Balbriggan\North County Dublin branch

Tractor & Lorry Run

18th July 2010 (in 4 months)

Irma and Declan Fox owners of Foxes Pub Skrene once again are to be the hosts of the 2nd annual lorry and tractor run fundraising event for Guide Dogs in the Tara-Skrene area Co Meath on Sunday 18th July 2010. More details later but meantime if you wish to take part full details from info@balbrigganbranchofguidedogs.org If you know Davey Clark or Eoin Greally; both from the Skrene - Tara area. They already are actively recruiting participants so give them a shout.    

Tractor Run

25th April 2010 (in next month)

Find a tractor and come for a 20 mile spin starting in Willie Kinsella's yard Garristown Co Meath on Sunday 25th May and drive through some lovely countryside taking in places like, Nuttstown Cross, Spring Hill, Fennor Junction, Ardcath and back to Garristown. Entry fee per tractor is €20 payable in advance to any committee member. More details from info@balbrigganbranchofguidedogs.org All drivers must have their tractors fully insured and have a full tractor licence to take part. Our thanks to James Downey of Garristown for introducing us and the idea of a fundraising tractor run for Guide dogs to Barney Green of Man O'War - a veteran of hundreds of these tractor runs.

2nd Annual Fashion Show

22nd April 2010 (in next month)

The 2nd Annual fundraising Fashion show in aid of our branch of Guide Dogs is taking place in the Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan on Thursday 22nd April 2010. It is being organized yet again by Aoife Devlin from Balbriggan the grand daughter of Hugh who was a long-time supporter of our branch before his untimely death. Aoife fulfilled her dream to do a parachute jump during the summer of last year. More details later

Poker Classic

5th March 2010 (5 days 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

2nd February 2010 (last month)

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 (2 months ago)

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 (2 months ago)

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

Bellewstown annual Poker Classic

15th January 2010 (2 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 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!

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!

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.

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.