Local hearts.
A shared purpose.
ABOUT US · WE SERVE
Neighbours helping neighbours since 1976. Meet the volunteers behind 50 years of service on the Antrim Coast.
Rooted in the Antrim Coast.
Connected to the world.
Antrim Coast Lions Club brings local people together around a simple purpose: to help others. Chartered in 1976, we serve communities across the Antrim Coast through fundraising, community events and practical support.
Our charity shop in Carnlough and annual carnival connect neighbours, support local organisations and help us respond to humanitarian appeals beyond our shores.
50 years of making a difference
1976–2026 marks our golden anniversary. We celebrate every member, volunteer, donor and local business who has helped turn kindness into action — and welcome the next generation to carry that work forward.
A proud record of service
The club was recognised as Ireland Club of the Year in 2009 and 2017. Our story is built on the generosity of the communities we serve.
Celebrating our Melvin Jones Fellows
We are proud of the members recognised with Melvin Jones Fellowship awards. Named after the founder of Lions, the fellowship is a Lions Clubs International Foundation recognition linked to support for its humanitarian work. It connects our members’ commitment to service with the wider impact of Lions around the world.
ABOUT MELVIN JONES FELLOWSHIPS →
Leadership beyond our club
With 42 years as a Lion, Bernard Black has dedicated decades to serving others and carrying Antrim Coast’s commitment to service into the wider Lions movement. A Past District Governor, he represents the experience, dedication and lasting friendships at the heart of our club.
Bernard was the lead organiser for the International Directors’ meeting in Belfast. His role was vital in putting Northern Ireland on the radar of Lions clubs around the world, bringing international attention to our region and the work of its Lions. His contribution shows how service rooted in a local community can make an impact far beyond it.
Both Bernard Black and Adam Wilkinson have been bestowed with the International Presidential Medal — a distinction that brings particular pride to our club. Having two recipients within one club, alongside a Past District Governor and a member following the same leadership path, is an exceptional part of our story.
Now elected 2nd Vice District Governor, Adam is following in Bernard’s footsteps towards the District Governor role, carrying local experience and the Antrim Coast spirit of service into the future.
Local. National. International.
We are part of Lions International: a worldwide movement with a shared commitment to service. Our motto says it simply: We Serve.
Local
Supporting people, charities and community life across the Antrim Coast, with the kindness and knowledge of local volunteers.National
Connecting with fellow Lions across Ireland, sharing ideas and supporting causes that reach beyond our own communities.International
Joining a worldwide network that responds to humanitarian needs — from vision and hunger to disaster relief.
Antrim Coast Lions Club members preparing Christmas cards together.
Meet our president
For Michael Craig, service is a family calling. His wife, Margaret Craig, is the immediate past club president and a long-serving club secretary. His brother-in-law, Bernard Black, and sister-in-law, Catherine Rosbotham, are also members. Together, they reflect the shared commitment that keeps our club thriving.
The people behind our service.
From decades of experience to fresh ideas, our members bring friendship and practical kindness to life across the Antrim Coast. The joining years below celebrate the commitment behind our service.
Bernard Black
Member since 1984Gabriel McAuley
Member since 1987Michael McSparron
Member since 1989Pádraíg O'Kane
Member since 1991Catriona Hamill
Member since 1994Catherine Rosbotham
Member since 1995Roisin Wills
Member since 1998Denise Abram
Member since 2004Brenda McAuley
Member since 2004Sandra Tabb
Member since 2004Michael Craig
Member since 2006Margaret Craig
Member since 2007Paudreen McMullan
Member since 2007Karen McAuley
Member since 2010Henry Keys
Member since 2012Adam Wilkinson
Member since 2014James O'Neill
Member since 2019Robert McKay
Member since 2019Tiffany McKay
Member since 2019Matthew Craig
Member since 2020Ken Ibara (Associate)
Member since 2023Philip Bourne
Member since 2024Stephanie Dinning
Member since 2024Marie Hayes
Member since 2024Pamela McCollum
Member since 2024Michael McPeake
Member since 2024
A legacy of leadership.
Five decades of people stepping forward to serve. Explore our presidents through the years — scroll or swipe the timeline from our most recent leaders back to 1976.
Current president · 2026–2027
Michael Craig
2025–2026
Margaret Craig2024–2025
Denise Abram2023–2024
Adam Wilkinson2022–2023
Adam Wilkinson2021–2022
Gabriel McAuley2020–2021
Catriona Hamill2019–2020
Catherine Rosbotham2018–2019
Pádraíg O'Kane2017–2018
Michael Craig2016–2017
Damien Martin2015–2016
Roisin Wills2014–2015
Karen McAuley2013–2014
P.J. Maguire2012–2013
Brenda McAuley & Sandra Tabb2011–2012
Paudreen McMullan2010–2011
Bernard Black2009–2010
Michael McSparron2008–2009
Margaret Craig2007–2008
Denise Abram2006–2007
Michael Craig2005–2006
Emilie Maguire2004–2005
Kevin Bird2003–2004
Pádraíg O'Kane2002–2003
Elizabeth Bird2001–2002
Roisin Wills2000–2001
Nora McKay1999–2000
Eddie Spence1998–1999
Catriona Hamill1997–1998
Catherine Black1996–1997
Catherine Black1995–1996
Chris Agnew1994–1995
Gabriel McAuley1993–1994
Pádraíg O'Kane1992–1993
Michael McSparron1991–1992
Bob Shannon1990–1991
Rev. Keith Scott1989–1990
Gabriel McAuley1988–1989
Liam O'Neill1987–1988
Fergus Wheeler1986–1987
Damien Diamon1985–1986
Bernard Black1984–1985
Bob Shannon1983–1984
Kevin McCann1982–1983
Paddy B. Duffin1981–1982
Andy Pollock1980–1981
Henry McCarroll1979–1980
John G. Devlin1978–1979
John W. Preston1977–1978
Alex Purdy1976–1977
James McNeill
