Mayo parish launches fundraiser with huge cash prize
Pictured at the launch of the WIN26K.ie raffle in Islandeady Community Centre were Éabha Finnerty (with mum Aisling), Mary O’Malley, along with Minister of Alan Dillon TD, Rose Conway-Walsh TD, Cllr Ger Deere, Cllr Blackie Gavin, Cllr Michael Kilcoyne, and members of the Islandeady Community Council fundraising committee. Picture: John Moylette
Islandeady Community Centre was alive with excitement on Friday, September 26, as the parish came together to officially launch WIN26K.ie, a major fundraising raffle that will see one lucky winner take home €26,000 in cash. The initiative is part of the drive to fund Islandeady’s ambitious new community facilities development, which promises to be a hub for people of all ages in the parish.
The event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, including many local residents, community members, and elected representatives. Among those in attendance were Minister of State Alan Dillon TD, Rose Conway-Walsh TD, Cllr Ger Deere, Cllr Blackie Gavin, and Cllr Michael Kilcoyne, whose presence and words of support underlined the importance of this project not only for Islandeady but for the wider region.
In a moment that beautifully captured the spirit of the project, the raffle was launched jointly by one of the parish’s youngest residents, Éabha Finnerty, held by her mum Aisling Finnerty, and one of its most senior, Mary O’Malley. Their symbolic act highlighted the intergenerational importance of the new community facilities development - a place where young and old will come together for decades to come.
Community Council chairperson Liam Keaveney said: “This project has been in planning for many years. Tonight is a milestone moment for Islandeady as we take another step towards turning our dream into a reality. The new community facilities development will include modern meeting spaces, a multi-purpose sports hall, youth facilities, and a social café. It will be a hub of activity for every generation in our community. Every ticket purchased in the WIN26K.ie raffle brings us closer to delivering these facilities for Islandeady.”
The plans for the new development were showcased during the evening. These designs capture the ambition of the project - a bright, modern, and inclusive facility at the heart of the parish.
Over the coming months, tickets for the WIN26K.ie raffle will be available both online and locally. Tickets are priced at €20 each, three for €50, or seven for €100 and can be purchased via www.win26k.ie, from local sellers, and across shops and venues in the area. The draw itself will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in the Key West, Islandeady, where the winning ticket will be drawn live in front of the community.
