Destination Araglin this weekend

With events still pretty thin on the ground, it’s ‘ big news’ that Araglin’s famous community field in Co Tipperary is preparing to cater for a large gathering next Sunday. The event in question is the return of drive in bingo - one of the few public fundraisers that complies with still fairly strict Covid-19 regulations. In the interest of clarity, it needs to be pointed out that drive in bingo is not a GAA gig - it’s organised exclusively by Araglin Hall committee. We are however, involved and gain financially by being allowed to promote our lotto, prior to bingo taking place. In fairness, those who do the selling always get a good reception and are well supported. With a large gathering of cars expected, our top lotto sales team of, Frances Keane, Mary Condon and John Condon Sr, are being deployed - so best of luck to them. Eyes down at 3pm.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Drive in bingo is officially allowed, mainly because, it’s held exclusively outdoors and because patrons remain in their cars for the duration of the bingo (except for toilet breaks). We understand, that, as well as numbers being called over loud speakers, bingo players can also opt to hear numbers being called over their car radios.

PLENTY OF CASH

As with its indoor counterpart, cash is king in the world of drive in bingo. In addition to being a semi-social occasion, a big selling point is the chance to win lots of cash.

LAST WEEK’S LOTTO RESULTS

Numbers drawn: 02, 09, 11 and 27 (no winner). Lucky dips to: €50 - John O’Donoghue, Macroney, c.o. David O’Donoghue, Macroney (online entry); €50 - Mary Browne, Ballyduff Upper (online entry); €25 - Kathy Kenneally, c.o. Jim Kenneally, Coolmohan and €25 - Jane Hickey, c.o. Eamon Hickey (online entry).

Next draw, tonight (April 22) for a jackpot of €4,800. Lines, €2 each, or 3 for €5.

FIRST INTERNATIONAL LUCKY DIP WINNER

As can be seen from the results, playing Araglin GAA online is becoming an increasingly popular option. Last Thursday night, we had our first international lucky dip winner in Catherine Jane Hickey, a native of Araglin, who now resides and works in the Queens district of New York, USA.

PLAY ARAGLIN GAA ONLINE POSTER

Another boost to the online lotto side of things has been the locating of a new ‘Play Araglin GAA Online’ poster on the still busy ‘ old’ Cork/Dublin road, close to the Mill Hill in Kilworth. This involved negotiating with landowner, Denis O’Brien. Glad to report, that the club found Denis very easy to deal with and negotiations went smoothly. Denis, who is a former show band star from the 1960s, is also famous for being a previous winner of the ‘King of Lisdoonvarna’ talent competition.

REMEMBERING TONY O’FLYNN

Another well-known Kilworth man, who helped us during the early days of the lotto was shopkeeper, Tony O’Flynn. Remarkable to think it’s 12 months, since the great man was laid to rest - Tony passed away on Thursday, April 23 2020. Mischievous to the end, he lost no opportunity to promote the virtues of sophisticated Kilworth people over Araglin’s country folk. Despite having sayings such as ‘you can walk through Kilworth, but you’d have to run through Araglin’, he still had plenty of Araglin customers and was almost impossible to fall out with. Ni bheidh a leithead ann arís (his likes won’t be seen again).

C103 LINK UP

Araglin GAA Club was profiled in last weekend’s C103 sports programme, presented by Michael Scanlon. Hopefully, those who contributed did a good enough job.

TALKING POINT

Arising from an interview with Tom Kenneally Jr, the impression was given that our great leader might be hanging up his boots. Thankfully, tributes on social media have proved to be premature and we are reliably informed that the famed dual star and county medal holder, is primed for a return to the playing field. The club chairman was quoted as saying ‘I might have to retire’ (however, this was in the context of some very talented young players now being available for selection).

GET WELL WISHES

The club extends get well wishes to Kathy Kenneally, Coolmohan, who is in hospital at the moment.