Minister honours Mayo Mountain Rescue team

Mayo Mountain Rescue Team has been crowned a National Lottery Good Cause Legend 2026, earning national recognition for its volunteer-led search, rescue and emergency care work across Mayo’s mountains, uplands and remote areas.

The National Lottery launched Good Cause Legends earlier this year to recognise extraordinary organisations, projects and individuals who have used National Lottery Good Causes part-funding to make a lasting impact in their communities.

Following a nationwide application and judging process, nine organisations from across Ireland were selected as Good Cause Legends, with three winners chosen in each of the three categories: Sport and Wellness, Cultural and Heritage, and Community. Each winner will receive a €15,000 award and a bespoke Good Cause Legends trophy.

Mayo Mountain Rescue Team were recognised in the Sport & Wellness category for its vital role in emergency response and public safety across Mayo’s mountain terrain. National Lottery Good Causes part-funding supported the purchase of essential medical and training equipment, including bespoke medical rucksacks and a back-up stretcher, helping volunteers respond safely and effectively to multiple callouts.

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Alan Dillon, said:

"It is fantastic to see Mayo Mountain Rescue Team recognised as a National Lottery Good Cause Legend 2026. The organisation embodies the very best of community spirit, providing a vital volunteer-led search, rescue and emergency care service across some of the most challenging terrain in the country.

Their commitment, skill and dedication are a powerful example of what it means to be a Good Cause Legend. Through their lifesaving work, they make a real difference to people and communities across Mayo, while demonstrating the incredible impact of National Lottery Good Causes funding”.

National Lottery CEO, Cian Murphy, said:

"Good Cause Legends is about recognising the people and organisations whose impact goes far beyond what is expected and who make a genuine difference in their communities every day. Mayo Mountain Rescue Team is a truly deserving winner, providing an essential voluntary service to people across Mayo’s mountains, uplands and wilderness areas.

Every year, the team's volunteers respond to callouts in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable, helping people when they need it most. Thanks to National Lottery Good Causes funding, the team can continue to provide this vital service and ensure volunteers have access to the specialist equipment and resources needed to support their lifesaving work. We are delighted to recognise Mayo Mountain Rescue Team as a National Lottery Good Cause Legend 2026.”