All-Ireland winning Kerry footballer and former player of the year James O’Donoghue has gone to the dogs – to support a great cause.
He was the event ambassador for a charity walk through the Gap of Dunloe to raise funds for Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland and he has fabulous canine companions alongside him for every step of the 11km trek.
Organised by Killarney firm Corcoran’s Furniture and Carpets, there were 37 participants in the event, which included AADI families, their dogs and representatives of the charity, as well as fundraisers, supporters and members of the Corcoran’s team.
The stars of the day were the three life-changing superhero dogs, Buzz, Baron and Hank.
The event raised just short of €12,000 with more pledges expected so the overall total should exceed that amount.
Those taking part left Ross Castle and were transported by boar to Lord Brandon’s Cottage before they strolled through the iconic Gap of Dunloe, with two AADI families and their dogs taking part.
David McCarthy, Head of Fundraising with AADI, described the experience as one of the most spectacular events the charity has ever been involved in.
“The funds raised will help the ongoing training and support of our families in the Kerry region. As an organisation that relies fully on fundraising, it is critical for us to have these partnerships to help us raise these vital funds,” he said.
Autism assistance dog Baron did the full walk with Michelle Corcoran and her sons, Josh and Aron, which was an incredible achievement for such a young family. Assistance dog in training, super-dog Hank, completed the walk with his puppy fosterer Karen O’Shea.
AADI walk ambassadors Darragh Caddigan and his parents Áine and Jason, also supported the event with their wonder-dog Buzz. The Caddigan family are the first in Kerry to have received a life changing AADI dog.
Jason Caddigan said: “Just recently Darragh was attempting to run into ongoing traffic. It was phenomenal to see how Buzz instantly reacted and held Darragh down so that he could not get into any danger”.
He added: “Buzz has changed our lives as a family. We can now go out and about knowing that Darragh will be kept safe and that he won’t be able to run off. Buzz also helps to reduce anxiety and to keep Darragh calm.
Jason remarked: “There are no words to express the difference this has made to us individuall, and as a family unit. We are hugely grateful for the outstanding AADI fundraising drive organised by Corcoran’s Furniture and also to the entire AADI team for their ongoing support.”
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