Leon's lucky Donegal dip!

ESB staff member, Leon McMahon, is recovering from shock - not from electricity but from discovering that his €20 investment in a draw has resulted in his winning a house on the beautiful Inishowen peninsula in County Donegal.

25 year old Leon from Co. Clare told EM it was the best money he ever spent. "I couldn't believe it when I heard I had won the fourbedroom house in Carndonagh. I have never won anything in my life."

Leon, who is currently renting his accommodation, entered the draw in aid of Drumfries Community Centre Association after spotting it on a work notice board. "It was a just pure chance, we looked at the website and I said I'll have a go at it, I think I was the only one of my colleagues to do so. But to be honest, I thought no more about it. I just never gave it a second thought. I was caught off guard when I got the call on the Saturday night."

Leon, a native of Ennis, has never been to Inishowen. However, he decided, not unexpectedly, to take a sudden trip to Donegal to survey his new state-of-the-art property just before EM went to press. The detached house with garage did not disappoint and Leon couldn't believe his luck when he saw where it is located.

"The area is beautiful and the people were so friendly. It will take about eight weeks before the house is completed but we saw a similar one and it is just gorgeous. We were shown around Carndonagh and other beauty spots in the locality and made so welcome. The drive isn't much longer than going home to Ennis so that won't be a problem. I couldn't believe how much space there was around the house Leon's lucky Donegal dip! compared to Dublin estates."

The local Drumfries Community Centre Association is also jumping with joy. The committee raised an amazing €370k from the event. The draw took place in the local North Pole pub and when the group pay off the €200k cost of the house they will net a profit of €170k which will go towards the building of a new youth and community centre.

The competition was a huge success according to Kathleen Graham, committee spokesperson. While tickets went on sale in July of last year it was during the Christmas period and after St. Patrick's Day that most of the sales took place.

"We are very grateful to all of the shops and the outlets for allowing us to sell tickets on their premises because it wouldn't have been possible without them. Our committee consisted of 20 people and each of them went out on a limb to make this possible."