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02 Jan 2026
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02 Jan 2026
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Attending the GOAL Mile on Christmas Day in Birr were l. to r. Tom Enright, Caoimhe O'Meara, Ronan Murphy and Clodagh McIntyre. They were the first boy, girl, man and woman across the finish line.
THE people of Birr came out in their hundreds on Christmas Day to help raise vital funds for GOAL’s life-saving humanitarian work across 15 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Ukraine.
Birr hosted one of c.170 GOAL Miles taking place across Ireland this year. Coordinator of GOAL Mile Birr, Emma Nee Haslam, said "while it is a fantastic opportunity to come together with family, friends and local communities each Christmas, through supporting the GOAL Mile, Birr plays its part in providing a lifeline for vulnerable families across the world each Christmas".
Reflecting on the impact the GOAL Mile has, 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."
Emma Nee Haslam, sincerely thanked the people of Birr for their huge generosity. "Since I started coordinating this fundraising event ten years ago, Birr has contributed over €30k in that time. This year we exceeded €3,500 once all online donations and registrations were added to the bucket collection on the day".
GOAL is currently providing emergency services to those in need in Gaza, Sudan and Lebanon by providing food, shelter, clean water and healthcare. They also provide ongoing supports across the world including helping young farmers escape poverty in Uganda; provide lifesaving care to families affected by gang violence in Haiti; empowering women to access education in Zimbabwe; providing financial and psychological support to orphaned children in Ethiopia. Their work is a lifeline to so many.
Online donations for GOAL Mile Birr will remain open for a few weeks, the links to which can be found on GOAL Mile Birr social media pages.
The GOAL Mile is supported by AIB and further information can be found on www.goalmile.org
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