THE raffle for a top-quality Limousin heifer hit the jackpot for Lavally National School with over €20,000 raised in the event.

It all came to a conclusion during the Norman Connolly sale of in-calf heifers on Monday week last in Tuam Mart when the lucky winner was drawn from the hat.

Local Lavally man, Thomas Dempsey, scooped the top prize of heifer Lola – or alternatively a cash ‘take’ of €2,200.

Norman Connolly had sourced the heifer for the Parents Teachers Association of Lavally NS who are fund-raising for a new playground beside the school.

Michelle Connolly – wife of Norman – who was involved in the fund-raising committee said that the raffle of the heifer had received support from many different places around the world.

“We really got a fantastic response to the heifer raffle which has gone a long way towards helping us reach our €30,000 target to fund the playground.

“While we have a little bit to go yet, we are now looking good to be able to start on the project early next year.

“Prior to this we had a Christmas Raffle and an Easter Bake but the draw for the heifer exceeded all expectations.

“I want to say a big thank-you to everyone who supported both at home and from as away as America. We just got a hugely positive response,” said Michelle Connolly.

Tuam Mart Manager, Marion Devane, said that there was great excitement on that Monday evening at the mart when the draw was made.

“Overall, it was a great evening. Norman’s sale of in-calf heifers went really and we were delighted that the raffle was such a huge success,” said Marion Devane.

Pictured: Lola the heifer was top prize in a raffle held at Tuam Mart last week by Lavally National School Parents Association to raise funds for the development of a playground at the school. Pictured are Norman Connolly, the local farmer who sourced the heifer; School Principal Ronan Kirrane along with Parents Association members, Karen Ryan, Claire Conway, Michelle Connolly, Ailis Ansbro, Martina Monaghan and Sinead Kelly. PHOTO: JACINTA FAHY.