Coleraine Lionsremember Eamon

The commemoration took the form of a tree-planting in the grounds of the Lodge Hotel where the club members hold their monthly meetings.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. O’Hara’s daughter Mrs Helena Dunlop and her son Matthew.

Mr. O’Hara, who died in August last year, was club President and Treasurer for 20 years. He had a particular interest in the club’s sight conservation work, which he also expressed through membership of Coleraine Talking Newspaper of which he was President.

In Lionism, he was Deputy District Governor for one year in the mid-1980s, and attended many annual conventions. Coleraine Lions Club recognised his outstanding contribution to the organisation by honouring him with the prestigious Melvin Jones Award.

He was active in political circles as an Alliance councillor from 1996 until 2000.

He had been a director of Causeway Enterprise Agency and a stalwart of the Knights of St Columbanus. He was also a tireless worker for St. John’s Parish Church.

A great lover of sport he received the MBE in the 2003 New Year’s Honours List for his services to swimming, rugby and the community in general.

He was a co-founder of Coleraine Amateur Swimming Club in 1969 and was general secretary of the Provincial Towns’ Swimming Association.

He was involved with Coleraine Rugby Club at various levels since 1965, and a trophy for Most Improved Player each season is presented on his behalf. He was Club President during 1995/96.

He is also survived by sons Paul, Noel and Tim.