2017/2018

John Lawless took on the presidency for 2017/18, with Des Power and Dermot Arnold again Secretary and Treasurer.

The President made his mark early on with a new event, Choirfest, which involved four choirs and was held in St Carthage’s Church of Ireland Cathedral in Lismore. John’s wife Mary was instrumental in putting all of this together. It turned out to be a great success, both for entertainment value and financially.

Diabetes screening was again a feature at Dungarvan Show. Thanks to the huge crowd for the 100th running of the Show, we also saw our numbers increase to over 300.

A major occurrence in the Club’s history took place at The Park Hotel in October when four Melvin Jones Awards were presented. The recipients were: Derry Twomey, our founding president and still active member; Peggy Moloney, posthumously, in recognition of her enormous contribution over many years through the Trabolgan Holiday, Nursing Home Visits and fundraising by Yesteryear Motorclub, of which she was president; Bob O’Brien, for his outstanding help over a long period, from the many quiz nights he organised to his being the champion of the Gold Coast Golf Club’s financial contribution annually; and Dungarvan Firemen, who have raised significant money for the Christmas Appeal each year by their street collections in full uniform.

The Club had made similar awards to only four other people in the past, the last time over 20 years ago. District Governor Teresa Dineen from Cork was our guest on the night and presented the awards. The evening also served as our annual Members’ Social Night.

As before, the Christmas Appeal was again the biggest undertaking of the year. Once more members rallied round and the usual events were organised. While the outcome was down on 2016, nonetheless the figure recorded was well in excess of that achieved on any other occasion, at €69,000. What was noteworthy was the increased level of donations given, largely through the efforts of the teams of street collectors.

The Shamrock Breakfast was another success and, on this occasion, without the attendance of WLR. In their place, Bob O’Brien provided the music and the microphones for interviews of invited guests and others.

Despite major concerns about its very future, Donal Connolly managed to encourage sufficient dancers and celebrities to take part which led to another successful Jigs & Reels in Cappoquin. This was the ninth running of this event, which exceeded what anyone had anticipated at the start.

East meets West cycle & walk took place for the second time. Based on lessons learned the year before, there was increased emphasis on advance publicity and, helped by sponsorship of €2,000 from Al Eile Stud, a greatly increased financial outcome was achieved. Despite the adverse weather forecasts turnout was good.

Service activities were never far from thoughts and actions throughout the year, through Nursing Home Visits, Carriglea Tea Party, Trabolgan Holiday, Diabetes Screening and Message in a Bottle.

Two important policy decisions had been made by members in the past two years. In order to reinforce these in a more official manner, policy papers were agreed and presented to members for their approval on 1. New Member Inductions and 2. Widening the scope of Distrbution of Christmas Appeal Funds.

Members were saddened by the death of our founding member Pat Fahy. Pat had been a respected and much-loved part of the Club for a long time.

On the other hand, it was pleasing to see new members join, taking our total number to 46 during the year. Equally encouraging was the interest and freshness they brought to the Club.

Following the July meeting, John Lawless handed over the chain of office to incoming president Phyllis Davis, who was taking on the role for the second time.