Cork-based charity offering people the chance to chat and dine with Roy Keane

LUNCH with Roy Keane is either a terrifying prospect or the fulfilment of a lifetime ambition. Either way, it would be unlikely to be dull.

Now, for the donation of €10 to a good cause, you can be in with a chance of breaking bread with the Leeside legend.

Cork-based national charity Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is offering two people the opportunity to have a private lunch or dinner with Keano, and to each bring along three guests.

The former Rockmount and Manchester United star has been an ambassador for many years for the charity, which helps people with sight loss or autism to improve their mobility and independence.

Unique experience

Launching the raffle, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind CEO Tim O’Mahony said the charity was delighted to be able to offer this “fantastic and unique experience to join one of soccer’s most famous players, Roy Keane,” for a meal.

“Roy has been a great supporter and ambassador of ours for many, many years by raising awareness of our work, meeting our guide- and assistance-dog owners or just popping into our training centre to catch up. 

This event will be an informal occasion to get some insights in to his playing days, management roles and his thoughts on today’s premier league,” Mr O’Mahony said.

The Mayfield-born Keane may have a fearsome reputation, both on the field and as a pundit, but his love of four-legged friends has never been in doubt.

Tribute

He took to social media in recent days to post a touching tribute to one of his family’s beloved dogs, Jet, after its death.

“Thanks Jet for being so beautiful and loyal to our family,” he wrote.

When Mr Keane’s pet Triggs died in 2012, the Irish Examiner’s obituary noted how, “at critical moments when the nation’s happiness seemed entwined with Roy’s moods, he turned to his Labrador Triggs and took to the road”.

Tickets for the raffle to have a chance to have a meal with Roy Keane are €10 each, with six for €50, and are only available online, at the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind website https://www.guidedogs.ie.