The National Lottery held its inaugural Good Causes Awards in Dublin last November and the Virgin Media-televised event centred on the inspiring achievements of projects, clubs and individuals from across Ireland.

StoryLab in 2019 is again working with the National Lottery to discover and tell new stories of sacrifice and achievement from the huge number of people and organisations that are supported by funding from National Lottery Good Causes.

Irish Olympian hurdler Thomas Barr was on hand earlier this month to launch the National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2019. Just like last year, this year’s awards are open to organisations making an incredible difference in their communities with the help of National Lottery Good Causes funding. And it’s well worth the effort: the awards carry a prize fund of €95,000. National Lottery CEO, Dermot Griffin, said it was fitting that the profound impact of Good Causes on villages, parishes, towns and cities all over Ireland, is recognised. “We have thousands of winners who work quietly under the radar to make positive change in their communities and these Awards reflect that dedication and commitment.”

Individuals, community projects and organisations who received Good Causes funding in the years 2016 and 2017 are eligible to apply. The Awards will have seven categories, with County and Regional finals leading up to the Gala Awards Dinner on Saturday 2^nd November in the Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge in Dublin. Each category winner will receive €10,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year will receive an additional €25,000.