Lucky winners announced as Offaly Down Syndrome's Big Raffle takes place
A new car and a dream holiday worth €4,000 were among the prizes handed out when the Offaly Down Syndrome Association held its Big Raffle fundraising draw in the Tullamore Court Hotel earlier this week.
The draw, which took place on Tuesday (New Year's Eve), was described as a "huge success" in raising vital funds to support services and initiatives for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families in Offaly.
The top prize on offer in the draw was a brand new 251 Suzuki Swift 1.2 Mild Hybrid, valued at €24,000, and supplied by Hugo Loonam Motors in Cloghan.
The new set of wheels went to Katrina Maher, who had purchased her ticket for the draw online.
Second prize was "a holiday of your choice valued at €4,000" from Midland Travel in Tullamore, and James Murphy was the lucky winner.
The other prizes, with the winners in brackets, were as follows: A one-year Gym Membership in the Tullamore Court Hotel (Trevor Bradshaw); A €500 fuel voucher in conjunction with Lambe's Oil, Tullamore (Lauren Kelly); A framed, signed, Ireland rugby jersey (Golden Vale Mart Office Staff); Two tickets to Ireland v England in the Six Nations this year (Lisa Featherstone); Four tickets to Neil Delamere in the Tullamore Court Hotel next month (Gerry McGrath); A four-ball from Esker Hills Golf Glub (Olive Murray); A Meat Hamper from Oliver Carty & Company (Rose Gavin); and a food hamper from Innov8 Labs in Clara (Jerry McGrath).
The draw was hosted by Robbie Donnelly, Branch Administrator of Offaly Down Syndrome Association, and James Crombie, acclaimed local photographer and spokesperson for Offaly Down Syndrome Association, while Philip O’Brien, Manager of the Tullamore Court Hotel, served as the adjudicator.
The draw was streamed live on the Offaly Down Syndrome Association Facebook page.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Offaly Down Syndrome Association, Ann Crombie, said: "We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for this year's Big Raffle.
"It is heartwarming to see so many people come together to support our mission of empowering individuals with Down Syndrome to reach their full potential."
The Offaly Down Syndrome Association extended its deepest gratitude to all who purchased tickets, donated prizes, volunteered their time, and contributed to the success of the Big Raffle. Special thanks was also given to the Tullamore Court Hotel for its unwavering support.