GOAL Virtual Mile: Get your Christmas off to a charitable start

Players from Shamrock Rovers will take part in this year’s GOAL Mile Run in Tallaght on Christmas morning, and participants will also have the opportunity to get their photo taken with the League of Ireland trophy.

The Tallaght event is one of a number of GOAL Mile runs taking place around the county on Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day.

As in previous years, proceeds from the events will go to humanitarian aid charity GOAL to support their fight against poverty around the world.

On Christmas Day, GOAL Mile runs will be held in Eamonn Ceannt Park in Crumlin from 10.30am to 12 noon, and at Tallaght Athletic Club’s running track on the Greenhills Road from 9.30am to 12 noon.

John Cullen from Tallaght AC said: “Every cent raised at the event will help GOAL in their fight against poverty.

“At the moment GOAL have teams working in 13 countries including Ethiopia, Syria and Sierra Leone.

“We have received tremendous support over the years from the people of Tallaght and surrounding areas, who since 2003 have donated over €115,000 to the charity.

“This year GOAL is delighted that our local team, the League of Ireland champions Shamrock Rovers, have come on board to support their local GOAL Mile.

“The league trophy will be present on the track on Christmas morning, as will some of the players.

“This is a great opportunity to come along with your family, run or walk a mile, donate whatever you wish to GOAL, and get your photos taken with the trophy.

“There is no need to register – just turn up between 9.30am and 12 noon.”

On St Stephen’s Day, GOAL Mile runs will be held in Marlay Park in Rathfarnham from 11am to 1pm, and there will also be one beginning at the Corkagh Park car park in Clondalkin at 12 noon.

The GOAL Mile run is open to everyone to take part in, including people who aren’t affiliated with local athletics clubs.

For further information, visit www.goalglobal.org/goal-mile/