JACK MOONEY OF SHIMNA COLLEGE, NEWCASTLE NAMED AS MERIT WINNER IN LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL PEACE POSTER CONTEST

Jack Mooney, a year 9 student at Shimna College, Newcastle is one of 23 young artists selected from more than 600,000 participants worldwide as a merit winner in the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest. Lions International sponsors the annual programme to give students ages 11-13 the opportunity to express their vision of peace. The poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Together as One.”

“Ballynahinch Lions Club peace poster coordinator Audrey Slater, said she was impressed by the expression and creativity of all the students from Shimna College, Assumption Grammar School, St. Colman’s in Ballynahinch, and St. Louis Grammar School in Kilkeel who submitted artwork. “It’s obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. Their talent and their vision of the world is truly inspiring.”

As a merit winner, Jack Mooney will receive a cash prize of $500. Newcastle Lions Club President Beth Cairnduff said “Our Lions club is so proud of Jack. We’re excited that his art is not just being recognized, it’s also being shared with others around the world,”. His winning entry, representing Ireland, was displayed in New York at the annual “UN meets the Lions Day” in New York. His certificate from the International Lions President will be presented to him this week by Ireland Lions District Governor Marian McGreevy. Jack will officially launch this year’s contest with the theme of "Harmony in Humanity".

Lion  President  Beth  Cairnduff, Ballynahinch  Lion Audrey Slater, Jack  Mooney - Shimna College, DG Marian  McGreevy  and Melanie Skelcher - Head  of  Art  &  Design  - Shimna College

Newcastle Lions to host Environmental Fun Quiz at NCC

In  trying  to put a serious message across in a light hearted way, Newcastle  Lions Club will host an Environmental information and Fun Quiz for adults on Wednesday 3rd June 3.00pm to 5.00pm in  the Newcastle Community Cinema. Entry to the event is free and  will include  light refreshments. The  event came about when the Lions were encouraged to promote news about  the  circular economy .

Newcastle  Lions  are  partners with  N.I. Resource Network. This  group collaborates with all the local  Councils and community groups, like  the Lions to promote the message of helping  our environment by reuse and repair. That  this is integrated into everyday life, empowering people to embrace a more  circular  lifestyle. 

The  afternoon promises to be enjoyable and informative about the work of groups who promote  recycle, reuse and will also include a presentation by the repair café. To help those attending take away a helpful message, the  afternoon  will finish with a multi choice quiz on the content of the afternoon, with some lovely prizes, and also a cup of tea and a bun to leave everyone  happy  to spend  an afternoon  in lovely  surroundings previously enjoyed by King Charles last  week. Lion  President  Beth Cairnduff, hopes this  free event will be well supported by the public.

Newcastle  Lion  members  Virginia  Hughes and  Liz  Murphy collecting  sewing machines for  recycling.

Lions ask public to support N. I. Hospice art appeal

On  Saturday 9th of May, in the Newcastle Library, Newcastle  Lions Club  will host  a week 9th- 16th  May, for the sale of local  art to raise funds for the Belfast  based N.I. Children's and  N.I. Hospice. All the  work will be sold for under £100.00 each. This is to help make art  available to the community and at the same time raise funds for the Hospice.

The  event will be launched on  the  12th of  May in the  library  at  6.30 pm with a presentation by a representative  from the Hospice.  Art  can be purchased via  a Sumup device or by  reserving  art by contacting  Lions 07725725932 .On Saturday,16th May, Newcastle Lions will host a street collection in aid of the Hospice.

Why  are donations  from groups  like  Newcastle  Lions important ,? "The  NI Hospice receives just 30% in  government  funding. They need to fund raise  a starling of £3.23 million for  the  Children's Hospice  each  year to keep their doors  open .

To help the Hospice in this their 25th year, fund raise, they are promoting a  purple  dash in June, access via https://www.nihospice.org/get-involved/events-appeals/purple-dash-2026/. " 

Newcastle  Lion  members,  Dan  O'Reilly,  John  McDonagh, President  Beth Cairnduff, Virginia  Hughes and  DG Marian  McGreevy  with  Giles  Conlon prepare  posters  for  N.I. Hospice  Art  event.