'It’s more than a tradition - it’s a lifeline' - People of Laois encouraged to take part in GOAL Mile

People in Laois are encouraged to take part in the annual GOAL Mile this Christmas to raise funds for communities in need.

For many people, the GOAL Mile is a favourite festive tradition and raises vital funds for the organisation's life-saving humanitarian work across 15 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Ukraine. 

Everyone is encouraged to get involved this year, whether you want to walk, run or just show up and lend your support for the cause.

There will be over 160 GOAL Mile events taking place across the country this Christmas, including three in Laois. The three events in Laois will be taking place in Stradbally, Portarlington and Clough Ballacolla.

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On Christmas Day from 10am to 12pm, the GOAL Mile will be taking place in Oakville Woods in Stradbally. Also on Christmas Day, Portarlington's GAA Club will host their GOAL Mile from 11am to 11.30am. 

Clough Ballacolla GAA & The Harps GAA will host their GOAL Mile at the Clough Ballacolla GAA club on December 22 at 10am.

GOAL Mile champion, Laura Mahony, has urged the people of Laois to take part. She said: "The Healthy Club committees from The Harps and Clough Ballacolla are delighted to come together to organise our 1st Goal Mile and really hope that our GAA and Camogie communities will come out in force to support this."

Last year, the GOAL Mile raised a staggering €630,000 and they hope to make an even bigger impact in 2024.

Commenting on the significance of the GOAL Mile, the Director of Fundraising at GOAL, Helen McVeigh, said: "Every year, the GOAL Mile unites people from all corners of Ireland in a powerful display of solidarity and generosity. This cherished Irish tradition is not only deeply meaningful for communities here at home but also has a profound ripple effect across borders, reaching those who need it most."

She added: "The funds raised through the GOAL Mile directly support GOAL’s vital work in some of the world’s most challenging regions, providing life-saving aid and hope to vulnerable communities. To our incredible GOAL Mile Organisers, thank you for making this possible. And to anyone thinking of joining their local GOAL Mile, we encourage you to take part.  

"It’s more than a tradition—it’s a lifeline. Together, we can keep this tradition alive and continue to bring hope to communities around the world."

You can register to take part in your local GOAL Mile on GOAL's website.