Speaking at the Awards launch at the University of Limerick sports grounds, Barr said: ““As someone who has benefited hugely from National Lottery Good Causes funding in my career, I am delighted to be associated with these important Awards. I can see the impact of National Lottery funding all over the country, and its role in supporting Athletes preparing for major competitions including the Olympics.” He added: “Irish sportsmen and women need to be funded in order to reach their full potential and the contribution of National Lottery Good Causes grants to sporting organisations in particular has been immense. And it’s not just elite athletes who benefit as this funding has made a huge difference to thousands of sports clubs up and down the country. The variety and breath of National Lottery support is impressive with the arts, culture, youth and the Irish language also benefiting.” Current European Championships bronze medalist in the 400 metre hurdles, Barr represented Ireland in the 2016 Rio Olympics where he narrowly missed out on a medal. He holds the Irish National record for the 400m hurdles and was part of the 4 x 400m relay team that holds the current Irish record. He now has his eyes set firmly on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics next year.
National Lottery CEO, Dermot Griffin, said it is fitting that the profound impact of Good Causes on villages, parishes, towns and cities all over Ireland, is recognised. “The National Lottery is used to celebrating winners. However we have thousands of winners, unsung heroes, 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 in Dublin which received Good Causes funding in the years 2016 and 2017 are eligible to apply. Applications for the Awards are now open and people can enter and check eligibility at www.lottery.ie/goodcausesawards. The Awards will have seven categories, with County and Regional finals leading up to the Gala Awards Dinner on Saturday 2nd November in the Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge in Dublin. Each category winner will received €10,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year will receive an additional €25,000.
