1999/00

Jack Flanagan was President of the Club as we approached and passed the millenium. John Lawless was Secretary.

Jack outlined his aspirations for the year at the first meeting, when all members were asked to submit their names for various sub committees. 

Again there was talk of twinning with a UK club. Although this did not happen at the time, the Club subsequently twinned with Tenby and Saundersfoot Club in Wales and Lismore Club in Australia.

Forty Carriglea residents and ten helpers had an outing to the Marine Bar, where proprietor Christy O'Neill put up very enjoyable fare and music.

A Race Nite was held in Lawlor's Hotel in November. This was a new venture for the Club, and it proved to be very enjoyable and successful, raising £3,700 in the process. 

The Christmas Appeal was, once again, a big success, with £26,000 being raised. It was accepted that all was not perfect with it, so a review group was set up to look at all aspects and to come forward with recommendations. This group spent much time on their report, and came up with 44 specific recommendations for the future running of the Appeal. On a sad note, this was the last year that we had the great company and service of Bob Heuston of WLRfm at the Appeal. Bob became seriously ill immediately after the event and passed to his reward in the following May. Thanks for all the memories, Bob, and may you rest in peace.

The Christmas Swim was very novel as we approached the Millenium. We were provided with a 1900 style bathing box, and many swimmers braved the waves in period costume. The President looked particularly fetching in his 1900 attire!

Again this year, the Club sponsored a local football team to compete in the Youth Soccer tournament.

A golf classic was held in May. It looked to be in trouble for a period, due to the many such classics held in Dungarvan's three courses. However, driven on by John Power, it went ahead realising a reasonable profit, which was donated to the local branch of MS.

The Club became involved with the Regional heat of the Rose of Tralee, when we were approached to be beneficiary of the proceeds of the night. A number of members went to Waterford to support our candidate - was it a case of Beauty and the Beasts?

The hospital visits continued throughout the year to Dunabbey and St. Carthage's, as did many other service events such as the Mosney Holiday. Also the Club was in a position to react positively to many requests for support from worthy causes.

During the year members visited club meetings at Carrick on Suir and Carrigaline. It was felt that such club visits were very beneficial to all in exchanging experiences and ideas.

The Leo Club ran into trouble during the year with a loss of members. A lot of support was given to them, and, indeed the remaining members put in huge effort to keep going. They actually ran several events throughout the year. Unfortunately, the Club folded shortly after the end of the year.