IT is the softer side of Roy Keane rarely seen by players.The Cork man with a fearsome reputation took a break from his whirlwind first 10 days as Ipswich Town manager to launch a campaign Dublin for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Derek Davis
By Derek Davis
IT is the softer side of Roy Keane rarely seen by players.
The Cork man with a fearsome reputation took a break from his whirlwind first 10 days as Ipswich Town manager to launch a campaign Dublin for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
With golden Labrador puppy Ella licking his face and more interested in exploring the Croke Park pitch than posing for pictures than the man himself, Keane ensured the IGDB Shades campaign in conjunction with Specsavers stores that sell pins for the charity, was well publicised throughout Ireland.
Keane said: “I'm delighted to launch Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind/Specsavers Shades 2009 Campaign.
"It's remarkable to see the positive impact a guide dog or assistance dog has on an individual or family. I am a great admirer of their work and the effort put in by their volunteers and partners in making a difference to others. I'm pleased to be playing my part.”
Over the past seven years Keane has donated his time and support to the Irish Guidedogs for the Blind/Specsavers Shades campaign to not only raise awareness of the needs of persons living with blindness or vision impairment but also raise much needed funds for the charity.
Keane will also feature in a television advert on the Emerald Isle, along with his own famous dog Triggs, although Keane warned: You won't be falling off your chair laughing.”
Although Keane flew back from Ireland for the pre-Coventry press conference yesterday and then took training, he also appeared on Irish television's famed chat show the Late, Late Show last night in a pre-recorded interview with Pat Kenny.
Keane has been patron of the Cork-based IGDB for the past seven years and donated the proceeds of his testimonial match between Manchester United and Celtic to the charity.
The players won't be seeing the softer side of Keane today as they prepare for the Blues' final match of the season at Portman Road tomorrow.
derek.davis@eadt.co.uk
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