THE keys to a new Toyota Hilux were given to Thomas Smyth at Parsons Garage in Tuam last week. Pictured are Denis Joyce (committee member), Francis Tyrell of Parsons Garage, Clare Smyth, Thomas Smyth, and committee members Karen Joyce, Johanna Hynes, Enda Ansbro and Johnny Rattigan.

On a high after fundraising success

Major boost for planned community facility

Published: Wed 28 Jan 2026, 5:30 PM

A MAN from New Inn was the winner of a new Toyota Hilux in a bumper fundraiser draw in aid of a major sporting and community facility in the village of Cortoon.

Thomas Smyth purchased a single ticket last September for the Hilux Draw and had his winning ticket pulled from a drum of 7,500 entries in the Cortoon Inn on December 30. He was presented last week with the keys to his Toyota Hilux at Parsons Garage in Tuam.

The fundraising initiative began last August and raised €130,000 for the development of a sporting and community facility on ten acres of land across from the Cortoon Inn pub and Cortoon Church, which will also be used by Cortoon Shamrocks GAA club.

Planning permission for the development, which is being driven by the Cortoon Lavally Playing Fields Community Group CLG, was granted by Galway County Council earlier this month. The plans for the project include a full-size GAA pitch and astro all-weather pitch, as well as a practice wall for the astro turf pitch, a walking track with lighting, spectator stand, scoreboard, changing room area with a gym, a playground, car parking space, and a recreational space area.

“The purpose of the draw was clear from the outset – to secure the funds needed to buy the land that will one day host state-of-the-art community amenities, including playing pitches, a sports hall, walking tracks, and family friendly facilities for all ages,” said Karen Joyce, a member of the Cortoon Lavally Playing Fields executive committee.

“With this goal in mind, a dedicated fundraising committee was formed. The team travelled to local matches, marts, plazas, filling stations, agricultural shows, and the Ballinasloe Fair.

“One of the standout days of the fundraising campaign was spent in Westport with Midwest Radio, where the committee was overwhelmed by the generosity and enthusiasm shown by supporters outside of County Galway. “A strong online presence also played a crucial role in the draw’s success. The committee had hoped to raise €100,000 in profit, but the final figure surpassed all expectations, reaching an incredible €130,000.

“This achievement reflects the extraordinary support shown by individuals, businesses, and communities near and far.”

The second prize in the draw was a robotic lawnmower which was won by Annette Walsh from Tuam. and third prize of a Centre Parcs voucher went to local man Pat Joyce from Gallagh House. Ronan Lardner of Galway Bay FM was on hand to host the draw and pick the winning tickets.

The fundraising committee was made up of Grainne Flaherty, Deirdre Ansbro, Karen Joyce, Therese Matthews, Johanna Kelly, Hazel Hynes, Stan Matthews, Michelle Connolly and Hubert McDonagh.