Enfield women are driving a community fundraiser

INITIATIVE Zoom bingo on St Patrick's Day

In what is an imaginative example of local co-operation Enfield Celtic and Na Fianna GAA club have joined forces with the Enfield Development Group to run a fundraising venture aimed at generating much-needed finance for their respective objectives.

The venture is Zoom Bingo and the organisers will be holding their first session on St Patrick's Day (Wednesday 17th March), 7pm.

That will be followed by another session on Monday 22nd March, 8pm - and every Monday after that at the same time.

Two years ago Enfield Celtic and Na Fianna GAA club joined forces to raise finances in a 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here' event that proved to be very successful.

Now the two clubs have joined forces again along with the Enfield Development Group to run the Zoom Bingo fundraiser.

Three of the chief driving forces behind the initiative are the chairperson of Enfield Celtic Anne Maher, Na Fianna chairperson Eilish Devine and Angela Smith of the local community group.

"Enfield Community Group will be among the first in the county to host the hugely popular game virtually," said Maher.

"Zoom Bingo has already proved to be a hit for youth and sports clubs in the midlands and other areas of the country."

The bingo will be held on the Zoom digital platform with the first game kicking off on St Patrick's night and may be just what is required for those looking to fill in a mundane night during lockdown, not only in Meath but also in the country and around the world as well.

Those looking to play can sign up for the game through the ClubForce website or by clicking on the link on the Enfield Community Online Bingo Facebook page and will receive their book by email.

According to Devine the books were "selling like hot cakes" and bought by people from all over the country.

Alternatively people interested in taking part who may struggle with the digital challenge can contact any of the three chief organisers and they will be shown what to do from there.

"When you pay through ClubForce, you are then emailed your book for the day of the bingo which you can either print to play the old fashioned way or you can play your book virtually by clicking on your numbers with your computer mouse," explained Smith.

"You will also receive your Zoom link on your email to log in for 6.45pm on St Patricks night and 7.45 pm thereafter, with the game starting 15 minutes later. They can play with the camera on or off. It's a very sociable game,' she said.

"And don’t worry if your internet goes down during a game or you cannot make the zoom session on the night, the software alerts the bingo caller when a check is achieved and we can identify the winner, so you will get your prize whether you are at the session or not."

"There will be 30 cash prizes up for grabs with a jackpot of €1,000 on St Patrick’s night and a rolling or snowball jackpot starting the following Monday at €300 for 41 numbers’, added Devine.

"The bingo caller will appear on screen once the game begins. The numbers drawn will also be displayed during the game to ensure transparency at all times.

“When a player gets a check, they can unmute their microphone and let the bingo caller know.

“However, the online system also ensures that players receive a reminder if someone has achieved a check.

"The bingo caller will also let players know if someone has got a check. Anyone can play from anywhere in the world. They can play with the camera on or off.

"It's a very sociable game. So why not give it a go and what a great way to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with your family from all over the county, country or the world," she added.

Those intending to take part are advised that the bingo books must be purchased before 3pm on Tuesday 16th March for the St Patrick's Day online bingo launch.

Any purchases after this time cannot be guaranteed a book for the 17th March, but will be rolled over to the Monday game on the 22nd.

Single books cost €10 and a double book €16.