~ ANNUAL AWARDS NIGHT ~
There was a fine crowd in attendance for the rather more informal edition of the Aodh Ruadh Annual Awards Night staged in Dorrian’s Imperial Hotel last Saturday night. Sean Perry, once again took masterful control of proceedings which got underway with the presentation of medals to the intermediate reserve championship (2012) and league (2011) winners. They were followed by the minor league champions receiving their medals for their exploits in 2012.
Young player of the year was drawn from the minor ranks. Another season of heavy scoring was crowned by inclusion in the minor panel for the year ahead for David McGurrin and his award should mark just the beginning of a very special career. There was a joint award for the young hurlers of the year. Colm Kelly and Jamie Brennan who represented club, county and province with enormous distinction in 2012 and they will be the bedrock of hurling for years to come in Aodh Ruadh. The ladies player of the year was the peerless Tara Khan. A star with club, college and county she played with great flair across the course of the year. Damien Cleary was named reserve team player of the year. He returned to playing action in 2012 and quickly established himself as a dynamic presence in the midfield. He also lined out with the seniors towards the end of the year and, still a young man, he has a bright future ahead of him. The Ciaran Keon Senior Player of the year award went to Anthony Boyle. His dedication and work rate has been impressive this year and his contribution in the attacking stakes was a valuable boon to Aodh Ruadh. Much unseen work was rewarded as Sean O’Mahoney was the recipient of the Sean Slevin Club Man of the Year award. With countless hours ploughed into the club in various capacities Sean was a natural choice for this prestigious award.
Probably the highlight of the night was the standing ovation afforded our inductee to the hall of fame, Peter Conlon. There can be few roles that Peter has not filled for the club in all his years in Ballyshannon, having served as chairman and secretary at various points and always there when called upon. A richly deserved recognition for one of the true gentlemen of the club. Sam Maguire was also in attendance on the night, with many taking advantage of the opportunity to get their picture taken with trophy. We have pictures from the night up on aodhruadh.org.
~ FIGHT NIGHT ~
The Aodh Ruadh v Killybegs Fight Night takes place in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran on Friday 8th March. On the night Aodh Ruadh footballers and hurlers – male and female – will take on opponents from Killybegs in what should be a night of explosive entertainment. Tickets are now on sale and available from any committee member. All fight sponsorships are now filled, however if you would like to have your business advertised on the night please contact Conal Gallagher (0862112812) for full details. There will be a press night for the event on Thursday 21st February in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8pm. All are invited to attend and refreshments will be served. The weekly Fight Night meeting takes place on Tuesdays at 8.30pm.
~ FOOTBALL ~
We are close to the beginning of the season now with our minors and under 14s due to go into action shortly. The minors first league game is a trip to Killybegs on Saturday, 2nd March when they take on Saint John’s at 12 noon. The under 14s go into action the following day, Sunday 3rd March, when they host Four Masters in Father Tierney Park at noon.
There is no training for under 6s or under 8s this Friday. Training for this group will resume on Friday 1 March. Under 10s are training in the new hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm. That session is followed by the under 12s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the new hall. There is a charge of €2 per head to cover the cost of the hall. Please bring runners as no other footwear allowed. Under 8s will also be expected to wear mouth guards as per GAA policy. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.
~ LADIES ~
Ladies training for seniors, minors and any under 16s playing and training with the seniors takes place on Monday nights at 6.30pm and Saturdays at 11am at the Park. On Saturdays bring footwear for indoors and outdoors as a call will be made on whether to train in or outdoors based on the prevailing weather conditions. The league programme is expected to get underway in just over a month so a good turnout is essential.
Under 8 and under 10 training continues this Wednesday 13th February at 6.00pm to 6.45pm in Mercy Hall, with under 12 training following from 6.45pm to 7.30pm. There will be a charge of €2 to cover the cost of the hall.
Best wishes to Tara Khan as she captains her college team, Sligo IT against Mary Immaculate College Limerick in an All-Ireland league final this Thursday. The game takes place in Ballyhaunis at 4pm.
Many thanks to all who came out to support our table quiz in Owen Roe’s last week.
~ HURLING ~
Aodh Ruadh gave Antrim opponents All Saints a stiff test in their first senior match in nearly three years. The sides were tied at 0-5 apiece at half before Aodh Ruadh assumed the ascendancy in the third quarter and coming into the closing stages they were two points to the good. Ballymena rallied and hit the visitors for a goal which gave them a one point edge that Ballyshannon couldn’t get clawed back. The sides went point for point in the dying moments, with the long whistle seeing the sides finish on a scoreline of 1-10 to 0-12. Ring rustiness made itself felt in the form of profligacy from placed ball, Aodh Ruadh left to rue two missed penalties. Full back Kieran Kilgannon and Thomas Anderson both gave good accounts of themselves in the defensive exchanges. Paul Sheridan soldiered well at midfield, also picking off a few frees. David Downey, Aidan Begley, Shane McNulty, Johnny Dolan all got in on scoring act too, while Conor McNeely’s attacking play was impressive. All in all an encouraging display and much to learn from ahead of this Saturday’s game. That tie takes place at 2pm when Aodh Ruadh host south Armagh outfit Craobh Rua at Father Tierney Park in Division 5B of the Táin club hurling league.
Underage hurling for all teams from under 8s to minor will be resuming on Sunday 3rd March at Father Tierney Park. Hurls and helmets will be provided for training, all welcome especially beginners. Schools will be contacted nearer the time. For any information on underage hurling please contact John Rooney on 086-2587793.
~ YES WE CAN ~
There is now a drop off point for aluminium cans for recycling for Aodh Ruadh at Mace in the Saimer Court Shopping Centre. The next collection day in Father Tierney Park takes place on Saturday 16th February from 12 noon to 1am. Other scrap metal can be brought to Father Tierney Park that day for recycling and to help raise much needed funds for the club. For any information in relation to this campaign please contact John Rooney 086-2587793 or Kieran Drummond 086-2368295.
~ OFF THE PITCH ~
Ballyshannon Drama Society will be staging Snake In The Grass by Alan Ayckbourn in the Abbey Centre, Ballyshannon on February 12th, 13th, 14th and 16th. Curtain up is at 8pm on each night. Ticket bookings can be made in the box office, 071-9851375.
Ballyshannon Musical Society bring a production of The King And I to the stage in the Abbey Centre, Ballyshannon on February 26th, 27th, 28th, March 1st and March 2nd. There will also be a children’s matinee on Saturday March 2nd at 3pm. Special offers for group bookings. Full ticket details in the Abbey Centre box office 071-9851375 on Thursday 21st February from 1pm to 4pm.
~ REGISTRATION ~
Club membership for 2013 is now due and all club members are asked to submit their registration form and fee at their earliest convenience. Our first open registration night takes place this Friday, 1st February, in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh between 7pm and 8.30pm.
In order to be entitled to the rights of a full member, a person must have their fees paid to the club on a date before March 31st and be registered by the club on the online system in order to have a vote in the upcoming membership year.
Remember.
1. Only fully registered players on the GAA online registration system are allowed to take the field for the club. If your name is not in this system you are ineligible. That has repercussions in terms of insurance cover for injuries.
2. Registration is an important component in meeting the running costs of the club.
3. Only fully paid up members will be eligible for the draw for tickets to the football and hurling All Ireland finals.
4. Club membership will be displayed in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.
Membership rates are as follows: Adult Player (Includes insurance cover for the year), €60; Adult non-playing, €40; Underage (Born 1995-2002 inclusive) €25; Underage (Born 2003-2013 inclusive) €15. Registration can be paid to Mary Matthews in Shannon’s Corner. The club requires a fully registration form with each fee. Sub-committees will also be organising registration sessions in the coming weeks.
~ LOTTO ~
There was no winner of the €2,400 Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot last Sunday. The numbers drawn were 3, 4, 7, 8, 14 and 17. In the lucky dip €20 each went to: Deirdre McIntyre, The Mall; Joe Cox, Ballintra; Michael Tunney, Main Street; Eamonn Doherty, Erne Dale Heights; and Betty Ryan, Erne Dale Heights. Next draw is in Dicey Reilly’s on Sunday at 8.30pm. The jackpot is €2,500 so get out there and buy your ticket; if you’re not in, you can’t win!
The lotto team for the Saimer Court this Saturday is: BORD NA NÓG.