Kilconnell Bingo – 40 year anniversary

On Saturday 8th of November 1975 Kilconnell opened its doors to play bingo. The hall had held dances for many years, hosting musicians such as Big Tom, Brendan Shine and the great, late Joe Dolan but by the mid-70s social dancing was less popular and numbers were falling. It was suggested that bingo might be a more lucrative way to raise funds.
So in 1975 the first game of Bingo was played in the hall.
Since then the village has changed, there are more houses, the school has been refurbished, businesses have opened and closed but thanks to many loyal men and woman, many who travel from other towns and villages every Saturday evening, bingo in the hall has kept going.


For a while in 2013 bingo became slightly less popular, many bingos actually closed. The committee in Kilconnell decided they would not become casualty too! They decided to change the price of the books, keeping the cost under €10, they capped the jackpot prize and added a new sheet “The Gambler”.
Thanks to the committee, volunteers and many regular players, Kilconnell bingo was once again thriving. In 2015 the Hall had an overhaul; new roof, triple glazing, new toilets, including disabled facilities, a fresh coat of paint and improved heating.
On Saturday 7th November 2015 the doors were opened for the 40th anniversary of bingo in Kilconnell, and many of players were there for the very first night too. To celebrate there was extra money added to the jackpot, there were more raffle prizes including whiskey, wine and chocolate and the tea and coffee were complimentary.
Ms Ita Shields was the lucky winner of the jackpot, and was delighted with her win. All the funds raised that evening went to the heart foundation.
We hope Kilconnell bingo continues to go from strength to strength, and we will be welcoming our regular, and many new players, in the next 10 years.