Lions Clubs District 133 Convention

Eight members of Newcastle Lions Club attended the Lions Clubs Ireland District 133 Convention held from 6-8 March 2026 at the Hillgrove Hotel. Monahan, Ireland.

The convention was proudly headed by our very own District Governor Marian McGreevy and was hosted by Monahan Lions Club.

It was a wonderful opportunity for members to meet fellow Lions, share ideas, and celebrate the service and fellowship that continue to make Lionism strong across the district.

The guest speaker was the 3rd International Vice President Tony Benbow from Australia.

There was also an interactive breakout rooms covering areas such as Lion Portal, Marketing, Mental Health Ireland, Vision Ireland, and more.

Congratulations DG Marian!

Virginia Hughes, Dan O'Reilly, Liz Murphy, 3rd International Vice President Tony Benbow, DG Marian McGreevy, Beth Cairnduff, Tom Hughes, Terry O'Reilly, Frank McGreevy

Local Lions from Downpatrick and Newcastle supporting Cystic Fibrosis Dream Holidays Children's charity

A  pack of  Lions  gathered in  Downpatrick  to present  cheques  from  Newcastle  Lions  £1,200.00 and  Downpatrick  £500.00 to  Cystic Fibrosis Dream Holidays Children's charity.  The  donations  were  as  a result of  fund raising by  both  clubs . At  Christmas  Newcastle  Lions were thankful for  great public  support  with  a supermarket  collection and  a raffle  at the  Burrendale  Christmas  Party. District Governor Marian McGreevy expressed her sincere thanks to both lions clubs for their great work in fundraising for such a worthy cause which will provide support to local families in our area. The  great  support by the  public for  their  generosity was expressed by ,Newcastle Lion President Beth Cairnduff and  Downpatrick's Lion President  George  Johnston .These  donations which will help provide a free holiday for local families affected by cystic fibrosis to relax, recharge and enjoy precious time together are welcomed. Newcastle  Lions  Club continue to prepare  for  their  recycling day , where they a re asking  for  donations of  tools, sewing machines  and  glasses on Saturday 21st  March  at the  front entrance of the  Newcastle  Community  Cinema.  Also  fund  raising  in aid of the  Northern Ireland  Hospice through  donations of  art by local  artists is  continuing.

Newcastle  Lions  Simon Capell,  Terry  O'Reilly and DG Marian  Mc  Greevy with  Downpatrick Lion  President  George  Johnston  and  Downpatrick  Lion  Seamus Mullan with cheques  totalling £1,700.00 for  Cystic Fibrosis Dream Holidays Children's charity.

Recycling Glasses – Restoring Sight and Changing Lives

We would like to acknowledge and thank Catherine from NIRN (Northern Ireland Resources Network) for her generous support in helping to repair and restore pre-loved eyeglasses.

Through this wonderful initiative, donated glasses are carefully refurbished and a given a new lease of life before being sent to developing countries, where they can make a life-changing difference to those in need.

Through the collection and redistribution of used spectacles, individuals who would otherwise have no access to eye care are given the precious gift of sight. For many, something as simple as a pair of glasses can mean the difference between struggling and thriving — allowing children to learn in school, adults to work, and older people to regain independence.

We are very grateful to Catherine for her kindness and thoughtfulness in supporting this important cause. If anyone else has unwanted eyeglasses at home, please consider donating them so they can make a real difference to someone in need.

A small act of generosity can truly help transform lives.

Patricia, Simon, DG Marian, Catherine, Dan and Tom