Mary Joe Reilly, Johnny McKnight, David Horgan, Noleen Corcoran, Marian Newman, Kathleen Earley and Lilly Gibney at Mullingar RFC bingo. (David and Lilly are using the large books.)

Mullingar RFC bingo offer large and extra large books for those with impaired vision

Published: Sat 2 Apr 2022, 3:16 PM

Last updated: Sat 2 Apr 2022, 3:17 PM

There’s no sitting back and taking it easy for the organisers of the Mullingar Rugby Football Club Bingo.

Always thinking about how they can improve what they offer, they have come up with something that, as far as they know, is unique among local bingo games – large and extra large books, to facilitate those with impaired vision.

Jane Slevin, the bingo caller at the club said: “We have recently introduced two more sizes of bingo books – we offer a large single book, A4 size, and an extra large single book, A3 size, which have become very popular.

“We reckon we are the only local bingo offering this option, so everyone, regardless of eyesight, can enjoy a night at bingo.”

Alacoque Rock, Patricia Bardon, Rosie Keogh, Ann McEnerney Buckley and Margaret Geraghty.

As the public health restrictions eased, familiar faces returned to bingo, to join the large following of Zoom players that have supported the game since August 2020.

Those players enjoy the comfort of home, but attending at the clubhouse doesn’t mean giving up on comforts, as Jane promises that the venue is comfortable and warm, and there are soft seats!

And, during a short break, players can have tea, coffee and snacks from the shop.

Bella Stotesbury, Bella Dargan, Collette Eades and Sharon Robertson.

The Zoom players don’t have to put up withe delays, either, as they hear numbers at the same time as clubhouse players “as if right there in the room with them” said Jane.

“We have a large bingo screen that broadcasts bingo to players in the clubhouse and to the online players.”

Mullingar RFC bingo is on Wednesdays and Sundays at 7.30pm (doors open 6.45pm) and play finishes around 9.35pm.

Players can buy their books online at www.mrfcbingo.com and either print the sheets at home; they can have them posted out, or they can collect them in the clubhouse on the day of play.

Double and single books range cost from €12 to €23 depending on whether they are sent by email, post or collected.

Minimum prize money for regular games is €20, €20, €100 per panel, but, “the more that play, the more we pay!”.

The jackpot game pays out €20, €50, and €250 if there are more than 44 calls. There is also a draw for clubhouse players each night – the 90 ticket Bonus Draw, which pays out €100 before bingo.

Players can also purchase Mullingar Rugby Club Lotto tickets for the draw every Monday night.

Contact Jane on the bingo phone on 0851585753.