Locals back Rathkenny's novel fundraiser
A sporting dream became a reality for 15 lucky patrons whose tickets were pulled from the drum in the Rathkenny GFC fundraising draw at the Newgrange Hotel, Navan last Saturday night. There was an air of expectancy as the large attendance waited for MC Brendan Cummins to commence the countdown to the 'Sporting Dream' draw before special guest, Meath legend Martin O'Connell, drew the winning tickets. The top prize was a trip for two to the Cheltenham Racing Festival next March - flights, two nights accommodation for three days of top class racing, including Gold Cup day, as well as €3,000 spending money went to Pat Earley, Granard, Co Longford. Former Louth footballer and current Mattock Rangers star David Brennan scooped second prize, a trip to Twickenham for the England v Ireland Six Nations clash on St Patrick's Day with two nights accommodation €500 spending money. One of the biggest cheers of the night went up for a local winner, Michael Rock, Creewood, who won a round of golf for four people over the famous K-Club course. The lucky winner specialises in sports field development and all types of land drainage and is not expected to leave any divots on the Ryder Cup course. County footballer and Rathkenny clubman Brian Meade also sold a winning ticket, to his sister Siobhan. The prize was tickets for a major boxing event and Brian is hoping for one of the ringside seats. Rathkenny chairman Edmund Curtis described the fundraiser as a resounding success and said that the club were indebted to all those who supported the draw, especially in such challenging economic times. Earlier in the night the club's annual awards took place and Donal Keogan received the senior player-of-the-year accolade. Keoghan attended the function on crutches after breaking a bone in his foot playing in a senior challenge for Meath against Cavan last week. The injury is expected to keep him out of action for up to six weeks. The young player-of-the-year was won by Ross Gore while Colin Curtis received the junior award.