Laois GAA Club unveils massive cash prize draw during opening of new ball wall

Rosenallis GAA's "most ambitious fundraiser yet" aims to bring in funds to build a new clubhouse to support and promote GAA in the area for many years to come. One lucky person could be walking away with €100,000 or a New Holland T5.120 as part of the club's latest fundraiser.

The draw was announced during the launch of the Rosenallis’ development plan for 2023-2026 and the official opening of Rosenallis’ ball wall on Friday night.

Former GAA President Liam O’Neill was in attendance to cut the ribbon on the night, and hailed the Rosenallis’ progress thus far, along with their plans for future development.

“I came here in 2012, enormously proud that it was one of my first functions as President to open this field, and I am really honoured to be back to see what is going on here tonight. I have a long history of playing here in Rosenallis. The pitch wasn’t always as pristine as it is now. I remember starting out at the top of the old hill on the pitch here and then finding myself at the bottom of it. I also remember coming here with a school team, a wet day and the long grass, and as the game progressed we actually lost a sliotar in that long grass. That will tell you the difference between then and now.

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“This club has really found its feet, particularly in the last 15-20 years, and it’s an example to any club to come here to find out how to do things. Come and look at what this club has done. To have two teams operating at the highest senior level, and also contributing to O’Moores and Sarsfields. I know there has been a huge input into those clubs by Rosenallis.

“The development plans are fantastic. The building plans I’ve seen are really impressive, and I know that the new clubhouse will be the makings of the club,” said Mr O’Neill.

The most essential part of Rosenallis GAA’s future relies on fundraising efforts for the new clubhouse, which is where the €100,000 cash prize/tractor draw comes in.

“Today marks the beginning of a new journey to strengthen and uplift our club even further. We have demonstrated excellence on the field, yet we must strive for more than accomplishments on the field,” said chairman Seamus Hyland.

“Our facilities and amenities must match the level of success we have achieved, and promote excellence for generations to come.

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“We have undertaken some substantial fundraising efforts, but the upcoming New Holland or €100,000 raffle is the most ambitious our club has ever taken on. We rely again on the help of our community, not only for ticket sales, but to spread the word far and wide,” he added. Following the speeches, parish priest  Fr Walshe blessed the new ball wall with Holy Water from Lourdes, before Liam O’Neill cut the ribbon on the amenity alongside chairman Seamus Hyland and two juvenile volunteers.

Music by Margaret Culleton, Fiachra C Fennell, Dervla C Fennell and Tona Redmond and refreshments rounded off the evening, one which saw Rosenallis GAA ambitiously look towards the future while also reflecting on how far the small club has come in the not-too-distant past.

To enter the draw, simply log on to https://www.rosenallisgaa.ie/. The Draw is open to the general public aged 18 years and over only. An adult may buy a ticket or tickets in trust as a gift for someone under 18 years. The winner will be announced on Saturday March 16, 2024.