Offaly GAA launch new 50-50 fundraising draw

The Offaly GAA Lotto has been running since 2009 and was originally introduced by then County Board Chairman Pat Teehan, who has been heavily involved with it ever since. The draw was launched just as the Celtic Tiger era came to an end, and from the outset all funds raised were directed towards the preparation of Offaly county teams at all levels in both codes.

Throughout 2025, Offaly was one of only two counties in Ireland operating a regular lotto draw. However, after 18 months of sustained effort to grow and promote the lotto, it is felt that the draw has now reached its natural limit. The lotto draw took place live every Thursday evening at 6pm and regularly featured special guests who joined the broadcast for a chat and to draw the numbers.

A small but dedicated lotto committee—John Hackett, Ciarán "Sod" Daly and Pádraig O’Meara has driven the revitalisation of the lotto for almost two years. They now believe the time is right to move away from the lotto format and transition to a new weekly 50/50 draw. Playing numbers have declined in recent times, and the chances of winning the jackpot had become very low.

From this coming Thursday evening, 18th December, Offaly GAA will launch its new weekly 50/50 game. The draw will take place every Thursday at the later time of 8pm. For the inaugural draw, €10,000 will be won by one lucky participant just a week before Christmas, with a number of additional prizes also on offer on the night, including 2×€500 prizes, 4 club season passes valued at €250 each and 2 new Offaly home jerseys. 

Supporters are encouraged to download the new Offaly GAA App, which is free to download from both the Android and iPhone app stores. Entry to the 50/50 draw will be available through the app, which will also serve as a one-stop shop for all Offaly GAA information, including team news, tickets, fixtures (county and club), club details and general news updates. The app can be downloaded worldwide, and supporters from across the globe will be able to enter the weekly 50/50 draw.

It is hoped that in 2026 this initiative can raise €100,000 for Offaly GAA while also giving out €100,000 in prizes through the draw to players of the 50/50 draw.

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Offaly GAA would like to sincerely thank all supporters who have played the lotto over the past 16 years and hope that you will continue your support by coming on board with the new weekly 50/50 game. Please see the accompanying graphics for further details.