Drop Down Menu
  Search...
 
  Business Directory Ad  

 

Donegal men meet Roy Keane for Guide Dog Day 27.04.15

TWO Donegal guide dog owners got the opportunity to meet Republic of Ireland star Roy Keane ahead of the inaugural Guide Dog Day on May 1.
Killea's Laurence McDermott with his dog Scamp and Clonmany's Kevin Kelly and his trusty canine Miles caught up with the Republic of Ireland assistant manager who is patron of Irish Guide Dogs and a life-long dog owner himself.
They and other guide dog clients from around the country were at the launch the charity's new national campaign, Guide Dog Day, which takes place on May 1.
“Growing up in Cork we always had dogs and then when I went to England with the pressure of matches, I always found spending time with my dogs a great way of relaxing," Keane told the launch event.
"I have two dogs at the moment, a German Shepherd and a Labrador and they are a massive part of my family. I’d be lost without them they are a massive part of our lives.”
The local men told the soccer star about the huge difference their guide dogs had made in their daily lives.
Kevin Kelly from Clonmany and his guide dog Miles meet Roy Keane ahead of the inaugural Guide Dog Day on May 1.
Laurence who lost his sight after an assault 18 years ago was reluctant to get a guide dog but now says it's the best decision he ever made. “I did not have a life before getting a guide dog. Life is incredible now with Scamp," he said.
Kevin, who works as a parliamentary assistant to Independent Senator Mary Ann O'Brien, lost his sight to a rare genetic retinal disorder in 2001 at the age of 14.
He received Miles from Irish Guide Dogs seven years later. He says Miles has helped him live a full life in Dublin, first as a student and now as a busy employee. Kevin, who loved soccer before losing his sight, is also now a member of the Blind Football Ireland squad.
“When friends see us play they are amazed at our pace and high level of skill," he said.
To support Guide Dog Day and text WOOF to 50300 to donate €4. You can also buy a badge at street collections on May 1 in Donegal Town and Letterkenny.
Laurence McDermott from Killea and his guide dog Scamp meet Roy Keane at the launch of Guide Dog Day to be held on May 1.
Add to Favorites :: Return to > Top Stories    > News    > Home