The National Lottery Celebrates 146 Good Causes Making A Difference Across Ireland!

The National Lottery are delighted to officially announce the 146 Good Cause beneficiaries that have been selected as County Finalists in this year’s National Lottery Good Causes Awards. These awards, now in their seventh year, honour the inspiring work and achievements of projects, clubs and individuals all over Ireland, who, with the help of National Lottery Good Causes funding, have had an extraordinary impact on their local communities.

From Woodlands of Ireland working to protect and restore our native forests, to Run of the Mill in Kildare promoting inclusivity in Irish theatre, this year’s County Finalists reflect the powerful impact of Good Causes across the country. Whether it’s advancing women’s sport and empowering athletes through the Ladies Gaelic Football Association or championing the Irish language with Na Gaeil Óga, these organisations are helping to shape a more vibrant, inclusive, and connected Ireland.

Announcing the County Finalists, National Lottery CEO, Cian Murphy, said:
"It’s an honour to announce and celebrate the 146 outstanding Good Cause beneficiaries selected as County Finalists in this year’s Good Causes Awards — each one a shining example of the meaningful and lasting impact that projects, clubs, and individuals have on communities across Ireland. These awards were created to honour the positive impact that Ireland’s Good Causes have in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all, and to ensure their efforts are recognised and celebrated on a national stage. Everyone associated with the National Lottery can feel proud that funding from ticket sales helps support the success stories that are Ireland’s Good Causes. Since 1987, more than €6.5 Billion has been raised for Good Causes. In 2024 alone, €239.3 Million was raised for Good Causes in communities all across Ireland.”

Returning as host for this year’s Good Causes Awards, Marty Whelan, said:
“Every year, we are inspired by the incredible work and stories behind our amazing Good Cause beneficiaries. This year’s County Finalists represent the very best of who we are — selfless, passionate, and committed to making Ireland a better place. It’s a joy to celebrate their achievements and give them the recognition they so richly deserve. I wish each of our County Finalists the very best of luck as they each progress to the next stage of this year’s Good Causes Awards!”

The full list of County Finalists can be found here

The 146 County Finalists will now progress to the next stage of the judging process and compete for a place in the National Finals. The 35 National Finalists will be announced during the summer. The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, 18th of October in Killashee House Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare.

The total prize fund available on the night of the Good Causes Awards ceremony is €100,000, whereby 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. A special category, ‘Hero of the Year’, will be announced on the awards night to recognise an individual for their outstanding work. The recipient will receive a prize of €5,000. In addition, each of the 35 National Finalists announced later in the summer, will receive a cheque for €1,000.

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 37 years ago. In 2024 alone, €239.3 Million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland. 

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