Minister Stephen Donnelly meets three Wicklow groups in the running for National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2024!
In just four weeks, three organisations from Co. Wicklow will compete for a chance to win prize money and an award at this year’s National Lottery Good Causes Awards. These local groups are among the 35 National Finalists from across Ireland who will be celebrated for their exceptional contributions to communities. The Good Causes Awards recognise and honour the incredible charities and organisations that receive funding from the National Lottery, showcasing their impact on the lives of people throughout the country.
The Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue (GOIMRT), a finalist in the Community category, are fully voluntary who give up their own time to help those in need. Founded in 1983, the team provides a search and rescue service, free of charge, in the Wicklow mountains and surrounding areas 24/7, 365 days/year.
Kiltegan GAA, a finalist in the Sport category, is a small rural club at the heart of Kiltegan Village in West Wicklow, working in conjunction with the wider village community to improve community facilities for all members of the community and beyond, while being fully inclusive and sustaining their rural future.
BirdWatch Ireland, a finalist in the Heritage category, is the largest independent conservation organisation in Ireland. A registered charity, its aim is the conservation of wild birds and their habitats. Established in 1968, it has over 15,000 members and 30 local branches.
Photo Caption: Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly was photographed alongside Cian Murphy, CEO of the National Lottery and three organisations who are all in the running for this year’s National Lottery Good Causes Awards.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly spoke of his admiration for the three groups who provide essential services within his constituency and to the wider community.
"I’m absolutely delighted to meet with Diarmuid, Jamie, Robert and Sandra from Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue, Ciaran and Paula from Kiltegan GAA, as well as Fergus and Valerie from Birdwatch Ireland. Three fantastic local organisations in Wicklow that have made it to the National Finals of the Good Causes Awards 2024. These organisations demonstrate the incredible community spirit and dedication that define our county, from providing critical rescue services in the mountains to championing inclusivity in sport, to the conservation of wild birds. It’s a privilege to see their hard work and passion recognised on a national stage, and I wish them the very best of luck next month."
The National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2024 are set to take place on Saturday 12th October in Killashee House Hotel in Co. Kildare where each of the seven category winners will receive €10,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year will take home an additional €25,000.
The categories in which each of the 35 National Finalists are set to compete are:
- Arts & Culture
- Community
- Health & Wellbeing
- Heritage
- Irish Language
- Sport
- Youth
The National Lottery Good Causes Awards recognise and honour the inspiring work and achievements of thousands of projects, clubs and individuals from all over Ireland who, with the help of National Lottery Good Causes funding, have had an extraordinary impact on their local communities. Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes all over the country.
Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on all 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 Billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 36 years ago. In 2022 alone, €259.5 Million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.
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