VOLUNTEER PROFILE - John Lyons, handyman and social entrepreneur

“I never imagined the volunteering would lead to paid work.”

John Lyons from Limerick worked in construction for 20 years, felt the brunt of the decline, began volunteering and, lo and behold, 18 months later he’s looking at being paid once more for construction related work.

Along the way, he and colleague Ursula Mullane have become social entrepreneurs, though he doesn’t accord himself any fancy titles.

“I’m just the handyman,” he says, modestly. “I saw an advert in the paper looking for volunteers to help the elderly and I said, ‘Yeah, by all means’.”

Payoff beckons for eagle-eyed volunteers

Two volunteers have set up a new company in the Mid-West after spotting a niche area of the construction sector that the multi-nationals are ill-equipped to compete in.

The two directors of Community Repair and Maintenance (CRM) could be in clover by year’s end, REPORTS ALLEN MEAGHER.

The huge satisfaction in serving others - Karen Moroney, Volunteer at Clonakilty Job-seekers’ centre

Karen Moroney

INTERVIEW BY ROBERT MCNAMARA

Karen Moroney was unemployed at one stage and appreciated the support she got. She’s now doing the same for others by volunteering with Clonakilty Job-Seekers’ Centre which was set up under the LCDP. Her volunteering is something that’s important to her.

What are you reading at the moment?

I'm reading Tess of the d'Urbervilles. It's set way back in Victorian times and it's about a woman making her way in life.

What’s the last film you saw?

Dark Shadows with Johnny Depp.

Person you most admire?

I don't tend to admire people as such. I may admire actions that people take, but I don't have one particular person that I admire. I don't hold any one person up as a role model.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE: Mary Lee Geary

Mary Lee Geary

As chairperson of the Community Development Association in Broadford in 2005, Mary Lee Geary turned activist and led the community in opposition to a proposed mobile phone mast in the village. 

It would have overlooked the site where the community had just secured planning permission for a crèche, social housing and after-school facilities.

The community marched and campaigned to oppose the mast for health reasons and because it would take away from the area’s scenic value. 

Mary is currently chairperson of West Limerick Radio among other voluntary positions.

What are you reading at the moment? A biography of Liam Cosgrave.

What’s the last film you saw? ‘The Guard’ starring Brendan Gleeson.

Person you most admire? Enda Kenny - because of his ability to bring people together.

How long are you volunteering in your local community? Since the early ‘90s.