BY Annie Gribbin
Summer is over for another year, but one of the most successful and memorable events of this August was the Ballsbridge Lions Club first BBQ, which was held in the Bishop’s Garden St Mary’s Road.
Over 300 people attended and were well entertained by live performances from the School of Rock and Murphy’s Law. The new Miss Universe Ireland, Fionnghuala O’Reilly, arrived to showcase her crown and have her picture taken with John Gavigan, the new incoming President of the Club.
This was her first charity fundraising event of her year and she enjoyed it so much she stayed the whole evening and mingled with everyone. The summer barbecue was in aid of St Christopher’s new school on Haddington Road, which after costs amounted to €10,000 and was very well sponsored by the local business community whom we would sincerely like to thank for their support for getting on board with supplying drink and amazing food.
The Lions Club is celebrating its first year in existence and has raised funds for several local charities like The Linen Guild which supports Hollis Street Hospital, also Addiction Recovery Ireland. The goal of the Lions Club is to strengthen the community spirit which is particularly relevant in the Ballsbridge/Ringsend area, where the daily local way of life is under threat from the influx of large corporates.
We welcome new members and stress that there is no obligation to become actively involved except to attend a meeting once a month. There is great social interaction between the members and regular fun get-togethers.
So What Next?
Already there are plans for a defibrillator training course for the community, a golf outing, some concerts in the church hall and a trip to the south of France! Due to the great success of the BBQ this year we will no doubt do it again next year, only bigger and better! So watch this space and follow us on Facebook! Better again why not join the club and become a member of this huge growing international charity worldwide serving its own community.
You can do so at http://www.lionsclubs.ie/join-the-lions or contact John Gavigan at 086 2460125
