All credit to Roy as guide dogs score €20,000

THE Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) scored big time yesterday when Ireland’s top Roy Keane impersonator presented them with €20,000 — the proceeds of his hit record that captured the nation’s imagination.

Today FM DJ Ian Dempsey broadcast his popular breakfast show from the charity’s headquarters in Cork to mark the event.

The money was raised by Mario Rosenstock, the brains and voice behind several characters, including Roy Keane, in the Gift Grub sketch show broadcast daily during Dempsey’s programme.

Rosenstock recorded the single Leave Right Now — originally recorded by Will Young — just days after Keane decided to leave Manchester United.

Performing in the guise of Roy Keane, Rosenstock’s hilarious version swept the nation and was also a hit on English radio stations.

It was released as a single last December due to huge demand and it went on to sell over 21,000 copies, reaching the prestigious Christmas number one single slot in 2005.

“Roy Keane is the celebrity supporter of the IGDB so it made sense that Today FM’s ‘Roy Keane’ donate proceeds of his hit single to the charity,” a spokesperson for the radio show said.

IGDB chief executive Padraig Mallon said the charity was delighted.

“The donation will contribute greatly to the training of more guide dogs,” he said.

The IGDB is celebrating its 30th year. In 2006, it will train more than 90 people through its guide dog, mobility, independent living, child mobility and assistance dogs for families of children with autism training programmes.

It will cost €3 million to provide its services this year, with over 80% raised through voluntary donations.

The organisation provides support to more than 300 clients nationwide.