UH/1328

Lions Club donates more than £13,000 from its tragedy fund

Money put to very good use in Buncrana and Omagh
OMAGH Lions Club recently continued its distribution of money from its tragedy fund by making a donation to Buncrana youth club, in acknowledgment of the effect the community in the Donegal town.
The club also donated money to the Omagh branch of the Samaritans and to Tyrone County Hospital's Physiotherapy unit. A total of £13,000 was paid out to the three deserving causes -made possible by the generosity of Lions Clubs throughout Ireland.
A delegation from the club made its way to Buncrana on Wednesday last where a cheque was presented to officers from the Youth club from Lions Club president, Robert Cook. He reminded all those present that the club had come into existence as a result of Lions Clubs from all over Ireland and the UK sending donations.
Speaking on behalf of the Youth Club, PJ Hallinan thanked the Lions for the donation and remarked that the money would be used to purchase a computer to allow young people home on holiday from university to continue with their studies , and also to provide additional equipment for the gymnasium and sporting facilities.
He added that a small amount of the money would be used to mount a plaque in the club in memory of Oran Doherty, James Barker and Sean McLaughlin, the three boys from Buncrana who died in the Omagh bomb.
Another donation was made to the Samaritans, in recognition of the extra pressure the organisation has come under since the bomb. Receiving the cheque, the Samaritans-thanked the club and stated its intention to purchase a replacement for the antiquated phone system that was currently in use and also a computer to help with administration. Finally, in consultation with the Tyrone county Hospital Physiotherapy unit, Omagh Lions identified a need, for a Bio-Dex machine to assist in the recovery of patients that had injuries that affected balance and co-ordination, the club was pleased to fully fund the purchase of the equipment.
Speaking on behalf of the Department , Superintendent Joan Cahoun, thanked the Club and remarked that the equipment would be an invaluable asset to the unit and would help patients suffering from a whole range of injuries.
The Lions Club would like to invite everyone to a quiz night being held in the Village inn, Killyclogher next Thursday (17th February) starting at 9.30pm. To give the night a good sense of fun, the quizmaster will be local comedian Kevin McAleer.