All smiles and all for a good cause at Aodh Ruadh's Christmas Charity

The Christmas Charity Kickabout made a long-overdue return at Fr Tierney Park, raising over €1,000 for the Ballyshannon Community Hospital comfort fund.

It proved to be a great club occasion with teams facing off based on parish lines - The Rock v St Patrick’s, taking each other on.

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“Both sides could boast a great blend of fresh young talent and rather more seasoned artisans of the size five,” John Hughes, Aodh Ruadh PRO, explained in the club notes.

“No doubt it was treat for the younger lads to see the likes of Seamus Kane bringing the gun show to town, Kerry Ryan like a flaming flash of pure speed, Shane Ward as elusive as a silver fox, Packie McGrath like a latter day Roy Keane, Brian Gillespie with a tan which a Kardashian bride would have been proud of, we could go on, but you get the idea.

“There was a definite preference for goals on display, while some of the tackling left many convinced that ref Chis Kelly had forgotten his glasses and the less said about the umpiring, the better. In the end, we think respective mentors Conor Carney and Jim Kane agreed to call it a draw.

“That was followed by a local ladies' selection versus the rest of the world. Again the standard of play was mixed and Nathan Boyle showed he's a better fetcher of the ball than an impartial match official.

“Afterwards it was up to the Aras for tea and treats, plenty of war stories from past days and the finest trad in the province, as recently certified by the Ulster Scór na nÓg judges. In total just north of €1,000 was raised for the Ballyshannon Community Hospital comfort fund.

“Doubtless, some of the players who lined out on Sunday will be able to benefit from it in the very near future. Thanks to everyone who lined out and came up to show their support. Many thanks to our Ceol Urlise champions for providing their services and thanks to everyone who contributed and helped with the post-match hospitality in the Aras. Finally, a big thanks to Brian Gillespie, who was the driving force behind the initiative.”