Thirteen proves lucky in Barna

Three is the magic number for a GAA club lottery in Galway that keeps churning out jackpot winners!

The lotto run by CLG Bearna or Barna GAA has been won three times in four months, with over €50,000 handed out in prize money.

And while the number 13 is considered unlucky for some, it proved to be lucky for the three jackpot winners and came up in each of the three jackpot draws.

The first of three jackpot wins was on November 29 last, when a whopping €21,700 was paid out.

That was the first jackpot win since October 2018 but two more have come in quick succession since . . . on February 21 when €16,100 was won and again on March 28 when a lucky player scooped €15,400 by matching four numbers.

Since November 29, some €2,550 in match-three prize money was also awarded, meaning over €55,000 has been won in four months.

Barna GAA was one of the first in the county to start a lottery to fundraise. It was set up by former treasurer and current president, Paddy Friel, and according to club chairman, John Connolly this latest string of jackpot wins was unprecedented.

“It’s been in existence since some time in the early 1990s and we definitely have never had a run of success like this previously. I doubt if any club ever has,” he said.

Lotto sales were suspended in March 2020 due to Covid-19 and there was no draw for about three months during lockdown.

At that time hard sales accounted for about 90% of total ticket sales but since the country reopened most players have pivoted towards online sales although they still retail in Super Valu Bearna, Slemons Furbo, Barna Golf Club and in Shane O’Flaherty’s dry cleaning, where the draws are made on Facebook live every week.

Barna GAA had over 700 members last year, and the ladies’ section, including juvenile, is particularly strong and growing. Proceeds from the lotto sales go towards the running of the club and to repay loans on its new and revamped pitch facilities at Clochscoilte.

Chairman Connolly, a Galway City Councillor, said that increased sales had increased the likelihood of the lotto being won, but “it’s extraordinary to see three jackpots won in such a short timeframe”.

“We’re obviously glad for the winners; we thank them for playing and wish them well with their winnings. The success also reassures players that there is a realistic chance of winning a large quantity of money by playing our lotto,” he added.