Mayo celebrates big wins at 2025 National Lottery Good Causes Awards

County Mayo had a night to remember at the 2025 National Lottery Good Causes Awards, with two local organisations recognised nationally for their outstanding contributions to community life, heritage, health, and sport. 

Kinaffe Community Garden won the Health & Wellbeing award and Dragon Boat Club Ballina won the Sport award.

The Good Causes Awards celebrate inspiring organisations and individuals across Ireland who benefit from Good Causes part-funding. This year’s ceremony took place at Killashee House Hotel, Co. Kildare on Saturday, October 18 hosted by Marty Whelan. 

Each of these organisations received €10,000 as category winners.      

Located in the village of Kinaffe, the garden has become a vital hub for local people of all ages, promoting both physical and mental wellbeing through gardening, healthy food production, education, and social connection. The award was presented by Caroline O’Connor of Hand in Hand CLG, the 2024 overall Good Cause of the Year winner. 

Daithí O’Sé, Chair of the 2025 Judging Panel, said: “Kinaffe Community Garden received the Health & Wellbeing Award for their courageous and innovative approach to integration. This simple but highly effective community garden heals trauma, enables friendship and healthy living, allowing young people to grow stronger with every seed they sow.”    

Founded to promote inclusivity, teamwork and fitness, the Dragon Boat Club Ballina provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience the excitement of dragon boat racing on the River Moy. The club has become a hub for sport and social connection in North Mayo.   

Daithí O’Sé, Chair of the 2025 Judging Panel, said: “Dragon Boat Club Ballina has built something truly unique in Mayo, an inclusive, fun, and supportive community centred around sport. Their innovative approach to well-being goes beyond physical fitness, profoundly impacting members’ health and connectedness. Through teamwork and compassion, they’ve fostered a heartfelt community spirit that continues to inspire others to get involved. 

Cian Murphy, Chief Executive of the National Lottery, congratulated all the winners, saying; “On behalf of everyone at the National Lottery, I am delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to Kinaffe Community Garden as this year’s Health & Wellbeing winner, and Dragon Boat Club Ballina as this year’s Sport winner, as well as to every one of our outstanding category winners. This year’s winners highlight the very best of our small nation, making an extraordinary impact in our communities. Thanks to our players, these projects, clubs and individuals are changing lives every day, helping to build a better, fairer and more compassionate society for all.  We are proud to recognise and honour your work."

Winners of the Sport Award, Dragon Boat Club Ballina, Mayo, honoured for inspiring community participation and promoting health and inclusion through the sport of dragon boating. Pictured at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards are Denise Swanick and Michelle Dolan.

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