History made as Tullamore Lions club elects first female President

DYMPHNA BRACKEN has been elected the first female and the 51st President of Tullamore Lions Club for 2025-2026.

A former President of Tullamore Business and Professional Women and chairperson of the Board of Offaly Volunteering she succeeds Mr Larry Fleming as president.

Mr Alan Hand will serve as vice-president for the coming year.

Speaking at the club’s Annual General Meeting, Mr Fleming thanked the members for their generous voluntary efforts during the past year, including the staging of the Lions Annual Conference, in Tullamore, in February last, which attracted over 300 delegates to the town over the weekend.

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Other projects during the past year included;

Donations of €30,000 to the Offaly Parkinsons Group; €25,000 to the Riada House Patient Comfort Fund; €15,000 to Tullamore Hospital Healing Garden; €5,000 to Dochas; €5,000 to ACT and a Trishaw to the local community.

The club has also undertaken a major bog conservation project, in association with Birr Lions Club and the Grennan family, Rath.

Over the past four years, the club, thanks to the generosity of the midland farming community have raised over €1.1m towards the provision of a much needed Hospice for the Midland region.

A member of Lions Clubs International, the needs the club help with to- day are similar to those that existed when the club was formed 50 years ago and relate to changed family circumstance, financial issues and other challenges including the Third World.

Through the Christmas Food Appeal, last year, the club supplied 150 families in need with Christmas Hampers, thanks to public generosity on food collection days.

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The club observes best practice in relation to governance and accountability. All funds raised are fully accounted for. Members pay an annual subscription fee which covers the administrative cost of the club. Members act in an entirely voluntary capacity and do not receive any financial benefit or benefit in kind.

The 2026 Tullamore Annual, which is a major fundraiser for the club will be published in November.

For more information contact@Tullamorelionsclub.com