How I learned about GOAL through my school

One of the more striking things about life in St. Mel's College is the high esteem in which GOAL is held, among both teachers and students alike. There is much admiration and respect for the achievements GOAL has made among those most in need in the Developing World.

GOAL enjoys a positive and prominent profile in our school community. The annual GOAL Jersey Day is a popular tradition which is supported wholeheartedly by all. It's fun and worthwhile to “nail our colours to the mast” whilst raising nearly €1,500 to help street children in Calcutta at the same time. A soccer tournament is also organised within the school every May, the proceeds of which go to GOAL.

Support for GOAL also extends into the broader community. Longford is particularly well-known for its generosity towards GOAL's worthy cause. The GOAL car stickers are almost as numerous as the “C'mon De Town!” slogan that adorns most back windows in the locality! Aside from this, the financial and emotional support of the Longfordian community is surely appreciated by all concerned with GOAL.

I have no doubt whatsoever that this immense level of support for GOAL would not exist, were it not for the admirable work of Tiernan Dolan among the people of our town, and especially within our college community. He marshalled all the fundraising efforts in the school. In addition, he illuminated our classes with fascinating insights into GOAL's tireless work among the poorest of the poor. His atmospheric photography portrayed perfectly the message he was conveying.

I enjoyed a further opportunity to learn about GOAL during my CSPE project. In completing this assignment I was informed about the work of GOAL. This included putting devastated communities back on their feet, such as in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami. It also covered the developmental aid provided by GOAL; the building of schools and hospitals, the construction of wells, the provision of medicine and crops....... The list is infinite. I was also taught about the ideals of GOAL and the remarkable dedication of all its volunteers.

GOAL has grown and grown since John O'Shea founded the organisation nearly thirty years ago. It has blossomed into an integral and well-loved movement in our community.

Diarmaid Murphy
4th Year St. Mel's College
Longford