AkiDwA named as National Lottery Good Cause of the Year 2025!

An organisation supporting migrant women and their families through advocacy, mentoring and education, was last night named as the overall Good Cause of the Year 2025 at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards.

The National Lottery Good Causes Awards honour the inspiring work and achievements of projects, clubs and individuals from all over Ireland who, with the help of National Lottery Good Causes part funding, have had an extraordinary impact on their local communities.

AkiDwA (Alliance for Immigrant and Refugee Women in Ireland) received the top honour, as well as the Community Award, for its work which empowers women to participate fully in Irish society.

The Good Cause of the Year Award was presented by Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure and Public Service Reform, Jack Chambers while the Community Award was presented by Miriam O’Callaghan.

The awards ceremony, which was hosted by Marty Whelan, was held in Killashee House Hotel and highlighted a wide range of initiatives from supporting migrants, protecting marine heritage to the promotion of inclusion through sport.

Other guest presenters on the night included Dáithí O’Sé, Una Healy, Carl Mullan, Caroline O’Connor of Hand in Hand CLG and Éanna Ní Lamhna. Dáithí O’Sé, Chair of the 2025 Judging Panel, said:
“AkiDwA, meaning Sisterhood in Swahili, is a remarkable organisation that champions equality and justice for migrant women in Ireland. This small team's unwavering commitment creates a powerful ripple effect. Their advocacy for health and human rights has had a major impact on healthcare and public policy in Ireland and they provide both comfort and hope to vulnerable women through their life-changing work. Their impact on both local communities and nationwide initiatives makes them truly deserving of this honour.”

Cian Murphy, Chief Executive of the National Lottery, said:
“On behalf of everyone at the National Lottery, I am delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to AkiDwA as this year’s Good Cause of the Year as well as to every one of our outstanding category winners. This year’s winners highlight the very best of our small nation, making an extraordinary impact in our communities. Thanks to our players, these projects, clubs and individuals are changing lives every day, helping to build a better, fairer and more compassionate society for all. We are proud to recognise and honour your work.”

Hero of the Year: Liam Brereton, St. Brigid’s Edenderry Boxing Club, Offaly Liam Brereton was recognised for his outstanding commitment to Edenderry Boxing Club and his work promoting inclusivity and female boxing. Liam’s connection to the club is deeply rooted in family tradition. Established in 1930, the club has been part of his family for generations. His involvement deepened in 2012 when his daughter took up the sport, inspiring him to develop programmes for young women and improve facilities. Under his leadership, the club became a hub for female boxing and now hosts international training camps with athletes from countries like India and Taiwan. Liam also arranges local housing for visiting athletes, strengthening ties between Edenderry and the global boxing community.

Category Winners: • Arts & Culture – Festival in a Van, Dublin • Health & Wellbeing – Kinaffe Community Garden, Mayo • Community – AkiDwA, Dublin • Heritage – Irish Whale & Dolphin Group, Clare • Irish Language – Na Gaeil CLG, Kerry • Sport – Dragon Boat Club Ballina, Mayo • Youth – The Cavan Centre, Cavan

Each category winner received €10,000, while AkiDwA received an additional €25,000 as the overall Good Cause of the Year. The Hero of the Year recipient received €5,000.

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