Irene Mayock recently took over from Declan Dempsey, and is looking forward to a busy year in charge of the organisation which helps many worthy causes.
A business executive with Ulster Bank, Irene’s job took her to Dundalk five years ago, and she got involved with the lions club almost immediately.
There are 25 members of Dundalk Lions Club who meet twice a month.
They have a number of regular activities, such as the bingo, meals on wheels and a slot on Dundalk FM radio.
‘We have fund-raising events for our weekend away, and for the Christmas hampers,’ Irene explained.
Indeed, plans are afoot for the annual holiday to Galway, when the lions club treats 100 senior citizens and their carers.
‘ To raise money for that trip we have a karaoke night on 14 August, a table quiz in Kennedys on 11 September and bag-packing in Dunnes Stores.’
Later in the year, a poker classic will generate revenue for the Christmas hamper appeal.
Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organisation, with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world.
‘We serve’, is their motto.