Athboy GOAL Mile to remember late Padraic Staunton

12 locations for charity event across Meath

The Athboy GOAL Mile organisers have this year introduced the Padraic Staunton Athboy Goal Mile Perpetual Cup in memory of the man who brought the Goal Mile tradition to the town where his legacy lives on in so many ways.

Pharmacist, businessman, and community activist Padraic died suddenly in January of this year.

Speaking about their motivations for becoming a GOAL Mile organiser and their ask to the people of Meath, GOAL Mile Champion, Caoimhe Leavy said: "The Athboy Goal Mile was founded in 2011 by Padraic Staunton who has left his legacy on our town in so many ways. Our community takes great pride in continuing to support a cause that he believed in."

The people of Meath are encouraged to think big this Christmas and to give back. Become part of one of Ireland’s most beloved fundraising traditions – the GOAL Mile.

Whether you’re walking, running, or simply showing your support, every step you take will help raise vital funds for GOAL’s life-saving humanitarian work across 15 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Ukraine. Through the GOAL Mile, your family could be the lifeline for other families in desperate need this Christmas.

With over 160 GOAL Mile events taking place across Ireland, including 12 in Meath, there is bound to be one near you. This is a fantastic opportunity to come together with family, friends, and local communities this Christmas and to make a real difference.

Last year, the GOAL Mile raised an incredible €630,000 – funds that continue to support GOAL’s work in some of the world's worst humanitarian crises, including in Sudan, Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine and Haiti. This year, your involvement can help make an even bigger impact.

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. To our incredible GOAL Mile Organisers, thank you for making this possible. And to anyone thinking of joining their local GOAL Mile, we encourage you to take part.

It’s more than a tradition—it’s a lifeline. Together, we can keep this tradition alive and continue to bring hope to communities around the world.”

GOAL Mile Locations in County Meath

Gael Colmcille GAA Grounds, Pairc Colmcille, Kells, Christmas Day, 11am-12pm

Rathcore (Starting at Crossroads near Boggins Pub Enfield), Christmas Day, 12:30pm-1:30pm

Athboy (outside Darnley Lodge Hotel), Christmas Day, 10:15am

St Brigid's Athletic Club, Ballinacree, Christmas Day, 11am-12pm

Kilbride GFC, Priest Town, Kilbride, St. Stephen's Day, 12pm

Kiltale GAA Club, Kiltale, Christmas Day, 11am

Kentstown Village, Christmas Day, 11am

St Colmcilles GAA Grounds, Bettystown, Christmas Day, 11am

Royal Canal at Longwood, Christmas Day, 10am

Claremont Athletic Club, Navan, Christmas Day, 10am-12pm

Dunboyne AC, New Year's Day, 11am-12:30pm

Ashbourne Rugby Club, 28th December, 10am