Bingo gets back on the road in Swanlinbar

We've all heard of drive-in movies, but drive-in Bingo?

Swanlinbar GAA have long held a hugely popular bingo night attracting hundreds of people from across West Cavan and South Fermanagh. Of course the Coronavirus caused the idea of traditional bingo to be parked back in March - as it did to nearly every social event.

But organisers from St Mary's have come up with an ingenious way to get their popular bingo night back on the road whilst adhering strictly to the public health guidelines on social distancing - Drive-in Bingo!

The debut of the Drive In Bingo was staged last Monday night at Charlie’s Yard on Main Street, Swanlinbar, and was a great success according to local sources - and confirmed by the fabulous drone images of the event by 'Mill Road Media'. It was just rewards for the huge amount of work went into preparing the yard, organising stewards and arranging the outdoor stage for the caller.

Drive-In Bingo will be staged again this Monday night at Charlie's Yard, opposite Spa Service Station.

"We will operate with the Bingo numbers being live streamed through your car radio and through speakers in the yard and we will have the hall open for a limited number of walk-in patrons while practising social distancing in line with government guidelines," explained a club spokesperson.

Of course public safety is of paramount concern for the club. Many of the bingo's regular patrons fall into the age category who may be particularly vulnerable to the illness, but at Swanlinbar they can can remain in their car for the duration and socially distance in comfort.

"Car parking will be assisted by our stewards and will operate on a first in first out basis," explain organisers. "All Covid-19 regulations will be observed and stewards will be wearing face masks and hand sanitiser will be provided."

Blotto starts at €10,200 and their Snowball on Game 5 for €6,300 on 45 calls or less and €1,000 on Game 10. Total Prize fund on the night is €19,000.