Pounding Quays for charity

HUNDREDS of people shrugged off the Christmas turkey to take part in the GOAL mile, four laps of a route on the Wexford Quays on St Stephen’s Day.

‘It was the best one we’ve had. It’s the eighth year we’ve done it and the people of Wexford turned out in force,’ said Kevin Cogley, one of three local organisers along with David Williams and Shane McCormack.

Kevin said this year’s run had raised €1,400, double last year’s total, the mild weather contributing to the large numbers of people who turned out.

‘We had 300 runners and the fund raising took the form of a bucket collection, so we’re delighted with the results,’ said Kevin.

Next year’s run it’s hoped will attract even bigger crowds, but given the unusual weather this year, that’s in the lap of the gods. GOAL Miles are held at Christmas in villages, towns and cities right across Ireland.

Now in its 35th year, the event sees tens of thousands of participants run, jog or walk a Mile and raise funds and awareness for GOAL’s programmes in the developing world. One of the country’s most popular annual events, the GOAL Mile has become an integral part of Christmas for thousands of families. Each individual Mile event is run by one or more local organisers and GOAL says that it is largely because of their support and hard work that the GOAL Mile has become such a success.

Eileen Murphy, Aine Gannon, Lucy Caufield, Aoife Caufield, Conall Clancy, Isobelle Caufield, Padraig Clancy, Maura Clancy and Susan Murphy.

Pavlina Murphy, Ellen Murphy, Andrew Murphy and Vratka Krnacova.

Laylah Gallagher, Emma Gallagher, Robyn Walsh, Ann Marie Walsh and Julie Ann Barrett.

The Fogartys – David, Charlie, Emma, Jane and Henry, who was celebrating his 4th birthday on St. Stephen’s Day.

Paula O’Reilly, Pat Foley, Wayne Breen and Siobhan Kehoe.

Joe Ryan, Michael Moran, Margaret Ryan and Ciara Ryan.