25 September 2026
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Exclusive corporate networking evening on World Sight Day, Thursday 8 October
Irish Guide Dogs are bringing together three of Ireland’s most celebrated sporting names – their Ambassadors Roy Keane and Sonia O’Sullivan, along with Jimmy Barry-Murphy – for a unique corporate networking evening and auction at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, on Thursday, 8 October, World Sight Day.
The exclusive corporate event, taking place from 6 pm to 10 pm, will offer companies the rare opportunity to hear the three Cork sporting greats together in conversation, with Jonathan Healy of Healy Communications acting as MC.
Whilst IGD Ambassadors Keane and O’Sullivan are themselves two of Ireland’s most recognisable international sporting figures, the evening will offer a particularly special encounter as they meet and share the stage with one of their own sporting heroes, Jimmy Barry-Murphy.
The conversation will range across their extraordinary careers, the people and moments that shaped them, leadership, high-performance sport and life beyond competition – along with, inevitably, what it means to come from Cork.
The evening will include an auction of sporting items from Keane, O’Sullivan and Barry-Murphy, amongst others.
The event is being organised by Irish Guide Dogs, with Dell Technologies and the Rochestown Park Hotel partnering with the charity for the evening.
Tim O’Mahony, CEO of Irish Guide Dogs, said:
“It is a real honour to have the support of three of Cork’s, and indeed Ireland’s, finest sporting talents for this very special event, marking our 50th anniversary and World Sight Day. We’re delighted to bring such a stellar line-up, including two of our ambassadors, to our corporate community, whose incredible support has helped us change lives for five decades. Whether through fundraising, donations, corporate partnerships or puppy sponsorship, businesses nationwide have played a hugely important role in helping us deliver our life-changing services. We are incredibly grateful for that continued support and look forward to celebrating it together.”
The evening has been designed specifically for Ireland’s corporate community, combining meaningful networking with an opportunity to learn more about the life-changing work of Irish Guide Dogs and meet some of the people who use its services.
Guests will arrive for a networking drinks reception from 6 pm, followed by the main sporting conversation from approximately 7.10 pm to 8 pm, followed by dinner.
The evening will conclude with a further opportunity for guests to network and meet fellow attendees.
Attendance is strictly corporate, with tables of 10 available for €2,000 per table. (Full tables only)
Places are limited, and companies interested are encouraged to book early.
Corporate table bookings and enquiries: RobertHanrahan@GuideDogs.ie
