Gardaí take on charity cycle for Irish Guide Dogs

Gardaí from Galway will be taking part in a marathon two-day return cycle from Galway to Westport – and a climb of Croagh Patrick – to raise funds for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

This year’s Galway Blue Challenge will take place on Saturday, May 21 and will feature Gardaí from both Mill Street and Satlhill.

Now in its sixth year, the cycle and climb has raised over €120,000 for charities to date. Event organisers have introduced The Galway Plaza as main sponsor for 2016.

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind has been chosen as the beneficiary charity, having applied for funding along with eight other charities as part of the annual selection process. The charity provides training and support for dogs and owners.

These highly skilled dogs – which become eyes to the world and give independence to owners who are living with blindness and autism – cost €38,000 to train and maintain for each of their working lives.

Each dog has a working life of between four and eight years, depending on their health.

Speaking at the launch, Detective Mick Staunton said: “We aim to raise €38,000 with this year’s Galway Blue Challenge so we can provide a dog for at least one person through this year’s fundraising event.

“We’re dependent on cyclists to take part and raise funds for their efforts as well as our sponsors to help us achieve this. We invite anyone with an interest in taking part to join us. Participants can join us for a stage along the way or take part in the climb of Croagh Patrick as a standalone challenge. Participation on any level is welcome,” said Detective Staunton.

Sponsor Pat McDonagh of the Galway Plaza said: “We’re proud to support such a worthwhile event as the Galway Blue Challenge.  With this year’s beneficiary charity being Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, we are delighted to know that hopefully one more client of the essential service dealing with blindness will benefit from the fundraiser this year.”

Galway Blue Challenge includes cycling to Croagh Patrick from a choice of two starting points; Leisureland in Salthill or the shorter route at Maam Cross. Both groups cycle and climbing Croagh Patrick is optional, with a cycle to Hotel Westport for a gala dinner and overnight stay. The return cycle takes place on Sunday through Maam Valley back to Maam Cross and finishes at the Salthill Hotel via Oughterard and Moycullen

For further information visit the website.