Sligo June 2017

B.A.R.A.  Trip to Sligo

On Sunday the 25th of June 33 members of B.A.R.A. boarded Mc Guinley's coach for our 5day trip to the beautiful "Yeats Country "Sligo.We were welcomed on board by our bus driver who introduced himself as Kevin .We set off on our journey to arrive at Rosses Point where we had lunch in Yeats Country Hotel ,after lunch some walked along the beach while others relaxed in the foyer . We continued our journey to where we were based in the lovely Glass House Hotel in Sligo town .We checked in ,relaxed in our room or took in a bit of sightseeing before our dinner at 7pm.

Day 2 We travelled to Glencar Waterfall located in the Lovely Leitrim about 8miles North of Sligo town ,nestled at the foot of Benbulben. By no means a huge waterfall ,it's setting and charm inspired W.B.Yeats in " The Stolen Child ",after a tea and coffee break we continued our journey to Drumcliff ,a town best known as the final resting place of W.B.Yeats . Yeats grave is in the Church Yard of St. Columbus Church where his great Grandfather was once a rector .His grave is marked with a simple headstone with the inscription " Cast a cold eye on life ,on death ,horseman ,pass by " this was Yeats self penned epitaph .Our final stop on our way back to the hotel was Mullaghmore ,a small fishing village .The sandy beach stretches as far as the eye can see and it's an ideal spot for swimming ,but unfortunately the weather was wet and miserable and our stay was short  

 Day 3 Our first stop was Tobernault  Holy Well .Tobernault one of a number of Holy Wells  throughout Ireland ,is situated in a remote and peaceful location surrounded by woodland and adjacent to the Shores of Lough Gill a few miles South East of Sligo town where rather   surprisingly  a number of people regularly go to pray . We continued on to Lough Gill where we had a guided tour on board the Rose of Innisfree Tour Boat .  W .B.Yeats got his inspiration for the poem "The Lake Isle of Innisfree"here .The weather was bright and sunny ,some of us sat on top deck while others sat-out on front deck or had a cuppa on board .Our next stop was Lisadell House home of the Gore Booth Family ,resident landowners in the late 18th century and later Constance Markievrz daughter of Henry Gore Booth .We got a guided tour of the house .....Constance (Cassidy) and Eddie Walshe together with their seven children are now resident there  

Day4 Shopping in Sligo town ,some shopped ,others were glad of the freedom to do what they liked . 

It was a very relaxed break .Our start each morning was at eleven ,we got up had breakfast at our leisure and strolled down to the coach went on our outing and arrived back at the hotel between 4 30 and 5 pm . We had time to chill out before getting ready for Dinner at 7pm. We had music ,song and dance on Monday and Wednesday night in the hotel  

Day 5 It was our last day ,we were sad leaving the Glass House Hotel ,the staff was kind and caring ,food was excellent but our trip wasn't over yet .We visited Our Lady of Knock Shrine on our way home ,we attended Mass and had lunch .We arrived back in Ballinasloe at 4pm. We would like to thank Maura ,Deirdre and the Social committee for organising a wonderful break .

Regards   Anne  Duffy.

Well done Anne,  Photos to follow,         Doug.

 

 

Thanks Deirdre Hogan for photos.

Knitters Group 2017 with Chernobyl Chlidren

Our Knitting Circle

The Active Retirement Knitting Circle was founded by Margaret McDonnell. Margaret’s vision, enthusiasm and caring disposition has inspired the rest of the group to take up the challenge and knit for people in need. So knitting for an orphanage in Belarus seemed like the perfect choice.

We have knitted many blankets, hats, scarves and soft toys over the years for this very worthy and needy orphanage. Pat Dillon from outside Ballinasloe is the wonderful person who organises the holidays for the orphans and arranges for them to stay with host families. It’s always a great privilege to have the orphans visit us, together with their carer and translator.

We celebrated our 10^th Anniversary on July 10^th with a visit this year once again from our Belarus friends. The children enjoyed the party and Margaret presented their translator with our knitted items.

The knitting circle meets every Monday morning from 10.30 to 12 noon in Gullane's Hotel. Tomás Gullane has been a tremendous help during the last 10 years. We chat and knit and drink coffee. We continue knitting at home during the long winter nights and get our friends involved too. We realise the personal value of this pastime also. It is a very relaxing time. We make good friends and become good listeners.

All are welcome in the Knitting Circle.

Bridie Loughman

                                                        

Photos  from Jackie of     J & J  Photography       Society  Street.

 

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Report from Chris O'Flynn  P.R.O.

Our B.A.R.A. Knitting Group

If you strolled into the Library in Gullane’s Hotel any Monday morning at 10.30, you would be surprised to see 20 or so ladies busily knitting away surrounded by bags of fabulous multi-coloured balls of wool. Above the clicking of knitting needles there is a great sense of camaraderie while the group chat ,laugh, compare knitting patterns, and enjoy a tea break.

This group of dedicated women get together for a deserving cause. The fruits of their endeavours can be seen in the beautiful display of blankets, hats, scarves and soft toys which are presented annually to an orphanage in Belarus. Pat Dillon from Aughrim, who organises holidays in Ireland for the orphans and arranges for them to stay with their hosts, recently visited the knitters in Gullane’s Hotel . The children were thrilled to receive bags of the most beautiful knitted garments and happily posed for photos.

Retirement for many, especially for those who live alone, can create a huge void in one’s life. This knitting group is an example of one way this void can be filled. You can renew old skills, acquire new skills, cultivate social contacts, make new friends and enjoy life.

Thanks to Margaret McDonnell who founded the group with the aim of “getting people out of the house” Well done Margaret.!

The group meets every Monday morning 10.30 – 12 noon in Gullane’s Hotel. Take down those knitting needles and join the group. If interested,contact Bridie Loughman Ph.085 8887038

By Chris O’Flynn    P.R.O.   July 2017

Our outing to Boura Bog/Tullamore Dew/Kinnitty Castle
 

 

Our day trips continue to be the most popular dates on the Social Calendar. Our day trip on Wed.5^th July ’17 proved to be yet another enjoyable outing.

We started our journey in Boura Bog and enjoyed a lovely walk under blue skies and brilliant sunshine. We re-visited our youthful days with a stroll through the fairy wood and many made a wish for God only knows what as they sat on the wishing tree.

We continued on then to Tullamore where we had a guided tour of the Distilllery, followed by a delightful taste of their lovely whiskey. Allowing us to bring the glass was a nice momentum.

We finished up the evening with a delightful meal in the Banqueting Hall in Kinnitty Castle.

It was a lovely day out enjoyed by all.

Chris O’Flynn (P.R.O)