Longford's Cian Kennels among finalists in National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2022
Longford's Cian’s Kennels CLG is amongst the thirty-five community groups, sports clubs and organisations from all over Ireland who were today announced as national finalists in the National Lottery Good Causes Awards.
The charity will contest in the Health & Wellbeing category of this year’s Awards.
The Awards honour the inspiring work and achievements of thousands of projects, clubs and individuals from all over Ireland who, with the help of National Lottery Good Causes funding, have had an extraordinary impact on their local communities. Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes all over the country.
Cian’s Kennels is a charitable organisation which allows children who are in hospital for extended periods to have access to their family pets.
The charity was created in memory of Cian Neary who sadly passed away after being diagnosed with hepatosplenic T-Cell Lymphoma.
During his treatment at the Children's Hospital in Crumlin, the Neary family set about placing Cian's beloved dog, Cooper, in a nearby kennel which allowed the two to meet every single day.
Time spent with Cooper, exercising & training him became the highlight of Cian's days at home in between hospital stays and treatments.
With thanks to funding through the HSE National Lottery scheme, Cian's Kennels now provides kenneling, veterinary checks, transport and other expenses so that no costs arise for the families involved. Their services support the emotional wellbeing of children with life-limiting and serious illnesses.
Each of the 35 finalists will now receive €1,000 and a hand-crafted trophy and proceed to the grand final in which there are seven categories: Arts & Culture, Community, Health & Wellbeing, Heritage, Irish language, Sport and Youth.
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony which takes place on Saturday, October 1 in the Killashee House Hotel, Co. Kildare, where 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.
Gráinne Seoige, who will host the awards for the third consecutive year, said: “While last year’s event truly was unique as we had to go virtual due to the Covid restrictions in place, I am looking forward to meeting this year’s fantastic finalists in person. Hearing stories of triumph, strength and endurance have stood out as highlights from my previous two experiences of presenting the Awards and I am certain that this year will be no different. Seeing how communities from all over Ireland help and look out for each other is a truly inspiring part of the night and one that I am looking forward to playing a part in.”
Speaking at the announcement, Sonya Lennon who is Chair of this year’s judging panel, congratulated the 35 finalists who have reached this stage of the Awards process.
“Last month, we announced 118 County winners from all over the country who all had such inspiring stories about the work they do within their communities. Narrowing that same list down to 35 finalists was certainly not an easy task as all of the entries were truly moving. The entire judging process has really proved just how important the Good Causes Awards are in recognizing the incredible work being carried out by groups all over the country. I am now looking forward to meeting the finalists and hearing even more about the wonderful work they all do.”
The 35 National Lottery Good Causes Awards finalists are below. More information on the finalists and the National Lottery Good Causes Awards can be found at: www.lottery.ie/good-causes-awards
Arts & Culture
Aisling Byrne (Run of the Mill Theatre), Kildare
Caoilinn Handley, Dublin
Mother Tongues, Dublin
The Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig, Monaghan
Waterford High Hopes Choir, Waterford
Community
Cú Chulainn Bloodbikes, Monaghan
Irish Red Cross Clare, Clare
St. Francis Hospice, Dublin
The Melting Pot Community Society Ltd, Roscommon
Third Age Foundation CLG T/A Third Age, Meath
Health & Wellbeing
Ability Equine Assisted Therapy, Meath
Cian’s Kennels CLG, Longford
Laois Domestic Abuse Service, Laois
Strandhill Community Park, Sligo
CAPTION: The National Lottery today announced the 35 national finalists for the National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2022. Sonya Lennon, who is Chair of this year’s judging panel, was photographed at the announcement along with Gráinne Seoige, who will host the Awards ceremony later this year, and Jennifer Crowe, the National Lottery CSR and Good Causes Relationship Manager. Picture: MacInnes Photography
Heritage
Birdwatch Ireland, Wicklow
Cavan and Leitrim Railway (Dromod), Leitrim
Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC), Kildare
Lough Grainey Nature Sanctuary, Clare
Waterford County Museum - Gallowshill Project, Waterford
Irish Language
Conradh na Gaeilge, Dublin
Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Galway
Muintearas Teoranta, Galway
Na Gaeil Óga, Dublin
Raidió na Life, Dublin
Sport
Clare Local Sports Partnership CLG, Clare
Dundalk Sub Aqua Search & Rescue, Louth
Nobber GFC, Meath
Park Rangers AFC - Female Focus Campaign, Waterford
Shankill Tennis Club, Dublin
Youth
Castlegregory Community Golf Course Association, Kerry
Down Syndrome Limerick Youth Club, Limerick
Foróige Connect, Mayo
South Dublin Taekwondo CLG, Dublin
The Rainbow Club Cork, Cork