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Couple wins dream Ireland trip at Shamrock event

By on March 18, 2015

“I just can’t believe it,” Judy McGovern said repeatedly, “Oh my goodness! Thank you so much! I just can’t believe it.”

That was McGovern’s reaction when she received a late Saturday night (March 7) phone call from Shamrocks & Shenanigans event organizer Joy Ashley. Her obvious shock, gratitude and joy soon had others in tears.

Earlier that afternoon, McGovern of Akron ran into the Ephrata Public Library and breathlessly asked if she could still buy raffle tickets for the grand prize trip to Ireland.

Judy and Joe McGovern show their excitement over their prize trip with daughter Krista.

Judy and Joe McGovern show their excitement over their prize trip with daughter Krista.

“You see, this has been a 30-year dream,” she explained to Ashley. “My husband is 88 years old and has strong roots in Ireland. It’s always been our wish to go visit but we could never afford it.”

Shamrocks & Shenanigans, held at the American Legion benefiting Winters Leadership Memorial and Ephrata Public Library, included a special appearance from Hooley’s Irish Dance, the traditional sounds of Down By The Glenside, and hard hitting Celtic Rock band, The Kilmaine Saints. Irish fare and Irish ale ebbed and flowed throughout the night.

The Kilmaine Saints and Down By The Glenside rock it out at the Ephrata American Legion.

The Kilmaine Saints and Down By The Glenside rock it out at the Ephrata American Legion.

The raffle drawing for a trip to Ireland proved one of the highlights of the night. Special guest Cindy Mellinger of Blue Ridge Communications pulled the winning ticket.

“It’s a story like this that makes the hard work well worth it,” said Ashley. “The purpose behind this event was always not only to benefit our two great organizations, but to also build community. Knowing that Shamrocks & Shenanigans has impacted the lives of our residents in such a way adds a whole new level of success to this celebration.”

Black Forest Brewery owner Bob Harter and son Ross seem to be saying “Slainte!” at the event.

Black Forest Brewery owner Bob Harter and son Ross seem to be saying “Slainte!” at the event.

“My husband couldn’t believe it,” McGovern said. “I laughed, he cried and we popped open the bottle of wine!”

This first-time event netted more than $11,000 for the two organizations and plans are underway for next year’s festivities.

“We do need passports,” said McGovern, laughingly, “although we don’t know just yet when we will book the trip.”

One supposes her first stop in this long-desired journey will be the passport office at Ephrata Public Library.

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