New President takes the helm at Tullamore Lions Club
Event held in Kinnitty to mark handover of chain of office
Alan Hand is the new President of Tullamore Lions club for 2026/27. He succeeds Dymphna Bracken who served as president for the past year.
Ms Anne Scally will serve as vice-president for the coming year.
The new officers were ratified at the annual general meeting of the club, held in Giltaps, in Kinnitty.
Handing over the chain of office, Dymphna Bracken said she did so with immense gratitude for the support she received from club members and all who supported the club over the past year.
She described the past 2025/26 as an exceptional year for the club.
“Being named Club of the Year, was a wonderful recognition of the dedication and energy shown by every member of the club. It reflected countless hours of voluntary service, fundraising, planning and community engagement,” she said.
“However, if there is one achievement that will leave a lasting legacy, it the successful fundraising by the Lions Club Hooves4Hospice committee raising €1.2m and the securing of planning permission by the HSE, for the Midlands Hospice on the site purchased by the club. This project has been many years in the making and has required vision, determination and the support of many people. While there is still work ahead, obtaining planning permission marks a significant milestone and brings us one step closer to providing a facility that will give dignity and care to families in the midlands for generations to come, she said.
“Our Clonbeale Environmental Project brought and continues to bring both National and International recognition for our club - and our members who have led on this from the beginning deserve our thanks.
“Locally we continued to support voluntary organisations, charities and individuals who needed a helping hand.
“I would like to recognise and thank all our committees and their officers and everybody who worked behind the scenes. Many of the most important contributions are never seen by the public, yet they are the foundation on which success is built,” she added.
She also thanked the club trustees and club officers for their support throughout the year.
In conclusion, she wished Alan every success during the coming year and assured him of the support of club members.
Newly elected president, Alan thanked the outgoing officers and everybody associated with the work of the club over the past year.
“I hope we can continue to grow our membership, encourage new ideas and continue our partnerships within the Tullamore community,” he added.