Thousands raised by community for GOAL

PEOPLE around the county donned their running shoes over Christmas and took part in local GOAL Mile runs, raising thousands of euro for the international humanitarian charity in the process.

Over €6,000 was raised at the 20th annual GOAL Mile Run at Tallaght Athletic Club’s running track just off the Greenhills Road on Christmas morning.

John Cullen from Tallaght AC told The Echo: “Once again, there was a large turnout for the 20th running of the Goal Mile on the Tallaght Athletic Club track on Christmas morning.

“There was a terrific atmosphere present with some people dressed in festive costumes and young children carrying their presents that Santa had delivered the previous night.

“Although people were enjoying themselves, they turned up to help people who are less fortunate than themselves, which reflects great credit on the population of Tallaght and surrounding areas.

“Many thanks to Shamrock Rovers and in particular Aaron Greene for bringing down the League of Ireland trophy which was very popular.”

John added: “As a lot of people donated through the tap system on their phones it is not possible to put a figure on the amount of money collected but nearly €6,000 was donated in cash on the day.

“The organising committee would like to thank everybody who supported the event and wish them all a very happy 2024.”

On the same morning, runners and walkers lined out for a GOAL Mile Run in Knocklyon and raised over €4,000 for GOAL.

Ciarán Ahern, who organised the event, said: “Our third annual Knocklyon GOAL Mile took place on a windy, but mainly dry Christmas morning.

“[They were] perfect conditions to blow off the cobwebs and get out for a bit of exercise with the family and/or the dog, or to try out some new bikes or wheelies delivered by Santa!

“We used the beautiful Dodder Greenway around Cherryfield for our route again and had over 300 participants between 10am and 11.30am on Christmas morning.

“We are really grateful for support from Nadia Power (Templeogue local and 800m Irish Olympian), Ballyboden St Enda’s GAA club, Ballyboden Tidy Towns and South Dublin County Council.”

Over in Lucan, the Lucan Harriers Athletic Club’s running track played host to a GOAL Mile Run and over €5,000 was collected on the day.

Lorraine Haverty from Lucan Harriers AC said: “The GOAL Mile kicked off at the Lucan Harriers track at 10am on Christmas day.

“This was the 22nd time that the event has been organised at the track by Gerry Martin.

“The morning got off to a wet start, but people didn’t let the rain dampen their Christmas spirit.

“The running shoes were laced up and the track was busy for two hours with runners and non-runners turning up with families, friends and dogs to get their mile in before the Christmas dinner.

“We had a mix of walkers and runners on the track.

“GOAL Mile t-shirts were proudly on display as well as some festive outfits.

“Many of the Lucan Harrier members who were running or volunteering sported the club colours of red and black.

“Thank you to everyone who volunteered and to those who came to support this event.”

The GOAL Mile Run in Corkagh Park, Clondalkin, on St Stephen’s Day was described as “a great success” by organiser Melissa McGuire.

“In this, our 13th year, on a cool crisp 26th of December we had a great turn out of very enthusiastic runners and walkers,” she said.

“Many thanks to Anna and Shane from Parkrun for their support and that of their runners and Jim Augney who has kindly supported us every year.

“It was very humbling to have so many local people willing to give up their time to participate in Clondalkin GOAL mile in solidarity with the poorest of the poor.

“Thanks again and see you all next year.”

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