Galway club hosting fundraiser to win a home in attractive area

The Win A Home In Oranmore, a fundraiser set up for Maree Oranmore Football Club, is aiming to raise €1.5 million in funding to support the growth and expansion of the club. The winner of the competition will be handed the keys to a new BER A2-rated, three-bedroom, semi-detached home in Oranmore, County Galway.

Thousands of tickets have already been snapped up, with a remarkable 46% of purchases coming from County Dublin residents, indicating a strong desire among Dubliners to relocate to Galway, supported by the proliferation of flexible working policies and a greater focus on work-life balance.

Since its establishment in 1989, Maree Oranmore Football Club has been a beacon for soccer enthusiasts of all ages, boasting more than 900 active members spanning from four to 82 years old and 52 teams. The fundraiser will enable the club to invest in much-needed facilities, including the construction of new all-weather pitches, further cementing its role in fostering both physical and emotional wellbeing within the community.

The fundraiser will also support A Lust for Life, an award-winning Irish mental health charity. With €5 from every ticket sold going directly towards the cause, the event champions the mission co-founded by musician and mental health advocate Niall ‘Bressie’ Breslin. The charity is dedicated to educating young people to look after their own wellbeing and amplify their voices.

Olivia Breene, Head of Fundraising, Win A Home, said: “The Win a Home in Oranmore fundraiser is more than just a chance to win a prize—it's about uniting our community through the power of sports. The recent surge in interest, particularly in women's sports, is incredible to see. Yet, with this surge, comes our club’s obligation to ensure everyone has the chance to play. The Maree Oranmore Football Club believes that sport should be for everyone, regardless of their background, gender, skillset or ability. We are committed to nurturing talent at all levels, ensuring that future generations are inspired to embrace sports from the grassroots level up. We want every child to feel welcome on our teams, and the numbers speak volumes: we currently have four boys' U12 teams and an astonishing 52 girls in our U8-U9 academy!

"By coming together and supporting this fundraiser, we are not only raising money, but also creating opportunities for everyone to enjoy sports. Together, we are building a brighter future where sports are accessible to all, and where our community thrives.” 

Niall Breslin, Co-founder, A Lust for Life, said: “We know that children need more mental health support at school, because looking after our minds from an early age is so important for our overall wellbeing. It is crucial to implement preventive measures that empower children with the skills to manage their own mental health. And that’s where A Lust for Life comes in – we support programmes that equip children with the necessary tools to navigate life’s challenges.

“The generous support from initiatives like Win a Home in Oranmore shows how committed we are to improving mental health care in Ireland. By joining forces, we can transform our nation into a place where everyone feels supported and valued.” 

Tickets are available for purchase at winahomeinoranmore.ie for €100. The draw will take place on 21st June 2024.