Lucky winners in Offaly Down Syndrome Big Raffle announced

The Offaly Down Syndrome Association closed out 2024 in style with the highly anticipated Big Raffle Prize Draw, held on New Year’s Eve at the Tullamore Court Hotel.

The event, attended by supporters, volunteers, and members of the local community, was a heartwarming celebration of community spirit and generosity.

The lucky winner of a brand new 251 Suzuki Swift 1.2 Mild Hybrid valued at €24,000, supplied by Hugo Loonam Motors in Cloghan was Katrina Maher.

 The Big Raffle, one of the association’s key annual fundraisers, raised vital funds to support services and initiatives for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in Offaly. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the community, this year’s was a huge success.

The draw was hosted by Robbie Donnelly, Branch Administrator of Offaly Down Syndrome Association, James Crombie, acclaimed local photographer and spokesperson for Offaly Down Syndrome Association, and Philip O’Brien, Manager of the Tullamore Court Hotel served as the adjudicator of the event.

The list of prizes and winners drawn are as follows:

Tenth Prize – A Food Hamper from Innov8 Labs in Clara. Winner: Jerry McGrath.

Ninth Prize – A Meat Hamper from Oliver Carty & Company worth €150.00. Winner: Rose Gavin.

Eighth Prize – A 4 Ball from Esker Hills Golf Glub worth €150.00.  Winner: Olive Murray.

Seventh Prize - 4 Tickets to see Neil Delamere in The Tullamore Court Hotel on 21st February 2025. Winner: Gerry McGrath.

Sixth Prize – 2 tickets to see Ireland vs England in the Six Nations next year.  Winner: Lisa Featherstone.

Fifth Prize - A framed, signed, Ireland Rugby Jersey 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.  Winner: Golden Vale Mart Office Staff.

Fourth Prize - In Conjunction with Lambe's Oil in Tullamore, a Fuel Voucher to the value of €500.00. Winner: Lauren Kelly.

Third Prize - A one-year Gym Membership to The Tullamore Court Hotel worth €550.00. Winner: Trevor Bradshaw.

Second Prize - A holiday of your choice valued at €4,000.00 from Midland Travel in Tullamore. Winner: James Murphy.

First Prize - A Brand New 251 Suzuki Swift 1.2 Mild Hybrid valued at €24,000, supplied by Hugo Loonam Motors in Cloghan, County Offaly - Winners: Katrina Maher.

 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 Tullamore Court Hotel provided a fitting venue for the celebration, with its elegant décor and welcoming atmosphere setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Offaly Down Syndrome Association extends its deepest gratitude to all who purchased tickets, donated prizes, volunteered their time, and contributed to the success of the Big Raffle. Special thanks are also given to the Tullamore Court Hotel for their unwavering support.

With the Big Raffle concluding 2024 on such a high note, the association looks forward to continuing its work in 2025, guided by the generosity and compassion of the Offaly community.