1996/97

John Hanlon was the next wearer of the President's chain. Anne O'Leary took over the Secretary's duties for the year - and also became engaged during the term.

A sad event early in the year was the death of one of our stalwart members, Matt English. This was followed not long afterwards by the untimely death of another great member and former President, Willie Flavin. John O'Brien's wife also went to her eternal reward during the year.

The Leo Club was very busy all year, and amongst other activities took over the running of the Rainbow Club. Their President, Martin Flynn, was made an honorary member of the Lions Club. Later in the year they won the award of Club of the Year.

The Peace Poster competition had six schools competing post Christmas.

It was agreed that the Club would again have an entrant in the Youth of the Year competition. Hazel Deegan was the choice and did very well, coming second in the Regional Final. The members decided against involvement in the Entertainer of the Year.

St. Martin's Society, Abbeyside Senior Citizens, and Carriglea residents were beneficiaries of the Lions Club sponsoring tickets for The Gingerbread Lady performed by Dungarvan Dramatic Society.

The Christmas Appeal by now was a big event with fundraising being from three different sources, auctions, on air auctions and donations. The amount raised during 1996 for distribution into the community was £22,000.

By this time the Cycle Tour had morphed into the Cycle and Walk Tour, with this year's distances being 17.5 miles and 6.5 miles. However the numbers participating were disappointing and it was felt that the event had probably run its course.

The first mention of Club Twinning arose this year with correspondence to and from Cambridge club in the UK.

At the Annual Convention Dungarvan Lions Club was chosen as the host for the following year's convention - this was a great honour for the Club. However, it would involve a great workload, and sub committees were formed in the current year.

Other events run in the year were the Mosney holiday, Carriglea Summer outing, the Cabaret (with Finbar Wright), hospital visits, Christmas swim, Over 55s Talent Competition, golf competition, and St. John's outing (to Dublin Zoo).