Newcastle Lions president looks forward to her year

Newcastle Lions president looks forward to her year

13 August 2025

 A RETIRED lecturer has high hopes for a busy year in office as she becomes the new president of Newcastle Lions Club.  

Beth Cairnduff has taken over the reins from outgoing president John McDonagh, having been presented with her chain of office at the club’s 40th anniversary dinner celebration recently. 

After 37 years lecturing in Belfast, Beth moved to near Kilkeel to follow her passion for hill walking in the Mournes.

Beth has been a Brownie leader for almost 53 years and is currently in charge of 1st Mourne Brownies, who meet in the Shimna Integrated College. 

Beth has an interest in helping young people and hopes during her year as president to start a Leo Club for young Lions. 

It is Beth’s hope that she can encourage younger adults to join the club and help continue with the great work Newcastle Lions have accomplished in its forty years.

John thanked the public for their support during his year as president.

He was previously president in 2015 and then accepted the role again in 2024.

He has enjoyed his year in office which had many highlights including the club’s 40th birthday and the election of Marian McGreevy as District Governor.

An event where he saw great potential to help people was the annual recycling day which was held beside Newcastle Community Cinema. 

Numerous bicycles, sewing machines, tools and glasses were donated by the public to help people in need.

John will now help and advise Beth as he takes up his new role of vice-president.

He also wishes to increase the membership of the club this year, so that it can continue doing service activities and making donations to charity.