Unlucky for some...Players' appeal to keep 'eyes down' on parish bingo

Louise Walsh

A group of 'bingo ladies' have issued a plea for help to restart their local parish bingo which closed last Monday, after over 60 years.

The St Mary's Parish bingo had been running in Navan on Monday nights since the 1960s but dwindling numbers led to a decision by the Parish Administrator to cease operations this week.

Bingo-goers arrived at the Community Centre hall on Monday night to find a letter on all seats left with regret by Fr Declan Hurley.

It states: "As you know, our Monday night bingo has been struggling for some time. To put it simply, the prize money given out has been consistently greater than the income from the sales of books and sheets.

"The bingo account has been subsidising the bingo for some time to the point that it is now depleted and we cannot pay for a new delivery of books and sheets.

"I regret to inform you therefore that Monday night bingo in St Mary's Community Centre will be discontinued with immediate effect.

"St Mary's Parish has been happy to host Monday night bingo so long as it could cover its cost. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case."

However Fr Hurley acknowledged it was an important social outlet for many people and said he was open to suggestions for a future and more sustainable game.

"I understand that bingo is an important social occasion for all patrons and therefore I remain open to an approach from any persons or group who would like to propose another form of bingo that is sustainable.

"I thank you for your support of our Monday night bingo over many years. I also thank the members of the committee who have taken responsibility for bingo every Monday night and who have done their best in recent months to save the bingo."

Three of the committee who have given between 15 and 35 years of voluntary service at the bingo are now appealing to businesses for support and sponsorship to ensure the bingo is reopened.

Friends and neighbours Jean Hogge and Breege Scullion have been attending and helping at the bingo every week for the last 35 years and believe it is a social lifeline for many people who otherwise may not see people from one end of the week to another.

"We drive down each week and often bring others too," said Jean.

"We knew it was struggling but to see it close is so disappointing. We are all very upset about it. It was a real community event where people met and got to know each other. They may not know names but they knew everyone's faces."

Three halls, including one upstairs at the community centre, were once needed to hold bingo lovers. This then dwindled to about 500 before Covid-19 hit, closing the bingo for months and failing to attract back some attendees once it reopened.

In the last few weeks it is estimated that numbers fell to about 120 people which proved unsustainable to meet book and prize costs as well as electricity and heating fees.

Books were up to €20 and prizes were €50 for a line and €100 per panel with a jackpot of €400.

"It was a super occasion for everyone, especially the older generation who are just shocked," added Breege.

"We've spent 35 lovely years counting the money, selling books and giving out prizes and just doing our bit for the parish, I suppose.

"We all can understand that falling numbers have made it financially unsustainable for the parish and we thank Fr. Hurley for the support over the years but we are now appealing for help to keep it going in some way."

Linda Fitzpatrick has been helping at the bingo for the last 15 years alongside caller Patsy Kelledy and Jean's granddaughter Holly.

"We had to reduce the prizes but then people started going to bingo elsewhere instead of here. But it is such a pity, many had tears in their eyes on Monday. A lot of memories were made here over the years for people and often prizes were won by people who might've really been stuck to pay a bill at the time."

However, the three ladies are refusing to give up without a fight and are now looking at all options and ways to reopen their beloved weekly event.

"It is in the heart of Navan and often people get sweets before it from local businesses or might go for a drink afterwards. Surely there are some businesses out there who can help sponsor it."