Letter from President Catherine Connolly

Message for Irish Guide Dog's 50th Anniversary

I am delighted to send my heartfelt congratulations to everyone at Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

For the past fifty years, you have been providing support and assistance to the blind community, helping to improve quality of life immeasurably.

For five decades, Irish Guide Dogs have transformed countless lives across the country through your unwavering dedication and professionalism. Guide dogs provide a lifeline to their owners, bringing immense joy and independence by enabling freedom of movement, boosting confidence, and providing companionship. Of course, behind every guide dog there has been a rigorous, lengthy training process led by skilled handlers. The partnership between a guide dog and its handler is one that is built on trust and confidence. That relationship opens pathways to education, employment and enables full participation in community life.

This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the thousands of individuals and families whose daily lives have been enriched immeasurably by your service. It is also a moment to recognise and celebrate the often-unseen contributions of all of the staff, volunteers and puppy raisers who have sustained and nurtured the work of Irish Guide Dogs through the years.

You are an example to those who receive hope and courage from your assistance. I commend you all for your dedicated work on behalf of the blind community.

May you continue to prosper.

With every good wish,

Catherine Connolly

President of Ireland

Below is an image of the original letter