2003/04
Phyllis Davis became our first female President in the year of the 25th anniversary. Jack Stephenson remained as Secretary.
At the first meeting, in September, Phyllis outlined her extensive priorities for the year - membership, service events, international support, "working" members, a fundraising think tank, some social events, and the biggie of the year, the 25th Anniversary celebrations. She also outlined the case for a PRO, Paul Clerkin taking on the role. Paul was also Tailtwister for the year, and proved himself to be pretty ruthless.
The Club Draw also took on a new aspect, with the winner of the previous month being charged with bringing a bottle of wine (or something!) as the prize the following month.
The first event of the year was a reunion of those who had been in Trabolgan earlier in the year to give them a chance to exchange photographs, stories, and renew friendships.
The Club held the local Youth Award competition, with Dungarvan Youth Club coming away with the first prize. Disappointingly, however, they were disallowed from competing in the Regional Final, as some Lions Clubs objected to a group competing instead of an individual.
Great work was put into organising the 25th Anniversary Celebrations at the end of October. The long promised President's Board was erected in the lobby of Lawlor's Hotel to coincide with the event. The evening started with Mass, followed by unveiling of the President's board, a meal, and the night was topped off with music from Neil Hurley, Jimmy Duggan and Johnny Moloney. John Lawless put together a very impressive Anniversary Booklet for the occasion. The 130 invited guests very much enjoyed the occasion.
The Christmas Appeal, in the main, ran well, with the four sub committee chairpersons and the overall co-ordinator, Eamonn Moore, expressing their satisfaction. We had use of the WLRfm Roadcaster, and a timber hut from Tom Trihy.
A novel fundraiser was the Ballroom of Romance at Crotty's Leamybrien in support of St. John's School. Although the profit was modest the night was considered a success.
The first and current Presidents cut quite a dash in their period costumes as they rode in a pony and trap in the St. Patrick' s Day parade to publicise the 25 years of service by the Club to the community of West Waterford.
We procured the use of a portocabin in May for Diabetes Screening. Nurses from St. Joseph's Hospital supported the event, which was very worthwhile and appreciated by the 250 people who availed of the service.
Other events held during the year were the Trabolgan holiday, Christmas Swim and the hospital visits - the Christmas visit to St. Carthages in Lismore unearthed the hidden talents of the Lions Club Choir!
