Balbriggan\North County Dublin branch

Irish Dancing Feis

31st January 2010 (last month)

Irish dancing Feis weekend of 30th and 31st of January in G.A.A. Club Naul Co Dublin Those interested in Irish Dancing enter competitions and pay an entry fee. A raffle takes place and the proceeds after expenses goes to Irish Guide Dogs for the blind. Our thanks must go to Damien O'Shaughnessy and Ann McFadden who organize this event each year for us. . . More information from info@balbrigganbranchofguidedogs.

Balbriggan Beavers

30th January 2010 (last month)

Tom & Breege with Sarge & Unice visit the Balbriggan Beavers Club

Bellewstown annual Poker Classic

15th January 2010 (last month)

Bellewstown Poker Classic     Maureen Andrews and her friend Paula Reid organize a poker classic in The Bellewstown Inn Bellewstown Co Meath. This year it is on once again on Friday 15th January. Local guide dog owners Tom and Breege O'Neill usually attend with their guide dogs Sarge and Unice. We would also like to thank Paddy Cunningham proprietor of the Bellewstown Inn for his co-operation with this annual event. Should you want to play the game let us know info@balbrigganbranchofguidedogs.org

Tara Post Office Raffle

23rd December 2009 ( last year)

Today yet another wonderful raffle took place in Tara P.O. organized by Mary Clarke and her many friends such as Joan Gallagher and Gerry Stafford. This is the 9th year of the hamper raffle. All prizes are donated by the locals which we in guide dogs are most grateful for. Thanks everybody for the continued support Some of the winners were Mary Cassidy, Mrs Wilkenson and Irma Fox of local pub Foxes. Congratulations all and thank you

Super Value Balbriggan fundraiser

11th December 2009 ( last year)

10th/11th December 2009 saw a very successful fundraising effort in Supervalu Balbriggan. Organised every year by our great friends, Annie Everett, Balbriggan, and the late, and missed by all Ann Mullen, for Guide Dogs. Fergus, Ann's husband, has played a huge part in ensuring the continuing success of the fundraiser. Thanks to all who helped out; SuperValu with the venue, and not forgetting puppy walkers Sonya and David Sands, and puppy Caolin, and dog Delta. Two hampers were raffled one each day. Thursday's winner is Mrs Meskell Fancourt Heights Balbriggan and Friday's winner was Rita O'Sullivan Donabate. Thanks everybody who did anything that day for us and to all wo supported this great fundraiser thank you

Community Gardai and our branch

9th November 2009 ( last year)

Local Balbriggan Community Gardai Grainne ni fhatharta and Michael Walsh organised transport in the form of the Community Policing Bus for members of Balbriggan branch of guide dogs including Breege and tom O’Neill and their Guide Dogs Sarge and Unice to attend the launch of a fundraising C.D. that Eoin Hand had released in aid of the charity. Eoin of course is the former Ireland International Soccer Manager and now a Pundett on RTE Radio commentaries of the games. All funds raised from the sale of the C.D. goes to the Irish Guide Dogs for the blind. Copies can be got by contacting our branch of guide dogs on info@balbriggganbranchofguidedogs.org

Prosper Fingal Rush

29th September 2009 ( last year)

Tom and guide dog Sarge and, met the gang at Prosper Fingal, in Rush, Co. Dublin. Kim Doyle, and Tony Grimes were delighted to say hello to Sarge, and he was more than happy to give a paw and a lick back!

Xmas Cards and 2010 calendar Launch

9th September 2009 ( last year)

Seasons Greetings to you all, I'm early but on Wednesday evening 9th September the 2009 Xmas Cards and the 2010 Calendar will be launched by Ronan Collins in The Bank of Scotland Ireland Stephensgreen Dublin. A pack of 8 cards costs E6 and the calendar is €8 again this year. Give us an e-mail on info@balbrigganbranchofguidedogs.org now and order some. This is a great way to help with fundraising and the calendar makes a lovely useful present

Tractor and lorry team to hand over

29th August 2009 ( last year)

Proceeds of the funds raised from the Vintage Lorry & Tractor run held in Tara on 12th July are to be handed over officially in Foxes Pub Skrene at 10 pm. Money is already lodged to centeral funds so this night is planned to be fun and enjoyment for all. All tractor & lorry drivers and their teams of helpers are invited. Thanks again Declan & Irma Fox for been our hosts.

Sponsored Walk

9th August 2009 ( last year)

This now annual event a walk of 2.5 miles from outside The Bracken Court Hotel on The Square in Balbriggan to McCormack's Bar Balscadden on Sunday 9th August. On arrival in Balscadden some music and something to eat for those who take part. Start time 1.30 pm so take a card from us by emailing info@balbrigganbranchofguidedogs.org

Root and Branch newsletter

6th August 2009 ( last year)

Summary: Association Newsletter Description: Root & Branch The Branch & Support Group Newsletter of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Volume 4 Issue 3 July 2009

A move to the “Green” side I would like to gather your thoughts on making the branch newsletter more environmentally friendly, and cost effective. I am conscious that you, our valued volunteers work tirelessly to fundraise in order to support the work we do. As an organisation we are duty bound to use these funds wisely, therefore I would like to propose that any of you who use email regularly would opt to receive the newsletter in electronic format from now on. I will send you the newsletter in a word document without any complicated graphics so that any make or pc will be able to read it. If you agree with my suggestion I would ask that you kindly send me a quick email to bernadette@guidedogs.ie informing me that you are happy to receive future issues via email. We can save a great deal on printing and postage costs and together we will all be doing our bit to protect the environment. There is absolutely no problem if you wish to continue receiving the newsletter in the printed format, but any savings we can make have to be welcomed in these times of economic pressure. I very much appreciate your support with this initiative.

BALBRIGGAN BRANCH NEWS - Keeping the “electronic” theme of the newsletter going I would draw your attention to the recently launched website of the Balbriggan Branch, it’s www.balbrigganbranchofguidedogs.org and it’s well worth a visit. You can also email them on info@balbrigganbranchofguidedogs.org.

MERCHANDISE If you haven’t already done so please take a look at the updated online shop on our website www.guidedogs.ie. I have no doubt you will be impressed with the new layout, not to mention the vastly improved range of goods now on sale, including golfing attire, regatta jackets etc., Anne would love to hear your comments and suggestions on 021 4878259 or you can email anne@guidedogs.ie

Ian O Callaghan - RIP - It was with sadness that we learned recently of the death of Ian O Callaghan from Castlebar. Ian passed away after a long illness and will be sadly missed by his family and friends. He was a great help to his mother Maeve, branch treasurer with the Castlebar Branch of IGDB, regularly supporting her fundraising work in the area. Ar dheis De go raibh a Anam Dilis

Regional News - News from the South East I hope you are all enjoying the summer and making the most of the weather. The HR Dept and Culture, Recreation and Amenity Dept of Dublin City Council will be holding their annual soccer charity event on July 24th at the Irishtown Stadium in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind—this will be a tremendous evening. IGDB will be at the Horse Show at the RDS from August 5th—9th and we look forward to seeing you there—if you would like to help at the stand please give Melanie a call. The Annual Enniscorthy Dog Walk will take place at the end of August (date tbc) this has grown into a very successful and much looked forward to event in the local calendar. The Annual Cabinteely Dog Walk will take place on Sept 6th and this will be another enjoyable day out for all. The Corporate and Public Lawyers will host their annual lunch at Fire Restaurant in the Mansion House on September 10th, this is their third fundraising lunch for IGDB and whilst they have had to take the recession into account their commitment to Irish Guide Dogs is still 100%. For more information on how to participate in any of these events please call the Dublin office on 01 7978741 or call my mobile on 086 6056430 or email melanie@guidedogs.ie

We are looking for volunteers to help us with two forthcoming events—IGDB stand at Dublin Horse Show RDS, from 5th—9th August inclusive, and the IGDB stand at the National Ploughing Championships, Athy Co Kildare from September 22nd—24th inclusive. If you can spare some time to help, please contact Paddy Coyle on 01 7978740, 086 8193151 or email paddy@guidedogs.ie

The West & Midlands I hope you are all enjoying the summer, and if you are looking for somewhere fun to go over the holidays you might be interested in some of the following events taking place across the region. Tullamore Show which is always a great day out takes place on August 9th, and the Galway Corrib Amphicat takes place on August 29th. Two marathons worth mentioning for those of you feeling energetic are the Longford marathon on August 30th and the Galway Bay Half Marathon scheduled for October 3rd. Further information on either of these events may be had by contacting the regional office of IGDB on 093 52720. And finally for this period, the Slieve Bloom Walk takes place from September 3rd—5th, why not join Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in walking through some of the most beautiful landscapes right in the heart of Ireland. Entry Fee is €250 and further information is available on our website www.guidedogs.ie or by contacting Deirdre Keaveney or Patricia Higgings at the regional office on 093 52720. You can also contact Deirdre on 086 8193289 or by email to Deirdre@guidedogs.ie

The South On September 4th the Kanturk Golf Classic will take place. September 18th—25th sees a group of enthusiastic supporters taking part in the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Charity Cycle—the event will take the group through some of the spectacular scenery of the Dordogne region of France and will raise much needed funds to support the work of IGDB. The Evening Echo Women’s Mini Marathon takes place on September 27th in Cork, so please get your fundraising packs by calling 1850 506 300. On October 31st a fun Halloween Costume Ball takes place at the Clarion Hotel Cork. Pre-dinner entertainment will be provided by up and coming girl group called “Roulette” with well known group “The Showstoppers” and a Disco guaranteed to keep you dancing the night away. For details on this event please contact Anne Burns on 021 4878259 or email anne@guidedogs.ie If you would like to organise a special event in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind please contact Breeda Clancy for assistance on 021 4878200, 086 8193165 or breeda@guidedogs.ie

Church gate collections

1st August 2009 ( last year)

Help us collect money outside of the following churches. Stamullen-Julianstown, Duleek-Bellewstown, Ardcath-Clonalvey on Saturday and Sunday 1st and 2nd August. If you have 20 minutes to spare and live near these churches or be willing to travel to help let us know. All permissions will be cleared in advance and official i.d. jackets will be given to you to assist at the event

Tractor and lorry Run

12th July 2009 ( last year)

Irma and Declan Fox owners of Foxes Pub Skrene to be the hosts of the lorry and tractor run which will start at 1.30 at the Screen Hall and finish up in their pub in Screen Co Meath. 20 miles it is planned to travel so take a sponsor card and join us. e-mail us for it on info@balbrigganbranchofguidedogs.org

Mizen to malin cycle with a guide dog owner

25th May 2009 ( last year)

Hi all, This year myself and around 70 other cyclists are taking part in Mizen 2Malin 2009. This event involves cycling from Mizen head, the most southerly point, to alin head, the most northerly point in Ireland during the last week in May. This is a distance of approximately 450 miles. This year we hope to raise 100000 euros for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. I'm sure you are all well aware of the great work IGDB does and the degree to which they rely on the generosity of the general public for this work to continue. I would be very grateful if you would consider sponsoring me in this challenge. You can Donate in the following ways: By going to: http://www.mizen2malin.ie/ And click the 'Online Donation' link. Then enter the amount you wish to donate and choose my name from the drop down list. Then follow the instructions which will bring you to the guidedogs.ie website where you can pay by credit card. Alternatively you can send a cheque or make a lodgement via your local bank branch: Lodgements can be made directly to the IGDB. Please post cheques to: Neil Munday Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, National Headquarters and Training Centre, Model Farm Road, Cork or lodge them directly at any Allied Irish Banks branch: Account Name: Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Account Number: 06185020, Sort Code: 93-43-48. Please reference M2M09 and my name when sending donations or lodging directly. Irish Guide Dogs receipts are available for all donations made. Again, many thanks for any support you can give. Tim Culhane Guide dog Owner

Prosper Fingal Skerries

22nd May 2009 ( last year)

Tom gave a talk to all in the Prosper Fingal Skerries Center on 22nd May 2009, on owning a Guide Dog and the work of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. An enjoyable time was had by all!

Fashion Show

14th May 2009 ( last year)

A ladies fashion show is to take place in the Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan on Thursday 14th May in aid of our branch of guide dogs. Tickets only €10 and we now have them so come on buy some. It is being organized by Aoife Devlin from Balbriggan the grand daughter of Hugh who was a long-time supporter of our branch before his untimely death. Aoife has a dream to do a parachute jump this year and wants to raise funds for us to get maximum value for her jump. Balbriggan Bridal and the Fashion hall Balbriggan are just two of the shops displaying clothes. The 12 models have been chosen and more details to come later.

Late late show r t e television

1st May 2009 ( last year)

The late late show on r t e on Friday night features Roy Keane who was in Ireland to launch Shades for Irish guide dogs for the blind. 20 people from guide dogs nationally were invited to be in the audience. Tom & Breege O'Neill Balbriggan with Sarge and Unice their guide dogs and Billy & Pauline McGrath from Oldtown were 4 of the chosen few.

Shades Pin Launched

1st May 2009 ( last year)

The Roy Keane promoted event "Shades for a Day" takes place from 1st May until 10th May all over Ireland. You can take a box of pins costing €2 each from us, bring them into your place of work or place them on a shop counter. Total proceeds from this event goes to guide dogs. Contact us please for a box of 50 pins.

Annual General Meeting

2nd April 2009 ( last year)

Thursday 2nd April at 8.30 pm in the Bracken Court Hotel. All are welcome.

Irish dancing Feis weekend of 7th\8th February in G.A.A. Club Naul Co Dublin

21st March 2009 ( last year)

Those interested in Irish Dancing enter competitions and pay an entry fee. A raffle takes place and the proceeds after expenses goes to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Poker Classic

21st March 2009 ( last year)

A poker classic was held in Oldtown House, Oldtown Co Dublin, which is five miles from Balbriggan. 49 people took part paying €50 each with the proceeds going to our branch. A big raffle was also held; and the event, after prize money was given out, raised €2,675 for us. This is the 10th year of this annual poker classic. The first was run by Ann Flynn and family from Oldtown. Ann has now retired and her great friend Billy McGrath has taken over. Thank you Ann, Billy and friends for being such loyal supporters.

Coin of all sorts

19th March 2009 ( last year)

If you have any old Irish or old foreign coins we can take them. The Central Bank of Ireland will exchange them for us for euro. Please email us for details as to how you can get them to us. Remember what you think is rubbish coins can make money for us.

Poker Classic Gormley's Pub Garristown co Dublin on Friday night 6th March 2009

6th March 2009 ( last year)

A gathering of people interested in a game of cards called poker. To make the game really interesting you need 49 players with 7 tables of 7, then a winner goes forward from each table to decide who is the outright winner. People pay to enter and the money goes to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. A raffle is usually held, donations of prizes for this raffle are always appreciated. Contact us if you would like to play or donate a prize. Thanks to Neil Gormley, pub owner, who supports us big time with this event and to our organizer Billy McGrath, those who sponsored the raffle and the most enjoyable refreshments.

Bellewstown Poker Classic

16th January 2009 ( last year)

Many of you will have heard of Butlins Holiday Camp in Gormanstown co Meath that later became simply known as Mosney Holiday Center and in recent years it held the community games and is now home for people from other countries who are seeking to live in Ireland. Well it is about 4 miles from Balbriggan and when I first began to fundraise for guide dogs over 20 years ago I was asked by a lady Maureen Andrews for a counter box for the sweet shop in Mosney called “The Candy Box”. Each summer the box went in and came out again at the end of the summer until the holiday camp closed around 2000. Ann White from Julianstown again beside the holiday camp ran a clothes shop in Mosney Holiday Center and these two ladies helped every blind and visually impaired person they saw coming into the holiday camp. Both ladies remain fundraisers for guide dogs, each year Ann helps at the Stamullen Church gate and she sells our Xmas cards and calendars. Maureen on the other hand took to playing poker and for a long number of years now herself and Paula Reid her friend organizes a poker classic in The Bellewstown Inn Bellewstown Co Meath. Breege and I try to attend the event each year and this January the event raised €1380 almost €200 better than the previous year. The pictures attached shows Maureen and myself with Sarge and the second picture is off Tishia (Patricia) Branigan the winner of our hamper, which was beautifully made up by Mrs Vivi Gorman of Balrothery just outside Balbriggan. Mrs Gorman and her family are the proud owners of Breege’s retired guide dog Abby. I would also like to thank Paddy Cunningham proprietor of the Bellewstown Inn for sponsoring the finger food, which was enjoyed by all, who supported the poker classic. Thanks for everything Maureen, Paula, Ann and Vivi. Isn’t it great to have a circle of good friends

Craft fair in St Maur's G.A.A. club Rush Co Dublin. Helpers wanted to man stand

30th November 2008 (2 years ago)

This Sale of fundraising items is aiming to raise the profile of guide dogs in the Rush, Co Dublin area. It begins at 10.00 am and should finish around 4.30 pm. Lines will also be sold for a beautiful hamper.

Xmas Cards for 2008 and 2009 calendar launch

25th September 2008 (2 years ago)

The 2008 Xmas cards and the 2009 Calendar were launched by well known RTE personality Ronan Collins in The Bank of Scotland Ireland in Stephens Green. Over 30 dogs attended, mostly puppies in training, some assistance dogs and three guide dogs. Neph, Sarge and Holly, Picture by Willie McDonogh.

Vintage Tractor Run

3rd August 2008 (2 years ago)

What began as a chat in a kitchen in Gelsha Ballinalee Co Longford with his Aunt & Uncle raised €23,040.16 for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The attached picture is a sample of the people attending the handover evening on 29th December in Farrell’s Group 1: Back row left to right; Anne O’Neill, Andy Clancy, Harry McKenna chairman of Longford vintage, Michelle O’Neill, Colm Nugent, Brian O’Neill. Front row; Breege O’Neill with her guide dog Unice, liam Reilly organiser, Bernard Reilly and Tom O’Neill with his guide dog Sarge.

Liam Reilly from Gelsha, aged 23 put the fundraising idea of a sponsored vintage tractor run to his Aunt Breege; sister of his dad Sean and her husband Tom when they were visiting the family home in January of 2008. Breege and Tom are both totally blind and have a guide dog each.

Tom & Breege O’Neill from Balbriggan Co Dublin who are married for 29 years are the only married couple in Ireland who have a guide dog each. And they often joke that under their kitchen table sits in monetary terms €76,000.00 in canine flesh.

Liam who works for RHYNEROCK Ltd Killoe Co Longford at fitting and maintenance, and he is the son of a farmer who always loved tractors and has rebuilt his own tractor, a 1952 ferguson-20 t.v.o. Many of his friends have bought vintage tractors in dreadful condition and have put a lot of work into rebuilding them to the standard they were at when first leaving the showrooms. It was Liam’s hope that his friends would want an opportunity to show them off. So he first approached Rapid Print Longford for some sponsor cards-posters, which they produced with very little cost. Then through word of mouth the news spread about the tractor drive and on Sunday August 3rd 2008 a total of 87 vintage vehicles left from outside Farrell’s Bar Ballinalee, to drive into Longford town through Newtownforbs and back to Ballinalee through Drumlish.

Amongst the vintage tractors were Lands bulldogs, Dexter, John Deers and Internationals.

Micheal and Anne O’neill from Edgeworthstown who are prominent members of Longford vintage club organised 30 tractors and raised €4,341.00 with the help of family and friends. Gerry Bratton from Killoe organised a group of tractors from his area and supplied a breakdown and recovery service on the day. A group of vintage motorbike outriders secured the Route for the tractors and kept a great eye on the safety aspect of the event. Brian O’Neill led this group from Ballinalee, being a collector himself of vintage Motorbikes. Each town they went through they had bucket collectors led by Roisin Reilly of Dernavogey Ballinalee. Roisin and her family raised over €7.000 in sponsorship for the event. Roisin’s son Bernard is an applicant for a guide dog and when he is finished college in England he intends to become a guide dog owner.

On arrival back to Ballinalee, Mary Farrell, Breege’s sister had arranged music in the bar. A barbeque and a bouncing castle were in full swing for all to enjoy outside in the brilliant sunshine, which was seldom seen in 2008. The smell of a roasting pig kept everybody’s mouth watering while they walked through the large exhibition of tractors, which were now parked up in the village. Two of the tractors had travelled to the event from Kilcullen Co Kildare. Big thanks to Fr Brennan for allowing the use of the church car park and to the very many companies who sponsored everything. Help was also given by Longford Volunteering in the way of getting volunteers to help man the barbeque and bouncing castle. Also a huge help in spreading the word of the event was Longford Vintage Tractor Association. Liam was asked for money to pay for one of the items on the day and his reply symbolizes the weekends work as he said, “We are not in this to spend money, we are in it to make money” , and this he did to the tune of €23,040.16.

So it was back to Farrell’s Bar at the end of December for the handover of the wonderful cheque. Tom served on the board of directors of Irish Guide dogs some years ago, and for the past 24 years himself and Breege, with friends run a local voluntary branch of guide dogs in their hometown of Balbriggan. That night tom & Breege accepted the cheque on behalf of the Association.

All monies raised helps Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind to continue to supply guide dogs - and long cane (white stick) mobility training - free to the blind Community of Ireland. It costs about €7,000 to train, then to rear and support a guide dog. For the lifetime of the working dog it is estimated to cost in the region of €38,000 per unit. A Guide Dog’s working life lasts about 10 years and then it must be replaced. Income comes from private donations. The State and EU give very little.

Breege now has her third guide dog Unice, the first dog was Gypsie, the middle is Abby; now retired and living near her home in Balbriggan Co Dublin. Breege works in a government department in Dublin where she is part of a team with her husband Tom where they produce printed material in Braille-C.D and audio formats for the blind and visually impaired members of the public. Tom, who comes from Co Mayo now has his fourth guide dog Sarge and before that was Frank, Bruce and Kola.