Five Clare organisations shortlisted for the National Lottery's Good Causes Awards

The National Lottery are delighted to announce the 146 beneficiaries that have been selected as County Finalists in this year’s Good Causes Awards, and five Clare organisations have been nominated! 

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. 

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, €239.3million was raised for Good Causes in communities all across Ireland," he added. 

In the Arts and Culture category, the Ennis Book Club Festival has been selected while in the Community category, the West Clare Family Resource Centre, Over 55’s Project has made it to the shortlist. 

The Clare-based Irish Whale And Dolphin Group was nominated under the Heritage category and in Health and Wellbeing, Clare Haven Services was selected. 

READ MORE: Council awards highest honour to Clare businessman and Ei Electronics founder Mick Guinee

Last but not least was the West Coast Surf Club who were shortlisted under Sport. 

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 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. 

The full list of County Finalists can be found at: https://www.lottery.ie/good-causes/good-causes-awards/good-causes-awards-county-finalists-2025