Golden celebration of Portlaoise Lions Club in Laois County Hall
Laois County Council Portlaoise Municipal District Reception for Portlaoise Lions Club
Decades of exceptional voluntary service to the local community have been honoured with an event in Laois County Council, where the 50th anniversary of the Portlaoise Lions Club was marked with a Municipal District Reception.
Founded in 1976, the Council says the Club has been a cornerstone of community life in Portlaoise, providing quiet but impactful leadership through initiatives such as the Christmas Food Appeal, youth supports, assistance to vulnerable individuals, community fundraising events and responses to local crises.
Embodying the Lions’ motto “We Serve”, the Council said the club has consistently identified needs within the community and acted with compassion, dedication and integrity.
The Municipal District Reception was hosted by Cathaoirleach of the Portlaoise Municipal District, Cllr John Joe Fennelly, and was attended by Councillors, Director of Services and MD Manager Simon Walton and former councillor Tom Jacob. The Portlaoise Lions Club was represented by Sean Cruise, Chairperson, along with current and former members of the club.
Cllr John Joe Fennelly spoke at the event. MORE BELOW PHOTO.
“For fifty years, the Portlaoise Lions Club has been the quiet engine behind so much good in our town. Their work represents thousands of volunteer hours, hundreds of projects and countless lives touched. The Lions are often the first to see a need and the first to act, and their contribution has helped shape the strong sense of community spirit we are proud of in Portlaoise today,” he said.
He added that the 50th anniversary is a testament to the enduring commitment of past and present members who have given selflessly to support others.
Mr Walton said the Lions have played an invaluable role.
"Their work, often carried out quietly and without recognition, has made a real and lasting difference to the lives of so many people across Portlaoise. Laois County Council is proud to acknowledge this extraordinary legacy and to celebrate the commitment and generosity that has defined the Lions Club since its foundation,” he said.
Sean Cruise was presented with a Certificate of Achievement by the Cathaoirleach at the reception. This was in recognition of the Lion’s Club’s outstanding service to the community over the past 50 years.
Apart from Cllr Fennelly and Mr Walton, Portlaoise Lions Club members were joined by Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley, Cllr Marie Tuohy, Cllr Barry Walsh, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, Cllr Paddy Buggy and Cllr Tommy Mulligan.