Three Goal Mile events in Westmeath this year

Some 25,000 people are expected to take part in the GOAL Mile at 150 locations, including three in Westmeath, across Ireland this Christmas.

They will help to raise funds for some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

The three Westmeath GOAL Miles are at the Mullingar Shamrocks GAA Grounds (N91 PX22) on Christmas Day between 10.30am and 12.30pm; at the park in Multyfarnham on Christmas Day between noon and 1.30pm; and at Castledaly GAA Grounds (N37 VY64) on St Stephen’s Day between noon and 2pm.

Speaking about her participation in the GOAL Mile, Anne Cassin, RTÉ Nationwide presenter, said: “The GOAL Mile is a beloved Christmas tradition for thousands of families across Ireland, including my own. Our family of five run the Tallaght GOAL Mile every year, and after that we jump into sea at the Forty Foot, and then head home for turkey.

“Last year, GOAL reached 14.6 million people with their humanitarian programmes, which centre on providing healthcare, nutrition, livelihood support, and safe water and sanitation facilities to some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.

“So, I hope lots of other families will go the extra mile this Christmas and sign up for their local GOAL Mile in aid of GOAL’s life-saving work around the world.”

Eamon Sharkey, director of fundraising and communications at GOAL, said: “During 2023, we have witnessed a deadly mix of crises because of conflict and natural disaster across the world, and GOAL has responded to all these crises, helping communities affected move from crisis to resilience.

“We are now asking people across Ireland to register for their local GOAL Miles and make whatever contribution they can so that we can continue this life-saving work.”

To register and take part in a GOAL Mile near you this Christmas, please visit https://www.goalmile.org