House and money up for grabs in GAA club Easter draws

Two neighbouring GAA clubs have major fundraising draws scheduled for Easter weekend. Skryne GFC"s rescheduled raffle for a new house in Navan takes place in Royal Tara Golf Club, Bellinter, on Easter Sunday night. The proceeds from the grand draw for a three-bedroomed house at Bru na hAbhainn, Slane Road, are to fund a major development of the club"s facilities at Skryne GAA grounds. The plans include an upgrade and extension to the existing grounds which will comprise six dressing rooms, a function room with a kitchen suitable for accommodation of an after school service for children; purpose built fitted-out meeting rooms with video facilities first aid room; a gym and weights room; cold baths facility; referee"s room; reception area; and a sports hall with provision for up to four badminton courts or basketball court. The proposed meeting rooms and function rooms will have the flexibility to accommodate an afterschool childcare facility, study groups, a youth cafe, and an active retirement group. The overall project will be completed on a phased basis dependent on overall funds available, grants obtained and the priorities determined by the club. The ambitious project aims to provide accommodation and leisure opportunities for club members and all residents of the parish, young and not so young. National Lottery funding and Meath County Council funding as well as Department of Health and Children funding will be sought, and the aim of the house draw is to raise the local contributions. Tickets are €150. Proceedings begin with entertainment at 9pm. Over the road, in Kilmessan, €20,000 is the first prize on offer in a 'monster draw" to raise funds for development at the Donnelly Loughran hurling grounds at Ringlestown. Kilmessan Hurling Club has had a very successful year and is aiming to build on that success by developing a facility at Ringlestown to cater for current and future players. The club recently launched a major fundraising drive for phase two of the development, a 50 metre by 40 metre astroturf pitch. Last year, phase one of the redevelopment was completed, with the main hall, club function room and referee room all refurbished. The club, supported by the Camogie Club, believes this is a great opportunity for the entire parish to build something for the young people, as the area is not very well served by sporting and leisure amenities. The pitch is essential for the development of young hurley and camogie players, and will be available to everybody in the parish, and beyond, as the club appreciates the promotion of community. The two schools will also be able to avail of it. The astro turf pitch will cost €250,000, including ground works, pitch, fencing and lighting. Planning permission is in place. The club has been allocated €90,000 by the National Lottery. There is €35,000 in savings. The club now hopes to raise €100,000. Twelve captains are working with 100 sellers in an effort to sell the €50 tickets. The draw is on Easter Monday night, 13th April in Fergie Maguire"s Lounge.