2020/21

At the end of the July meeting, which was held via Zoom, John Considine took on the presidency. Des Power and Dermot Arnold continued as Secretary and Treasurer once more. Outgoing President John Hanlon, wished John Considine all the best in the coming year and President John, spoke about his hopes for the year ahead.

During the year we were very sad to note the passing of Derry Twomey. Derry was the founding President of the club and right up to his passing he was an inspiration and a guiding light.

It was a particularly challenging year for all. Our Christmas Appeal fundraising activities were very curtailed. We were unable to hold most of our popular events, such as music and quiz nights. In spite of being very restricted on where we could sell our Monster Raffle tickets, it was still remarkably successful.

For the first time, we sold tickets and fundraised on-line using the iDonate platform. We are most grateful to all who contributed in-person or on-line. The Lions club owes a huge debt of gratitude to the Walk For Laura event, which was held in the memory of the very popular and sadly missed Laura Cliffe. The walkers and their supporters made a huge contribution to the success to our appeal.

Popular musician and singer John Stack streamed an episode of his “Whiskey be the Fireside” music session, on our behalf, which again raised valuable funds on our behalf. These events as well as support of our Monster Quiz, enabled the Lions Club to help those in need in our community over the Christmas Period. We wish incoming President Shay O’Connor, who is a long serving and popular member of Dungarvan Lions Club, the very best for the coming year and offer him our full support. 

The club will continue to support the people of Dungarvan and West Waterford in the face of the ongoing challenges being presented by the threat of Covid19. As was the case last year, we may have to curtail some normal activities. The crisis challenges us to put together an achievable programme of events in the coming months. It is hard to believe that there was a normal life before March of 2020. As with everyone else in the country these are proving to be challenging times and though challenged, the Dungarvan Lions Club will continue to be of service to our community.