Monaghan Lions Club hosted their annual summer party for the Arch Club on Thursday night last, 8 July in the Westenra Hotel.

In keeping with the trend over the last few years the numbers continue to grow and this year 130 people were present. Once again the Lions Club and the Westenra Hotel excelled themselves and everybody had a wonderful night. The Corcaghan Scór group had the place in hysterics with their very funny sketch entitled ‘Robbing a Bank.’ Karl Moffett made his first acting appearance at the Arch Club, having previously entertained with impressive guitar solos. The Arch Club choir under the direction of Mary Kehoe and assisted by Veronica Treanor and Phine O’Neill gave their usual sterling performance. Mark McElroy and Teresa O’Brien gave a wonderful speech on behalf of the Arch Club and thanked the Lions Club and everyone who contributed to making the night a success. Maurice Moffett, representing the President, Lorna Wilson-Fitzpatrick who was away on holidays, gave an eloquent speech in which he stated how delighted the Lions Club was to be associated with the Arch Club.

After a delicious meal, Robert Browne was in top form and had everyone on the dancefloor. As usual the night was free for all, thanks to the Lions Club and the Corcaghan Group and Robert who provided their services without charge. It was nice to see so many members of the Lions Club present at the function, especially Denis McKenna from New Zealand who is involved with the Lions and is in Monaghan tracing his roots.

The Arch Club was delighted to be presented with cheques from Mary Kehoe, Siobhan Treanor and Nuala Treanor who ran the mini marathon on the club’s behalf and from Pat O’Connor, President of Rossmore Bridge Club who presented the Arch Club members with the proceeds of the club charity night. The Arch Club is very appreciative of their gestures on the club’s behalf and the money will be used to sponsor the upcoming trip to see ‘Fame the Musical’ in the Grand Canal Street Theatre on Saturday, 11 September. A few members have not returned their acceptance forms yet and it would be appreciated if they could do so immediately.

The club is now winding down for the summer after a few hectic weeks. On Thursday 1 July there was a barbeque, with music supplied by the Henry Keenan, Seamus McMahon and Gerry McMahon. Francie McQuaid provided beef burgers, hotdogs and chips which went down a treat. Again all provided their services and produce free. Over the last few months the Arch Club has been alternating between its usual venue and has been invited to places including Glaslough, compliments of the Emy Belles, Smithboro by the Smithboro Swimming Club, Threemilehouse by Threemilehouse ICA, Blackhill, compliments of Castleblayney and Ballybay Parents and Friends and Tydavnet compliments of the Hall Committee. The Arch Club members got a warm welcome at all the venues and had a great time.

Once again, thanks are extended to everybody who helps make the club such a success, especially all who give their services free of charge, such as DJs, music groups, MCs, comedy groups, magicians, helpers, the Red Cross, Bernie Brennan and The Day Activation Unit for the use of their premises and all others who help in any way. Thanks also to the local media for publicising the club’s events. The Arch Club is now on a well deserved summer break and will resume on Thursday, 2 September in The Day Activation Unit.