Rugby legend Bernard Jackman urges Derry people to Join GOAL fundraiser

GOAL Mile, the flagship annual fundraiser for Irish humanitarian aid charity GOAL, is back for 2025 and is once again proudly supported by AIB.

Now running for over four decades, GOAL Mile has grown to become one of Ireland’s most beloved festive traditions, with the event helping to raise critical funds for GOAL’s life-saving humanitarian work around the world for vulnerable communities affected by relentless conflict, the devastating effects of climate change and resulting mass displacement.

More than 40,000 people took part in GOAL Mile in December 2024 and on New Year’s Day 2025, making the most of the opportunity to unite for a healthy and fun activity during the Christmas season. Following on from 2024’s amazing turnout, when 203 GOAL Mile locations across Ireland raised a total of €750K for GOAL’s programmes across Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, the aim is for this year’s GOAL Mile to be the biggest yet.

AIB has backed the GOAL Mile campaign since 2021 and the growth of the event has been helped by GOAL’s proud roster of sports ambassadors, which includes former Ireland rugby international and much-respected rugby analyst and pundit, Bernard Jackman.

This year, there will be three GOAL Miles taking place across Co. Derry: Derry GOAL Mile, Friday, December 26 at 11.00am; Mulavady Wolfhounds GAC GOAL Mile, Monday, December 29 at 1.30pm; and Desertmartin GAC GOAL Mile.

GOAL Ambassador and former Ireland rugby international Bernard Jackman said: “Christmas is about coming together, and there’s no better way to do that than the GOAL Mile. It’s a brilliant tradition, where communities lace up and move for something much bigger than us. I’ve seen what teamwork can do on the pitch. The GOAL Mile is that same spirit, helping families in need across Gaza, Sudan and beyond. So, grab the kids, the dog, the whole crew and make your MILE matter. Organise, register, or donate today at goalmile.org.

Nafisa Brennan, Senior Fundraising Manager at GOAL added: “We here at GOAL, together with our partners at AIB, are delighted to kick off another season of the GOAL Mile, one of our biggest annual fundraisers. Since 2021, this important partnership has resulted in over €2million in donations from the people of Ireland and beyond, to support GOAL’s life-saving humanitarian programmes in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

“Your participation in this simple, family-friendly event helps GOAL make a real, tangible difference on the ground where our teams work.

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"For example, funds raised through the GOAL Mile help provide Plumpy’Nut, a Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) formulated to combat severe acute malnutrition in both children and adults. This peanut-based, nutrient-rich paste requires no water, and just three sachets a day can be enough to save a child’s life.

“We encourage everyone in Co. Derry to come out and find their local GOAL Mile this Christmas and help GOAL raise vital funds for our work with the world’s most vulnerable communities.”

To register for your local GOAL Mile please visit https://www.goalmile.org/.