Some 300 Lions Club visitors expected for Tullamore convention this weekend

This will be quite a weekend for members of Tullamore Lions Club as they welcome close to 300 Lions delegates from all over Ireland and beyond to the town from tomorrow, Friday, February 28.

Tullamore Lions Club is affiliated to Lions Club International, the largest service club organisation in the world, with 1.4 million volunteers serving communities in over 200 countries and territories.

The Tullamore Court Hotel will be nerve centre of this weekend's convention with all meetings and exhibitions taking place in the conference facility at the venue.

Visiting delegates will be welcomed at an official reception hosted by Tullamore Lions Club in Esker Arts Centre tomorrow evening, February 28, featuring a special traditional music session performed by local musicians.

Social highlights of the weekend for visitors will include golfing at Tullamore Golf Club tomorrow morning (Friday) in advance of the convention.

Many of the delegates will be accompanied by partners who will take part in visits to Tullamore Food Market, Duffy and Scott candle-makers and the DEW Distillery Visitor Experience in Clonminch on the Saturday.

John Lyons, chair of the Convention Committee, explained that there has been huge support from local businesses for the event, with many showcasing window displays and offering special discounts to the visiting delegates. Offaly County Council have also been very supportive.

The programme of events will conclude with a booked-out Gala Ball on Saturday night.

"This is a huge honour for Tullamore Lions Club, especially as we are celebrating 50 years of service to the town this year," said Larry Fleming, Club President.

"Our work involves providing support where it's needed in our community, so it is great to be able to showcase some of the work we have done to our fellow Lions in Ireland and abroad."