Cavan County winners announced in Lotto funding competition

Five County Cavan organisations are in the running to win €10,000 each in the inaugural National Lottery Good Causes Awards.

The St Mary’s Brass & Reed Band, the Bailieboro Leisure Centre, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, Virginia & District Historical Society and The Cavan Centre have won the county category and now go forward to contest the regional leg, before the national title where they could win an additional €25,000.

The five Cavan organisations are named county winners for the inspiring work. They are among thousands of projects, clubs and individuals all over Ireland who applied for the Good Causes funding.

Announcing the Cavan winners. National Lottery CEO, Dermot Griffin, said: “We were bowled over by the calibre of entries and the impact that these organisations are having in their local communities. We know that these groups are doing extraordinary things and the Good Causes awards recognise and celebrate their achievements.”

The five Cavan winners come from across the county. Under the Community catagory is the Cavan Centre. A registered charity based in Ballyjamesduff it caters for children and adults from disadvantaged areas. Good Causes funding has allowed it provide free respite stays for families in crisis from North Inner City Dublin.

In the sport category the Bailieboro Leisure Centre gets the nod. The centre plays an important role in the community, enhancing the mental and physical health of local people through the facilities it offers. Good Causes funding has allowed it upgrade gym equipment.

Under the heading Health & Wellbeing Acquired Brain Injury Ireland are nominated. The organisation provides neuro-rehabilitation services for people in Cavan who have acquired a brain injury. Good Causes funding allows it to provide flexible and innovative respite care for individuals and their families.

In the Heritage class Virginia & District Historical Society were selected. The Society carried out important historical research in order to preserve and protect the local heritage. Good Causes funding allowed it to map out a walk in Deerpark Forest which takes in a holy well, a fine stone bridge and the foundations of Lady's Cottage.

For Arts & Culture St Mary’s Brass & Reed Band were chosen. This Award Winning band is one of the oldest in the country. It used Good Causes funding to expand its tuition which allowed it increase its membership and add a very competitive Junior Band alongside its Senior Band.

These winners will represent Cavan in the North Regional finals, competing for a place in the National Finals in Dublin on November 3rd.

Broadcaster and entrepreneur Bobby Kerr, Chair of the Judging panel, commended those taking part: “The competition is fierce in the National Lottery Good Causes Awards. The standard of entries is really impressive. I congratulate all of the County Winners and look forward to seeing Cavan competing in the Regional Finals next month.”

Each category winner will received €10,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year will receive an additional €25,000. The full list of County Winners can be found at www.lottery.ie/goodcausesawards.

Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games – or over €619,000 per day – goes back to Good Causes all over the country in the areas of Sports, Arts, Culture, Heritage, Community, Health, Youth and the Irish Language. Last year alone more than €226 million was raised by players of National Lottery games for such Good Causes