~ FIGHT NIGHT ~
With only two weeks to go now until the Aodh Ruadh v Killybegs Fight Night in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran on Friday 8th March The official press/launch night takes place this Thursday in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh at 8pm. All are invited to attend and refreshments will be served. 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. The weekly Fight Night meeting takes place on Tuesdays at 8.30pm.
~ START REFFING ~
A beginners referees course for hurling and football will be held in Jackson’s Hotel Ballybofey at 10am on Saturday 23rd February. This course is open to all from underage to adult.
~ FOOTBALL ~
The championship draws at the weekend have seen the seniors and reserved penciled in to meet the winners of Naomh Mhuire and Downings in the intermediate championship quarter-finals. Aodh Ruadh were first out of the hat and so will enjoy home advantage in the first leg. The under 21s will compete in the B championship in 2013 and face the trek to Carndonagh for their winner takes all tussle.
Monthly Bord na nÓg meeting this Wednesday at 7.30pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. All managers and committee members asked to attend.
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 ~
Well done to Orlaith Gillespie and Roise Keon who have made it onto the county under 16 panel for the 2013 season and also to Bundoran girl Megan McGee who will be playing under 16 football with us here in Aodh Ruadh this year as there isn’t an under 16 team in Bundoran.
Indoor training for under 8s, under 10s and under 12s now takes a two week break as the Mercy Hall is unavailable due to mock exams. Training will recommence on Wednesday March 6th.
Congratulations to Tara Khan who captained Sligo IT to All Ireland league glory last Thursday.
~ HURLING ~
Aodh Ruadh found themselves on the end of another one point defeat in their second outing in Division 5B of the Táin Ulster club hurling league. They lost out to Craobh Rua on a scoreline of 1-5 to 0-9. Ballyshannon dominated the first half and played much of the best hurling. Paul Sheridan with points from placed ball and play and a brilliant individual goal from Peter Horan had Aodh Ruadh four points to the good late in the first half, but the south Armagh men pulled a point back before the break and that was to prove crucial in the end as the homesters turned to face the breeze. Despite a determined and disciplined Ballyshannon defensive effort, with Gary Loughlin and Thomas Gallagher leading by example, Craobh Rua added six points to their tally in the second half, mainly from long range placed ball. The Errnesiders did hit two late points, one coming from Kieran Breslin, but ultimately finished the tie empty-handed. Aodh Ruadh were well able to create chances with Chris Kilgannon and Sheridan to the fore in the promptings, but shooting was again an issue, but one certainly not beyond resolution and which further game-time will go a long way to addressing. Aodh Ruadh will be on the road once again for their next outing in the Táin league as they travel to Portstewart to take on Coleraine on March 2nd at 2pm.
Underage hurling starts for all age groups on Sunday 3rd March at 12 noon in Father Tierney Park. All welcome especially beginners from six years of age. Hurls and helmets will be provided for training. We will be fielding teams from under 8s to minors this year. Notes will be distributed to all national schools. There will be lots of fun for all. So camán and try your hand at the fastest field game in the world! 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. For any information in relation to this campaign please contact John Rooney 086-2587793 or Kieran Drummond 086-2368295.
~ 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.
~ OFF THE PITCH ~
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.
~ LOTTO ~
There was no winner of the €2,500 Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot last Sunday. The numbers drawn were 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 13. In the lucky dip €20 each went to: Patton family, Dunmuckrim; Ann Kelm, Belleek; Ann Gallagher, Askill; Mary Patton, Creevy; and Ann Marie Gormley, Lawne Park. Next draw is in Pat’s Bar on Sunday at 8.30pm. The jackpot is €2,600 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: SENIOR FOOTBALLERS.