Win Two J1 Jobs in New York

Raising the necessary finance to fund day to day running costs of a G.A.A. club is an ongoing headache for hard pressed officials and volunteers. Imaginative and creative schemes are enthusiastically embraced by clubs in an attempt to persuade supporters to part with their hard earned cash in difficult economic times. The Club Lotto and the County Draw are still the primary sources of income for most clubs. The Sale of Work is an old reliable that seldom fails to make a sizeable contribution to the coffers while the Fashion Show has widespread appeal. White Collar Boxing and Strictly Come Dancing are becoming increasingly popular and the Muck Off is now gaining traction.

Last year the Kilruane MacDonaghs club broke new ground, with an unusual if not unique fundraiser, when it offered a summer job in New York as a prize. The lucky winner was Caoimhe Hogan, Puckane, daughter of North Tipperary PRO, Liam Hogan. Caoimhe said it was the best €10 that she ever spent and had a fantastic time working in the Big Apple. On last Friday night, in a packed clubroom, George O’Leary, chairman of Kilruane MacDonaghs, launched the 2015 Draw which is more attractive than ever, with two jobs on offer. The lucky winner and a friend can earn up to €10,000 each on their J1 trip in 2015.The winners will work in the Spillane Group Restaurant and Bars. The prize also includes: return flights for two from Shannon/Dublin to New York; first month accommodation (in staff lodgings); second and third month accommodation will be organised (payable by winners) and two meals per day, included for duration of contract. Former Kilruane MacDonaghs player, Stephen Carty is sponsoring the prize for the second year in succession. Stephen is a partner in the Spillane Group Restaurant and Bars.

The draw has aroused national interest. An article, by Alan Loughnane, on the popular website joe.ie, waxes lyrical about the competition. “Wow! We are pretty sure that this is the dream of every student in this country,” enthuses Alan. “Three months of a J1, organised before you even leave, and the idea that you can earn up to €10,000 for your three months’ work and still have time to go for a gander around the rest of the country afterwards. We are pretty sure that the promises of riches for just €10 will be far too much to resist for students. We think this is an ingenious prize to be giving away.”

Tickets cost €10 and can be purchased on www.kilruanemacdonaghs.com/NewYork. Tickets can also be purchased from any committee member. Parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts can purchase a ticket and nominate a family member or friend as the winner. Entry into this draw would make an ideal Christmas gift. An investment of €10 could be transformed into €10,000 for two lucky students. The winner is responsible for organising their own J1 visas. The winner, or nominees of the winner, must be in a position to take up employment in New York for the three months. There is no cash alternative for the winner. Full list of terms and conditions are available online. The draw will take place on February 15th.