Bandon shade win for date with Keano

STUDENTS at Bandon Bridge School in Co Cork will play host to soccer legend Roy Keane, after winning a competition run by the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB).

As part of the Specsavers SHADES Schools Initiative, the school was drawn from hundreds nationwide who entered novel fundraising ideas for IGDB.

The Sunderland manager will meet students at the school to congratulate them on their efforts.

The inaugural competition, launched earlier this year, took place during IGDB National Fundraising and Awareness Week.

The draw took place yesterday and winner was chosen by students from Mount Mercy School and Coláiste an Spioráid Naoimh, Bishopstown in Cork. The other 31 schools will receive a Sunderland jersey signed by Roy Keane and donated by Specsavers.

Speaking at the draw Breeda Clancy, Regional Manager, IGDB said: “We were delighted by the time given and effort made by schools from all over the country.

“We are happy to congratulate all 32 winners for their hard work for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and remind all schools to get their creative thinking caps on for next year.”

Padraig Mallon, Chief Executive of IGDB, said: “Funds raised by schools during SHADES 2008 contributed to assist IGDB to both continue our work and ... enhance people’s lives for the better.”

Over the seven years of the IGDB/Specsavers SHADES campaign more than €1.4 million has been raised for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The SHADES 2009 Campaign runs from May 4 – 9 and schools can register now by lo-calling 1850 506 300 or emailing: [e-mail].