IN WITH A CHANCE: Pictured are Jerh and Áine O'Donohue from Social Action Group Rathmore who are among the 36 finalists from all over Ireland in the National Lottery Good Causes Awards. Photo: Martina Regan

By Sean Moriarty

Rathmore Social Action Group are in with a chance of winning €10,000 tomorrow (Saturday)

As part of the Lottery Good Causes Awards 2019.

The group, founded in 1983, is one of six national finalists the Community category and could stand to win €10,000 if they are named as the category winner at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin. The overall winner is in with a chance of bagging €25,000 to put towards community efforts in their area.

The six categories include: Sport, Health & Wellbeing, Heritage, Arts & Culture, Community and Youth. A seventh category, Irish Language, will have a special award to be announced on the night in recognition of outstanding work done in the promotion of the Irish Language.

The Rathmore Social Action Group was founded to give young people an opportunity to undertake community work and make a difference. For the last 36 years, the group has developed a care programme for older people. It includes the provision of Social Housing, a day care centre, a meals on wheels and laundry service. It is regarded as one of the best models of its kind in the country.

The judging panel, chaired by broadcaster and businesswoman, Norah Casey, recently spent two days in Athlone meeting the 36 finalists from all over Ireland, who each received their trophy for being a national finalist.

“We were blown away by the 36 presentations,” Nora said.

“Each of the groups we met are doing amazing work in their communities and were all winners in their own rights. I wish the representatives from all 36 organisations all the best of luck on the night,” said Casey.