TV debut for our donkeys

On Sunday night last I got a phone-call about a slot that had opened up on the RTÉ Today Show on Monday evening. I spoke at length with Denise the researcher and we got the ball rolling! Denise wanted a donkey to come to the studio but after explaining that donkeys require companionship she quickly agreed that two donkeys would be more suitable and we knew the two girls that would be right for the job- Molly and Ginny.

I spoke with Joe Collins who agreed to attend the RTÉ studios with me to discuss the work of The Donkey Sanctuary (TDS) in Ireland. Joe liaised with Eugene and arranged for us to collect the mother and daughter duo on Monday afternoon. Eugene had the famous pair in immaculate condition with their coats and hooves gleaming and they were sporting stunning leather head-collars which topped off their look perfectly! Molly and Ginny are a credit to Eugene and it is fantastic to be able to call on them for whatever event arises and be confident in the knowledge that they will represent TDS in an impeccable manner.

Joe and I arrived at the RTÉ studios with our precious cargo and we set up the coral in a garage just off 'The Green Room.' Staff and guests looked on in amazement as the donkeys emerged from the trekker and quickly adjusted to their surroundings.

Rehearsals with presenter Maura Derrane went smoothly and then it was time for hair and make-up. As we waited for our 5pm slot we chatted to a popular actor from Fair City called Johnny Ward who was very eager to get some donkey selfies! The donkeys also mesmerized the male models on the show as they gathered around and asked us about our work and took some more selfies which in turn helps to promote us online and in different circles which is good for raising our profile across a wide spectrum.

At 5pm we went live on air to a national audience which all four of us took in our stride. The questions came thick and fast but we were well prepared and tried to get as much information in to our allocated time as possible. We encouraged people to consider the Rehoming scheme and to donate to TDS to help us to reach more donkeys. The piece went very well and we have received great feedback since Monday and we have been welcoming new visitors to Knockardbane after watching the show so it proved to be very worthwhile. We are super proud of Molly and Ginny and grateful for the opportunity.

You can watch the piece here https://youtu.be/1R1E7oGk74M