Balbriggan\North County Dublin branch

Church gate collections all North County Dublin

10th September 2010 (in 2 months)

Our branch will be collecting money outside all churches in North County Dublin over the weekend of 10th, 11th & 12th September from:

Garristown - Ballamadun, Oldtown - Rolestown,
Naul - Ballyboughal - Damastown, Balbriggan - Balscadden,
Skerries, Rush - Loughshinny and Lusk

Church gate Collection in parts of Co Meath

31st July 2010 (tomorrow)

Our branch will be collecting money outside the following churches over the weekend of Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August.

Duleek - Bellewstown
Ardcath - Clonalvey
Stamullen - Julianstown

Tractor & Lorry Run

18th July 2010 (12 days ago)

Irma and Declan Fox, owners of Foxes Pub, Skryne, once again are hosting the 2nd Annual Tractor & Lorry run fundraising event for Guide Dogs in the Skrene area, Co Meath on Sunday 18th July 2010.

Leaving Skryne GAA Pitch @ 1.30pm Going through Skryne, Dunshaughlin, Dunboyne, Clonee, Ratoath & back to Fox's for refreshments & music by Matt Levey. All welcome, steal a tractor/lorry if you have to!!!!!

Table Quiz

29th June 2010 (last month)

For a Fun Night Out, why not join us at the Table Quiz in Aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind to be held at;
The Garda Club, Harrington Street, Tuesday June 29th, 8.30pm Sharp!

Only €40 for a table of Four!

Items to be Auctioned on the night are a Signed Irish Football Jersey, Signed by the RTÉ Panel & a Signed Leinster Rugby Jersey

For further information, you can email realcolm@gmail.com

Awareness talks and School Talks

8th June 2010 (last month)

One of the most popular things our branch does is give talks to groups and especially enjoyable are the talks we give in schools both National and Secondary. The talks consist of Breege and myself with our dogs Sarge and Unice arranging with the School Principle and teachers to spend an hour or so with a class. If available a puppy walker with their pup in training will also come along. The request most times comes to us from the schools to attend. Breege and I talk first a little about ourselves with a special emphasis on our loss of vision and then explain how a guide dog has come into our lives and why. It goes from there explaining how the dog is trained and the dos and don’ts with a guide dog. The fun begins when we open the conversation to the class and if I say here that there is nothing at this stage we have not been asked. Such as: How as a blind person can you dress yourself How do you open a bag of dog food? Does a guide dog know the colour of the lights to cross a road safely? Sometimes a school or group after a talk may decide to do a fundraiser and it can range from “No Uniform Day or Selling Shades” to anything else. The reason behind the talk is first awareness of people with visual impairment and what a guide dog is. Secondly if a fundraiser happens it is a real bonus. In the thumb nail picture here you can see a photo of the Student Council of St. Fintan's High School, Sutton, Dublin.13 as they presented a cheque of 1,615 euro to Tom O'Neill and his guide dog Sarge after a recent talk and visit to the school. Look to see in the gallery more photos’s taken with other groups of children and indeed some adult groups. These are some comments made to Tom after his visit to St Fintan’s and very similar comments have come from the other schools that Tom & Breege have visited in the past. “Tom, thank you very much for the time and effort you put into your visit. It was so enjoyable and informative I'm afraid you'll have to return next year and answer so many questions that your visit generated.” David Stanley teacher St Fintans

Facebook Page Launch

4th June 2010 (last month)

The Official Facebook Page of Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs goes live!
Keep up to date with all that's going on in our branch and help us spread the message of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind!

Branch Annual General Meeting

3rd June 2010 (last month)

The Branch AGM will be held in the Bracken Court Hotel, Balbriggan at 7.30 pm.
Some staff from head office will be attending and all are welcome to attend if you have any interest at all in the work of Guide Dogs.

Puppy Walkers Wanted

24th May 2010 (2 months ago)

**APPEAL FOR PUPPY FOSTER FAMILIES IN NORTH COUNTY DUBLIN**

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) is urgently appealing for volunteer puppy foster families to look after their latest litters of pups. Six-week-old puppies need homes in North County Dublin and North Dublin City for the next 12 months. Homes are needed urgently. All veterinary fees and feeding costs are covered by IGDB and full training and support throughout the year is provided.

Areas being targeted in North County Dublin including:- Blanchardstown, Castleknock and surrounding areas. Phibsboro, Drumcondra, Raheny, Marino, Fairview, Malahide, Howth, Portmarnock, Sutton, Skerries, Balbriggan, Rush & Donabate.

*Families with children under the age of 4 are not suitable*

Suzi Walsh, Puppy Walking supervisor, IGDB said; “We are desperately appealing to the people of North Dublin for support. We put out an appeal last year and got great response which is really appreciated. Our puppy foster families are vital to us, as without them we simply would not be able to provide our service of Guide and Assistance Dogs. So, please contact us”

The role of the puppy walker is to care for the pup, teach basic obedience and socialise it so that it becomes a well-mannered, well-adjusted animal suitable for Guide Dog work.

IGDB already has puppy fosterers (called ‘puppy walkers’) all over Leinster but, with the growing demand for Guide Dogs and a waiting list of the organisation’s programme to provide Assistance Dogs for families of children with Autism, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind needs to find more people willing to help. The organisation is particularly short of puppy walkers in North County Dublin and North Dublin City.

If you are interested in puppy walking a future Guide Dog for 12 months, contact Suzi Walsh, Puppy Walking Supervisor on Mobile: 087 266 3574 or Email: info@guidedogs.ie - Urgently!

For further information, Delia Webster, IGDB Communications Officer, Tel: 021 4878 203 or Email: deliawebster@guidedogs.ie

Gardens open for viewing

23rd May 2010 (2 months ago)

Listoke House & Gardens, Drogheda, Co Louth, will be open for all to see on Sunday 23rd May.
Pay a small fee in and ramble through some of the most beautiful gardens of Ireland.
Enjoy strawberry's & cream, and a Guide Dogs merchandise stall.
A lovely day out for all the family.
For more information, email: info@balbrigganbranchofguidedogs.org

National A G M Cork

22nd May 2010 (2 months ago)

The National Annual Aeneral Meeting of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind will take place at 10.30 am on Saturday 22nd May in The National Headquarters and Training Centre, Model Farm Road, Cork.

Shades Pins 2010 Launched

29th April 2010 (3 months ago)

Press Release 29th APRIL 2010

KEANE CALLS ON PUBLIC TO SUPPORT SHADES 2010

Today, Thursday 29th April 2010, Ipswich Town Manager and Irish football legend Roy Keane officially launched the annual Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind / Supervalu SHADES campaign. The campaign focuses on raising funds for the provision of guide and assistance dogs; and commences nationwide on Monday 3rd May 2010

Speaking at the SHADES 2010 Campaign launch in Dublin, Roy Keane said; ““I’m very happy to continue my support for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Supervalu SHADES 2010 Campaign. The positive impact that a guide dog or assistance dog can have on an individual or a family is inspiring. I admire the tremendous selfless effort put in by their staff, volunteers and partners in making a difference to others. It gives me great pleasure to be able to support the team by lending a hand and I’d encourage the public to do the same for this worthy cause.”

It costs approximately €38,000 to breed, train and support a single guide or assistance dog partnership. All of IGDB’s services are offered free of charge and over 85% of the charity’s income is secured through voluntary donations and fundraising.

Padraig Mallon, Chief Executive for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB), said: “Our SHADES campaign is one of the highlights of our annual fundraising calendar. It makes a significant contribution to our income each year. Raising funds is a challenge at present but the winning combination of Roy Keane and Supervalu means that we can be optimistic about this year’s Shades result.

"Our commitment is to continuously increase the numbers of people who are trained and supported by our organisation, to do this we need to raise additional funds. We very much welcome the support of the public, whether that be financial or by volunteering their time to help our team continue changing lives for the better.”

Speaking at the launch, Sales Director, Supervalu Ciaran Levis stated: “Supervalu is delighted to be launching its support for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind /Supervalu Shades campaign today with Roy Keane. With 192 Supervalu stores spread across the country, our retail partners see first hand the fantastic work that IGDB do to provide services to people who are blind or vision impaired and families of children with Autism out in the community. Supervalu has a long and distinguished history of being at the heart of Irish communities and we believe with this partnership, we can really help to make a profound difference to many people’s lives right across the country.”

Throughout May, SHADES pins will be available for purchase in most Supervalu stores as well as through IGDB volunteers in shopping centres and outlets countrywide. Pins cost €2 each. You can also make a donation by simply texting the word ‘SHADES’ to 57252 or logging onto www.guidedogs.ie

For further press information or photography please contact, Delia Webster, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind on: Tel: (021) 487 8203 M: 086 339 4227 E: deliawebster@guidedogs.ie.

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Co- founded in 1976 by the late Mrs Mary Dunlop and current President, Mr Jim Dennehy. Recently complete a €5 million refurbishment of our National Headquarters and Training Centre in Cork Services are provided free of charge and include the following:
1. Guide Dogs Programme (for blind and vision impaired persons)
2. Assistance Dogs Programme (for families of children with Autism)
3. Child Mobility Programme
4. Orientation and Mobility Training (long cane training)
5. Independent Living Skills Training (home skills, gardening, leisure)


Currently, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind supports 277 working guide and assistance dog partnerships in Ireland.
In 2004, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind was the first organisation in Europe to introduce an Assistance Dog programme for families of children with Autism
In November 2009, the charity trained its 100th Assistance Dog Family, highlighting the success of the programme
It will cost just over €4 million to run the organisation in 2010.
The organisation raises 85% of its annual income through fundraising and voluntary donations
It is supported by a network of over 100 volunteer branches and many hundreds of volunteers across the country.

Tractor Run

25th April 2010 (3 months ago)

Sunday 25th April, saw 25 tractors of all ages, shapes & sizes taking part in a fundraising Tractor Run for Irish Guide dogs for the Blind, North County Dublin Branch in Garristown, Co Dublin.

Garristown Community Centre was the venue that saw Neil Gormally from Gormally’s Pub in Garristown kindly supply the sandwiches & friendly staff to distribute them to the gathering Tractor Folk prior to their departure, whilst also sponsoring the finger food, which was laid on in his pub after the event.

A €20 registration fee was all that was needed to see your Tractor entered in the run, with many participants donating much more.
And with every entry having filled out the required insurance registration form, all that was left to do, was to place their entry disc on their Tractor of choice and they were ready for the off.

James Downey briefed all of the Tractor drivers before the event on the relevant safety matters and thanked them for their continued support before Tom O’Neill with his Guide Dog Sarge
and Breege O’Neill with her Guide Dog Unice, cut the tape which was placed across the width of the road to officially start the event and get everyone underway.

As a background to the event, James Downey of Garristown, who came up with the idea of the Tractor run, approached a local volunteer of the branch, Billy McGrath of Oldtown and between them, they promoted the event locally and organised prizes for the auction which was later held in the pub where James did a fabulous job as Auctioneer, managing to somehow get money out of pockets that the owners didn’t even know they had.

*THIS EVENT HAS SO FAR RAISED €2136*, with more to follow!

Tom O’Neill, Chairman of the local branch, would like to acknowledge & thank the following: James Downey, Billy McGrath and local lady Pauline Wogan, who managed the event, from
the Community Centre aspect. Supervalu of Balbriggan, who sponsored everything else that was used in the kitchen. Julian Brown and Ainne McGrath for the entire raffle ticket sales. Local Garristown Garda, Jim O’Byrne for the very important supervision of safety, who was keenly supported by Anthony Walsh and his local motorbike crew. A second motorbike crew from Drogheda, led by Dick McConville, made very sure nothing went wrong.

“In a time of recession, to raise over two thousand euros from an event is a great achievement, but recession brings out the best in people and the branch is finding that more and more people are volunteering to help. We are all looking forward to a bigger and better event next year “ said Tom.

So, for further information on local events, go to www.balbrigganbranchofguidedogs.org or to volunteer, please send an email to info@balbrigganbranchofguidedogs.org

The following are all of the companies who kindly donated various items for the auction: Derek Plant Machinery (Man O’War, Skerries), Armstrong’s (Naul), W.B.D. (Ballyboughal),
Farmway Machinery Ltd (Naul), Ashbourne Oil, Derek Rock Skips and local man, John Battersby

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind are most grateful to all who supported us in any way for this event.

"The World is you Runway" Charity Fashion Show 2010

22nd April 2010 (3 months ago)

Local Balrothery girl, Aoibhe Devlin is organising "The World is Your Runway" Charity Fashion Show 2010 in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. This is Aoibhe’s 2nd year of organising a show for us and she promises it will be bigger and better than the last.

The show will take place in the Bracken Court Hotel, Balbriggan on the 22nd of April at 8pm.

It will no doubt be a fabulous night out for all those female and male fashionistas out there dying to know this Spring's hottest clothing trends!

On the night we have a fabulous raffle with 1st prize being a €850 hamper full of Mac, Bobbi Brown, Giorgio Armani, Smashbox and Lancome products.

All moneys raised helps the Association 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. Our main income comes from private donations - the State and EU give us about 15% of total income. So we need your help!

Tickets can be bought on the night priced at only €15.

To ensure you don't miss out, either call Aoibhe on 086-1654900 or email the branch via info@balbrigganbranchofguidedogs.org to secure your tickets.

To see pictures of last years Fashion Show, just visit our Gallery page.

Social Night in White's Pub Stamullen Co Meath

6th March 2010 (4 months ago)

It was time to celebrate our achievements of the past year and to let the hair down and not to discuss fundraising.
So on Friday night 6th March 85 people came to our social event.

All who attended are supporters of our branch of Guide Dogs and all in one way or another help at some time during the year with at least one event.

Music was supplied by our own Tommy Nugent and his merry bandof musicians. The best name yet put forward for this band is The Chancers.

The Garda Relations Community Bus helped to bring some volunteers to and from the event. The Community Garda who attended helped with the running of the event also on the night.

The branch made a presentation to their Area Manager Paddy Coyle and his wife Gladys. Paddy had some weeks before that been made redundant but the branch wanted to mark his wonderful friendship to everybody so himself and his wife were our guests on the night. Betty Kelly from the Drogheda Branch also made a presentation to Paddy as did some friends from Tara Co Meath, Slane co Meath and St Joseph's School for the Blind.

"Roll on Social Night 2011" is all that we have heard since.

Our branch wishes to thank Brendan Battersby owner of Whites Pub Stamullen and his staff for making certain we all enjoyed ourselves!

Poker Classic - Garristown

5th March 2010 (4 months ago)

This now Annual Garristown poker night will be taking place this year in Gormally's Pub, Garristown, on Friday night, 5th March.
Tickets can be got by contacting any member of the branch committee. Our thanks to Neil from the pub and the poker organisers Billy, Ann and Philis for putting this together each year.

Poker Classic - Bellewstown

2nd February 2010 (5 months ago)

Many thanks from Maureen & Paula for supporting this event in aid of Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.
A great night was had by all.

Irish Dancing Feis

31st January 2010 (6 months ago)

Irish Dancing Feis, weekend of 30th & 31st of January in G.A.A. Club, Nau,l 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. For more information, email info@balbrigganbranchofguidedogs.org

Balbriggan Beavers

30th January 2010 (6 months ago)

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

Bellewstown Annual Poker Classic

15th January 2010 (6 months ago)

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, just email us: 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!

SuperValu 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, with their Puppy in Training "Calem", and early retired dog "Delta". Two hampers were raffled. One each day. Thursday's winner is Mrs Meskell of Fancourt Heights, Balbriggan and Friday's winner was Rita O'Sullivan of Donabate. Thanks everybody who did anything that day for us and to all who 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!

Root & 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

News from the North East 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 Many of you, who read our Guidelines magazine, browse through our website will notice a healthy calendar of fundraising events for the months ahead. so in compiling this newsletter I hope to keep you informed of up and coming events in your region and throughout the country, and am always available to support your fundraising activities. If you have any suggestions please contact me on 021 4878202 or email Bernadette@guidedogs.ie

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

Tractor Run, Skryne

12th July 2009 ( last year)

Tractor run organised by Davey Clarke & Eoghan Greally

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!

Charity Fashion Show 2009

14th May 2009 ( last year)

A ladies fashion show took place in the Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan on the 14th May 2009 in aid of our branch of Guide Dogs.
It was organized by Aoibhe Devlin from Balrothery, the grand daughter of Hugh, who was a long-time supporter of our branch before his untimely death.
Balbriggan Bridal and the Fashion hall Balbriggan were just two of the Stores with a range of clothing on display.
There were 12 models chosen for the event & it was a massive success! Our thanks to all who supported us and came to the event.

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, namely, 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.

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.