| Roscommon Champion, 14th May 2007
 The 10th Annual 10k sponsored walk in aid of GOAL which took place at Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon on St Stephen's Day raised a staggering 647,368.72. Chairperson John Boyle and his organising committee pushed really hard to make it a record both in terms of the numbers taking part and the amount of money raised.
More than 300 people took part and the proceeds will be aimed at Healthcare Programmes in areas like South Sudan where GOAL is working.
Some may think that EUR47,368.72 is not going to do much for the large amounts of people living in South Sudan or street children living rough on the streets in many large cities in the Developing World that the Ballintubber Walk has helped in the past.
But for every EUR1,000 that GOAL can raise from the public, and their corporate supporters, they can access a further EUR9,000 from the big donor organisations of the United Nations, various governments and the EU. In other words, the 2006 Ballintubber Walk helped GOAL'S work by over EUR470,000.
The cheque presentation by John Boyle to GOAL West of Ireland's Ronan Scully took place on Thursday evening last in Kenny's Lounge, Ballintubbe, A Great night of thanksgiving and celebration took place in Kenny's Lounge.
"This is a real community effort", said John Boyle.
"I want to thank everyone especially Benny O'Connell, of Benny's Restaurant, Dun Carraig and Gilmartin's Cash & Carry, Castlerea for the Mineral Water, The Castlerea Brass & Reed Band and the local media for their generous coverage and support.
And of course all the people who participated, the sponsors and the great army of voluntary helpers, all who contribute so much to the ongoing success of the event".
Extending his thanks to the effort put in by the organisers of this years St. Stephens Day Walk in Ballintubber, Ronan Scully of GOAL West of Ireland said that the Ballintubber Walk was a very worthwhile event, "not only because of the money it raises, but also – because it gives participants a chance to show their solidarity with the poorest people on earth"
"Perhaps this is why the GOAL Miles, the Ballintubber Walk and other events which take place around Christmas are so popular.
Most people like to take time out from the festivities and celebrations to remember the less fortunate people in the world and many take part in one of the GOAL events to show they care."
Anyone wishing to take part in or organise a fundraiser for GOAL or by helping in any other way can do so by contacting Ronan Scully, GOAL Office Galway at (091) 587901 or (087) 6189094.
Picture shows John Boyle along with committee members of Ballintubber St. Stephen's Day Walk, presenting a cheque for EUR47,368.72 to Karen O'Shea of GOAL at Kenny's Pub, Ballintubber on Thursday last.
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