Support sought for "Buster 720"

The committee delivering Delvin"s proposed sports and leisure centre are seeking support for the 'Buster 720' draw, for which they are currently selling tickets.Over the next year, the lucky winners will receive a prize of €4,000 every month - a total payout of €48,000 in prizes.The winning ticket will contain a unique six number combination of the finishing greyhounds at the first completed race of the meeting on the third Saturday of each month.Tickets cost €240 and can be purchased as half shares (€120) and quarter shares (€60).Payment can be made by cash/cheque or Standing Order (cash/cheque only for quarter share). One ticket gives entrants twelve chances to win.'Buster 720' is an initiative to provide community funding for the ongoing developement of Delvin"s planned multi-use sports complex.Already, on the lands procured with the kind assistance of Westmeath County Council, the steering committee has installed a large car park, fencing, toilets, and dressing rooms. The facility has hosted sports days, community games events, and is the home venue for the newly formed Delvin Celtic AFC.In late 2008, the committee received Sports Capital Grants funding for Phase One of the development, which will be used this year to install a permanent grass multi-sport pitch, and a walking path around the entire site. Local funds must be raised to match these grants.When completed, Delvin Sports and Leisure Centre will cater to a wide range of indoor and outdoor pursuits for young and old. It will be a major resource for the communities in and around Delvin village.To get your hands on tickets for the recession-busting 'Buster 720' draw, phone Michael Murphy on 087-9409913, or Pauline Gaffney on 086-3521559.Collection for Community GamesThe support of parishioners in Delvin is sought for next weekend"s church gate collection (April 18 and 19), the funds from which will go towards Delvin Community Games. Your generosity would be appreciated.Deadline for marathon entriesSupporters of Delvin Hospice Homecare hoping to enter the Ladies" Mini Marathon in Dublin on Bank Holiday Monday, June 1, are asked to please get their entry forms in as soon as possible. The deadline for entry is Tuesday of next week, April 21.Your support would be appreciated for what is Delvin Hospice Homecare"s primary annual fundraiser.St. Mary"s volunteersThe management at St. Mary"s, South Hill, Delvin are seeking volunteers for residential, day and community services for 1-2 hours per week. Interest parties may contact Gerry McLaughlin on 087-8059667.Easter egg wonCongratulations to Delvin native Watt Kenny, Corbetstown, Killucan, who won a fantastic easter egg at Michael Leonard"s shop, Main Street, Delvin, following an easter raffle held in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.A note of thanks has been extended to all those who supported the draw.Delvin Historical Society lectureThe fourth of Delvin Historical Society"s lectures for 2009 will take place at 8.30pm on Thursday next, April 16 in Carmel Gaffney"s lounge, Main Street, Delvin.All are welcome to attend, and it is hoped that there will be an even greater attendance by new members.Last month, Mullingar historian Ruth Illingworth was a tremendously popular speaker, and her talk on local events during the 1641 Rebellion was very well received.On Thursday night of next week, the reception is expected to be no different, when well-known Clonmellon historian John Gavin comes to the Delvin venue to speak about Killua Castle, Clonmellon; Lawrence of Arabia"s connections to South Hill, Delvin; and other items of local interest.John is Honorary President of Delvin Historical Society, and a long-serving member of Meath Archaeological and Historical Society. He is a fountain of local knowledge - much of it garnered from years of reading and research, and a lot of it handed down from previous generations.As he plays a leading role in the local society, his fellow members are delighted to have him take the stage for the first time.The lecture will be of great interest to people living in both Westmeath and Meath.Further Delvin Historical Society lectures will take place in May and June, and during the summer, a walking tour and excursion will be organised. The Society"s AGM will take place in the winter.Admission to Thursday night"s lecture is €3, and members may enter for free. New members may enrol on the night.