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Ballincollig Basketball and IGDB: A winning team!

With the new season kicking off on 4 October Cork’s Ballincollig Super League team is looking forward to once again partnering with the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Now in its second year, this heartwarming collaboration was made possible by a generous, anonymous donor who purchased the naming rights of the team with a view to raising awareness and support for the charity.

In the 2023-2024 season, not only did the charity receive constant mentions on radio, print, and social media, and enjoyed two hours of live TV coverage during the Cup Final on TG4, but the partnership has also created a positive connection between sport and the local community in Ballincollig and beyond.

Community and CSR Impact

The mutual benefit of the sponsorship has been evident with the team gaining exposure to the IGDB community, including staff, clients, and volunteers. Similarly, IGDB and its nationwide fundraising volunteer branches have received increased visibility through their association with the team by attending matches and introducing the charity and its incredible dogs to the fans.

Players have also had the chance to learn about the charity's work firsthand meeting clients, visiting the Training Centre in Ballincollig, and in turn, gaining a deeper understanding of the charity’s mission. Bringing this knowledge with them as they coach young children in local schools and clubs has helped to further spread awareness of the life-changing work of the organisation which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.

Daniel O’Sullivan, a key player on the team, shared his thoughts on the partnership: “It’s been fantastic to hear the stories from the owners about how their dogs gave them a new freedom. Being able to increase the awareness of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind was a great part of last season for the whole team and we’re looking forward to the year ahead.”

Looking Ahead: Year Two

As the partnership enters its second season there are exciting plans in place. The team members recently visited the IGDB Training Centre, with head coach Antonio Lopez participating in a blindfold walk to experience the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. Antonio said, “It was an incredible experience to feel guided and believe in the dogs while they created a path. A feeling of complete trust in someone who cares for you! For someone like me who has a dog, and it feels like my family, this has been something I will never forget!"

In addition, player Joshua Tomaic has volunteered to puppy raise and there are plans in motion to develop a bespoke merchandise range. The players will also become a regular sight over the coming months at fundraising collections and events and will be demonstrating their skills at the charity’s annual Open Day next summer.

Tim O’Mahony, Chief Executive Officer of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind said; “What started out as quite a unique local sponsorship has developed now into a relationship where we have had the opportunity to bring awareness about the needs of our clients to a new audience but also to nurture the mutual involvement of the team and coaches with our staff, clients and our volunteers across the country. To see the willingness of the players and management team to get involved sets a great example for the young people who so admire their sporting skills. We wish the team every success for 2024/25 season.”

Pictured (l – r) Players Jake Wolfe, Joshua Tomaic and Jordan Rawls with coach Antonio Lopez and Dogs-in-Training Nigel and Monty