The rain held off last Sunday for what was a very successful inaugural charity walk hosted by the Roscommon Lions Club in Roscommon town.
The 5k/10k walk started at Hannon’s Hotel and took in Antogher Road, Ballinagard Road and Mote Park. The event raised much-needed funds for the construction of safe centres in Lebanon for those affected by the Syrian Civil War and also for local causes including the construction of dressing rooms for Roscommon Gaels GAA Club.
There was a large turnout on the day with local people including members of Roscommon Lions and Roscommon Gaels joined by members of the Syrian community who are currently being accommodated at the EROC Centre in Ballaghaderreen.
The planned safe centres will be used to look after the health, medical and recreational needs of those fleeing the Syrian conflict and will be located in the Beqaa Valley in the Lebanon.
The Roscommon Lions Club has joined forces with Lions Clubs across Ireland and the world in order to raise the €100,000 needed to build a safe centre.
Roscommon Lions Club President Noel Connolly paid tribute to the many volunteers involved in making the walk such a success, including members of the Roscommon Lions organising committee, Roscommon Gaels officials, Noel Feeley and Roscommon Sports Partnership, Mairead Nally (Western Alzheimers) and those involved in promoting the event including Finbar Reilly, Decie Walsh, Mary Jo Healy and Jacinta Hoare.
He also thanked those who had acted as marshals for the event and the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon Primary School Band and Castlerea Brass & Reed Band as well as members of the Syrian community who were accompanied by James Gannon, Debbie Beirne and Mary Moylan. Thanks were also extended to Hannon’s Hotel.
* Donations will continue to be accepted until the end of the month by logging onto:
www.iregister.ie/lionsclubwalk or by contacting Lions Club treasurer James Donlon on 086-2326419. Your support is greatly appreciated.
