BID: Tickets for GAA house competition were complimentary

In 2023, Fermanagh GAA (Club Éirne) held a high-profile draw to win a house, which saw a total of 9,749 entries, costing £100 each. 

A list published online by the organisation showed that Enniskillen BID had 10 entries within the draw.

Enniskillen BID is a not-for-profit organisation, funded solely by local businesses with the aim of developing and improving the district

The Impartial Reporter asked Enniskillen BID to clarify if it had used the money provided by local businesses to fund 10 entries into the competition.  

The organisation was also asked if it was "standard practice" to participate in competitions like this. 

In a press statement, Enniskillen BID said that tickets were included as part of a "sponsorship package", and that it "did not purchase tickets". 

"In January 2023, Fermanagh GAA approached Enniskillen BID with a sponsorship package for its 2023 season," the spokeswoman said. 

"The package included an advert in all Fermanagh GAA programmes for both club and inter-county games in 2023. 

"In addition, the package included advertising in 40-plus league and championship games to be broadcast on Fermanagh GAA TV in 2023.

"To encourage businesses to take up its sponsorship package, Fermanagh GAA included 10 tickets in its 'Win a House in Fermanagh' competition as part of the package. 

"Enniskillen BID did not purchase tickets for this competition."

The spokeswoman added that Enniskillen BID used this "advertising opportunity" to promote the Enniskillen Gift Card.

"Over 150 businesses in Enniskillen have signed up to accept the Gift Card, which locks money into the local economy," the spokeswoman added. 

"Enniskillen BID has adopted various paid advertising as part of its promotion of the Gift Card. These include ads in local newspapers, social media, magazines, and billboards. 

"This strategy has helped generate almost £1,000,000 in gift card sales and is forecast to exceed that amount in 2024."