Kinsale Lions club recognised with international distinction

The Kinsale & District Lions Club has been awarded the Lions Clubs’ International Excellence Award for the 2024/2025 period.

The award, which is one of the highest distinctions a Lions club can receive worldwide, was formally presented by district governor, Marian McGreevey, to Cormac Fitzgerald, who is the Kinsale club’s president, at a recent charity event.

The club was recognised for its outstanding leadership and dedication in serving the people of Kinsale and the surrounding district for more than 33 years.

During the recent event, which was held at the Trident Hotel in Kinsale, Ms McGreevey paid tribute to the club’s strong emphasis on youth engagement and volunteerism, highlighting how Kinsale Lions continue to nurture future leaders and promote lifelong service.

Ms McGreevey also praised the club’s flagship community events, including the Budget Breakfast Briefing and the Christmas Toy Appeal, describing them as “outstanding examples of Lions bringing the community together to make a real and positive difference”.

A special highlight of the night was the presentation of the Lions Young Leaders in Service Award to 17-year-old, Cillian Fitzgerald of Kinsale Community School, in recognition of his exceptional volunteerism and his vital contribution to the Christmas Toy Appeal.

The event also included the club’s annual donations evening, where Mr Fitzgerald and Ms McGreevey presented support to a wide range of local organisations.

Organisations represented on the night included Kinsale Community First Responders, Kinsale Meals on Wheels, Kinsale Youth Support Services, Kinsale Red Cross, Kinsale Community School, CUH Charity, Marymount Hospice, St John’s Church, the Carmelite Friary, Kinsale Union of Parishes, and River stick Community First Responders.

For more information on the Kinsale & District Lions Club, visit: www.kinsalelionsonline.com.