PIC SPECIAL: Hundreds of people were treated to a night of unbelievable entertainment on Saturday night when Letterkenny Musical Society hosted a Strictly Come Dancing fundraiser in the Clanree Hotel.

The Musical Society - who have been going for 35 years - are currently preparing to put on the musical blockbuster Jesus Christ Superstar in An Grianán Theatre in March and Saturday night’s fundraiser will help them cover the huge costs of putting on such a spectacular production.

In total, eleven couples took to the floor in front of a wildly enthusiastic audience and a judging panel of Sir Gerry Robinson, Billy Patterson of Letterkenny Musical Society and TV3s Ciara Doherty who got into the spirit of the night when they emerged wearing masks of three of the BBC Strictly judges.

The standard of dancing on the night was particularly impressive making it a difficult night’s work for the judges, but in the end a dramatic performance from Donna Sterritt and Declan McFadden was enough to secure the award for the Judges’ Winners.

Audience members also got to have their say as well though and Fiona Gallagher and Vincent McNamee scooped that award to a rapturous response from the delighted crowd.

The group finished the night with a stunning group dance - their second of the night - before the fun continued into the night with a fabulous disco with DJ Orson Sterritt of North West Entertainment.

A woman who stole two pairs of earrings from Dunnes Stores in Letterkenny has been given the Probation Act.

Deborah Murphy appeared at Letterkenny District Court today charged with the theft which happened on May 2nd, 2014.

The court heard security staff spotted Ms Murphy, 32, stealing the goods worth €9 and tried to stop her but she ran.

She ran to her accommodation at 18 Ballymacool, Letterkenny and hid.

The court heard Ms Murphy was under a lot of stress at the time.

Judge Paul Kelly said he would apply the Probation Act on this occasion.

Smyths Toystore in Letterkenny.

A young woman used a young child to steal a buggy from a toystore.

Mary Byrne put the child into the new buggy at Smyth's Toystore in Letterkenny and walked out without paying.

Ms Byrne, 23, appeared at Letterkenny District Court charged with a range of thefts.

The court heard how Byrne walked into Smyth's Toystore in Letterkenny with two children, removed the tags form the buggy and put one of the children into the buggy.

She then pushed the child out without paying for the buggy which was priced at €62.

Byrne, formerly of Tallaght in Dublin but now living at Blue Ceders, Ballybofey, was also charged with a range of thefts from the Xtravision store in Letterkenny.

These thefts, which occurred between August 27th and 28th last, included a range of headphones worth more than €1,400 as well as DVDs.

Gardai became aware of the thefts when Ms Byrne was caught on CCTV trying to trade in the headphones and DVDs as a second hand electronic store.

Garda Inspector Michael Harrison revealed "The DVDs and other equipment were still in their wrappers when she tried to trade them in. It just makes no sense."

Solicitor Patsy Gallagher said his client admitted her wrong and was willing to do whatever the courts decided.

Judge Paul Kelly adjourned the case until February for  Probation report.

Minister Joan Burton ruled out any commitment to restore Jobseekers’ for those under 26, following a Dail question by Deputy Thomas Pringle on youth unemployment.

Deputy Pringle

The Minister stated that any change to the reduced rates of jobseeker’s allowance for people under 26 would involve a significant cost and as such is a matter for Government to consider in a budgetary context.

Reduced Jobseekers’ rates for those under 26 years of age were first introduced in 2009 and further extended in 2014 by the current Government.

Reacting to the news, Deputy Pringle said ‘There are currently around 2,400 young people unemployed in Donegal and that hasn’t changed much over the past year since the reduced rate was introduced. That’s unacceptably high after five years of the Government’s term in office’ says Pringle.

‘The reduced Jobseekers’ rate and the string of job activation measures were meant to target youth unemployment but failed to acknowledge the reality for young jobseekers. They fail to consider the double disadvantage for young jobseekers in Donegal: less available jobs and higher costs associated with upskilling such as travel and expenses.’

‘It’s a common complaint I hear from parents in Donegal who struggle to financially support their children who are unable to find jobs even years after they’ve graduated from college.

‘It’s time that Donegal got a targeted response from the Government to its stubbornly high youth unemployment rate especially now that the Government failed to deliver on its Youth Guarantee promise in this year’s Budget."

Sign 2: Letterkenny Municipal District Mayor Cllr Gerry McMonagle (second left) with fellow councillors (l-r): James Pat McDaid, Jimmy Kavanagh, Liam Blaney, Ian McGarvey and Michael McBride at the official unveiling of the new Letterkenny Tidy Town signage last Monday.

Mayor of Letterkenny Municipal District Cllr Gerry McMonagle with council colleagues, staff and Letterkenny Tidy Towns and Chamber of Commerce committee members at the official unveiling of the new signage last Monday.

FEATURES: New ‘Letterkenny Tidy Towns Sign/ Ireland’s Tidiest Town’ signage to mark the recent success have been erected at strategic locations around the town.

Mayor and elected members of Letterkenny Municipal District along with representatives from the Letterkenny Tidy Towns group, the local Chamber of Commerce as well as officials from Donegal County Council were on hand on Monday to officially unveil this signage which will be used to welcome visitors to Ireland’s tidiest town.

It also recognises the hard work of the local Tidy Towns group and residents associations in achieving this accolade.

Cllr Gerry McMonagle, Mayor of Letterkenny Municipal District said the new signage was a vote of confidence in the town and recognition of all the work done down the years to achieve this tremendous success.

He added that it was hoped the success would contribute to the continuing drive to attract visitors to the area and encourage the maintenance of the Tidy Town standards set in 2015.

South Donegal Branch of the Irish Pony Club

The current programme of both riding and stable management at Parkside Equestrian, Doorin Line, Mountcharles is continuing on Saturday afternoons.  If you are interested in becoming a member or just taking a look at what we do and meet the existing pony clubbers ring, Marie Hainsworth 086 2313964.

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop Christmas Sale

This year’s sale starts on Thursday Dec 3rd at 10.00 am in our shop on Water Street, Donegal Town. Opening times are Thursday and Friday 10 am - 2pm; Monday 6pm - 8pm; Wednesday 10am - 12 noon. Bargains galore!

We greatly appreciate, and would like to thank, all those who continue to support the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society by donating to, and shopping at, the Thrift Shop. Wishing you all a very Peaceful and Happy Christmas.

Service of Recognition

Warm congratulations are extended to Dorothy Walker and Norman Henry on the completion of their Local Preacher’s course; well done! A Service of Recognition will be held at 11am on Sunday the 29th November. All are welcome.

Youth Events in Methodist Hall Dunkineely

Anchor Boys Fri nights 6:45 – 8:00pm (4 – 8yr olds)

Boys Brigade Fri nights 8:00 – 9:30pm

Badminton Mondays nights

3rd – 5th Class 6:30 – 7:30

6th Class – teens 7:30 – 8:30

Adults 8:30 – till finish

Youth Club Primary School age. 6:30 – 8:00pm 29th Nov

Naomh Ultan

The club held its AGM on Monday last in the clubhouse. The following officers were elected for 2016; President (Honorary) Jimmy Byrne; Chairperson, Danny Byrne; Vice Chair, John Boyle; Secretary, Stephanie Kyles; Assistant Secretary, Margaret McNicholas; Treasurer, Seamus Harvey; Assistant Treasurer, Póilin Byrne; PRO Colm O’Sheibhleáin; Registrar and Children’s Officer, Kathleen Breslin; Oifigeach na Gaelige, Toirleach Fhionngaile; Coaching Officer, Colm O’Sheibhleáin and Players Representative, Joe Alvey.

In the forthcoming days, club representatives will be selling National Draw Tickets in the parish; tickets are €10 each. All proceeds go towards the club. The club will incorporate 5 local prizes of €100 each in the draw.

There was no winner of the Royal Flush Jackpot.  Numbers drawn were: 12, 13, 19 and 24. Consolation prizes went to: Matthew Byrne, Inver; Marion O’Donnell, Rahanlackey and Ava Maxwell. The Jackpot next week will be €880. Thank you for your support.

Nominations for Senior and Reserve team managers should be with the club secretary by 6th December.

Club 25 Card Drive continues every Wednesday in Mary Murrins, 9pm.

Dance Classes

Learn to Jive, Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Two-hand Dances.

Bayview Hotel, Killybegs on Wednesday evenings at 8:00pm

All are welcome to these evenings of Fun and Exercise. Only €8.

O’Donnell School of Music

Music Lessons will be held at the Dunkineely Community Ltd Office building on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week from 3:30 to 9:00pm. For further information contact 087 9644019.

Bluestack Ramblers’ Walks for November and December

29 November 2015. Walk on Mulmusog Mountain; it will be a moderate walk of 3 hours, led by John D. Gallagher. For more information phone 087 6655828. Meeting at Maloney’s Filling Station, Killybegs Rd, Ardara at 10.00 a.m.

06 December 2015. Walk on the Leghowney Loop; it will be a moderate walk of 3 hours, led by Paddy Meehan. For more information 086 6014386. Meeting at the tourist office Donegal town 10.00 a.m.

13 December 2015.

Walk along the Creevy Coastal Walk; it will be an easy walk of 3 hours, led by  Beatrice Mc Cauley/Rosaleen O’Keeefe. For more information phone 087 7502172. Meeting at the Abbey Centre, Ballyshannon at 10.00 a.m.

Hurry! Hurry! Winter Program of Courses

Places on the following courses are almost full, so get you name down quickly…

Creel Making course started on Monday 2nd November at 7:30pm in Dunkineely Community Centre (1 place left).
Interior design / Upcycling (i.e. converting old and waste materials into something new and useful). Started on Wednesday 11th November 7:00pm at the DCL Offices (2 places left).
Photoshop course started on 5th November (is full!).
We are also taking names for anyone interested in

Basic Computers*
Calligraphy*
1st Aid (Basic 1 day)*
1st Aid (3 day Occupational) *
Defibrillator Course
Carpentry*
Art*
Creative Writing
Family History
The courses marked with an asterisk (*) have been run before.

If you are interested in any of the above, please call to the DCL office, phone us on 0749737678 (9:30-12:30) or email us on dunkineelycommunity@gmail.com.

Recovery from Emotional Distress

GROW – Gradually, Regaining, Our, Wellbeing! Support and a program for recovery. Weekly Meetings at Niall Mor Centre, Killybegs on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm. Also in the Day Hospital, adjacent to Donegal Hospital on Tuesday evenings at 8:00pm. For further information contact Marian on (086)7856912. All are welcome.

Dunkineely Community Ltd Office Hours

Please note that DCL Office Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays are dedicated to projects outside the office. If someone is in the office on these days, please come in. feel free to pop into the office for a chat, use the Internet (20c per half hour),  print or photocopy documents (20c per page) or borrow a book (20c per book).

Going on a Sun Holiday?

Print your Boarding Pass with us in the DCL office.

Researching a Family Tree?

DCL has a copy of the adjoining Methodist Church index of Births & Marriages 1860 -1899 (Ardara and Dunkineely). Also the Burials Register for the same congregations from 1950 to 2007.

Library

One of the greatest gifts you can give a child is to teach him of her to read; it is something that will help them throughout their lives, and will bring them a lot of pleasure. It is sad to see so many libraries closing, through lack of funding, but we are happy to report that Dunkineely Community Ltd (DCL) has a small library of over 1000 books. We have books ranging from Children's Literature to Teenage Fiction (The Fault in our stars), Biographies to Classics (Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice), from Horror to Comedy, Booker-Prize to Chick-lit, Health to hobbies, etc. etc.  Borrowing costs 20c per book.

Carers Course QQI Level 5 Care skills Module This course will commence on Friday 15th January 2016 from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. The course will run 1 day per week for 10 weeks. Venue: Rosses CDP, Chapel Rd., Dungloe. Cost: €20, to be paid when booking. Closing date for booking is Friday 4th December 2015.
Contact 074 9561686 /0879615775 for further info and booking.
Community Crime Prevention Programme: A meeting will be held on Tuesday the 1st of December at 7.30pm in the Rosses CDP chapel Road Dungloe. This meeting is to discuss signing up for the Text Alert service for the Dungloe area. This service makes people aware of any suspicious activity in their area. We would ask as many as possible to attend this meeting. Speakers from other areas who have this service will be in attendance.

Tea Party will be held in Aislainn Ranafast on Sunday 6th December from 4pm to 6pm. This tea party is in Aid of the Ranafast National School.

ATHLETICS: The 2015 national even age championships at Santry wasn't one of the better championship outings by Finn Valley AC in recent years.

However, there was good solid runs individually by Karen Gallagher 14th and Aoife Mc Grath 15th in the u 16 girls a performance that gained them deserved medals with the Ulster scoring team and helped Valley to 4th team with Laura Crossan 64th ,and Lauren Mc Daid 82nd it still added up to 40 pts adrift of a team medal position.

The performances of Aoife and Karen hopefully will see them confirmed on the Ulster team for Celtic international x country . The u 18 boys 9th team with Eoghain Bradley 66th best on the day. In the u 12 boys Shea Mc Menamin continues to improve 73rd our best finisher . THe u 12 girls just need to learn to get out fast but 11 th team it was at days end here Hannah Murray recovered to 32nd ,Sarah Bradley 41st,Demi Crossan 78th,Abby Mc Granaghan 139th .
In the u 14 girls 82nd for Amy Mc Menamin our best again didn't engage early on . The u 16 boys 13th team scoring 48,79,96,108. With Oisin Toye u 14 boys 57th 4th Donegal finisher but hadn't been included on the team unfortunately . . Gerard Gallagher and Dermot Brennan were our sole representatives senior men in a race where Donegal club athletes fared poorly and finally the junior men no team standings at time of going to press but Oisin Gallen our best 27th backed up by Jack Mc Bride,Michael Gallagher,Shane Mc Bride and Paddy Penrose . Very encouraging to have a junior squad . Now the focus turns to Dungarvan uneven ages and novice .

Last year's turning on of the Letterkenny Christmas lights.

Letterkenny is set to be buzzing once again when Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce and Shop LK will be lighting up Letterkenny for Christmas this Friday, November 27th.

There will be hot drinks, soup, mulled wine, mince pies, music and dancing all before Santa arrives.

This year Mayor of the Letterkenny will once again accompany a young person from a local national school to turn on the switch for the Letterkenny Christmas lights.

The lucky winner of the School Art Competition “Christmas in Letterkenny” will join the Mayor, Cllr. Gerry McMonagle at the Market Square to press the all important button to light up the Main Street. This year the winner and runners up will all receive prizes sponsored by AIB and there will be spot prizes on the night donated by local businesses.

Cllr. Gerry McMonagle remarked; “The turning on of the Christmas lights in Letterkenny is a lovely family event and it is a privilege to be joined by the lucky competition winner. This night sets the scene for the festive season and we love to see all the families and children taking part with such enthusiasm. This year we hope to spread lots of Christmas cheer in advance of what we all hope will be a fantastic Christmas season.”

From 5.30pm businesses on the Main Street and surrounding area will be staying open a little later and will be giving out sweets, hot chocolate, mulled wine, and other Christmas treats. Some businesses will have stalls outside with goodies to keep you warm. Businesses are getting into the spirit of the event this year so as well as the usual lovely treats on offer , there are special discounts, storytelling and as a special addition, Cara House are having a Santa Dash/Stroll to accompany Santa to the Square. The Santa Dash starts at the Theatre and finishes at Boots.

MC Keith Fletcher will entertain the crowds with music and singing from 5.30pm at the bandstand. Pinehill Studios will be there with a fantastic dance routine all in preparation for the special guest to arrive with his elves and his very special transport. Be there from 6.30pm for the official countdown for the lights at 6.45pm then welcome Santa to the Market Square shortly after.

Brian McCormick President of the Chamber commented; “Turing on the Christmas lights in Letterkenny has become really popular creating a little bit of magic just in time for the Christmas season. This has been a fantastic year for Letterkenny and switching on the Letterkenny Christmas lights kick starts the wonderful Christmas season. We hope to see a l a large crowd in attendance to watch the Mayor and the school art competition winner switch on the lights in the Ireland’s Tidiest Town 2015.

The Letterkenny Chamber urges everyone to done their Santa Hat or jumper and come to share in the fun and goodwill of a festive night. For more information check out the ShopLK website www.shoplk.ie or the ShopLK Facebook page www.facebook.com/shoplk .

Daniel and Majella

Majella O Donnell has informed the organising committee for this year’s North West Breast Cancer Ball that she will be flying home from a sunny Tenerife to attend the ball this week.

Majella was guest of honour at last year’s Breast Ball. She spoke movingly of her own journey with breast cancer and made a very generous financial contribution to help promote ongoing research into breast cancer at Letterkenny University Hospital.

This year’s ball is this Friday 27th November at the Silver Tassie Hotel.

If, like Majella, you want to be part of this sparkling community event , tickets can still be purchased at The Silver Tassie or at Liberty Travel

Come along at 7.15pm and meet this year’s celebrity guest of honour, Áine Lawlor, RTE, and our medical special guest, Dr. Petrouskja van der Tol.

With Noel Cunningham at the helm, and the Kopycats in charge of the dance floor, it promises to be a fantastic night out!

A Donegal county councillor has said he is delighted to have secured a grant of €10,000 for a road safety project.

Micheal Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig

Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig secured the grant for Scoil Rann Na Feirste at last weeks MD Council meeting in Dungloe.

He said "I would like to thank Cllr Seamus O'Donnell and Cllr Terrance Slowey for strongly supporting my request for funding for this safety project at the school. There has been a road safety issue at the school when the kids are being dropped off and picked up.

"The council will start work before Christmas and hopefully this will make access to and from the school to the main car park at Áislann Rann Na Feirste safer for everyone."

Dúirt Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig go raibh áthas air go raibh sé ábalta maoiniúchán €10,000 a chinntiú do thionscadal sábháilteachta bóthair ag Scoil Rann na Feirste igCruinniú Comhairle an Cheantair Bhardasaigh a bhí ann ar an Chlochán Liath an tseachtain seo a chuaigh thart.

"Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an Chomhairleoir Seamus O'Donnell agus leis an Chomhairleoir Terence Slowey a thug tacaíocht láidir dom san iarratas maoiniúcháin don tionscadal sábháilteachta ag an scoil.

"Tá fadhb le sábháilteacht an bhóthair ag an scoil nuair a bhíonn na páistí á bhfágáil ann agus á gcruinniú arís. Cuirfidh an Chomhairle tús leis na hoibreacha roimh an Nollaig agus tá súil againn go mbeidh an bealach isteach chuig an scoil agus an bealach amach go dtí an carrchlós ag Áislann Rann na Feirste níos sábháilte do achan nduine."

The cover of Noel's new song Two Pay Cheques Away.

Noel Sweeney is a man with a conscience this Christmas.

The well-known local driving instructor is bidding to raise €10,000 for NW Simon Community with a deeply poignant new song and video.

And the story behind that song is as touching as the words which Noel has put down on paper.

In the autumn of 2014, during a driving lesson in Dublin, Noel passed a homeless man begging with a coffee cup on a Bridge in Dublin.

He made a comment to his driving pupil about the misfortune of the man.

The pupil’s response was "Don't you know Noel; we’re all only Two Pay Cheques Away from where that man is".

This comment struck a chord with Noel and inspired him to write the song "Two Pay Cheques Away". The song plots the demise of a relatively successful family man to homelessness over a very short period of time.

Later, Noel met with Collette Ferguson from the North West Simon Community and was surprised by her assertion that homelessness was not an exclusively large-city problem.

The North West Simon Community manages over 40 premises in Letterkenny to support the homeless under very challenging financial conditions. They can support up to 60 people at any one time, either in a North West Simon Community property, or in their own homes.

Collette said "More and more people in the North West are today turning to North West Simon Community for help and support. The Simon Community prevents over 185 people a year throughout the North West from becoming homeless. Unfortunately, 2016 will be our most challenging year yet- as we try to prevent the kind of scenes we see every day on the streets of Dublin".

Noel said "This Christmas, I want to raise some awareness and much needed money for the North West Simon Community. I have set a target of €10,000. This money will help to develop their Outreach Service across Co. Donegal.

"This service actively prevents vulnerable people and families from becoming homeless. With the correct intervention at the correct time and with the correct support, the Simon Community staff can support people in difficult situations and prevent another person becoming homeless."

Businesses can support Noel Sweeney’s campaign by purchasing the "Two Pay cheques Away" CD/DVD gift for each of their employees this Christmas.

The CD/DVD gift includes the music video and a customised gift card with the business name and the employee’s name. At a cost of only €8 per employee, Noel will deliver this CD/DVD gift to each business before Christmas.

Alternatively, persons can donate €2 to this worthy cause by texting the word PREVENT to 50300 or buy the CD directly from the North West Simon Community, the Swilly Group or other local outlets. The song is also available to download on iTunes.

The song and the accompanying video have been attracting a lot of attention on social media over the last week. Noel has put the song up on YouTube and has also set up a Facebook page and a Twitter Account entitled “Two Pay Cheques Away” as part of the campaign.

The official launch of the song and campaign will take place in the Silver Tassie Hotel on Wednesday 9th December 2015 at 8pm.

Everyone is welcome to come along and support Noel and the NW Simon Community.

SOCCER: The club have a big away day this Sunday when Eamon McConigley takes his side to Co Meath to play Dunboyne in the FAI Intermediate Cup. Kick off at Summerhill Road is at 2pm.

The seniors drew 2-2 against Derry City Reserves at Leckview on Sunday last with Darren McElwaine getting both goals for Rovers.
The club are organising a coach to the game and any supporters wishing to travel are welcome and if interested feel free to contact any committee member.
Our Youths are also in FAI National Youth Cup action this weekend when they travel to play Swilly Rovers on Saturday. Kick off in that one is 130pm.
The u19s finished their LOI season on Saturday last losing out to Derry City 2-0. The club would like to thank everyone for their efforts throughout the campaign.
The club was well represented in a playing and non-playing capacity under manager Eamon McConigley with the Donegal Youth League side which drew 0-0 with Mayo in Castlebar.  Well done to everyone involved and lets hope progression can be secured to the next phase in the next group game.
There was no competitive schoolboys action last week but its back this weekend with the u12 Rovers facing Milford on Saturday at Leckview at 1030am while on Sunday the u12 Crusaders face Keadue in a top of the table clash also at Leckview at 1015am.

The u14 Crusaders are away to Keadue on Saturday at 1145am while the u14 United are at Ballyraine at 1130am on Sunday.
Mini Lotto numbers this week are 1-6-13-16.
2 people matched 3 numbers and receive 40 euro each.
Vincent Cassidy and Robert Stewart the lucky winners.
Next weeks jackpot is €3050
Bingo continues on Thursday nights in the Station House Hotel on Thursday night. Snowball is €1600 on 45 numbers or less.

Pictured is Letterkenny Gaels' Aoibhinn Ní Mhuireadhaigh receiving her stage one award (GAA/Foróige/NUIG) in the Dermot Early youth leadership initiative.

FEATURES: Aoibhinn represents herself and Letterkenny Gaels in the programme which recognises and develops young leaders who give to their communities.

As part of the award for completing the first of 3 modules Aoibhinn received her certificate from GAA President and reps from Foróige and NUIG.

She hopes to complete the full course by June and use it to lead groups within Letterkenny Gaels.

Following on from its successful pilot in 2014-15, the GAA, Foróige, and NUIG are delighted to announce that the innovative Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative application process is now open to 15 young GAA club members, male and female aged 15-18 years-old, in counties Roscommon, Galway, Cork, Tipperary, Dublin, Kildare, Donegal and Monaghan.

This short film was made in 1985 in Dunfanaghy by RTE 1. Cannon Thomas Doherty, who lived in the Dunfanaghy Parish at the time, had recorded many pieces of history in Donegal and all over Ireland.

RTE 1 asked Cannon Doherty if they could come up to donegal and put together all his film work and make a story out of it and he happily agreed.

This is the video they made together and named it, Filling the Four Penny Seats.

Put on the kettle and simply click on the video to play.

Club AGM

The Aodh Ruadh AGM will take place on Sunday 6th December at 3pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Nomination papers have been circulated and can also be downloaded from aodhruadh.org.

Anyone who requires papers to be posted to them is asked to contact Emma Gaughan on 0863039610, to make arrangements. The deadline for receipt of nominations is midnight Friday, 27th November. The following is the only motion submitted for consideration at AGM.

That within four weeks of the date specified each year by the authorities in Croke Park as being the date on which applications for membership of the club for that year closes that the Aodh Ruadh Football and Hurling Club display the full adult membership of the club in a prominent position in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.

That this membership list be signed by Treasurer, Secretary and Chairperson of the Club.

Proposer: Seamus O'Donnell

Football

The under 21 semi-final against Saint Eunan's will now take place this Sunday at 11.30am at the Robert Emmet's grounds in Castlefin. We urge a large and vocal Ballyshannon support to go along and get behind the lads.

After a fun and frenetic year the Bord na nÓg AGM takes places this Wednesday 25th November at 8.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. We welcome all, club members and football aficionados, be the players, managers, volunteers or interested observers to come along, as we reflect on 2015 and plan ahead for 2016.

Hurling

Aodh Ruadh's under 21 hurlers fell at the quarter-final stages of the championship against Saint Eunan's in O'Donnell park last Sunday. Kevin Kealy scored 2-6 for the Letterkenny men as Aodh Ruadh went down on a scoreline of 3-10 to 0-7. A goal for the hosts after five minutes gave them an early edge and a second eight minutes later left the Ernesiders facing an uphill struggle. Ballyshannon responded with points from Patrick Faherty, Daragh Cleary, Oisin Rooney and Matt Ahern but it was the homesters who were leading by 2-4 to 0-4 at the break. Aodh Ruadh rallied early in the new half with points from Oisin Rooney and Matt Ahern and Stephen Connolly was unlucky not to find the net. However after that Eunan's outscored the visitors 1-6 to 0-1 to book their place in the last four. The Aodh Ruadh team was: Brendan Gillespie; Tommy Gillespie, Eugene Drummond, Donal Sweeny; Thomas Anderson, Oisin Rooney (0-2, 1f), Ciaran Rami; Matthew Ahern (0-1f), Eddie Lynch (0-2, 1f); Rory Cullen, Conor McNeilly, Stephen Connolly; Patrick Faherty (0-1), Ciaran Duffy, Daragh Cleary (0-1). Subs: Ciaran Kelly for Faherty HT, TJ Gillespie and Sean Maguire for Ahern and Cleary 56m, Faherty for Rami 59m.

The Juvenile Hurling AGM takes place on Wednesday 2nd December at 8pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh, we will be reviewing a very busy 2015 and planning for 2016. At present there is a huge workload involved in keeping juvenile hurling alive and only a handful of workers. All interested in juvenile hurling are welcome to attend this meeting, we would particularly like to see some parents attend. Nobody needs to be afraid of getting stuck with a job. Come along and review the year and see if you would like to get involved.

Ladies

The Ladies AGM will take place on Sunday 13th December at 2.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. A good attendance would be appreciated as we look ahead to the coming year.

Club kit for Christmas

We have had a great response to our new club gear and so we are running another two fitting sessions. The first will be on Tuesday from 7.15pm to 8.15pm, with the second taking place on Friday from 8pm to 9pm. Sizes and prices are detailed below.

Quarter Zip Top - SB, MB and LB. Price: €32.50 Quarter Zip Top - XLB, S to XXL Adult. Price: €37.50

Three-quarter length shorts - SB, MB and LB. Price: €15 Three-quarter length shorts - XLB, S, M, L, XL. Price: €18

Skinny Bottoms - SB,MB and LB. Price: €25 Euro Skinny Bottoms - XLB,S - XXL Adult. Price: €30 Euro. Please note that initials on club bottoms will cost €2.50 extra.

We have pictures of this new gear on aodhruadh.org and on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page.

We still have official club shorts available to order. They are O'Neill's, so top quality kit. Kids sizes (24 and 26) cost €18, while adult sizes (28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38) cost €22. We have samples available. Our navy blue soft shell jackets are also back on sale for Christmas order. We have three youth sizes available. Ages 7-8 priced €40; ages 9-10 priced €40; and ages 11-12 priced €45. All jackets will have the Aodh Ruadh and GAA crests, plus the child's initials on the sleeve. We are also able to order Ladies soft shell jackets with pink Aodh Ruadh crest and GAA logo. We are also selling adult jackets. You can check out samples of the shorts and jacket on aodhruadh.org. For further details call Chris Kelly on 0868813553.

Bingo

Last week's €400 bingo jackpot was won by Charlie Hersey, Donegal Road, Ballyshannon. There was no winner of snowball prize, so it now stands at €400 on 49 numbers or less. It's Big Bingo time again with the November big bingo this Friday at 9pm at the Abbey Centre, with a massive €3,000 prize fund including the €1,000 jackpot game. Books will be available priced at €15/€8, or get the book and a half deal for €20.

Season Tickets and Club Plus Cards

Details of Season Tickets and Club Plus Cards have been announced

Season Ticket benefits

- Costs only €99.

- Gives access to all Donegal National League games and Donegal's Ulster Championship quarter-final against Fermanagh or Antrim.

- Gives you the option to purchase tickets for the Championship as your county progresses.

- Allows you to purchase an All-Ireland final ticket should Donegal get that far and you have attended at least 60 percent of games games.

Club Plus Card benefits for members

- Costs only €200

- Gives access to all adult club games controlled by Donegal GAA. It can be used for minor and under games.

- Gives access to all Donegal National League games and Donegal's Ulster Championship quarter-final against Fermanagh or Antrim.

- Gives you the option to purchase tickets for the Championship as your county progresses.

- Allows you to purchase an All-Ireland final ticket should Donegal get that far. No attendance record required.

Donegal GAA Club Plus Card for Clubs

From each €200 Club Plus Card purchased clubs will receive a rebate of €100 against their club levies. The purchaser must ensure they choose the club from the dropdown menu. The rebate will be payable to the club once verified by Croke Park.

Senior clubs 65 members; Intermediate clubs 55 members; Junior clubs 45 members.

For season ticket Holders who have already renewed but may now wish to get a Club Pus Card there is a process where their Season Ticket can be cancelled and they can then purchase a Club Plus Card.

The following webpage gives onward links for all the options.

https://www.gaa.ie/seasonticket.

Aodh Ruadh Lotto

There was no winner of last week's Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €2,100. The winning numbers drawn were 2, 4, 9, 15, 16 and 18. In the lucky dip €20 went to Mary Granaghan, Erne Dale Heights; Monica and Pat Quinn, Benildus Avenue; Ann, Mena and Mark Granaghan, Bundoran; Noel Hoey, Tullyhorkey; and Mary Conlon, Cornhill. Next draw in The Bridgend Bar with a Jackpot of €2,200 on Sunday at 8.30pm.

The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra this Saturday is: SENIOR HURLERS.

You can receive the club notes by e-mail every Tuesday morning. To subscribe, enter your details on the website, www.aodhruadh.org, or e-mail your request to info@aodhruadh.org.

The recent flooding at the Aura Leisure Centre is a lot worse than first thought.

Management at the centre in Letterkenny have been forced to tell sporting clubs that the outdoor floodlights may not be working until after Christmas.

However, the centre is trying its best to accommodate the hundreds of children and sportspeople who use the centre each week.

Many clubs who have block-booked the all-weather pitches at the centre are now being accommodated inside the centre.

Those attending are asked to wear trainers instead of football boots.

The cast of the panto.

IT’S that time of year once again - oh yes it is!

This year’s Christmas Panto at the Balor Theatre, Ballybofey, ‘Babes in the Wood’, is in the throes of final rehearsals ahead of the big opening night this Saturday, November 28.

It’s all go at the Balor with almost 100 people involved in the costume making, set making and painting as well as finishing touches to the dancing and singing.

Many ‘old’ and new faces in the chorus this year, and new talent emerging in the main cast including Dean Gillespie, Majella Sweeney and Eugene McGee.

The marathon run starts tomorrow and will run nightly from 8 pm, to Friday December 11.
Directed by JC Bonar, the panto will be staged by the award-winning Butt Drama Circle.

In a journey where good prevails evil, the wicked Prince John plans to have his absent brother King Richard’s children kidnapped and killed, so that he can claim the throne for himself.

To this end he enlists the greedy Sheriff of Nottingham to do his dirty work for him and he in turn employs two idiot baddies, Riff and Raff. This turns out to be his mistake and the Babe’s good fortune. The Sheriff also has an idiot son who dreams of being a famous footballer, but ends up joining Robin Hood’s gang instead. Will faithful Nurse Neuralgia and the gang, who is aided by Robin Hood and his Merry Men (well two of them anyway) save the Babes?

So come along with all the family and have a great night.

Admission is €10 for adults, €6 for under 12s and there will be a special price of €30 for family of four.

For further information and bookings, telephone 074 91 31840 or log on to www.balortheatre.com

CAPPRY ROVERS NEWS:
CAPPRY ROVERS LOTTO

The numbers drawn in this week's draw were 7, 9, 13, 20.

There was no jackpot winner.
The winner of the €50 lucky ticket was Katrina McBride, Roadhouse Bar.
Next weeks jackpot is €3900.
Remember if you're not in, you can't win!!!
CAPPRY ROVERS
Cappry Rovers played host to Glenea Utd on Sunday afternoon. Darren O'Leary opened the scoring for Cappry from an Aaron Kelly cross. Cappry couldn't convert any of their chance after this to stretch their lead. The game stayed at 1-0 until the break. Glenea regrouped at half time and within the opening 10 minutes of the 2nd half the found themselves back on level terms after they scored a header from a corner. It was an end to end game after this with neither team able to get a winner. A draw was probably a fair result with team performances from both teams.
Cappry are at home to Drumoghill FC tomorrow evening (Tuesday) in the FAI Junior Cup with a 7.30pm kick off. All support greatly welcomed.
CAPPRY ROVERS RESERVES

Cappry Rovers were away to Donegal Town Reserves on Saturday and there was not much to separate the sides. Both teams played lovely football with neither team able to convert their chances. It was scoreless at half time. In the 2nd half Donegal Town were the 1st to opening the scoring. Cappry tried with all their might to get back level but were caught on the break late on in the game when Donegal got their 2nd to seal the win.
Cappry have a free weekend and won't be back in action again until December 5th.
CAPPRY ROVERS U16's

Cappry Rovers played away to Ballybofey Utd in a derby game on Friday evening in the Finn Valley. Cappry ran out 3-0 winner with Joel Bradley Walsh (2) and Daire McCafferty getting the Cappry goals.
CAPPRY ROVERS U12's

Cappry were away to Fintown Harps on Saturday morning and didn't get it all their own way. Fintown were a hard team to break down but the young lads showed good spirit to grind out a win even when they weren't at their best. Luke McGlynn scored for Cappry in a tough 1-0 win.
CAPPRY COLTS U12's

Cappry Colts played Castlefin on Saturday when the game was reversed to Castlefin after the Cappry pitch was deemed unplayable. Castlefin got off to a great start with a superb goal after 10 minutes. Cappry fought back will with a great pass in from Odhran Quigley Doherty which set up an equaliser scored by Eoin McGonagle. It was to and fro from then on with Eoin McGonagle scoring his 2nd just before half time. At the start of the 2nd half Niall Marley got Cappry's 3rd goal with another great ball in from Odhran Quigley Doherty. Eoin McGonagle was trying hard to get his hat trick with 1 shot hitting the crossbar and it was followed 10 minutes later with a shot hitting the woodwork. Shaun Ryan got on the score sheet again this week scoring 2 great goals in quick succession. Castlefin nearly got a 2nd goal only for quick reflexes of Colts keeper, Shay Doherty. A great team display by the Colts.
GOOD LUCK
We would like to wish our under 12 team the very best of luck when they play Cockhill Celtic in the Ulster Final of the National Cup. They are away to Cockhill on Saturday with an 11am kick off.
Best of luck to players and management!!!
LAST MAN STANDING
Our last man standing is down to the last 18 participants. We will be looking for all remaining participants to text in their selections weekly from now on. We will be in contact with you all during the week.