2013/14

John Dwane assumed the role of President for the second time, 25 years after his first term. Des Power took over from Siobhan Fahey as Secretary with Dermot Arnold remaining as Treasurer.

An Autumn concert was planned for October in the Town Hall Theatre but had to be postponed until later in the year. Nursing Home visits were again a regular and successful feature throughout the year.

In October, Jamie Moore, co-ordinator of Waterford Comhairle na nOg, gave an excellent presentation on their work, particularly their campaign against cyber bullying. It was agreed that a shortfall of €1,500 in their funding would be provided by the Club. A further outcome of this visit was the subsequent nomination of his colleague Sarah Keane as our representative in the Young Ambassador programme, where she was a regional winner.

The District Governor, Liam Lyons, attended the November meeting and addressed the members on a number of issues, including the change in Zone for us, bringing us to what was generally considered to be a more suitable fit geographically, joining with Clonmel, Carrick, Waterford, New Ross and Kilkenny.

As ever, the Christmas Appeal saw a considerable amount of activity by members but saw the beginning of a reduction by WLR in the level of participation of previous years. The on-air auction was held over a single day only. Nonetheless, the outcome was very satisfactory with just a small reduction in the total achieved. It was evident that there was an increasing demand on schools and clubs from other quarters. The Club also saw an increase in the number of requests for assistance, up by 174. This resulted in additional vouchers worth €10,000 being issued.

The Jigs & Reels event continued as a significant fundraiser and the Club took part in the St Patrick's Day Parade aboard the Wanderly Wagon.

There was a relaunch of the Message in a Bottle campaign in order to give it added impetus.

The Summer concert was a great success with all the entertainers giving their services free of charge.

Thus ended another successful year for the Club.