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Northern Ireland has a 'Lott' to celebrate

8th Mawrth 2017

Acclaimed classical pianist Ruth McGinley has hit the right note in a new campaign celebrating the impact of National Lottery funding in Northern Ireland.

The musician appears alongside a host of projects from the arts, community, heritage and sporting sectors in a new film which thanking National Lottery players for their support.

Her ‘Reconnection’ album received a grant putting her alongside the likes of Paralympics gold medallist Bethany Firth, golfer Rory McIlroy and restoration projects such as the Walled City Partnership in Derry and the regeneration of the Connswater Community Greenway in Belfast as a Lottery beneficiary.

They now feature in an online campaign revealing what the National Lottery has done for Northern Ireland. Since 1994, players have supported more than 20,000 projects in Northern Ireland with £1 billion of investment.

Ruth said: “I achieved success in my early years as a musician but became burnt out in later years as I struggled with depression, anxiety and addiction.

“But I have had the most amazing few months since I released my debut album, ‘Reconnection.’

“The support I have had as a result of National Lottery funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland has been incredible and they have been with me every step of the way.”

Jackie O’Sullivan, from the National Lottery, added: “National Lottery funding has had a life-changing impact on society in Northern Ireland.

“Our awards have made their way to elite athletes and artists, grassroots sports clubs and community arts groups. In addition, have transformed and preserved Northern Ireland’s built and natural heritage and helped charities improve communities for the better.

“National Lottery players can be proud of the massive difference they have helped to make over the last two decades.”

The film showcasing projects and people who have helped change Northern Ireland for the better with National Lottery funding can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaMrFQ4ghL4

For more information on National Lottery funding in your area, please visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk

ENDS

Nodiadau i olygyddion

For more information please contact Ruairi O’Kane on 07788 612804 or email ruairi.o’kane@lotterygoodcauses.org.uk

To download the film please visit: http://isbx.it/d4b4a

More than £1billion has been awarded to more than 20,000 projects by the National Lottery in Northern Ireland since 1994

Ruth McGinley’s ‘Reconnection’ album and regional tour in partnership with Moving on Music received £5,000 of National Lottery funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in 2014 and more details can be found atwww.ruthmcginley.co.uk

The Golfing Union of Ireland received £9,000 of National Lottery funding in 2005 from Sport NI towards the development of Rory McIlroy.

Paralympics swimmer Bethany Firth is one 1,300 elite athletes who receive National Lottery support from UK Sport.

The Connswater Community Greenway received more than £23.5 million of National Lottery funding from the Big Lottery Fund in 2008.

The Walled City Townscape Heritage Initiative has received more than £2.6 million of National Lottery funding through the Heritage Lottery Fund .

For more information on National Lottery funding in your area please visit: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk