2015/16

John Harnedy was next to assume the Presidency when he took over from Shay O'Connor. Des Power and Dermot Arnold remained as Secretary and Treasurer.

At the first meeting, in September, Ray McAndrew spoke about the Membership Project, which he was heading. He gave the background, which was of a very successful Club but with an ageing and male-dominated membership. His plan was to seek to redress these two issues.

Early in the year, the MD of WLR indicated that they were to go it alone on a new Christmas campaign, initially signalling an intent to target Education and Homelessness. We were offered the opportunity of joining with them, thereby deserting all of those who had come to rely on us for help at Christmas. This was rejected unanimously by members on a show of hands.

The WLR proposal, of course, would have caused difficulties for the Club around the Auction and Farmview Auction events in particular. In the event, WLR did participate in our Appeal for the year, although it was made clear that this would not continue.

The Club had already decided that the old Pub Radio Quiz format had become stale and decided to hold four individual Table Quizzes instead. This proved to be a huge success, with revenue increasing by almost €3,000.

The members' social night was again held in the Sailing Club with our own member Mike Sweeney the speaker, on the subject of Geology and the Copper Coast in particular. Mike brought some exhibits with him, some millions of years old. There was an attendance of 38 who greatly enjoyed the presentation.

Meetings were held at Zone (regional) and District (country) levels about the re-districting proposal, whereby the island of Ireland would become a standalone district, as opposed to the current arrangement where we are part of a multiple district that includes Britain and Ireland. This would have positive financial benefits for Ireland as well as being more meaningful. At present many decisions taken at Multiple District level have little relevance to us. This required a vote at District level as well as at the Multiple District Convention. A specially arranged Convention in Dublin resulted in an almost unanimous vote in favour of going alone. Later in the year, the Multiple District also voted in favour of this proposal, which is due to take effect in July 2017.

The Christmas Appeal was again a great success, despite the lower than usual corporate donations. Requests for assistance were greatly increased and the Club issued a record 523 vouchers. This year a new, lower denomination was introduced. This was used in cases where inadequate information on personal circumstances was supplied. The accompanying letter advised the reason for the lower amount. The hope is that those individuals will next year provide more detail on which a more informed decision may be made.

Those attending the Christmas Swim were treated to soup provided by Lion John O'Brien's daughter Aoife and was very well received.

A yound lady from Kilmacthomas, Imelda Morrissey, represented the Club in the Young Ambassador competition and, while she acquitted herself very well, the winner was a young man from Carrick-on-Suir club. He went on to win the District final later in the year.

The Jigs & Reels event was again held in Cappoquin, with Dungarvan Credit Union coming on board as main sponsors, and it provided the usual entertaining package of dancing talent, colourful costumes and fun. There were 15 couples involved and it was a big success financially.

In addition to the usual Nursing Home visits and the annual Carriglea Tea Party, the Club this year undertook a collection of old, unwanted spectacles for dispatch for use overseas. An Open Evening on Addiction was also held and was superbly chaired by Lion Tom McCabe.

A unique event was held in the form of a cinema premiere of a film about Lismore-based travel writer Dervla Murphy. It was decided to use the funds for the District's Centenary Project - to mark 100 years of Lions Clubs in 2017, each club was asked to raise €1,500 for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. This was held in SGC Cinema Dungarvan, by kind permission of Eugene Tobin, the manager there. The event was preceded by a sponsored cheese and wine reception and the 270 seat cinema was completely sold out. This was thanks to the leadership of Lion Anne Fielding who left no stone unturned in contacting targeted organisations, such as bridge clubs, Active Retirement group and many others. Overall, this was a huge success for the Club.

District Governor Marion Conneely attended the April meeting and made very favourable comments about the Club and its activities. She also spoke about the re-districting and Irish Guide Dogs projects.

Trabolgan was very successful with 15 guests in attendance. This number included some from Ballymacarbry for the first time. They contributed hugely to the holiday. Dungarvan guests once more won more than their share of awards during the week.

Diabetes Screening took place once more and an increase to 230 people tested was gratifying.

During the year three new members joined the Club.

Another busy year!