€106,000 raised for GOAL Mile
By William O'Connor
THE COMMUNITY came out in force on Christmas morning to help the Tallaght Goal Mile reach its fundraising target of €100,000 since it started some 15 years ago.
Once again the community came up trumps with just under €8,500 raised on the day in three hours to bring its total money raised to a whopping €106,000.
The community came out in force on Christmas morning to help the Tallaght Goal Mile reach its fundraising target
“Since we started the Goal Mile in Tallaght, it has grown in strength and many families now use the run as part of their Christmas Day ritual,” said one of the event organisers John Cullen.
“The event gets families out in the fresh air while helping some of the poorest people on earth. It’s a great day and the atmosphere was brilliant.
“One of the highlights of the day was seeing both fire tenders from the station on Belgard Road pull into the car park and all the crew running the mile in full fire fighting kit.
“It was a very impressive sight and much appreciated by all present at the time.”
Among those who lent on their support were Dublin senior footballers Kevin McManamon along with RTE presenter Anne Cassin from Nationwide.
A surprise but welcome attendee was the Fianna Fail TD for Clare Timmy Dooley. The parties spokesperson on Communications, The Environment & Natural Resources was spending Christmas with relatives in the area and came along to support the event
The fastest mile of the day was recorded by Tallaght AC club member Kevin English from Kilnamanagh who ran 4 minutes 59 seconds.
“Overall it was a great day and I would like to thank everyone for their support,” added John Cullen.
Meanwhile at Lucan Harriers, there was a great turnout with approximately 520 taking part and raising €3,546.
Due to Harriers track being unavailable, the mile route was run in the park immediately behind the track.
The club is looking forward to returning to the newly laid track for the 2019 Goal Mile. Groups set out to do the Mile every 15 minutes from 10am to 12pm.
87-year-old Dermot O’Gara took part in the Lucan Goal Mile and was joined by family Colin O’Gara, Lhyne Ganadin, Roger Luiz Veloso and Marine Haydn Credido.
“I’ve been involved in sport and been a sports fan for years so it’s nice to be able give something back that has sport connections especially at a special time like Christmas. This year was particularly special to bring along family and friends from overseas,” said Colin O’Gara.
Meanwhile in Corkagh Park on St Stephen’s Day, appromimately 1,000 people turned up with €1,782 raised.
Dublin City Marathon organiser Jim Aughney was in attendance on the day while orgainisers got great support from the Park Run group.
“It was a great day, the weather was good which was a good help and everyone really enjoyed it,” said Clondalkin Goal Mile organiser Melissa Mcguire.
