1985/86

John Hurley became President in July 1985, with Paul Clerkin entering his second year as Secretary.

The first big event of the year was the Makem and Clancy concert in July, which, despite a big outlay on performers, realised £2,341 for charity.

The Club certainly did not rest on its laurels for the Summer, as a Gala Evening in Whitechurch House was also held during the so-called Summer Break.

During the year the first mention of setting up a Leo Club (for younger people) was made, and while this did not happen at the time, a very successful such club was founded some years later. Sadly, as with many Leo Clubs around the country, this was not to last very long.

While the cabaret, featuring Joe Cuddy, raised £1,450, initial ticket sales were slow and a special meeting was called to promote sales, with obvious success.

For the first time the club nominated a participant for the Youth Award, and at the other end of the scale, had a participant in the televised Over 55's talent show.

A Birthday Visitation Scheme to residents of Carriglea House in Abbeyside was another first this year.

The Christmas Fund was now well established, with food hampers being delivered. This was a precursor to the very successful Christmas Appeal. It was agreed to liaise with Sr. Therese and the Society of St Vincent de Paul in future years.

The club brought 100 Senior Citizens to the opening night of the Choral Society show, while pupils of St. John's School were brought by train to Dublin Zoo and Carriglea residents enjoyed a day out in Cork at Perk's Fun-fair.

The Club agreed to remain as trustees of the Causeway Tennis Club, which continued to grow with the addition of two additional tennis courts.

Club visits went global during the year, with Derry Twomey presenting a pennant to the club from Peteskey Lions Club, Pittsburgh, which he had visited.

Other ongoing activities were the Mosney Holiday, the RTE2 Christmas Food Appeal, Christmas Swim (55 swimmers), Cycle Tour and Golf outings.

Lots of firsts in John's year.