Two Mayo community groups win big at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards
Two Mayo community groups were among the big winners at the 2025 National Lottery Good Causes Awards in Kildare.
Both the Kinaffe Community Garden and the Dragon Boat Club Ballina took home national honours at the gala ceremony, each group receiving €10,000 in recognition of their contribution to community life, health and sport in Mayo.
The event, hosted by broadcaster Marty Whelan, took place at Killashee House Hotel on Saturday, October 18th.
It celebrated organisations and individuals from across Ireland who are making a difference through projects supported by National Lottery Good Causes funding.
The Kinaffe Community Garden was honoured with the Health & Wellbeing Award for its innovative approach to promoting physical and mental health in the small Mayo village.
The garden has become a vital hub for local people of all ages, and promotes physical and mental wellbeing through gardening, healthy food production, education, and social connection.
Judging panel chair Daithí O’Sé praised the project’s impact, and described it as “a simple but highly effective community garden” that “heals trauma, enables friendship and healthy living, allowing young people to grow stronger with every seed they sow.”
Mayo’s second win came from the Dragon Boat Club Ballina, who won the Sport Award.
The club has brought the excitement of dragon boat racing to the River Moy, and was founded to help promote inclusivity, teamwork and fitness to the local community.
The group provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part and has become a hub for sport and social connection in North Mayo.
Cian Murphy, Chief Executive of the National Lottery, congratulated all the winners and said the awards showcase the best of Irish community spirit.
“This year’s winners highlight the very best of our small nation, making an extraordinary impact in our communities,” he said. “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 Good Causes Awards recognise achievements across seven categories: Sport, Health & Wellbeing, Heritage, Arts & Culture, Community, Youth and Irish Language, along with a special Hero of the Year accolade.
Almost 30 cent of every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in areas such as sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage and the Irish language.
Since its establishment 37 years ago, the National Lottery has raised over €6.5 billion for Good Causes, including €239.3 million in 2024.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.