PJ Gallagher heads to the dogs for Irish Greyhound Board fundraising launch

Irish comedian PJ Gallagher took to the tracks at Shelbourne Park to launch a unique partnership between Down Syndrome Ireland and the Irish Greyhound Board next month.

The Irish Greyhound Board today announced that they are to host a Benefit Night at the Dogs in Greyhound Stadia across the country in order to raise much needed funds for Down Syndrome Ireland on the 25th February 2012, with the aim of raising over €100,000.

Greyhound stadia across the country taking part in the Down Syndrome Ireland fundraiser include Shelbourne Park, Dundalk, Galway, Lifford, Limerick, Mullingar, Newbridge, Tralee, Thurles and Waterford.

Dawn Quinn of the Irish Greyhound Board said of today's announcement: “This is the second year we will host the Down Syndrome Ireland Benefit Night at the Dogs. Due to the huge success of last year and the incredible support from everyone we are delighted to be involved once again.

"We urge everyone to put the 25th February into their diaries for a great night out.”

Speaking at the launch of the Benefit Night at the Dogs, Mr. Pat Clarke, Chief Executive of Down Syndrome Ireland echoed the IGB's statements, saying: “We are delighted to once again be working with the IGB to deliver our Benefit Night at the Dogs.

"On their [the IGB] behalf, I’d like to ask everyone out there to get involved and support this fantastic event which is sure to offer a very entertaining night, with Shelbourne Park even hosting an auction with great prizes including dinner with Eamon Dunphy at Dobbins restaurant”. Dinner with Dunphy, eh? We can already imagine the arguments and arm-waving from what would be a memorable night.

Funds raised from this year’s nationwide Night at the Dogs on the 25th February 2012  will go directly to support a wide range of Down Syndrome Ireland’s services at both local and national level. Both groups mention that anyone looking for further information on the night can visit Irish Greyhound Board’s website or that of Down Syndrome Ireland.