GOAL Mile events in Clare help raise thousands for humanitarian aid agency

Thousands of euro was raised for GOAL by those who participated in GOAL Mile events in Clare last Christmas.

The charity, has revealed its flagship fundraiser raised a total of €750,000 over the festive period with €6,274 coming from GOAL Milers who attended events in Clare.

Supported by AIB and led by local organisers there were more than 200 GOAL Miles across Ireland and overseas in December and early-January.

Five GOAL Mile events took place in Clare over the Christmas and New Year period - in Ennis, Shannon, Lahinch Beach, Clonara and Cratloe Woods Forest Park.

READ ALSO: Waterford gardaí issue witness appeal following mid-day crash

Commenting on the success of GOAL Mile 2024, Siobhan Walsh, GOAL CEO said: “GOAL Miles have been running across Ireland every Christmas since 1982 but the 2024 GOAL Mile was a truly exceptional one for so many reasons, and not only because we broke our fundraising record. We were of course delighted to welcome AIB back for their fourth year as our GOAL Mile partner.”

Eileen Gleeson, organiser of the Clonlara GOAL Mile, said: "I organise the Clonlara Goal Mile in County Clare. It is a wonderful event to bring the community together on Christmas morning when Santa has most of us up at early anyway! Thanks to the local GAA club for their support  - even before they had a formal walkway - the large crowd that turned up in the grass pitch in Doonass was incredible, the wet grass & mud didn't put anybody off!"

Colin Hunt, AIB Group Chief Executive Officer, added: “AIB is embedded in communities right around the country through our 170 branches and we are incredibly proud to support the GOAL Mile. The initiative brings communities here in Ireland together to show their support and solidarity with the most vulnerable communities across the world, grappling with the effects of climate change, poverty, hunger, and conflict.

Mr Hunt has confirmed that AIB has renewed its partnership with GOAL for another three years.

The Irish humanitarian agency has a proud history over the last 48 years of delivering life-saving aid and development programmes in some of the world’s most fragile countries and to some of the world's most vulnerable communities.