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HomeFarming News€100,000 John Deere tractor up for grabs in community fundraiser
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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€100,000 John Deere tractor up for grabs in community fundraiser

Clough Vision Group is raffling off a John Deere 6100M to raise funds to construct a new multi-functional community centre.

The Laois-based community group is selling tickets for €30 for the €100,000 machine ahead of the will draw on March 17th, 2023.

Speaking to That’s Farming editor, Catherina Cunnane, Olga Hyland of Clough Vision Group said:

“Clough Vision Group is very busy on two fronts at the moment. Firstly, we are working closely with an architect on a design for our community building.”

“Once satisfied, we will seek planning permission, and the plan is to be building sometime in 2023.”

“Secondly, we are, at present, fundraising to gather that much-needed capital. A building project in the present climate is going to cost upwards of €500,000.”

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About Clough

Clough, in the parish of Aghaboe, is a small village situated in the south of County Laois with a population of fewer than 100 people.

The village is home to a church, a “thriving” primary school, a “busy” Montessori school and a pub, while a brand-new GAA pitch is currently in development.

Clough Vision Group was initially established in 2016 to develop and construct a hall with an initial and original plan to furnish the local school with a facility for use for sport and entertainment and to “generally improve the quality of school life”.

However, as ideas were researched and explored, the possible creation of a community hall came to light among members.

Hyland explained more: “Fact-finding missions were taken to Killeshin, Co Laois and Windgap, Co Kilkenny, among others.”

“A feasibility study was put in place and completed. The idea of a community space that could be used by young and old took hold.”

“Groups such as the ICA, GAA and Macra would all have a resource for their activities. There would  be space for music lessons, keep fit classes or indoor soccer, all of which would be invaluable.”

“Ideas like a coffee shop also are being discussed to provide a meeting place for the residents young and not so young who live in the village.”

Central focal point

The group is also working closely with their local Tidy Towns Committee, which has its own plans for a playground and community garden.

It is hoped that by working together, the groups can create a “central focal” point for the village.

She continued: “So with all hands on deck, the future looks bright for this little village. Clough Vision Group will continue to launch more fundraisers until they achieve their aim, but for now, all eyes are on our John Deere draw.”

“Tickets are well priced and are moving well. The aim is to sell 8,000 tickets, which you can buy online through this link or locally from committee members, including myself, Anne Peters, David Hyland, John Finlay, Joe Hyland, Ann Bergin, Elizabeth Ryan and Therese Ryan.”

“The tractor was purchased in Templetouhy Farm Machinery, and we, as a group, are grateful to them for all their help,” she concluded.

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