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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Luke Jennings

Tyrone GAA club controversy over holiday home competition faces charges

A Tyrone GAA club has testified in court after being accused of violating gambling rules in connection with a competition held to win a holiday home in 2021.

An investigation into the draw was conducted two years ago at St. Malachy's GAC, Edendork, which is located close to Dungannon. Following this, the Public Prosecution Service decided to file charges against the club.

The club is facing four counts, including three for violating the terms of the Betting, Gambling, Lotteries and Amusements Ordinance of 1985 and one for unlawfully promoting a lottery.

As a result, the managing director of a nearby engineering firm is also charged.

In a sitting of Dungannon Magistrates Court on Friday, the defence solicitors applied for an adjournment to the case.

The legal team claimed that the case was complex and that it would take a long time to align the PPS with the legislation because of its "certain intricacy and complexity."

District Judge Michael Ranaghan consented to a six-week adjournment, with all parties scheduled to be in court on May 12.

The Co Tyrone club released a statement on Thursday night and outlined they would ‘strenuously challenge’ the charges against them.

“Edendork GAC carried out a fundraising initiative two years ago to raise funds for much needed club development. The initiative has been under investigation," said the club.

“Recently, we have been informed that the Public Prosecution Service intends to prosecute the Club with regard to this fundraiser.

“We intend to strenuously challenge this charge. Edendork GAC will be making no further comment until this process has been concluded.”

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