B.A.R.A. SUMMER TRAVELS 2023

Ballinasloe Active Retirement busy Summer 2023

With the inactive days of the Pandemic now just an unpleasant memory, the

members of Ballinasloe Active Retirement group have now resumed their

many Summer outings and activities

The season started off with a most enjoyable 5 day trip to Arklow and

surrounding countryside

In June, a large group had a memorable evening in Bunratty Castle

Recently, a full coach travelled by coach and ferry to Bath/Bristol. They had a

guided tour of Berkeley Castle followed by a scenic drive to the historic village

of Castle Combe in the Cotswolds. They then travelled to Wells ,the smallest

city in England, followed by a day of leisure in Bath where they explored the

stunning Bath Abbey.

Last but not least, the group headed off to Dublin where they had a wonderful

day in the Dail. They availed of all photo opportunities with our VIP’s

The members are now looking forward to the next day trip to Carrick-on-

Shannon which is next on the menu.

In the meantime all our other activities continue during the Summer months.

Our walking club and our” keep fit” regime continue every Tues. morning on

the Track in Brackernagh at 10.30

Meetings in Gullanes Hotel every Wed. @ 3.oc.

New members are always welcome.

Contact our Secretary, Deirdre Hogan Phone 086 3824556 or visit our website

at ballinasloeactiveretirement@gmail.com

Chris O’Flynn (P.R.O.) July 2023 

Summer Party in Gullane's Hotel on 7 th June 2023

 

     Thanks for photos  CHRIS  FLYNN

BARA Spring Break to Arklow 2023

 BARA Spring Break to Arklow 2023 

On Monday 17th April 51 of BARA members boarded Mc Ginleys Coach for our 5 day Spring Break to Arklow.We were welcomed  on board by our bus driver who introduced  himself as Michael

We set off on our journey, our first stop was Newbridge where we had a coffee break and some time for shopping in Newbridge Silverware.After two hours we continued our journey to where we were based at the beautiful  Arklow Bay Hotel.On arrival we were welcomed by the Manager & staff who gave us the keys to our rooms .Dinner was @6 30 pm.

 Day 2 We travelled to Powerscourt House and GardensThe day was bright and sunny. After lunch we continued on to the seaside town of Bray where we walked the fabulous  promenade it's famous for,before we returned to the hotel @ 5pm.Dinner was @ 6 30 pm followed by music and dance

Day 3 We set offat 10 30 am to the beautiful Glendalough,renowned for an early medieval monastic settlement  founded in the6th century by St Kevin.We had a short audio visual display to explain the site ,we were then taken on a guided tour ,Mount Usher Gardens located in Ashford was our next stop where we had lunch & did some shopping. We returned to hotel @5 pm 

Day 4 We travelled to Avoca,on route we  stopped @ The Meeting of the Waters made famous by the Thomas Moore song .Some of our members entertained us with the song.In Avoca we got a guided tour of the famous hand weavers mill.After lunch there we returned to Arklow  Town where we spent the afternoonshopping in thr Bridgewater Shopping Centre .

Day 5 Our final day had arrived our Spring Break was over for another year,but we couldn't complain we had an enjoyable break and the good weather was a bonus.We boarded the bus for the last jeg of our journey with a lunch break in Kinnedgad.We arrived back in Ballinasloe tired and weary but very  happy  

ReplyForward

B.A.R.A. BOWLERS WIN.

Bowls Club Winners

Members of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Bowls Club were the proud

winners of the All Ireland Active Retirement competition held recently in the

Gleneagle Hotel,Killarney. They were presented with the much sought-after

Billy Pope Cup.

Billy Pope was a great instigator for exercise for the elderly and donated the

Cup for Active Retirement members about 20 years ago. He passed away about

2 years ago.

New members are always welcome to this thriving club. They meet every

Monday mornings 10.30 -12 in the Emerald Ballroom and Thursday evenings 9-

10.

New members have 3 free sessions. Afterwards (if it is to your liking) ,it will cost

3 euro. per session. Annual sub.is 10 euros

Contact Ita Rigney (Treasurer) at 087 6929565 or come along to any of the

sessions.

Chris O’Flynn (P.R.O)

5 th April 2023

 

Saint Patrick's Day 2023

  Approx. 30 members of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Assoc. once again

took their place amongst the marchers in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We had

no particular theme but everyone looked splendid all togged in our national

colours. The weather was very kind to us this year as the rain came down in

other parts of the country

This year, the parade was bigger and better than ever. Every organization,

sports clubs and schools in the town were represented. It was nice to see the

different nationalities, dressed in their national dress, taking part in the fun.

The local band and the new Slua Drummers were a great addition to the

atmosphere and enjoyed by one and all.

The fine day helped to bring out the largest number of spectators ever to

watch the parade. We heard to lot of “hello Granny ‘s” as we passed by and

then realized it could be any of all the grannies in our group they were

cheering on.

We were delighted to be amongst the prizewinners once again. Weary but

happy we adjourned to Gullane’s for a very welcome bowl of hot soup

followed by tea/coffee. Our thanks to Tomas Gullane and staff for always

looking after us so well and providing us with a home from home.

Chris O’Flynn ,March ‘23

 

Social committee and new Chairman Michael Walsh

 

B,A,R,A, A.G.M. FEB. 2023

 Report on the A.G.M 1 st February 2023

There was a large attendance at the A.G.M of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement which was

held in Gullane’s Hotel on 1 st February 2023.

Outgoing Chairperson, Margaret Brennan welcomed everyone especially new members

As Covid ’19 had taken its toll on our group, it was nice to see so many new members in

attendance

We had a most enjoyable function in Gullane’s in March to celebrate our 20 th anniversary.

Anne Duffy, secretary of the Social Committee, reported a very busy and successful 2022.

The trips to Liverpool, Clonakilty and the “Ara-Go-Festival” in Westport proved to be most

enjoyable . The summer Day Trips continue to be very popular. The year ended with the

“Young at Heart” Christmas Dinner in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel. Music by the

“Young”man himself Brendan Shine.

There were good reports from all our various clubs. However, Noelle Rohan said we would

like to see more members return to the walking club/Exercises on the walking track on

Tuesday mornings 10.30 – 12 oc. The knitting /craft group would welcome more members

to join them in Gullane’s Hotel on Monday mornings 10.30 -12 oc.

The hard-working Social Committee have a very exciting list of trips and activities already

planned for 2023. So book early !!!

The following Committee members were then elected –

Chairman : Michael Walsh.

Secretary: Deirdre Hogan

Treasurer: Michael Colohan

P.R.O - Chris O’Flynn

Social Committee members – Martin Colleran (Chairman) Bridie Whelan (Treasurer) Anne

Duffy (Secretary) Maura Rafter, Maureen McIlvenny,

Afterwords, David Dully introduced himself as our newly appointed Community Garda. He

spoke briefly about security and scams. We were pleased to hear he will be our speaker at

the March 1 st monthly meeting in Gullane’s 3 oc. Also, we look forward to welcoming Fire

Officer ,Jamie Ward who will be our speaker at the monthly meeting on April 5 th

The meeting concluded with the usual friendly “cuppa” and chat.

New members are welcome to come along to Gullane’s Hotel any Wednesdays at 3 oc. or

contact Secretary Deirdre Hogan at 086 3824556 or any Committee member. Visit our

website at ballinasloeactiveretirement@gmail.com

Chris O’Flynn (P.R.O) February, 2023