Longford's Evelyn Neary honoured as ‘Hero of the Year’ for turning her grief into a powerful force for good

Longford's Evelyn Neary, the founder of Cian's Kennels, was honoured as ‘Hero of the Year’ at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards in the Killashee House Hotel in Co Kildare last night. 

The special award category, ‘Hero of the Year’, recognises the outstanding work done by an individual within an organisation. 

This year’s Hero of the Year winner is Evelyn Neary, founder of Cian’s Kennels. In the face of deep personal loss, Evelyn has turned her grief into a powerful force for good.

Also read: Cian’s Kennels dog visiting facility in memory of tragic Longford teen opens its doors

As the founder of Cian's Kennels, Evelyn built a dedicated team of volunteers, fostered crucial partnerships, and implemented strong governance to ensure the organisations success. Most importantly, she has brought comfort and joy to families during some of their most challenging times.

Also read: Longford charity Cian's Kennels: ‘We just want to help as many sick children as we possibly can’

“Imaginative. Resilient. Determined”, these are just a few words that encapsulate the remarkable spirit of the National Lottery Hero of the Year 2024, Evelyn Neary. 

Cian's Kennels is a charity set up in memory of 15-year-old Cian Neary who was diagnosed with hepatosplenic T cell lymphoma  and sadly lost his battle for life on September 23, 2019. 

This year’s National Lottery Good Causes Award winners are:  

National Lottery Good Cause of the Year – Hand in Hand CLG, Galway 

Arts and Culture - Helium Arts, Westmeath 

Community - South Meath Social Economy, Meath 

Health and Wellbeing - Hand in Hand CLG, Galway 

Heritage - Maharees Conservation Association, Kerry 

Irish Language: Cill Dara le Gaeilge, Kildare 

Sport: Mullingar Handball Club, Westmeath 

Youth: Belong To LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland, Dublin 

Hero of the Year: Evelyn Neary, Cian’s Kennels, Longford 

The seven category winners each received €10,000; the Hero of the Year received €5,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year, Hand in Hand received an additional €25,000.

Also read: Longford charity Cian’s Kennels announces exciting new partnership with Duggan Veterinary

Marty Whelan hosted the event and was joined by a star-studded line-up of guest presenters who handed out category awards, including TV personality Daithí O Sé, author and radio presenter Anna Geary, the inspiring Deborah Somorin,  renowned architect and TV presenter Hugh Wallace and dancing sensation Arthur Gourounlian.