Aodh Ruadh hurlers prepare to leave for Féile
On Monday night Aodh Ruadh under 14 hurlers invitied their parents and sponsors to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh to say thanks for all their support as they prepare for the upcoming Féile na nGael in Dublin. The lads did all the catering for the night and for a change it was the parents who were waited on by the lads. They showed themselves to be equally adept in the kitchen as on the hurling field.
After the lovely meal, it was onto the presentation of the Féile gear to the squad. Manager of the squad John Rooney welcomed all to the event. He especially welcomed Town Mayor Phonsie Travers and his son Councilor Brendan Travers and Councilor Pat O'Malley representing Ballshannon Town Council, sponsors Fred Ormston his wife Deirdre and Lorraine Gallagher from Mace Ballyshannon and Kevin Byrne. He also welcomed club secretary Emma Gaughan and all the parents.
He spoke of the great achievement and honour it was for the club to have the lads representing Aodh Ruadh in Féile na nGael in Dublin this weekend. He spoke of how well Aodh Ruadh had done in Clare at the Féile na nGael in 2010 and how seven of that squad were on the minor team that had won the county minor league title and how three of them were presently at an Ulster Camp in Jordanstown as part of the top 45 hurlers in Ulster at under 16.
He spoke of the very difficult camapign the under 14s had this year and the great achievement it was to qualify for Féile with such a small panel of only 17 players. He thanked sponsors Fred Ormston Mace Ballyshannon who has been a great supporter of all events organised by Aodh Ruadh juvenile hurling committee and he encouraged all present to shop local and support Fred, he also thanked Kevin Byrne who also gives great support to the Aodh Ruadh hurlers and not alone drives to the games but has no problem umpiring and helping out.
He also thanked Ballyshannon Town Council who, as in 2010, came forward and gave financial support to the under 14s for Feile and also thanked Ballyshannon Credit Union who also made a donation towards the Féile fund.
John pointed out that in these recessionary times it was a great achievement that the under 14 hurlers had self financed their trip to Féile na nGael and that it hadn't cost the club a cent, on behalf of the panel he thanked all the sponsors again. He also thanked the panel themselves who had bag packed to finance the trip and the parents who had supported the Cash for Clothes campaign. He thanked his fellow mentors Mike Lynch, Michael Ayres and Peter Horan for all their help.
When all the thank yous were over it was the moment the lads had waited for; The presentation of the gear. Each individual member of the panel was called forward and recieved their kit bag for Féile. The lads were delighted with the contents and all present commented on how well the lads looked in their new gear. Many thanks to Brian Drummond who as usual captured the atmosphere of a very enjoyable night.
Finally on behalf of the panel sincere thanks to Fred Ormston Mace for gear bags and T-shirts and Kevin Byrne for hoodies, Ballyshannon Town Council, Ballyshannon Credit Union, James 'Freddie' Grimes and a number of annoymous donors for their financial support. John Rooney assured all present that the lads would represent Aodh Ruadh and the town of Ballyshannon well on and off the field in Rush this weekend.
Also thanks to all who have wished the Aodh Ruadh under 14 hurlers well at Féile na nGael in Dublin this weekend especially to our neighbours in Bundoran CLG for their good wishes all the support. It is much appreciated.
Last modified: Monday, 1 June 2020 at 1:32pm