Feast of Christmas reading in Tullamore Lions Club Annual

Since the launch of the first Tullamore Lions Club Annual in 2011, the much-loved publication has become a collectors item for Offaly people both at home and abroad.

This year's annual, which was launched by eminent architect and town planner Fergal McCabe in Esker Arts Centre, is no exception, with 184 pages of articles profiling some of the best and brightest entrepreneurs, sportspeople, organisations and individuals in the county.

Outlining some of the many articles in this year's annual, Editor Dymphna Bracken said it would make “an ideal Christmas gift” and added that the publication is the culmination of “many months of research and work” by the dedicated members of Tullamore Lions Club.

She paid tribute to her fellow Lions for their hard work in contributing to the annual, and also thanked those who agreed to be interviewed and had contributed articles and photographs.In keeping with the Lions mission of “voluntary service” Dymphna Bracken said this year's annual highlights the work of a number of voluntary organisations, including Tullamore Meals on Wheels who celebrate their fiftieth anniversary this year; Tullamore Tidy Towns who are doing so much to safeguard the local environment and generate a pride in the town, and St Mary’s Youth Centre, which provides a lifeline for the young people and community of Tullamore.

The achievements of Offaly's Olympians and Paralympians in Paris are also featured in the annual, along with profiles, including internationally renowned architect Yvonne Farrell; Fiona Mitchell who reflects on 30 years of reporting local and international news, and Attracta Brady who this year became the first Offaly person to be elected President of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

The annual also highlights some of the best and brightest entrepreneurs from Offaly who have achieved above and beyond in their chosen fields.

“Sometimes it feels that we underestimate the vision and enthusiasm of our people to compete with the best in their field,” said Dymphna Bracken at the launch. “Maybe we should be more gratetful and supportive.”

The editor also paid tribute to her editorial committee, in particular Lions Club President, Larry Fleming, and Denis Doherty, both of whom have “contributed enormously” to the success of Tullamore annuals, she said.

Also singled out for thanks were Tony McCormack, Andrew Moore and their colleagues in Print Plus for their “professionalism and expertise” in designing and printing this year's annual.This year's Tullamore Lions Club Annual – the proceeds of which go towards funding the many good causes supported by the club – is now on sale at €15 per copy. It can be purchased in any of the shops and major stores around Tullamore or it can be ordered online from Tullamore Lions Club website: https://tullamorelionsclub.com