On 16 December 2025, members of Ballsbridge Lions Club travelled to Athy to visit Cuan Mhuire and present a cheque for €8,000, raised through our highly successful Golf Classic held earlier this year at Powerscourt Golf Club.
It was a crisp winter morning and a warm welcome awaited us. On arrival, we were greeted by the centre’s team and invited to enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by the kitchen staff — a simple but thoughtful gesture that immediately set a relaxed and welcoming tone for the visit.
The cheque presentation followed, with our Club President Farrell O’Boy, alongside Ian McLoughlin, coordinator of the Golf Classic, formally signing and presenting the donation to Sister Concilio, founder of Cuan Mhuire. Sister Concilio was visibly pleased by the support and spoke warmly about the importance of continued community backing for the centre’s work.
Cuan Mhuire has helped countless individuals overcome drug and alcohol addiction over many years, and seeing the centre firsthand gave real context to the impact of the funds raised. The visit continued with a tour of the newly established detox area — spotless, calm and clearly run with great care. It left a strong impression and was a credit to the professionalism, dedication and kindness of the staff.
There was time for conversation, questions and reflection, and a shared sense that the fundraising effort had genuinely made a difference. It was also clear that the relationship between Ballsbridge Lions Club and Cuan Mhuire is built on mutual respect and a shared desire to support people when they need it most.
(Left to right) Those present on the day included Mark Devereux and Nicola Kelly (the managers of Cuan Mhuire Addiction centre(, Ian McLoughlin (fundraising organiser), Sister Concilio (Cuan Mhuire founder) Mick, the Treasurer of the centre, and from Ballsbridge Lions Club Farrell O’Boy (President), Joe Costello (Treasurer), Anaelle Chauchet (Deputy Secretary) and Dany Gatzke (Secretary).
A special word of thanks goes to Ian McLoughlin and Farrell O’Boy, whose vision, commitment and teamwork were central to the success of the Golf Classic fundraiser. With its impact now clearly visible, plans are already underway to repeat the event in 2026, with the exciting addition of a ladies’ golf day and a men’s golf day, broadening participation and support even further.
Huge thanks to the photographer Paul McGovern, who captured the visit and the moments shared throughout the morning.
Visits like this remind us why fundraising events matter — not just for the amount raised, but for the connections built and the support shown. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Cuan Mhuire and building on this success in the years ahead.
About Ballsbridge Lions Club
Ballsbridge Lions Club is part of Lions Clubs International, the largest membership-based service organisation in the world.
Powered by 1.4 million members across more than 49,000 clubs, Lions support communities locally and globally through hands-on service, fundraising and advocacy.
Our work focuses on responding to real needs within our community while also supporting causes that improve health, wellbeing and dignity for people at every stage of life.
Our motto: We Serve.
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Photography from the visit was kindly provided by Paul McGovern, capturing the warmth of the welcome, the cheque presentation and moments shared throughout the morning.
