Step up for the GOAL Mile - at SIX Kilkenny venues this year

The people of Kilkenny have been encouraged to think big and give back this Christmas.

The message came at the launch one of Ireland’s most loved fundraising traditions – the GOAL Mile.

Whether you’re walking, running, or simply showing your support, every step people take will help raise vital funds for GOAL’s life-saving humanitarian work across 15 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Ukraine. Through participating in the GOAL Mile, local families could be the lifeline for other families in desperate need this Christmas. Over 160 GOAL Mile events will be held across Ireland, including six in Kilkenny.

“The Goal Mile Event is a brilliant way for people to come together over Christmas to help support Goal and all of their worldwide humanitarian efforts,” said Jason Dempsey, Kilkenny GOAL Mile champion. “It’s a fun event and brings together communities to help those in need.”

The first of Kilkenny’s GOAL Mile events will be held at
Kilkenny Castle on Friday, at 1pm.

Other events will be held at the following:
Shamrocks Ballyhale GAA, Saturday, December 21, 11am;
Market Street, Thomastown, Christmas Day, 12 noon;
Danesfort and Mullinavat GAA grounds, St Stephen’s Day, 11am (both venues);
Carrickshock GAA Club, Saturday, December 30, 11am.

To register for your local GOAL Mile visit goalmile.org

Last year, the GOAL Mile raised an incredible €630,000 – funds that continue to support GOAL’s work in some of the world's worst humanitarian crises, including in Sudan, Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine and Haiti. This year, your involvement can help make an even bigger impact.

Reflecting on this impact, Helen McVeigh, Director of Fundraising at GOAL, 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.

"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.”

The GOAL Mile is proudly sponsored by AIB.