Mayo celebrates big wins at 2025 National Lottery Good Causes Awards
Counties Mayo and Clare have enjoyed success at the 2025 National Lottery Good Causes Awards, with three local organisations recognised nationally for their outstanding contributions to community life, heritage, health, and sport.
Kinaffe Community Garden, Swinford, won the Health and Wellbeing award, and the Dragon Boat Club Ballina, won the Sport award.
Meanwhile, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Co Clare, won the Heritage award.
The Good Causes Awards celebrate inspiring organisations and individuals across Ireland who benefit from Good Causes part-funding. This year’s ceremony took place at Killashee House Hotel, Co Kildare, on Saturday, October 18, and was hosted by Marty Whelan.
Each of these organisations received €10,000 as category winners:
Health and Wellbeing: Kinaffe Community Garden, Swinford
Located in the village of Kinaffe, Swinford, the garden has become a vital hub for local people of all ages, promoting both physical and mental wellbeing through gardening, healthy food production, education, and social connection.
The award was presented by Caroline O’Connor of Hand in Hand CLG, the 2024 overall Good Cause of the Year winner.
Daithí O’Sé, Chair of the 2025 Judging Panel, said:
“Kinaffe Community Garden received the Health and Wellbeing Award for their courageous and innovative approach to integration. This simple but highly effective community garden heals trauma, enables friendship and healthy living, allowing young people to grow stronger with every seed they sow.”
Sport: Dragon Boat Club, Ballina
Founded to promote inclusivity, teamwork and fitness, the Dragon Boat Club Ballina provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience the excitement of dragon boat racing on the River Moy. The club has become a hub for sport and social connection in north Mayo.
Daithí O’Sé said: “Dragon Boat Club Ballina has built something truly unique in Mayo, an inclusive, fun, and supportive community centred around sport.
"Their innovative approach to well-being goes beyond physical fitness, profoundly impacting members’ health and connectedness. Through teamwork and compassion, they’ve fostered a heartfelt community spirit that continues to inspire others to get involved.”
Heritage: Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) is dedicated to the conservation and better understanding of whales, dolphins and porpoises in Irish waters. Through research, education and advocacy, the group plays a vital role in protecting Ireland’s marine heritage and biodiversity.
Daithí O’Sé added: “The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group are winners of the Good Causes Heritage Award for their volunteer’s outstanding contribution, working in all weathers and conditions, rallying communities across Ireland to protect marine life and shining a light on Ireland’s unique marine biodiversity, while also playing a vital role in protecting one of our most precious natural resources.”
Cian Murphy, chief executive of the National Lottery, congratulated all the winners, saying: “On behalf of everyone at the National Lottery, I am delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to Kinaffe Community Garden as this year’s Health and Wellbeing winner, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group as this year’s Heritage winner, and Dragon Boat Club Ballina as this year’s Sport winner, 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”
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