Midlands volunteers honoured at Guide Dogs open day in Cork

Two volunteers with the Midlands Branch of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) were recognised for their commitment at the organisation's open day on August 31.

Mai Byrne and Tommy Brennan, were presented with certificates on the day for their dedication to the local Midlands Branch over the past 20 years.

In addition, IGDB ambassador dogs Bumble and Pixie got to meet and have a few words with rugby international Jack Crowley, who is a brilliant brand ambassador for the organisation.

The Midlands Branch made the trip to the IGDB headquarters in Ballincollig, Cork, for the annual open day, at which the organisation thanks volunteers for their service.

The Midlands Branch would like to thank locals for their extremely generous support over the summer months at the various events the branch attended.

These included the Athlone, Moate and Tullamore shows, the Athlone Viking festival; and the Birr Vintage week festival, as well as Dermot and his band Midlife Crisis who organised a fundraiser for us in Luker’s Pub, Shannonbridge.

In addition, the Midlands Branch would like to thank Martina and Stephen in Beans and Leaves café, Athlone, who constantly promote awareness of and raise funds for the IGDB.

The branch would like to extend a huge thank you to Theresa, who is instrumental in organising attendance at the events, school visits and driving local volunteers to Cork for the Open Day, as well as all our volunteers.

The next big event in Athlone for the branch will be the blessing of the animals at St Peter and Paul’s in Athlone on October 6 at 2pm - everyone welcome!