“The young people are in our DNA – come Friday night, no matter what was happening, they were the most important thing.”
That’s how Declan Reale told the Limerick Post about his 35 years as a volunteer with Clonlara Youth Club.
Declan was one of a group of people honoured for their volunteer efforts by Limerick Mayor Daniel Butler and Limerick Youth Service (LYS) who held a Volunteer Celebration Evening at its Community Training Centre recently.
In Declan’s time with the club he helped organise hikes, outings, swimming, games and all manner of fun for young people up to 18 years of age.
“I made fantastic friends and I met four presidents while I was with the club,” he said. “We had some very dedicated leaders who came while their own children were members but stayed on after their kids had left.
“Some of the members went on to become club leaders or leaders with other community organisations. At one stage, we had three generations of one family in the club.”
Through his involvement, Declan returned to education in 1993 and got a Diploma in Community Development from University College Cork.
The youth club has been closed since the outbreak of Covid and the profile of members has changed, with mostly fifth and sixth class pupils now making up the membership.
“I’m retired now but the club is regrouping and looking for new leaders,” said Declan. Anyone interested can contact Limerick Youth Service.
The presentation evening was an opportunity to recognise 11 volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to the lives of young people across the Mid West.
Limerick Youth Service chief executive Fiona O’Grady said: “Over the years, LYS has relied on the support of volunteers across a range of projects and programmes including young clubs, the Community Training Centre, fundraising and on our Board.
“We would like to thank you for your dedication hard work and commitment to the young people of Limerick.”
The volunteers were presented with a plaque by the Mayor, who thanked the recipients “for all you have done for the young people of Limerick”.
“It is a great privilege to be here and to see your achievements recognised, particularly after the challenging few years we have had,” added Cllr Butler.
