All shoulders to wheel ensured success of tractor fundraiser
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Matt Shaw makes the draw, along with committee members.Image 2 of 14
James Baird, Mairead Murtagh, with Katie and Ciara Baird.Image 3 of 14
Danielle and Patrick Owens.Image 4 of 14
Charlie and Ann Halligan.Image 5 of 14
Sarah and David Halligan.Image 6 of 14
Committee members Robbie Wilson, Brian Sheridan, Gordon Coloe and Aidan Lyons (chairman).Image 7 of 14
Leo Glynn, Brendan Glynn, Peter Conway and Tom Price.Image 8 of 14
Maureen Price and Patsy Cooney.Image 9 of 14
Finn Maher and Greg Penrose, with Kelsey O’Meara, Emma McDonnell, Keeley Maher and Niamh Maguire.Image 10 of 14
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Willie Penrose, Tommy Collins and Gerry Fagan.Image 12 of 14
Marie Fagan, Brendan Moore, Martha McHugh and Eoin Gavigan.Image 13 of 14
Michelle Connolly, Linda Price, Frances Lyons and Clare Judge.Image 14 of 14
Assumpta Gavin, Jennifer Keena, Holly, Mary and Ciara Wallace.Everyone involved in the Ballynacargy GAA Massive Massey Fundraising Draw put their shoulder to the wheel, one of the organisers told those gathered at the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule on Friday night to hear who the winners would be.
There was a real sense of excitement and a lively atmosphere at the Rustic Inn, as local singer-songwriter Luke Price provided tunes for the night, encouraging people to get up for a dance.
The social event came at the end of a busy few months for the volunteers from the GAA club who travelled across the country promoting their draw, from Cork to Dundalk.
There were 12 prizes up for grabs, which included the Massey Ferguson Tractor, a family holiday in Italy, and two tickets for next year’s all-Ireland football final.
The drum on stage to churn out the winning tickets was created by Nally Engineering and made a great addition to the night, and a film crew were present to record the event.
Matt Shaw oversaw the draw and selected the 12 winners. “It was great to have a man of Matt’s standing in the legal and GAA worlds to act as independent and impartial facilitator of our draw,” said the club in a statement.
Spirits were high, and as the rain finally stopped outside, one of the organisers, Aidan Lyons, took to the stage to address the crowd.
“We have been at it for six months, and we have been to all four provinces. From Belmullet to Dundalk, to Cork, and everywhere in between, it’s been great fun.
“We have really enjoyed it, we had a great adventure, and really enjoyed going to shows with the best people.
“Everyone involved put their shoulder to the wheel, and like every fundraiser like this, it needs people behind it to drive it on.”
Aidan told the audience what Ballynacargy GAA hope to do with the funds raised: “We have some ambitious plans for the money, which include a new stand and lights.
“So in the not-too-distant future, you should be able to go down to the pitch on a Friday or Saturday night and watch a match under the lights and in comfort.”