Northern Ireland

East Belfast GAA project in running for major National Lottery award

East Belfast GAA’s Youth Together programme
East Belfast GAA’s Youth Together programme East Belfast GAA’s Youth Together programme

AN East Belfast GAA project is in the running for a major award in a National Lottery competition.

Four initiatives from Northern Ireland are among 17 short-listed finalists from across the UK hoping to be crowned National Lottery 'Project of the Year'.

East Belfast GAA’s Youth Together programme, which seeks to welcome migrants, refugees and children from low-income families into sport, is among the finalists from the north.

Mental health charity, the Niamh Louise Foundation, An Tobar, a community wellness centre and social farm in south Armagh and an innovative collaborative art initiative by Spark Opera and Women’s Aid to support victims of domestic abuse, have also reached the public voting stage.

The awards celebrate inspirational people and projects, who are helped by National Lottery funding. All 17 finalists will compete in a four-week public vote with winners set to receive a £5,000 cash prize for their project.

Jonathan Tuchner from the National Lottery, said: "We are delighted to have received these outstanding nominations highlighting the excellent work that National Lottery-funded projects are doing in their local areas.

"In these challenging times, it is heartening to see so many people and projects dedicating their time and energy into giving something back to their communities."

To vote for any of these projects,please visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards