Counties Mayo and Clare both had a night to remember 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.
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, 18th October 2025, hosted by Marty Whelan.
The Irish Whale & 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, Chair of the 2025 Judging Panel, said: “The Irish Whale & Dolphin Group are winners of the Good Causes Heritage Award for their volunteers 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 & Wellbeing winner, Irish Whale & 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”
The full list of winners at the 2025 National Lottery Good Causes Awards is:
National Lottery Good Cause of the Year – AkiDwA, Dublin
Arts & Culture – Festival in a Van, Dublin
Community – AkiDwA, Dublin
Health & Wellbeing – Kinaffe Community Garden, Mayo
Heritage – Irish Whale & Dolphin Group, Clare
Irish Language – Na Gaeil CLG, Kerry
Sport – Dragon Boat Club Ballina, Mayo
Youth – The Cavan Centre, Cavan
Hero of the Year – Liam Brereton, St. Brigid’s Edenderry Boxing Club, Offaly