National Lottery announces five Donegal finalists for Good Causes Awards 2025

The National Lottery has announced five county finalists from Donegal for the Good Causes Awards 2025.

The five finalists from Donegal are Youth: Inishowen Children’s Autism Related Education (iCARE); Community: Buncrana Youth & Community Development Company Ltd; Heritage: Inishowen Rivers Trust; Sport: Kilmacrennan Celtic FC; Health & Wellbeing: Spraoi agus Spórt. They will now compete for a place in the National Finals.

Buncrana Youth & Community Development Company Ltd operates a community development programme. Inishowen Rivers Trust is an environmental charity that aims to protect, restore and improve the rivers and natural waterbodies of the Inishowen Municipal District. Inishowen Childrens Autism Related Education, (iCARE) Ltd exists to support autistic individuals and their families in the Inishowen area.

Kilmacrennan Celtic FC was founded as Lurgy Celtic in 1977 and is the club for the local community just outside Letterkenny. Spraoi agus Spórt is an award-winning social enterprise based in Carndonagh providing services and activities for young families, children, young people, and adults that are inclusive of disability and/or autism.

The Good Causes Awards, now in their seventh year, aim to celebrate the inspiring work being carried out by thousands of projects, clubs and individuals who have received support from Good Causes funding. Nearly 30 cents of every euro spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes all over the country.   

Announcing the County Finalists, National Lottery CEO, Cian Murphy, said: "It’s an honour to announce and celebrate the 146 outstanding Good Cause beneficiaries selected as County Finalists in this year’s Good Causes Awards — each one a shining example of the meaningful and lasting impact that projects, clubs, and individuals have on communities across Ireland. 

“These awards were created to honour the positive impact that Ireland’s Good Causes have in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all, and to ensure their efforts are recognised and celebrated on a national stage. Everyone associated with the National Lottery can feel proud that funding from ticket sales helps support the success stories that are Ireland’s Good Causes. Since 1987, more than €6.5 billion has been raised for Good Causes. In 2024 alone, €239.3 million was raised for Good Causes in communities all across Ireland.” 

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Returning as MC for this year’s awards, Marty Whelan, said: “Every year, we are inspired by the incredible work and stories behind our amazing Good Cause beneficiaries. This year’s County Finalists represent the very best of who we are - selfless, passionate, and committed to making Ireland a better place. It’s a joy to celebrate their achievements and give them the recognition they so richly deserve. I wish each of our county finalists the very best of luck as they each progress to the next stage of this year’s Good Causes Awards!”