Root & Branch The Branch & Support Group Newsletter of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Volume 1, Issue 8 19th June 2006 National Radio Breakfast Show broadcasts live from IGDB Today FM's Ian Dempsey Breakfast show came to IGDB Headquarters on Friday 9th June. Famous Roy Keane impersonator, Mario Rosenstock, presented IGDB with a cheque for EUR20,000 - the proceeds of the spoof single 'Leave Right Now' in which Mario (in the guise of Roy Keane) tells the story of Roy's departure from Old Trafford. The single made the No 1 spot during Christmas 2005. Presenter, Ian Dempsey interviewed several staff members and even Clive (one of the Golden Doodles) managed to make his voice heard. Ian also interviewed Guide Dog User, Tom Langan from Galway. It was great fun and a fabulous way to start a Friday morning. Private Anniversary Reception with the President of Ireland President Mary McAleese warmly welcomed IGDB to Áras an Uachtaráin on 25th May for a private reception to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of IGDB. 50 volunteers, clients, staff and board members came along with several guide dogs and assistance dogs. Some people travelled from as far away as the Aran Islands. After the formalities, the group were treated to a private tour of the Áras. 30th Anniversary Events Calendar 7 July: Official launch of the IGDB commemorative postage stamp 2 Sept: National Open Day and opening of IGDB Tribute Garden at Cork HQ October: Launch of 30th Anniversary Book 26th Nov: Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service, St Finbarr's Cathedral, Cork Thank you from the Chief Executive In 2005, IGDB trained 80 blind and visually impaired people in working with guide dogs, independent living skills and long cane use. Our programme of Assistance Dogs for Families of Children with Autism is also going from strength to strength. Without the support of our numerous branches up and down the country, this simply would not be possible so I'm delighted that new members are joining up and that new branches and support groups have been put in place. I also want to thank you all for supporting Shades so strongly. The number of street collections, school visits and counter boxes placed in shops was huge. Shades would not have been possible without your fantastic support. I hope to see you at some of the upcoming events to celebrate our thirtieth anniversary. From all of us at IGDB - THANK YOU! IGDB CEO, Padraig Mallon Róisín Campbell, Fundraising Administrator at IGDB for the last two years has left the organisation to start a new job at University College Cork. Many of you will have worked closely with Róisín and, although we won't be seeing her as much as before, she will continue to be active with IGDB as a volunteer. We are delighted to welcome Bernadette Healy as the new Fundraising Administrator. Bernadette has worked in similar roles in the voluntary/community sector. She can be contacted on 021 487 8202. A big thank you to all who ran in the Flora women's mini marathon in Dublin on 5 June 2006. Many people ran for IGDB and it looks likely that a great deal of money was raised. On top of that, it was a fantastic day for runners and supporters alike. IGDB will have an exhibition stand at the RDS Horse Show which is being held from Wednesday 9th to Thursday 13th August at the RDS complex in the heart of Dublin. The Dublin office at St Joseph's School, Gracepark Road, Drumcondra, Dublin will host another 'Thank You Day' on 26th August. Supporters in the North East and South East regions will receive further details shortly. The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind AGM took place on 27th May at the headquarters in Model Farm Road, Cork. We were delighted that so many were able to attend. At the meeting, IGDB Chairman, Charlie Daly spoke of how the organisation is building its capacity to meet the needs of more clients. He thanked the branches, donors, supporters and fundraising staff for raising the money needed to make this happen in a very competitive environment. News from the fundraising regions -This is a brief taste of up & coming activity and events across the 4 regions. More detailed information is available from our website, www.guidedogs.ie, or by calling your Regional Manager. News from the North East: A series of fundraising concerts in Draiocht, Blanchardstown will raise money for IGDB later in the year. Johnny McEvoy appears on Saturday 4th November; Paddy Cole plays on Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th November; Brendan Shine performs on Thursday 30th November and finally, the Drawing Room Opera Company should be a major attraction on Saturday 2nd December. The theatre is easily accessible from the M50 and has ample free parking. Please book directly with the theatre on 01 885 2622. Booking opens approximately six weeks before the performances. For further information contact Paddy Coyle on 086 8193151 or 01 7978740. News from the West & Midlands: Ian Caroll and Denis Owens of the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise undertake 'The Short Way Round' (a 3,500km motorcycle trip around Europe) from June 26th to July 9th. The Donegal Branch will be in attendance at the following Agricultural Shows in July and August: Ardragh, Sligo, Clonmany and Ballintra Races. On 24th June, they will also be present at the Finn Valley show. 25th to 27th August sees this year's 100 km 'Walk in the West'. Over 3 days, participants will complete the Maumturk's Walk, the Famine Walk and the Killary Harbour Walk. Accommodation, meals and support is included. Please contact Deirdre Keaveney on 093 52720 or 086 8193289 for information on West & Midlands events. News from the South: The Around Ireland Boat Trip leaves Dungarvan Quay on 30th June at 1pm and calls in at Kilkee, Westport, Killybegs, Port, Ardglass, Howth and Wexford in a week-long trip. Mourneabbey Community Development are holding a Flag Day in Cork City and Limerick City on 30th June. The flag day is part of a series of events to raise money for Mourneabbey Community Development and IGDB. The first fundraiser was a Bed Push on 26th May. IGDB will have exhibition stalls at the Agricultural Shows in Charleville (24th and 25th June) and Belgooly (15th and 16th July). We'd love to see you there. And for those of you with dogs, the Poulanargid Dog Show takes place in Lissarda on 23rd June, the Crookstown Dog Show on the 2nd July and the Farran Dog Walk on the 5th July. Details on all these events are available from Breeda Clancy on 021 487 8232 or 086 8193165. News from the South East: Cyclists will be getting on their bikes on 16th July to ride from UCD to Wicklow Town in aid of IGDB. If you would like to join in, please contact the Dublin office A fundraiser will be held at the Fort Conan Hotel, Duncannon, Co Wexford on 23rd June at 8pm. IGDB will also be at the Enniscorthy Summer Fair on Sunday 2nd July from 10am to 5pm. It promises to be a great day so come along and support us. If you would like further information on these events, please call Melanie on 01 7978741 or 086 6056430. ************************ This message has been delivered to the Internet by the Revenue Internet e-mail service ************************* the IRLGuideDogs mailing list Send messages to irlguidedogs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Unsubscribe, vacation or digest options can be set by emailing irlguidedogs-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with a command in the subject line. For help simply type help. For help you may contact Darragh Ó Héiligh or Nicky Kealy at irlguidedogs-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx For information on this list including policies and rules please visit //www.freelists.org/webpage/irlguidedogs