Irish Guide Dogs fundraising walk planned in Athlone this month

A fundraising walk or run is being planned in Athlone on Sunday, May 28, to support the work of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The charity's ambassador, Roy Keane, recently helped launch its annual fundraising campaign, Guide Dog Day, which takes place on Friday, May 26.

The Manchester United and Ireland legend is promoting the fundraising collection day which will be followed by the charity's nationwide dog walks on Saturday and Sunday, May 27 and 28.

Locally, Athlone Boat Club is organising a 5k and 10k walk or run which will take place from the Bounty pub in Coosan. The event gets underway on Sunday, May 28, at 11am.

Registration is available online at www.athloneboatclub.ie, or on the day at 10am from the Bounty. Money raised will support both Athlone Boat Club, with a heated outdoor AED Unit, and the Irish Guide Dogs with their fundraising campaign.

Details of other Irish Guide Dogs events being planned nationally can be found here.

Tim O'Mahony, Chief Executive Officer of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, said, "Guide Dog Day in 2022 enabled us to successfully match 55 guide dog and assistance dog partnerships and place 9 community dogs in schools and facilities around the country.

"With the training of one guide dog costing approximately €53,000, we need immense support on Guide Dog Day this year to achieve our target of changing the lives of 85 families through the provision of our services."

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind said it breeding programme was continuing to grow, with three litters born so far this year.

It added that 105 puppies currently being raised were due to start formal training later in 2023 and during 2024. It's hoped that 33 pups currently undergoing formal training will be successfully matched in the coming months.

There are 39 families on the waiting list for the charity's assistance dog programme.