Leitrim man organises coffee morning for charity that changed his life

Des Keaney from Manorhamilton is organising a coffee morning to raise funds for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, a charity close to his heart.

The event will take place on Wednesday, April 9, from 10am to 1pm in Bundoran Community Centre.

Living in Rossinver, Des began experiencing night vision problems in 2010. By 2016, he was no longer able to drive, and in 2020 he was partnered with his guide dog, Paige - a change he describes as life altering.

Organising this coffee morning is his way of giving back to the organisation that has supported him.

“The thing is the dogs are life transforming for people with sight loss from the point of view of what they can do and how they help,” Des explained.

He went on to say that the impact of a guide dog goes far beyond mobility - offering emotional and social benefits as well.

Des has some peripheral vision, but no central vision, which makes recognising people’s faces one of his biggest challenges.

A Leitrim's man Journey into Dusk

Des Keaney was born and raised in Manorhamilton, but spent his working life in and around Dublin. He returned to live on the Barr Road in Rossinver but soon began losing his sight. This is his story.

“From the point of view of meeting people, the dog is brilliant because she says hello to everyone. I have far more conversations out in the street now than I ever would have done when fully sighted so it’s great,” he said.

Paige has also helped Des regain a greater sense of independence. He previously used a white cane to navigate, but found it difficult and slow.

Now, with Paige by his side, he can walk more confidently and at a normal pace. “She makes such a difference,” he added.

Running Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind costs over €5 million each year, with more than 85 percent of that funding coming from voluntary donations and fundraising efforts.

“They support they give is brilliant. I'm checked in every six months and the organisation help with the dog if there is ever a problem,” Des said.

“The coffee morning is really to get people to meet the dogs and increase awareness,” he added.

While dogs are beloved by many, for some - like Des - they are truly life-changing companions.

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