Branch Story - Dún Laoghaire

From a meeting in a hotel to a lasting community legacy in Dún Laoghaire

As Irish Guide Dogs celebrates its remarkable 50th anniversary, the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR) Branch is proud to mark a significant milestone of its own – 35 years of community, commitment and fundraising in support of this life-changing charity.

Founded in 1991, the DLR Branch began with a simple but powerful idea. The late George McVittie placed an advertisement in The Irish Times inviting local people to attend a public meeting at the Tara Towers Hotel. The goal was to establish a local branch that would raise funds and awareness to support people living with vision impairment.

Among those who answered the call were founding members Jenny Vella and Senator Victor Boyhan. Through their leadership, dedication and the support of the local community, a strong and vibrant branch was established. Thirty-five years later, that same spirit continues to thrive, with our branch having raised an estimated €1.7 million for Irish Guide Dogs.

Looking Back: The Early Years

Many branch members recall the extraordinary commitment shown during those early years. Tom and Gillian Aplin, Adele Trapnell and Guide Dog owner Bernard Johnson remember travelling by Stena Line ferry to Holyhead on free travel passes to raise awareness and much-needed funds. In the late 1990s, Victor Boyhan even spearheaded fundraising efforts to purchase a Caddy van for the branch, helping transport clients and dogs.

Those pioneering efforts laid the foundation for the thriving organisation we know today.

Building Strong Community Connections

One of the defining strengths of our branch has always been our deep roots within the local community. Over the years, countless individuals, schools, churches, businesses and organisations have supported the branch through fundraising, sponsorship, venue provision and volunteerism.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many supporters who have contributed to our success over the years, including Woodbrook Golf Club, Elm Park Golf Club, Café du Journal, Monkstown Church, St Paul's Glenageary, Sion Hill, DFEI, ICON, Mastercard, Dunnes Stores, SuperValu, Marks & Spencer, Homeground Coffee, Specsavers, Stillorgan Village, Blackrock Shopping Centre, Bloomfields Shopping Centre, Dún Laoghaire Shopping Centre, Newtownpark Pharmacy, Windyridge Nurseries, Ark Vetcare, Killiney Parish and Fanagans.

We are equally grateful to the many local businesses that participate in our Collecting Dogs and Counter Box programmes and support the sale of our annual Christmas cards and calendars.

Our Christmas fundraising events have become a cherished tradition, made possible through the generosity and talent of performers including Honor Heffernan and the Plurabelles, the Askamore Singers, Gaudete Singers and the Mount Merrion Senior Children's Choir.

Memorable Events Through the Years

We have organised an impressive variety of fundraising and community events over the past three and a half decades.

From Summer Fairs in Knox Hall—which raised an incredible €10,000 in one year—to ukulele concerts, performances at the Pavilion Theatre, golf classics, Easter raffles, 5k road races, school visits, shopping centre fundraisers, coffee mornings and pet blessing services, the branch has continually found innovative ways to bring people together while supporting Irish Guide Dogs.

Another cherished tradition is the Annual Christmas Dinner, where members, volunteers and supporters gather to celebrate friendships, achievements and the shared mission that unites the branch.

Our strong community presence has also been recognised beyond fundraising. DLR County Council selected the branch to participate in its community-focused "Clann" photographic exhibition at the Lexicon Gallery. More recently, a TG4 feature on the Monkstown Church Schoolhouse renovation included coverage of the branch's Pet Blessing Service held in September 2024.

The People Behind the Success

The success of the DLR Branch has always been driven by its people.

Today, the branch has 68 members and is supported by more than 20 dedicated volunteers. Over the years, many individuals have given extraordinary service, including Tom and Gillian Aplin, Georgina Bowers, Helen Murphy, the late Helen McLoughlin, Clarissa Morrow, Adele Trapnell and Bernard Johnson.

Tom Aplin also played an important role in supporting the organisation at both local and national levels.

In recognition of her outstanding contribution, Guide Dog owner Peg Lyons was awarded Life Membership in 2018 after decades of dedication to the organisation.

The branch also acknowledges the many long-serving members whose loyalty and support have sustained the branch through the years. Their collective commitment has been the cornerstone of our success.

We are also fortunate to enjoy the support of local elected representatives who continue to champion the work of Irish Guide Dogs within our community.

The Unsung Heroes: Volunteers and Puppy Raisers

While fundraising and awareness are vital, our branch work would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers and puppy raisers.

Among those who have made a remarkable contribution are puppy raisers who have collectively nurtured more than 30 future Guide and Assistance Dogs. Noreen McGowan has raised 14 puppies, Mary Patterson 8, Adele Trapnell 6, and Brona and Richard Raftery 2.

Their commitment helps ensure that these extraordinary dogs can go on to provide independence, confidence and life-changing support to clients throughout Ireland.

Looking Forward

Much has changed since 1991. Fundraising methods have evolved, technology has transformed communications, and volunteering has adapted to modern lifestyles. We have embraced change and continue to grow, including building an online community of more than 1,100 followers on our social media channel.

Yet some things remain unchanged.

Our branch's success continues to be built on friendship, fellowship, generosity and a shared belief in the life-changing impact of Guide and Assistance Dogs. Above all, it is sustained by the goodwill of the local community and the dedication of members, volunteers, clients and supporters.

As we celebrate both the 50th anniversary of Irish Guide Dogs and the 35th anniversary of our branch, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to our journey. Your support has helped change lives, create opportunities and build a lasting legacy.

Here's to the next chapter—and to many more years of making a difference together.

Black and white photo of Guide Dog owner Peg Lyons and her Guide Dog, Daphne Healy, Victor Boyhan, George McVitty standing as a group at an informational booth, showcasing materials about IGD, with a small table and flowers in front.

Black and white photo from November 1992 feautring Sir. David Blatherwick (British Ambassador) presenting a giant cheque for £2,000 from the British Embassy Dublin to Victor Boyhan