Roy Keane helps launch campaign for Irish Guide Dogs

The former football star, who has worked with Irish Guide Dogs for a number of years, was on hand to help them launch their campaign ahead of Guide Dog day on May 27th.

The annual fundraiser will help the charity to raise much needed funds to help those who are vision impaired and the families of children with autism.

The day will also celebrate the wonderful dogs themselves and the difference they make to lives all across the country.

As part of the fundraiser, the Cork based charity are asking the public to walk, run, cycle or swim 100km during the month of May.

They are also encouraging those taking part to share their progress on social media using the hashtag #100k4GDD.

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind CEO Tim O'Mahony said that the day will see their community of volunteers across Ireland back in their communities for on-street collections and other events and activities.

"The funds raised in May will mean 85 families’ lives will be changed before the end of the year which is a tremendous incentive," he added.

"Of course, not everyone will want to take on the Challenge. Whatever activity or event is done, or donation is made, every contribution will make a difference."

The charity successfully matched 73 guide dog and assistance dog partnerships in 2021, despite the impact of the pandemic.

They were also able to place four community dogs in schools and facilities around the country.

Irish Guide Dogs currently have 35 pups undergoing formal training. They hope to match them up with people in need in the coming months.

A further 108 are in the early stages of their training and will enter their formal training phase later this year.

97 families are currently on the charity's Assistance Dog Programme waiting list.

Anyone wishing or to sign up and donate can do www.guidedogs.ie .