The winner of the 2008 Ireland tour raffle was drawn on Sunday August 10 at Church Street Theater, after a performance of Keegan’s smash hit Man of La Mancha. This year’s raffle winner is Colleen Rooney, who purchased her raffle ticket at the box office at a Sunday matinee performance of La Mancha. 

"Bob and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary this year," says Colleen. "We had hoped to go to Ireland but we had a wedding last December - our daughter was married - and we have another wedding this February - our second son is getting married! We have four children, so Ireland got put on hold."  When asked about her decision to buy a raffle ticket, she goes on to explain:  "A dear friend was in from out of town and we did some of Washington’s attractions  - Folger Theatre, Library of Congress, National Symphony at Rock Creek Park and Man of La Mancha at Keegan. When I heard the announcer at the end of the performance mention a raffle for a trip to Ireland, I was determined to purchase a chance. I  had the feeling I was going to win it, but like most people I put the notion on the back burner and got on with day to day life."

Mark Rhea emailed Colleen the day after the raffle, after repeated attempts to contact her by phone on Sunday were unsuccessful. "When Keegan emailed me last Monday," Colleen says, "it was just the greatest feeling to think that we would actually get to go to Ireland this year. My husband is Irish-born but has not been to Ireland since before we married. I am of Irish ancestery on my mother’s side but have never been to Ireland so this trip is a great treat. We are very much looking forward to it."

Colleen and her husband will enjoy airfare and lodging for two for a five-day stay on the Emerald Isle, in the city of her choice -- this package also includes tickets to see the production and dinner with the cast and crew.  Congratulations, Colleen!