Waterford County Museum is one of 35 finalists from across the country who entered the National Lottery Good Causes competition.
The Museum/Gallowshill Project entered under the heritage category and made it to the final along with four other groups from Wicklow, Leitrim, Clare, and Kildare.
Waterford County Museum is dedicated to promoting and preserving local history, as can be seen at the heritage site that was uncovered by the project. The site proved to be an important settlement for over 2,000 years and the discovery has rewritten the history of Dungarvan.
"We are all absolutely delighted to receive such a national recognition of the wonderful volunteer work the Museum members and committee are engaged in every day," Christina Flynn, Waterford County Museum President, said.
The Gallowshill Community Archaeology Project has been the museum's most successful communal outreach.
The awards
Last month, the judges narrowed the number of groups down to 118. They said cutting that down again was "not an easy task."
The awards honour the inspiring work and achievements of thousands of projects, clubs, and individuals from all over Ireland. The funding from Good Causes has helped these people and groups to have a positive impact on their local communities.
The 35 finalists will receive €1,000 and a hand-crafted trophy. They will proceed to the final which has seven categories: Arts and Culture, Community, Health and Wellbeing, Heritage, Irish Language, Sport, and Youth.
The category winners will win €10,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year winner will win an additional €25,000.
The final will take place in Kilashee House Hotel, Kildare on October 1st and is a black-tie ceremony.
Gráinne Seoige is looking forward to hosting the awards ceremony for the third year in a row.
"Hearing stories of triumph, strength, and endurance have stood out as highlights from my previous two experiences of presenting the Awards and I am certain that this year will be no different. Seeing how communities from all over Ireland help and look out for each other is a truly inspiring part of the night and one that I am looking forward to playing a part in,” she said.
To read more about the Good Causes awards, see the National Lottery website.
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