Celebrating 50 years of Irish Guide Dogs

Charity ambassador Jack Crowley(Image: Brian Lougheed)

If you or someone you know has an artistic streak, now’s your chance to decorate a sculpture for all to see – as Irish Guide Dogs celebrate a half-century of providing invaluable help to those in need.

The project – called ‘A City of Tails’ – will see 50 life-size dog sculptures installed across Leeside this summer, each sponsored and individually designed and painted by local schools, clients, businesses and professional artists. Participating sponsors will have the opportunity to personalise and decorate their own sculpture, creating “a unique artwork that reflects their organisation, creativity and commitment to supporting Irish Guide Dogs.”

One of the sculptures will bear the signatures of many well-known public figures – including the charity’s ambassadors Roy Keane, Jack Crowley and Shane Casey, along with Cork Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy, Sonia O’Sullivan, Jimmy Barry Murphy, John Spillane and Cork Camogie’s Amy O’Connor.

And after the sculptures have been on display from August 22 to 28, the charity said that they may be auctioned – or used elsewhere to support Irish Guide Dogs in future.

Amy O’Connor at an open day last summer(Image: Brian Lougheed)

Tim O’Mahony, CEO of Irish Guide Dogs, said: “This event is both a celebration and an invitation. For 50 years, our work has been made possible by the support of our community. A City of Tails gives businesses, schools and supporters a creative and meaningful way to get involved – by sponsoring and decorating a dog while helping us continue changing lives into the future.”

Organisations interested in sponsoring and decorating a dog sculpture are encouraged to contact Irish Guide Dogs to learn more about participation opportunities: Communications@GuideDogs.ie

Services provided by Irish Guide Dogs include:

The Guide Dog Programme for people who are blind or vision impairedThe Assistance Dog Programme for families of children with autismCommunity Dog ProgrammeOrientation and Mobility Training (Long Cane)Independent Living Skills TrainingThe Child Mobility Programme

We’ve heard plenty of stories in the past about the amazing roles that dogs can play for those who need them – like with Ballincollig boy Kevin O’Mahony. In 2024, he was one of the main faces in the Irish Guide Dogs 2024 calendar – representing their team with a heart-melting pic alongside his four-legged friend Freida. The 8-year-old’s parents previously said Kevin and his furry companion have been inseparable ever since they were paired, and they felt “blessed” to have Freida in their lives.

Last week, Irish Guide Dogs led the St Patrick’s Day parade through Cork city, accompanied by their dedicated handler.s