Win a House in Mayo fundraiser for new sports and recreation centre launched
THE Win a House in Mayo fundraising campaign was officially launched at the 106th Claremorris Agricultural Show on Sunday, offering one lucky winner the chance to win a brand-new house in Mayo.
The fundraising campaign is being undertaken to secure the essential match funding required to apply for State funding for the new Claremorris Community Sports & Recreational Centre.
A community centre is often described as the heart of a town, yet Claremorris still lacks this vital hub.
By supporting the campaign, anyone who buys a ticket is helping to advance the proposed centre, which will be a modern, inclusive facility designed for sports clubs, youth organisations, community groups, families, and individuals across Claremorris and the wider region.
The campaign received a fantastic response at Claremorris Agricultural Show, with strong interest throughout what was a rainy day from people across Mayo and further afield.
Tickets are available now at winahouseinmayo.com, starting at just €20 for one, three for €50, seven for €100, and twenty-five entries for €250. The draw will take place live on Facebook on Monday, February 1, 2027.
The winning ticket holder will receive the keys to a new three-bedroom semi-detached home at Convent Gate, an exclusive development of 28 A-rated homes on the edge of Claremorris town.
Situated just off the N60 Castlebar/Westport road and within walking distance of the town centre, Convent Gate is close to schools, creche facilities, medical centres, shops, restaurants, the train station and local sports facilities.
Convent Gate is being developed by Macken Developments Ltd.
“As someone who grew up in Claremorris, it's especially meaningful to be able to support a project that will leave such a positive legacy for the town,” said Shane Macken, managing director, Macken Developments Ltd. “I'm passionate about seeing Claremorris continue to grow and prosper, and I believe quality housing and strong community facilities go hand in hand.
“When the committee shared their vision for the Claremorris Community Sports & Recreational Centre, I was genuinely inspired by their passion, ambition and commitment. I'm delighted that Convent Gate can play a small part in helping to bring that vision to life, and I wish the committee every success with what I hope will be a hugely successful campaign.’’
The need for the centre has already been strongly demonstrated. The project's feasibility study found that 87% of respondents considered a new indoor sports and recreation facility for Claremorris either critically needed or important and needed, while more than 60% said they currently travel outside Claremorris to access suitable facilities.
The study also shows that the centre will create significant opportunities for new organisations to emerge, including dedicated basketball and badminton clubs, while also supporting accessible sports such as wheelchair basketball. In addition, the sports hall will accommodate further activities, including Futsal, broadening the range of programmes available to the entire community.
The project reached a major milestone in December 2025 with planning permission being approved.
Said Catriona Doherty, committee co-chair: “The launch of Win a House in Mayo is a hugely exciting milestone for the project. One person will win an incredible prize, but every ticket purchased will also help us move closer to delivering a facility that will benefit the entire community for generations to come.
“We are delighted to have launched the campaign at Claremorris Agricultural Show and are asking people throughout Mayo, across Ireland and among the Irish community overseas to get behind it.”
The campaign builds on strong community support already shown for the project with its extremely successful Lip Sync Battles fundraiser last February which raised €153,000 through the efforts of local participants, businesses, clubs, volunteers and supporters.
To enter and view full campaign details, visit winahouseinmayo.com.