Killarney family say thanks to Autism dog charity as they launch fundraising walk
A Killarney family this week spoke glowingly about the impact that the charity Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) has had on their lives as they helped to launch an upcoming walk through the Gap of Dunloe on Saturday, June 8.
The walk, which is being organised by the team at Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets Ltd, was launched this week with the help of the Cattigan family from Killarney as well as as former Kerry footballer James O’ Donoghue.
Darragh Cattigan, his mum, Áine, and star of the show, Darragh’s super-hero dog, Buzz, were the guests of the honour on the day and Áine took the opportunity to praise the huge impact that having Buzz in their lives has made.
“We as a family feel beyond grateful that Buzz has come into our lives. It is hard to put into words the difference that our phenomenal Autism assistance dog has made to us. When we go out in public, we are now safe in the knowledge that Buzz will help to keep Darragh away from harm,” she said.
“As they are joined by a lead tied around Darragh’s waist, Buzz prevents him from potentially bolting into ongoing traffic, or from running off. Buzz also helps to keep Darragh calm, and they have a genuine bond that is a joy to behold,” she continued.
“As Darragh’s mother, I am now able to go on outings with just the two of us without worrying, this allows my husband and my other sons to enjoy valuable family time together also. Buzz has changed our entire world; we are forever grateful for him, and we are delighted to support Corcoran’s charity walk for AADI in any way that we can,” Áine added.
The aim of the walk is to raise as much funds as possible for AADI, hence, the walk is open to the public, with a minimum fundraising target of €100 per person (this includes the cost of the boat trip and lunch). The event is pre-booking only, and Corcoran’s would love people of all ages to sign up and join this exciting day out for a truly worthy cause.
Registration on the day of the walk, for those who have pre-booked, will commence at 9.30am on Saturday, 8 June at Ross Castle, Killarney.
The boats will depart at 10.30am, taking all participants on an hour-long journey through the stunning lakes of Killarney. This will be followed by an 11K walk (approximately 2.5 – 3 hours) from Lord Brandon’s Cottage to Kate Kearney’s cottage, where lunch will be served upon completion of the walk.
Corcoran’s Furniture will provide a complimentary bus service back to Ross Castle for all those participating in the event. All funds raised will go directly towards the training of an assistance dog, which will change a child’s life as well as the lives of their loved ones.
Speaking at the launch, Kerry All Ireland medallist, James O’ Donoghue said that he was “thrilled” to be supporting the Corcoran’s charity walk in aid of AADI, and that he was very much looking forward to taking part on the day.
To register for the walk, please contact AADI via https://www.autismassistancedogsireland.ie/event/view/corcorans-gap-of-dunloe and once you have completed registration you will receive an AADI fundraising pack and a t-shirt in support of the event.
Those who are unable to come along on the day, but who would like to make a general donation to the charity, can do so via: https://www.autismassistancedogsireland.ie/event/corcorans-gap-of-dunloe/donate
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