Irish people who enjoy vastly improved lives thanks to their guide dogs have paid tribute to a Co. Galway man who has helped to raise over €250,000 in the past 12 years, even though he lives 3,000 miles away in New York city.

Dunmore native Kevin Kennedy pictured with Deirdre Keaveney at a recent Irish Guide Dogs fundraiser in New York.

Kevin Kennedy emigrated from his native Dunmore, Co. Galway, 46 years ago. Just over a decade ago he was inspired by an impromptu speech given by another Galway man, who had lost his sight, but had the use of a guide dog to allow him lead a full and active life.

Building superintendent Kennedy, who still calls Dunmore his home even though he left there in 1961, resolved to play his part when he heard Paul Higgins' address to the GAA function in New York city, and he founded the most far-flung branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Now the New York supporters are planning to get together once again for their annual dinner-dance in Rory Dolan's Bar, Yonkers, on Sunday, 21 October.

"The New York branch has done incredible work over the years. Every year they send home vital money that helps us run our service and provide training for guide dogs, such a crucial aspect of life for blind people. Kevin and his committee really have Ireland in their hearts," said P?draig Mallon, Chief Executive of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, who will travel to New York for this year's fund-raiser.

"It all started when the late Paul Higgins, a guide dog owner and a tireless campaigner from the Claddagh in Galway, delivered an impromptu address to a GAA function when he was on a visit to New York," continued Mr Mallon.

"He inspired the audience. Kevin Kennedy took up the mantle after hearing that speech, and for the past 12 years the New York people have raised over €250,000. Paul died in 1998, at just 44 years of age, but the benefits of his speech in New York still live on."

Dunmore native Kevin Kennedy said he still calls Galway home.

"I landed at Idlewild Airport in 1961, before it was renamed after John F Kennedy. There was six feet of snow on the ground. I stood looking around me and a man asked me what I was looking for. I said a plane to take me home. I still call Galway home but there's a bit of New York in me too," said Kevin.

An invitation has been extended to the Irish community in New York to support this year's function on 21 October. Admission is €25, payable on the door

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