Fine Gael TD for Clare, Pat Breen,has today (Thursday) paid tribute to the founder of GOAL, John O’Shea.Deputy Breen said he has made a huge mark in the world of Non GovernmentalAgencies (NGOs) since founding the humanitarian agency in 1977.

“During the 35 years that John O’Shealed GOAL, he has made a remarkable impact on the world of NGOs, bringinghumanitarian assistance and raising awareness to people living in hungerand poverty across the world.

“As Chair of the Foreign AffairsCommittee, I have seen some of the wonderful work initiated by Goal, especiallythe street children’s projects. He will be sorely missed for his leadershipand direction during difficult times, but his vision of making a differencein developing countries around the world is remarkable and he will be sorelymissed. I am confident that this is not the last we will hear from Johnand I wish him the very best as he moves on to pastures new.”