Final call for entries in National Lottery Good Cause Legends competition

The National Lottery wants to celebrate local people and projects who are making an extraordinary, legendary difference across Ireland, with the support of National Lottery Good Causes part-funding. 

The National Lottery aims to recognise and reward Ireland’s greatest “Legends” throughout 2026 and beyond.

Individuals, community projects and organisations who received Good Cause part funding between the years 2021 and 2025 are eligible to apply. 

Entries are now open and beneficiaries can enter - check eligibility and full terms & conditions at www.lottery.ie/goodcauselegends. Entries close on Friday, May 22nd.

The National Lottery is looking for Good Cause Legends across three categories: 1. Sport & Wellness Legends, 2. Cultural & Heritage Legends and 3. Community Legends.

In total, nine ‘Legends’ will be selected, three ‘Legends’ from each category to celebrate their outstanding and legendary work in communities across Ireland. Each of the nine Legends will receive an amazing €15,000 prize and a bespoke trophy, in recognition of their exceptional impact and dedication. The nine Good Cause Legends of 2026 will be announced over the summer months.

Last year, there were a number of finalists from Roscommon including Ballaghaderreen Social Services Day Care Centre, Boyle Arts Festival, Castlerea Celtic FC, Foróige Roscommon Youth Service and Mo Chairde. In previous years, Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub (2021) and Roscommon Young Carers (2023) have been among the winners.

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 €7 Billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 39 years ago. In 2024 alone, €239.3 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.      

The National Lottery is proud to officially announce that €7 billion has been raised by National Lottery players for Good Causes since it was established almost 40 years ago. This is a landmark milestone that reflects nearly four decades of sustained support, where contributions have translated into real outcomes across Irish communities.

These monies raised has helped thousands of Good Causes across the areas of Arts, Heritage, Sports, Health, Community, Youth and the Irish Language. This includes support for local sports facilities and club development, community centres, arts venues and festivals, heritage restoration projects, youth programmes, and health and wellbeing initiatives, all contributing to the fabric of communities nationwide.

On average, over 4,500 beneficiaries receive National Lottery Good Causes funding every year. In 2024 alone, €239.3 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.