And the winner is ... Winning ticket drawn in Laois for €100 k John Deere tractor prize

A Laois community that has big plans to build a new community centre is sending a €100,000 prize to Limerick following a big St Patrick's Day draw.

The Clough Vision Group was established in 2016 develop and build a hub for the village. They held their biggest fundraiser to date towards achieving that goal on Friday, March 17, when the tickets were drawn for a €100,000 John Deere tractor after months of selling tickets.

The draw for the grand prize was held in Mary’s Bar, Clough. All online and physical tickets sold were drawn manually on the night.

The winning ticket was drawn from the drum by the former proprietor of Mary's Bar, Sean Hyland who is now enjoying life on the other side of the counter. 

The ticket was in the name of Toby Dalton, but as the seller of the ticket, John Finlay explained this was actually a dog's name as the buyer, Pasty Dalton from Galbally, Limerick had put his dog's name on the ticket. 

In Pictures: Even the Limerick dogs are winners - Laois community gives away John Deere

"Congratulations Patsy, all the best with your New Tractor and Safe Driving," said the group.

More about the Clough Project is below the video of draw posted on facebook.

The committee thanked everyone who entered the draw and supported Clough Community Centre over the past few months.  They also thanked Templetuohy Farm Machinery, where the tractor was purchased the tractor, as well as Mary’s Bar in Clough for hosting the draw.

The first and original plan was to furnish the local school with a facility that they could use for sport, concerts etc. However, a feasibility study was completed with a view to building a community hub for groups such as the ICA, GAA, Macra Na Feirme would all have a resource for their activities.

Stage fright halted Laois multi-million euro project which residents would now have to win ten lotto jackpots to afford

The group is working closely with their local Tidy Towns Committee who have plans for a playground and community garden. It is hoped that by working together a central focal point can be created for the village.

Olga Hyland is the chairperson of Clough Vision Group. 

"We are of course really happy with the outcome of our Tractor Draw and we are very grateful to all who supported us," she said.

Ms Hyland outlined the next steps.

"Following this successful venture we return to the drawing board to complete  initial drawings of our Community Hall. We are working with architect Fintan Dunne and making good progress.

"We will be then be purchasing our site, pending planning permission, and hopefully work will be getting underway. 
We have a vision for the centre of our village and we hope that with other groups like the Tidy Towns we can bring this to pass. Money of course is needed to get things moving so watch this space as we continue our venture.

"Once again a big thanks to all the people who supported us both financially and with words of encouragement . It was a heartening and very positive experience for us," concluded the chairperson.

Clough is located in south Laois near Rathdowney.