Claremorris man wins car in fundraiser

Josh Howard from Claremorris has been presented with the keys to a new 2026 Nissan Qashqai - top prize in the Federation of Victim Assistance draw that was held in Kiltimagh before Christmas. The handover took place at Cleary’s Garage, Main Nissan Dealers, in Kiltimagh, with Tom Brophy, Chairperson of the Kiltimagh-based charity, alongside Paul Cleary of Cleary’s Garage.

Josh said the moment he received the winning phone call is one he will not forget in a hurry. He explained that when Mary McNicholas of Victim Assistance rang him at around 11.30pm on the night of the draw, he was initially unsure whether the call was genuine. 

“I honestly couldn’t believe it,” he told the Western People, “I only began to think it might be real when I heard a loud cheer from the crowd in the background. That’s when it kind of sank in that it probably wasn’t a hoax.” 

To put his mind fully at ease, Mary contacted him again the following morning to confirm the good news. Josh later visited the Federation of Victim Assistance office accompanied by his mum, sister and girlfriend, before heading on to Cleary’s Garage to see the car and complete the necessary paperwork.

Speaking afterwards, Josh said it had been an exciting and surreal experience from start to finish and expressed his appreciation to everyone involved. The presentation marked a happy conclusion to the draw, which once again highlighted the strong community support for the work of the Federation of Victim Assistance.

Chairperson Tom Brophy described the campaign as a landmark moment in his more than three decades of involvement in victim support services. Mr Brophy said it was particularly heartening to see a young person take home the top prize.

“It’s great to see someone young win it,” he said, adding that ticket sales exceeded all expectations. 

“We went above what we thought,” he said. “The sales in the last three weeks was quite phenomenal.” 

Despite the success of online sales, Mr Brophy noted that physical ticket sales still accounted for the majority of entries. He estimated the split at roughly 60 per cent physical sales to 40 per cent online. Volunteers sold tickets at supermarkets and shopping centres across Mayo and beyond, including Tesco, SuperValu and stores in Ennis.

“Once you engage with people face to face, it really works,” he said, explaining that this direct contact also helped spread awareness of the organisation’s work. He described the campaign as “the most enhanced awareness campaign” undertaken during his 31 years involved in victim support and victim assistance services.

Victim Assistance was founded in 2005, with Mr Brophy having spent 11 years in victim support roles prior to that. He said the raffle served a dual purpose: raising essential funds while also shining a national spotlight on the services the organisation provides.

While many people may never need Victim Assistance, Mr Brophy stressed the importance of having the service available when it is needed. The organisation supports people affected by domestic violence, elder abuse, coercive control, scams, bullying, assault, neighbour disputes and other forms of harm. Supports include confidential telephone and face-to-face assistance, court accompaniment, onward referrals and guidance on victims’ rights.

All services are provided free of charge and in strict confidence. Mr Brophy emphasised that confidentiality is “the cornerstone” of the organisation. 

“People can feel safe, open up and be listened to,” he said. “And if we see they need further support, we refer them on. That’s how we help them begin to rebuild.” 

The primary aim of the raffle was to secure enough funding to keep the organisation’s office open throughout 2026 and into 2027. Mr Brophy acknowledged that Victim Assistance does not receive State funding but said this has not dampened the organisation’s resolve. 

“We don’t get any money from the State, but we’re not going to cry about it,” he said. “We’re fit and well and able to raise our own funds, and this campaign has created awareness across the whole country.” 

He thanked everyone who supported the draw. 

“We have to thank all the people who put their hands in their pockets and supported this charity because they believe in what we do,” he said.

Further information about Victim Assistance, volunteering opportunities or available supports can be found at victimassistance.ie, by contacting the office on 094-9000251, or through the Freephone support line on 1800 277 477.