Branch Story - Midlands

A remarkable legacy of service

As Irish Guide Dogs celebrates 50 years of transforming lives across Ireland, the Midlands Branch is proud to reflect on its own rich history of dedication, community spirit, and fundraising support built up over more than four decades.

The roots of IGD fundraising in the Midlands can be traced back 35 to 40 years, when Michael Duffy, already a volunteer with the ISPCA, began fundraising efforts in Athlone. As Chairperson of the Athlone Branch, Michael led a committee of more than 20 volunteers, with regular meetings held at the Shamrock Lodge. During those early years, the local effort was supported by Irish Guide Dogs’ regional managers, helping to build a strong and committed network in the area.

Volunteerism and community support quickly became the backbone of the branch’s success. At one stage, the area had four puppy raisers, whose dogs also played an important role at fundraising events. Among them was Mai Byrne, whose commitment has stood the test of time and who remains a valued volunteer to this day.

Over the years, fundraising activities took many forms, reflecting the generosity and enthusiasm of local communities. These included church gate collections, bingo at Tormey Villas, weddings, support from schools and local businesses, and even contributions through Court Services fines paid locally. The branch also benefited from the kindness of dedicated supporters such as Maureen O’Gorman, who generously donated her weekly bingo winnings to the charity.

Local Athlone businesses have also been outstanding supporters of the branch over the years, with establishments such as The Wineport Lodge Hotel, Beans and Leaves Restaurant, Seán’s Bar and The Bounty Bar showing consistent generosity and community spirit in support of Irish Guide Dogs.

Leadership continued to evolve as Jimmy Nugent later took over as Chairperson for a number of years. Following his resignation, I was then treasurer and played a key role in joining the Roscommon and Westmeath efforts together to establish what is now known as the Midlands Branch of Irish Guide Dogs.

Our branch has gone from strength to strength since then. Fundraising and awareness activities have expanded significantly, with us now participating in shopping centre collections, agricultural shows, Christmas markets, music festivals, and hosting an annual fundraising music evening at The Bounty Bar. On average, we support 70 to 80 events each year, an extraordinary level of activity driven by committed volunteers and generous public support.

In addition to fundraising, we have strengthened our role in education and public awareness by delivering educational talks in local schools across a wide area, including counties Cavan, Roscommon, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois, helping to inspire younger generations and build understanding of the life-changing work of Irish Guide Dogs.

Today, we are also proudly supported by our three Ambassador Dogs — Twinkle, Pixie and Bumble — who help represent the charity at events and in the community.

Through all of this work, our Branch now raises an impressive €50,000 to €65,000 annually, a testament to the dedication of its volunteers and the unwavering support of communities throughout the region.

As Irish Guide Dogs celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Midlands Branch can look back with pride on a remarkable legacy of compassion, commitment, and community action. From the earliest fundraising efforts in Athlone to the vibrant and wide-reaching branch it is today, the Midlands Branch continues to play an important role in supporting our mission — helping people who are blind or vision impaired and families of children with autism to achieve greater mobility and independence.