The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind celebrated its 30th anniversary this weekend with the official opening of a Tribute Garden by May Murphy who was the second person in Ireland to receive a guide dog in 1960.
The garden in Bishopstown on the southside of the city honours all dogs who have been successfully matched since 1976. A remarkable 580 partnerships have been created over the last 30 years.
Located at the main entrance of the centre, the Tribute Garden consists of a landscaped garden set against a walled backdrop. Metal plates engraved with the name of each qualified dog and the date of qualification in tactile lettering and in Braille have been placed on the wall.
Every year the wall will be updated with the names of qualified dogs during that year. It is envisaged that the garden will give guide dog owners a space to reflect on the important role that the dogs have played in their lives.
The garden was officially opened on Saturday during an open day at the Cork branch of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind on Model Farm Road in the city.
Speaking at the opening Charlie Daly Chairman of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind said he was delighted the project had come to fruition.
For further information on the organisation access the Guide Dog website on www.guidedogs.ie