Tullamore Lions Club celebrates 50 years of service to the community

COMMUNITY and business leaders celebrated 50 years of service by Tullamore Lions Club, at their 50th Anniversary Ball, in the Bridge House, on Saturday night last.

Marian McGreevy, head of Lions Clubs in Ireland, described the number of community projects and recipients of assistance by the club, “as massive and really immeasurable.”

There were special presentations on the night to founding members Andy Galvin (citation by Pat Lalor) and to Tom Maher (citation by Ronnie Colton).

Tributes to former member Christy Maye were led by Paul Bell and on video links by Brian Cloonan, Michael Byrne and Denis Doherty.

President of Tullamore Lions Club Dymphna Bracken made a special presentation to Jilian Maye, on behalf of the club.

Congratulations and thanks from recipients of assistance from the club, by video links, included messages from Peter Kelly Riada House Comfort Fund; Jean Durkin Offaly Parkinsons Association; John Conroy, Dochas; Molly Buckley, Community Projects; Sean Walsh, Esker Arts and Ronan Scully Self Help Africa.

Mr Will Faulkner Midlands 103 was MC for the night.

President Dymphna Bracken welcomed special guests District Governor Marian McGreevy and her husband Frank who travelled from Newcastle, Co Down; Zone Chair Stephanie Tao and her husband Bob who travelled from Nass and Liam Spooner representing Roscrea Lions Club.

She acknowledged and thanked past presidents, former members, and all who had contributed to the proud legacy of the club.

“50 years ago, a group of dedicated individuals including Andy Galvin and Tom Maher came together with a single purpose - to serve our community and make a difference.

“From those humble beginnings, Tullamore Lions club has grown into a cornerstone of our community,” she said.

Over the years, she outlined, how the club has supported some truly life-changing initiatives including Hooves for Hospice, Offaly Parkinsons Association, Riada House Comfort Fund. Dochas, Accessible Counselling Service, Clonbeale Bog Restoration, Self Help Africa, Esker Arts, local school projects, Christmas food appeals and support for needy families,

“But tonight, we don’t just celebrate the past – we look forward to the future. The world is constantly changing and as Lions we must continue to adapt, to innovate and to push the boundaries of what we can do.

“As we celebrate to night, let us take a moment to remember deceased members of the club whose commitment and leadership paved the way to our success,” she added.

She extended special thanks to “our sponsors, our partners and members of the local press, who believed in our mission and supported us throughout the years. Without your generosity, and unwavering support, none of this would be possible.

“So to-night as we celebrate 50 years of Lionism, let us take pride;

• in our achievements,

• honour our history

• and look forward with renewed passion.

“Here’s to our founders;

• to every member who has served,

• to all those who will carry the torch forward

• and to the next 50 years of service and friendship,” she concluded.

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Ms Marioan McGreevy, said it was an honour and privilege to be serving as the club’s District Governor during this special year of 50 years of service.

“As Tullamore Lions club you are so active in your service supporting so many causes.

Your Hooves for Hospice project with funds of over €1.2 million with tremendous support from over 600 farmers and others is outstanding. I am delighted to hear this service for the Midlands area is progressing well.

“The funds you have raised across so many projects is noteworthy.

“You come together for common causes. The partnerships you have built up have been so impressive, not just locally but at District and European level,” said Ms McCreevy.

“Of course, your Annual Year Book is an incredible piece of work and you certainly put Tullamore and County Offaly on the map with it.

“At the heart of every Lions club is the premise that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when they come together for a common cause and you all as members of this great Tullamore Lions club do that so well,” she added.

“Members of your club Paul Cullen and Christy Byrne are also making a great contribution to our District Team with their expertise. Your Environmental projects have really raised the profile of Lions with the work of Michael Carroll and his team.

“So well done on your commitment, care and concern for so much. You all as the Tullamore Lions club put your talents to work improving communities locally, nationally and internationally. You also give so generously with your time as volunteers and on behalf of the District I thank you most sincerely for that commitment.

“Your club has raised so much for so many projects over the last 50 years. What a superb legacy of service and making such an impact on your community locally, across our District and Internationally. You truely reflect the core values of Lionism with your commitment, care and concern for others.

“I wish you and your club here in Tullamore all the best in your next decade of service as you respect the past and look to the future with confidence,” she concluded.

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