ladies
Our Division 1 ladies got the competitive season up and running with a hard-earned win in Fanad on Sunday morning. This was a game where a full team effort was required to earn the result against a big, physical home side. The Shamettes held a two point advantage at the break with the scoreline reading 1-4 to 1-2. They pushed on over the course second half, picking off their points with Cáit Gillespie, Cadhla Dolan, Terri Gallagher, Sara Gallagher and Caoimhe Devine all on the mark. However, a penalty goal help keep Gaeil Fhánada in the hunt and made the game a contest right to the final whistle as it finished Aodh Ruadh 1-10 Gaeil Fhánada 2-5.This week it is the turn of our Division 3 ladies to make their bow as they travel to Castlefinn to take on Robert Emmet's. The action gets under way at 10.30am and we'd love to see a good crowd up to get behind the girls.
Our under 16s return to action with the visit of Naomh Conaill to Father Tierney Park on Tuesday, April 2nd at 6.30pm.
On the county scene, Caoimhe Keon featured for the full game once again as Donegal earned a one point win against Tipperary and finished third in the Ladies NFL Division 2 table. A good result for a team rebuilding steadily under the stewardship of John McNulty. Also well done to Ciara Larkin who was in action for the county under 16s and Faye Gillespie who lined out for the county under 14s over the weekend.
Hurling
Training for different age groups continues to return to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. Both the minors and under 16s are training on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The under 12s returned to training Sunday past. Meanwhile our under 6s, under 8s and under 10s are returning to training on Sunday April 7th, 11.45 in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.The Juvenile Hurling and Camogie committees are holding a fun sports day on Saturday, 30th March, from 3pm to 5pm. All boys and girls between five and 12 years old are welcome to attend and all equipment will be supplied. Rumour has it, the Easter Bunny may make an appearance! Please text 086-8035316 with your child's name and age to book a place.
The county under 17 Developmental Team will play host to Louth on Tuesday in Convoy for their rescheduled game. With Louth currently sitting in second position in the Ulster League table and Donegal just behind them in third, this will be a tough affair. The very best of luck to the extensive Aodh Ruadh representation Daithi Sheerin, Shay Winters, Joe Gibbions, Sean Maguire, Corey Sheridan, Liam Doogan, Lennon Canny, Jun Hui Lin, Antoin O'Loughlin and Rory Cullen.
Park / Development Committee quiz in Owen Roe's
The Annual Table Quiz takes place in Owen Roes this Thursday night starting at 9.30pm. The proceeds of the Quiz will help to part-fund the recent significant pitch repair works undertaken by our own workforce and Prunty Contracts at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh where the late finish to the playing season and associated team preparation caused a lot of surface damage. It is expected that this investment in our facilities will pay dividends as the weather hopefully improves and as the new playing season moves on. All units of the club are asked to support this event and it would be great to see a good turn-out of our players from all codes. This is always a good social night for Aodh Ruadh with many people from the club arriving back for the Easter break.Aodh Ruadh Easter Camp
Aodh Ruadh are running an Easter activity camp from Tuesday 26th March to Thursday 28th March from 10am to 1.30pm. The camp is for children born 2018 onwards and the fee is €30 per child, family rates also available. Please make sure your child brings a small packed lunch and water with them, also extra warm gear and wet gear as we don't know what weather we will get for the few days. For more information contact Brian Roper on 087-6139065.Monthly club executive meeting
The March Club Executive meeting takes place this Thursday, 28th March, at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All executive committee members are asked to attend. Items for Any Other Business should be sent to club Secretary Louise Larkin by 2pm on Wednesday.American Tours
In 2024 we will again host over 100 American tour groups at Father Tierney Park where they learn about the GAA role at community level and experience Gaelic games. We need two or three more people to train as Tour Guides and to take the pressure off the small number of volunteers who are carrying the workload at present. It involves about four hours of voluntary time for each tour. If interested speak directly to Patsy Kilgannon, Michael Daly or Tom Daly.Last one standing
The state of play following the last round of group games in the Last Man Standing competition sponsored by Liam Gallen at Mr G's has proved that we have a lot of GAA aficionados in our midst! No fewer than 31 players remain going into the last round. All have been contacted to submit their predictions for the four National Football League divisional finals.Ballyshannon Bingo
We had busy night of prizes at last Tuesday's bingo on 19th March. Anthony Reynolds and Bernie Corrigan were happy leaving, sharing the jackpot prize on the night. Our other House winners were Mary Reynolds, Helen Lawn, Mary McGonigle, William Browne, Paula Farry, Celine McGonigle and Margaret McBarron, Majella Gethins, James Gethins, and Jean Brolly. Our Snowball survived for another week but Celine McGonigle and Margaret McBarron (shared) claimed the €100 euro prize. The Stand-Up game was won by Marie Gallagher, with Margaret Meehan, Mary Faith, Breege Kelly and Gerard Cullen winning free books in our half time draw! The line winners were Rosaleen O'Brien, Mary Quinn, Teresa Holburn, Kathleen McGrory, Jacqueline Egan, Angela Gaye and Patricia Downey (shared), Brenda Carty and Sonya Kelly (shared), Kathleen Hanley, Caroline Rooney and Rosaleen O'Brien (shared) and Abby Gallagher. Marie Ward took the €50 double line prize on game 10. The €1,000 Spring Snowball escaped another week so is in play on 49 numbers or less this week, all as part of a €2,800 prize fund including €500 50/50 Jackpot and €300 Lucky Numbers game. Bingo at the usual time of 8.30pm this Tuesday with doors open at 7.45pm. Books cost just €10! Come along a bring a friend for a great night of craic and prizes!