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Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association is featured in this issue number #03 August/Sept 2011.
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Showing posts with label ballinasloe active retirement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ballinasloe active retirement. Show all posts
Galway Walk 2010
Galway Walk
10th July
Writes John Boland
For me, a childhood trip to Galway always conjours up memories of Salthill and that stretch between the Hangar and Blackrock.
Here we parked, unloaded cousins, aunts, assorted parents, baskets of food, flasks of hot tea, large Mi-Wadi bottles of diluted orange and sandwiches which were beginning to turn a Marakesh red due to the bleaching of the tomato and ham filling. For some unknown reason they always tasted of sand!
But there was magic in that sand-------- Galway magic.
Across the bay we could see the hills ofClare, which for many years I thought was America, having heard that Boston was the next parish to Galway. We were never allowed to await the sun going down on Galway bay, always on the road home"before the
evening traffic"
The magic of Galway was awakened for 25+ members of Ballinasloe A.R.A. on Tues last as they undertook a guided walk to some of this famous city’s places of interest.Our guide, Fiona Brennan, a Londoner did not speak in “ a language that the stranger did not know” but was as Galway as anyone could wish.
Meeting in Eyre Square after an early morning train journey----thanks again, Charlie Haughey---Fiona began her 90 minute tour by filling us in on some of the history of the square. Markets,
jousting, fights, sieges, Padraig O Connaire, J.K.F., 14 tribes, folk lore, history, celebs and blackguards all had moments of notoriety here.
On Shop St., we join the bronze still figures of Samuel Beckett and his Estonian co-writer, who share a seat and gaze eternally at the models in Brown Thomas window. On to Lynches castle then with its four stories, fireplace from Menlo Castle and a fireman monkey saving a baby from fire.
At the old Pro-Cathedral, Fiona reminds us always to look up when in Galway if we wish to catch glimpses of the many fine examples of limestone masonry. At the revamped Augustinian Church, we can also observe Wolfe Tones window over Buttermilk Lane where he wrote much of his revolutionary ideas, and no doubt the odd letter to Mary Martin whom we shall meet later.The Tabhdhearc was locked, so we walked on to the Spanish Arch---- once four arches but now reduced to 1.5.
The echoes of flamenco dances, clicking castanets, and dark complexions still haunt these open spaces around the Cladagh, between the tidal Corrib and the old Galway port. The famous ring fashioned by a Joyce for an Arab bride has given the place an international fame.
At Kirwin’s Castle and Lane we learn of “Humanity” Dick Martin,founder of R.S.P.C.A.and his theatre loving wife, also friend of Wolfe Tone.
On to the King’s Head pub next, where a pint will never taste the same again after we learned that the original owners were Cromwellion soldiers who executed a king and stabled their horses in St. Nicholas’ Cathedral!
Photographs Brendan Smith
First Health Seminar
Recognising & Coping with Depression
It was one of the founding principles of the Association that we
would cover all aspects of member's lives including social, physical, health, educational and leisure issues.So as part of this remit, we host a series of health lectures on interesting topics. The first seminar was on the subject on How to Recognise and Cope with Depression. Click here to read about the content of this talk given by Dr Margaret O’Grady, the newly appointed Consultant Psychiatrist for the Western Health Board.
Aran July 2009
A PERFECT DAY
24th June ’09 dawned bright and sunny with clear blue skies. It looked like the perfect day for our day trip to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Isalands.
An impressive 63 members of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association had booked for this trip which was, for a large number of them, their first visit to Aran.
Armed with sun hats, sun lotion and bottled water, all boarded the 9 o’c train to Galway. With an air of relaxation and in cheerful mood we were whisked off on a double-decker bus through the lovely Connemara countryside to Ros-A-Mhil. Here we joined the large crowd waiting for the Island ferries to take us to our destination
All aboard, we set sail over the calm, blue waters of Galway Bay. A most enjoyable hour later,we sat down with healthy appetites to a lovely meal in the “Bayview Restuarant”
We then had a few hours to explore this beautiful island which is famous for it’s unique way of life. Age old traditions co-exist comfortably with modern living. Some of our members availed of the waiting tour buses to take them on a tour of the island and more went for long walks. The more energetic people hired bicycles and visited Dun Aonghas, one of most dramatic stone forts in Western Europe. The trips on the horse and trap brought back many happy memories of bye gone days. There were a few who were happy to sit , chat, relax and soak up the wonderful peace and beauty of Aran.
It was with reluctance we joined the homeward – bound travellers in the evening. Suntanned, happy and relaxed we enjoyed another lovely sea journey back to Ros-A- Mhil.
We arrived home safely in Ballinasloe feeling grateful for what one can only describe as “A Perfect Day”.
Chris O’Flynn
24th June ’09 dawned bright and sunny with clear blue skies. It looked like the perfect day for our day trip to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Isalands.
An impressive 63 members of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association had booked for this trip which was, for a large number of them, their first visit to Aran.
Armed with sun hats, sun lotion and bottled water, all boarded the 9 o’c train to Galway. With an air of relaxation and in cheerful mood we were whisked off on a double-decker bus through the lovely Connemara countryside to Ros-A-Mhil. Here we joined the large crowd waiting for the Island ferries to take us to our destination
All aboard, we set sail over the calm, blue waters of Galway Bay. A most enjoyable hour later,we sat down with healthy appetites to a lovely meal in the “Bayview Restuarant”
We then had a few hours to explore this beautiful island which is famous for it’s unique way of life. Age old traditions co-exist comfortably with modern living. Some of our members availed of the waiting tour buses to take them on a tour of the island and more went for long walks. The more energetic people hired bicycles and visited Dun Aonghas, one of most dramatic stone forts in Western Europe. The trips on the horse and trap brought back many happy memories of bye gone days. There were a few who were happy to sit , chat, relax and soak up the wonderful peace and beauty of Aran.
It was with reluctance we joined the homeward – bound travellers in the evening. Suntanned, happy and relaxed we enjoyed another lovely sea journey back to Ros-A- Mhil.
We arrived home safely in Ballinasloe feeling grateful for what one can only describe as “A Perfect Day”.
Chris O’Flynn
Ballinasloe Active Retirement Holds its 7th AGM!
There was a very large attendance at the seventh A.G.M of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association which was held in the Gael Scoil on Wednesday January 21st 2009.Chairperson's Address
The outgoing Chairman, Jimmy Crehan (photo on left) , in his address, stated the importance of health and social aspects, of making new friendships , helping each other and generally improving the quality of life.Secretary's Report
The Secretary, Margaret McDonnell, reported on the year’s many activities. She further thanked Fr. McInerney, the Gael Scoil and particularly our Chairman for all his work for the association since it was formed in 2002.2008- An Action Packed Year!
Chris O’Flynn, Secretary of the Social Committee gave a comprehensive account of an action-packed year which included day trips, holidays, horse-racing and Theatre outings. The highlight of the year was a glorious Mediterranean Cruise which left 54 members with many happy memories of their visits to far away places.She said there were lots of exciting events in the pipeline for the year ahead.
Committee 2009
The following Officers were elected:Chairman: Gabriel Rohan
Vice Chairman: John Boland
Secretary; Margaret McDonnell
Asst. Secretary: Kaye Killeen
Treasurer: Douglas Rafter
Asst. Treasurer: Ollie Hanniffy
P.R.O.: Chris O’Flynn
Committee members: Sean Carrig, Bridie Loughman, Mary Fallon, Una O’Reilly, Celia McCafferty, Nicholas Power.
The next meeting will be held in the Gael Scoil, Ard Mhuire,on Wed. 4th February @ 3p.m. New members welcome
Knitting Blankets for Belarus
Every Monday morning, about 1 2 dedicated members of Ballinasloe Active Retirement get together in Gullane’s Hotel for a very good cause.
Here the knitting group happily spend a few hours chatting away while busily “clicking” away on their knitting needles.
The result of their year’s work was on display in the Gael Scoil on Dec. 3rd ’08. Margaret McDonnell (Sec.) presented, on behalf of the group, the most beautiful collection of colourful blankets and toys to Mr. Pat Dillon for the benefit of the Orphanages in Belarus.
Mr Dillon expressed his gratitude to these very talented ladies for all their wonderful work.
Well done to all these industrious ladies for your very charitable work!
If you find any spare balls of wool and a pair of knitting needles around the house, please come along and join them.Chris O’Flynn.
Here the knitting group happily spend a few hours chatting away while busily “clicking” away on their knitting needles.
The result of their year’s work was on display in the Gael Scoil on Dec. 3rd ’08. Margaret McDonnell (Sec.) presented, on behalf of the group, the most beautiful collection of colourful blankets and toys to Mr. Pat Dillon for the benefit of the Orphanages in Belarus.
Mr Dillon expressed his gratitude to these very talented ladies for all their wonderful work.
Well done to all these industrious ladies for your very charitable work!
If you find any spare balls of wool and a pair of knitting needles around the house, please come along and join them.Chris O’Flynn.
Don't Mug My Granny!
Two teenage girls held the home-made placard aloft, as high as they could reach.
The message, in black paint, a little bit uneven, told that they had come in support of their Gran’s protest against the Government’s action in withdrawing the automatic right of people over 70 to a full medical card.
Joining their Gran outside Leinster House was a coach load from Ballinasloe Active Retirement. Our bus had left the Square at 8.30 that morning. We were all determined to show that entitlements, which we had built up over years of contributing to the national coffers, could not be taken away.
When we stopped at the Lucan Spa hotel, the management shared our view. For just two euros each we enjoyed a lovely breakfast. That kept us going and gave us the energy to cheer and applaud.
All of Kildare Street in front of Leinster House was full of people. The crowd extended down behind, making an island of the platform in the midst of pensioners from all parts of the country.
The atmosphere was relaxed , friendly but meaningful .Although the Minister had rowed back on his budget proposals, this was to show that pensioners still had a value. Ni neart go cur le ceile
The message, in black paint, a little bit uneven, told that they had come in support of their Gran’s protest against the Government’s action in withdrawing the automatic right of people over 70 to a full medical card.
Joining their Gran outside Leinster House was a coach load from Ballinasloe Active Retirement. Our bus had left the Square at 8.30 that morning. We were all determined to show that entitlements, which we had built up over years of contributing to the national coffers, could not be taken away.
When we stopped at the Lucan Spa hotel, the management shared our view. For just two euros each we enjoyed a lovely breakfast. That kept us going and gave us the energy to cheer and applaud.
All of Kildare Street in front of Leinster House was full of people. The crowd extended down behind, making an island of the platform in the midst of pensioners from all parts of the country.
The atmosphere was relaxed , friendly but meaningful .Although the Minister had rowed back on his budget proposals, this was to show that pensioners still had a value. Ni neart go cur le ceile
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