Mayo community's 26k raffle won by woman from neighbouring village

Islandeady Development Company and Islandeady Community Council have expressed their heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the hugely successful Win26k.ie fundraising raffle, which ran over the past 20 weeks and culminated in a wonderful community draw on Valentine’s Night, February 14.

Organisers of the fundraiser were overwhelmed by the encouragement and generosity shown by people both locally and further afield. The level of support throughout the campaign is a true reflection of the strong community spirit in Islandeady.

Sincere thanks have been extended to the many local businesses and businesses further afield who generously allowed raffle tickets to be sold on their premises over the course of the campaign. Their cooperation and hospitality played a vital role in the overall success of the fundraiser.

Special recognition has been given to the members of Islandeady Development Company and Islandeady Community Council, who worked tirelessly week after week selling tickets, as well as to the many additional volunteers from the wider community who stepped forward to help. Their commitment, positivity and determination ensured the campaign’s success.

The draw night itself was a memorable occasion for the community and was held in The Key West. The organisers wish to sincerely thank Gary Walsh and all at The Key West for hosting the event and facilitating the draw.

The community was honoured to welcome former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who kindly attended and drew the winning ticket. Thanks were also extended to Michael Kelly of Michael Kelly Accountants, who supervised the draw to ensure full transparency and integrity in the process.

Congratulations have been warmly extended to Ann Heraty (Aughagower), winner of the Win26k.ie raffle. The community wishes Ann every happiness with her prize. The presentation of the winning cheque took place this week with Ann Heraty and her husband Tomas Moran on had to meet members of the local community council and collect their fabulous prize.

The proceeds from the raffle will contribute towards the local funding requirement needed to develop a fantastic new community facility for Islandeady, a project that will greatly enhance amenities in the area and benefit generations to come. The success of the fundraiser marks a significant step forward in bringing this exciting development to reality.

Islandeady Development Company and Community Council have once again expressed their sincere gratitude to everyone who supported the raffle in any way, whether by purchasing tickets, selling tickets, hosting sales, promoting the fundraiser or attending the draw night. The outstanding response demonstrates what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision.

Photographs from the draw night, including the moment the winning ticket was drawn and the presentation to Ann Heraty, were taken by John Moylette, photographer.

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