Copyright thejournal
We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates Daft.ie Property Allianz Home The 42 Sport TG4 Entertainment The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories File image of guide dog puppies in training.Alamy Stock Photo Gardaí praise ‘gentleman’ who found money 'blowing in the wind’ and donated it to guide dog charity ‘Thank you for being such an honest gentleman, it pays to be such,’ said gardaí in Westmeath. 5.21pm, 29 Oct 2025 Share options GARDAÍ IN WESTMEATH have praised an anonymous “gentleman” who saw a substantial amount of money “blowing in the wind” and decided to donate it to a guide dog charity. On 20 September, 2024, a man from Westmeath (who has decided to remain anonymous) was driving with his collie dog when he saw “a lot of cash blowing in the wind”. Gardaí in Westmeath said the man stopped his car and collected “as much as he could and put it into his vehicle”. He then drove straight to Mullingar Garda Station to hand in the cash he had found. In a post to social media, gardaí in Westmeath explained that when any item is found and handed in, it has to stay in Lost & Found for 366 days. This gives gardaí time to try and locate the owner. Advertisement But after exhaustive efforts by members of Mullingar An Garda Síochána, no owner claimed the cash. As a result, the man who found the cash a year earlier was contacted by gardaí this month to inform him that because no owner had come forward within 366 days, he could rightfully claim the money. Last week, he came to the station to collect the money, which gardaí said was “in the thousands”. When asked by gardaí if he had “any nice plans for the windfall”, he revealed that he would donate the entire sum to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. And while the man told gardaí the reason why he had decided to make the donation, Westmeath gardaí have decided to keep this to themselves so that they can maintain his anonymity. “To say it is lovely, is an understatement,” said gardaí of the reason behind the donation. “Thank you for being such an honest gentleman, it pays to be such,” added gardaí in Westmeath. “An Garda Siochana would have liked to name the gentleman, but promised not to.” Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Diarmuid Pepper View 5 comments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Gardaí praise ‘gentleman’ who found money 'blowing in the wind’ and donated it to guide dog charity”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Gardaí praise ‘gentleman’ who found money 'blowing in the wind’ and donated it to guide dog charity”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Newly created accounts can only comment using The Journal app. This is to add an extra layer of security to account creation. Download and sign into the app to continue. Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion blowing in the wind Irish Guide Dogs DJ Carey's sentence hearing postponed until Friday after court informed he is in hospital top earners Joe Duffy tops RTÉ pay list for 2024 as the broadcaster's executives dominate overall earnings 55 mins ago Graham Linehan tells court he was trying to get trans activist to ‘stop pushing camera in his face’ Louvre heist Two Louvre heist suspects ‘partially’ admit participation, says Paris prosecutor Tolls to increase on 10 national roads including the M50 from January 31 mins ago Evening Wrap The 5 at 5: Wednesday 50 mins ago West Dublin 'High-tech' drone and up to €40,000 in drugs seized in operation targeting prison smuggling 54 mins ago At least 300 jobs at risk as Fastway parent company enters receivership DJ Carey's sentence hearing postponed until Friday after court informed he is in hospital Belgium v Ireland, Nations League play-offs At least eleven dead after Netanyahu orders 'powerful' strikes on Gaza despite ceasefire deal more from us Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online
