Naas Community Men’s Shed gets National Lottery award
The awards recognise organisations, projects and individuals
Naas Community Men’s Shed has been named a National Lottery Good Cause Legend 2026 in recognition of its contribution to community connection and wellbeing in Kildare.
The surprise announcement was made live on KFM, with representatives of the Naas organisation discovering they had been selected as one of nine national winners in this year’s Good Cause Legends competition.
The awards recognise organisations, projects and individuals that have used National Lottery Good Causes funding to make a lasting difference in their communities.
Naas Community Men’s Shed was selected in the Community category for its work providing a safe and inclusive space where men can meet, share skills, stay active and support one another.
The organisation has helped men build confidence, combat social isolation and develop friendships through activities including music, woodwork and other community projects.
National Lottery CEO Cian Murphy said the Naas group was a “truly deserving winner”.
“Naas Community Men’s Shed is a truly deserving winner, providing an important space of friendship, purpose and support for men in the Naas area while also sharing music, practical skills and community spirit across Kildare,” he said.
He added that the group’s “warmth, creativity and dedication” demonstrated what it meant to be a community legend.
Nine organisations were selected nationally across three categories, with three winners in Community, three in Cultural and Heritage, and three in Sport and Wellness.
The other Community category winners were Hygiene Hub in Dublin and Sensational Kids in Cork.
The Cultural and Heritage winners were Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival, Fishamble: The New Play Company and The Hunt Museum, while the Sport and Wellness winners were Mayo Mountain Rescue Team, My Canine Companion and Shannon’s Hopeline.
Each winner will receive €15,000 and a bespoke Good Cause Legends trophy.
The National Lottery said almost 30 cent in every €1 spent on its games goes towards Good Causes, supporting areas including sport, health, education, arts, heritage and community initiatives.
Since the National Lottery was established 39 years ago, €7 billion has been raised for Good Causes.