FIVE groups in the Irvinestown area have been given a £500 boost thanks to funds that were raised in an event late last year.

Although the event took place last December, the Christmas spirit of giving saw £2,500 that was raised by Irvinestown Fairs and Markets Trustees, in partnership with ‘DJ Rockstar’ (AKA Conor McCann), with a virtual disco and auction fundraiser during the official switch-on of the Christmas Illuminations, divided up and presented recently to five groups.

Organisers were delighted to finally present the funds to the groups on Wednesday, May 12, with the presentation significantly delayed due to Covid restrictions that had been in place.

Items auctioned on the fundraising evening last December were donated by local businesses, with the £2,500 that was raised divided up as five donations of £500 each to go to Irvinestown Scouts, Irvinestown Boys Brigade, St. Vincent de Paul, Irvinestown Girls Brigade and the ARC Healthy Living Centre.

Organisers expressed their thanks for all the businesses who contributed to the auction and all those who purchased items, as well as DJ Rockstar and Niall McCann for their entertainment on the evening; Shauna McCann, Event Administrator; and Gerry McNulty, Irvinestown Fairs and Markets Trustees Secretary, who organised the event on behalf of the Trustees.