Kinsale & District Lions Club Celebrates 34 Years of Community Service and Leadership as its lion year comes to an end.

Outgoing President Cormac Fitzgerald reflects on two years as President as the Club prepares for its next chapter. For more than 34 years, Kinsale & District Lions Club has been making a positive difference throughout Kinsale and the surrounding community. Built on the simple but powerful Lions motto, “We Serve,” the Club continues to bring together people from all walks of life with a shared commitment to helping others, supporting local causes, and strengthening the community through friendship, leadership, and voluntary service.

As he prepares to conclude his two-year term as President, Cormac Fitzgerald has paid tribute to the support of his wife Valerie, the members, officers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters whose dedication has ensured the Club continues to flourish. “Serving as President of Kinsale & District Lions Club has been one of the greatest privileges. While the President may wear the chain of office, the true strength of our Club has always been its members. Everything we have achieved has been through teamwork, friendship and a shared commitment to making a positive difference in our community.”

Throughout its 34-year history, Kinsale Lions has supported countless local charities, community organisations, families, and individuals through fundraising, volunteering, and practical assistance. Annual initiatives such as the Christmas Toy Appeal, Golf Classic, Fort2Fort Charity Cycle, community projects, and numerous charitable events have become an important part of community life, reflecting the generosity, compassion, and commitment of the Club’s members.

One initiative established during Fitzgerald’s presidency was the Kinsale Lions Annual Budget Breakfast Briefing, which has grown into one of the Club’s flagship events. Bringing together business leaders, economists, policymakers and community representatives, the event promotes informed discussion while raising the profile of Kinsale and showcasing the positive contribution of Lionism to the wider community. Reflecting on his presidency, Fitzgerald believes the greatest achievement has been helping to strengthen the Club for the future.

“Leadership is about leaving an organisation stronger than you found it. I am proud to hand over the leadership of the club that is in an excellent position, with committed members, dedicated volunteers, strong community partnerships, and an outstanding incoming leadership team. That is something every Lion can be proud of.” Fitzgerald also paid tribute to the officers, committee members, volunteers, sponsors and the wider Kinsale community.

“I sincerely thank every member who volunteered their time, every committee that organised events, every sponsor who supported our work and everyone in our community who has encouraged us over the years. Every successful Lions project is built on teamwork, and I have been privileged to work alongside an exceptional group of people who truly embody the spirit of Lionism.” As the Club prepares to welcome Nick Grattan as incoming President, together with Ronan Fahy as Vice President, Eddie McCarthy as Treasurer and John McWey as PRO, Fitzgerald expressed every confidence in the future with some active new members who have recently joined.

“Nick and his officer team will bring fresh ideas, energy and enthusiasm to the Club, and I know they will continue to build on the proud traditions established over the past 34 years. I wish them every success and look forward to supporting them in every way I can. “Although stepping down as President, Fitzgerald emphasised that his commitment to the Club remains as strong as ever.

“While my term as President is coming to an end, my commitment to Kinsale & District Lions Club is lifelong. Leadership in Lionism is never about a title—it is about continuing to serve whenever and wherever you can. I look forward to continuing as an active member of the Club, serving on the Executive, leading projects where I can add value, support our new leadership team, and continuing to give back to the community we are so proud to serve joining the past presidents who have all made a valuable contribution to the club. Looking ahead, Fitzgerald believes organisations such as Kinsale Lions are more important than ever.

“Communities flourish when people volunteer, care for one another and work together. That is the essence of Lionism. Every fundraiser, every community project and every act of kindness help build a stronger, more connected community. I hope more people will consider becoming involved because there is no greater reward than making a positive difference in the lives of others. “As one chapter closes and another begins, Kinsale & District Lions Club remains firmly focused on its enduring mission—to serve the community, support those in need, build lasting friendships and inspire leadership through service.

For 34 years, Kinsale & District Lions Club has demonstrated that the greatest achievements are never those of one individual, but of ordinary people working together to make an extraordinary difference. For the next 34 years the club will continue to serve the local community.