Tom Langan

As we celebrate 50 years of service, one of our Galway volunteers is being recognised for nearly five decades of dedication, advocacy and community spirit.

For Tom Langan, supporting the organisation has never just been about fundraising or volunteering — it’s personal.

Originally from Abbeyknockmoy in County Galway and now a long-time resident of Renmore, Tom founded our Galway volunteer branch in 1978, just two years after the organisation was established. Since then, he has become one of our most dedicated supporters, helping to shape our growth both locally and nationally.

Tom also holds a unique place in the organisation’s history as the first guide dog service user in Galway. Experiencing the independence and confidence that a guide dog provided inspired him to ensure others could benefit in the same way.

Looking back on the early days of the Galway branch, Tom remembers a small but determined group of volunteers who worked tirelessly to get the organisation established locally.

“We were short of money, but not energy,” he recalled, reflecting on the enthusiasm and commitment that drove the branch forward despite limited resources.

A lot has changed in Ireland since those early years. Opportunities, accessibility and support services for people who are blind or vision impaired have improved significantly over the past five decades, with Irish Guide Dogs playing a major role in that progress.

The Galway branch itself has also gone from strength to strength. Over the past three years, the number of volunteers involved has quadrupled, while public donations have increased by 30% — a reflection of the strong support the organisation continues to receive across the region.

Tom’s contribution has extended far beyond Galway. He served on the board of Irish Guide Dogs for 15 years and also worked as the organisation’s Public Relations Officer for several years, helping to raise awareness of the charity’s life-changing work nationwide.

Galway branch chair Kevin O’Brien said Tom’s impact on the organisation and the wider community has been extraordinary.

“Tom’s commitment, leadership and generosity over nearly five decades have had an extraordinary impact, not only on the Galway branch but on the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired across our community,” he said.

“His dedication embodies the very spirit of volunteering and service that Irish Guide Dogs is built upon.”

Kevin also encouraged more people to become involved with the organisation, whether through fundraising or directly supporting the dogs.

“We are always delighted to welcome new volunteers, whether they want to support our fundraising activities or work directly with our dogs by fostering a puppy or providing temporary boarding for a pup or working dog,” he said. “Every contribution helps us change lives.”

Tom’s story stands as a reminder of the lasting impact one volunteer can have — not just on an organisation, but on the lives of countless people across Ireland.

Tom featured on RTÉ back in 1986 where he spoke about the acceptance of guide dogs by owners of public houses. Click the button below to view the clip.

(Tom is pictured above at the Mansion House Dublin enjoying a lively conversation with Guide Dog owner Tom O'Neill and former board member, Kay Ryan. Pic Conor McCabe)