Longford charity to make presentation to the Daíl Éireann for sustained support

Cian’s Kennels, the national children’s charity founded in memory of Longford teenager Cian Neary, will present at Dáil Éireann on June 25, 2025 at 1pm to highlight the profound emotional benefits of pet therapy and re-uniting family pets for seriously ill children—and to call for sustained government funding to expand the service nationwide.

Cian Neary was just 15 years old when he passed away in 2019 after bravely battling cancer. During his treatment, Cian found peace, motivation, and joy in visits from his beloved golden Labrador, Cooper. These visits reduced his anxiety and brought a comforting sense of home into the hospital setting. Inspired by his experience, Cian’s parents, Evelyn and Enda Neary, founded Cian’s Kennels to offer other children the same source of comfort—by safely reuniting hospitalised children with their family pets.

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“Our mission is simple,” said Evelyn Neary, Chairperson and Founder of Cian’s Kennels. “We want to give children in hospital the same happiness and sense of normality that Cian experienced. Seeing the difference, it made to him, we know how much it can help others. We’re proud to share his story in the Dáil, but we also need real, ongoing support to bring this service to every child who needs it.”

The presentation to the Dáil will include powerful contributions from a diverse panel of voices—including charity leaders, healthcare professionals, researchers, and those directly impacted by the service:

-Professor Aengus O’Marcaigh, retired Paediatric Haemotolgist at CHI Crumlin and Cian’s consultant, will speak to the medical and emotional importance of pet therapy during paediatric cancer care.
-Professors Veronica Lambert Professor of Children and Family Nursing/Health and Lorraine Bohan, Associate Professor of Psychology, DCU will present evidence-based research on the psychological benefits of animal-assisted
interventions for children in hospital.
-Ella Donlon. age 18, is a former long-term patient of CHI Crumlin, who benefitted from pet therapy and re-uniting family pets while undergoing hospital treatment. Her powerful lived experience offers a unique and personal perspective on the healing value of reconnecting with a beloved pet during a challenging time. Ellan is a passionate advocate for bringing comfort and
emotional support to children through innovative care services like Cian’s Kennels.
-John Lyons, Director of Finance at Cian’s Kennels, will outline the operational needs
and financial planning required to scale services nationwide.

Michael Carrigy TD has voiced his strong support for the initiative:

"Cian’s Kennels is an inspiring example of compassion in action, bringing comfort and companionship to children in hospital through the presence of their beloved pets. I’m proud to support their vital work and welcome their presentation to Dáil Éireann, where their story deserves to be heard and championed."

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Scientific studies continue to highlight the therapeutic value of pet therapy. A 2015 study in The Journal of Pediatric Nursing found that visits from therapy dogs significantly reduce anxiety, lower heart rates, and help children cooperate with medical procedures. A 2020 review in Frontiers in Psychology further affirmed the positive impact of pet therapy on
emotional regulation and stress relief among young patients. Cian’s Kennels currently works at CHI in Crumlin and provides kennelling services through DSPCA Rathfarnham and Pet Therapy Services Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar through a mobile unit. With growing demand, sustainable funding is now urgently needed to expand the service, build dedicated facilities, and partner with more hospitals across Ireland.