Membership
We are in the crucial month for club registration with GAA membership deadline of March 31st looming. The club are hosting an open registration session in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh on Saturday 5th March between 2pm and 4pm. Players can also download registration forms from aodhruadh.org and submit this along with the relevant fee directly to their manager. We are now able to take registrations in Gerry Ferguson’s Jewellers, so if the scheduling of registration sessions doesn’t happen to suit you, remember you can register in Ferguson’s Jewellers at any time. Please bear in mind that all players MUST register with the club. You must be a club member to be in consideration for All-Ireland final tickets should Donegal reach that stage. Also, only club members have a say in club decisions and a vote at the AGM.
Ballyshannon hosts Ladies NFL game
Donegal play Clare in Ladies NFL Division 1 this Sunday at 2pm in Father Tierney Park. The usual key stewards are asked to be at the grounds for 12 noon and other helpers at 12.30pm. Please report to Park / Development Committee Secretary Conal Gallagher who will assign duties.
Football
This weekend sees the under 14s and minors getting Aodh Ruadh’s competitive season underway. Martin McGlynn’s under 14s are first out, travelling to Ardara on Saturday, 5th March to take on the hosts in a division 1 clash at 12 noon. Then on Sunday, 6th March, Peter McKenna’s minors are also on their travels, with a long jaunt to Glencolumbcille to take on Naomh Columba, a 12 noon throw in for that Division 1B opener.
A change of location to indoor training this week for the under 6s and under 8s as we move to the Mercy Hall at Coláiste Cholmcille for the remainder of our indoor programme. The under 6s are on from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 8s from 7pm to 8pm. The under 10s are training in the new hall at Coláiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm and 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. Please bring your own water and wear runners as no other footwear allowed. Parents / Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.
Ladies
Girls under 14 training commences this Tuesday, 1st March in the Mercy Hall. Training runs from 6pm to 7pm with a charge of €2.
Hurling
Underage hurling makes a welcome return this Sunday 6th March 12 noon in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. All are welcome from five years to 12 as we are fielding teams at under 8, under 10 and under 12. Beginners are especially welcome, hurls and helmets will be provided for training. The emphasis will be on learning the basic skills of our ancient game in a fun-filled environment. So camán and give it a try and you’ll be surprised how much fun you’ll have. For any information please contact John Rooney on 086-2587793.
Under 16 and minor hurling starts this Tuesday 1st March at 7pm sharp in the School Field.
Ulster under 17 and minor football league Games
Donegal will play Fermanagh in the Ulster Minor League in the Father Tierney Park on Saturday March 12th with a 12 noon throw-in. The same day the Donegal under 17 team will play Fermanagh in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh with a 2.30pm throw-in. We will require the usual key stewards present in good time. The under 17 inter-county game will be preceded by the Aodh Ruadh v Dungloe under 14 game in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh.
Development Works
The new hurling rebound wall at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh is now well advanced and will be completed in the coming weeks. Works will then commence on Aras Aoidh Ruaidh improvements. Security fencing is being used to close-off those site areas where our work force are operating. With activity at our grounds increasing rapidly those in charge of teams are asked to ensure that these construction areas are not entered at any time.
Scheduling of training
Park / Development Committee officers have finalised training arrangements with all team managers. Any schedule change can affect another team and this must be borne in mind. Peter Conlon must be contacted in relation to all changes and deferrals and matters relating to official Aodh Ruadh fixtures. All fixtures external to the club, including challenge games, go via Park / Development Committee Chairman first.
Recreational football
There were great numbers for the first week back of recreational football, We go again this Saturday at 6.30pm under the lights at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh. If you haven’t pulled on the boots in a while, it’s a great opportunity to get out and active. It’s excellent value at just €3 for the session. Text or call Alan on 0868052816 if you need any further information.
Tráth na gCeist
This Friday the Aodh Ruadh Tráth na gCeist travels to take part in the Ulster finals in Armagh after progressing from Donegal following a sudden death tie-breaker last Friday. Best of luck to the lads as the bid to bring home provincial honours.
Celebrating our language
With the anniversary of 1916 and Seachtain na Gaeilge fast approaching, there are some events of note coming up in relation to our native language. Following on the recent agreement between the GAA and Glór na nGael to work together to increase the use of Irish language in GAA clubs, a representative of Glór na nGael will be present to assist clubs in setting up Irish language related activities such as Ciorcal Comhrá and Oíche Ghaelach. This workshop is open to anyone in the locality to attend and is a bilingual workshop. It would be of interest to anyone who wishes to promote the Irish language in any way and Glór na nGael will provide ongoing assistance in this regard. Anyone looking any further information, please contact Sean O’Mahoney on 0868553245
Abbey Centre Bingo
Last week’s €400 jackpot was won by Mary Cleary of Ballyshannon. This Friday we return to the Abbey Centre for our February Big Bingo with the super €2,700 prize fund including the €1,000 big jackpot game. This week also sees the return of the game seven snowball, starting on €200. See you there!
Aodh Ruadh Lotto
There was no winner of last week’s Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot of €3,400. The winning numbers drawn were 5, 9, 10, 11, 16 and 17. In the lucky dip €20 went to Marie Gallagher, Erne Street; Gary Loughlin, Tullan Strand; Martin Flanagan, Belleek; Rita McGullion, Belleek; and Jimmy Gethins, Finner. Next draw is on Sunday in Dicey Reilly’s with a Jackpot of €3,500 on Sunday at 8.30pm.
The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra Saturday is: RESERVE FOOTBALLERS.
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.
By Sinéad Breen Donegal PRO Mon 29th Feb
