West Mayo community launches raffle in support of new community facilities development

Islandeady Community Centre was alive with excitement on Friday, September 26, as the parish came together to officially launch WIN26K.ie, a major fundraising raffle that will see one lucky winner take home €26,000 in cash. The initiative is part of the drive to fund Islandeady’s ambitious new Community Facilities Development, which promises to be a hub for people of all ages in the parish.

The event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, including many local residents, community members, and elected representatives. Among those in attendance were Minister Alan Dillon TD, Rose Conway-Walsh TD, Cllr Ger Deere, Cllr Blackie Gavin, and Cllr Michael Kilcoyne, whose presence and words of support underlined the importance of this project not only for Islandeady but for the wider region.

In a moment that beautifully captured the spirit of the project, the raffle was launched jointly by one of the parish’s youngest residents, Éabha Finnerty, held by her mum Aisling Finnerty, and one of its most senior, Mary O’Malley. Their symbolic act highlighted the intergenerational importance of the new Community Facilities Development, a place where young and old will come together for decades to come.

Speaking at the launch, Community Council Chairperson Liam Keaveney said:“This project has been in planning for many years. Tonight is a milestone moment for Islandeady as we take another step towards turning our dream into a reality. The new Community Facilities Development will include modern meeting spaces, a multi-purpose sports hall, youth facilities, and a social café. It will be a hub of activity for every generation in our community. Every ticket purchased in the WIN26K.ie raffle brings us closer to delivering these facilities for Islandeady.”

The plans for the new development were showcased during the evening, with images of the proposed building displayed for all to see. These designs capture the ambition of the project, a bright, modern, and inclusive facility at the heart of the parish.

Over the coming months, tickets for the WIN26K.ie raffle will be available both online and locally. Tickets are priced at €20 each, 3 for €50, or 7 for €100 and can be purchased via www.win26k.ie, from local sellers, and across shops and venues in the area. The draw itself will take place on Saturday, February 14 2026, in the Key West, Islandeady, where the winning ticket will be drawn live in front of the community.

In addition, the www.win26k.ie website provides full details of the Community Facilities Development, including the steps and the work carried out to date in getting the project to this stage, as well as further information on what the development will encompass for the people of Islandeady and the wider community beyond.

Minister Alan Dillon TD praised the initiative: “Community projects like this are the lifeblood of rural Ireland. The commitment, energy, and vision shown by the people of Islandeady are inspirational. I was delighted to attend the launch and I encourage everyone near and far to get behind this fundraiser.”

Rose Conway-Walsh TD also added her support:“Islandeady has always been a strong and vibrant community. This new development will ensure that future generations have the facilities they need to thrive. I congratulate everyone involved in getting to this stage.”

The raffle is expected to be a major step towards raising the local contribution required for the Community Facilities Development, which, combined with grant support, will secure the full cost of the project.

“We are aiming high,” added Chairperson Keaveney. “But with the support of our community here in Islandeady, and friends of the parish all over Ireland and abroad, we believe we can achieve it. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.win26k.ie.

At the launch of the WIN26K.ie raffle in Islandeady Community Centre were members of the local fundraising group, local politicians, and community representatives. Pictured are Éabha Finnerty (with mum Aisling), Mary O’Malley, along with Minister Alan Dillon TD, Rose Conway-Walsh TD, Cllr Ger Deere, Cllr Blackie Gavin, Cllr Michael Kilcoyne, and members of the Islandeady Community Council fundraising committee.

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