New Good Cause Legends competition launched to recognise groups and organisations making a legendary difference in their communities!

Ireland’s biggest Legends have been revealed in a new National Lottery survey, with 1 in 4 people (27%) saying Paul McGrath is Ireland’s ultimate living legend. However, a real legend isn’t just someone famous. 34% of Irish people define ‘legend’, as someone who quietly helps others without recognition and a legend is a member of their community that makes a positive difference. At its core, being a “legend” in Irish culture is about impact, kindness and community spirit. 70% said local legends make them feel proud, inspired, hopeful, and more connected, a testament to the role local legends play in strengthening communities nationwide. The new research also revealed 83% of Irish people said “You’re a Legend” is a uniquely Irish saying.

These findings come as the National Lottery launch this year’s new Good Cause Legends competition. Through this new initiative, the National Lottery wants to celebrate the local people and projects who are making an extraordinary, legendary difference across Ireland, with the support of National Lottery Good Causes part-funding. The National Lottery aims to recognise and reward Ireland’s greatest “Legends” throughout 2026 and beyond.

Individuals, community projects and organisations who received Good Cause part funding between the years 2021 and 2025 are eligible to apply. Entries are now open and beneficiaries can enter, check eligibility and full Terms & Conditions at https://www.lottery.ie/goodcauselegends. Entries close on Friday 22nd May. The National Lottery is looking for Good Cause Legends across three categories:

1. Sport & Wellness Legends
2. Cultural & Heritage Legends
3. Community Legends

In total, nine ‘Legends’ will be selected, three ‘Legends’ from each category to celebrate their outstanding and legendary work in communities across Ireland. Each of the nine Legends will receive an amazing €15,000 prize and bespoke trophy, in recognition of their exceptional impact and dedication. The nine Good Cause Legends of 2026 will be announced over the summer months.

National Lottery CEO, Cian Murphy, said: "We are proud to launch our new National Lottery Good Cause Legends competition, celebrating remarkable organisations and individuals across sport & wellbeing, culture & heritage, and community. Through Good Cause Legends, we want to recognise and champion the legendary work happening in every corner of Ireland. This year, nine Legends will each receive a €15,000 award for being Legends in their communities. In 2024 alone, thanks to the continued support of our players, €239 Million was raised for Good Causes and this competition is our way of celebrating the people and projects that make that impact possible."

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure Public Services, Reform and Digitisation, Jack Chambers said: “For almost 40 years, National Lottery Good Causes funding has been woven into the fabric of communities across Ireland. The impact of this support can be felt in our towns and cities, on our sports fields, in our community halls, in the arts, and in the incredible work carried out by dedicated clubs, projects and individuals who give their time and energy to others. The Good Cause Legends competition is a celebration of the volunteers, mentors, organisers, and innovators who are making a legendary difference throughout Ireland. I am delighted to be part of the launch of this year’s Good Cause Legends and look forward to discovering the inspirational projects and people who continue to strengthen communities throughout the country. Furthermore, as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency around Good Causes funding, my department published the first-ever Good Causes Annual Funding Report in 2024, giving the public clearer insight into how Good Causes funding is allocated and the impact it delivers. This greater transparency is an important step in ensuring continued trust in the National Lottery and in the organisations supported. I look forward to the combined 2024 and 2025 report, which will be published in the coming months.”

Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage and the Irish Language. In total, more than €6.5 Billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 39 years ago. In 2024 alone, €239.3 Million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.

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