Walkies time on Leeside

Tails are wagging ahead of the Great Global Greyhound Walk taking place in the city this weekend.

The Cork iteration of the worldwide phenomenon is back for its second year thanks to organisers Susan Walsh and Darren Mulqueen.

Speaking to the Cork Independent, Susan explained the reasoning behind the event.

“The annual event started in the UK ten years ago, now there are walks all over the world from Mexico to Japan and in the last few years a couple of walks started popping up in Ireland, in Dublin and Galway. It annoyed me that there wasn’t one in Cork so I decided to set it up myself.”

A volunteer at local animal rescues centres, Susan is committed to the cause, the aim of which is to raise awareness of the number of sighthounds sitting in rescue shelters, and to show that they make great pets. These dogs are some of the most common to be found in pounds and rescues as they are often abused and abandoned.

Sighthounds include breeds such as greyhounds, whippets, lurchers, salukis and more.

“Many people don’t realise how low maintenance greyhounds are. They see them running around the track but really those races are only about two minutes long. Sighthounds can sleep 18-20 hours day, they only need maybe a 40 minute walk in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening.”

Susan is feeling confident that there will be a good turnout on the day.

“The response we got last year was just fantastic. We only had two and a half weeks to organise the event and 48 hounds took part with their families. This year we’re hoping to double those figures.”

There will also be a fundraising element as handmade braided wool collars in the Cork colours will be available for €2 with all funds raised going towards the purchase of martingale collars for sighthounds in local animal shelters.

The Cork Great Global Greyhound Walk takes place on Sunday 9 June, setting off at 1pm from the Lee Fields next to the Kingsley Hotel. Arrive from 12.15pm on to register and take part in the group photo. If you are unable to take part in the full walk you can join in the fun at Fitzgerald's Park at 1.30pm.

For more information search @gggwcork on Facebook and Twitter or visit greatglobalgreyhoundwalk.co.uk.