National lottery wants to celebrate Mayo community legends

The National Lottery has launched a new ‘Good Cause’ Legends’ competition which aims to recognise Mayo groups and organisations making an extraordinary and legendary difference in their communities. This competition is run with the support of the National Lottery Good Causes part-funding.

Ireland’s biggest legends have been revealed in a new National Lottery survey, with 1 in 4 people (27 per-cent) saying Paul McGrath is Ireland’s ultimate living legend.

However, a real legend isn’t just someone famous, and 34 per-cent of Irish people surveyed define ‘legend’, as someone who quietly helps others without recognition and can be a member of their community that makes a positive difference.

The National Lottery aims to recognise and reward Mayo’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 here. Entries close on Friday, May 22.

There are three categories, and they are as follows: Sport and Wellness Legends; Cultural and Heritage Legends; Community Legends.

In total, nine ‘Legends’ will be selected, three 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.