Probus in Ireland
Dublin Viking embraces the Family of Rotary
Probus, first established in Ireland in 1971, is a strong and vital branch of the family of Rotary. In the forty years of its existence in District 1160 it has expanded as a movement to 138 Clubs.
As Rotarians in the 75 Rotary Clubs in District 1160 celebrate the centenary of Rotary in Ireland and reflect on the many aspects of Rotaryʼs achievements locally and throughout the world in that period, they might pause to recognise the immeasurable service they have provided to their local communities by establishing a Probus Club or Clubs.
All Probus Clubs are sponsored by a Rotary Club but once established are entirely autonomous. There is no more valuable avenue of service for a Rotary Club to undertake than to establish a Probus Club in an area. It provides lasting opportunity for friendship, shared interests, mutual support and fun for a whole section of the community and there are no service or attendance obligations on the membership.
For the benefit of new Rotarians it is worth mentioning that Probus Clubs are open to retired and semi‑retired business and professional men and women but membership is not confined to these groups and may include anyone who has made a significant contribution to the community. Like Rotary, new Probus members are admitted to a Club on the proposal of an existing Club member and acceptance by the full membership.
The vast majority of Probus Clubs meet in the morning on a weekly or fortnightly basis, generally beginning with tea or coffee and enjoying a programme of speakers, outings and occasional lunches. The prime objective of Probus is fellowship, sharing interests and enjoying the company of like‑minded people.
Some Probus statistics and facts – currently in District 1160
• There are 4800 Probus members in 99 menʼs Clubs, 32 ladiesʼ Clubs and 7 mixed Clubs. The mixed Clubs are all in the Southern region.
• At least one Probus Club has been established by each of 60 Rotary Clubs. • Two Rotary Clubs, Bangor and Tralee, have between them, established 19 Probus Clubs. They clearly recognise the benefits Probus brings to a community. • Bangor Menʼs Probus Club was the first Probus Club established in 1971 by Bangor Rotary Club under the stewardship of Rotarians Edwin Dunlop and Wilson Ferguson. It is the only Probus Club to be led by a ʻChairmanʼ rather than a ʻPresidentʼ. It recently celebrated its 40th birthday. • There are two Probus Liaison Officers in District 1160 responsible for oversight of Probus and membership extension – Rotarian Mary Sinnamon (Northern Region) and Rotarian Martin OʼHare (Southern Region). To find out more about Probus in Ireland
http://probus.district1160.org
Brian Irwin, Rotary Club of Bangor
The Members of the Rotary Club of Bangor were stunned when the news broke that Brian had unexpectedly passed away on the morning of 20th May 2011, aged 71 years. Obviously our thoughts are with his wife Ann and their two sons, Gavin and Keith.
Brian was born ansd educated in Belfast developing his skills in art. This talent continued to develop when he commenced working with Wells Advertising. His talents were noticed and he was appointed as Art Director of A.V. Brown (Advertising).
His talent further developed and he was also appointed as Art Director of the London Progressive Advertising company. In 1971 Brian decided to set up his own one‑man company, producing a wide In December 1971, Brian and family moved to Bangor. Consequently Brian joined the ranks of daily commuters to
Belfast. In 1985 Brian was inducted into Belfast Rotary Club and was well
received. As well as artistic, Brian was a very learned man, with a wealth of knowledge over a wide range of topics
and he used his delightful sense of humour with great effect.
In 1992 Brian resigned from the Belfast Club (much to their dismay) but very soon he was installed at Bangor. He quickly became well known for his natural happy demeanour, his humour, his wide knowledge on so many topics, and to top it all, his vivid red hair.
Brian will always be remembered as a remarkable character who brought joy wherever he went.
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Outgoing President Tom Mason with President Helga and new member, Kelly Wallace
Dublin Viking has embraced the family of Rotary concept in recent weeks. The incoming president, Helga Morrow, is the daughter of past District Governor, past president and member of RC Limerick Shannon ‑ Trevor Morrow.
One of Helga's first acts as President was to welcome a new member ‑ but a new member with a strong Rotary heritage ‑ Kelly Wallace is Viking's latest member and Kelly's father, Stephen Wallace, is the District Governor 2011/12 of District 5330 in the US. Both Stephen and his wife Vicky (Kelly's Mum) are members of the RC of Lake Elsinore.
New member for Fingal
Michael Kennedy of Michael Kennedy Insurance Brokers, Swords is welcomed as a new member to the Rotary Club of Fingal
PH for PJ in Navan
The Rotary Club of Navan is pleased to announce that P.J. Finn, Navan was recently awarded the Rotary Club International's "Paul Harris Fellow" award.
Pictured are Sylvester Rowe, President Elect,
P.J. Finn and Peter O Reilly, President. P.J. is a Past President and a major contributor to the work of the club. He has recently been elected to the District Community Service Chair.
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