Kerrigans 5k marks 20 years; Goal Miles in Mullingar and Multyfarnham

The Goal Mile, the main fundraiser for Irish humanitarian charity, is back this year, again supported by AIB, and again at the now traditional locations in Mullingar, Multyfarnham and Castledaly.

The one at the Mullingar Shamrocks GAA Grounds (N91 PX22) is on Christmas Day between 10.30am and 12.30pm; and the Multyfarnham one is in Gaine Park, also on Christmas Day, between noon and 1.30pm. The mile at the Castledaly GAA Grounds (N37 VY64) is on St Stephen’s Day between noon and 2pm.

The annual St Stephen’s Day 5k which starts from Kerrigans Bar in Mullingar marks its 20th anniversary this year. It is again raising funds for Meals on Wheels, and as is traditional, “anything goes” for taking part - run, walk, bring the buggy. Registration is open from 10.30am and the event starts at 11am.

Last year, there were 160 Goal Mile locations, including the three in Westmeath, and €630,000 was raised for the charity’s humanitarian work in 14 countries in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

This year AIB renewed support for the Goal Mile for another three years, and its Group CEO, Colin Hunt, said: “AIB is delighted to renew our partnership with Goal for another three years. Supporting the Goal Mile is something we are proud of, as it gives communities across Ireland the opportunity to come together and contribute to make a difference for vulnerable families around the world, when they need it most We greatly look forward to continuing with Goal and helping to grow this much-loved Christmas tradition, encouraging even more people to step up and participate.”

Siobhan Walsh, CEO of Goal, said that since 2021, AIB and Goal’s partnership has resulted in more than €2 million in donations from the people of Ireland and beyond, to support Goal’s humanitarian programmes.

“To put that into meaningful context, as people flee conflict in Lebanon, a €250 donation helps Goal provide food for a family of five for a month. We are deeply moved by the compassion shown by AIB’s customers and colleagues to help Goal provide humanitarian relief.”

Ms Walsh praised the dedication and commitment of Goal Mile organisers. She said: “Organising a Goal Mile is both fun and rewarding at local level, and we encourage anyone interested in setting up a new Goal Mile to make contact.”

To register for a Goal Mile or discuss setting up a Goal Mile in your community in the future, see Goalmile.org.