Michael Darragh Macauley has joined GOAL Global as Head of Sports Partnerships and Brand Engagement.
The eight-time All-Ireland winner announced the move on LinkedIn, outlining his ambition to connect sport’s capacity to bring people together with GOAL’s humanitarian work across 18 countries.
“I’m looking forward to learning more about the incredible humanitarian work GOAL is doing across 18 countries and exploring how sport can bring people and communities together to support this important work,” he said.
The appointment continues a career in which sport and social purpose have long been closely connected. The former Dublin midfielder and 2013 Footballer of the Year previously worked with marginalised communities in Dublin’s north inner city before becoming Chief Executive of Sanctuary Runners in August 2024. He stepped down from that position in 2025, having helped the movement develop its community integration work through running, jogging and walking.
His new role brings that experience to an organisation with long-established connections across Irish sport.
GOAL Jersey Day clearly shows those relationships in action. Its 2026 campaign, supported by Premier Sports, was launched by Shamrock Rovers and Cape Verde footballer Pico Lopes alongside Ireland rugby international Dan Sheehan, encouraging schools, workplaces, clubs and communities to turn their sporting colours into support for humanitarian programmes.
Alongside Jersey Day, the AIB GOAL Mile offers another familiar link between the organisation and sporting communities, as part of its wider offer to corporate partners seeking to engage staff and support its work.
Sport for Business Perspective
The combination of sports partnerships and brand engagement in MDM’s title creates scope to connect athletes, rights holders, and sponsors around a shared purpose, building relationships that can generate awareness and sustained support.
Macauley brings a strong understanding of the communities those partnerships seek to reach, as well as the profile earned during a decorated playing career.
His experience since leaving the inter-county stage should be equally valuable as he explores how those sporting connections can serve GOAL’s wider humanitarian mission.
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Image Credit: Michael Darragh Macauley on LinkedIn
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