North Leitrim man takes on 50km challenge for guide dogs charity

Killargue man Pat McTigue walked over 50km around north Leitrim at the weekend to raise funds for the Irish Guide Dogs Association.

The walk, which took place last weekend, has raised nearly €1,000 for the charity, which provides guide dogs for people who are blind or have impaired vision.

"It's something that not many people seem to realise—it costs an awful lot of money to train just one dog, you know what I mean? It's not just a few euros, it's a lot of money,” said Pat, who was inspired to raise funds after witnessing the incredible work these animals do.

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Pat’s journey took him from Drumkeeran to Dromahair to Manorhamilton over the weekend. He was accompanied for part of the walk by his Samoyed-Husky, Bailey.

When Bailey got tired, Pat continued on his own before being joined by supporters along the way. “It was a nice group there to meet me—friends, family, sponsors, and all that,” he said.

The north Leitrim man, who is in his 60s, was delighted to finally complete the walk, which he had been planning for some time but had to postpone after suffering a stroke.

“I’d had some health issues myself a few years back. I suffered a stroke three years ago,” he said. “I’m happy it went well. I had a good support team—the local radio, Ocean FM, were very good to me, as were the businesses in Manorhamilton and Glenfarne, and people I know from all over. They all rallied around me.”

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