Longford Goalies go the extra mile

It's as much a part of Christmas in Longford as holly and Jingle Bells, and the 2023 Longford GOAL mile will continue a tradition that stretches back decades.

Ireland's second longest running GOAL Mile will commence at Connolly Barracks, Longford on Christmas day.

Tiernan Dolan, local GOAL organiser, said the annual event is so popular because of the community support and the enthusiastic runners who gather every Christmas morning for the pr- turkey exertion.

This year is the 41st year of the run that GOAL first arranged in Dublin in 1982 The Longford starting point, route and start time haven't changed in the almost 35 years of the event.

Christmas day, at 12 noon, and starting from Connolly Barracks the route is a simply one mile round the streets of Longford. At this stage, it has established itself as much loved Longford tradition.

Tiernan says the anticipation is building for the run: “The Longford event is probably the longest established in the country, always taking place at the same time and place.

“Old friends gather, family groups and many with overseas extended family all join in the event to spread some joy at Christmas,” he said.

Last year members of the local Ukrainian community joined in the run to support the Longford GOAL mile.

Tiernan says the popularity of the run continues: “Certainly it's now a much loved Longford tradition and for many, Christmas just wouldn't be the same without it.

“Zuzanna Pawelec (pictured) has been taking part since her early childhood and will be there again on Christmas day. We hope people will spread the word about the run and start spreading smiles,” he concluded.

Tthe money raised all goes to a very worthy cause.