By Christy Parker Photo: Michael Hussey (Youghalonline.com)

Adrian Coleman presented with his winning 1st prize of €1,500 Holiday by Gareth Last, Moe’s Off- Licence Owner (Sponsors) and Wayne Ruxton, Manager, with runner-up prizewinners Ian Malone, Aisling Cunningham and Noelle White

Two months ago Adrian Colman went into Moe’s off licence on the North Main Street and bought some Budweiser. Last Friday night he got his change. The ‘change’ in question refers to country, climate and probably currency however.That same week Adrian had become the first of eight weekly winners in a draw for customers who spent over €10. He and the other seven names drawn from the weekly entrants qualified for a super-draw in which Moe’s owner Garreth Last would donate a €1,500 travel voucher purchased from McDonalds Travel.

Last week most of the winners were represented at Moe’s for the big draw and enjoyed complimentary wine, cheese and sandwiches while dreaming of exotic white beaches, turquoise seas and colourful cocktails sipped under palm trees many, many miles from Youghal landfill’s odours.

Only one of them was fated to see those dreams paid for on the night. On hearing his name called, Adrian Coleman went into mild shock and his eyes glazed over somewhat. “I can’t believe it. I’ve never won anything before!”, he eventually decided.

The winner, 32, is a scaffolder with ANF Scaffolding and also drives p/t for John Long taxi & coach services. His girlfriend is Aoife Butler, daughter of Youghal Comhaltas Chairman Micheal and they have a five year-old, Manchester-United supporting son, Cian. “I’ve been to several countries,” recalls Adrian of Spain, France, Belgium. Holland Bulgaria, “but I’ve no idea where we’ll go with this. It’s fantastic. I’d like to thank Moe’s very much.”

As Adrian and Aoife ponder over maps, Moe’s shop manager Wayne Ruxton reflected on the success of the venture. “We had over a hundred entries every week,” he revealed, adding, “We’ll probably do another one for Christmas.”

Cork-born Gareth opened Moe’s last December. Gareth shares responsibility for Moe’s with fiancée Noreen and shop manager Wayne, from Youghal. Wayne, formerly employed at Carry Out and Aqua Blue at Carlton Wharf, has an in-depth knowledge of the off licence trade, as reflected in a Diploma in Wine. Moe’s strives to be “that little bit different” offering unusual and unexpected ranges. And you could end up in some unusual and unexpected place yourself too.