The Gaelic Players Association is delighted to announce that we’ve teamed up with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind as our Official Charity Partner for 2025. Players will support the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind by raising vital funds for the charity and highlighting the amazing work they do.
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is Ireland’s national charity dedicated to enabling people who are vision impaired and families of children with autism to achieve improved mobility and independence.
For nearly 50 years they have worked with their community of Breeders, Puppy Raisers, Home Socialisers, Temporary Boarders, Trainers, Staff, Volunteers and supporters to change as many lives as possible.
Their mission is to provide the highest quality of services in partnership with their Clients while planning for the future and valuing Clients, Volunteers, and each other.
The GPA have sponsored two 4-week-old pups, Paw-Dí and Peil, who will undergo training to become Guide Dogs or Assistance Dogs. The pups were named by inter-county players and partnership ambassadors who are all passionate about the work of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Paw-Dí and Peil were too young to attend a photocall to mark the beginning of the partnership today so they sent along their friends Belle, Paris and Qeb.
Leadership from both parties and player ambassadors, Amy O’Connor (Cork Camogie), Dessie Ward (Monaghan Football), Clare Owens (Leitrim Football) and Shane Walsh (Galway Football), were also at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin.
Speaking to mark the announcement, GPA CEO Tom Parsons said; “We are very proud to welcome the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind on board as our charity partner for 2025. The invaluable work they carry out in communities across Ireland really resonates with players and they are 100% aligned with the GPA’s value of being caring. We look forward to a great partnership.”
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, CEO Tim O’Mahony said; “We are delighted to have been chosen as the GPA’s Charity Partner for 2025; an organisation whose focus on player welfare and advocacy aligns with our mission to bring independence and mobility to our clients, and their families, and create more supportive and inclusive communities. We’re looking forward to working with the GPA on a local basis through our 43 volunteer Branches nationwide to support awareness for our services, improved advocacy, awareness and access for all.
“We’ll of course be updating the GPA on Paw-Dí and Peil’s progress during their training journey to change the life of someone who is blind or vision impaired or the family of a child with autism.”
Following today’s launch, the GPA will make a €10,000 donation to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, while they will also be given a central place at one of the GPA’s Legend’s Lunches later this year.
