Welcome to the display of this year’s Peace Poster Competition Entries! Entrants aged 11-13 poured their creativity and heart into artwork representing their unique visions of peace. Winner Announcement Date: November 12th 2024 We invite the community to appreciate these inspiring works, which highlight the importance of peace, kindness, and unity in our world.
Students ages 11, 12 or 13 as of November 15th 2024 are eligible.
For over three decades, Lions clubs around the globe have been sponsoring a very special art contest in schools and youth groups. Creating peace posters gives children everywhere the chance to express their visions of peace and inspire the world through art and creativity.
1988-89 Grand Prize Winner ” Peace Will Help Us Grow” Mustapha El Tawokji, 13 years old, Lebanon. Sponsored by Beirut Lions Club
Students ages 11, 12 or 13 as of November 15th 2024 are eligible to participate in the International Peace Poster Contest which is been rolled our through schools in the locality.
For peace to be anything more than a possibility, we need to make it a priority. This year, we’re asking our young students to create a poster that speaks to our world’s infinite potential for kindness once we commit to pursuing the idea of peace without limits.
All entries must be with Lucan Lions Club on or before Friday October 18th 2024 with entries displayed in Lucan Library until The Winner is chosen on Tuesday November 12th. The winning entry will then be forwarded to Lions District Governor for entry to the National Competition to compete with other entries from all over the island of Ireland, the winner of which will represent Ireland Internationally.
The winning poster will advance through the district, multiple district and international levels of competition with one international grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of $5,000 (or euro equivalent) and will be recognized at a special Lions International awards ceremony. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500 (or euro equivalent).
2023-24 Merit Award Winner, Maria Travisano, age 13, Florida, USA Sponsored byBonita Springs Lions Club
Lucan Lions Club raise funds for local charities and other worthy causes during the year, the proceeds of which were distributed at our 2024 Awards Night in The Lucan Spa Hotel on Thursday May 23rd. Representatives of the various charities and groups were present to accept cheques on behalf of their organisation
Lucan Lions Club member Geraldine Moran is acknowledged for her amazing work with The Lions Recycle For Sight Program having collected and dispatched over 4000 pairs of glasses.
This is a local Charity set up by the parents, friends and relations of 2 boys Conor and Dean who are living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This is a rare, progressive and fatal muscle-wasting condition that almost exclusively affects boys. There is currently no known cure.
The objective of the Build For The Boys Charity is to help to build a future for them in which this life-limiting condition does not limit their dignity and their joy for living.
Parents Jamie and Karen collect the cheque for €3500
Their parents Karen and Jamie have set out their vision and plans for the boys. In summary, as parents they want them to know that they can do whatever it is they want to do in the future, college, travel or whatever it may be.
Karen and Jamie want them to know and to understand, that Duchenne is just a part of who they are and not what should define them. It is not about what they can’t do; it is all about finding a way to overcome any barriers that they may face. Conor and Dean are bright, caring, joyful young boys who already amaze everybody everyday
This is a fully voluntary charity, initially established by Liam Duggan who was subsequently joined by our own Damien Douglas from Lucan. This charity is putting all its efforts into fundraising for the provision of a Paediatric MRI Scanner in the New Childrens Hospital – when the building is complete.
Liam Duggan and Damien Douglas receive the cheque of behalf of Koins for Kids.
How do they fund-raise? Koins for Kids repatriates non-Euro coin, collects out of date and damaged currency. They have a process through the Central Bank and others to convert all this to Euros. They are open to all donations big and small. To date they have raised in excess of €500k for the MRI which is likely to cost €1m . This will make a big impact on the lives of these children who sadly suffer from an assortment of conditions for reasons beyond their control.
So if you are decluttering, check your jars and presses for foreign currency and donate it to Koins for Kids or drop the Koins into our Luke The Lion in SuperValu Lucan.
The Team Elizabeth Trust is a registered trust that was established in 2016, with Elizabeth Mc Nicholas as the beneficiary. Elizabeth is a young Lucan woman who is living with severe brain and spinal injuries and, as a result, is a full-time wheelchair user, with complex medical needs and severe neuropathic pain.
Elizabeth and Sean McNicholas accept the cheque
In 2018, Elizabeth spent three months in a hospital in Istanbul, to undergo a series of major life-saving and life-changing surgeries, which provided some hope to get her life back to normal.
Due to the complex nature of Elizabeth’s condition, she requires ongoing specialist neurorehabilitation which is not available to her in Ireland. During the past two summers, Elizabeth has undergone neurorehabilitation at Neurokinex Gatwick in the UK, making significant strides in her recovery, such as learning to sit upright unaided and regaining better function in her right arm.
Elizabeth hopes to return to Neurokinex Gatwick for further intensive neurorehabilitation over the coming months. This does not come cheap and any funds raised through the Team Elizabeth Trust are used to enable Elizabeth to access vital medical care and rehabilitation, both at home, where this cannot be provided through the public health system, and abroad, as well as to help with other medical expenses, such as the purchase of necessary specialised medical equipment.
It is a sign of the times we live in that again we are presenting a cheque to a Homeless Charity. Here in Lucan Bernadette Fagan has shown tremendous leadership in assisting the homeless in the Lucan area and its environs. She also helps out with two soup runs per week in Dublin City. This small organisation, based in Arthur Griffith Park, also helps out the people currently accommodated in hotels in the local area. A look at their Facebook page demonstrates the range of services they provide including food distribution, clothing, mattresses and they also source items for those being rehoused.
Claire Flood and Bernadette Fagan accept the cheque on behalf of Lucan Homeless Donations
Nagarhope was set up by Lucan man Doc Clandillon in 2005 and has carried out substantial projects since then and in particular since the earthquake in 2015. The main aim since the inception of Nagerhope was to construct and operate a childrens home in Nagarkot, The overall mission has evolved as the organisation has grown over the years and the focus now is on providing education for children in deprived communities in Nepal. This is delivered through Nagarhope Basic School and through education and health support programmes in other schools and in the community.
Seamus Clandillon accepts the cheque on behalf of Nagarhope
Nagarhope’s main focus over the years has been education and with the establishment of our own pre-school in 2014, with work concentrated more so on improving the facilities, surroundings, education methods and attitude towards running a school. A big part of improving is actually ‘providing’ in the first place, providing quality education, be it theoretical, physical, sensorial or whatever methods.
Ukraine Families -Lucan
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, just over 2 years ago, Lucan Lions Club has had a close association, including through the local Community Gardai, with Ukraine families accommodated in the area. Lucan Lions Club member Marion O Shea has been our close liaison with the families.
Yulia accepts the cheque on behalf of Ukraine Families
The overall settling in and integration process was difficult, and our Ukraine arrivals acknowledge that it was made easier by the warmth of the welcome and the understanding by the Irish people for their plight and predicament.
The Club raised funding through Luke the Lion in SuperValu Lucan to distribute help and assistance at Christmas, We have assisted these families since their arrival and Lucan Lions Club remains committed to assisting these families and are delighted to help them out again.
Lucan Food Bank – Balgaddy
Again, this is a sign of the times we live in where our next recipient is the Food Bank which is based in Balgaddy. This well established Food Bank distributes food to the less well off in that Community. It was started by a local priest who observed some children going to school hungry. Food is distributed every Monday morning and is donated by parishioners. Lucan Lions Club is a regular contributor to the Food Bank particularly at Christmas through our Annual food appeal.
Mary Gibbs accepts the cheque on behalf of the Food Bank
Finding Charlie’s Voice is an Irish Registered Charity that supports children and young adults with speech and language communication needs in Ireland. It was set up by Lucan parents Evelyn and Will Byrne and was inspired by their son Charlie, now 9, who was born with Verbal Dyspraxia – a rare neurological speech sound disorder, impacting about 1:1000 children worldwide. Those with verbal dyspraxia need to be taught the precise motor movements necessary to form sounds and words. Their speech cannot be corrected without intensive, early and frequent intervention from a qualified Speech and Language Therapist.
We believe that children should be seen AND heard. Communication is a basic human right, but it is also a privilege. Their objective is to ensure that no child is left behind because they cannot speak and/or understand.
The charity makes communication boards for children with speech difficulties and their use helps the wider school community become more inclusive. The group created these boards that allow children who have difficulty communicating verbally to express themselves in a variety of settings.
AFI is the National Support Group for people affected by all types of Ataxia including Friedreich’s Ataxia (the most common Genetic Ataxia) and up to 200 other types of Ataxias.
It is a Charity Organisation which provides support to people with Ataxia and their families, siblings and friends. AFI has established this organisation which is run and managed by people with this condition. The Chairperson and the majority of the Board have an Ataxia.
Ataxia Foundation Ireland focuses on the social and emotional dimensions, and aims to prevent isolation and foster a sense of community among those impacted by ataxia. They have recently purchased a specialised bus to transport people who suffer with Ataxia and have had it specially adapted. The Lucan Lions Club contribution will go towards the cost of the bus.
Tom Kelleher accepts the Cheque on behalf of the organisation.
John McDonald Bursary – Local Hardship Case
This bursary has been established by Lucan Lions Club to commemorate the voluntary charitable work carried out by the late John McDonald who was a founding (Charter) member of Lucan Lions Club in 1988.
Claire and Emma McDonald from REA McDonald accept the cheque on behalf of a Local Hardship Case
Lucan Lions Club President and Charter Member Ray Barnes present The Presidents Award. Congratulations Alan, David and Philip, a fabulous achievement and well-deserved award in recognition of the outstanding service to the Lucan Community for 60 years since it was set up by Paddy Monaghan R.I.P.
Lucan Lions Club is encouraging people to donate unwanted spectacles in several local shops, which are then recycled to third world countries and donated free of charge to people with poor eyesight who normally could not afford to purchase spectacles.
All varieties, condition and sizes are very welcome – adults, children’s, sunglasses, damaged/broken – we can use them all. No need to include glasses cases, as these are not required.
It could improve a persons life in another country
Once collected, the spectacles are boxed & dispatched via DPD sponsorship to MEDICO LIONS CLUBS de FRANCE in Le Havre. On arrival, the spectacles are sorted & cleaned. Using specialised equipment, the power of the lenses is measured for the new owner.
They are labelled and packed ready for shipment to a country in Africa, Asia, South America and Europe, to restore sight to lifeless eyes.
Lucan Lions Club Collection Points
Many thanks to all of you who have donated spectacles – Lucan Lions club has already shipped over 3700 glasses for re-cycling in 2023 – well done to everyone!
Lucan Lions Club raise funds for local charities during the year, the proceeds are the result of various events. Our annual awards night returned on May 11th in The Lucan Spa Hotel with much anticipation with our last awards night having taking place in 2019.
Distributed on the night were the funds from our fundraising endeavours and in summary, we returned to Community organisations the funding raised in the Community.
With a special mention for Derek Keating, our dear friend and supporter of Lucan Lions Club who recenly passed away, may he rest in peace.
Lucan Homeless
Bernadette Fagan and Carol Rafter accepted the cheque on behalf of Lucan Homeless Donations.
It is a sign of the times we live in that the first recipient of a cheque for €1000 was a Homeless Charity. Here in Lucan, Bernadette Fagan has shown tremendous leadership in assisting the homeless in the Lucan area and its environs. She also helps out with two soup runs per week in the City Centre. This small organisation, based in Arthur Griffith Park, also helps out the people currently accommodated in Finnstown House Hotel and Leixlip House Hotel. A look at their Facebook page demonstrates the range of services they provide including food distribution, clothing, mattresses and they also source items for those being rehoused
Nagarhope
Niamh and Seamus Clandillon accepted the cheque on behalf of Nagarhope
Nagarhope was set up by Lucan man Doc Clandillon in 2005 and has carried out substantial projects since then and in particular since the earthquake in 2015 .The main aim since the inception of Nagerhope was to construct and operate a childrens home in Nagarkot, The overall mission has evolved as the organisation has grown over the years and the focus now is on providing education for children in deprived communities in Nepal. This is delivered through Nagarhope Basic School and through education and health support programmes in other schools and in the community.
They also continue to have great support from the Lucan Community
Lucan 23rd Scouts
Steven Caswell and scouts Senan and Ethan accepted the cheque on behalf of Lucan 23rdScouts.
Lucan is blessed with a number of Scout Troops and Lucan Lions Club has been in a position to assist them in various ways over the years. This year we are able to assist Lucan 23rd Scouts which are based on Chapel Hill. They are fundraising for a new roof and an upgrade for their Den. The Group has over 100 members and caters for groups aged 6-22 across Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers.
Womens Collective Ireland – Lucan
Joanne Nolan accepted the cheque on behalf of WCI Lucan
Womens Collective Lucan are members of Womens Collective Ireland. WCI collaborate with local regional and national organisations to ensure that they are representing our local community by raising issues and concerns brought to them through evaluations and assessments.
The overall mission of WCI is to support grassroots women through collective and practical actions to achieve their full human rights and true equality. WCI Lucan work directly with women on the ground from marginalised groups to build womens confidence and self esteem through feminist community education.
Ukraine Families -Lucan
Yulia accepted the cheque on behalf of Ukraine families
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine , Lucan Lions Club has had a close association, including through the local Community Garda Paul and Bernie, with Ukraine families accommodated in the area.
The Club raised funding through Luke the Lion in SuperValu Lucan to distribute help and assistance at Christmas, We remain committed to assisting these families and are delighted to help them out again at our annual awards night
Barretstown
Vicky Casserley accepted the cheque on behalf of Barrettstown
Barretstown offers free, specially designed camps and programmes for children and their families living with a serious illness – supported behind the scenes by 24 hour on site medical and nursing care.
All of the children and families come to Barretstown free of charge. Everything, including accommodation, food and medical assistance are provided at no cost to the family.
Barretstown is recognised as a centre of excellence in childhood cancer care and other serious illnesses. Children are referred to Barretstown based on their medical needs.
Since it first opened in 1994, Barretstown has brought the magic of Barretstown to over 85,000 campers.
Divine Mercy Food Bank – Balgaddy
Mary Gibbs accepted the cheque on behalf of the Food Bank
Again , this is a sign of the times we live in where our next recipient is the Food Bank which is based in Balgaddy in Lucan South. This well established Food Bank distributes food to the less well off in that Community. It was started by a local priest who observed some children going to school hungry. Food is distributed every Monday morning and is donated by parishioners. Lucan Lions Club is a regular contributer to the Food Bank particularly at Christmas through our Annual food appeal
Lauras Legacy
Niamh Murray accepted the cheque
This is a fundraiser set up by the Ferris family in Lucan.
This family have been long time members of Lucan Special Olympics club, Paul is an athlete and his mum Dorothy is the current Chairperson.
Dorothy Ferris’s daughter Laura passed away in March this year after a battle with cancer.
In her honour, Laura’s husband Luke, his brothers and Laura’s sister Leonie will go to Nairobi, Kenya next year to build a baby home & school as a lasting legacy to Laura.
Leonie previously worked with the charity Kidogo (a charity set up by an NI lady) and the buildings will be run by this charity.
This is a new fundraising campaign to remember Laura and Lucan Lions Club is delighted to make a contribution to this fundraiser
Finding Charlies Voice
Founder Evelyn Byrne accepted the cheque
A Lucan Mother Evelyn Byrne who was inspired by her own son’s Charlies diagnosis with verbal dyspraxia is helping to spread awareness for the condition and supports families of children that have been diagnosed with the condition. She does this through her organisation ‘Finding Charlie’s Voice’.
Verbal dyspraxia is a relatively rare life-long neurological speech disorder in which children have difficulty in making and co-ordinating the precise movements needed to produce clear speech with their mouths.
The Lucan based charity makes communication boards for children with speech difficulties and their use helps the wider school community become more inclusive. The group created these boards that allow children who have difficulty communicating verbally to express themselves in a variety of settings.
The communication boards, which rely primarily on symbols and images, have proliferated across the country. This is done on a non-for-profit basis in the hope that children like Charlie can enjoy school and other settings to the same extent as their peers
Lucan Special Olympics Club
Special Olympics athletes Kate Tierney and Jimmy Kneafsey accepted the cheque on behalf of Lucan Special Olympics Club
This well established Group , now operating for 20 years was founded by a dedicated group of local Special Olympics Volunteers in the afternmath of the Special Olympics Worlds Games which took place in Ireland in 2003. It is the only Club of its nature in the area and aligns with the ethos of the international Special Olympics organisation. It specifically caters for people with learning difficulties. The Club has a fantastic and successful record of achievement in Irish Special Olympics folklore and the main sports are basketball, bocce, floorball and they also have a Junior Club.
Bernadette Fagan– In recognition of her outstanding contribution in helping the homeless in Lucan and the wider environs
Laura Butler–In recognition of her outstanding role as a liaison organiser in the charitable partnership between Lucan Lions Club and SuperValu Lucan
Lucan Special Olympics–To commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Special Olympics in Lucan beginning with Lucan as a Host Town in 2003 World Games and in recognition of the close ongoing partnership between Lucan Special Olympics Club and Lucan Lions Club.
Declan & Paul collect the award on behalf of Lucan Special Olympics Club
District Governor-In grateful appreciation to the District Governor for his attendance and participation at the Lucan Lions Club Awards Night on 11 May 2023.
Lucan Lions Club membership at present is around 16 people, who give willingly of their time and talents to help others. However, it is not all work as we also enjoy the social side of Lionism, both at local and District level.
Ray Barnes Lucan Lions Club Charter Member, In sincere appreciation and recognition of 35 years of distinguished service, loyalty and devotion to the objects and furtherance of Lionism
We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 8pm at Lucan Spa Hotel.
‘Luke the Lion’ and Lucan Lions Club would like to thank the community in Lucan for their generosity in “feeding” the Luke from March – December 2022 which supported the people of Ukraine
We asked and once again, you the people of the Lucan area listened. Lucan Lions Club with your assistance made a difference to the displaced Ukrainian people both here and in Ukraine.
“We Serve” is the motto of all Lions Clubs but we really could not do it without you or the invaluable support by SuperValu, Lucan.
In consultation with An Garda Síochána who were aware of Ukrainian families/people in the locality, Lucan Lions Club provided the following :
Penneys Vouchers and Leap Cards during the Summer. This gave the Ukrainians the opportunity to replenish clothes but equally as important, freedom to travel around the Dublin area.
Liffey Valley vouchers at Christmas time.
Thank you one and all for all the support you have given to us and for the money received through Luke the Lion. You have truly made a difference.
We are delighted to be once again partnering with SuperValu Lucan for Christmas 2020 fundraising to support our local community. We appreciate all the support given by you the people of Lucan and particularly David and all his staff for their consistent and generous support.
If you would like to donate €2 to the Lions club you can do so by selecting the €2 donate button at the Self Checkouts or at any till throughout the store!
We really appreciate your support and 100% of funds raised will be used to support locals in need!
For many years, we have been meeting in Lucan Spa Hotel on the second Tuesday of the month – rain, hail or shine. Covid-19 changed this and we missed our April meeting but then figured out virtual meeting technology. Our first virtual meeting happened at 20:30 on 12thMay 2020, we stayed at home to meet up.
Lucan’s Spa Hotel where we meet every month
Even without a formal meeting in April, Lucan Lions Club was busy supporting local community activities. We are lucky to be firmly embedded locally and available to the community when the need arises. A request for assistance was received from Lucan Disability Action Group, an organisation we have supported in the past, to assist with the funding required to make their Buses safe for passengers and staff when transporting individuals to a local Covid-19 test centre. Funding was agreed by consensus through our WhatsApp Group. Who knew the benefit of Social Media!
Lucan Disability Action Group provided services within our community
In the absence of the Annual Awards Night, we “virtually” agreed to assist local, national and international initiatives using funds raised at fundraising events held particularly in SuperValu, Lucan. We remain indebted for the support given by the Management & Staff there.
Some of the fabulous staff from Super Valu Lucan attending our 2019 Awards Night
The Lucan Lions Club Gourmet Dining Experience took place on Saturday 27th in Lucan Spa Hotel. Guest Chef Joe Shannon and his team cooked a beautiful meal for a sold out group of 210 friends of Lucan Lions Club. There were seven courses of the finest Irish produced food, served by a small army of staff. Joe introduced each course before serving, and spoke with passion on how he prepared the ingredients. Guests were amazed by Joe’s humorous presentation and attention to food detail. Main course – 17 hour Slow Cooked Feather-Blade of Irish Beef, was outstanding.
Super Valu Lucan all smiles as Ian Lynam receives an award!
Also, many thanks to those who purchased tickets for the event.
Lucan Lions Club membership at present is around 16 men and women, who give willingly of their time and talents to help others.
However, it is not all work as we also enjoy the social side of Lionism, both at local and District level.
Joan Freeman from Pieta House
We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 8.30pm at Lucan Spa Hotel.
Ireland AM Celebrity Chef Joe Shannon will be preparing a delicious Gourmet Dining Experience taking place on Saturday April 27th in The Lucan Spa Hotel. Tickets€45 from any Lucan Lions Club member.
In April 1988, a group of twenty five people assembled at the Springfield Hotel, to discuss the formation of a new Lions Club. The meeting was hosted by Paddy Cotter of Maynooth/Kilcock Lions Club. People from a variety of backgrounds attended. I can recall sitting in a smoke filled resident’s lounge listening to Paddy talking about our community needs and social benefits of having a local Lions Club. There was a great response to his presentation. I signed-up while sipping tea with John McDonald and Barry Bowman.
A development plan to set up the Club was agreed. Jimmy Cox (BOI) was elected the first President of Lucan/Leixlip Lions Club. Bernard Hurley was selected as the club Secretary. Soon we were planning a Charter Dinner night. The dinner was hosted by Eoin Hickey, and it took place in the then newly opened Finnstown House Hotel.
People sometimes ask ‘what do Lions do’? Our club Moto is ‘We Serve’. In implementing this, we arrange charity events, and fundraise for local worthy causes. We often team-up with local organizations to organize events aimed at achieving certain goals in the context of helping the wider community.
There are 110 Lions Clubs in Ireland, with over three thousand members. Each club member pays an annual membership fee to cover the insurance and administrative costs of the Club. We can say for certain, therefore, that all funds raised for charity goes back directly into our community.
Lions International celebrated their 100th birthday last year. They are the largest volunteer organization in the world.
A great deal has changed in the world since 1988! Notwithstanding this, Lucan Lions Club has maintained a constant positive presence in this community. Our ethos is to embrace those who seek our help. We strive to make a difference and improve the quality of life for those less well off in our community. Our record of accomplishment in Lucan over 30 years demonstrates the impact we have made through our own initiatives or working with other local charitable organisations.
We welcome visitors and new members to our meetings, which take place in Lucan Spa Hotel on the second Tuesday of each month at 8.30pm.
