SIX COMMUNITY groups from Limerick have won awards in the National Lottery’s Good Causes Awards for 2023.
The six groups, sports clubs, and local organisations will now go on to compete to represent the county at a national awards ceremony held later this month.
The awards aim to celebrate the inspiring work being carried out by thousands of projects, clubs, and individuals who have received support from Good Causes funding.
Limerick initiatives recognised at the awards include St Gabriel’s Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which provides disability services to families; The Irish Chamber Orchestra, one of Ireland’s most dynamic ensembles; and Bat Rehabilitation Ireland, one of Ireland’s largest bat rescue, caring for almost 1,500 bats from across the country since opening its centre in 2019.
The awards recognise initiatives across a broad list of categories including sport, health and wellbeing, arts and culture, heritage, community, youth, and the Irish language.
The six county winners of the National Lottery Good Causes Awards from Limerick are: St Gabriel’s Foundation (Sport), Headway (Community), Irish Chamber Orchestra (Arts and Culture), Bat Rehabilitation Ireland (Heritage), St Munchins Community Centre (Health and Wellbeing), and Foroige (Youth).
National Lottery CEO Andrew Algeo said: “Good Causes who support communities across Ireland are at the heart of the National Lottery’s purpose. As a result, we are delighted to celebrate each year the exceptional work being carried out by those groups, organisations and sports clubs nationwide.”
“I am thrilled and not surprised to say that we have had another year of inspirational stories from the beneficiaries of National Lottery funding. These stories provide purpose to those of us who work in and with the National Lottery.
“It has never been easy to narrow down the list of hundreds of entries, however, it is a great pleasure to congratulate the Limerick County winners this year and to be able to show our appreciation for their commitment to communities around the country,” he concluded.
Nearly 30 cents of every euro spent on National Lottery games goes back to good causes throughout the country.
In total, more than €6billion has been raised for good causes since the National Lottery was established 34 years ago.
Gráinne Seoige, host of the Good Causes Awards, said: “This is my fourth year being involved in the National Lottery Good Causes Awards, year-on-year my delight to be involved grows.”
“By working with Good Causes, I have had the pleasure of meeting so many individuals and groups that are doing extraordinary work in our communities. They continue to inspire me each year, and I look forward to seeing who makes it through to the national finals.”
