Win a dinner with Roy Keane at Cork guide dogs events

Fundraising events in support of the Irish Guide Dogs will take place across Cork this month.

The 11 Guide Dog Day events, launched by brand ambassador Roy Keane, will take place on May 23 and 24 across Bantry, Carrigaline, Cobh, Cork city centre, Kinsale, Midleton, Clonakilty, Macroom, Mallow, and Wilton.

There will also be a ‘Take the Lead Walk’ in Ballincollig Regional Park on May 25 from 11am, featuring a special competition where attendees will have the chance to win a dinner with Mr Keane.

All funds raised from the event will go directly towards the training and provision of service dogs, which give people with visual impairments, children with autism, and students greater independence and mobility.

Joining Mr Keane at the launch of the campaign was assistance dog Keano, who is partnered with Aaron Ahern from Cork.

“Aaron is so content with Keano by his side—his confidence and independence have soared,” said Niamh Ahern, Aaron’s mother.

“Family outings, which were once overwhelming, are now filled with joy - walks, trips to restaurants, even visits to the barbers—these are now positive, shared experiences.

“Keano has opened doors to a new world for us - we never leave home without him.

“He has changed all our lives, and we’re incredibly grateful to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.” 

Tim O'Mahony, CEO of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind highlighted how demand for their services is expected to “surpass” their current capacity over the next 10 years.

"Last year, thanks to the incredible generosity shown on Guide Dog Day, we successfully created many life-changing partnerships — matching 48 guide dogs and assistance dogs and placing five community dogs in schools and facilities nationwide,” said Mr O’Mahony.

"But the need is growing fast [and] it costs approximately €53,000 to breed, train, and care for just one service dog.

“This year, we’re calling on the public to help us reach our goal of transforming the lives of 70 more families across Ireland.

“Over the next decade, the number of school-aged children with autism is expected to rise by over 30% - that means the demand for our service dogs will far surpass our current capacity.

“Together, we can ensure that no family is left waiting for the life-changing impact of a service dog."

For further information, or to purchase a ticket for the ‘Take the Lead Walk’, visit: https://www.guidedogs.ie/.