Irish Soccer and Rugby Gladiators Hang Up Their Armour … and Join the Same Side

The Christmas season is traditionally a time of truce, and no different when it comes to the rivalries between the sporting Irish men and women who choose to play with the oval ball and those who favour the roundy one.   And while we’re not expecting these two gladiatorial tribes to meet up, share a pot of mulled wine and hugs, while watching Love Actually or The Holiday together (there are limits).  Instead, they’re joining forces for a much-loved Irish charity event, the ripple effects of which will last a lot longer than the family tin of Roses (or Celebrations or Quality Street – you get the picture).

The singular cause of this breakout of peace and goodwill amongst our rugby and soccer fraternities is, of course, the annual GOAL Mile.  Now in its 42^nd year, this popular and long-running Irish Christmas fundraiser brings together families, friends, work colleagues and clubs to run, walk or stroll in support of GOAL’s life-saving work with the most vulnerable communities across Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

And for those who are new in the country, or for the rest of us whose memories are hazy on the details, here’s a nostalgic refresher on how it all began with a shout-out from GOAL’s late chairperson and international athlete Noel Carroll, who suggested that Dubliners and their families might gather at the Phoenix Park on Christmas Day morning, to run a mile for GOAL.  Something about the notion of getting up on Christmas morning and running for charity caught the imagination of the public, and 250 people turned up to take part.  Today, it’s a nationwide endeavour with over 170 GOAL Mile events taking place in towns and communities all over Ireland, plus runs in San Francisco, New York and London, all raising money for GOAL’s life-saving work.

Who’s in the rugby house this Christmas?

Former Irish international, current rugby commentator and pundit fan-favourite Bernard Jackman was recently honoured with another title as a newly coined ambassador for GOAL.  Having witnessed first-hand the passion and energy of the Ireland fans throughout the recent Autumn Series, Jackman wants to see that same spirit carried forward into support for the GOAL Mile this Christmas; “Sportspeople, fans and communities here have consistently shown that they’re willing to rally for a good cause, and GOAL has been there for over 45 years, translating that spirit into life-changing support for communities in need.”

Reflecting on the broader significance of sport and its potential to inspire action, Jackman added: “The connection between Irish sport and GOAL is special – it’s about channelling that dedication and passion from the field to global issues that impact us all. I really believe that when we bring people together this way, we have the potential to make a lasting impact across borders, and I’m honoured to be part of that legacy.”

Standing shoulder to shoulder with Bernard Jackman and proof that giving back also extends to the newest generation of Irish rugby stars, Irish international and Leinster player Dan Sheehan has also answered the call as one of GOAL’s ambassadors this year.

And while rugger legend-in-his-own-lunchtime Ross O’Carroll Kelly’s history with the oval-shaped ball is chequered at best, we’ll hand it to him for getting on board with the GOAL Mile again this year, though likely it’ll be Paul Howard who’ll be doing the hard work, while the Rossmeister, with hip-flask tucked into his sheepskin coat, shouts encouragement from the sidelines, roight!   As a long-standing GOAL Mile ambassador, Paul believes that; “The GOAL Mile embodies everything the Irish people love about the holidays. It not only offers a wonderful opportunity to bring families, old friends, and communities together to have some fun, but it also presents a perfect opportunity to support a fantastic charity that helps the most vulnerable communities across the world who face extreme poverty and crisis”.

Enough with the rugby, say Irish soccer stars bringing the noise!

Meanwhile, over at the Shamrock Rovers training ground in Kingswood Cross, Dublin 22, the Men’s First Team lined up in their famous green and white hooped strip to show their support for the GOAL Mile.  In case you didn’t know (given they’re a modest bunch!) Shamrock Rovers is the most successful club in the Republic of Ireland, winning the League of Ireland title a record 21 times and the FAI Cup a record 25 times. Rovers have also supplied more players to the Republic of Ireland national football team than any other club.

Stephen Bradley, Shamrock Rovers Head Coach, spoke about the importance of taking part;  “Being part of GOAL Mile this year means a huge amount to all of us at Shamrock Rovers. Football is about bringing people together, and that’s exactly what the GOAL Mile does, too. For the lads, this is a chance to give back and show solidarity with those who need it most. GOAL works with communities who’ve been through incredibly tough times, and for us, getting behind their efforts was an easy decision. We’re proud to stand with them.”

Also promoting Shamrock Rovers’ support for the GOAL Mile, is team captain Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes; “It’s massively important for Rovers fans and the wider sports community to support the GOAL Mile. GOAL is doing real work to help communities who have been through the hardest times,” Roberto reminded fans who want to take part, that their GOAL Mile is happening in Tallaght Athletics Club on Christmas Day morning.

The Girls in Green make it a full soccer house

Women’s National Team captain Katie McCabe and her team-mates are also lending their support to the GOAL Mile, calling on their fans to join the Irish Christmas tradition that makes a real difference to vulnerable people worldwide;  “As a squad, we want to use our profile in a positive way to help others as much as we can, and the GOAL Mile is an initiative that shows the importance of resilience and teamwork. We hope that you can support this to provide help to those who need it most.”

How it helps, in real terms.

The GOAL Mile continues to grow as an enduring Irish tradition. Last year, it raised €630,000, providing critical support to communities facing crises across Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

If you can run, walk, or gently stroll, why not join your local GOAL Mile this Christmas? You’ll find information on your nearest GOAL Mile and full details on how to sign up at www.goalmile.org . Thank you!