President welcomes new members to Claremorris Lions Club

THE incoming president of Claremorris and District Lions Club, Andy Bibby, has targeted increasing club membership, getting back to the pre-Covid levels of service and pushing the climate agenda as his priorities for the year ahead.

“Like every organisation, the Lions needs to keep renewing itself,” Andy said. “New blood is vital and we’re delighted that some new members have joined over the past year, but obviously, we’d welcome more.”

The Lions are a charitable organisation that raises funds for disbursement by other frontline, charitable organisations including the Red Cross, Curam and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Andy said that the Lions also funds the dance memory club for dementia sufferers in the area.

“We have also contributed to many national projects including Guide Dogs for the Blind, as well as international disaster emergencies, including significant amounts for the Ukraine appeal. We organise many events during the year,” Andy said, “including our annual Christmas food collection, Plant a Tree Week, midsummer night’s walk, dementia quiz night, message in a bottle, diabetes awareness, spectacles collection, to mention just a few.

“The Lions meets once a month to plan events. We are small group and punch well above our weight. Anyone who would like to give something back to their community would be most welcome to join.”

Melissa Walsh is the new vice-president, with John Whittle, secretary, Declan Reidy, treasurer and Darren Hennelly, PRO. James Preston is the immediate past president.

The Lions can be contacted by email at claremorrislionsclub@gmail.com.