Four local organisations from Laois were today announced as County Finalists in the National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2025.  

These include the Abbeyleix Bog Project, a community-led initative to protect and restore Abbeyleix Bog, and Mountmellick Youth & Family Resource Centre, an organisation that supports every child and family living in the Mountmellick area to reach their full potential. 

These awards, now in their seventh year, aim to honour, showcase and celebrate the inspiring work being carried out nationwide by thousands of projects, clubs and individuals who have received support from Good Causes funding.

In the four categories, nominations are as follows;

Heritage: Abbeyleix Bog Project 

Sport: Laois Marlins Swimming Club 

Youth: Mountmellick Youth & Family Resource Centre 

Community: Rath-Ballybrittas Development Association 

National Lottery CEO Mr Cian Murphy welcomed this news.

"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," Mr Murphy said.

"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 MC for this year’s awards, presenter Marty Whelan praised local communities for their hard work.

“Every year, we are inspired by the incredible work and stories behind our amazing Good Cause beneficiaries," Mr Whelan said.

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!” he finished. 

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, 18^th 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 in recognition of 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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