Sports archive for January 2001

30th January	GAA Club Call - Ard An Ratha. Flotto There was no winner of our weekly Flotto. The numbers drawn were 3, 7, 12 and 14 and the nearest were Sean Whyte kenaughty and Niall McCrossan, Hillhead. This weeks sellers are John M. Byrne team and the Jackpot stands at £3, 400.00. Table Quiz Last weeks Table quiz in Dohertys was won by John McBrearty, Luke McHugh and Cathal Watters. This weeks table quiz takes place in Brennans Bar and the Quiz Master is the whizz Kid of Quizzes - John McBrearty. Poker Classic The Minor Board will hold a Poker Classic in Dohertys on this coming Sunday evening at 8.00 p.m. We hope to see a large crowd present to support this event. AIB Club of the Year Award This week the Club were represented in Croke Park to receive the AIB Club of the Year Award. This is a worthy award for the year that was. The award was received by James McHugh - Secretary, Stephen McCahill - Treasurer and Columba Diver - Development Officer. Membership Membership is now due and it is very important that players are members of the Club before the start of the new year. Membership is available from Club Registrars Mairead Whyte and Sinead Gallagher or any Club Officer.


26th January	Democrat team of the Millennium
		The Donegal Democrat Team of the Millenium were feted in the Abby Hotel, Donegal town on Saturday night last as the highlight of the annual Donegal GAA Banquet. The fifteen selected recieved specially commisioned statuettes and were given a rousing reception by the 540 people present. Among the special guests on the night were GAA President, Sean McCague and Ulster Council President and secretary-elect, Danny Murphy, while Donegal manager, Mickey Moran was also among the guests.
		The various award winners for the year 2000 also recieved their presentations in what was a well-organised and presented evening. The Democrat Team of the Millennium took centre stage as they were announced individually by Democrat Sports Editor, Michael Daly. As each recipient recieved their award from GAA President, Sean McCague, they were seated All-Star style on the stage. The night proved a mojor success for the GAA with their biggest ever attendance at the Banquet.

	Award Winners The Ardara award winners were: Ardara (Club of the Year), Damien Diver (Player of the Year) and Mary McHugh-Kelly (Communications Award) And in the Millinnium Team, Anthony Molloy (midfield) and Martin Gavigan (centre half back) were awarded.


	14 right, but not in the hat While the competition for the Democrat team of the millennium was won by Pat Boyle of Glenties, it emerged that John Michael O'Donnell also had fourteen correct, but did not send in his entry.
	The fact that John Michael did not submit his entry came to light by coincidence after he told his brother, Charlie, that he had almost got the team right: "I told him a week before and said I had fourteen out of the fifteen right. I wrote down the names, but when you're not in you can't win. It's like saying you did the Lotto but you lost the ticket. "Charlie said to me afterwards, it was just as well, as Ardara won everything else anyway, and I'm absolutely delighted a Glenties man won it," quipped John Michael.

	Johnny D. steps down from Ardara hot seat By Peter Campbell
	The task of appointing club managers has become a problem which has been highlighted this week by the failure of county champions, Ardara, to get Johnny D.Earley to take charge again in 2001. The Ardara club had their AGM on Sunday last and the manager's job was left vacant, despite the fact that the club completed the double last year of League and Championship. They have decided to have a meeting in a couple of weeks time when they hope to fill the senior, reserve and U-21 management positions.


23rd January	GAA Club Call - Ard An Ratha. Flotto There was no winner of our weekly Flotto. The numbers drawn were 3, 13, 17 and 18 and the nearest were Oisin Brennan, Hillhead and Danielle McHugh, Glengesh. This weeks jackpot stands at £3,300.00 and this weeks selling team is Leo Breslins Team. Table Quiz This Friday night in Dohertys Bar the Minor Board will commence their winter quizes. The quiz will begin at 10.00 p.m. sharp and teams of four are welcome. Poker Classic On Sunday 4th February the Minor Board will host a Poker Classic in Dohertys Bar beginning at 8.00 p.m. Sharp. We hope to see a large crowd. Membership Membership is now due and all players must have membership before they begin playing. The cost is £10.00 per adult and £20.00 per family. A.G.M. The Club held their A.G.M. on Sunday last in the Community Centre. A large crowd was present to hear many fine reports on what was an exceptional year for the Club from underage to adult. The Secretary James McHugh presented a report that relived the memories of the past year. In his report the Treasurer presented a detailed account of the years finances. The Chairman Anthony Moloy in his address thanked all from Supporters to players for making this year such an historic year. The Minor Board Secretary John M. Byrne read a very detailed report on the underage activities for the year. The following were elected for the coming year - President - Tommy Boyle, Vice President - Frankie Brennan, Chairman - Anthony Molloy, Vice Chairman - Larry Gallagher, Secretary - James McHugh, Ass Secretary - John McConnell, Treasurer - Stephen McCahill, Ass Treasurer - Patsy Boyle, P.R.O. - Mary Kelly, Development Officer - Columba Diver, Oifigeach Na Gaeilge - Partalon O Faolan, Scor Officer - Breda Boyle, Registrars - Mairead Whyte and Sinead Gallagher, Gate Collectors - Josie Brennan and Patsy Boyle, Referees - James McBrearty, Edward Molloy and Eamon McNelis.


19th January	Ardara celebrate double success By Peter Campbell
		450 people packed into the Blue Haven, Kilcar on Saturday night last to celebrate the double success of Ardara GAA Club at their annual presentation dinner dance. It was a special night for Ardara people at home and from outside. It was also third time lucky as the dinner dance had been postponed twice over Christmas because of the road conditions. All but one of the players were present - Kevin Byrne being on the high seas somewhere between Norway and Iceland. MC for the night, Bart Whelan, was in fine form as he left no one untouched in one way or another.
	Bart had a welcome for the special guests and for the chairman of the Donegal Co. Board, John Mc Connell, and chairman of the Donegal Co.Council, Charlie Bennett. In welcoming everybody to the celebration, Bart made special mention of Billy Maxwell, who had travelled for the second time from Sixmilebridge in Co Clare, to be present. He also welcomed former Trustee of the GAA, Michael Gillespie and officials and friends from the Naomh Conall club in Glenties, but was quick to remind them that Ardara had rarely been beaten by their neighbours. The memory fades sometimes! Club chairman, Anthony Molloy, in his own way, captured the mood of the occasion as he outlined the achievements of the club over the year - from a 52-match unbeaten run at U-10 level to the history making achievement of the senior team winning the double of league and championship for the first time ever for the club.
	Anthony was at pains to leave nobody out, from sponsors to supporters. Special guest on the night was Frank O'Donnell, a long-time player and official with the club, who is now living in Donegal Town. A presentation was made to Frank by his brother, John Michael and he was genuinely surprised at the award.
	With the care and attention one would expect with an election speech, Charlie Bennett, attired in his Council chairman's chain of office, gave the resumé for the Hall of Fame awards. This year the club posthumously honoured two former greats, Danny Maloney and Packie Watters, with members of their families receiving the awards on their behalf.

	The presentation of the club award winners was another highlight with huge agreement apparent with the announcement of Eamon Doherty as Senior Club Player of the Year. There was also great agreement with the selection of Anthony Harkin as Clubperson of the Year, while there was also special acceptance of the award of Supporter of the Year to Claire Boyle.
		All the award winners recieved a standing ovation and the presentation of the Dr.Maguire Cup (it became the Sam Maguire at one stage in Bart's notes) by John McConnell to captain, Eamon Doherty, was followed by the presentation of the medals individually. The loudest cheer was reserved for Jimmy Brennan and Bart's script had a special mention for each player as they came forward.
	The night is the beginning of what will be a big week for the club as this Saturday night at the GAA Banquet, they are set to clean up as winners of the Club of the Year; Damien Diver will be presented with the Donegal Player of the Year award and Mary McHugh-Kelly will receive a well deserved Communications Award. Along with that Anthony Molloy and Martin Gavigan will be presented with their awards as members of the Donegal Democrat Donegal team of the Millennium.
		The efficient PRO has already produced a club yearbook which was launced recently which comprehensively covers the achievements of the club in their historic year. Packed with photographs, some very witty, it shows how the club has the ability to win and enjoy their success. The photo of manager, Johnny D working on his calculator to work out how many subs he has on the field was a highlight for me. Conal Doherty's pen pic., captured his 'quiet' nature with the comment: "If modesty was a poison it would probably kill him"!
	After the presentations the talk was football. Mary McHugh-Kelly had a video running with everyone invited to make a contribution. With so few awards, there had to be dissapointments. Niall Campbell's trip from Dublin for a Hall of Fame award was, once again, a journey in vain!


	AIB club of the year Another award for Ardara
	It seems there is no end to the good news for Ardara these days. Hot on the heels of being unveiled as the county board club of the year, it was announced the club had also been chosed as the AIB Donegal Club of the year for 2000. The club, which was founded in 1921, had its most succesful year in its long history last year when it completed a league and championship double. But it was not its success at senior level alone that lead to this latest accolade. Far from it. In fact, it was the role the club played in the life of the community as much as its success on the playing fields that lead to the latest award. With 170 playing members the club fields teams from U10 up to senior level. All of the clubs coaches are qualified with various coaching certificates and they organise training sessions for local schools. The club also has a very successful and hard working Bord Na nOg which runs underage football in the club. As well as football activities the club also works in conjunction with other community organisations in organising events such as the local agricultural show and trading events. The club also helps to promote Irish language and culture through its participation in Scor Sinsir and Scor Na Nog and the St.Patrick's Day parade in the town. Ardara now goes forward to contest the provincial final, and hopefully the ultimate title of AIB GAA Club of the Year 2000. The provincial winners and the overall club of the year will be announced at a presentation function in Croke Park on January 29th. Each of the provincial winners will receive a £1,000 development grant with the overall winner picking up a £5,00 cheque.


16th January	GAA Club Call - Ard An Ratha. Flotto There was no winner of our weekly flotto. The numbers drawn were 7, 13, 16 and 19. The nearest were John Boyd Loughross Point and Aileen Sweeney Beagh. This weeks jackpot stands at £3,200.00 and this weeks selling team is Vinny McConnells Team. Minor Board A.G.M. The Minor Board A.G.M. was held last Thursday nigh with over 40 people attending. The Secretary John M. Byrne read out a very detailes report for the year 2000. he outlined the success of the U-10 Team and the winning of the Ulster Tournament in Warrenpoint. The U-12s reaching the County Final and the winning of the Willie Rodgers Tournament. The U-12Bs reaching the County quarterfinal. He also credited the running of the Parish Leagues, the Table Quizzes and the Night at the Races. Other teams who did well were the U13s reaching the Divisional Final, the U14s, the U15s in the Og Sport and the U-16s. Many of these teams produced players who went on to represent their Club on County team. The U-14 and U-16 Ladies lost their County Finals. St. marys N.S. won the County Final in the girls section and two girls went to Croke Park and played in the halftime of the All Ireland Semi-final and All Ireland Final. Brendan Boyle Captained the County Minor Team. He also mentioned the success of the Summer Camp. Two competitions were in the final of Scor Na nOg. The Chairman Larry Gallagher in his address thanked all the parent and especially the team Managers and Coaches for putting so much work into the Minor Board and said that things looked good for the Club in the future. He outlined the importance of the winning of the Senior Championship was to the youth of the Paish and that it also had strengthened the Club. He thanked the Club Referees, Columba Diver the Development Officer for his Care and attention to the Dressing rooms and the field. Declan Brennan presented a very detailed Treasurers report and showed a very healthy Balance going into the new year. The following were elected for the coming year: Chairman Larry Gallagher Vice Chairman Hugh G. Gavigan Secretary John M. Byrne Ass Secretary Derek Boyle Treasurer Declan Brennan U-10 Managers - Jackie Gallagher, Connie Bennett, Ted Breslin and Matthew Melly. U-12 Managers - Stephen McCahill, Margaret McHugh, Patsy Boyle, Eamon McNelis and John McBrearty. U-13/U14 Managers - John McConnell, Michael Breslin, John M. Byrne, Larry Gallagher, Colm Cannon, Hugh P. Shovlin and John Hegarty. U-16 Managers - John Hegarty and James McHugh U-18 Managers - John Boyle and Paddy McGill. Dinner and Dance The Club held a very successful Dinner and Dance in the Blue Haven last Saturday Night. A great meal was provided by the Blue Haven and everyone danced the night away to the great music of Paul and Mary B. Frank O'Donnell a former player and administrator with the Club and who won a Championship medal in 1981 was the Guest of Honour for the night. Frank was joined by his wife Vera and members of his family. Partalon O'Faolan acted as Fear an Ti. Charlie Bennett Chairman of Donegal Co. Council introduced the two Hall of Fame awards to the late Packie Watters and the Late Danny Maloney. Both their families were there to receive their awards. The following awards were made - Senior player of the Year - Eamon Doherty, Ladies Player of the year - Theresa McGroarty, Minor Player of the Year - Brendan Boyle, Reserve Player of the Year - Paddy Gallagher. Club Person of the Year - Anthony Harkin. The Senior team were presetned with their Senior Championship medals by County Chairman John McConnell and they were then presented with their League Medals by Special Guest Frank O'Donnell. Annual Donegal GAA Banquet This Saturday night in the Abbey Hotel Donegal Night is another big night for the Club. The Annual Donegal GAA Banquet takes place at 8.30 p.m. Anthony Molloy and Martin Gavigan are being honoured on the Millennium team, The Club will be receiving the Club of the Year Award, Damien Diver will be receiving Donegal Senior Player of the Year and Mary McHugh/Kelly will be receiving the Communications Award. We hope to see a big crowd from the Club attending and tickets for the event can be purchased in Divers Shop. Club A.G.M. The Club A.G.M. will be held this Sunday afternoon in the Community Centre at 2.30 p.m. Sharp. As this was an historical year for the Club we hope to see a good attendance.


10th January	GAA Club Call - Ard An Ratha. Flotto There was no winner of our weekly flotto. The numbers drawn were 3, 5, 14 and 24. The nearest were John Couzens, Loughross Point and Kieran Breslin, Upper Monargan. This weeks jackpot stands at £3,100.00 and the draw will take place in the Corner House on Sunday night. Minor Board A.G.M The Minor Board hold their A.G.M. on 11th January at 8.30 p.m. in Dohertys. With such a successful year at underage the year ahead looks promising. All underage managers and any other parents who would like to get involved in the underage are welcome to attend. Mass A mass for deceased members of the GAA will be held in the Church of the Holy Family on Friday 12th January at 7.30 p.m. Club Dinner and Dance The Club Dinner and Dance will be held this coming Saturday night in the Blue Haven with music by Paul and Mary B. Transport will leave the Diamond at 7.00 p.m. sharp with Dinner being served in the Blue Haven at 8.30 p.m. sharp. Club Year Book The Club Year Book is now on sale and can be purchased in the town. This is an ideal gift for anyone away from home. Lots of interesting items and photographs of the year past. County Banquet The County Banquet will be held in the Abbey Hotel on Saturday 20th January. Many awards and the team of the Millennium will be presented at this function. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased from James McHugh. Senior A.G.M The Senior A.G.M. will be held on Sunday 21st January at 2.30 p.m. in the Community Centre. All members and players and anyone else who would like to get involved should attend.


2nd January	GAA Club Call - Ard An Ratha. Flotto There was no winner of our weekly Flotto. The numbers drawn were 2, 3, 7 and 9. The nearest were Kathy Diver, Drimaha and Denis Coll - Gweedore. This weeks jackpot stands at £3,000.00 and this weeks selling team is Mary McHughs team. Dinner and Dance Our Club Presentation Dinner and Dance which was cancelled due to the bad weather will now take place on Saturday 13th January in the Blue Haven with music by Paul and Mary B. Transport will leave the Diamond at 7.00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 8.30 p.m. sharp. Minor Board A.G.M. The Minor Board will hold their A.G.M. on Thursday 11th January at 8.30 p.m. in Dohertys. Mass The Mass for deseased members of the GAA will take place on Friday 12th January at 7.30 p.m in the Church of the Holy family. Happy New Year The Club would like to wish everyone a happy and peaceful new year.

	Sports Archive January 2001