Offaly and Tipperary Good Causes projects to be showcased by Joe Duffy

THE National Lottery has partnered with renowned broadcaster Joe Duffy to produce a short series showcasing the amazing individuals from a selection of Good Causes all over Ireland, who with the support of National Lottery Good Causes part-funding, make a real and lasting difference in their communities.

Among he five groups featured in the series are Borrisokane Men's Shed and St Brigid’s Edenderry Boxing Club. The others are The Book of Memories Café, Co. Meath, Cian’s Kennels, Co. Longford and Maherees Conservation Association, Co. Kerry

The mini-series, Joe Duffy Meets, features these five inspirational groups and highlights the extraordinary volunteers working tirelessly in communities nationwide for the benefit of those around them.

Hearing how each of the groups came into existence and how they have evolved over time demonstrates just how crucial their services are for their users.

On average, over €4.5 million is raised every week by National Lottery players; this Good Causes funding, combined with Exchequer funding, typically supports, over 4,500 charity and voluntary groups, sports bodies, arts and heritage organisations, youth and Irish language projects every year.

After visiting each of the groups and spending time with the volunteers and members, Joe Duffy provided key insight into what it means to be a Good Cause.

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“After 27 years on Liveline talking to listeners on the phone it was magnificent to travel around Ireland and meet inspirational individuals working towards the common goal of helping their wider communities. I think it is clear throughout the five short films that each of the voluntary groups are genuinely, seriously and deeply appreciative of the help that Good Causes funding provides for their services. Hearing how each of the voluntary groups came into existence and what their aspirations are, was a moving experience and one that I certainly will not forget. For me, being a part of the project really highlighted what a great country we are for volunteering and helping each other. People truly are full of gratitude.”

“I think it is so easy for us to forget that National Lottery players raise millions of euro every year for Good Causes and this really served as a reminder of the good that comes from such funding. My main hope is that the series will spread the word about the great work that each of these groups, as well as the many thousands of Good Causes groups all over the country, are doing.”

While shorter versions of the films will be featured on radio and online over the coming weeks, the full versions of the films can be viewed on the National Lottery YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/IrishNationalLottery.

Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage and the Irish Language. In total, more than €6.5 billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 37 years ago. In 2024 alone, €239.3 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.

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