It was a great night of celebration and nostalgia for members of Galway Lions Club as they celebrated their 50th birthday at a recent celebratory function in the Ardilaun Hotel. In attendance were many current and former members including current Club President Geraldine Mannion, founding members Gerry Molloy and Danny Griffin as well a total of 22 past presidents and District Governor of Lions Club Ireland, Ger Cashman.
Many happy memories were shared on the night with stories and photos from the many past local events organised by the Lions Club in Galway. Awards were presented to seven individuals who had over 40 years’ service with the Club in Galway.
Formed in 1972 as an affiliate of Lions Club Ireland, Galway Lions Club has over 50 current active members drawn from across the local community who come together to improve the quality of life for people who find themselves in less fortunate positions than themselves
Galway Lions Club is a voluntary organisation which runs many fundraising events and provides support and financial assistance to local individuals and families across the whole community.
The Lions Club local signature event is the annual Radio Auction held every December with the generous support of Galway Bay FM. Through the huge generosity of local doner businesses and public support, significant sums are raised each year which goes directly towards local families in our community who may need a helping hand at Christmas time.
Some of the organisations Supported by Galway Lions Club include St Vincent De Paul, COPE, Peter McVerry Trust, Pieta House, Order of Malta, St Joseph’s Special School, Special Olympics, Croi and many of Galway City’s twelve DEIS primary and second level schools.
Club records have put the total amount contributed to the local Galway community at over €4m since its foundation in 1972 - a significant achievement.
Galway Lions Club is one of 108 Clubs in the island of Ireland with over 2,000 members. Lions Club International (LCI ) is an organisation of 48,000 clubs and 1.45 million Lions that operates in almost every country of the world. LCI’s mission statement is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.
National projects run locally by Galway Lions Club include the Annual Senior Citizens Holiday to Trabolgan, Co Cork; Health Education and Supports, Carers Weekends and Youth Projects which include a Young Ambassador programme, Student Exchanges, a Peace Poster Contest and a Youth Football Championship.
Anyone wishing to get involved can contact the Secretary of Galway Lions Club by email at [email protected]
