Paying the Christmas bills became a little easier for one lucky GAA supporter last weekend as her numbers came up in the Ballinasloe GAA weekly lotto draw. Matching the winning numbers of 4, 18, 24 and 26 was delighted local girl Elaine Grenham, currently of Main Street Ballinasloe, who won herself a most welcome windfall of ?10,700.

Overseeing the draw in Gibbon's Bar were delighted Ballinasloe GAA officials and members who soon discovered that the prize, not won since December 2005, had just been scooped. The exciting win comes as a timely boost to local GAA members and Officers, who are currently on a local fundraising drive, to promote the Annual lotto tickets, in and around the Town.

The Annual ticket would entitle participants to have their favourite four numbers entered each week in the Clubs lotto for a year, where they will be in with a weekly chance of winning the top prize. The ?100 tickets can be paid up front by cash or cheque, or by completing a standing order of ?8 per month, totaling a reduced rate of ?96 for the year.

Lotto organisers are now delighted to announce that the weekly GAA lotto now starts again at a healthy ?5,000, and will continue with the usual weekly carryover jackpot. The next draw will take place in Ryan's Bar this Sunday night January 28, and Ballinasloe GAA are hoping for continued support from the always generous local Community.

In other Ballinasloe GAA news the Club is hosting their latest Foundation Level Coaching Course in Garbally College on this Saturday January 27 from 10.30am to 3.30pm. The free course would be ideal for those interested in becoming involved with underage coaching in both football and hurling and anyone interested in taking part can contact Secretary John Shaughnessy on 087 2389938.