Irish humanitarian aid agency GOAL is launching this year’s hugely popular Christmas fundraiser, the GOAL Mile.

The event is open for people across Ireland and abroad, with registration now open at the GOAL website

The annual event sees people across the country gather over the Christmas holidays to run, jog or walk a mile in support of vulnerable communities across 14 countries where works take place in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Starting first in 1977, this year’s GOAL Mile is supported by AIB. This will be the first of a new three-year partnership, announced just last month.

This year marks the first time that both in-person and virtual events are taking place. This is following the move online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prior to the pandemic, over 170 Miles events were organized across Ireland. In 2019, approximately 50,000 people raised over €250,000.

GOAL’s Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Eamon Sharkey, sees the option of physical or virtual GOAL Miles as an opportunity to connect even more people with their communities, the Irish diaspora and GOAL’s work this Christmas.

“We are so excited to re-connect with people in-person this Christmas.”

“For many people, it will have been two years since they were last with family, friends, and neighbors, and we hope the GOAL Mile can play a part in bringing people together as we come out of such a challenging period.”

“Of course, there are many people around the world who still can’t be at home or take part in physical events this Christmas. That is why we are delighted to also be encouraging virtual GOAL Miles once again. Last year people from every corner of the world took part to make it a truly global event, and we would love to see that become a part of the longstanding tradition of the GOAL Mile.”

GOAL CEO Siobhan Walsh hopes to reach more communities throughout Ireland and across the globe with this year’s fundraiser.

“Hundreds of communities across Ireland already know and love the GOAL Mile,” said Ms. Walsh.

“They show incredible compassion for communities in need across the world that this event supports. GOAL helped more than 14 million people in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America last year. We could not have achieved this without the continued support of the Irish people.”

AIB Chief Executive, Colin Hunt, said:

“At AIB we are committed to building a sustainable tomorrow by backing those who are building it today, and by supporting GOAL we are reaching those communities that are already suffering deeply from the impact of crises, poverty and climate change.“

To register for your local event or to arrange one at a new location, please visit GOAL’s official website.

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Irish sports news, click here.

The post GOAL Mile appealing for supporters this Christmas appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Rugby World Cup Replica Jerseys.

For every World Cup, each team wears a jersey specifically designed for the competition. With the World Cup being last year and those jerseys now not being worn anymore, they’re available for great prices. Unlike jerseys in soccer and gaa, rugby jerseys do not go out of style as quickly and jerseys from past seasons are no way out of place a couple of years after their release.

There were some lovely jerseys on display in Japan last year. ProDirect Rugby have a lot of the countries’ World Cup Jerseys available. Due to the World Cup being over a year ago, they’re available cheaper than the jerseys you’ll find teams wearing now.

Ireland’s jersey was one of the sleeker on show. But, New Zealand’s and Australia’s efforts were eye-catching too. In fact, even jerseys from the likes of Italy or Tonga are nice additions to any collection. There might be a Black Friday sports sale and offers

https://www.prodirectrugby.com/products/Asics-Australia-Rugby-World-Cup-2019-Home-Replica-Shirt-Wallabies-Gold-Mens-Replica-Shirts-193486.aspx

Sports Crests Prints.

Artist Vincent Devine has created a collection of re-imagined crests using his own unique interpretation and style. The four Irish provinces feature in this collection and are all beautifully finished.

The prints are available in three sizes: 12 x 12 inch, 20 x 20 inch or 30 x 30 inch. Each print is printed on fine art archival paper.

https://sportscrests.com/shop/

Beautiful Art by @vincent_devine now on sale at https://t.co/P9e3jwuBxd Please Support local artists this Christmas. #shoplocal #supportlocal pic.twitter.com/Jrdm2nxezc

— Doug Leddin (@dougleddin) November 1, 2020

Books.

An obvious option for a present for rugby fans have good options this year.

Firstly, Kieth Earl’s autobiography was released earlier in the year. Fight or Flight – My Life, My Choices’  Keith Earls has maintained a low profile throughout his career. For the first time he talks in depth and at length about the inner turmoil that went unseen by team-mates, friends and fans. A confessional, intimate and courageous story of the pain that was a constant companion to the glory.

https://www.kennys.ie/shop/Fight-or-Flight-My-Life-Keith-Earls-9781914197093

Secondly, Great moments in Irish Rugby by Sportsfile reminiscences from photographers and players alike, this book is a look back over the decades at the legendary players, matches and moments that have contributed to the narrative of our contribution to one of the world’s most exciting sports. A must for rugby fans wherever they are.

https://www.kennys.ie/shop/christmas-2018/Great-Moments-in-Irish-Rugby-Sportsfile

Both of these books are available on Kennys.ie

Trip to Galway to watch Connacht v Munster

Connacht hosts Munster on the 1st of January and what better present could any rugby fan get than to spend a Saturday night in Galway and watch some top-class rugby. You can book rooms in the Connachthotel for €150, tickets for the match will be on sale very soon and with a 100% capacity expected there should be no problem securing a ticket. You can also look at premium options for the match on the Connacht rugby website.

Stocking Fillers.

Everyone loves the little joke presents they receive at Christmas that they end using every day. For example coffee mugs/flasks with funny inscriptions, quirky socks, funny cushions, and signs are all good gift ideas.

Etsy’s online site has a great offering of such Christmas present ideas for a rugby fan.

https://www.etsy.com/ie/market/gift_for_rugby_fan

https://3.249.64.60/rugby/8-nations-rugby-championship-fixtures-and-pools/

https://3.249.64.60/rugby/8-nations-rugby-championship-fixtures-and-pools/

The post 5 Christmas Present Ideas for a Rugby Fan appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Saturday 19^th – Monday 21^st December.

• Crystal Palace vs Liverpool – 19 Dec, 12.30pm on BT Sport
• Southampton vs Man City – 19 Dec, 3pm on Amazon
• Everton vs Arsenal – 19 Dec, 5.30pm on Sky Sports
• Newcastle Utd vs Fulham – 19 Dec, 8pm on Sky Sports
• Brighton vs Sheffield Utd – 20 Dec, 12pm on Sky Sports
• Tottenham vs Leicester City – 20 Dec, 2.15pm on Sky Sports
• Man Utd vs Leeds Utd – 20 Dec, 4.30pm on Sky Sports
• West Brom vs Aston Villa – 20 Dec, 7.15pm on BT Sport
• Burnley vs Wolves – 21 Dec, 5.30pm on Sky Sports
• Chelsea vs West Ham – 21 Dec, 8pm on Sky Sports

Saturday 26^th – Sunday 27^th December

• Leicester City vs Man Utd – 26 Dec, 12.30pm on BT Sport
• Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace – 26 Dec, 3pm on BBC
• Fulham vs Southampton – 26 Dec, 3pm on Sky Sports
• Arsenal vs Chelsea – 26 Dec, 5.30pm on Sky Sports
• Man City vs Newcastle Utd – 26 Dec, 8pm on BT Sport
• Sheffield Utd vs Everton – 26 Dec, 8pm on BT Sport
• Leeds Utd vs Burnley – 27 Dec, 12pm on Sky Sports
• West Ham vs Brighton – 27 Dec, 2.15pm on Sky Sports
• Liverpool vs West Brom – 27 Dec, 4.30pm on Sky Sports
• Wolves vs Tottenham – 27 Dec, 7.15pm on Sky Sports

Monday 28^th -Wednesday 30^th December (All on Amazon).

• Crystal Palace vs Leicester City – 28 Dec, 3pm
• Chelsea vs Aston Villa – 28 Dec, 5.30pm
• Everton vs Man City – 28 Dec, 8pm
• Southampton vs West Ham – 29 Dec, 6pm
• Brighton vs Arsenal – 29 Dec, 6pm
• West Brom vs Leeds Utd – 29 Dec, 6pm
• Burnley vs Sheffield Utd – 29 Dec, 6pm
• Man Utd vs Wolves – 29 Dec, 8pm
• Tottenham vs Fulham – 30 Dec, 6pm
• Newcastle Utd vs Liverpool – 30 Dec, 8pm

https://3.249.64.60/soccer/soccer-irish/5-best-roy-keane-punditry-moments/

Ten of the 20 Premier League clubs will be allowed a restricted number of fans back into stadiums when current lockdown rules end on December 2

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) November 26, 2020

https://twitter.com/SkySports/status/1332006452257550336

https://3.249.64.60/soccer/soccer-irish/5-best-roy-keane-punditry-moments/

The post Where to watch the Premier League this Christmas appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Dingle Distillery Whiskey.

This is a Christmas where we are being urged to shop locally more than ever before. However, this does not mean we are limited in any way at all. In the field of whiskey, gin, and vodka, the Dingle Distillery’s artisan approach ensures we need not look too far for the perfect Christmas drink.

Furthermore, Dingle is also releasing its Fourth Single Pot Still Release whiskey, which will be available from November 5. Perfect timing for Christmas. With no confirmation of having pubs open this Christmas, make sure you have the right stock at home.

https://dingledistillery.ie/

Remember Remember….. pic.twitter.com/SHOHclQFST

— Dingle Distillery (@DingleWhiskey) November 1, 2020

Sports Crests Prints.

Artist Vincent Devine has created a collection of re-imagined crests using his own unique interpretation and style. The four Irish provinces’ rugby crests feature in this collection and are all beautifully finished.

The prints are available in three sizes: 12 x 12 inch, 20 x 20 inch or 30 x 30 inch. Each print is printed on fine art archival paper.

https://sportscrests.com/shop/

Beautiful Art by @vincent_devine now on sale at https://t.co/P9e3jwuBxd Please Support local artists this Christmas. #shoplocal #supportlocal pic.twitter.com/Jrdm2nxezc

— Doug Leddin (@dougleddin) November 1, 2020

Books.

An obvious option for a present for rugby fans have good options this year.

Firstly, Rory Best’s autobiography was released earlier in the year. The former Ireland captain recounts lessons and experience from his 14-year international career.

Secondly, Rob Kearney has just released his own story entitled ‘No Hiding: My Autobiography’. The Leinster man is Ireland’s most decorated player and his illustrious career extended through the ups and downs of Irish Rugby.

Both of these books are available on Kennys.ie.

https://www.kennys.ie/shop/no-hiding-my-autobiography

Lions Tickets vs Japan. 

In truth, this one is a challenge but would have you in the good books for a lifetime. As part of next year’s British and Irish Lions Tour, the Lions will first play Japan in Murrayfield on the 26th of June.

While it may be many rugby fans’ dream to follow the Lions on one of their southern-hemisphere tours, this will only be the third time the Lions have ever competed on home soil. Hence, anyone present would be a part of rugby history. Even for non-rugby fans, the novelty of getting to a live event is too good to turn down.

Tickets for the historic fixture go on pre-sale on Tuesday 3 November, with supporters able to register their interest at lionsrugby.com/Vodafone-1888-Cup. Vodafone customers will be able to benefit from access to tickets and giveaways via the VeryMe loyalty programme.

https://www.scottishrugby.org/news/british-and-irish-lions-to-play-japan-at-bt-murrayfield#:~:text=BT%20Murrayfield%20will%20host%20the,the%20Vodafone%20Lions%201888%20Cup.

Scratch Posters.

The idea of scratch maps where you scratch off a new country every time you visit one has become very popular in recent years.

Now, these posters can be found for almost anything. With people spending more and more time at home, why not get Him a scratch poster for 100 movies to watch?

Likewise, you can find one for any type of interest. For example, craft beers to taste, albums to listen to, or activities to try.

SmartWatch.

The age of the fancy leather-strapped or big-faced watches has passed. Instead, it’s all about how much you information you can fit on your wrist in the smallest amount of space. SmartWatches have become even more popular during the Covid-19 pandemic because of their built-in GPS systems.

Fitness fanatics can track every detail of their lifestyle. FitBit are the leading provider for this particular sector but Apple have come to rival them.

FitBit’s newest offering, the Versa 3, features heart-rate tracking, blood-oxygen sensors, sleep tracking, menstrual-cycle tracking, and built-in GPS. It’s also waterproof and has its own wireless payments system. On the other hand, those with iPhones want to go with the Series 6 which has all the same offerings but isn’t compatible with Android phones.

If the top of the market is beyond your reach, both FitBit and Apple also have mid-range alternatives that more than suffice and come with a selection of coloured straps.

Wireless Earphones/Headphones.

This one is in the same bracket as SmartWatches. This is a present that would just add so much convenience to someone’s life. Instead of fiddling with wires all of the time, he could be able to move freely.

If fitness is his thing, he can listen to music while he exercises without a wire bouncing off him or pulling the earphones out of his ear.

In fact, anyone can benefit from these as they could be used on a commute, a trip to the shops, or even for work. If people are working from laptops all day, they would surely be thankful for the freedom to be able to get up and move while still being connected to a call or video.

If someone is working from home, go one better and get them noise-cancelling headphones so they can block out the hustle and bustle of a house full of people.

Polaroid Cameras.

It would be very easy to fill this list with the latest savvy tech kit. But, everyone is getting more conscious of the time they are spending plugged into devices and so it may be an idea to offer people fun alternatives.

One example is with photographs. Now, everyone edits their photos on their phones or social media. Instead, people could find enjoyment in seeing physical photographs again.

Fujifilm’s Instax Instant Camera prints photos immediately. Give Christmas a physical feeling again and capture the festive moments in all their authenticity.

Personalised Glass.

Add a personal touch with an inscription on a pint glass or wine glass. Gifts.ie allow you to inscribe any message on a glass and even offer designs to add to it. For example, if he is a golfer, they offer a glass with a golfer engraved alongside a message.

Maybe even couple this present with a local beer. Black Donkey Brewing from Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon are making a name for themselves.

https://blackdonkeybeer.com/

Local GAA Gear

Make sure you’re ready to support your local GAA Club with some gear in the club colours.

O’Neills now cover almost every club in the country on their website and you can easily find the perfect Christmas presents for him. The options extend beyond training jerseys and playing shorts for players. Jackets, hoodies, raincoats are just some of the options fans have to keep themselves covered at local games.

Furthermore, there has been a rise of local companies outfitting GAA teams. It would be worthwhile if your club already has a company offering local gear.

https://www.oneills.com/clubs?sport=136

https://3.249.64.60/rugby/8-nations-rugby-championship-fixtures-and-pools/

https://3.249.64.60/rugby/8-nations-rugby-championship-fixtures-and-pools/

https://twitter.com/dougleddin/status/1322946056120926210

The post Top 10 Christmas Presents for Him appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.